Mary Jemison

Bio

(1743-1833) Born on a ship en route to America, Mary Jemison (sometimes spelled Jamison) lived with the Seneca for more than 60 years. In her early teenage years she was captured in Pennsylvania by Shawnee and French fighters and sold to Seneca Indians. She was adopted by the Seneca, married twice, had children, and lived most of her life in the Genesee area. Her decision to stay and live life as a Seneca woman drew much attention to her story. In her 80s she told her life story to James Seaver who went on to have The Life and Times of Mary Jamison published. The story has been re-printed dozens of times and was considered a valid telling of day-to-day life and crucial moments within Seneca culture.