Tuhbenahneequay facts for kids

Tuhbenahneequay (1780–1873) was an important Mississauga woman. She lived in the area now known as Burlington Heights in Upper Canada, which is part of Ontario today. Tuhbenahneequay was the daughter of Chief Wahbanosay. Her life story shows how Indigenous traditions and European customs sometimes met and changed during her time.

Early Life and Family

Tuhbenahneequay was born in 1780. Her parents were Chief Wahbanosay and Puhgashkish. She grew up in the Mississauga community, learning their ways and traditions.

Marriage and Children

In the 1790s, Tuhbenahneequay married Augustus Jones in a traditional Mississauga ceremony. Their first child, a son named Thayendanegea, was born in 1798.

Later that same year, Augustus Jones married another woman, Sarah Tekarihogen, in a Christian ceremony. In the Mississauga culture, it was common for men to have more than one wife. Augustus Jones lived with Sarah at his farm and also with Tuhbenahneequay when he was working as a surveyor.

Tuhbenahneequay had another son with Augustus Jones, born in 1802. This son was Kahkewaquonaby, who later became famous as the missionary Peter Jones.

Changes in Relationships

In 1801, Tuhbenahneequay was given the Christian name Sarah Henry by an American Methodist preacher. She was the first Mississauga woman to be baptized as a Methodist. However, even after her baptism, she chose not to become a Christian at that time.

In 1802, Augustus Jones ended his relationship with Tuhbenahneequay. He wanted to be respected by his white Christian neighbors, and Tuhbenahneequay did not want to change her beliefs. Both of their children stayed with Tuhbenahneequay.

Later Life and Faith

After her relationship with Augustus Jones ended, Tuhbenahneequay married Chief Mesquacosy. Together, they had eight children. Two of their notable children were Maungwudaus, born in 1811, and Wahbunoo, born in 1817.

Conversion to Methodism

Tuhbenahneequay's son, Kahkewaquonaby (Peter Jones), became a Methodist in 1823. Soon after, Tuhbenahneequay also decided to convert to Methodism. In 1824, she moved to Davis' Hamlet, where her son was living. Around 1826, she followed him to the Credit Mission, a place important for the Mississauga people.

Legacy

Tuhbenahneequay is remembered for her strength and her connection to her culture. To honor her, one hundred fifty trees at the Toronto Carrying-Place Trail were named the Tuhbenahneequay Ancient Grove. This grove helps keep her memory alive for future generations.