Mary Jemison
Mary Jemison, born around 1743 during her family's journey from Europe to the United States, became a significant historical figure following her capture during the French and Indian War in 1758. After her family was killed, Jemison was sold to the Seneca tribe, where she was adopted and eventually married. Despite the hardships she faced, including the loss of her first husband during a relocation attempt to New York, Jemison thrived in her new community, marrying again and raising six children. Throughout her life, she maintained the customs of the Seneca people while also engaging with American society; she was naturalized as an American citizen in 1817. In 1823, Jemison shared her life story through an interview with writer James Seaver, leading to the publication of "A Narrative of the Life of Mrs. Mary Jemison," which provides insight into her experiences and the broader context of Native American life during her time. Jemison passed away in 1833 on a reservation near Buffalo, New York. Her life story reflects the complexities of identity and adaptation in a time of conflict and change.
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Subject Terms
Mary Jemison
- Born: c. 1743
- Birthplace: Atlantic Ocean
- Died: September 19, 1833
- Place of death: Near Buffalo Creek, New York
Biography
Mary Jemison was born while her family was traveling on a boat from Europe to the United States around 1743. The Jemison family reached the United States and landed in Philadelphia, eventually settling on the frontier of western Pennsylvania. The family was captured by Shawnee Indians and French soldiers during the French and Indian War in 1758. Jemison’s parents and siblings were killed in captivity, and Jemison, the only survivor, was later sold to the Seneca Indians, who took her to Ohio.
Jemison was adopted into the Seneca tribe and eventually married one of the tribe members. The couple and their son planned to relocate in Seneca territory in New York state, but her husband did not survive the trip. Jemison made it to New York, where she married again and gave birth to six children with her second husband. The family’s village was destroyed during the Revolutionary War, forcing the family to move to Gardeau Flats in New York. Here Jemison prospered and by 1797 owned a large amount of land. In 1817, she was naturalized as an American citizen while still living the life of a Seneca Indian, following tribal culture and customs.
Jemison’s literary contribution came in 1823, when the writer James Seaver interviewed her. A year later A Narrative of the Life of Mrs. Mary Jemison was published, in which Jemison told the story of her life. In 1831, Jemison sold her land and moved to a reservation near Buffalo, New York. It was there that she died in 1833.