USA > New York > Livingston County > Nunda > Centennial history of the town of Nunda : with a preliminary recital of the winning of western New York, from the fort builders age to the last conquest by our Revolutionary forefathers > Part 7
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"The 'White Woman' was quite intelligent, social and communicative. but grave and serious, after the manner of Indians. With familiar acquaint- ances she would join in lively conversation and brisk repartee. Mentioning on one occasion that I had read her life and that it had interested me very much. she replied: 'Ah, yes! but I did not tell them who wrote it down half of what it was.' It is thought that she then withheld information which the Indians feared might stir up the prejudices of the white people.
"In making visits to the 'White Woman' we were in the habit of taking along some trifling present for her. At one time we carried along a bottle of the best Madeira wine. She manifested her grateful acknowledgment of the gift and taking the bottle of wine went and hid it carefully away from the In- dians. She was at the time living in her own block house, superintending the preparations of provisions for a journey to Buffalo. This was about the last time I saw her. She was assisted in her work by her daughter Polly and a number of young papooses. They had a large brass kettle swung over an open fire of wood upon the hearth. The kettle was filled with boiling fluid. Sitting, standing and squatting around a large wooden trough filled with hominy made into dough the mother, daughter and grandchildren were busily engaged in making up balls of dough from the kneading trough and enclosing therein plenty of dried apples and pumpkin. which lay beside the trough. As the balls were made up they were tossed into the boiling kettle and when thoroughly cooked were taken out and laid upon boards or pieces of bark. The food had a savory odor, and appeared to be very good but we could not vouch for the palatableness of the delectable dumplings as they offered none of them to us In viewing the preparation of this food we saw most beautifully and satisfac-
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torily solved the problem that muddled and belabored the brains of King George the Third, namely, how the apple got into the dumpling.
"I saw her again late in the fall season. She was habited in woolen petti- coat and short gown that came mid-leg below the knees, buckskin leggings and moccasins and over all a white common woolen Indian blanket. It was just at night and she was going after a stray pony, and was led by a young Indian, one of her grandchildren. She went spatting through the rivulet of ice cold water just north of the house, and although her sight was so dim she could scarcely see in the twilight twice the length of a horse, on she went in spite of every obstacle, with that energy and purpose that had characterized her whole life.
"After going to Buffalo she purchased of an Indian a house and lot. Her family consisted of herself, her daughter Polly and her son-in-law, George Shongo, and five grandchildren. three boys and two girls. She lost the money she had received for her lands at Gardeau by intrusting it to a white man. who lost it in an unlucky speculation. This was in harmony with the rest of her mournful misfortunes. She became dependent on her daughter and her son- in-law, but with filial love they cared for her tenderly until she passed away, September 19, 1833."
PRISONERS WHO HAD TO RUN THE GAUNTLET AT CANEADEA AND CARACADERA
The life of Major Van Campen, written by his grandson, Rev. J. N. Hub- bard, and half a century later by John S. Minard, tells the story of his having been taken prisoner, brought to Caneadea, Ga-ah-ya-de-o (where the heavens rest upon the earth), where Van Campen was made to prove his prowess by running a distance of thirty or forty rods between two rows of men, women and children armed with hatchets, knives and sticks and free to use them as opportunity offered. It was for amusement of the Indians, especially for the women and children. If the prisoner displayed manly courage and dexterity the warriors treated him leniently. The cowardly or timid met with no favor from any. His life was of no value. The prisoners were all allowed to start together ; behind them were the swiftest runners armed with whips to harass them all they could. The women had long whips and all expected to use them to advantage. The story as told in the history is better than any synopsis of it so I "appropriate it" and give it "verbatim.'
"Presently the word 'joggo' was given and the prisoners sprang forward to the race. The Indian whippers started at the same time with a bound and made the utmost exertion to reach them with the lash. Van Campen had not yet received a single blow and was drawing near in his rapid flight to two young squaws who had their whips raised ready to strike and he did not ex- pect to pass them without suffering the weight of their descending arms. Just before he reached them the thought struck him and as quick as lightning he gave a spring and raised his feet, which hit them on the breast and sent them. as if by a whirlwind, in the same direction in which he was running. They all came down together. tumbling heels over head. and Van Campen found him- self between two squaws who were kicking and squabbling about, endeavoring to improve their position. He did not wait to help the ladies up but sprang
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upon his feet and made good his race. The warriors beheld the scene with the atmost delight. *
* * They made the air ring with shouts of delight. Sme threw themselves on the ground and rolled and roared with laughter Some of the young warriors came up to Van Campen and patted him on the back saying "Shenawanna,' 'Cajena'-brave man, good fellow."
Horatio Jones, at Fort Hill, met with this same treatment, but probably did not try any pranks on his tormentors. He was younger, was adopted into an Indian household and became one of the best of interpreters. His associa- non with Astor in the fur trade and his early settlement at Leicester has often been told. His wife was also an Indian captive.
The story of the captivity of the Gilbert family and the running of the gauntlet by'Joseph Gilbert and of Thomas Peart is chiefly interesting that aiter their adoption into Indian families they both spent part of their time i this was in 1780) at Nunda, called by them Nundow. Gilbert speaks of the kindness of the King in bringing them food and evidently meant to make a good Indian or good interpreter of him. Both finally escaped.
Gilbert was sent to one of the villages in Nunda-probably Nundao, almost seven miles from the scene of his torture-where soon after his arrival the Chief himself-also called a King or Sachem-brought him hominy and treated him with much civility and kindness, intending to adopt him into his family. For several weeks he resided with the Chief whose wigwam was superior to the huts of the other Indians. He was then taken back to Caraca- dera. his weakness of body from scanty nourishment being so great that he was two days in accomplishing a journey of seven miles.
Peart, the other prisoner, was then sent to the same place where he spent the fall and winter. Gilbert occasionally visited him there. Gilbert finally escaped to Niagara, and Peart, who had been adopted by an Indian mother in place of a son lost in battle, was taken to Buffalo by his foster mother and there made his escape back to the settlements.
CHAPTER XIII.
S I'LLIVAN'S campaign of destruction of the Indian villages of the Gen- esee, ordered by Washington because of the frequent massacres under the direction and immediate leadership of Brant Butler and Little Beard. made this severe measure a necessity. It has so often been told, it needs no retelling. It was the part of the Revolutionary struggle that came into the northern towns of what is now Livingston County. Conesus, where there was a skirmish and an Indian ambush and victory. Groveland, Sparta and Geneseo. Mt. Morris and Leicester the army visited. The torturing of Boyd and Parker a: Little Beardstown ( then O-nun-da-ga-o, now Cuylerville ) was largely due to Boyd's belief that his Masonry would save him for Brant was a Mason and lie had given the sign of distress. Brant simply took himself away from the ·cene, and Little Beard's desire for revenge for the destruction of their orchards, grain and buildings and the refusal of Boyd to answer questions concerning Sullivan's army led to the horrible torture of himself and his com- panion. It was only a specimen of Indian warfare under aggravating circum- stances.
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After the flight up the river towards Silver Lake the one characterizing act of Seneca spirit was bending a young tree's top to its body to symbolize their condition and spirit-"bent but not broken." conquered but not subdued. Who but a Seneca would have thought of this? It takes greatness to even symbolize greatness, and our predecessors were in spirit, giants.
There has been a belief that the destruction of villages and property stopped at Leicester. and yet it was thought at the time that the Senecas went up the river on the east side, though they were mistaken. It is also said that the army of destruction went up and down the river. How far could they go up the river on the east side without coming to the once great Onondao? If the destruction of crops and villages was their object could they, with Indian guides, fait to know that for a hundred years there had been villages in Nunda? There is said to have been a bridge in the town of Portage not far from the Gen- esee trail, called Sullivan's bridge ? Who built it-no man of that name lived in Portage?
It is possible there is still a single page of unwritten history of that cam- paign. The bridge of logs was there in 1816 and no one knew who built it. The town was settled that year and the first settlers called it Sullivan's bridge. There was a Revolutionary soldier who built a mill on that bridged stream in 1817. It is possible that Sullivan's army went up the river trail that far-a dozen miles. White men's traditions are usually founded on facts.
Sullivan's campaign in 1779. had it not been followed by the Big Tree treaty in 1797 would not have completed the Colonists' "Winning of Western New York," but won it was. there and then, and the name of Thomas Morris. whom the people sent to Congress, should ever be associated with that of his father. whose agent he was, as the most skillful of all the diplomats who ever measured skill and eloquence with Red Jacket, till he won his aid in securing this grand desideratum. the purchase of nearly all the unpurchased lands of Western New York. If the village of Mt. Morris is named for the son, and not for the father. I rejoice in it. It is just : it is right : the fame of the great financier of the Revolution is world wide, but that of his son is local. and what he did at Big Tree was of more honor than any received as Representative of Ontario County in Congress. If Sullivan "closed the West Door, of the Senecas." Thomas Morris locked it.
A KEY TO RED JACKET'S ELOQUENCE
Gleamed from the story of Thomas Maxwell, Esq., Elmira. many years ago, in conversation with Red Jacket at Bath. after a little fire water had thawed his reserve, the Chief remarked that when a boy he was present at a great council fire held on the Shenandoah. Many nations were represented by their wise men and orators, but the greatest was Logan. who then lived in Shemokin. He was the son of Skekelleamus, a celebrated Chief of the Cayugas. who was a warm friend of the whites before the Revolution. On the occasion alluded to, Red Jacket was so charmed with his manner and style of delivery that he resolved to attain, if possible, the same high standard of eloquence though he almost despaired of equaling his distinguished model. He said that after his return to Kanadesaga. near Geneva. he sometimes incurred the dis. pleasure of his mother by long absence from the cabin without ostensible
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isuse. When hard pressed for an answer he replied that he had been playing " !. ogan."
In his mighty soul the fire of a generous emulation had been kindled not to go out until his oratorical fame threw a refulgent glory on the declining fortunes of the once powerful Iroquois. In the deep and silent forests he practiced elocution, or as he expressed it. "played Logan." until he caught the manner and tone of his great master. What a revelation! Unconsciously the forest orator was an imitator of the eloquent Greek, who tuned his voice to the wild sea beach, to the thunder of the surge, and caught from nature's altar his lofty inspiration. With severest discipline did Red Jacket acquire the power of moving and melting his hearers. His graceful attitudes, significant ges tures, perfect intonation and impressive pauses when the lifted finger and up- lifted flashing eye told more than utterance that these were results of sleepless toil, while his high acquirement was the product of stern, habitual thought. study of man, and keen observation of eternal nature. Not to the occasion alone did he trust for his finest periods and noblest metaphors. In the armory of his capacious intellect the weapons of forensic warfare were stored away, ready and polished.
So-go-ye-wat-ha won his name, "he-keeps-them-awake," that has placed him high on the heights of oratory by no strategic tricks of skill but found the royal trail to fame by scaling rugged clifts and never resting till he reached the loftiest heights.
Address by A. Sim Logan at Geneseo, N. Y .. September 15, 1897, on the one hundredth anniversary of the Big Tree treaty which practically terminated the Indian occupancy in the Genesee Valley. A. Sim Logan was a student for several years in the Nunda Literary Institute, as was his sister Phebe.
Logan was brought here by their uncle, then a citizen of Nunda, Eli S Parker afterward Chief of the Senecas, and Brigadier General on Staff of U. S. Grant.
Mr. Logan said :
"Mr. Toastmaster and Gentlemen-As a representative of the Seneca Na- tion of the Iroquois Indians I come before you on this occasion as a represent- ative of the people who once held sway over this entire continent, and as I have consented to make a short speech on this joyous occasion I do so with the proper sense of the obligation I am under to my own race. We have laid aside all those feelings of animosity which actuated our forefathers when they saw that the vast country over which they roamed must give way to the civil- ization of the white man, and we have learned also that our children must take their places in the great procession of progress, and in order to do this we must have elementary and high schools where our young men and women may be equipped for a successful career. It is well known to those who have studied my people that when we get the better of your civilization we thrive under it, and our children take equal rank with yours in the acquisition of knowledge. It has been said, Mr. Toastmaster, that the only good Indian is a dead one. Give us your schools and your Christianity and a fair chance in ffe, and do not treat us as dogs, and we will show by our love for our white brothers and by our improvement that there are good Indians who are not ·lead.
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"The Indians are not decreasing in this country ; they are increasing, and so, Mr. Toastmaster, you are likely to have the Indian problem on your hands for some time to come, and the only proper settlement of this problem is to educate and Christianize my people. And it is a great deal cheaper to do this than to exterminate us. President Grant stated that it has cost this govern- ment two millions of dollars to kill an Indian, but it costs only about $200 on an average to educate and Christianize an Indian, and an educated Indian is more glory to your race and to your civilization than a murdered one.
"Your centennial celebration is a great event, and I am here to-day, not to glory over the departure of my people from this region but to assure you that though we have parted with our fertile lands and gone from your immediate midst, with a good heart. we rejoice in your improvement, which God has spread over this land, and we unite with you on this great occasion out of respect for our white brother and his government and for our great white father in Washington, who recognizes the Indians, as wards of his government. to look with a father's interest after the welfare of us, who, like you, are the children of the Great Spirit.
"Although, Mr. Toastmaster, my people are increasing in the United States, our ancient customs are gradually fading away and we shall under the influence of the progress of the age, in taking our places in the procession with you, lay aside the customs of our fathers, but we hope to prove ourselves worthy of the advantages which our white brothers have brought us, and act well the part which the Great Spirit created us to perform."
AT BIG TREE
Thomas Morris-"The persuasive advocate."
Red Jacket-"The Indian diplomat."
A DIALOGUE
After the offer of $100,000 and needed reservations had been declined. T. M .- "Consider the liberal offer I have inade. Do not act hastily."
R. J .- "We are not yet convinced that it is best for us to dispose of our lands at any price."
T. M .- "But what value can they be to you as they now are, any farther than the consciousness that you own them?"
R. J .- "Yes. But this knowledge is everything to us. It raises us in our own estimation. It creates in our bosoms a proud feeling which elevates us as a nation. Observe the difference between the estimation in which a Seneca and an Oneida are held. We are courted while the Oneidas are considered a degraded people, fit only to make brooms and baskets. Why this difference? It is because the Senecas are known to be proprietors of a broad domain while the Oneidas are ccoped up in a narrow space."
T. M .- "Ah, you presume too much in regard to the consequence of your nation. It is far from being as great as you suppose, and in proof of this let me refer you to the manner in which your deputation to the Miamis was re- ceived in 1793. Though large and composed of many of the first men of your nation it had but little influence."
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R. J .- "Very true, and why? It was because we were in bad company. Had we been alone we should have been treated with that dignity which be- i ng> to the Senecas throughout the world."
\ Bystander-"He dare not sell ; he is a coward."
R. J .- "Yes, I am a coward. Assure me that you can create lands like these (pointing to the magnificent scenery around him) which the Great Spirit has created for us, his red children, so that you can give us lands like these in return and I will be brave. Until then I am a coward. I dare not sell these lands."
CHAPTER XIV.
OTHER INDIANS WHO WERE KNOWN TO OUR FIRST PIONEERS AND WHO REGARD - ED EAST HILL AND THE FORESTS ABOUT CHAUTAUQUA HOLLOW AS THEIR HUNTING GROUNDS.
T ALL CHIEF, whose Indian name was A-wa-nis-ha-dek-hah, or some- times spelled Ou-nea-shat-ai-kau, signifying burning day. As he belonged to an earlier generation and lived nearer to Nunda we men- tion him first. His special home was at Murray Hill, Mt. Morris, where he had five huts. He also spent part of his time at Squakie Hill. Tall Chief was noted for his fine physique, while his natural grace and dignity of demeanor made him a suggestion of Henry Clay. Straight as an arrow, and quite sena- torical in deportment. as he was always cool and self-possessed. Several anec- dotes are related of him that illustrate his equanimity. An Indian of his vil- lage had killed a companion. Believing that Tall Chief could aid in securing the guilty man the authorities at once informed him of the deed, but he did nothing. They at length urged him to act. "Yes," said he, "maybe, bime-by, somebody ketch um,-kill um .- may be,-can't say." He performed better than he promised, and the culprit was soon after secured and handed over to justice.
Another anecdote displays this child of nature in all his forest freedom. Colonel Lyman, of Geneseo, having an errand, called at his cabin. The squaws of his household were sitting under a tree on the ground enjoying its grateful shade, for the day was hot and sultry. On inquiring for the Chief they pointed to another tree near by, where he was seen lying upon his back nearly naked. The Chief received his guest graciously but without change of position. After the object of his call was effected he politely invited the Colonel to remain for a visit. The guest seemed much surprised at the great Chief's attitude but the females exhibited no surprise. He was simply a "modern Adam of a race renewed."
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As a guest of Washington he appears to better advantage than as a host. With a deputation of Chiefs he visited "the Great Father of the Thirteen Coun- cil Fires" to smoke with him the "peace pipe." After a ceremonious, but no doubt an abundant dinner, a big pipe was lighted and Washington tried un- necessfully to draw the smoke through the long stem. He handed it to Horatio Jones, who succeeded better. The President then took a whiff and passed the pipe to Tall Chief, to whom he paid marked attention, and then
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to each in turn. The dignified Seneca was always proud of this distinction and courtesy shown him by the "Great Father" and often referred to this occa- sion.
Tall Chief was particularly noted for his medical skill, as he possessed the Indian secret for the cure of the bite of the rattlesnake. The pioneers of an early date regarded him with peculiar interest and some of their children still tell of his visits to their forest homes, but in this they are mistaken ; it was his son, William Tall Chief, that visited their parents' homes after they were old enough to remember him, for Tall Chief left this section and removed to Tonawanda in 1828 where soon after his removal he died, in 1831. His sons. Straight-Back and William or Bill Tall Chief. were annual guests, though un- bidden ones, throughout Nunda. Ossian. Grove and Portage.
Straight-Back and William Tall Chief were born at Squakie Hill. Straight- Back, who derived his name from his erect walk and stately manner, attained. to a large degree, the respect held by the white pioneers for his father. His dignity and grace, even as a member of a hunting party, won a courteous re- ception from his white admirers.
William Tall Chief, whose last Indian name was Ho-is-da-ga-thet-"he carries the medal"-of which he was very proud. He was like his father. of striking personal appearance, and splendid physique. One who knew him well says he was a man of integrity. but more noted as a hunter than as a councilor. Most East Hill residents knew him well from 1816 when our first settlers sought the hills in preference to the valleys, to 1846 when he went to Kansas with a party of Senecas to settle upon the lands that were then set apart for the New York Indians. Local history tells us that on their way thither several of the band contracted ship-fever on board a Missouri River steamboat and nearly 50 fell victims to the disease.
Dissatisfied with the country, William sat out to return, but died on the way of consumption and was buried at Beaver, Ohio. The same historian re- cords that he saw his widow, who was a granddaughter of the "white woman," and her grown up children in the fall of 1865. They were possessed of striking personal appearance, and were greatly interested in hearing about the former home of their relatives on the Genesee, as it recalled what they had before heard. The beauty of Conesus Lake and the great fertility of the Mt. Morris flats were among the things that was freshest in their remembrance.
Later historical matter has been obtained concerning these celebrated Indians. Tall Chief belonged to the Beaver clan and Dr. Mills is authority for this statement that at the age of 30 he was Chief of Kan-ags-saws -( Cone- sus) village, when it was destroyed by Sullivan in 1779. He went to MIt. Mor- ris in 1780 and from this we conclude that he was born in 1749 or 1750. After going to the Buffalo Reservation he returned occasionally, never losing inter- est in his former home, the Genesee Valley. On May 27, 1884. his remains were disinterred and brought to Mt. Morris for burial through the instru mentality of Dr. Myron H. Mills and the co-operation of the Cemetery Asso- ciation. It is an interesting circumstance to Mt. Morris people that two of the relatives of Tall Chief. present at the reinterment ceremonies, were Mrs. Mary Logan and Alexander Tall Chief. It is interesting to the people of Nunda that three of the relatives of Tall Chief, one of them also a relative of Red
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lacket. lived in Nunda village. A. Sim Logan and his sister, Phebe, who at- :cttded for several years the Nunda Literary Institute, also that they were bright here by their uncle, a civil engineer, afterward Brigadier General Ely Parker, Chief of the Senecas and an aid on General Grant's staff. Mr. l'arker lived on Mill Street for two years.
Big Tree (Ga-on-dah-go-waah), "Large Tree lying down." This notable Council Chief of the Senecas dwelt at Big Tree, the Indian village nearest tienesco. An inn at this village still perpetuates his name. He was of great service to the American cause and as a counselor his voice was for peace. He was highly esteemed by Washington, who sent him, in the year 1778, to the villages along the Genesee, hoping that his influence, backed by his eloquence, might win the Senecas to the cause of the patriots. He found a concentration of many warriors at Kanadaseaga (Geneva) and at Little Beardstown, not only from their neighboring villages but many from remote tribes. The Sen- ecas were inclined to listen to their Council Chief, but a spy having reported that an army of invaders were to visit their section, "all flew to arms" and Big Tree placed himself at their head determined to chastise an enemy who would presume to encroach upon his people's territory. He, however, informed the Colonists of the failure of his mission. When his own property shared the fate of those more hostile to the Colonists, and was pointed out the ingratitude of friends he took no offence at the act but ascribed it to the necessities of aggressive warfare.
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