Simeon Gibson facts for kids

Simeon Gibson (born August 1, 1887 – disappeared December 10, 1943) was an important member of the Cayuga tribe. He belonged to the Onondaga Longhouse on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Canada. Simeon worked closely with many researchers who studied the Iroquois people. He helped them understand and record the history and traditions of his community, especially the famous Daganawi:dah legend.

Early Life and Languages

Simeon Gibson was born on August 1, 1887, on the Six Nations Reserve. His father was Chief John Arthur Gibson, a leader of the Seneca tribe. His mother was Mary Skye Gibson. Simeon was a warrior of the Cayuga tribe.

Simeon's family was very good at speaking different languages. He spoke Cayuga with his mother and uncle. His father spoke Onondaga, and Simeon spoke it with him. He also learned Seneca from his grandmother. When he went to school, he learned Mohawk, Tuscarora, and some English from other children. This made him fluent in many languages!

Simeon's father, Chief John Gibson, was a respected leader. He taught about the Handsome Lake doctrine, which is a spiritual path for the Iroquois people. Simeon often traveled with his father as he shared these teachings.

Military Service

When he was 25 years old, Simeon Gibson joined the army during World War I. He enlisted on March 24, 1916. He served overseas for 16 months as a machine gunner. He fought in major battles like Passchendaele and Vimy Ridge.

During the war, Simeon was exposed to gas. This caused him to have asthma and made it hard for him to sing or speak loudly. Even with this challenge, he continued his important work. He helped interpret texts about Iroquois laws, traditions, and medicines.

Working with Researchers

Simeon Gibson spent almost his whole life working with ethnologists and linguists. These are people who study different cultures and languages. Many researchers visited the Six Nations Reserve to learn about the Iroquois. Simeon worked with famous ones like J.N.B. Hewitt and William Fenton.

He helped them understand the Iroquois language and culture. For example, when he was only eight years old, Simeon guided his blind father to meet J.N.B. Hewitt. His father then told the Daganawi:dah legend, which is a very important story about the founding of the Iroquois Confederacy. Simeon helped translate and explain these stories.

Simeon also helped collect items for museums. He traveled with researchers to find traditional Iroquois objects like tools, clothing, and masks. These items helped museums teach others about Iroquois history.

Later, Simeon became one of the main interpreters for William Fenton, another important researcher. Simeon helped Fenton understand Iroquois ceremonies and songs. He also helped translate his father's version of the Daganawi:dah legend into English.

Simeon even hoped to make a documentary film about the condolence ceremony. This ceremony is where the Daganawi:dah story is performed to install new chiefs. Sadly, this film was never made.

During one project, Simeon would tell William Fenton children's folktales at the end of each day. Fenton would then write these stories in letters to his own children. These tales were later published, showing Simeon's love for storytelling.

Later Life and Legacy

Simeon Gibson went missing on December 10, 1943. He was crossing the Grand River to buy groceries when a storm hit. His boat was found a few days later, and it is believed he drowned. He was 54 years old.

After his death, William Fenton praised Simeon's contributions to anthropology. He said that almost every researcher who visited the Six Nations worked with Simeon Gibson. Simeon's hard work helped preserve and share the rich history and culture of the Iroquois people for future generations.

Today, many of Simeon Gibson's notes and letters with researchers are kept in important archives. These documents help us continue to learn about the Iroquois and Simeon's amazing life.