Winter 2013-14 Fascinating Story About Joseph Brant: Lewiston’s most famous resident of all time Queen Anne’s Gifts to the Lewiston Passionate and adventurous Mohawk leader lived in Lewiston from 1779 to 1785 Mohawks In 1710, Queen Anne of England had History His Lewiston farm was located on the southeast corner of Ridge and Creek Roads gifted the Mohawks a Bible, prayer book and a silver communion service as a token Mysteries the Mohawks, and indeed the entire corner of Ridge and Creek Roads. Behind his (Excerpts om Famed of friendship. These gifts were cherished Mohawk Chief by Ann Confederacy, wanted to remain neutral. They home was a fresh water spring which still exists by the Mohawks. Marie Linnabery, thought Brant was a radical. and is called Brant’s Spring Park. The park is Niagara County History He persevered and ended up recruiting more difficult to access and has been called the Many years later, Brant fought for the Center, Lockport) British side white citizens who were loyal to Britain (called “smallest park in the United States.” Loyalists) than Native Americans. The group Brant was a devout Anglican and even built a during the World Leaders Knew Him American He was a hero to some and a villain to others. became known as Brant’s Volunteers. He led log church near his home on Ridge Road. A bell raids throughout State against the that was given to the Mohawks in the early Revolution, But one thing is for sure -- everyone knew who and he was he was, including and King Americans and used , a British 1700s by Queen Anne of England, was brought stronghold, as his base of operations. That’s to this church. However, the bell has been lost afraid that the George. items would Joseph Brant was probably the Native when Brant moved to Lewiston and bought a to history. farm on Ridge Road in 1779. be confiscated by American troops. So he American of his generation who was the best buried them in a field, safe from “grubby” known to the Americans and British. Even though he was against killing women Moved to After the War and children, and he saved the lives of many He was “completely bowed down with grief” Yankee hands. He was born in Ohio of humble means but After he left Lewiston to settle in prisoners, he earned the nickname “Monster when he found out that Britain had lost the war Joseph Brant (1743-1807) rose to prominence because of a prestigious , Brant led a secret operation to Brant.” This bothered him deeply. He was also with America. But the British were grateful for Brant was a Native American education, abilities and connections to British recover the hidden treasure. He was upset that when natives killed white people it his services and gave the Mohawks 760,000 who was a political and officials, particularly the British Superintendent successful and brought the pieces to a new was called a “massacre” but when whites killed acres of land in Southern Ontario known today military leader during the of Indian Affairs for New York, Sir William church he had built called St. Paul’s, Her natives it “was just part of war.” as the Reserve. He and his fellow . He Johnson. Majesty’s Royal Chapel, located in today’s When the Mohawks were driven away from Mohawks moved there in 1785. sided with the British. After , Ontario. The items are still the Mohawk Valley (Schenectady and Rome, Brant had a colorful and influential the U.S. won the Revolution, Fought for the British Side During there and safely kept. NY area) during the war, they moved to personality and left a respected legacy. He he moved from Lewiston and American Revolution In 1850, the remains of Joseph Brant Lewiston to be near Brant. A Mohawk always put his loyalty to the Iroquois Six settled in Canada to the Six At the outbreak of the American Revolution, were moved from the original burial site in community lined both sides of Ridge Road, Nations above his relationships with Britain or Nations Reserve, just south of Brant went to England and pledged Mohawk Burlington, to a tomb at St. Paul’s Chapel. from today’s Academy Park to Model City Road. the U.S. and continuously struggled to improve Brantford, Ontario which was support. However, when he returned, many of The remains of Brant's son, John Brant, Brant’s 50 acre farm was on the Southeast the lives of the people of the First Nations. named after him. also rest in the tomb.

Welcome to Tuscarora Heroes Book Brant’s Lewiston Farm in the 1780s Here is a map of where Brant’s farm was in Choose to bank Historic Lewiston, NY The amazing and true story of how the Tuscaroras saved Lewiston citizens from Lewiston, just where you belong Ranked “Top Ten Best Small the brutal British attack during the War southeast of Towns in America” -- Rand McNally of 1812. The book is now available at today’s Ridge Rd. The Historical Association of Lewiston hopes you enjoy DiCamillo Bakery and the Lewiston (Rt. 104) and Regular banks pay dividends to their shareholders. Museum for $10. your visit to our historic and quaint village. Mark your Creek Rd. (Rt. 18) Credit Unions pay dividends to YOU as a member! calendar for our next spectacular Lewiston Tour of Homes intersection. (At 716-284-4110 on Dec. 6 & 7, 2014. Tuscarora Heroes Coin the time, 3619 Packard Road, Niagara Falls Get our free email newsletters by sending an email to: This beautiful new commemorative [email protected]. You can also see and download coin represents the “good luck” the Lewiston was With locations in Lockport, Wheatfield and North Tonawanda our past placemats at our website, HistoricLewiston.org. Tuscaroras brought to Lewiston known as “The www.niagaraschoice.org Historic Lewiston placemats written and designed by citizens. Available at Apple Granny and Landing.”) His Your funds are insured for up to $250,000 volunteer, Lee Simonson. the Lewiston Museum for $10. (All land was worked by the National Credit Union Administration HistoricLewiston.org 716-754-4214 proceeds go to the monument fund.) by Indian and African slaves and he was known as a Serving you since 1953 strict but fair master.