Andrew Montour facts for kids

Andrew Montour (around 1720 – 1772) was a very important person in the American colonies during the 1700s. He was known by other names like Sattelihu, Eghnisara, and Henry.

Andrew Montour had a mixed background. His family was part Oneida and Algonquin, and he also had a French grandfather. He was a skilled interpreter and negotiator. This meant he could speak many languages and help different groups of people talk to each other. He worked with leaders in the colonies of Virginia and Pennsylvania.

In 1754, Andrew Montour became a captain for Pennsylvania during the French and Indian War. He also led groups of warriors in Ohio during Pontiac's War (1763–1766). His son, John Montour, also became a well-known interpreter and helped during the American Revolutionary War.

Early Life and Languages

Andrew Montour was probably born around 1720 in a Native American village called Otstawonkin. This village was near what is now Montoursville, Pennsylvania. His mother, Madame Montour, was a famous and influential interpreter. His father, Carondawanna, was an Oneida war chief from New York. Andrew's maternal grandfather was a French fur trader.

Andrew grew up speaking many languages. He learned French, English, Lenape (Delaware), Shawnee, and at least one of the Iroquois languages, probably Oneida. This skill made him very valuable later in life.

Andrew Montour's Work

In 1742, Andrew Montour guided and interpreted for Count Zinzendorf. Zinzendorf was a missionary from the Moravian Church. He described Andrew as looking like a European but with Native American paint on his face. He wore fine clothes and had brass wires braided into his ears. Zinzendorf noted that Andrew welcomed them warmly and could speak both French and English.

Andrew Montour's skills were highly valued. In 1745, he traveled with important leaders from Pennsylvania to Onondaga, the main meeting place for the Iroquois League in New York. In 1748, a Pennsylvania official named Conrad Weiser recommended Andrew as an excellent interpreter and messenger.

Even important figures like Colonel George Washington relied on Andrew Montour. Before a battle during the French and Indian War, Washington asked for Andrew's help. He said Andrew would be very useful for talking with the Native Americans. Washington also promised that Native Americans would be treated better if they joined his side. Both the British and French colonists needed Native American allies during this war.

Andrew Montour also served under Major General Edward Braddock. However, this was not a good experience. After Braddock's defeat in 1755, Andrew Montour spoke about it at a meeting in Philadelphia. He said that Braddock's pride and lack of understanding caused the defeat. Andrew explained that Braddock ignored advice from the Native Americans. This led many warriors to leave Braddock's command.

Important Roles and Land

Andrew Montour was given a captain's rank in 1754 during the French and Indian War. Later, he led raiding parties in Ohio during Pontiac's War. He worked for Sir William Johnson, who was in charge of Native American affairs for the British.

Because of his many efforts, Andrew Montour was given land by the colonial government. He received land in Mifflin County, near Montoursville, and on Montour's Island near Pittsburgh. His influence with tribes in the Ohio River Valley was so strong that the French wanted to stop him.

Family Life

Andrew Montour first married a Delaware woman named Madelina. She was the granddaughter of a Lenape chief.

Later, he married Sally Ainse, who was an Oneida woman. Andrew sent their children to school in Philadelphia and Williamsburg, Virginia. He wanted them to learn English and be educated in both cultures.

Their most famous child was a son named John Montour, born in 1744. John followed in his father's footsteps. He became a well-known translator and negotiator. John Montour served with American troops near Pittsburgh during the American Revolution.

Death

Andrew Montour died on January 20, 1772. He was killed at his home by a Seneca Indian. He was buried near Fort Pitt.

Native Americans who came to his funeral asked for rum to help them mourn their friend.

Legacy and Honors

Several places were named to honor Andrew Montour and his family:

• Montour's Island in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, was named for him. He sold this land during his lifetime.
• Montour County, Pennsylvania, was named for him.
• Montoursville, Pennsylvania, was named for his mother, as it grew near her village.
• The Montour School District, a public school system near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, also carries his name.

See Also

• Montour family