USA > New York > Oneida County > Annals and recollections of Oneida County > Part 62
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conquest of Canada, this mission was broken up, and the natives scattered. Up to this time, the Jesuits had main- tained missions among the Onondagas, Cayugas, and Senecas, with varied success.
Prior to the French war of 1755, Sir William Johnson, Indian agent for the Northern Department, had acquired an influence among the Iroquois never enjoyed by another indi- vidual. Under his influence the main body of the Iroquois, excepting the Senecas, became the allies of the English during the war; but the Senecas and those who had removed to the borders of Canada, under the influence of the Jesuits, fought under the French. After the conquest of Canada, the Iroquois remained at peace, until the commencement of the Revolution.
The United Colonies felt the importance of ascertaining the sentiments of the Indians, and propitiating their good will, knowing with what power they might fall upon the fron- tiers, if so disposed. The colonies, in the first instance, only desired to secure their neutrality, but if that should not be practicable, then they would reluctantly accept the aid of their arms. On the contrary, the British immediately sent agents among the Six Nations, to secure their active co-opera- tion with their forces in the war ; and the bloodshed, rapine and destruction witnessed in the Mohawk Valley, and upon the frontiers of Pennsylvania, were the result. As evidence of the policy of the Americans, as above stated, the follow- ing extracts from the records of the Continental Congress of July 17, 1775, are given :
" Resolved, That Mr. Cushing. Mr. Henry. and Mr. Deane, be & committee to confer with Mr. Kirkland, and report what in their opinion is an adequate compensation for his services among the Indians."
On the same day. the committee reported. Mr. Kirkland
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being present, and, in accordance with such report, Congress " Resolved, that there be, and there is hereby allowed to Reverend Mr. Samuel Kirkland, three hundred dollars to discharge the expenses he has been at among the Indians of the Six Nations, to defray the expenses of his journey from and to the Oneida Country, and that he receive the same out of the Continental Treasury : and it is hereby recommended to the Commissioners of the Northern Department to employ the said Mr. Kirkland among the Indians of the Six Nations, in order to secure their friendship, and to continue them in a state of neutrality with respect to the present controversy between Great Britain and these Colonies."
How different from the reward offered and paid by the British, of eight dollars a-piece for the scalps of the Ameri- cans, without regard to age, sex or condition ! No wonder that it is hardly considered in the Mohawk Valley, even to this day, a crime to kill an Indian.
The following letter written by Mr. Kirkland, to the New York Committee of Safety, a short time before he visited Congress, is characteristic, and reveals the then existing state of things-and it is presumed will be new to most of our readers :
"CHERRY VALLEY, 9th June, 1775.
"GENTLEMEN :-- This acknowledges the receipt of your favor with an enclosed paper, the authenticity of which I have no doubt. I am much embarrassed at present. You have doubtless heard that Col. Johnson has orders from government to remove the dissenting minis- ters from the Six Nations, 'till the difficulties between Great Britain and the Colonies are settled-in consequence of which he has forbid my return to my people at Oneida. He has since given encouragement that I may visit them after the Congress; but, to be plain, I have no dependence at all upon his promises of this kind. In particular he ap- pears unreasonably jealous of me, and has forbid my speaking a word to the Indians and threatened me with confinement if I transgressed.
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All he has against me I suppose to be this ; a suspicion that I have in- terpreted to the Indians the doings of the Continental Congress, which has undeceived and too much opened the eyes of the Indians for Co! Johnson's purposes. I confess to you, gentlemen, that I have been guilty of this, if it be any transgression. The Indians found out that I had received the abstracts of said Congress, and insisted on know- ing the contents. I could not deny them notwithstanding my cloth, though in all other respects I have been extremely cautious not to meddle in matters of a political nature.
" I apprehend. my interpreting the doings of the Congress to a number of their Sachems, has done more real service to the cause of the country, or the cause of truth and justice, than £500 in presents would have effected. If you think proper you may acquaint your Provincial Congress with the contents of this, but you must be cau- tious in exposing my name. You can not but be sensible my situation is extremely difficult. You may expect cither to see or hear from me again very soon. Wishing you the blessings of peace, and that we may all be disposed to acquiesce in the divine government ; in utmost haste I subscribe, gentlemen, your ob't. and very humble servant,
' SAMUEL KIRKLAND.
". To the Committee of Albany."
Early in the year 1776, a council was held at Fort Dayton (now Herkimer), in which all the Six Nations were repre- sented by many of their chiefs and warriors, and Gen. Philip Schuyler was the commissioner of the Colonies, under the authority of Congress. A treaty was here negotiated, in which all the Six Nations pledged themselves to remain neutral during the contest ; but in a short time they com- ienced their depredations upon the frontiers. The John- sons at Johnstown, Walter Butler, Brant and others, had exerted an influence which could not be overcome.
The main body of the Oneidas (those living at Oneida Castle), a part of the Tuscaroras, and one or two members of the St. Regis tribe, however, began and continued the firm and faithful friends of the Americans, during the entire
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Revolutionary contest. For this result we were mainly indebted to the wisdom, perseverance, and personal influence of Rev. Mr. Kirkland and Judge James Dean. As it was hardly in the nature of the Indians, especially the noble Oneidas, when their friends were suffering in the contest, to be restrained within the bounds of neutrality, their active services were reluctantly accepted by Washington. Yet it remains to be shown, that the Indian allies of the Americans were ever guilty of those acts of cruelty and barbarism, which so indelibly tarnished the fame and flag of our foes, when committed by their allies, under the auspices and procure- ment of the British Parliament.
The Oncidas and Tuscaroras, when in service, were main- ly employed as scouts, in procuring and conveying intelli- gence of the plans and movements of the enemy upon our frontiers, and in making an out-post at Oneida Castle, so that the enemy were compelled to take extended circuits in reach- ing the Mohawk Valley. The colony at Oquago, supposed to have been Oneidas, and may be some others upon the Snsquehannah, were doubtless in the employ of the British. and from whence the parties of Indians and infinitely more savage Tories, made their descents upon the frontier settle- ments. In the latter part of 1778, Oquago (now Windsor. Broome Co.), was destroyed by the Americans.
It is impossible, at this time, to do justice to the Oneidas. and other friendly Indians, who took part with the Americans. by recounting their deeds of valor, or recording the various services which they rendered. It is understood, that a con- siderable party of them were with the American army at the battle of White Plains, and did good service. During the siege of Fort Stanwix, they were very useful in watching the enemy, and conveying intelligence. Col. Louis, of the St. Regis, has been named as among those who rendered bene-
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ficial services at and in the vicinity of Fort Stanwix, at that period. Upon the retreat of St. Leger, a party of Oneidas hung upon his rear, adding to the panic and speed of his forces. Col. Louis received his title, with a commission, from Congress, on account of his attachment to the Americans. The great Scanandoa, " The White Man's Friend," exerted his powerful influence at first, in inducing the Oneidas to remain neutral, and when that was impossible, by explaining the principles involved in the contest, and enlisting their warriors in behalf of the Americans.
In October, 1780, when Gen. Robert Van Rensselaer pur- sued John Johnson and his Tories and Indians up the Mohawk, he had with him about 200 Oneidas under Col. John Harper. They, however, gained no laurels in this expedition, because of the disgraceful management of Gen. Van Rensselaer, who, even after the British officers had in council decided to surrender, did not give them an opportu- nity to do so, but by a suspicious supineness, permitted their whole force to escape. Col. Harper and his brave Oneidas were impatient to attack the enemy, and were highly ineens- ed at their General's movements-and Col. Harper would have made an attack, had it not been contrary to orders.
In October, 1781, a force of from 700 to 1000 British -- Tories and Indians-commanded by Major Ross, accom- panied by the bloodstained Tory Major, Walter Butler, made a descent into the Mohawk Valley, burning the few remain- ing buildings in their way, killing several of the inhabitants in their houses, and carrying others into captivity in Canada. The brave Col. Willett, who was then at Fort Rensselaer. about twenty miles from where the British were known to be. immediately marched to Fort Hunter with all the force he could muster, amounting to 416 men. On the 25th of Octo- ber, the battle of Johnstown was fought. in which the Ameri-
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cans were victorious, and the enemy put to flight. The enemy continued to retreat during the whole night after the battle, taking a route westward, about twenty miles north- wardly of the Mohawk. Col. Willett had under his com- mand a considerable force (by some stated at a hundred and upwards) of Oneida and other friendly Indians, among whom was a Mohawk chief, commanded by Col. Louis. On the morning following the battle, Col. Willett commenced the pursuit, and upon the arrival of his advance near the West Canada Creek, a smart skirmish occurred between them and the enemy. The British then crossed the West Canada Creek, about fifteen miles north of Herkimer, and near where that stream leaves Oneida county ; and the Tory Butler. unconscious of being within the reach of American rifles. dismounted and was in the act of drinking from a tin cup. when he was discovered. Anthony, a Mohawk chief, and Daniel Olendorf, well known upon the Mohawk river, were in advance of the main body. and recognizing the Tory leader. both fired across the creek, and Butler fell. The Mohawk. casting aside his rifle and blanket, plunged into the stream. tomahawk in hand, and when he came up to the wounded Tory, found him reclining upon his elbow, supporting his bleeding head. Seeing the Mohawk, Butler raised his hand and cried, " Spare me !- give me quarters!" Remembering the destruction of Cherry Valley, and the leading part But- ler had borne in that murderous attack, amid the unheeded prayers of mothers and tears of orphan children, the Indian replied, " Me give you Sherrey Falley quarters," with the words burying his keen-edged tomahawk in his brain. Col. Willett and a number of his officers arriving, were informed by Olendorf of the near proximity of Butler, and they crossed the stream just as the Mohawk had drawn his knife to scalp the lifeless Butler. But perceiving his commander, Col
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Louis, he asked, by a circular motion with his knife around the bleeding head, if he should do it? Col. Louis asked Col. Willett if Butler should be scalped, to which Col. Wil- lett replied " he (the Mohawk) belongs to your party ;" and an approving nod from the Savage Colonel was followed by the Mohawk's securing the usual trophy of Indian prowess. The Mohawk chief then appropriated to immediate use the uniform of the fallen Tory, and was soon strutting about. saying, " I be Brish ofser !" Thus ended the days of one who even from childhood had been noted for his cruel and cold heart and savage temper-who had so often feasted his eyes with the blood of his neighbors and those with whom he had been reared. His father, Col. John Butler, although an active Tory officer, had, it is said, some good traits -- but the son none.
It would be a grateful task to record more fully the ser- vices of our Indian friends and allies in the Revolution ; but the particulars and data are lost or forgotten. But the great material fact that the Oneidas, a part of the Tuscaro- ras. one or two of St. Regis, and at least one Mohawk, “ did what they could" for us and our country in that dark hour, is engraven in indelible and imperishable characters upon the American heart.
During the summer of 1777, while the army of St. Leger was approaching and at Fort Stanwix, and at various other periods during the war, the Oneidas and friendly Tuscaroras removed their families to Schencetady and Albany, where they were supported by our government. Game was render- od scarce in the forests, from the marching of so many hostile forces through them ; and the Indians had neither time nor quiet in which to raise corn for their sustenance, which ren- dered those measures for their support indispensible.
At the elose of the Revolution it became necessary for our
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government to enter into treaties and various arrangements with the Indian tribes, with regard to their rights, lands, etc .. and the terms under which they were to be permitted to remain within the United States. Congress appointed com- missioners for holding a convention with the Indians in the Northern and Middle Departments, and adopted a series of resolutions, fixing the basis of those treaties and arrange- ments with the several Nations. Notwithstanding that most of these tribes had been hostile to the United States during the war, the policy of Congress was mild and humane ; yet this basis of arrangement recognized distinctions between them, founded upon their previous course and existing feel- ings towards our government. Those resolutions were adopted October 15, 1783.
As to the Oneidas and Tuscaroras, however. a different state of things had existed. and the following was the resolu- tion respecting them :
" Sixthly -- And whereas the Oneida and Tuscarora trilns have adhered to the cause of America, and joined her armies in the course of the late war, and Congress have frequently assured them of peculiar marks of favor and friendship. the said commissioners are therefore instructed to re-assure the raid tribes of the friendship of the United States, and that they may rely that the land which they claim as their inheri- tance will be reserved for their sole use and benefit, until they may think it for their advantage to dispose of the same
The commissioners appointed by Congress were Oliver Wolcott, Richard Butler, and Arthur Lee. A grand coun- cil of all the Six Nations was called at Fort Stanwix, in 1784. and a treaty made by which the Six Nations (except the Mohawks) had reservations assigned them, and establishing the line between this State and the Oneidas, upon the " old. line of property" as fixed by the treaty of 1758.
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The British treated their Indian allies with much indiffer- ence after the war, excepting those who removed to Canada. the main body of the Mohawks and Cayugas and individuals of the other tribes, making no stipulations in their favor in the treaty of peace with our government. In the Indian wars from 1788 to '94, the Oneidas took no part, while the Onondagas and Senecas joined the western tribes, who de- feated Generals St. Clair and Harmer; but they were defeated and almost annihilated by Gen. Wayne, and many of those two tribes left their bones to bleach upon the banks of the Miami. Since then none of the Six Nations residing within our limits have turned their arms against us. In the war of 1812, the Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas and Senecas. took part with the United States, and did good service at Chippewa and Lundy's Lane. They elected Hoh-a-hao-qua (La Fort), an Onondaga, their chief war captain, who was killed at Chippewa. Doxtator, an Oneida chief, was also killed in the same action.
Protestant Missions .-- About the year 1700, efforts began to be made to establish Protestant missions among the Iroquois ; but for many years but little was done but to ap- point a few missionaries, who resided among the English and Dutch, and occasionally visited the various tribes.
In 1712, Rev. William Andrews was appointed a mission- ary among the " Mohocks and Oneidas " by the " Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts," under the anspices of Queen Anne, who felt a deep interest in the Six Vations. After a residence of six years among the Mohawks, visiting the Oneidas often, he became discouraged and asked to be recalled, saying : " there is no hope of making them better-heathen they are and heathen they still must be." evineing to us less faith than some of our modern missiona -. ries. who have labored more than six years before seeing a
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single convert. Afterwards the Rev. Drs. Barclay and Ogil- vie, missionaries at Albany, continued to visit and labor with the Mohawks and Oneidas, among whom there were a con- siderable number of Christian converts. The first regular Protestant mission established at Oneida Castle, was doubt- less that of Rev. Mr. Kirkland, already noticed, although it is believed that the place received the occasional visits of missionaries, between 1700 and the date of Mr. Kirkland's arrival in 1766. Sir William Johnson, from the time of his arrival among the Mohawks in 1734 to his death in 1774, is said to have felt a strong interest for, and made many efforts to Christianize the Six Nations, and procure missionaries and teachers to reside among them. About the year 1750. several families of Oneidas and Tuscaroras from Oquago (then spelled Onohoghgwage), began to spend the winter in attendance at the Rev. Dr. Edwards' mission school, at Stockbridge, Massachusetts, and continued to do so for a number of years, and among others were there taught by Rer Gideon Hawley. In 1748, Rev. Elihu Spencer (afterwards president of Dickinson's College, New Jersey) had been sent as a missionary to Oquago, but he was unable to surmount the difficulties of his situation and returned. On the 22d of May, 1753, Rev. Mr. Hawley, Deacon Timothy Woodbridge aud Rev. Mr. Ashley and wife (the latter as interpreter, hav- ing been a prisoner among the Indians), set out from Stock- bridge, on their way to Oquago for the purpose of re-estab- lishing the mission at that place, where they arrived June 4th, after many hardships and troubles. Deacon Wood- bridge was induced to make the journey, on account of his great experience and wisdom, to aid in arranging questions respecting the mission, and returned in a few weeks. Mr. and Mrs. Ashley did not long remain, but returned to New England. Rev. Mr. Hawley remained several years, and
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until he was compelled to abandon the mission by the events of the war with France. President Edwards took a deep in- terest in this mission, and sent his son, a lad of nine years, to learn the Indian language under the care of Mr. Hawley, but after remaining a year, his longer stay was considered unsafe, and he was intrusted to a faithful Indian, who re- turned him to his father, carrying hin much of the way upon his back.
In 1770, Rev. Mr. Ashley was a missionary at Oquago, and he was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Crosby. Mr. Ashley mentions Rev. Messrs. Peter and Henry Avery, as mission aries among the Tuscaroras, Onondagas, and also at Oqnago. The author, it will be seen, has omitted to name the Indians at Oquago, for the reason that he has not satisfactorily learn- ed to what tribes they belonged, but he believes they were mainly Oneidas and Tuscaroras. By some authors they are called Oquagas.
The labors of Mr. Kirkland have been noticed somewhat at length in the history of the town of Kirkland. but as a historic truth, the author would here re-state the fact, that Hamilton College was projected and founded for the special benefit of the Indians.
Those of the Oneidas who became converts to Christianity under the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Kirkland, have been known as a distinct party in treaties, documents and convey- ances, as the " First Christian Party of the Oneida Nation." But for several years Mr. Kirkland resided near Clinton, his labors had been divided, and the mission declined so that this party included but about one tenth of the nation. Rev. Mr. Jenkins labored as a missionary with this people for several years after the death of Mr. Kirkland.
In 1816, a mission was established at Oneida, by Bishop Hobart, of the Protestant Episcopal Church. In this year,
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Mr. Eleazar Williams was selected by the bishop to take the charge of the mission. He was the (reputed) son of Thomas Williams, a distinguished chief of the Mohawk branch of the St. Regis tribe, and was a descendant of Rev. John Williams, who, with his family and parishioners, was taken captive by the French and Indians at Deerfield, Mas sachusetts, in 1704. Mr. Eleazar Williams had been libe- rally educated (as a Presbyterian) for the purpose of being useful among his people-and now having become an Epis- conalian, he was selected as a catechist. lay-reader and schoo! teacher at Oneida. (Rev. Eleazar Williams is the same person respecting whom so much has been said for a few years past, in the attempts to show that he is the lost Dau- phin, the son of the unfortunate Louis XVI. whose fate has heretofore been enshrouded in mystery. Whether he should rightfully have been Louis XVII or not, is an interesting question, but now of little practical importance.) Previous to the year 1816, a large portion of the Oncida Nation had continued firmly and obstinately attached to the religion of their fathers, and were known as the Pagan Party. Such was the success of Mr. Williams, that on the 25th of January, 1817, a large number of the tribe sent an address to Gover nor De Witt Clinton, in which they declared that they had fully and cheerfully embraced the doctrines of Christianity abjuring Paganism, and requesting henceforth to be known and called the " Second Christian Party of the Oneida Vation." This address was adopted in council, and signed by eleven chiefs and head men. On the 13th of September, 1518, Bishop Hobart visited the mission and confirmed 89 young persons, and in 1819, 56 more ; and, including these there were upwards of 500 confirmed at this place during the continuance of the mission. In 1818, the Second Christian Party sold a piece of land. to enable them to erect a chapel,
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which was consecrated by Bishop Hobart, September 21, 1819, by the title of St. Peter's Church. In 1822, Mr. Solo- mon Davis succeeded Mr. Williams, the latter having remov- ed to Green Bay with a large portion of the Oneida Nation, where he established a mission under the auspices of the Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church. In 1826, Mr. Williams was ordained as a deacon, while upon a visit to Oneida Castle ; and, in 1829, Mr. Davis was admitted to the order of priests. In 1833, Mr. Davis removed to Green Bay, with another portion of the Nation, where the mission has been continued with success. In 1840, the house of worship before named was sold and removed to Vernon, where it was re-erected and has since been occupied by the Unitarian Society.
Methodist Mission .-- In 1829, a mission church was formed at Oneida, by Rev. Dan Barnes, with twenty-four Indian members. The success of the mission was but small until 1841, when Rev. Rosman Ingals was appointed missionary at Oneida and Onondaga -- he preaching three Lord's days at the former and one at the latter place each month. In August, 1846, Mr. Ingals was succeeded by Rev. Danie! Fancher, as missionary at both stations, since which the mission has been quite successful, and it is thought both stations will be soon able to sustain themselves. In 1841. a house for worship was erected at Oneida, but standing upon the lands sold in 1843, was sold with them, and another house was erected in 1844. These missions at Oneida and Onondaga have been kept united, because the latter required the assis- tance of the Oneidas, " who are by far the most susceptible of religious impressions and improvement." The Indians at Oncida support a common school, in which the children make good improvement, and which is attended by some of the " pale faced" children living in the neighborhood.
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