Legends, Traditions, and Laws of the Iroquois Part 14

Mr. Elias Johnson, of Lewiston, Tuscarora.

The winter after the meetings above, a communication was received by the Secretary of our society, Dea. Samuel Jacobs, from the Tuscaroras of Grand River, Ontario, wis.h.i.+ng him to forward to them a copy of the const.i.tution of our temperance society, and stating that they wish to form a society based upon the same, which was deferred by Dea. Jacobs until the June following, when Dea. Jacobs, Wm. Patterson, Rev. Thomas Green and Wm. Chew went to Grand River with the const.i.tution. After it was read in their meeting, the Canadian brothers adopted it and formed a society based on the same. It was then proposed and adopted that a convention should be held in the Six Nations council-house, at Grand River, Ontario, in October, 1875. Accordingly the convention duly met and continued three days. Our cornet band was present, with quite a number of the members of our society. The meetings were very pleasant and interesting. The officers were as follows, to-wit:

President--Wm. Chew, of Lewiston

Vice-President--John Hill, of Grand River

Secretary--Josiah Hill, of Grand River

Before the convention closed it was decided that the next convention should be at the Tuscorora Reservation, Lewiston, N. Y., on the 17th day of October, 1876, and the officers appointed were as follows, to-wit:

President--Josiah Hill, of Grand River.

Vice-President--Dea. Samuel Jacobs, of Lewiston, N. Y.

Secretary--Elias Johnson, of Lewiston, N. Y.

Just before the appointed time for the convention to meet, there was a communication received by Mr. John Mt. Pleasant, our head chief, from A.

Sim Logan, of Cattaraugas Reservation, N. Y., being leader of the Seneca national cornet band, asking the privilege of attending the contemplated convention with his band. The letter was read at one of the temperance meetings and was not only acceded to, but they were cordially invited to attend, and on the 17th day of October, 1876, the day appointed for the convention, they were on hand. A. Sims Logan, with his national cornet band, of Cattaraugus, and Levi Jonathan, with his Tuscasora cornet band, of Grand River, and Solomon Cusick, with his temperance cornet band, of Lewiston, N. Y, were present, which comprise the three leading bands of music of any nations of Indians.

The programme was substantially as follows:

The meeting was called to order by the president, Josiah Hill, of Grand River.

A hymn was sung by the a.s.sembly, in the Indian language, words, "Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing my Redeemer's praise;" tune, Dundee.

Prayer by Dea. Samuel Jacobs, of Lewiston, N. Y.

The following were chosen as committees of arrangements to-wit:

Mr. Wm. Chew, of Lewiston, N. Y.

Mr. Win. Printup, of Lewiston, N.Y.

Mr. Joseph Henry, of Grand River, Ont.

Mr. George Beaver, of Grand River, Ont.

Mr. Wm. Nephew, of Cattaraugus, N. Y.

Mr. Wm. Printup made the congratulatory speech of the meeting through an intrepreter, Joseph Henry.

The speakers of the first session were as follows, to-wit:

Mr. Levi Jonathan, of Grand River, Ont., on Temperance.

Dea. Samuel Jacobs, of Lewiston, N.Y., on Moral Reform.

Mr. Joseph Henry, of Grand River, Ont., on Industry.

Mr. A. Sim Logan, of Cattaraugus, N. Y., on Education

The Tuscarora cornet band favored this session with music between the speeches.

Adjourned at 2 o'clock P. M. and convened again at 5 o'clock P.M.

The a.s.sembly was called to order by the president.

The following were the speakers, to-wit.

Mr. Simon Carrier, of Grand River, Ont.

Mr. Josiah Hill, of Grand River, Ont.

Mr. William Anderson, of Grand River, Ont.

Mr. Wm. Chew, of Lewiston, N. Y.

Mr. John Mt. Pleasant, of Lewiston, N. Y.

Mr. Elias Johnson, of Lewiston, N. Y.

Mr. Wm. Nephew, of Cattaraugus, N. Y.

Music was favored the second session by the Seneca national band, of Cattaraugus. N. Y.

Adjourned at 8:30 o'clock P. M. to 10 o'clock A. M. to-morrow, after singing the tune Greenville, words, "Savior, Visit Thy Plantation."

Benediction by Rev Thomas Green.

Oct. 18.--The a.s.sembly was called to order by the Vice-President. Dea.

Samuel Jacobs, of Lewiston, at 10 o'clock A.M. Opened by singing an Indian hymn Prayer by Rev. Thomas Green, of Lewiston, N. Y.

The following were the speakers, to-wit:

Mr. Thomas Williams, of Grand River.

Mr. George Beaver, of Grand River.

Mr. John C. Lay, of Cattaraugus.

Adjourned at 1:30 o'clock P. M. to 4 P. M.

The a.s.sembly was called to order at 4 o'clock P. M. by the President.

The following were the speakers, to-wit:

Mr. John John, of Grand River.