John Jones (Ojibwa chief) facts for kids

John Jones, also known by his Ojibwe name Thayendanegea, was an important Mississauga Ojibwa leader. He was born on July 10, 1798, and passed away on May 4, 1847. John Jones was a teacher, a missionary, and later became a Chief for his people.

Early Life and Education

John Jones was born near the Humber River in what is now Ontario, Canada. His parents were Augustus Jones and Tuhbenahneequay. His father, Augustus, was a surveyor, and his mother was Ojibwa. John was given the name Thayendanegea, which was also the name of his father's friend, Joseph Brant.

When John was young, his parents separated. He and his brother, Peter, were raised by their mother.

Learning English and Surveying

In 1816, John and Peter went to live with their father and his wife near Stoney Creek. At this time, neither brother spoke much English, so they started attending a local school to learn the language.

A year later, the family moved to the Grand River Valley, close to Brantford. John later went to a school in Hamilton. There, he studied surveying, which was his father's job.

Becoming a Teacher and Missionary

In 1823, John's brother Peter became a Methodist. John then decided to become a schoolteacher at the missions where Peter worked. He first taught at Davisville, near Brantford, and then at the Credit Mission.

In the same year, 1823, John Jones married Christina Brant. She was the granddaughter of Joseph Brant, the famous leader John was named after.

Spreading the Methodist Faith

John Jones became a licensed preacher for the Methodist Church on August 22, 1828. He and Joseph Sawyer were among the first Indigenous people to become licensed preachers in the Methodist Church. John's brother Peter was the very first.

Challenges and Leadership

In 1830, John Jones faced a very difficult time. His wife and four of their five children passed away from an illness. John himself became very sick with a lung disease, which forced him to stop teaching at the Credit Mission school.

Recovery and New Beginnings

By 1835, John Jones had recovered from his illness. He then married Mary Holtby, whose father was also a Methodist preacher. They lived at the Credit Mission. Mary was given an Ojibwa name, Pamekezhegooqua, which means "Woman who Goes Along the Sky." John and Mary had four children together.

Around 1840, John Jones was chosen as one of the three Chiefs of the Credit band of the Mississaugas. This showed how much his community trusted and respected him. In 1845, he also served as the Secretary for the Grand Council of Ojibwas at Saugeen.

John Jones passed away in 1847. He is remembered for his work as a teacher, a missionary, and a leader for his people.