Farmer's Brother facts for kids

Honayawas or Farmer's Brother (born around 1730 – died 1814) was an important Seneca Chief. He was a very active member of the Six Nations and was chosen as a War Chief. He was also known as a translator and a great speaker. Farmer's Brother played a key role in fighting and negotiating with both the United States and the British, before, during, and after the American Revolution.

He signed important agreements like the Treaty of Big Tree in 1797 and the Treaty of Buffalo Creek in 1802. These treaties involved selling land that belonged to the Seneca people.

Early Life and Wars

During the French and Indian War, Farmer's Brother might have fought in the difficult Battle of the Monongahela in 1755. Later, during Pontiac's War, he took part in the Battle of Devil's Hole in 1763. These battles show his early role as a warrior.

When the Six Nations faced disagreements in 1777 about who to support during the American Revolution, Farmer's Brother and other Senecas sided with the British. However, after the war ended, he made sure to keep friendly relationships with the Americans who had won.

Working for Peace and Treaties

After the British signed the Treaty of Paris in 1783, Farmer's Brother became very involved in making treaties with the Americans. This treaty gave the Americans control over lands east of the Mississippi River. However, the British did this without telling their Six Nations allies, who still believed the land was theirs.

The treaty didn't mention the Native American Nations the British had allied with. This meant the new United States government had to negotiate peace with them. Because of past problems, the Americans needed to act quickly to avoid more fighting.

George Washington chose an American statesman named Timothy Pickering to work with the Haudenosaunee (another name for the Six Nations). His goal was to create lasting peace. On October 14, 1794, Pickering met with the first group of Six Nations representatives at Buffalo Creek.

About 500 Oneidas arrived to share their concerns, and Farmer's Brother was among them. He worked as both a translator and a speaker for this group. He gave an opening speech for the Chiefs, explaining their complaints, requests, and demands.

As more groups arrived, including Seneca leaders like Red Jacket and Cornplanter, Farmer's Brother continued to be part of the talks. Pickering listened to the concerns of other Chiefs before they reached an agreement.

Finally, Pickering, representing the U.S. government, offered to return some land to the Six Nations. He also promised a yearly payment of $4,500. This money would be used for "clothing, domestic animals, implements of husbandry, and other utensils."

After more discussions, the treaty was agreed upon on November 11, 1794. Farmer's Brother was one of the 50 Chiefs who signed it. This treaty not only eased tensions but also made the American government recognize the Haudenosaunee's right to govern themselves, just like their own government.

In 1792, Farmer's Brother was part of a group of Chiefs who visited Philadelphia. While there, George Washington gave him a silver medallion. Farmer's Brother wore it all the time, saying he would only lose it when he died. In 1794, he also signed the Treaty of Canandaigua.

Farmer's Brother's Famous Speech

Farmer's Brother gave his most famous speech on November 21, 1798, near the Genesee River in New York State. He spoke alongside another famous Seneca Chief, Red Jacket. Many Chiefs from the Six Nations and other people gathered to hear these respected speakers.

In his speech, Farmer's Brother spoke for two American agents, Jasper Parrish and Horatio Jones. These men had been captured by the Six Nations but later worked closely with them and were even adopted into their communities.

Farmer's Brother asked that these two interpreters be given a plot of land (about 2 miles or 3 kilometers) for their help and continued loyalty after the war. People who heard the speech were amazed by Farmer's Brother's clear and powerful words. A line he spoke, "the Great spirit spoke to the whirlwind and it was still," had a strong impact on many listeners.

At that time, land belonging to the Nations could not be given to private owners without the state's approval. So, the speech was written down and sent to the New York government. They eventually approved the request.

During the War of 1812, even though he was old, Farmer's Brother fought alongside the United States. He took part in the Battle of Fort George in 1813 and the Battle of Lundy's Lane in 1814.

Personal Life and Legacy

People described Farmer's Brother as a "strong, stalwart warrior, of gigantic frame and magnificent proportions, straight as an arrow ... with eagle eye, frank, open countenance, commanding port, and dignified demeanor." His exact birth year is not known for sure, but it was likely around 1730.

Farmer's Brother was a cousin or half-brother of Hiokatoo, who married Mary Jemison. Mary Jemison said that Farmer's Brother helped her become Hiokatoo's wife. During the talks for the Treaty of Big Tree, Farmer's Brother supported Mary Jemison's request for a piece of land to be set aside for her. Even though Red Jacket disagreed, Farmer's Brother won, and the Gardeau Reservation (about 17,927 acres) was created for her.

It is said that despite his name, Farmer's Brother generally did not support farming. He also resisted other customs that settlers tried to introduce to his people. He and Red Jacket strongly opposed European missionaries coming into their territory and trying to change the Seneca people's faith.

Death of Farmer's Brother

Farmer's Brother died peacefully in the autumn of 1814, though the exact date is unknown. Because of his important character and contributions, the 5th Infantry Regiment buried him with full military honors in Buffalo, New York.

In March 1915, as the city grew, his body and grave, along with others, were moved to Forest Lawn Cemetery (Buffalo). During this process, a brass tablet with his initials was found in his grave, but it was unfortunately lost when they moved it.

How He Got His Name

It is believed that George Washington gave him the name "Farmer's Brother." Washington wanted to encourage Native Americans to farm. In a conversation with Honayawas, Washington said he was a farmer himself and called Honayawas a brother. Honayawas was proud of meeting Washington and decided to use the name "Farmer's Brother."