Podcast Summary: Stuff You Missed in History Class Episode: Ely S. Parker and the Tonawanda Seneca, Part 1
Release Date: December 9, 2024
Hosts: Tracy V. Wilson and Holly Frey
Publisher: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, hosts Tracy V. Wilson and Holly Frey delve into the life and legacy of Ely S. Parker, a pivotal yet often overlooked figure in American history. Parker, a Seneca and the first Indigenous person to serve as Commissioner of Indian Affairs, played a crucial role in President Ulysses S. Grant's peace policy. This episode, part one of a two-part series, explores Parker's early life, his contributions to the Tonawanda Seneca's struggles, and his interactions with influential figures of his time.

Early Life and Heritage

Ely Samuel Parker was born around 1828 on the Tonawanda Reservation in New York. He hailed from a prominent Seneca family; his father, William (Jono Icedoa), was a war chief and the first Seneca to enlist in the U.S. Army during the War of 1812. His mother, Elizabeth Johnson Parker, was a clan mother, a title signifying her role in overseeing her clan's welfare and traditions.

Notable Quote:

"Ely Samuel Parker was born sometime in 1828 as his parents were returning to the Tonawanda Reservation from Buffalo, New York, where they had gone to trade and buy supplies."
— Tracy V. Wilson [04:26]

The Haudenosaunee and Loss of Territory

The Haudenosaunee, also known as the Iroquois Confederacy or the Six Nations, historically spanned a vast region from the Carolinas to Canada. However, by Parker's birth, their territory had been significantly reduced due to warfare and expansive treaties favoring European settlers.

The Seneca Nation, of which Parker was a member, had been particularly impacted. Their alliance with the British during the Revolutionary War led to further territorial losses. Major General John Sullivan's scorched earth campaign in 1777 devastated Seneca lands, and subsequent treaties, such as the Treaty of Big Tree in 1797, further confined them to reservations.

Notable Quote:

"The Seneca are one of the nations that make up the Haudenosaunee, or the People of the Longhouse... By the time the Parker children were born, though, the Haudenosaunee had lost almost all of this territory."
— Tracy V. Wilson [05:16]

Family and Cultural Dichotomy

Parker's family navigated the delicate balance between preserving their Seneca heritage and adapting to the dominant American culture. His mother, Elizabeth, had a significant dream that foretold Ely's role as a peacemaker bridging both worlds.

Notable Quote:

"In Elizabeth's dream... 'a son will be born to you who will be distinguished among his nation as a peacemaker. He will become a white man as well as an Indian... his sun will rise on Indian land and set on white man's land.'"
— Tracy V. Wilson [07:52]

Parker and his siblings were raised with strong Seneca traditions while also receiving education in English schools, fostering a unique bicultural identity.

Education and Early Career

At around 10 years old, Ely Parker faced further upheaval when the Tonawanda Seneca were stripped of their reservation lands through coercive treaties enforced by the Ogden Land Company. Seeking a stronger cultural foundation, Parker was sent to the Six Nations Reserve in Canada, where he worked with the military, caring for and transporting horses.

An incident during this period profoundly impacted Parker's determination. Army officers' jests about his limited English skills spurred him to master the language and pursue higher education.

Notable Quote:

"These jests and sharp thrusts they gave him were of highest importance in determining his character and did much to arouse his ambition."
— Tracy V. Wilson [12:42]

Parker's commitment led him to walk approximately 70 miles back to Buffalo, signifying his resolve to bridge his two worlds.

Legal Battles and Advocacy

Returning to New York, Parker immersed himself in the Seneca's fight against the fraudulent treaties imposed by the Ogden Land Company. His education at Yates Academy and later at Cayuga Academy equipped him with the skills necessary for legal advocacy. Despite facing significant racism and obstacles—such as being denied the opportunity to become a lawyer due to his Indigenous status—Parker persisted in his efforts to secure justice for his people.

Notable Quote:

"Once or twice I have been severely abused, but I returned blow for blow with savage ferocity."
— Ely Parker [24:32]

Parker's legal maneuvers included leading delegations to Washington, D.C., and collaborating with influential ethnographers to build a case against the invalid treaties.

Collaboration with Ethnographers

Ely Parker's collaboration with Louis Henry Morgan was a significant aspect of his career. Morgan, fascinated by the Haudenosaunee culture, sought Parker's expertise, leading to a deep professional relationship. Parker provided Morgan with extensive cultural insights, clothing, and artifacts, contributing to Morgan's seminal work, League of the Ho-dé-no-sau-nee.

However, their relationship was complex. While Morgan viewed cultures as interconnected, Parker recognized fundamental differences between Haudenosaunee and European-American cultures. This divergence highlighted Parker's nuanced understanding of cultural preservation versus assimilation.

Notable Quote:

"Parker was an actively willing participant in Morgan's anthropological research... it was possible based on all this, that Parker was thinking about writing a book himself. Someday."
— Tracy V. Wilson [22:57]

Treaty of Buffalo Creek and Its Aftermath

In 1857, after years of legal battles, the Treaty of Buffalo Creek was signed by the Tonawanda Seneca, restoring some of their lands and allowing them to buy back portions of their reservation. This treaty created two federally recognized Seneca tribes in western New York: the Tonawanda Seneca and the Seneca Nation. However, the Seneca Cayuga Nation in Oklahoma also emerged, reflecting the fragmented struggles of the Haudenosaunee people.

The treaty, while a partial victory, left many Seneca feeling betrayed, as land companies like Ogden and Fellows faced minimal repercussions for their actions.

Notable Quote:

"The Tonawanda Seneca spent more than $5,000... on this two-decade fight to get their reservation land back."
— Ely Parker [40:19]

Ely Parker's Legacy and Future Endeavors

Following the treaty, Parker's focus shifted as he took on roles beyond advocacy, including overseeing the construction of a federal customs house in Galena, Illinois. His connection with Ulysses S. Grant would later influence his appointment in Grant's administration, setting the stage for further contributions to Indigenous affairs.

Notable Quote:

"He felt conflicted when visiting the reservation because he loved his family. But he also wanted to be back in Illinois with his friends."
— Tracy V. Wilson [40:46]

Parker's journey from a Seneca youth to a key political figure exemplifies the intricate interplay between Indigenous identity and American politics during a tumultuous period in United States history.

Conclusion

Part one of the Ely S. Parker and the Tonawanda Seneca series provides a comprehensive look into the early life and relentless advocacy of Ely S. Parker. His efforts to reclaim Seneca lands, navigate a bicultural existence, and influence U.S. Indian policies underscore his significance in American history. The episode sets the stage for continued exploration of Parker's impact and his role in shaping the future of Indigenous relations in the United States.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where hosts Tracy V. Wilson and Holly Frey will delve deeper into Parker's later career, his interactions with Ulysses S. Grant, and his enduring legacy.

Notable Quotes Recap

• Tracy V. Wilson [04:26]:
  "Ely Samuel Parker was born sometime in 1828 as his parents were returning to the Tonawanda Reservation from Buffalo, New York, where they had gone to trade and buy supplies."

• Tracy V. Wilson [05:16]:
  "The Seneca are one of the nations that make up the Haudenosaunee, or the People of the Longhouse... By the time the Parker children were born, though, the Haudenosaunee had lost almost all of this territory."

• Tracy V. Wilson [07:52]:
  "In Elizabeth's dream... 'a son will be born to you who will be distinguished among his nation as a peacemaker. He will become a white man as well as an Indian... his sun will rise on Indian land and set on white man's land.'"

• Ely Parker [24:32]:
  "Once or twice I have been severely abused, but I returned blow for blow with savage ferocity."

• Tracy V. Wilson [22:57]:
  "Parker was an actively willing participant in Morgan's anthropological research... it was possible based on all this, that Parker was thinking about writing a book himself. Someday."

• Ely Parker [40:19]:
  "The Tonawanda Seneca spent more than $5,000... on this two-decade fight to get their reservation land back."

• Tracy V. Wilson [40:46]:
  "He felt conflicted when visiting the reservation because he loved his family. But he also wanted to be back in Illinois with his friends."

This episode enriches listeners' understanding of Ely S. Parker's multifaceted role as a leader, advocate, and bridge between cultures. By highlighting his resilience and strategic efforts, the podcast underscores the enduring challenges faced by the Tonawanda Seneca and the broader Indigenous communities in their quest for sovereignty and recognition.