Sayenqueraghta facts for kids

Sayenqueraghta (born around 1707, died 1786) was a very important war chief of the eastern Seneca tribe. The Seneca are a Native American group. His name in the Seneca language meant "Disappearing Smoke." People also called him Old Smoke or the Seneca King. He was a powerful leader during a time of big changes in North America.

What's in a Name?

Sayenqueraghta had a few names! In his own Seneca language, his name was Kaieñãkwaahtoñ, meaning "Disappearing Smoke." But in history books, he's often known by his Mohawk name, Sayenqueraghta. People also called him "Old Smoke" or "the Seneca King." Some say he was called Old Smoke because he held a special role as the "smoke-bearer" for his people.

Where Did He Live?

Sayenqueraghta was born in what is now western New York. His father, Cayenquaraghta, was also a well-known Seneca chief. Sayenqueraghta lived most of his life in a village called Ganundasaga. This village was close to where the town of Geneva, New York is today. He became a war chief in 1751. Before the American Revolution, he was seen as the main chief of the Senecas.

Fighting in Early Wars

Sayenqueraghta was a skilled warrior and leader. He fought alongside the British against the French during the French and Indian War. He was even present at the Battle of Fort Niagara.

Later, during Pontiac's War, Sayenqueraghta led the Seneca warriors. They defeated a British force at the Battle of Devil's Hole. In 1764, the Seneca made peace with the British government at Fort Niagara. Sayenqueraghta "buried the Axe" with Britain, which meant they made peace.

In 1765, he welcomed Samuel Kirkland, a representative of Sir William Johnson. Sayenqueraghta even adopted Kirkland into his family to protect him. That same year, he went on an expedition with Handsome Lake and about one hundred other Seneca warriors. They traveled to fight against the Cherokee and Choctaw tribes.

The American Revolution

Trying to Stay Neutral

When the Revolutionary War first started, Sayenqueraghta tried to keep the Iroquois people neutral. He did not want them to pick a side. In June 1777, he even tried to get Seneca warriors back who had joined a British officer named Butler at Fort Niagara.

Joining the British Side

However, in July 1777, the Seneca decided to join the war on the British side. Sayenqueraghta and Cornplanter were chosen as the war chiefs for the entire Iroquois confederacy.

Sayenqueraghta helped plan the surprise attack at the Battle of Oriskany. Sadly, his son was killed in this battle. He was also the main Native American leader at the Battle of Wyoming.

Village Destroyed and Relocation

His village of Ganundasaga was destroyed during the Sullivan Campaign. It was never rebuilt. Sometime before 1781, Sayenqueraghta and his family moved to Buffalo Creek, near Fort Niagara. From 1779, he started receiving money from the British government each year. He also fought in the Battle of Johnstown and other battles. In 1781, he led a group of warriors towards Fort Pitt.

General Frederick Haldimand described Sayenqueraghta as "by many degrees the most leading and the man of most consequence and influence in the Six Nations." Sayenqueraghta died in 1786 in Smoke Creek, Lackawanna, New York.

Legacy

• Smoke Creek, New York, is named after him.