Indian Joe | |
|---|---|
| Born | around 1739 |
| Died | 1819 (aged 79–80) |
| Occupation | Guide |
| Known for | "the friendly Indian Guide" |
Born Susap, Indian Joe (Captain Joe, Old Joe) was an Abenaki scout who served in the Caughnawaga / Abenaki company commanded by Captain John Vincent.
Born near Louisbourg, Nova Scotia on Cape Breton Island, of Mi'kmaq or Abenaki origin, Susap was adopted by the Abenaki when his family was killed during the first British siege of Louisbourg,1745, and taken to St. Francis (Odanak). He is said to have been aged 6. Fourteen years later, he was injured in the Rogers' Rangers raid on the village. 1759. [citation] He eventually moved to the area of Cowass (today's Newbury, Vermont).
He was married to Molly, an Abenaki woman, who had two sons. They moved south, crossing into Vermont, stopping at several places; Derby, Cabot, Morristown, and settling in Newbury on the Connecticut River across from Haverhill, New Hampshire.
Joseph (Abenaki pronunciation Susap) was a common name among Native Wabanaki men, making them difficult to sort in records. The same can be said for Molly (Mary) and shows the influence of the Church at the time of their baptism and naming. The earliest primary document which is commonly attributed to Joe is the "Muster Roll of Captain John Vincent's Company of Indian Rangers in the Service of the United States of America," 1871. This document lists the names of 13 enlistees from the St. Francis tribe who served for one year under John Vincent. Of the 13, eight were named Joseph or Susap, what makes historians certain one is Indian Joe is the location of the company, Newport, and knowing Joe served in the regiment and was from Newport.
Captain Vincent was a notable man and well educated. He was born into the Caughnawaga Mohawk tribe, and is said to have had Abenaki parents.
[To Do: review Rev War information and citation] [finish story in Vermont Digger, add as a reference][need new link to Brown citation]
He served as a scout under Colonel Jacob Bayley (1726-1815).
During the American Revolutionary War, Joe again served under Jacob Bayley and later under Moses Hazen. After the war, he and Molly lived in Danville, Vermont and on an island on what is now called Joe's Pond in Danville. He received an annual pension and had guardians to take care of him. These were John McDonald of Hyde Park, Timothy Hinman of Derby, and Frye Bayley of Newbury. Joe died on February 19, 1819, after he fell and was injured by the severe cold. His burial was paid for by Frye Bayley, and he was given a military style funeral.
Several places are named after Joe and Molly:
Other tributes: