by Nancy Mehegan
Do you have secret hobbies? Ones that are a little odd? I have a few.
I am fascinated by Indian Captivity stories.
During the settling of the wilderness many people were taken as "captives" of native american tribes --the number is larger than many people realize. I furtively seek out their narratives & journals online. Why am I interested? I don't know. I can't figure it out. Is it the bravery of the captives? The tales of exotic cultures? The tales of mysterious powers of "Medicine Men"? I don't know, but they fascinate me. Here are some of their stories:
John Tanner (The Falcon)
Son of a preacher, John Tanner was taken at the age of 9 years old from Kentucky by Shawnee Indians, who removed him north near the Great Lakes.
Although first mistreated, he later was adopted by an old Indian woman, Net-now-wa who he loved dearly. The Indians names him "The Falcon". He became a very renowned hunter. At age 25 made the long trek back to Kentucky. He was often mistaken as an "ndian" -- by his dress, and demeanor, plus he could not speak English. He found his family, neighbors gathered round to see "the lost son" and many tears were shed.
John could no longer fit in with the "white" culture. At night he would leave his sister's house and sleep out under a tree in the yard, so accustomed to the outdoors. He returned to the north country to reunite with his Indian children. Read narrative online:
Mary Jemison (The White Indian)
Painting of Mary: Franki Brotzler
Taken as a young girl from Pennsylvania by the Seneca tribe. Her birth family was killed by the native americans. Yet eventually Mary grew to love her new Indian family and completely assimilated. Read narrative online:
Descendant Peter Jemison:
Mary had 2 husbands and 5 children. Mary travelled many miles through unexplored wilderness with her Indian family. She was a very brave girl.
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