Books: Legends, Traditions, and Laws of the Iroquois, or Six Nations, and History of the Tuscarora Indians

E >> Elias Johnson >> Legends, Traditions, and Laws of the Iroquois, or Six Nations, and History of the Tuscarora Indians

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From Wilson--Rev. L. C. Pattengill, Dea. R. Robinson, Dea. A. Chapin.

From Ransomville--Rev. Wm. Sawyer, Dea. G. Hopkins, Dea. J. Bullock.

They were received into fellowship of the Niagara Baptist Association
June 14, 1860, held at Akron, Erie county, N. Y. James Johnson, the first
deacon, was chosen April 13, 1860.

They finished an edifice of 30 x 40 feet, a convenient chapel, which was
dedicated February 5, 1862. A sermon by Rev. L. C. Pattengill, prayer of
dedication by Rev. Wm. Sawyer, report of building by J. C. Hopkins.

Rev. James Cusick was to have been their first installed pastor, but in
the year 1861 death took him to his long rest. He was a powerful
preacher, and we had great revivals under his ministrations.

Rev. Thomas Green, a native, was baptized Jan. 9th, 1861, and on the
third day of Oct., 1863, was licensed to preach the Gospel of Christ, a
helper for Rev. Nicholas Smith, and on Sept. 25th, 1867, was ordained to
the ministry, and succeeded Rev. N. Smith as pastor of that Church, which
office he faithfully filled, went in and out among them, with meek and
humble spirit, ever faithful to his trust. He had the gift of natural
oratory, and we had some powerful revivals under his preaching. It would
seem to us that he was called away too soon, but the Omniscient Being
knows best. God called him from his labors and trials in this vale of
tears to weal in the pleasures of his presence and of his only Son,
Jesus, of whom he had preached, and fought, as did Paul, the good fight
of faith, and finished his course on Jan. 12, 1877, and has seen the
crown of life which was lad up for him in Heaven.

Rev. Franklin P Mt. Pleasant, a native, began to preach the Gospel in the
spring of 1877, by the invitation of Rev. T. Green, and was licensed on
the 23d day of October, 1879, and has been their constant preacher.

SCHOOL OPERATIONS.

For the earlier part of the history of school operations among the
Tuscarora Indians, I can do no better than to give the report of Rev.
John Elliot to the Secretary of War, in the year 1832, viz.:

"_To the Secretary of War_:

"This will show the operations of the schools from their organization in
1805, to September 30, 1832.

"The first school among the Tuscaroras was taught by Rev. Mr. Homes, the
first missionary. This, according to the best information, was in 1805.
What amount has been expended, either from the fund of the society or by
the Government, to sustain its operation, I am wholly unable to state.
The Indians converted their Council House into one for public worship,
and also one for school operations, until 1828, when, with a little
assistance from abroad, they completed a convenient chapel, 28 x 38 feet,
for publicworship. In 1831 they raised and finished a frame school house
24 x 20 feet, at an expense probably of $200. This sum, with the exception
of $8, the Indians obtained by contributions among themselves.

"We have but one teacher, whose whole time is engrossed in the concerns
of the school (Mrs. Elliot and myself are occasionally employed). Her
name is Elizabeth Stone, and the compensation she receives is only the
means of support, the same that we receive. Ninety scholars have, to our
certain knowledge, entered the school since its commencement. One of the
number is the principal Chief and stated interpreter, who can communicate
in three languages. Eighty of this number have attended the school within
the last six years. Sixty have left with the prospect, in most cases, of
exerting a happy influence. This influence is the result of a belief in,
and adherence to, the doctrines of the Gospel. Since they have embraced
the principals of Christianity in full their progress in industry and
temperance has been strikingly visible and rapid. But few of the number
now sip ardent spirits--not more than one in twenty.

"The young men are enterprising; some have large, convenient barns and
comfortable dwellings, fine fields of wheat, corn, oats, &c.; others are
beginning to plant orchards; they now depend on the cultivation of their
lands for a livelihood."

The second teacher who taught the school among the Tuscaroras was the son
of Rev. Mr. Gray, the second missionary, in the years from 1808 to 1813,
and was then followed by a young man by the name of Mr. Youngs. These
were the first three teachers who broke in and shed the light of
education upon the dark minds of our forefathers. The schools were
supported by the missionary societies in the same order as in the
different transfers that were made concerning the support of the
missionaries. In the year 1858 was the last transfer made from the
American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mission to the State of New
York, by whom they are now sustained. There were many changes made in the
teachers, all of whose names, with dates, in the order in which they
came, I am not able to record; but I will record such names as I have
been able to obtain which came under the appointment of missionary
teachers, to wit:

Miss Elizabeth Stone, from 1831 to 1837.

Miss Lucia G. Smith, 1836.

Miss Hannah T. Whitcomb, from Oct. 5, 1839, to Aug. 25, 1849.

Miss Mary J. T. Thayer, from 1849 to 1854.

Miss Cinderella Britto, from 1853 to 1854.

Miss Abigail Peck, from 1853 to 1858.

Assistant teachers not having regular appointment.

Miss Emily Parker, 1831.

Miss Burt, 1837.

Miss Nancy Wood, 1856.

Miss Maria Colton, 1857.

Miss Eleanor B. Lyon, 1857.

Under the New York State supervision:

Miss Abigail Peck, from 1853 to 1858.

Miss Mary A. Smith, native.

Miss Robinson.

Miss Emily Chew, native.

Miss Pomeroy.

Miss Margaret Eddy.

Miss Helen Gansvort, native.

Mr. William Sage, seven winters.

Mr. Philip T. Johnson, native.

In the year of 1850 there was another school house built by the natives
under the proposition of Miss Mary J. F. Thayer. I have here a brief
history of her labors among the Tuscaroras, from her own writings, which
is very interesting, to wit:

MISS M. J. F. THAYER'S LABORS AS A MISSIONARY TEACHER.

At the invitation of Rev. G. Rockwood (then the ordained missionary at
Tuscarora) Miss M. J. F. Thayer commenced her labors among the Tuscaroras
as teacher on April 30, 1849, in the old school-house opposite Mr.
Rockwood's house, receiving from the American Board one dollar and fifty
cents per week, besides her board. There were but few scholars, and these
were very irregular in their attendance. Miss T. visited the parents and
tried to get them interested. She finally came to the conclusion that
time and money were thrown away on that little _day_ school, and
drew up a paper, which was read to the Tuscaroras at their New Year's
feast, January 1, 1850, in which she detailed her plans and wishes,
asking their aid in executing them. Their response was cordial and
hearty. They resolved to build a new school-house; the site was selected
on a corner near Isaac Miller's, and the people, as one man, went to work
with great alacrity, under the leadership of one of their chiefs, Wm. Mt.
Pleasant, and had, before the next New Year's, a snug house, 18 x 24
feet, well finished, furnished with two stoves, and a large pile of wood
prepared. Miss Thayer commenced teaching at the new station (which she
was pleased to call Mt. Hope) Jan. 14, 1851, having forty scholars the
first day. On Saturday, Jan. 12, before school began, a church meeting
was held at the new station. There were thirty persons present, and they
voted to hold prayer meetings there every Wednesday evening.

Feb. 20 Miss T. wrote--"Fifty is the average attendance at school.
Scholars happy and bright and very eager to learn Nearly every one has
bought a new spelling book. The prayer meetings are well attended;
Sabbath evenings there are fifty present, Wednesdays, thirty. They
conduct these meetings without their pastor, usually. Christians are
being revived; there is an increasing spirit of prayer: the women have
begun to pray; we had a precious meeting last Sabbath evening."

In March there was a great deal of sickness (typhoid fever), of which
several died. The school was interrupted for a few days.

May 2, she wrote--"My school flourishes. It is difficult to say which
seem the happier, the children or their teacher. I have five little girls
boarding with me. As the 'boarding school fund' is exhausted, I am
obliged to meet all the expenses from my own allowance" It might be
stated that Miss Thayer never received a "formal appointment" from the
American Board, because her health was so poor, but she was
_employed_ and _paid_ by them. After she went to the new
schoolhouse they paid her one hundred and fifty dollars a year, and she
found everything. By "boarding school fund" is meant money received by
Miss Thayer from friends of hers who were interested in her work and sent
her, from time to time, small sums of money and sometimes articles of
food and clothing for the children, _deficiencies_ she met from her
own allowance.

Thus the work went on. Several children were anxious to become inmates of
the teacher's family. Celia Green, Elizabeth Cusick, Ann and Mary Henry,
Susan Patterson and Sarah Mt. Pleasant were the favored ones.

Sept. 10, 1851, Miss T. wrote--"My school is small now, owing to the
prevalence of the measles. The little girls living with me being
attacked, their mothers have taken them home." Under the same date adds--
"Two weeks ago I passed a sleepless night, contemplating the deplorable
condition of the young people here, agonizing and with tears wrestling in
prayer for them. Last week I learned that three young women had decided
to forsake there evil ways, repenting of their sins, and looking to Jesus
for salvation. Two of them came forward at the church meeting last
Saturday, and offered themselves as candidates for admission to the
church. One of the young women stayed with me last Sabbath night (this
was Louisa Henry). She gave evidence of a change of heart. May many more
be led to a saving knowledge of the truth."

Writing again to her father, (these extracts are all from letters to her
father), Dec. 8, 1851--"It would do your heart good to look in upon my
little family--my little ones so confiding affectionate and happy. My
heart has again been made glad by the conversion of one of my older
pupils, an interesting youth of seventeen. He and the two young women
mentioned in a former letter united with the Church at our last
communion. I wept for joy at these tokens of the presence of a prayer-
answering God."

Jan. 1, 1852--"Attended the New Years' feast to-day. Told the people of
my plans for building an addition to the schoolhouse, so that I might
take more children into my family. They adjourned to the Council-house,
and will talk over my propositions there this evening."

Jan. 3--"The church meeting to-day was very interesting. Five young women
offered themselves to the church, were examined and accepted. Most of
them state that they found the Saviour last summer. As near as I can
learn from their statements it was at the very time when I was so
exercised in their behalf. For some time I agonized in prayer; then I
became calm, and felt assured that my prayer was heard and would be
granted."

Jan. 4, Sabbath--"An interesting day. Never saw so many of the Tuscaroras
present at a religious meeting. Some one who counted them stated that
there were nearly one hundred and forty, and all seemed serious and
attentive. Bro. B.'s discourse in the forenoon was full of instruction to
the young converts. In the afternoon the young women examined yesterday
were received into the Church. Eight children were baptized, and the
sacrament administered. In the evening I repaired to the council house,
where the sacrament was again administered, on account of an aged sister,
nearly one hundred years old, too infirm to go to the meeting-house."

Jan. 5--"Commenced school to-day with twenty-five scholars; have seven
girls boarding with me; my little house is too small, but I hope soon to
enlarge it, as the Tuscaroras give encouragement that they will take hold
and help about building. They hold another council to-day to make
necessary arrangements."

Jan. 6--"A committee of chiefs called on me this morning, and advised me
to accept the thirty dollars offered by Mr. E. S. Ely, of Checktowga; it
would be needed to purchase the fine lumber, which they can buy cheaper
in Canada than in the States. To-morrow they will turn out with their
teams and draw logs to mill for the coarse lumber, and next week they
will go to Canada for the fine lumber, which Mr. Mt. Pleasant will
prepare. When all things are ready they will frame the building, enclose
and shingle it."

Jan. 12, 1852--"Louisa Henry, who seems to be in the last stages of
consumption, has been with me since New Year's; is failing fast; told me
when she came that she expected to die soon, and wished to spend her last
days with me; does not fear death; takes great delight in prayer and
reading the Bible; the 23d Psalm is her favorite portion."

Jan. 14--"At an inquiry meeting this evening, as Bro. R was absent, I
conversed with those who came; explained the parable of 'The Prodigal
Son' making personal application; three young persons requested prayers;
one was only 'almost persuaded;' the other two expressed their
determination to begin a new life at once; invited Elias Johnson and his
brother James to stop after school for a season of prayer: they were both
rejoicing in their newly-found Savior, and poured out their souls in
fervent prayer; my soul is filled with joy."

Jan. 19--"Feel quite worn out; thought Louisa dying; watched with her all
night; sent for her aunt, who will watch with her to-night."

Jan. 21--"Bro. R. called; decided to send the little ones home; close
school for a few days, and take Louisa to the mission house."

Jan. 25--"Louisa's aunt took her home at the instance of the Chiefs, who
did not like to have the school interrupted."

Jan. 26--"Louisa died to-day; her sufferings are over; her happy spirit
is doubtless with the ransomed above."

Jan. 27--"Attended L's funeral."

Jan. 28--"Returned to the school-house, where we had an inquiry meeting
in the evening; about fifty present, of whom one-half seem seriously
inquiring the way to be saved; I conversed with the females; found five
indulging a hope; others greatly distressed on account of their sins.
Within a few months there have been twenty hopeful conversions."

Jan. 31--"Met the sisters according to appointment; there was some
earnest wrestling with God; had conversation with one who, for many
years, has been a backslider, but thinks she has now returned to God."

Feb. 4--"At the inquiry meeting many were present; several indulging a
hope; deep feeling, but no excitement."

Feb. 7--"At the church meeting thirty-two candidates were examined for
admission to the church."

Feb. 8--"Sabbath; ninety Tuscaroras in attendance upon divine services; a
most solemn assembly."

Feb. 12--"An interesting young converts' prayer-meeting."

Feb. 13--"My children all have the whooping cough."

Feb. 14--"Detained from church meeting by the sick children."

Feb. 15--"Sabbath; detained from church; though I am much confined by
home duties, the work of the Lord prospers; Bro. R. is very faithful, and
the Lord crowns his labors with great success. He now numbers fifty new
converts; has united several couple in lawful marriage; many drunkards
seem to be reclaimed; twelve of my Bible-class have found the Savior; so
have three of the little girls that have boarded with me and ten of my
day scholars."

Feb. 17--"I was afraid that I should have to stop teaching and devote
myself to the care of my sick children, but their friends took them home
last Saturday; it seemed lonesome without them, but little Elizabeth, who
seems to love me with all her little heart, cried so much to come back
that they could not keep her at home; she is with me now and seems quite
happy. Have written to Secretary Treat, urging that Bro. Rockwaod be
permitted to remain here; none could be more active and efficient than he
now is."

Feb. 24--"So many children have the whooping-cough that but few attend
school. I, also, have a most troublesome cough, and find it difficult to
teach; should have to give up if my school was very large, as I have fits
of coughing just like the whooping-cough."

March 4--"My brother in Buffalo sent the sash and doors for my boarding-
house; the building is going forward. Miss Howe writes that she will come
to my assistance if I need her."

March 7--"Communion season--forty additions to the church. The old man of
seventy and the youth of fourteen bowed together to receive the ordinance
of baptism. A scene that angels might rejoice to behold."

March 8--"Have written to Miss Howe to come on, my health being very
poor. Have obtained leave of absence for a few weeks, or months, if I
should find it expedient to go on to New York to Dr. Nichols' Medical
Institute."

March 11--"Several calls from my Tuscarora friends. They are very loth to
have me leave, even for a short time, and it is a sore trial for me."

March 13--"Arrived at my father's in Lancaster, N. Y."

March 18--"Wrote in my journal, 'still at my father's,' but thinking
continually of my dear Tuscarora children. May I soon be restored to
them, invigorated both in body and mind."

March 23--"Quite unwell; cannot tell how long I shall have to stay away
from my school."

April 26--"Left Lancaster for Tuscarora."

Mt. Hope, Tuscarora, April 28, 1852--"Once more in my own sweet home,
greeted by the sparkling eyes and smiling faces of my dear children.
Found Miss Howe nearly worn out and glad to be relieved.

"There have been several deaths during my absence--some among my scholars.
Several calls this evening from my adopted people, who seem so glad to
see me."

April 29--"Resumed my duties in the school-room."

May 1--Sabbath--"Rising early went on foot with my little girls, though
the road was muddy, reached the meeting house before 9 A. M., in time for
Sunday-school, sacrament in the afternoon. Five received into the church
--three of them my scholars. So thankful to be once more with my beloved
Tuscaroras."

May 18--"Have had to relinquish my school again to Miss Howe, I am too
feeble for school duties."

June 22--"A week ago yesterday almost the whole nation turned out to help
at the "raising." The excitement of the day was so great that I could
sleep but little that night; so happy! The Lord be praised. How mountains
of difficulties have vanished. The Tuscaroras are doing nobly; but,
besides their work, to finish and furnish all will require about four
hundred dollars; this will take all my funds, but when I need more, I
know that the Lord will provide. Have already expended nearly one hundred
dollars, yet, I trust there will be no lack. Donations are coming in from
various quarters."

July 23--"How different my labors this summer from those of last winter.
Unable to teach, have given my school to another; nor, am I able to visit
much among the people. Occupy my time chiefly in taking care of my little
girls, teaching them to sew, and preparing bedding for my contemplated
boarding school; thankful that I may do a little, though I long to do
more."

Sept. 3--"Being unable to teach, and thinking that I might do more good
here, if ever, to study medicine, having consulted my friends and Mr.
Treat, I shall go to Philadelphia to attend medical lectures. Have bade
adieu to my humble home, not to return before next February."

Miss Thayer returned from Philadelphia in February, 1853. Miss Mary
Walker had taught the school during her absence. Shortly after her return
to Mt. Hope, Miss Abigail Peck and Miss Cinderella Britto arrived, the
former to teach school, the latter to assist in housework, Miss Thayer to
have general supervision as matron of the boarding school. The American
Board doubled their appropriation, so that each one of the ladies were to
receive one hundred dollars a year, and find their own board. Miss Thayer
taking it upon herself to meet the other expenses of the school. Timely
donations in money were received from Philadelphia, Brooklyn and New
York, and various small sums; also boxes of clothing and some provision
from friends in neighboring towns.

March 23--Miss Thayer writes: "Have received one hundred dollars from the
Sunday school in Mr. Barnes' church, for my building; have hired two
carpenters to do the inside work, it having been framed, shingled,
enclosed, and most of the lathing done, by the Tuscaroras. My health is
failing again and my mind much racked with planning, as my associates
each want a separate room for their own private use, I have been obliged
to vary from my original plan so as to secure pleasant rooms for them
with chimneys for stoves."

May 7--"The building goes forward rather slowly, and my associates are
becoming somewhat impatient on account of the delay; yet we shall have a
better finished and more commodious house than I had at first planned.
Though very much worn both in body and mind, I do not regret having
undertaken the work. Am more and more convinced that the only hope for
the moral and physical well-being of the Tuscaroras is to train up the
children in the way they should go. The work is begun, and the Lord is
able to carry it forward, either with or without me."

Miss Thayer's health continued poor and she took a vacation of four
weeks, in the summer, leaving her associates in charge. Then wrote to Mr.
Treat that she should be obliged to give up the management of financial
affairs, and asking them to assume the responsibility.

To confer with him on the subject, Mr. Treat requested Mr. Rockwood, Miss
Thayer and her associates to meet him in Buffalo, where he would stop on
his way to the meeting of the American Board at Cincinnati. The result of
the conference: The boarding school was transferred to the immediate care
of the Board, with Mr. Rockwood as Superintendent; the ladies to retain
their respective positions--teacher, house-keeper and matron. From this
time Miss Thayer felt greatly fettered, and the impression grew upon her
that her presence was not desired at Mt. Hope; that her usefulness there
was at an end. Long and prayerfully did she weigh the matter, and at
last, though it nearly broke her heart, she asked to be dismissed from
the field. Her request was granted, and Miss Thayer closed her labors at
Mt. Hope, December 31, 1853, _and longed to die_. It was the saddest
day of her life, the bitterest trial she ever experienced, this giving up
all her hopes of usefulness among her beloved Tuscaroras. She knew not
whither to go; could not tell the people what she had done.

Samuel Jacobs was going to Cattaraugus, and Miss Thayer went with him,
hoping the Lord would give her work to do there. Engaged temporarily in
teaching, was there until the latter part of July, 1854; in August
applied to the Presbyterian Board for an appointment as missionary
teacher for one of their schools among the Southwestern Indians, which
was granted, and she was sent to the Chickasaws, in the Indian Territory;
arrived there in November, 1854; labored among the Chickasaws, Creeks and
Choctaws until September, 1865, when again broken down in health, she
reluctantly gave up the work of a missionary teacher, and returned to her
father's house in Bristol, Wis., accompanied by her husband, (Theodore
Jones), and her three young children (two sons and a daughter). She has
since resided in Bristol, Wis., on the farm given to her by her father
and brothers, a quiet, pleasant home. Her children are growing up in the
fear of the Lord, having all of them, five years ago, (in April, 1873),
united with the Congregational church in Bristol. Although she has not
the means to give them a liberal education, she hopes that they will be
useful workers in the Lord's vineyard.

Mrs. Jones often thinks of her beloved Tuscaroras, and would gladly visit
them if it were not for the expense of such a journey.

Mrs. Jones has culled the material for the foregoing pages from numerous
letters written to her father, from Tuscarora, and also made extracts
from her private journal, kept whilst at Tuscarora, and she gives Elias
Johnson leave to embody such portions of it in his history of the
Tuscaroras as shall best suit his purpose. She sends herewith Mr. Treat's
reply to her request to be released from the work at Mt. Hope; also a
letter written by the Tuscarora chiefs, representing her departure from
their people."

"MRS. MARY J. E, JONES,

"February 22, 1878.

"Bristol, Wis."

To ELIAS JOHNSON, Tuscarora.

* * * * *

TEMPERANCE SOCIETY.

About the year 1800, a new religion was introduced among the Six Nations,
who alleged to have received a revelation from the Great Spirit, with a
commission to preach to them the new doctrine in which he was instructed.

This revelation was received in circumstances so remarkable and the
precepts which he sought to inculcate, contained in themselves such
evidences of wisdom and beneficence, that he was universally received
among them, not only as a wise and good man, but as one commissioned by
the Great Spirit to become their religious teacher, by the name of _Ga-
ne-o-di-yo_, or "Handsomelake." This new religion, as it has ever since
been called, with all the ancient and new doctrines, was also taught,
strenuously, the doctrine of Temperance, which seemed to be the main and
ultimate object of his mission, and upon which he chiefly used his
influence and eloquence through the remainder of his life. He went from
village to village, among the several nations of the Iroquois, and
continuing his visits from year to year, preaching the new doctrine with
remarkable effect; many abandoned their dissolute habits and became sober
and moral men.

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