(1760-1859) A Chief during the Revolutionary War, born in Cattaraugus, and a journal keeper. “Chain-Breaker: The Revolutionary War of Governor Blacksnake”–as told to Benjamin Williams–was the result of Blacksnake narrating stories and essays to Williams, an English speaking Seneca neighbor on the Allegany Reservation. Blacksnake was also called Awl Breaker and Governor Blacksnake. Said by … Continued
(1909-1976) Leader of Seneca Nation, traditional storyteller, journal-keeper. “Seneca Indian Stories.” Member of Heron Clan. As a dedicated journal keeper, he recorded traditional Seneca legends and tales and personal observations. This journal was found after his death and went on to be the published work “Seneca Indian Stories.” While he served as Seneca Chief for … Continued
Writer. He lived in Cattaraugus County. It is said that Edward Cornplanter had lost a written account of “The Code of Handsome Lake” and set to rewrite it from memory into the pages of an old lacrosse ledger. The name Cornplanter may have been taken by his family and he is not thought of as … Continued
(1889-1957) “Iroquois Indian Games and Dances,” A writer, artist, and storyteller, Jesse Cornplanter was born on the Cattaraugus Reservation. He worked with his father, Edward Cornplanter, William Fenton, A.C. Parker and others on various books and publications. He did the picture writings for “Legends of the Longhouse” by A.C Parker. Along with other works he … Continued
(1887-1995) Playwright. George Francis Abbott graduated from Hamburg High School in Hamburg, New York in 1907. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York in 1911.