Joseph Brant Biography

In 1742, on the banks of the Ohio River, Joseph Brant was born and given the Native American name Thayendanega, meaning "he who places two bets" (www.indigenouspeople.net/brant). He was named after his paternal grandfather (Eckert, 4, 1978); his parents converted to Christianity while living in the Mohawk River Valley, this led to the child being named Joseph as well (Eckert, 4, 1978). This was the couple's second child, they already had a daughter named Degondawanti whom they christened Mary; the same would be done for Joseph (Eckert, 4, 1978). After his father passed away in 1753 Joseph's mother moved he and his sister to Canajoharie, New York on the Mohawk River. This is where their mother met and married a Mohawk Chief named Nichus Brant (www.josephbrant.com).

Joseph Brant attended school at Moore's Charity School for Indians in Lebanon, Connecticut in 1761 (Eckert, 9, 1978). He was selected for this brand new school when his sister Molly (also called Mary) married Sir William Johnson, a well-educated and wealthy English diplomat who was well versed in Native American culture. Johnson was the Superintendent of Indian Affairs for North America's Northern District; the founders of the Charity School would seek recommendations from him for good candidates for their school (Eckert, 9, 1978). His education would prove to be invaluable over his life span; without it his ability to understand different cultures especially would have hindered him in his future endeavors. Johnson would prove to be one of Brant's biggest allies and supporters throughout his lifetime, this also would give him access to the resources of the British, which Brant may otherwise not have, to aid his cause against

the Colonials (www.earlyamerica.com/Review/1998/brant.html). During his time at school Joseph began following some of the ideals of the Anglican Church as well as learning the English language, studying Western Civilization and literature (www.britannica.com). He worked one-on-one...