John Smoke Johnson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Smoke Johnson
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| Sakayengwaraton | |
Johnson in 1882
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| Mohawk leader | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 2 or 14, 1792 |
| Died | August 26, 1886 (aged 93) |
| Spouse | Helen Martin (1798 – March 27, 1866) |
| Children | Mary, Aaron, Joseph, William, Margret, Susannah and George Henry Martin (Onwanonsyshon), granddaughter Emily Pauline Johnson |
| Parent | Tekahionwake (Jacob Johnson) |
| Nickname | Smoke Johnson |
John Smoke Johnson (born in 1792, died in 1886) was an important Mohawk leader in Canada. His Mohawk name was Sakayengwaraton. He was also known as Smoke Johnson.
John Smoke Johnson fought alongside the British during the War of 1812. Because of his bravery, his community honored him as a "Pine Tree Chief." This was a special leadership role that was earned, not passed down through family. He was a respected figure among both the Mohawk people and the English-speaking communities in Upper Canada (which is now part of Ontario).
Contents
A Young Leader's Beginnings
Growing Up Mohawk
Smoke Johnson was born in 1792. His birthplace was in Ontario, Canada. He belonged to the Bear clan through his Mohawk mother. This was at the Six Nations of the Grand River reserve.
In Mohawk culture, the mother's family is very important. Children get their social standing from their mother's clan. Smoke Johnson grew up learning traditional Mohawk ways. He also likely learned to speak English.
Family History and Names
Smoke Johnson's father was Jacob Tekahionwake Johnson. Jacob was born in the Province of New York, which is now part of the United States. He was baptized and took the name Jacob Johnson. He got the surname Johnson from Sir William Johnson, 1st Baronet. Sir William was a powerful British official who helped Native Americans. He was also Jacob's godfather.
After the American Revolutionary War, the Mohawk and their allies had to leave their lands in New York. They moved to Canada. The British Crown gave them new land at the Six Nations reserve. This is how the Johnson family came to live in Ontario.
Family Life and Connections
Marriage and Children
Smoke Johnson married Helen Martin. She was born in 1798 and passed away in 1866. Helen was from the Wolf clan. Her mother, Catherine Rolleston, was originally Dutch. However, she was captured as a girl by the Mohawk. She was adopted into the Wolf clan and became part of the Mohawk community.
John and Helen Johnson had seven children. According to Mohawk tradition, their children were considered part of the Wolf clan, like their mother. Their children were Mary, Aaron, Joseph, William, Margret, Susannah, and George Henry Martin. George Henry Martin was also known as Onwanonsyshon.
John Smoke Johnson's Contributions
Serving His Community
John Smoke Johnson became an important leader in Canada. He fought for the British during the War of 1812. This war was fought between the United States and Great Britain. After the war, his community chose him as a "Pine Tree Chief." This was a special honor. It meant he was recognized for his skills and leadership. This position was not inherited.
He was a respected voice in both the Mohawk and British communities in Ontario. His influence helped bridge gaps between different groups.
A Lasting Legacy
The Next Generation of Leaders
John Smoke Johnson's son, George Henry Martin Johnson, also became a leader. He was chosen as a hereditary Mohawk chief of his mother's Wolf clan. This shows the importance of the mother's family in Mohawk society.
George Johnson spoke both English and Mohawk fluently. He became a key leader on the Six Nations reserve. He also worked as an interpreter for the Canadian government. He helped as an informal diplomat and negotiator. This made it easier for Native and British communities to work together.
George Johnson married Emily Howells. She was from England. They had four children. One of their daughters was Emily Pauline Johnson (1861–1913). She became a very famous Native American poet. Her work is still celebrated today.
