Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-07-13
Talfs aud Skftfhes.
GAIA Nes.Ha.Ok.
ADOPTED INTO THE SENECA TMBE.-A
WHITE LADY BECOMES RED JACKETS
GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER.

GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER.
A novel and picturesque pagan cere.
monial took place on the Seneca reserva-
ton in Central New York last week. 1t
was the adoption OF pale faced woman
| from the city of New York into the Seneca
tribe. with all the accessories of ancient
Indian rites. 1t was probably the last oc-
casion when this curious revival of barbar-
ons customs will be witnessed among
these peaceful sons and daughters of the
forest. The old ''people," as they are
termed here. are rapidly passing away.
and with the progress of civilization mary
of tine old customs have been abolished
and are forgotten by the younger of the
present generation The lady who was
the object of this remarkable attention
was Mrs. Harriet Maxwell Converse. She
is daughter OF the late ex-Congressman
| Thomas Maxwell, OF Elmira, who was
himself adopted by the Senecas in 1902.
and was an intimate friend of Red Jacket
The adoption of Mrs. Converse was Of
| fered bv Sachem Tho-na-so-wah, other
wise William Jones. who is the Indian
descendant of Horatio Jones, celebrated
in American history as one of the first
| white prisoners taken by the Indians dur
ing the Revolutionary war, and who was
an interpreter for the government. She
was rendered the name of Ga-ya-nes-ha-
oh, which was the name of the stepdaugh-
ter OF Red Jacket. 1t signifies 1.-The bear
| er OF the law
When the Senecas adopted the republi-
can form of government, many of the old
customs pertaining to the once powerful
league of the Iroquos were abolished,
and among them the adoption or naming
ceremony by public rites. 1t was an
nounced as the intention on this occasion
to produce an almost forgotten ceremony.
and the few very old Indians who are still
living on the reservation were summoned,
as was Mrs. Converse from New York, to
receive her name. -Four sachems, eight
chiefs. and about two hundred braves,
were invited to attend. The weather was
lovely, and the cool breeze which bent the
pine tops of the thick grove just sufficient
ly tempered the heat of the suns rays TO
make every one feel comfortable.
At an early hour of the morning young
and old Indian women gathered at the
home of the Sachem Tho-na-so -wah-for
these Indians do not live in tents or cabins.
but in modern built and comfortable farm
houses-and began preparations for the
feast by making bread and boiling corn
and meat in the ancient style. Towards
noon the Indians had gathered in consid-
cradle numbers. Most of them were at
tired in picturesque costumes of the abOr
ignes as they climbed down from farm
wagons or dismounted from horses and
clustered. group after group, in the shade
of lofty trees. Pipes and tobacco were
passed around, and the adoption ceremo-
MES begun.
Logs were arranged beneath cump
OF the Hottest trees, so as to form three
sides of a square. This was the enclosure
of the council fire. Mrs. Convers was
led to seat at the head of the council,
Instead of war paint she wore smiles and
a look of considerable embarrassment.
and instead of wampum belt. beads and
moccasins. fashionable New York street
attire, diamonds. and natty French heels
on modern kid boots. Some Young Indi-
an maidenS. however. had insisted upon
adjoining her head with Indian wild flow
ers and feathers. Chief Moses Law rat
tied tom-tOm, and mounting stump,
| shouted to those entitled to take places by
the fire according to the various clans.
of which there are eight in the Sene-
cas-, Wolf, Bear. Beaver, Turtle,
Deer, Snipe, Huron and Hawk. Three
clans were represented Snipes took their
place at the left. Wolves at the right,
and Turtles at the head. Members OF a
brass band, composed entirely of Indian
musicians, took their seats at the head of
the council, and. after playing several airs
| from modern comic operas. which sounded
= amid bo
roundings, the programme of the day,
announced by Chief Moses Lay in the
Seneca language, was interpreted by old
Chief Nick Parker. Prayer by the Rev
Mr.. Trip. missionary to the reservation.
preceded short address in the Indian
| tongue by Sachem Andrew Snow. a Snipe.
The warrior then led Mrs. Converse to
the centre of the council. In addressing
the intensely interested red faces in her
behalf. he called their attention to the sub
,iect of adoption which had been ordered
by Sachem Jones. and asked of all the
friendship. respect, loyalty, and affection
of the clan (the Snipe) into which she
was entering Then, invoking blessing
with uplifted hands over the smoking EN-
bers, he named her Ga-ya nes- ha-oh, bv
which she would hereafter be known to
tnem all. Sachem OF the WOlf 1.-THE
cousin CLAM took her by the hand and led
her to seat in the council with the Snpe
clan beside her brother, Sachem Jones
This doughty warrior received her with
manifestations of affection, and introduced
her to each individual member of her
clan.
BY this adoption this denizen of the
forest OF Manhattan Island becomes the
granddaughter of Red Jacket She
is considered by her clan substantially
and validity their sister by law. and accept
ing all the rights and honors pertaining to
such relation. After more music by the
aboriginal band of modern accomplish
ments. large iron kettles were brought
forth and cracking wood fires started
under the outspreading branches of some
neighboring apple trees. The kettles
were soon smoking and odorous of boiled
meat and soup. When ready the recep,a-
Giles were placed in the centre of the coun-
Gil The adopted sister was served FIRST.
and then all partook of the feast. Songs
and joyous merrymaking continued the
ceremony until late in the afternoon.
Ruled by a Woman