Han Yerry facts for kids

Han Yerry Tewahangarahken ("He Who Takes Up the Snow Shoe") was a brave and important war chief of the Oneida people. He lived from 1724 to 1794 and was also known as Honyery Doxtator. Han Yerry played a key role during the American Revolutionary War, helping the American colonists. He was considered one of the most influential leaders of the Oneida Nation.

Han Yerry's Early Life and Family

Han Yerry was born into his mother's Wolf clan. The Iroquois people, including the Oneida, had a special way of organizing their families. This was called a matrilineal society. It meant that women held important property and leadership roles. Children belonged to their mother's family and clan. They also gained their social status through their mother's side.

Han Yerry was married to a woman named Tyonajanegen. Together, they had several children, including Cornelius, Dolly, Peter, and Jacob.

Fighting for Freedom

As a war chief, Han Yerry was a strong leader. He was known for his bravery in battle. During the American Revolutionary War, the Oneida people had to choose sides. Many of them, led by chiefs like Han Yerry, decided to support the American colonists.

Han Yerry fought in a very important battle called the Battle of Oriskany. This battle took place in 1777 in New York. He fought against soldiers loyal to the British (called Loyalists). He also fought against some other members of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Not all Iroquois nations agreed on which side to join. Han Yerry's leadership helped the Americans greatly during this difficult time.

What's in a Name?

Han Yerry had a few different names. Besides Honyery Doxtator, he was also known by a nickname, Otsistarare. This word means "Grasshopper." It's possible that this nickname was passed down. Later, one of his sons, Peter, was also recorded using a similar name, Peter Otsistarare.

Sometimes, old historical records can be confusing. It was once thought that Han Yerry might have had a German father. However, this idea likely came from mixing him up with another family. His family line does not connect to those German settlers. It's more likely that his children simply started using the name "Doxtator."

Some old documents also mention a Wolf Clan title, Otatshehte. This means "Carries a Quiver." A quiver is a case for arrows. It's possible that the name "Dachstädter" (which sounds like Doxtator) might have come from this Oneida title.