Seneca Chief. Born Sagoyewatha in Geneva, New York, he became Chief of the Seneca Wolf clan. During the American Revolution, he allied with the British, and was dubbed Red Jacket for wearing a British red coat. After the hostilities, as the British ceded their territories to the Americans, Red Jacket was a critical mediator in relations between the new US Government and the Seneca tribe. He led a tribal delegation which met with President George Washington in 1792, for his good will received a Silver Peace Medal. In 1805, a Boston missionary society requested Red Jacket's permission to proselytize among the Iroquois settlements in northern New York State. He stood in defense of his native religion and became an outspoken opponent of Christianity, and an advocate for preserving traditional Seneca beliefs. During the War of 1812, the Seneca went to war allied with the United States, and Red Jacket fought bravely in several battles during this conflict. Over a decade later, Christianity was gaining many adherents among the Seneca, and Red Jacket went to Washington in 1827 to voice his concerns to the Secretary of War and the head of the Indian Bureau. He was advised to return home and show a more open attitude toward his tribe's religious choices. Ironically, after his death in his tribal village near Buffalo, New York, his wife had a Christian funeral service for him, something he would never have approved.
Seneca Chief. Born Sagoyewatha in Geneva, New York, he became Chief of the Seneca Wolf clan. During the American Revolution, he allied with the British, and was dubbed Red Jacket for wearing a British red coat. After the hostilities, as the British ceded their territories to the Americans, Red Jacket was a critical mediator in relations between the new US Government and the Seneca tribe. He led a tribal delegation which met with President George Washington in 1792, for his good will received a Silver Peace Medal. In 1805, a Boston missionary society requested Red Jacket's permission to proselytize among the Iroquois settlements in northern New York State. He stood in defense of his native religion and became an outspoken opponent of Christianity, and an advocate for preserving traditional Seneca beliefs. During the War of 1812, the Seneca went to war allied with the United States, and Red Jacket fought bravely in several battles during this conflict. Over a decade later, Christianity was gaining many adherents among the Seneca, and Red Jacket went to Washington in 1827 to voice his concerns to the Secretary of War and the head of the Indian Bureau. He was advised to return home and show a more open attitude toward his tribe's religious choices. Ironically, after his death in his tribal village near Buffalo, New York, his wife had a Christian funeral service for him, something he would never have approved.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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