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ANADIAN CHAMPION, MILTON, ONTARIOPAGE THRE1Halton’s Pages of the PastColorful Character in Canadian History, Capt.Joseph Brant Lived Part of His Life in HaltonBY GWEN CLARKEIn the annals of Halton history it would be hard to find a more colorful character than the great Mohawk chief. Captain Joseph Brant—or “Thayendanega.” Of course, nis name has been linked more often with Brantford than with Halton as it was along the banks of the Grand River that the Indians were given huge grants of land which later became the Six Nations Reservation. At Brantford there is also the Mohawk Chapel and a monument to the memory of Captain Joseph Brant. What connection then, had Brant with Wellington Square—the Burlington of today? History gives the answer towards the end of Brant’s dramatic but also tragic life.Joseph Brant was born in the Mohawk Valley of western New York State. During the American Revolution the sympathy of his people was with the British. At the age of 13 Joseph received his baptism of fire while fighting with his people in an engagement at Crown Point, under the command of Colonel William Johnson. From that day forward there was no turning back for the young Indian boy. He pledged his loyalty to the British Crown and kept that pledge to the day of his death.Not RuthlessEarly historians claim that Joseph Brant was ruthless and barbaric. This belief was a result of the terrible carnage which often resulted from battles in which his people were engaged which was largely through lack of discipline. Even the great Chief Thayendanega found it impossible to control the war-lust of his comrades after a triumphant battle. The scalping and slaughter of helpless victims was not the result of Brant’s command, but in spite of his orders to the contrary. Many times he tried to prevent his people from exacting what, to them, were the rightful spoils of battle.Later, the documentary evidence of those who knew him best, as a friend and as a warrior, showed Brant to be a man of gentle character, just, fearful in battle, but merciful to the vanquished. When the great chief visited the Court of George HI those in attendance could hardly believe this well-educated man who carried himself with grace and ease, could be a full-blooded Indian. For Joseph Brant was both a realist and an idealist, and saw nothing incongruous in the fact that he kept his tomahawk on the same shelf as his copy of the New Testament.It is impossible in the space at our disposal to follow in detail the Chief’s varied career. Suffice to say that in between wars and skirmishes his one obsession was to promote the welfare of his people. Partly for 'this reason he applied himself intensely to study, particularly in languages. He joined the Church of England and translated the prayer book and New Testament into the Mohawk language, anxious that his people might know even as he knew, the blessings and I promise of a Christian faith.Grant in Halton Following the signing of the Peace, and in response to Brant’s request to Sir Frederick Haldimand, at that time Governor of Canada, the Indians were given huge tracts of land on either side of the Grand River, equivalent to the land of the Six Nations taken over by British and ceded to the United States.In addition, in 1787, Captain Joseph Brant, for his own personal use. was given a grant of land inSEEJoseph BrantHalton County comprising some 3.450 acres. Here he established a settlement, which he called Wellington Square. And here he built a commodious two-storev house on a commanding site overlooking Bur-Mngton Beach. The house is said to lave been modelled after the huge nansion of Sir William Johnson, vhose third wife was Molly Brant, foseph s sister.The Brant House was built of red •edar brought from the Thousand slands of the St. Lawrence. It was urnished in the style of an elabo-'ate English baronial mansion. A etinue of negro servants looked af-er the comforts of the occupants md the many distinguished guests vho visited at the Brant House.But yet Joseph s domestic life was tnything but tranquil. He was hrice- married. His first wife died eaving him one son, Isaac. There vere no children of the second mar-%iage but by his third wife, Cathe-ine, Joseph had two sons and four laughters.Isaac, the son of his first wife, was nsanely jealous of the second fam-ly. In 1795 Isaac was staying at the 3rant House and in a fit of drunken age. he one day attacked his father, unging at him with his dirk, with ntent to kill. Joseph, in self de-ence, and to disable, rather than larm his son, drew his own dirk md wounded him slightly. Isaac, mowing full well the risk involved y neglect, refused to have the slight flesh wound ' attended to. Mood poisoning set in and he died.Resignation RefusedHis father, filled with grief and jitter shame, attempted to give limself up to the police and to reign his captaincy in the army. But 10 charge was ever laid against him md his resignation as Captain wase fused.But sorrow and a sense of family lisgrace shortened Brant’s days. The great Chief died at Burlington leights, November 24, 1807 at the ige of 64. Indian Chiefs, officers •f high military rank and men imminent in Government affairs tood in sorrow and respect around he open grave of the Warrior Thief. He was buried with full honors at Wellington Square. Here he rested for 43 years. Then a group of Mohawks came to his burial place, disinterred the coffin and car-11 led it on their shoulders, through woods and forests for 30 miles, to the banks of the Grand River. After an impressive public ceremony the coffin was lowered to its new grave beside the Mohawk Chapel. And so. at last, the spirit of Thayendanega rested with those of his own people. Some years later a tombstone, recumbent in design, was placed over the grave and an iron . fence built around it.Young Son DiesFollowing her husband’s death his widow returned to her people, and, as was her privilege, she declared her younger son, John. Chief of the Six Nations. John showed every promise of being a worthy son of his illustrious father. But it was not to be. He died of cholera at the age of 30.When Captain Brant’s estate w; being settled there was every ev dence that he was not nearly ; good a business man as he had bee a warrior and chieftain. Apparen lv he was constantly in debt ar there were records of many tran actions in Nelson Township liste as being sold “to pay debts.” Hei are some of the sales that toe place—with names still familiar : the county today. “To Christir Hill, 50 acres. John Brant, 51 Mrs. Elizabeth Kerr, 210. Jam» Gage. 388 S. John Davis, 240. Ralp Morden, 161%. Old Mr. Kerr, 21 Michael Groat, 1443. John Dawso 106. Thomas Ghent, 205^. Nich. las Kerns, 189. And Peter De jardins, 125.’* Just a list of names-but every definite proof of Brant close connection with the people Halton — who have always bee proud of their association with tl great Mohawk Chief, Captain Jlt; seph Brant.lt;Next feature—Campbellville)Reproduction Rights Reserved By Dills Printing Si Publishing CompanyIn 1640 79 whites and an unknown number of aborigines inhabited are area now known asCanada.IIIIIIIIIIIF IT'SSERVICE !
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Milton Canadian Champion
Milton, Ontario, CA
Thu, Nov 18, 1954
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