Osceola is a name associated with an influential leader of the Seminole people in Florida. Born Billy Powell, he was raised by his Muscogee mother in the Creek tradition. His lineage included a Scotsman great-grandfather named James McQueen.
During his childhood, Osceola and his family migrated to Florida as part of a group of Red Stick refugees. This migration followed their defeat in 1814 during the Creek Wars under the leadership of a relative, Peter McQueen. Upon arriving in Florida, they became part of the Seminole people.