Hendrick Theyanoguin

Hendrick Theyanoguin (March 28, 1692 – September 8, 1755) was a prominent Mohawk royaner, member of the Bear Clan, and speaker for the Mohawk Council. He was a key figure in the French and Indian Wars, forming a close relationship with Sir William Johnson, helping defend the Anglo-Haudenosaunee (Six Nations) alliance before his death at the Battle of Lake George.

Until the late 20th century, Theyanoguin's biography was mistakenly conflated with an earlier Mohawk royaner of the Wolf Clan, Hendrick Tejonihokarawa, as both were known as 'Hendrick Peters' across English sources.

Early life

Hendrick Theyanoguin (alternatively spelled Theyanooguin, Thoyanogyen, or Tiyanoga) was born March 28, 1692 in Westfield, Massachusetts, to a Mohawk noblewoman and a Mohawk royaner ("sachem"). The Mohawks matrilineal system of kingship meant he was born into his mother's Bear Clan. In childhood, Theyanoguin was known as "Long Bow," before becoming known as 'Hendrick,' possibly upon his conversion to Christianity, the English referring to him as 'Hendrick' or 'Henry Peters.' Although it is unclear when Theyanoguin was baptised, on the 3rd of February 1745, Moravian missionary David Zeisberger noted he was baptised. The French would later refer to him as 'Tête Blanche' for his white hair. In 1710, Theyanoguin inherited his royaner title 'Saquainquaragton.'

During King George's War (1744-48), Theyanoguin became a prominent figure in the emerging Anglo-Haudenosaunee fur-trading community Canajoharie 'Upper Village,' on the South Bank of the Mohawk River. It is here that Theyanoguin met merchant and landowner Sir William Johnson, and began to exchange gifts with him, establishing a close relationship as a Mohawk spokesperson that would be influential upon Johnson's appointment as Indian Agent in 1746.

Hendrick's name appears more than any other indigenous American in Johnson's accounts, evidence that he received a pair of boots, a laced coat, medicine, money, and numerous 'private presents,' including entertainments for his warriors and relatives.