:''See also
Sam George''
Samuel George (1795 – September 24, 1873) was an influential
Onondaga Indian chief, holding the title Hononwirehdonh, or "Great Wolf" for twenty-three years. He served in the
War of 1812
The War of 1812 (18 June 1812 – 17 February 1815) was fought by the United States, United States of America and its Indigenous peoples of the Americas, indigenous allies against the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, United Kingdom ...
and was a renowned healer and orator among Indians and whites. Modern-day historian
Laurence Hauptman describes George as an Iroquoian conservative who supported traditional Iroquoian ceremonies, language, and land rights, but also allowed missionaries and schools on the reservation.
Early life
George was born on the
Buffalo Creek Reservation
The Buffalo Creek Reservation was a tract of land surrounding Buffalo Creek in the central portion of Erie County, New York. It contained approximately of land and was set aside for the Seneca Nation following negotiations with the United States ...
into the Wolf Clan of the
Onondaga people
The Onondaga people ( Onondaga: , ''Hill Place people'') are one of the original five constituent nations of the Iroquois (''Haudenosaunee'') Confederacy in northeast North America. Their traditional homeland is in and around present-day Onondag ...
. His physical appearance is described repeatedly in historical records, which historian
Laurence Hauptman summarizes as a "thin, sinewy man with strongly marked features," conveying "athletic prowess and presence". Accounts note that George was well known for his running abilities and was a consistent victor in foot races.
Service in the War of 1812
George served on the American side during the
War of 1812
The War of 1812 (18 June 1812 – 17 February 1815) was fought by the United States, United States of America and its Indigenous peoples of the Americas, indigenous allies against the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, United Kingdom ...
in defense of the
Niagara Frontier for at least three years, and was paid a $120 pension. During the war, George reportedly ran a round trip from American headquarters at Buffalo to the arsenal
Canandaigua
Canandaigua (; ''Utaʼnaráhkhwaʼ'' in Tuscarora) is a city in Ontario County, New York, United States. Its population was 10,545 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Ontario County; some administrative offices are at the county compl ...
(a distance of 150 miles) in two days.
Hauptman notes a gap in historical information about George after the War of 1812 until the mid 1840s, when George and his wife and five children moved to Onondaga.
Years as chief
In 1850, George became a chief, "taking the name Hononwirehdonh, the 'Great Wolf', the hereditary keeper of the wampum held by a member of the Wolf Clan of the Onondaga Nation". In this role, George fought to restore traditional Indian government on the
Allegany Reservation and
Cattaraugus Reservation. At the time, state policies pursued a four-pronged "Americanization" agenda, including missionary activities, state-supported schooling, division of tribal lands to individual Indians, and awarding Indians U. S. citizenship in return for acceptance of the new land ownership arrangements.
George was a renowned orator who used his skill to influence the
Iroquois Confederacy. He also frequently spoke at public events, where his speeches were translated into English. He was described by his contemporary, Episcopal minister
William Beauchamp as "eloquent" and "full of official dignity" and "fond of storytelling".
During the
American Civil War
The American Civil War (April 12, 1861 – May 26, 1865; also known by other names) was a civil war in the United States. It was fought between the Union ("the North") and the Confederacy ("the South"), the latter formed by states ...
, more than three hundred Iroquois Indians joined the Union. George was the leading spokesman of the Iroquois to Washington at the time. By 1863, he was recognized as the "Principal Chief of the Six Nations" by federal officials, who also awarded him the honorary rank of brevet general. George met with President
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln ( ; February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865) was an American lawyer, politician, and statesman who served as the 16th president of the United States from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. Lincoln led the nation thro ...
in November 1863 to discuss Iroquois objections to the
Enrollment Act, and convinced him to release Iroquois from duty who had not received the "bounties" owed them. (According to the Act, men who did not want to enroll could pay someone else to enter the service in their place). George continued to negotiate for the discharge of underage Iroquois, as well as object to "conscription of Indians into military service without prior tribal consent," as was specified by historical precedent and treaties.
Healer
George served as a "traditional medicine man" for much of his life and in 1869 was appointed "government physician" to the Onondaga, and was formally licensed to practice medicine. Government official R. H. Gardner stated "I believe Captain George can doctor the Indians as well as a white man. After considerable experience on the subject, I believe that the Indians live under his treatment and are as healthful as when treated by any other physician".
Death
George served as chief of the Onondaga until his death on September 24, 1873. Although he never converted to Christianity and was buried according to Iroquois rites, Episcopal leaders delivered a sermon at his funeral.
Notes
References
*
Archival Materials
* Onondaga Nation Territory Collection, ca. 1845-1900 includes photograph of Sam George, Onondaga Historical Association Research Center, 321 Montgomery Street, Syracuse, NY 13202. Includes photograph of Samuel George (not online
* Samuel George papers, 1869-1872, Onondaga Historical Association Research Center, 321 Montgomery Street, Syracuse, NY 13202. Includes documents testifying as to his medical licensure and related petition (not online
{{DEFAULTSORT:George, Samuel
1795 births
1873 deaths
Onondaga people
Native American leaders
Native Americans in the War of 1812
Onondaga