Cornplanter: Chief Warrior of the Allegany Senecas

by Thomas S. Abler

The era following the American War of Independence was one of enormous conflict for the Allegany Senecas. There was then no Seneca leader more influential than Chief Warrior Cornplanter. Yet there has been no definitive treatment of his life--until now. Complex and passionate, yet wise, Cornplanter led his people in war and along an often troubled path to peace. This incisive biography traces his rise to prominence as a Seneca military leader during the American Revolution, and his later diplomatic success in negotiations with the Federal government. The book also explores Cornplanter’s dealings with other Native American councils and with his own people. It tells how Senecas faced heavy pressure to sell their lands, and how they concurrently embraced a reformed and revitalized Iroquois religion, as inspired by Cornplanter’s visionary half-brother, Handsome Lake. Thomas S. Abler skillfully weaves together previously discordant strands of the Chief Warrior’s life into a concise, animated and enlightening portrait. Even as Cornplanter examines a critical period in American history, it gives us a multi-dimensional knowledge of politics and diplomacy from the Seneca point of view. Thoroughly researched and clearly written, this is an ideal companion for students and aficionados of the American Revolution and early nationhood, the Iroquois, and New York State history.

Genres: History

238 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2007

Reviews

[Miroslav · Rating 3 out of 5]

napriek tomu, že Cornplenter (1752-1836) z kmeňa Seneca je jednou z najdôležitejších postáv dejín Irokézov a zároveň žil a bojoval v najpohnutejších časoch ich národnej histórie, z knižky som sa veľa nedozvedel, pretože sa skôr zaoberala jeho rodostromom ako politickým dianím.. a práve to som od knihy očakával

[Dorothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative but slow with many citations throughout. Would greatly benefit from maps, of which it has none. I frequently was trying to refer to online maps. 
Interesting parallel history of colonial and early U.S. history.

[Sherry Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of interesting facts. This book seems to be well researched, even showing conflicting data at times.

[Jeff Bobin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up as part of my study of NW PA and it is not only a good read but very informative of the Seneca Nation from the American Revolution till the death of Chief Cornplanter, a Seneca warrior chief.

There is also a lot of information on the treaties and movement of the different tribes during that period.