Daniel Ninham
Daniel Ninham was a prominent leader of a Mahican band situated in Westenhuck, New York, during a tumultuous period in North American history. He initially allied with Sir William Johnson and the British in opposition to the French in the conflict known as the French and Indian War, participating in key events such as the Battle of Lake George in 1755. As colonial tensions escalated, Ninham sought to address grievances related to land dispossession by traveling to England with other Native leaders, aiming to reclaim lands they believed were taken unlawfully. However, the onset of the American Revolution disrupted these efforts, preventing their legal claims from being adjudicated. Ninham ultimately sided with the American Patriots in the Revolutionary War, demonstrating a commitment to the cause of independence. His involvement in the conflict ended tragically when he was killed at Kingsbridge, New York, on August 31, 1778. Ninham's legacy reflects the complex interplay of Native American leadership, colonial politics, and the struggle for land and rights during a pivotal era in American history.
Daniel Ninham
- Born: c. 1710
- Birthplace: Unknown
- Died: August 31, 1778
- Place of death: Kingsbridge, New York
Category: Tribal chief
Tribal affiliation: Mahican
Significance: Daniel Ninham sought the return of lands belonging to the Mahicans and fought on the colonial side during the American Revolution
Daniel Ninham was a leader of a Mahican band in Westenhuck, New York, who allied with Sir William Johnson and the British against the French in the last of several colonial wars in North America (1754-1763). He took part in the Battle of Lake George, September 8, 1755.
As the war with France neared its conclusion, Ninham traveled to England with other native leaders, principally Connecticut Mohegans, to seek return of lands they contended had been illegally taken by British colonists. The American Revolution intervened, and the legal actions filed by Ninham and others never were heard in court. Ninham joined the American Patriots during the American Revolutionary War and was killed fighting on their behalf at Kingsbridge, New York, August 31, 1778.