Doctor Cayuga

Courtesy of Fold3.com

Today's post is dedicated to Kevin Faatz who attended one of my classes and expressed interest in Indian soldiers.  It is a topic that I have not collected data on to date, so I know Kevin will read this post with interest.

I'd like to share a little information on an Indian by the name of Doctor Cayuga of the Cayuga Tribe of the Six Nations.  Dr. Cayuga reported that he was 14 years old when he was living at the Indian reservation at Buffalo and placed into Capt. Littlebeard's Company of New York Militia.  His application for pension benefits in  1871 indicates he was born about 1791, so his exact age is not known.

He saw service at Black Rock and present when Buffalo was burned.  His unit crossed over Niagara River to the Canadian side opposite Black Rock where he did picket patrol and skirmishes.  He was in the battles of Chippewa and Lundy's Lane.  He served with Chief Black Squirrel who was of the Seneca Tribe and reported to be loyal to the American cause.  Some pages of the pension application suggest he saw service under Capt. Pollard.

While he was awarded 160 acres of bounty land (112,273) under the Act of 1855 for his service, he was denied a pension because he was not a Citizen of the United States and as such would not be able to "pledge an Oath of Allegiance" as required in the Pension Act.

His residence in 1871 was listed as Alabama, Genesee County, NY and had since moved to the Seneca Tribe, so perhaps he was living at the Tonawanda Creek Reservation located in that township as he is reported as living with the Senecas.

There is also an equipment claim for him:

No.: 10,087

NAME OF WARRIOR.: Doctor Cayuga,

CLAIMANT.: George Skye, Administrator

Here is some additional resources from the American State Papers about the Northwestern Indian Tribes which mentions Chief Littlebeard.

Another resource for those interested in learning more about the Indian land struggles resulting from the 1812 War.

Port Byron War of 1812 Soldiers

Finding soldiers who have served in the War of 1812 can be difficult.  Often their service was of short duration and few have any marking at their grave to tell visitors of their service.

I am pleased to share my latest research project to document our soldiers.  Many on this list may have been overlooked for public recognition as the majority of these men do not appear on any official list for soldiers from Port Byron and Mentz.

The list contains surnames that are still here today, while other soldiers moved elsewhere and their burial locations are not known.  The 1812 Equipment Claim offers a window for the names of our men who served between 1812-1815.

Our 1812 Soldiers

Port Byron Patriotism

Patriotism was abound today at Port Byron School as part of the Wreaths Across America program.  The students did a wonderful job under the direction of Dr. Linda Townsend.

Pictured above is a mural located in the common area of the Dana L. West Jr./Sr. High School.  Principal Bissetta granted permission to share this photo on my history blog for those living out of the area.  This image captures the heart of our PB Panthers as they honor our soldiers, especially those that have made the ultimate sacrifice in giving their life to our Country.  It reads:

Honorably following tradition bravely

fighting for our land's protection.

Your selfless sacrifice tears at our hearts,

We Forevermore will bear these deep scars.

We mark your fall untimely 

Gone, you've kept us free.

Panthers you will forever be.

                          

                                             M. Brewster  Class of '84

Above mural was painted by Chelsea Crawford-Class of 2010

Port Byron Wreaths Across America 2012 by DRoe

Port Byron was the only high school in New York State to participate in the Wreaths Across America program this year.  As historian, it was my pleasure to speak about our African American soldiers of the Civil War and their contributions to the Lockwood Post GAR #175 of Port Byron.  As a member of the Mrs. Benjamin Harrison Tent #2 DUVCW, it was an honor to add to the patriotic instruction of the day.

Owasco Chapter DAR sponsored a wreath which was placed at the Lockwood Post GAR monument at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.  The monument is surrounded by soldiers of the civil war, including the grave of John Thomas of the USCT who is laid to eternal rest next to his fellow comrades without prejudice.  I would like to thank my fellow DAR sisters for their participation.  

A fabulous color guard lined the entire length of the auditorium, many coming from the Rochester area.  The program reminded us that freedom is not free.  On behalf of the Port Byron community, we thank all of our service men and woman who serve to preserve our freedoms.