Paul Powless facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paul Powless Tegahsweangalolis ("Saw Mill")
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| Oneida leader | |
| Personal details | |
| Children | Henry |
| Known for | Fought in the Battle of Oriskany |
Paul Powless (1758 – 1847) was a brave warrior and chief of the Oneida people. His native name was Tegahsweangalolis, which means "Saw Mill." He was also a hereditary sachem, or important leader, of the Bear clan within his nation.
During the American Revolutionary War, Paul Powless and many other Oneida people chose to support the American side. He played a vital role as a spy and messenger, helping the American forces.
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Paul Powless: A Young Warrior's Courage
Paul Powless showed great courage even when he was young. He was only 17 years old during the Siege of Fort Stanwix. A siege is when an army surrounds a fort to try and capture it.
Meeting Joseph Brant
During this siege, Paul Powless met Joseph Brant. Brant was a powerful leader of the Mohawk people. The Mohawk were allied with the British forces led by Barry St. Leger.
Brant tried to convince Paul Powless to switch sides. He offered Powless a lot of money and a comfortable life if he would join the British. Brant also wanted Powless to persuade other Oneida people to help the British capture Fort Stanwix.
Powless's Firm Refusal
Paul Powless bravely refused Brant's offer. He told Brant that he and his Oneida brothers had decided to stand with the Americans. They would share whatever good or bad things happened to them.
Brant then tried to scare Powless. He spoke about the British King's great power. He said the Oneida people would be ruined if they kept supporting the Americans.
Powless replied that he and the Oneida would keep fighting, even if it meant they were all wiped out. He said that was all he had to say. After this, the two leaders went their separate ways without fighting.
Delivering Important News
Paul Powless continued his mission to Fort Stanwix. He managed to sneak into the fort, which was still surrounded by the enemy. From there, he carried important messages to Schenectady on horseback.
Later, Paul Powless and Joseph Brant faced each other again. They fought on opposite sides during the Battle of Oriskany. This shows how important Paul Powless was in the fight for American independence.
