Joseph Brant/Thayendanagea

Joseph Brant by Sarah M. 

Joseph Brant was a courageous American Indian who was determined to fight for
his country.

Brant had a fairly good childhood. He was born in 1742 in Ohio with the name
Thayendanagea, which means "two sticks bound together for strength." Before he was eleven,
his father passed away. After the tragedy, Brant, his mother, and his sister moved to New York.
He attended Moor's Charity School for Indians in Lebanon. His sister, Molly, married Sir
William Johnson who led Brant into the British Army at age fifteen during the Seven Years War.

Brant had a important role in the Revolutionary War because he was a courageous
leader. The Mohawk Tribe joined with the British because their lands were being taken over by
American settlers and the military and they wanted them off their land. The British promised him
that after the war he would be given land in Quebec. He met with many important politicians
and traveled to London to meet with King George III. He attacked colonial outposts in New
York. He also took part in the Cherry Valley Massacre where many American settlers were
killed. Soon, it was clear that the British would lose the war, and Brant no longer took part in
these important actions.

Brant had a peaceful life after the war. He moved to Canada with his tribe and
was rewarded a grant of land for his service in the war as promised. He ruled over The Mohawk
Indian tribe who settled there with him. He raised continued his missionary work and raised
funds for the first Episcopal church in upper Canada.

Brant's courageous actions led him into a successful life where he earned the
respect of the Mohawk Indians. The most important lesson Brant learned was how to be a true
leader. Even though Brant's country lost the battle, he was greatly respected for the role he
played in the war.