Samuel George facts for kids

Samuel George (1795 – September 24, 1873) was an important leader of the Onondaga people. He was known as Hononwirehdonh, or "Great Wolf," and served as a chief for 23 years. He fought in the War of 1812 and was famous as a healer and speaker among both Native Americans and white settlers.

Historians describe George as someone who wanted to keep traditional Iroquois ways alive. He supported their ceremonies, language, and land rights. However, he also allowed missionaries and schools on the reservation.

Early Life of Samuel George

Samuel George was born in 1795 on the Buffalo Creek Reservation. He belonged to the Wolf Clan of the Onondaga people. People often described him as a "thin, strong man" with a powerful look. He was also very well known for being an amazing runner. He often won foot races!

Samuel George in the War of 1812

George fought for the American side during the War of 1812. He helped defend the Niagara Frontier for at least three years. He even received a pension of $120 for his service.

During the war, George reportedly ran a round trip from Buffalo to Canandaigua. This was a distance of 150 miles, and he did it in just two days! After the war, there isn't much information about George until the mid-1840s. Around that time, he moved to Onondaga with his wife and five children.

Years as a Chief

In 1850, Samuel George became a chief. He took the name Hononwirehdonh, which means "Great Wolf." This was a special title for the person who kept the wampum (sacred beads) for the Wolf Clan of the Onondaga Nation.

As chief, George worked hard to bring back traditional Native American government. He wanted to do this on the Allegany and Cattaraugus Reservations. At the time, the government wanted Native Americans to live more like white settlers. This included:

• Allowing missionaries (people who teach about religion).
• Having state-supported schools.
• Dividing tribal lands among individual Native Americans.
• Giving Native Americans U.S. citizenship if they accepted these new land rules.

George was a very skilled speaker. He used his words to influence the Iroquois Confederacy. He often spoke at public events, and his speeches were translated into English. People who knew him said he was "eloquent" (meaning he spoke very well) and had a lot of "official dignity." He also loved telling stories.

Samuel George and the Civil War

During the American Civil War, more than 300 Iroquois people joined the Union army. Samuel George was their main spokesperson to Washington, D.C. By 1863, federal officials recognized him as the "Principal Chief of the Six Nations." They even gave him the honorary rank of brevet general.

In November 1863, George met with President Abraham Lincoln. He talked to Lincoln about how the Iroquois people felt about the Enrollment Act. This act said that men who didn't want to join the army could pay someone else to go in their place. George convinced Lincoln to release Iroquois soldiers who hadn't received the money they were promised. He also kept working to get underage Iroquois soldiers discharged. He argued that Native Americans should not be forced into military service without their tribe's permission, as this went against old treaties.

Samuel George as a Healer

For much of his life, Samuel George was a traditional medicine man. In 1869, he was even appointed as a "government physician" for the Onondaga people. This meant he was officially allowed to practice medicine. Government officials said that George could treat Native Americans just as well as white doctors. They believed that people got better under his care.

Death

Samuel George remained chief of the Onondaga people until he passed away on September 24, 1873. He never became a Christian and was buried according to traditional Iroquois customs. However, Episcopal (Christian) leaders still gave a sermon at his funeral.