Billy Fiewel, member of the Seminole tribe in Florida, is known by numerous names including Billy Fewel, Billy Fuel, and Billy Fewell. He was a member of the Wind Clan. Billy Fiewel was the oldest of three brothers, including Little Billy Conepache. At some point he ran afoul of Seminole leader, Sam Jones, and he fled to Key West and spent time there living among the white settlers. While there, he learned English.
The Expedition party encountered Billy on March 22 in the Everglades. Billy had a dugout canoe which he told them had been made by his 20-year old son "Little Billy." He gave them some assistance, ate with them and agreed to serve as their hunter or guide when he returned to them on the following day. However, he failed to show up, and the party went on without him. An article in the Fort Myers Press on April 14 states that: "Billy Fuel was in town Tuesday. He says there is not more than a foot of water in the everglades and the Ingraham party can get through. He says the reason he did not accompany the party was because he was too busy planting corn, beans,...." Later, on Island No. 24, the Expedition party found his name carved in a tree. In addition to his son Little Billy, it is possible that he also had a daughter, Sally Cypress.
It is very difficult to provide contextual information about many of the Native Americans mentioned in the Expedition texts. One difficulty is that names are often spelled multiples ways in various sources, and information in those sources is often conflicting. Another difficulty is the Seminole practice of reusing names within families. While there is good evidence that the Billy Fiewel/Fuel mentioned in the texts is the same individual as the Billy Fiewel described here, it is impossible to determine how much of the information provided here is accurate or applicable. It also should be noted that Billy Bowlegs III, a prominent Seminole leader, originally was named Billy Fewell and some sources appear to confuse these two men.
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For other topics referenced in the Expedition texts, please refer to the Index to Subjects and Names.
1892 Everglades Exploration Expedition : Three Digital Texts, 2015