Chief joseph brant biography definition

The Story of Joseph Brant

The Town of Brant New York acquired its name from a Mohican Indian Chief named Joseph Brant. To learn more about the man who our town is named after, read the following story provided to us by the Brant-Farnham Historical Society: by Tom Penick
The Mohawk Indian chief Joseph Brant served as a spokesman for his people, a Christian missionary of the Anglican church, and a British military officer during the U.S. War of Independence. He is remembered for his efforts in unifying upper New York Indian tribes and leading them in terrorizing raids against patriot communities in support of Great Britain?s efforts to repress the rebellion. He is also credited for the establishment of the Indian reservation on the Grand River in Canada where the neighboring town of Brantford, Ontario, bears his name.
Joseph Brant was born in 1742 on the banks of the Ohio River and given the Indian name of Thayendanegea, meaning, "he places two bets." He inherited the status of

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Thayendanegea (aka Joseph Brant)

Chief: Thayendanegea(aka Joseph Brant)

Born: March 1743 in Ohio Country, somewhere along the Cuyahoga River

Died: November 24, 1807 in Upper Canada (present day Burlington Ontario)

Nationality: Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk -Wolf Clan)

Thayendanegea means “two wagers (sticks) bound together for strength” or possibly “he who places two bets”

Joseph Brant was a Mohawk military and political leader who rose to prominence due to his education, abilities and his personal connections. Brant fought in various wars throughout his life time. He participated in French and Indian War, allied with the British he fought with Mohawk and Iroquois allies. He received the silver medal from the British for service. Brant became fluent in English as well as at least three of the Six Nations’ Iroquoian languages. Brant led Mohawk and colonial Loyalists during the American Revolutionary War. The Mohawk named Brant as a war chief and their primary spokesman.

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Born a Mohawk, Joseph Brant was a man of two worlds. His sister Molly was the common-law wife of Sir William Johnson, chef of Indian Affairs for the British. Brant was thus exposed to the English culture, becoming a regular part of the Johnson household, while still retaining some ties to the Mohawk way of life.

In 1755, at age 13 he accompanied Sir William Johnson to the Battle of Lake George. Brant observed the negotiations that brought about the Boundary Line Treaty in 1768 at Fort Stanwix. Traveling to England in 1776, Brant met King George III. Voicing his concerns over the colonists' failure to abide bygd the 1768 Fort Stanwix Treaty, Brant was assured that the land disputes would be dealt with one the war with the colonies was over. Before leaving England Brant accepted the war belt, meaning that he had decided to support the King in this "family dispute" with the colonies. Brant's actions, along with his sister's influence, would be a factor that brought about the s