THE SQUAWS SHAWL
It must Be Just So To Suit Her
Fastidious Taste.
The Indian wears
his blanket on the
hottest of summer days.
His theory is that if
it keeps out the cold
in the winter, it would
keep out the heat in summer,
says Ben M. Myers of Oklahoma City.
While he might not care to buy else
expensive, the price of a suitable
blanket is never in question; but it
would be difficult indeed to deceived
him as to the texture of any robe.
A squaw will imitate almost anything
that pleases her fancy. but in the
matter of her blanket or shawl
she exhibits an unusual amount
of individuality With great care
and patience she designs her blanket,
and when she places the order with the
mill man he does not dare duplicate it
until she has had the opportunity to wear it.
"If she makes the request that it shall
not be duplicated her wishes are regarded,
because it is the one article she possesses
in which exclusiveness it much coveted
and she because what would please on
squaw would not appear at tall attractive
to another. "The lightweight shawl or blanket
is thrown over the head of the squaw, and unless
she is able to purchase a bright colored silk kerchief it will serve
as her only bonnet as well. It is just as common a sight now to see the
papoose securely bound on the back of its mother by a portion of her blanket
as it is used to be to see the wee head of the Indian babe peeping
from the tokas, or frame cradle." Washington Herald.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Nov.27,1910)
THE INDIANS AND THE PIONEERS
A Chapter of Incidents from McMaster's History laws of
Steuben County.
It will not be necessary to speak of the history laws or customs
of, the Six Nations in this vokumn sufficient information for present purposes
is possessed by the popular mind Steuben County
constituted a part of the domain of the Senecas. The Indians with
whom the pioneers had intercourse were from the North, and visited
this region only to hunt. Many hundreds of them came in the
winter from the Genesee, and even from the Niagara, built their lodges
around in the woods, and killed deer for their summer stock of dried
venison, and other wild animals for their peltry. The complement of a hunting
lodge according to circumstances. Sometimes a solitary old savage made
his wigwam apart
from his brethren and hunted, fished and slept in silence; sometimes
the neat lodge of a couple of young comrades might be seen on some little
island of the river, and sometimes the woodsman came, upon a campfire blazing
in the forest by night, where a score or more of bunters, squaws
and children were eating and drinking in a very free and comfortable
manner. The Indian at home was not often found by the pioneers, to
be taciturn and immovable Roman which the romancers paint him.
When before the fire of his wigwam ,with half a-dozen he talked,
laughed and joked, and had an odd habit of
making a meal every quarter of an hour as if afflicted with
a chronic hunger, putting his hand into the kettle or fishing or fishing
up with a sharp stick piece of venison as big as his fist every
pause of
time of conversion till the young settler witnessing
this perpetual banquet, feared that he would kill himself.
He did not talk in riddles or allergies like those whalebone braves
who stalk through the novels but was often inclined to be shrewd and comical
in his language, and .sometimes by loved practical jokes not of the
most delicate order. During the first few years of the settlement, many
of the inhabitants were uneasy of the Indians. Some prepared to leave
the area and some did on apprehension. of an attack. After The defeat
of Harmat and St Clair. In the north-western territory the savages were
often insolent and abusive, but Wayne's victory on the Miami
in 1794, put an end to their plots and, they afterwards conducted themselves
with civility. So the settlers however, were not entirely assured
for several years. The wives of many of the emigrants from the East,
unused wild life and familiar with the terrible fame of the Six Nations
lived in constant alarm. These were some occasions when the Indian was
seen in his glory arrayed in flaming blankets, adorned with plumes and
adorned with medals, gristed with curious belts from which glittered the
knife and tomashaw. Thus shown the warriors of their return of the
Convention at Newtown in the winter of 1791 a Treaty at which 300 Indians
were in attendance who on return were detained for a long time at Painted
Post by a great snow storm till they could make snow shoes greatly to the
annoyance of the settlers. After a few years of familiarity with civilization
men the savage was seldom seen around in ancient style. The braves were
inclined to become utter vagabonds and the squaws were no longer
dark eyes forest bellies. The Indians and their institutions can
pon the whole be spared from our social system though there are not
wanting those who find it in their hears. to deplore the decay of both.
A melancholy thing to think of truly. Yet when its considered how many
of their practices were irreconcilable with the maxins of distinguished
jurist the most enthusiastic admirer of barbarism admit that the
preservation of the statutes and ceremonies of --long house would be attended
at least with inconvenience. There is yet certain vestiges of the
ancient tribes for which men of taste and learning earnestly pled the names
which they attached to their lakes, rivers towns and castles. Whether deep
and sonorous as Seneca. Ostego. Niagara, Cayuga, Tioga, Onandage, or light
and musical as Unadilla, Wyalusing, Caniseo, Susquehanna or or abrupt and
warlike as Mohawk, Conhocton, Shemokin, Tunkhannock, the names given by
the Six Nations were sweet or heroic of sound and give romance to the the
waters. It is a pity that so many fire villages of Western New York are
saddened whit names absurdly borrowed from the old World. It would seem
as if Congress had granted bounty lands of the heroes of the Trojan and
Punic wars. at all events the names of those old veterans are affixed to
more townships than there were sons of Priam. The Indian names are always
in and distinctive of meaning. Crooked Lake is the translation of Keuka,
the aborigine name. Conhocton signifies. "come together". Chemung is said
to be mean "Big Bone," and thus and thus might the list be extended. We
may only add that the subject of the Indian nomenclature may some day form
a chapter by itself, in the sketched of the olden days.
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ABORIGINAL PLACE NAMES OF NEW YORK
WHAT FOLLOWS ARE SOME PAGES FROM A BOOK THAT CAME FROM
THE NEW YORK MUSEUM AND PUBLISHED ABOUT 1885
MANY OF THE PAGES ARE MISSING AS THESE WERE GATHERED SOME TIME AGO.
page 40
( What came in pages prevoius, after or between is unknown.)
In his expedition to the Ohio in 1745, De Celoron wrote
it Chatacoin and
and in. and in Bonnecamps’ journal of the same expedition
it is Tjadakin. The lead plate brought to Governor Clinton
had Tchadakoin on it. Pouchot’s map has Schatacoin. R. for the
outlet of the lake, and allowance for French pronunciation
must be made in all these fort, A place on Lake Erie is quite
as often indicated as Chautauqua lake. Thus. in an, account of Marin’s
operations in 1733, the french first arrived at Chàdakoin on
lake. Erie and commenced a fort. “The river of Chadakoin was- frond
too shallow for vessels, and they went 15 leagues west. Then they
determined to build “two forts at Chadakoin one of them by
Lake Erie. The other at the end of the carying place at Lake Champlain
indicating that the name was of a general character, D. Cusick wrote
it Geattahgweah. Con-ne-wan’-go creek and river and Chautauqua creek.
These are sometimes Conewango river and Chautauqua creek. This was spelled
Kanaaiagon onDe Celoron’s lead plate buried in 1749, but Chanougon
in his journal. On Bonnecamps’ map it is Kananouangon. There
was a village near its month bearing the latter.
Con-non-dau-we-ge'-a. a creek south of Cattarraugus creek,
is mentioned in laud purchases and is Canadaway a mountain leveled.
Di-on-ta-ro'-go was a name for Attoniat.
Ga-a- nun-da’-ta a mountain leveled, is Silver Creek.
Gcn-tai-e' ton was an Erie village where Catherine Gandiaktena was
born. She was a convert at Oneida, where she was married The
town may have been here or in the south part of the Erie County.
Gus-da-go, under the rocks, is Morgans name for Cassadaga
lake and creek. It is Cosdauga on Dwight's map.
Gus-ha'wa-ga, on the body. was Morgan's name for Erie. Pa..
Jo-nas'-ky or Ka-sa-no-ti-a-yo-go a carrying place where the French
intended buildng a fort at one end.
Ka-no-a-go'-a, a great door is on Pouchot's map of 1758, but
Page 41
seems south of the line, and may be meant for Conewango.
This would be defined differently.
Kau-quat'-kay, principle Erie fort according to D. Cusick
Ke-on-to-na or Ca-yon-to-na, an Indian village of 1789 was on the
west branch of Conewango river. From this comes Kia-tone Ko-sha-nu-a-de-a-go
a stream flowing south across Pennsylvania. semes the Kasanotiayogo
of the French writers. Oregon postoffice. This introduced name
is used elsewhere in New York. and the meaning has been much discussed.
Jonathan Carver heard of such a river in 1766, but it does not belong to
the oregon dialect, though there is an Okanagan river in that state.The
name may be Algonquin. with the meaning of great water.
but if more probably a Dakota word. Carver mentioned it as a great river
flowing into the Pacific. and called it "Oregan", or a river
of the West Bryant first used it after Carver in his poem of Thanatopsis
writen in 1817. "Lose thyself in the continuous woods where
rolls the Oregon" or the river of the West. Some have dirived
it from Oreganum, an herb. but this is an error. Nor does it
come from the Spanish word huracan, a wind originally
from the Mexican and familiar to us as a hurricane. A popular interpretation
has been from the Spanish word orejan, a pulling of the ear or ears.
but Carver undoubtable had it from the Indians and this souce should
be accepted . This is partly Bancrogt's decision in the
full discussion in his Pacific States, and his words may be quoted:
therefore the summing of the evidence would read Oregon, invented
by Carver made famous by Bryant. and fastened upon the Columbia River
territory first by Kelly through his memorials to Congress and numberous
published writings, begun as early as 1817 and secondly by other English
and American autors, who addopted it from the three sources here given.
Wan'-go is shortened from Conewango.
CHEMUMG COUNTY
Mount Ach-sing-ing, standing stones was south of the Chemung and
opposite Sing Sing Creek in the town of Big Flats.. Frence says it as called
aftere John Sing Sing, a friendly Indian. but was known by his name in
1758. Gen. J. S. Clark would seem to extend it farther up hte river,
into Steuben county, making it scattering settlement. It is usually defined
stone upon stone.. In allusiion to the peculiar rocks along the river.
On Guy Johnson's map of 1771 it is Sin Sink.
Cayuga branch was a frequent name for Chemung river.
Cay-ya'-ta creek and postoffice. This may be from Galanto,
log in the water.
Chemung has various forms, as that of Skeemonk in 1777 and Shimango
in 1779. In 1757 the French spoke of the "Loups of the Chaamonaque' or
Theoga."
PAGE 42
Sing Sing creek, in the town of Big Flats. French says it
was called after John Sing Sing, a friendly Indian but it was known
by this name in 1758 General . J. S. Clark would seem to extend it farther
up the river, into Steuben county, making it a scattering settlement. It
is usually defined stone upon stone , in allusion to the peculiar
rocks along the river. On Guy Johnson’s map of 1771 it is Sin
Sink. Cayuga branch was a frequent name for Chemung river.
Ca-yu‘-ta creek and post office. This may be from Ghate, Log in
the water.
Che-mung' has various forms, as that of Skeemon in 1777.and
Shimango in 1779.. In 1757 the Franch spoke fo the "Loops of the
Chaamonaque' or Theorga," meaning the Delaware living at Tioga. It was
written Shemunk in 1767, meaning the Delawars livig at Tioga. It was written
Shemung in 1767 but usuall Chemung. The river and an Indian village bore
this name, which means big horn or great horn, in the dialect of the Indian
tribes that anchiently possessed this country. And that a very large horn
was found in the Tioga or Chemung river is well ascertained. This is a
Delaware name and the river had another of similar meaning. In Schaelcraft's
larger work. [5:609] is a communication from thomas Maxwell who gave the
usual definition and said that the name came came from a large horn or
tusk found in the river. Of course this must have been in clolonial times
to have originated the Delaware name. The early settlers formed a simularon
in the stream in 1799. It was sent to England and an eminent scientist
called it the task of an elephant or some similar animla. In 1855 Mr. Maxwell
added: One of much the same character was found on an island in the river
below Elmira, a few weeks since iand it now here. I have recently examinated
it about 4 feet in length of the crescent form perhaps three or four
inches in diameter. Capt. Eastman saw it yesterday and with others who
have seen it proponed it to be ivory, and a tusk of some large animal,
probably now extinct. this is the third horn or tusk which has been found
in the Chemung so that the name is likely to be perpetual.
Con-e-wa-wa-wa. Ka-no-wa-lo-hale, and Ka-na-wa-hnl-la. head
on a pole, are differeent forms of favorite forms of a favorite village
which was burned at Elmira in 1779. It as mentioned in 1778 as Kannakale
a town on the the Tioga branch. Con-on-gue according to French and a Delaware
name for ehe Chemung, signifing big horn or horn on the water in the language.
But Gallatin says that Konpongab is horn in Seneca. I do not recall such
a word. Eh-la-ne-not a place above Tioga Point where French Margarets's
son in law lived in 1758. She was one of hte Montour family.
Ga-ha'-to, log in the water is given by Morgan
as a Seneca name for Chemung river. Gan-ho-tak creek was mentioned by Cammerhoff
in 1750. General Clark thought this Newtown creek, which is too far west.
Wynkoop creek seems better. It may be derived from the last name.
Ka-his-sack'-e was a place mentioned in the same journal and so
called from the number of very tall trees. It was between Ganhotak Creek
and Cayuta lake, and may be compounded of garhison to make a forrest
and hetki, high
Ko-bus-town was called after one of its noted Indian warriors and
was on the north side of Chemung river, opposite Hendey's creek and in
the southwest corner of the town of Elmira. It seems a contraction of the
name of Jacheabu a noted chief who lived there.
Ru-bon-ve'a, place of the king according to A.Cusick, perhaps
because the British arms were there displayed. It was a village at Big
Flats, burned in 1770. She-ag'-gen orTheaggen on the susquehanna east of
Elmira is on Pouchas's map and is probably Tioga.
Shwe'-da-wa, great plain Is Morgan's name for Elmira.
this is a frequent name lent of varying form.
Tu'-te-le was an Indian village on the Chemung, near Waverly. The
inhabitants were southern Indians somtimes called Toderighroomas.
Wil-le-wa'na-or is a Delaware word, meaning horn and the name
ofa village on the Chemund in 1768, when it was metioned by Zeisberger.
The people there ried to make his party return. In the Sullivan campaign
a town but not the river
44 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM
was called Chemung. From Tioga to Elmira thc stream was called
either the Tioga or the Allegany branch. Several journals mention the union
of the Cayuga branch with this at Elmira. This branch had its
name front the Cayttga village of Ganatocberat.
near Waverly. For
a long time all this territory belonged to the Caugas.
CHENANGO COUNTY
An-a-jot'-a. This name appears in the Moravisn journals for
the Chenango river above Chenango Forks. By it they could reach the
Oneida villages, the largest of which they called Anajot. equivalent
to Oneiyout.
Ca-na-sa-was'-ta or Canasaweta is a creek in Plymouth,
running to Norwich. It might be from Gannonsawetarlion. a cabin between
two others.
Che-nan'-go is called O-che-nang or bull thistle by Morgan and
the Onondagas. The name has many local applications. Ga-na'-so-wa-di
is Morgans name for Norwich. and A. Cusick defined it as the
other site?, of the sand, It is the same as Canaraweta. Ga-na'-da-delt,
steep hill, is Sherburne. Gen-e-ganst-let creek and lake. According
to A. Cusick this may be San-ne-ganst-let, at the sulphur spring or marshy
place. This is probably correct. There are suggestive words in :Bruyas
as Gannegastha, to love to drink, and gaiagense. to go ont by on anything.
Ot'-se-lic river and town. The game has been variously interpreted, and
definitions will be found under the head of Broome
County. Schi'-o is another name for this river
in a Moravian journal of 1753. So-de-ah'-lo-wa'-nake, thick-necked
giant, is Morgan's name for Oxford. It may be a reference to P. Cusick's
story of a trouble some giant who lived on the Susquehanna.
Ti-en-a-der' ha. "Teyonnoderro, or the fork, the Indian word
signifying the meeting of the branches." 1756. Pa. Col. Res, 7:68.
U-na-dil'-la the usual Oneida form, given in Morgan as
De-u-na'-dil-lo, place of meeting.
Page 45
CLINTON COUNTY
Cher-u-bus-co is a Mexican name applied to a village in tle
town of Clinton. Og-ha-ron'-de was a place nit the west shore of
Lake Champlain, mentioned in Capt. John Schuyler's journal of 1690. It
seems to have been considerably north of Plattsburg. and may refer
to some notable tree.
Pa-pa-qua-ne-tuck, river of cranberries. according to Sabattis,
an Indian hunter and guide, is Ausable river. Pakihm is Delaware
for cranberries and po-po-kwa the Abenaki form. Pe-ru, a town so
called from its mountainous character. Sal-a-sa'-nac
is the name for Saranac river on Sauthier's map.
Sar'-a-nac river, town, pond and falls. No meaning has ever
been assigned to this, and it is probably but part of the original
name, the terminal of which. saranne, means to ascend. The reference might
be to the river or the gradual rise of the land. R. Serindac, 1755
on the map of French grants, is the Saranac. R. Scomotion and cape
on the map of New Hampshire grants.
are at Cumberland Head. This name is a corruption of
the next. Squin.an-ton or Squteononton. a deer, is the name of Cumberland
Head. It was called Point Squewonton or Squenonton in 1756, and is derived
from the old Mohawk word Oskennonton, deer, as given by Bruyas. He thought
this came from Gaskennonton, to go to the land of the souls," because
it is a timid animal, which always thinks itself dead." Schoolcraft
has oskoneantea for deer in Mohawk. It differed in other dialects.
Cap Scononton, 1748, on the map of French grants, is the same. Sen-hah-lo-ne
is a name for Plattsburg. This was from Sabattis, and from the source might
be considered Algonquin though it has every indication of an Oneida
word. So strong is this appeaance that A. Cusick interpreted it. he is
still building, but it is Algonquin. There were no Indian towns
in tltis region. For two centuries at least it was a border
land, traversed mostly by hostile parties. Even earlier it was mainly
frequented by hunters and fishermen. It may be remarked that
thought Champlain gave his own name to the lake, the country east
of it was known as Irocoisia in 1616
(I wish I had the rest of these pages but didn't copy all the pages;
just the ones that corresponded to the areas i was searching.)
Page 202
Ots-ga-ra-gee, hemp hill, is the indian dilanct for Coblesklfl,
and may be compared with one already given. The name has also
been applied to Howes cave. The present Onondaga word for
hemp is osekah, but Zeisberger has it ochschiara, and this fairly
agrees with the name.
O-wa-ere-sou-ere is a conical hill near the south line of Carlisle,
and is one of the highest points in the county. Oxt-don-tee was a hill
east of Schoharie creek; and may be compared with Karighondontee.
Sa-ga-wan-nah is a mountain in this county. It might be derived
from asaga, to have a have a ? (word on paper too faded to read)
and gowanrne, great, from the hard breathing caused in climbiing
it; or it might come from atsaganneun, to speak a different language,
as being on a border land.
Scho-ha'-rie driflwood is written Sko-har-le by Morgan.
There are many early forms. Spafford derived it from its present
form, which, "according to Brandt, is an Indian word signifying drift or
flood wood; the creek of that name running at the foot of a steep
precipice for many miles, from which it collects great quanties of
wood." Simms wrote[Hist.. Mag. Ser.3, 1:129]: "Schoharie- driftwood
in the river. This is, it is true, the signification of the
word but a better idea of its whole meaning, as the name was local,
would be `the driftwood' as to produce driftwood a stream of water is emplied."
Then he says that about the year 1703 there was a great accurnulation
of this just above the present village of Middleburg. There was heavy timber
along the banks, and tributary streams made an obstrutction
when trees fell. A raft was formed, which was long tired by the settlers
and Indians for a foot bridge. The word river is not included
in the name. Hough has it a natural bridge of driftwood.
To-wos-scho'-her is given by French as the original
name of Schoharie creek, and this certainly implies a bridge of driftwood.
To-wok-nou-ra, one that is near, is Spring hill, west of Middleburg.
Ut-sy-ant-hi-a lake, beautiful spring, cold and pure; all
this is implied in this name, though not fully expressed. French
says: "This lake is 1800 feet above tide. It is often mentioned
in old documents, and was an angle in the bounds of Albany co. in
colonial times. it is the source of the weat branch of the Delaware," and
is also called Summit lake.
PAGE 203
SCHUYLER COUNTY
Ca-yu'.-ta is now the name of a lake, crcek, village and town, and
may have come from geihate. a river being first applied to the creek.
It may also have been corrupted from kanyatiye, a lake but as good
abbreviation would be from kennton.. prickly ash. An abbreviation
of kayahtane is also suggestive. this being the Onondaga name of
mosquito.
Che-o-quock. Slughquago and Sheoquago are variants of the
name of Catherine's town, destroycd in 1779. Queen Catbarine was
one of the noted Montour family, from whom Montonr Falls derives its name.
The first form given suggests raccoon place. (See Shequaga below)
Con-daw'-haw was an Indian hamlet in 1779, south of Kendaia
and on the east side of Seneca lake. Most of the journals do not
notice it. Ken-Jaw-va is given for prairie by Gallatin, implying any clearing.
Ga-ni-a-ta-ren'-ge, at the lake, is a name for Caytita lake in
Cammerhoffs journal of 1750.
Que-a-nett-qua-ga was another name for Catharine's town in
!779. Seneca. an Algonquin name for the nation to whom
most of Seneca lake belonged. For a considerable time the lake
formed the boundary between the Cayugas and Senecas.
Shc-qua'-ga. Thomas Maxwell applied this nmne of Catharines
town to the falls near Havana (Montours Falls) and defined it
roaring or tumbling waters. He probably derived it from gaskon-chiagon,
a frequent name for waterfalls. The town was some miles away, yet
might have been named in this way as a place itt the vicinity.
SENECA COUNTY
Ca-no'-ga. Morgan wrote the name of this Cayuga village Ga-no-geh.
and defined it oil on the water. Others have called it sweet water.
but the first definition is preferable. It is near the shore of Cayug lake.
and a montument marks it as the birthplace of Red Jacket. All the villages
here of the recent colonial period seem to have been Cayuga.
Ca-yu'-ga lake. The definitions of Cayuga need not be
repeated here.
PAGE 204
That people not only owned but occutpied both sides of the
lake. Connadaga or Seneca Lake" appears in one journal of 1779,
for Connadasaga
Ga-na-zi-o-na now Kendig's creek, was mentioned by Cammnerhoff
in 1750, `probably meaning where there is sand, lie He found few
streams in crossing this county, but they are very frequent
in going from to north to south.
Ken-dai'-a, nit' on the east shore of Seneca lake, was variously
given in the journals of 1779. It it in the town of Romulus
and by some was called Appletown. Kendoa. Kondar, Candaia, Kanadia, Conday
are forms of this name. The account of the place is interesting.
Ken-daw-ya is Gallain's word for prarie, implying a clearing.
Ne-qui-age was a Cayuga village near Seneca lake and its outlet in 1750.
From this Seneca lake had one of its many names.
Oe-yen-dehhit is on the west side of Cayuga lake on Pouchot's
map. A. Cusick defined this there are favorable signs. When travelers reached
the west shore, going east, they often had to signal for a canoe
to carry them over. Thus when Camnerhoff arrived there in 1750
he said There was no canoe on this side. We at once built a very large
fire hoping that the smoke might be seen on the opposite shore, and fired
several loud shots."
On-da-cho'-e was a Cayuga, town on the west shore of Cayuga
lake in 1750, southwest of Union Springs. When about the middle of
the lake and south of the latter place, Cammerhoff said he
saw "in the west a town celled Ondachoe, said to he larger
than Gajuka, about 15 miles front us." From the distance, which it is
always safe to reduce, General Clark placed this at Sheldrake Point, which
would be due south arid not west. West of them lay the present of
town of Varick or the south part of Fayette.
Sen-e-ca or Sin-ne-ke, an early Algonquin name the upper lroquois,
appears on the Dntch maps of 16114 and 1616 as Senecas and
all but tge Mohawks were long termed Senecas by the Dutch. Some have
identified this with the Sickcttanes, which is clearly erroneous,
this being the name of a New England tribe.Gen. J. S. Clark and Hon. George
S. Conover derived it from the Algonquin sinne, to eat; as iri we-sin-ne,
we eat. The reference might be figureative, as when the
Iroquois called Washington the devourer of villags, or it might
Page 205
refere to their reputation as eaters of men. This word
however.belongs rather to the western than the eastern Algonquins.
Hortio Hale said that sinako meant stone snakes in Delaware. and
here that Mr. Sqire was told that here it meant stone snakes in Delaware
and Mr. Squire was told her that it was called moutain snakes. As the Delaware
called all their enemies snakes. in this case he they simmply
added this term to the proper name of the Seneca. As a matter of fact the
Delawares
usually gave them a different name. Of course, ini this interpretation,
it is not intended that the snakes were of stone. but that they dwelt in
rocks and hills. There is really no proof that The Delwares meant
the Senecas by Sinako. The name occurs but once, and then with two
others of uncertain . locality. The derivation would be from
algook, snake .
Another erronous derivation is from cinnabar, the classic
term for vermilion its use by them. The name is too old for that,
and they used paints no more than others. Mr Conover’s derivation seems
most satisfactory. though Mr Male’s has a fair foundation.
Sha-se-ounse’. rolling water was a name of Seneca Falls.
Shen-da-ra and Thendara were given for Kendaia in one journal
of 1779. They were mere errors in copying sd one soldier took most of their
jounals from those of their friends,often making literal transcripts for
days at a time.
Skan-na-yu-te-na-te. on the other side of the lake was a village
of 1779 on the west side of Cayuga lake and one half mile northeast
of Canoga . Most Cayuga towns were on the east side for a lon time.
Skoi’-yase.place of whortlecherries . was Waterloo according
to Morgan, who differs from all others in this definition. In some military
journals of 1779 it is Schoyerre. In one it is Scawyace or long falls,
the accepted meaning.In another it is a Kauyuga Settlement Called
Shaiyus or large falls.” Sauyon and Seawaga are other forms. Spafford.
however, said that Waterloo was called Seauyz, Seawas and Seawyace.which
he thought of German origin.
It has been deflned rapids in the river. but long falls seems better,
though not essentially different. The name was used for a long time.
Swah-ya-wan-ah. place of large fruit, a Cayuga a town near Kendaia
in 1770. It was in the northeast corner of Romuliis.
PAGE 206
STEUBEN COUNTY
Ca-.na-ca-de-a creek at Hornelville is Canacadoa on some maps
In 1775 .came Cayuga came to Philadelphia from Canasadgo
a village on the Cayuga branch or Chemung. General Clark thought
this might be an offshoot from the Seneca castle. of Kanadesaga. Though
the name suggests this it is one occurring elsewhere and these Indians
wer Cayugas. As it stands the name is that of a chief from whom the place
may have been called. As Canassatego it thus occurred amoung the Onondagas
and Senecas, and probably others, being interpreted upsetting a house once
set in order. Cornplanter's town resembled this in name, being Jennesadego
burnt houses. In 1699 it was mentioned Canessedge or Canosodage,
a "Castle of the French praying Indians". near Montreal. Gansadaga
side hill, is morgans's name for Lake St. Francis.and Kanesadakeh, on the
hillside is Hale's name for an early Iroquois town. Thus the name
is probably correct as it stands, the meaning depending on slight variations
in sound not well preserved in writing, yet of importance.
Ca-na-se-ra'-ga creek rises in this county.
Ca'-nis-te'-o, board on the water. is the name
of a town, lake and river.
Ca- taw'-ba is a southern name introduced here. There
was a long war between the Iroquois and Catawbas.
Che-mung' river means, big horn. Conongue horn in the
water, is nearly the same. The name properly belongs
to one place on the. river.
Con-hoc'-ton river, trees in the water. Cohocton is now the nam
of a town. Maxwell gives this meaning but it was the
conclusion of a longer name, meaning stream rising in black alder
swamp wiith trees hanging over it.
Do-na'-ta-gweb-da opening in an opening. Bath..this is one good
discription of one valley opening into another.. It has also been writen
Ta-nigh-na-auan-da.
Gach-toch-wa-wunk, a Delaware town near the confluence of the
Conhocton and Tioga rivers in 1767. there are many Delaware. names of that
period on these rivers, and the German use of letters must be remembered.
must he remembered.
-
PAGE 207
Ga-ha-to log in river is Morgan's name for the
Conhocton and Chemung rivers. Go-wan-is que creek enters the
Chemung at Painted Post.
Boyd gives it as Cowanesque, Briery or thorn bush. It would be as
easy to take it from gauwin, to sleep or he is asleep.
referring it to a camping place. Major J. W. Powell said: "The
word Cowanesque seems to be no oter than Ka-hwe-ne-ka, the etymology and
signification of which is as follows: Co. for Ka. marking grammatical gender
and meaning it; wan for hwe-n the stem of the word o-whe-na
an island. es, an adjective meaning long; que for ke, the locative
preposition, meaning at or on; the, whole signifying at or on the long
island. If this is correct the island has now disappeared by changes or
drainage. Maxwell gives the same meaning. Kan-haugh'-ton was a village
of 36 log houses on the Cayuga branch, destroyed in 1764. Though
a Delaware town it had an Iroquois name, suggeting that of Conhocton.
Kan--no-na is a recent name for Mud creek, the outlet of Mud lake
in Schuyler county. A Cusick defined this on my skin from the Onondaga
word konihwa skin.
It might also be derivd from the Mohawk word gannona, bottom of
the water.. It is now applied to a village, and closely resembles
the Iroquois name of New York, to which hte latter meaning is given.
Ka-nes-ti'-o for Canisteo on the maps of Pouchot and others. It
was the largest Delaware town on the Cayuga branch in 1764, and had then
a bad reputation. Kay-gen river, a branch of the Kanestion on Pouchot's
map n which there is also a village with this name.
Ke-u'-ka river a branch of the Kanestio on Pouchots map on which
there is also a village with that name. Ke-u'-ka a landing on Lake Keuka,
formally Crooked lake. The name closely resembles Cayuga, and probably
referes to a portage at the northren extremities of the lake.
Knac-to is another village on Puchot's map. Michigan creek.
A western Indian name variously interpreted, but usually undestood to mean
great water or lake. Trumbull dissents from this and makes it a kind of
fish trap.
Pa-cib-sah-cunk or Pa-seek-ach-kunk was called a Mingo town in 1758,
bu had a Delaware name. It wa then far up the Cayuga.
PAGE 208
branch. The inhabitants were mostly Delawares, and in 1767 we have
the name of Pasigachkunk, a deserted town which said Zeisberger" was the
last on the Tiaogee. It is possible to trael to this point on the waters
of the Tiaogee." Thence they struck across to the Allegany river. On their
return Zeisberber said." At night we rached Passigachgungh, on the west
branch of the Tiaogee, and also hte waters of the Suisquehanna."
On his next journey westward he said." We arrived at Passikatckunk and
closd our journey by water for several days." It was called Passckawkung
in 1757 and Teelyuscung lived there then. It has been placed at the
mouth of Colonel Bill's cree, and may refer to divided rocks, or more porbably
to a valley. Sw-caugh-kung waas another Delaware town of 1758, but lower
down. Te-auch-kung was also mentioned that year and may be the same. Te-car'-nase-te-o,
board on the water, in Morgans name for Canisteo river.
Te-car'-nase-te-o-ah, board sign, Painted Post.
This slightly differs from the last but has been given another meaning
and assigned to one spot on the Tioga River. The well known painted post
was at the cofluence of the Conhocton and Tioga, marking the grave of a
great chief who died there. On it were many rude devices and
it remained long after the white settlement. Such memorials were frequent
in forrests and villages, and graveds were often marked in t his way. I
n an early account of the Iroquois it is said of the dead: "When it is
a man they paint red caluments, calumets of peace on the tomb; sometimes
they plant a stake on which they paint how often he has been in battle;
how many pirsoners he has taken; the post ordinarily is only 4 or 5 feet
high, and is much embellished." Living warriors often painted their own
deeds nd this may not hve marked a tomb, though this is the tradition.
The Indian neame was well known in the colonial period and may not refer
to this post.
Wo-a-pas-sis-qu, a Delaware town near the confluence of the Tioga
and Cansiteo in 1767, mentioned by Zieberger, who called this and Gachtochwawunk
old towns.
Page 209
SUFFOLK COUNTY
The local names in this coutny are all Algonquin, but in
many cases much changed. Sometimes, indeed, a name has been changed from
Indain to English, or the reverse. Of course many are written in several
ways, and Mr. Tooker has colved many difficulties. Ac-ca-po-nack, or Acabonac
Harboe in Easthampton, is dirived from occapand'k, a kind of ground nut.
It is on Gardiner's bay and may be defined as a place of roots. Trumbull
says that in Virginia okeepenauk occurs, meaning roots of round shape in
dry grounds. Ac-cob-anke was a name for Beaver Dam brook in 1659 and it
was Apaucuck in a deed of 1653. It is sometimes called Apocock and
is in Sourthhampton. Ac-com-bo-mack, boundary or inclosure on the other
side, is a name for hte north part of hte Shinnecock hills. Ac-com-bo-muck
in th eastern part of Sourthhampton, is ht esame. Ag-a-wam, place
abounding in fish, us at this village in Southhampton. Agawam lake
is 3 miles north.
A-ha-qua-zu-wa-muck, is a name for Shelter Island, was written Ahaquatuwamock
in 1652. The name includes a fishing place. Am-a-gan-sett, is now a village
in Easthampton. Trumbull suggested that it meant at or near the fishing
place.
Its earliest form was Amogonsett in 1683, and this makes a good
definition, amaug meaning fish taken with a hook.
Tooker said it as not a personal name, but he thought is meant
the place of the drinking thing or well.
which at that place was a hollow log, sunk in the ground. Beginning
wit 1672, he found many references to this Indian well and the plain
adjoinging. he derives it from wutahanmuck, a well and the added locatives.
A-mus-by-mon-i-ca or Amuskemunnica Neck was mentioned in 1682, in th records
of Huntington. An-chan-nock is Southhold, called Robert's or
Robins island, was bought in 1665. An-usk Co-mum-cak was a stream seperating
East Neck from Sampaunes Neck.
A-que-bauke meadows wer in Piacomnock river in 1666. They were called
Aqbaak in 1667. A-que-bogue, or Riverhead is sometimes Occapogue,
In 1667
PAGE 228 (not knowing what county this is refering to but in
1860 Gazetteer of NY State find many names in Sullivan County)
It is now the name of a postoffice in Mamakating.
Ke-no-za lake, pickerel. Also Cahoonzie.
Ki-a-me-sha has been defined as clear water, but doubtfully. This
is Pleasenat pond, near Monticello. Kon-ne-on-ga' has been called white
lake, an illusion to its white sand, but he definition is much more than
doubtful, having no foundation. It is a pond in Bethel. Lack-a-wack is
ht ewest branch of Rondout creed, and meanris a river fork. Ma-hack-mack
is a Auntheier's map for the neversink River. It was called Maggaghkamieck
in 1694, and the name may allude to a fishery. Ma-ma-ka-ting is said
to have had its name from an Indain chief, but the form of hte word does
not suggest this, nor is such a chief's name on record. Gordon's Gazzetteer
gives it as Mammacotta, dividing the waters.
Spafford speaks of "Mameakating or Basier's kill." On
Sauthier's map the Indian village is called aMame Cotink. Memakochcus,
red, is the most suggestive componet in Zeisberger's lexicon,
and the name may be either a red or bloody place. Me-tau-ques or
Metongues pond is in Lunberlan. From mehtugques, small trees.
Mo-gaup is Mangawping or Mingwing river on Sauther's map.
It has been defined dancing feather, and also several strams in allusion
to is three branches. The last is the best but is not well sustained.
Munnequomin, corn growning in field, is better, but the name may refer
to islands. Nev-er-sink has many forms and definiaitons, among which was
mad river, water between highlnads, and fishing place. Some have
thought the name merely an English allusion to the highlands or th ewaters
of the river, butit is clearly aboriginal. These supposed meanings
are not satisfactory. Schoolcraft derived the name from onawa, water or
between waters, and sin, a place,but not sustained by eastern lexicons.
Ruttenber thought it a place abounding in birds, but this lacks support.
Nauwuchunke, afternoon, from Zeisbert, might be applied to a region lying
west of any place, in accordance wiht Indian usage, "a land where it is
always afernoon." Nahiwi, down the river, form the same writer, with
locative, suggest a fair derivation. Sha-wan-gunk has been derived from
shongun, white stone.. More probably it is souther rocks or hills. It has
been more fully treated under the head of Orange County.
Ten-na-nah or Tenannah.
Toch-pol-lock creek, near Callicoon.
To-ron-to- pond. Morgan elsewhere gives Toronto as De-on'-do, log
floating on the water. Here, of course, it is recent name. Wil-lo-we-moc
or Williwenmack creek is in ht etown of Rockland, and may be from wulagamike,
bottom land.
All these are Algonquin names but one.
TIOGA COUNTY
Ah-wa'-ga, where the valley widens, is Morgan's name for Owego,
but no early writer gives this form.
Ap-a-la'-chin creek is Appalacon on a map of 1825.
Ca-ne-wa'-na. N. P. Willis gave this as the name of a place
between his home at Glenmary and Owego. Gay's Historical Gazetteer of Tioga
County, 1888, says that part of Owego, near the mouth of owego or Canawana
creek, was called Canewanah. This is said to have been from Newana
Canoeush, little living water, in the Seneca dialect, from Indian Spring,
west of Owego creek and north of Main St. bridge. This word comes very
near Solomon Southwick's name for hte Chemung, in the Sullivan campaign,
which in Conewana, head of the pole.
Cat'-a- tunk creek is a tributary of Owego creek, and its name seems
Algonquin, the Iroquois name being quite different. It may mean the
principal stream.
Ca-rant'-ouan, big tree, seems to have been te village of
the Carantouanis in 1615, at or near Waverly and between the Susquehanna
and Chemung rivers.
Ca-yu'-ta creek may be simply a form of geihahate, a river.
Ga-na-to-che'-rat was a Cayuga village on the Chemung and near Waverly,
visited by Cammerhoff in 1750. Hence this was the Cayuga branch, and the
name may mean the last village of the Cayugas, or more exactly village
at the end.
Ga-now-tac-ge-rage, there lies the creek or village.
(This is the end of the pages that I had copied.)
NEXT
ABORIGINAL PLACE NAMES OF NEW YORK
WHAT FOLLOWS ARE SOME PAGES FROM A BOOK THAT CAME FROM
THE NEW YORK MUSEUM AND PUBLISHED ABOUT 1885
MANY OF THE PAGES ARE MISSING AS THESE WERE GATHERED SOME TIME AGO.
page 40
( What came in pages prevoius, after or between is unknown.)
In his expedition to the Ohio in 1745, De Celoron wrote
it Chatacoin and
and in. and in Bonnecamps’ journal of the same expedition
it is Tjadakin. The lead plate brought to Governor Clinton
had Tchadakoin on it. Pouchot’s map has Schatacoin. R. for the
outlet of the lake, and allowance for French pronunciation
must be made in all these fort, A place on Lake Erie is quite
as often indicated as Chautauqua lake. Thus. in an, account of Marin’s
operations in 1733, the french first arrived at Chàdakoin on
lake. Erie and commenced a fort. “The river of Chadakoin was- frond
too shallow for vessels, and they went 15 leagues west. Then they
determined to build “two forts at Chadakoin one of them by
Lake Erie. The other at the end of the carying place at Lake Champlain
indicating that the name was of a general character, D. Cusick wrote
it Geattahgweah. Con-ne-wan’-go creek and river and Chautauqua creek.
These are sometimes Conewango river and Chautauqua creek. This was spelled
Kanaaiagon onDe Celoron’s lead plate buried in 1749, but Chanougon
in his journal. On Bonnecamps’ map it is Kananouangon. There
was a village near its month bearing the latter.
Con-non-dau-we-ge'-a. a creek south of Cattarraugus creek,
is mentioned in laud purchases and is Canadaway a mountain leveled.
Di-on-ta-ro'-go was a name for Attoniat.
Ga-a- nun-da’-ta a mountain leveled, is Silver Creek.
Gcn-tai-e' ton was an Erie village where Catherine Gandiaktena was
born. She was a convert at Oneida, where she was married The
town may have been here or in the south part of the Erie County.
Gus-da-go, under the rocks, is Morgans name for Cassadaga
lake and creek. It is Cosdauga on Dwight's map.
Gus-ha'wa-ga, on the body. was Morgan's name for Erie. Pa..
Jo-nas'-ky or Ka-sa-no-ti-a-yo-go a carrying place where the French
intended buildng a fort at one end.
Ka-no-a-go'-a, a great door is on Pouchot's map of 1758, but
Page 41
seems south of the line, and may be meant for Conewango.
This would be defined differently.
Kau-quat'-kay, principle Erie fort according to D. Cusick
Ke-on-to-na or Ca-yon-to-na, an Indian village of 1789 was on the
west branch of Conewango river. From this comes Kia-tone Ko-sha-nu-a-de-a-go
a stream flowing south across Pennsylvania. semes the Kasanotiayogo
of the French writers. Oregon postoffice. This introduced name
is used elsewhere in New York. and the meaning has been much discussed.
Jonathan Carver heard of such a river in 1766, but it does not belong to
the oregon dialect, though there is an Okanagan river in that state.The
name may be Algonquin. with the meaning of great water.
but if more probably a Dakota word. Carver mentioned it as a great river
flowing into the Pacific. and called it "Oregan", or a river
of the West Bryant first used it after Carver in his poem of Thanatopsis
writen in 1817. "Lose thyself in the continuous woods where
rolls the Oregon" or the river of the West. Some have dirived
it from Oreganum, an herb. but this is an error. Nor does it
come from the Spanish word huracan, a wind originally
from the Mexican and familiar to us as a hurricane. A popular interpretation
has been from the Spanish word orejan, a pulling of the ear or ears.
but Carver undoubtable had it from the Indians and this souce should
be accepted . This is partly Bancrogt's decision in the
full discussion in his Pacific States, and his words may be quoted:
therefore the summing of the evidence would read Oregon, invented
by Carver made famous by Bryant. and fastened upon the Columbia River
territory first by Kelly through his memorials to Congress and numberous
published writings, begun as early as 1817 and secondly by other English
and American autors, who addopted it from the three sources here given.
Wan'-go is shortened from Conewango.
CHEMUMG COUNTY
Mount Ach-sing-ing, standing stones was south of the Chemung and
opposite Sing Sing Creek in the town of Big Flats.. Frence says it as called
aftere John Sing Sing, a friendly Indian. but was known by his name in
1758. Gen. J. S. Clark would seem to extend it farther up hte river,
into Steuben county, making it scattering settlement. It is usually defined
stone upon stone.. In allusiion to the peculiar rocks along the river.
On Guy Johnson's map of 1771 it is Sin Sink.
Cayuga branch was a frequent name for Chemung river.
Cay-ya'-ta creek and postoffice. This may be from Galanto,
log in the water.
Chemung has various forms, as that of Skeemonk in 1777 and Shimango
in 1779. In 1757 the French spoke of the "Loups of the Chaamonaque' or
Theoga."
PAGE 42
Sing Sing creek, in the town of Big Flats. French says it
was called after John Sing Sing, a friendly Indian but it was known
by this name in 1758 General . J. S. Clark would seem to extend it farther
up the river, into Steuben county, making it a scattering settlement. It
is usually defined stone upon stone , in allusion to the peculiar
rocks along the river. On Guy Johnson’s map of 1771 it is Sin
Sink. Cayuga branch was a frequent name for Chemung river.
Ca-yu‘-ta creek and post office. This may be from Ghate, Log in
the water.
Che-mung' has various forms, as that of Skeemon in 1777.and
Shimango in 1779.. In 1757 the Franch spoke fo the "Loops of the
Chaamonaque' or Theorga," meaning the Delaware living at Tioga. It was
written Shemunk in 1767, meaning the Delawars livig at Tioga. It was written
Shemung in 1767 but usuall Chemung. The river and an Indian village bore
this name, which means big horn or great horn, in the dialect of the Indian
tribes that anchiently possessed this country. And that a very large horn
was found in the Tioga or Chemung river is well ascertained. This is a
Delaware name and the river had another of similar meaning. In Schaelcraft's
larger work. [5:609] is a communication from thomas Maxwell who gave the
usual definition and said that the name came came from a large horn or
tusk found in the river. Of course this must have been in clolonial times
to have originated the Delaware name. The early settlers formed a simularon
in the stream in 1799. It was sent to England and an eminent scientist
called it the task of an elephant or some similar animla. In 1855 Mr. Maxwell
added: One of much the same character was found on an island in the river
below Elmira, a few weeks since iand it now here. I have recently examinated
it about 4 feet in length of the crescent form perhaps three or four
inches in diameter. Capt. Eastman saw it yesterday and with others who
have seen it proponed it to be ivory, and a tusk of some large animal,
probably now extinct. this is the third horn or tusk which has been found
in the Chemung so that the name is likely to be perpetual.
Con-e-wa-wa-wa. Ka-no-wa-lo-hale, and Ka-na-wa-hnl-la. head
on a pole, are differeent forms of favorite forms of a favorite village
which was burned at Elmira in 1779. It as mentioned in 1778 as Kannakale
a town on the the Tioga branch. Con-on-gue according to French and a Delaware
name for ehe Chemung, signifing big horn or horn on the water in the language.
But Gallatin says that Konpongab is horn in Seneca. I do not recall such
a word. Eh-la-ne-not a place above Tioga Point where French Margarets's
son in law lived in 1758. She was one of hte Montour family.
Ga-ha'-to, log in the water is given by Morgan
as a Seneca name for Chemung river. Gan-ho-tak creek was mentioned by Cammerhoff
in 1750. General Clark thought this Newtown creek, which is too far west.
Wynkoop creek seems better. It may be derived from the last name.
Ka-his-sack'-e was a place mentioned in the same journal and so
called from the number of very tall trees. It was between Ganhotak Creek
and Cayuta lake, and may be compounded of garhison to make a forrest
and hetki, high
Ko-bus-town was called after one of its noted Indian warriors and
was on the north side of Chemung river, opposite Hendey's creek and in
the southwest corner of the town of Elmira. It seems a contraction of the
name of Jacheabu a noted chief who lived there.
Ru-bon-ve'a, place of the king according to A.Cusick, perhaps
because the British arms were there displayed. It was a village at Big
Flats, burned in 1770. She-ag'-gen orTheaggen on the susquehanna east of
Elmira is on Pouchas's map and is probably Tioga.
Shwe'-da-wa, great plain Is Morgan's name for Elmira.
this is a frequent name lent of varying form.
Tu'-te-le was an Indian village on the Chemung, near Waverly. The
inhabitants were southern Indians somtimes called Toderighroomas.
Wil-le-wa'na-or is a Delaware word, meaning horn and the name
ofa village on the Chemund in 1768, when it was metioned by Zeisberger.
The people there ried to make his party return. In the Sullivan campaign
a town but not the river
44 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM
was called Chemung. From Tioga to Elmira thc stream was called
either the Tioga or the Allegany branch. Several journals mention the union
of the Cayuga branch with this at Elmira. This branch had its
name front the Cayttga village of Ganatocberat.
near Waverly. For
a long time all this territory belonged to the Caugas.
CHENANGO COUNTY
An-a-jot'-a. This name appears in the Moravisn journals for
the Chenango river above Chenango Forks. By it they could reach the
Oneida villages, the largest of which they called Anajot. equivalent
to Oneiyout.
Ca-na-sa-was'-ta or Canasaweta is a creek in Plymouth,
running to Norwich. It might be from Gannonsawetarlion. a cabin between
two others.
Che-nan'-go is called O-che-nang or bull thistle by Morgan and
the Onondagas. The name has many local applications. Ga-na'-so-wa-di
is Morgans name for Norwich. and A. Cusick defined it as the
other site?, of the sand, It is the same as Canaraweta. Ga-na'-da-delt,
steep hill, is Sherburne. Gen-e-ganst-let creek and lake. According
to A. Cusick this may be San-ne-ganst-let, at the sulphur spring or marshy
place. This is probably correct. There are suggestive words in :Bruyas
as Gannegastha, to love to drink, and gaiagense. to go ont by on anything.
Ot'-se-lic river and town. The game has been variously interpreted, and
definitions will be found under the head of Broome
County. Schi'-o is another name for this river
in a Moravian journal of 1753. So-de-ah'-lo-wa'-nake, thick-necked
giant, is Morgan's name for Oxford. It may be a reference to P. Cusick's
story of a trouble some giant who lived on the Susquehanna.
Ti-en-a-der' ha. "Teyonnoderro, or the fork, the Indian word
signifying the meeting of the branches." 1756. Pa. Col. Res, 7:68.
U-na-dil'-la the usual Oneida form, given in Morgan as
De-u-na'-dil-lo, place of meeting.
Page 45
CLINTON COUNTY
Cher-u-bus-co is a Mexican name applied to a village in tle
town of Clinton. Og-ha-ron'-de was a place nit the west shore of
Lake Champlain, mentioned in Capt. John Schuyler's journal of 1690. It
seems to have been considerably north of Plattsburg. and may refer
to some notable tree.
Pa-pa-qua-ne-tuck, river of cranberries. according to Sabattis,
an Indian hunter and guide, is Ausable river. Pakihm is Delaware
for cranberries and po-po-kwa the Abenaki form. Pe-ru, a town so
called from its mountainous character. Sal-a-sa'-nac
is the name for Saranac river on Sauthier's map.
Sar'-a-nac river, town, pond and falls. No meaning has ever
been assigned to this, and it is probably but part of the original
name, the terminal of which. saranne, means to ascend. The reference might
be to the river or the gradual rise of the land. R. Serindac, 1755
on the map of French grants, is the Saranac. R. Scomotion and cape
on the map of New Hampshire grants.
are at Cumberland Head. This name is a corruption of
the next. Squin.an-ton or Squteononton. a deer, is the name of Cumberland
Head. It was called Point Squewonton or Squenonton in 1756, and is derived
from the old Mohawk word Oskennonton, deer, as given by Bruyas. He thought
this came from Gaskennonton, to go to the land of the souls," because
it is a timid animal, which always thinks itself dead." Schoolcraft
has oskoneantea for deer in Mohawk. It differed in other dialects.
Cap Scononton, 1748, on the map of French grants, is the same. Sen-hah-lo-ne
is a name for Plattsburg. This was from Sabattis, and from the source might
be considered Algonquin though it has every indication of an Oneida
word. So strong is this appeaance that A. Cusick interpreted it. he is
still building, but it is Algonquin. There were no Indian towns
in tltis region. For two centuries at least it was a border
land, traversed mostly by hostile parties. Even earlier it was mainly
frequented by hunters and fishermen. It may be remarked that
thought Champlain gave his own name to the lake, the country east
of it was known as Irocoisia in 1616
(I wish I had the rest of these pages but didn't copy all the pages;
just the ones that corresponded to the areas i was searching.)
Page 202
Ots-ga-ra-gee, hemp hill, is the indian dilanct for Coblesklfl,
and may be compared with one already given. The name has also
been applied to Howes cave. The present Onondaga word for
hemp is osekah, but Zeisberger has it ochschiara, and this fairly
agrees with the name.
O-wa-ere-sou-ere is a conical hill near the south line of Carlisle,
and is one of the highest points in the county. Oxt-don-tee was a hill
east of Schoharie creek; and may be compared with Karighondontee.
Sa-ga-wan-nah is a mountain in this county. It might be derived
from asaga, to have a have a ? (word on paper too faded to read)
and gowanrne, great, from the hard breathing caused in climbiing
it; or it might come from atsaganneun, to speak a different language,
as being on a border land.
Scho-ha'-rie driflwood is written Sko-har-le by Morgan.
There are many early forms. Spafford derived it from its present
form, which, "according to Brandt, is an Indian word signifying drift or
flood wood; the creek of that name running at the foot of a steep
precipice for many miles, from which it collects great quanties of
wood." Simms wrote[Hist.. Mag. Ser.3, 1:129]: "Schoharie- driftwood
in the river. This is, it is true, the signification of the
word but a better idea of its whole meaning, as the name was local,
would be `the driftwood' as to produce driftwood a stream of water is emplied."
Then he says that about the year 1703 there was a great accurnulation
of this just above the present village of Middleburg. There was heavy timber
along the banks, and tributary streams made an obstrutction
when trees fell. A raft was formed, which was long tired by the settlers
and Indians for a foot bridge. The word river is not included
in the name. Hough has it a natural bridge of driftwood.
To-wos-scho'-her is given by French as the original
name of Schoharie creek, and this certainly implies a bridge of driftwood.
To-wok-nou-ra, one that is near, is Spring hill, west of Middleburg.
Ut-sy-ant-hi-a lake, beautiful spring, cold and pure; all
this is implied in this name, though not fully expressed. French
says: "This lake is 1800 feet above tide. It is often mentioned
in old documents, and was an angle in the bounds of Albany co. in
colonial times. it is the source of the weat branch of the Delaware," and
is also called Summit lake.
PAGE 203
SCHUYLER COUNTY
Ca-yu'.-ta is now the name of a lake, crcek, village and town, and
may have come from geihate. a river being first applied to the creek.
It may also have been corrupted from kanyatiye, a lake but as good
abbreviation would be from kennton.. prickly ash. An abbreviation
of kayahtane is also suggestive. this being the Onondaga name of
mosquito.
Che-o-quock. Slughquago and Sheoquago are variants of the
name of Catherine's town, destroycd in 1779. Queen Catbarine was
one of the noted Montour family, from whom Montonr Falls derives its name.
The first form given suggests raccoon place. (See Shequaga below)
Con-daw'-haw was an Indian hamlet in 1779, south of Kendaia
and on the east side of Seneca lake. Most of the journals do not
notice it. Ken-Jaw-va is given for prairie by Gallatin, implying any clearing.
Ga-ni-a-ta-ren'-ge, at the lake, is a name for Caytita lake in
Cammerhoffs journal of 1750.
Que-a-nett-qua-ga was another name for Catharine's town in
!779. Seneca. an Algonquin name for the nation to whom
most of Seneca lake belonged. For a considerable time the lake
formed the boundary between the Cayugas and Senecas.
Shc-qua'-ga. Thomas Maxwell applied this nmne of Catharines
town to the falls near Havana (Montours Falls) and defined it
roaring or tumbling waters. He probably derived it from gaskon-chiagon,
a frequent name for waterfalls. The town was some miles away, yet
might have been named in this way as a place itt the vicinity.
SENECA COUNTY
Ca-no'-ga. Morgan wrote the name of this Cayuga village Ga-no-geh.
and defined it oil on the water. Others have called it sweet water.
but the first definition is preferable. It is near the shore of Cayug lake.
and a montument marks it as the birthplace of Red Jacket. All the villages
here of the recent colonial period seem to have been Cayuga.
Ca-yu'-ga lake. The definitions of Cayuga need not be
repeated here.
PAGE 204
That people not only owned but occutpied both sides of the
lake. Connadaga or Seneca Lake" appears in one journal of 1779,
for Connadasaga
Ga-na-zi-o-na now Kendig's creek, was mentioned by Cammnerhoff
in 1750, `probably meaning where there is sand, lie He found few
streams in crossing this county, but they are very frequent
in going from to north to south.
Ken-dai'-a, nit' on the east shore of Seneca lake, was variously
given in the journals of 1779. It it in the town of Romulus
and by some was called Appletown. Kendoa. Kondar, Candaia, Kanadia, Conday
are forms of this name. The account of the place is interesting.
Ken-daw-ya is Gallain's word for prarie, implying a clearing.
Ne-qui-age was a Cayuga village near Seneca lake and its outlet in 1750.
From this Seneca lake had one of its many names.
Oe-yen-dehhit is on the west side of Cayuga lake on Pouchot's
map. A. Cusick defined this there are favorable signs. When travelers reached
the west shore, going east, they often had to signal for a canoe
to carry them over. Thus when Camnerhoff arrived there in 1750
he said There was no canoe on this side. We at once built a very large
fire hoping that the smoke might be seen on the opposite shore, and fired
several loud shots."
On-da-cho'-e was a Cayuga, town on the west shore of Cayuga
lake in 1750, southwest of Union Springs. When about the middle of
the lake and south of the latter place, Cammerhoff said he
saw "in the west a town celled Ondachoe, said to he larger
than Gajuka, about 15 miles front us." From the distance, which it is
always safe to reduce, General Clark placed this at Sheldrake Point, which
would be due south arid not west. West of them lay the present of
town of Varick or the south part of Fayette.
Sen-e-ca or Sin-ne-ke, an early Algonquin name the upper lroquois,
appears on the Dntch maps of 16114 and 1616 as Senecas and
all but tge Mohawks were long termed Senecas by the Dutch. Some have
identified this with the Sickcttanes, which is clearly erroneous,
this being the name of a New England tribe.Gen. J. S. Clark and Hon. George
S. Conover derived it from the Algonquin sinne, to eat; as iri we-sin-ne,
we eat. The reference might be figureative, as when the
Iroquois called Washington the devourer of villags, or it might
Page 205
refere to their reputation as eaters of men. This word
however.belongs rather to the western than the eastern Algonquins.
Hortio Hale said that sinako meant stone snakes in Delaware. and
here that Mr. Sqire was told that here it meant stone snakes in Delaware
and Mr. Squire was told her that it was called moutain snakes. As the Delaware
called all their enemies snakes. in this case he they simmply
added this term to the proper name of the Seneca. As a matter of fact the
Delawares
usually gave them a different name. Of course, ini this interpretation,
it is not intended that the snakes were of stone. but that they dwelt in
rocks and hills. There is really no proof that The Delwares meant
the Senecas by Sinako. The name occurs but once, and then with two
others of uncertain . locality. The derivation would be from
algook, snake .
Another erronous derivation is from cinnabar, the classic
term for vermilion its use by them. The name is too old for that,
and they used paints no more than others. Mr Conover’s derivation seems
most satisfactory. though Mr Male’s has a fair foundation.
Sha-se-ounse’. rolling water was a name of Seneca Falls.
Shen-da-ra and Thendara were given for Kendaia in one journal
of 1779. They were mere errors in copying sd one soldier took most of their
jounals from those of their friends,often making literal transcripts for
days at a time.
Skan-na-yu-te-na-te. on the other side of the lake was a village
of 1779 on the west side of Cayuga lake and one half mile northeast
of Canoga . Most Cayuga towns were on the east side for a lon time.
Skoi’-yase.place of whortlecherries . was Waterloo according
to Morgan, who differs from all others in this definition. In some military
journals of 1779 it is Schoyerre. In one it is Scawyace or long falls,
the accepted meaning.In another it is a Kauyuga Settlement Called
Shaiyus or large falls.” Sauyon and Seawaga are other forms. Spafford.
however, said that Waterloo was called Seauyz, Seawas and Seawyace.which
he thought of German origin.
It has been deflned rapids in the river. but long falls seems better,
though not essentially different. The name was used for a long time.
Swah-ya-wan-ah. place of large fruit, a Cayuga a town near Kendaia
in 1770. It was in the northeast corner of Romuliis.
PAGE 206
STEUBEN COUNTY
Ca-.na-ca-de-a creek at Hornelville is Canacadoa on some maps
In 1775 .came Cayuga came to Philadelphia from Canasadgo
a village on the Cayuga branch or Chemung. General Clark thought
this might be an offshoot from the Seneca castle. of Kanadesaga. Though
the name suggests this it is one occurring elsewhere and these Indians
wer Cayugas. As it stands the name is that of a chief from whom the place
may have been called. As Canassatego it thus occurred amoung the Onondagas
and Senecas, and probably others, being interpreted upsetting a house once
set in order. Cornplanter's town resembled this in name, being Jennesadego
burnt houses. In 1699 it was mentioned Canessedge or Canosodage,
a "Castle of the French praying Indians". near Montreal. Gansadaga
side hill, is morgans's name for Lake St. Francis.and Kanesadakeh, on the
hillside is Hale's name for an early Iroquois town. Thus the name
is probably correct as it stands, the meaning depending on slight variations
in sound not well preserved in writing, yet of importance.
Ca-na-se-ra'-ga creek rises in this county.
Ca'-nis-te'-o, board on the water. is the name
of a town, lake and river.
Ca- taw'-ba is a southern name introduced here. There
was a long war between the Iroquois and Catawbas.
Che-mung' river means, big horn. Conongue horn in the
water, is nearly the same. The name properly belongs
to one place on the. river.
Con-hoc'-ton river, trees in the water. Cohocton is now the nam
of a town. Maxwell gives this meaning but it was the
conclusion of a longer name, meaning stream rising in black alder
swamp wiith trees hanging over it.
Do-na'-ta-gweb-da opening in an opening. Bath..this is one good
discription of one valley opening into another.. It has also been writen
Ta-nigh-na-auan-da.
Gach-toch-wa-wunk, a Delaware town near the confluence of the
Conhocton and Tioga rivers in 1767. there are many Delaware. names of that
period on these rivers, and the German use of letters must be remembered.
must he remembered.
-
PAGE 207
Ga-ha-to log in river is Morgan's name for the
Conhocton and Chemung rivers. Go-wan-is que creek enters the
Chemung at Painted Post.
Boyd gives it as Cowanesque, Briery or thorn bush. It would be as
easy to take it from gauwin, to sleep or he is asleep.
referring it to a camping place. Major J. W. Powell said: "The
word Cowanesque seems to be no oter than Ka-hwe-ne-ka, the etymology and
signification of which is as follows: Co. for Ka. marking grammatical gender
and meaning it; wan for hwe-n the stem of the word o-whe-na
an island. es, an adjective meaning long; que for ke, the locative
preposition, meaning at or on; the, whole signifying at or on the long
island. If this is correct the island has now disappeared by changes or
drainage. Maxwell gives the same meaning. Kan-haugh'-ton was a village
of 36 log houses on the Cayuga branch, destroyed in 1764. Though
a Delaware town it had an Iroquois name, suggeting that of Conhocton.
Kan--no-na is a recent name for Mud creek, the outlet of Mud lake
in Schuyler county. A Cusick defined this on my skin from the Onondaga
word konihwa skin.
It might also be derivd from the Mohawk word gannona, bottom of
the water.. It is now applied to a village, and closely resembles
the Iroquois name of New York, to which hte latter meaning is given.
Ka-nes-ti'-o for Canisteo on the maps of Pouchot and others. It
was the largest Delaware town on the Cayuga branch in 1764, and had then
a bad reputation. Kay-gen river, a branch of the Kanestion on Pouchot's
map n which there is also a village with this name.
Ke-u'-ka river a branch of the Kanestio on Pouchots map on which
there is also a village with that name. Ke-u'-ka a landing on Lake Keuka,
formally Crooked lake. The name closely resembles Cayuga, and probably
referes to a portage at the northren extremities of the lake.
Knac-to is another village on Puchot's map. Michigan creek.
A western Indian name variously interpreted, but usually undestood to mean
great water or lake. Trumbull dissents from this and makes it a kind of
fish trap.
Pa-cib-sah-cunk or Pa-seek-ach-kunk was called a Mingo town in 1758,
bu had a Delaware name. It wa then far up the Cayuga.
PAGE 208
branch. The inhabitants were mostly Delawares, and in 1767 we have
the name of Pasigachkunk, a deserted town which said Zeisberger" was the
last on the Tiaogee. It is possible to trael to this point on the waters
of the Tiaogee." Thence they struck across to the Allegany river. On their
return Zeisberber said." At night we rached Passigachgungh, on the west
branch of the Tiaogee, and also hte waters of the Suisquehanna."
On his next journey westward he said." We arrived at Passikatckunk and
closd our journey by water for several days." It was called Passckawkung
in 1757 and Teelyuscung lived there then. It has been placed at the
mouth of Colonel Bill's cree, and may refer to divided rocks, or more porbably
to a valley. Sw-caugh-kung waas another Delaware town of 1758, but lower
down. Te-auch-kung was also mentioned that year and may be the same. Te-car'-nase-te-o,
board on the water, in Morgans name for Canisteo river.
Te-car'-nase-te-o-ah, board sign, Painted Post.
This slightly differs from the last but has been given another meaning
and assigned to one spot on the Tioga River. The well known painted post
was at the cofluence of the Conhocton and Tioga, marking the grave of a
great chief who died there. On it were many rude devices and
it remained long after the white settlement. Such memorials were frequent
in forrests and villages, and graveds were often marked in t his way. I
n an early account of the Iroquois it is said of the dead: "When it is
a man they paint red caluments, calumets of peace on the tomb; sometimes
they plant a stake on which they paint how often he has been in battle;
how many pirsoners he has taken; the post ordinarily is only 4 or 5 feet
high, and is much embellished." Living warriors often painted their own
deeds nd this may not hve marked a tomb, though this is the tradition.
The Indian neame was well known in the colonial period and may not refer
to this post.
Wo-a-pas-sis-qu, a Delaware town near the confluence of the Tioga
and Cansiteo in 1767, mentioned by Zieberger, who called this and Gachtochwawunk
old towns.
Page 209
SUFFOLK COUNTY
The local names in this coutny are all Algonquin, but in
many cases much changed. Sometimes, indeed, a name has been changed from
Indain to English, or the reverse. Of course many are written in several
ways, and Mr. Tooker has colved many difficulties. Ac-ca-po-nack, or Acabonac
Harboe in Easthampton, is dirived from occapand'k, a kind of ground nut.
It is on Gardiner's bay and may be defined as a place of roots. Trumbull
says that in Virginia okeepenauk occurs, meaning roots of round shape in
dry grounds. Ac-cob-anke was a name for Beaver Dam brook in 1659 and it
was Apaucuck in a deed of 1653. It is sometimes called Apocock and
is in Sourthhampton. Ac-com-bo-mack, boundary or inclosure on the other
side, is a name for hte north part of hte Shinnecock hills. Ac-com-bo-muck
in th eastern part of Sourthhampton, is ht esame. Ag-a-wam, place
abounding in fish, us at this village in Southhampton. Agawam lake
is 3 miles north.
A-ha-qua-zu-wa-muck, is a name for Shelter Island, was written Ahaquatuwamock
in 1652. The name includes a fishing place. Am-a-gan-sett, is now a village
in Easthampton. Trumbull suggested that it meant at or near the fishing
place.
Its earliest form was Amogonsett in 1683, and this makes a good
definition, amaug meaning fish taken with a hook.
Tooker said it as not a personal name, but he thought is meant
the place of the drinking thing or well.
which at that place was a hollow log, sunk in the ground. Beginning
wit 1672, he found many references to this Indian well and the plain
adjoinging. he derives it from wutahanmuck, a well and the added locatives.
A-mus-by-mon-i-ca or Amuskemunnica Neck was mentioned in 1682, in th records
of Huntington. An-chan-nock is Southhold, called Robert's or
Robins island, was bought in 1665. An-usk Co-mum-cak was a stream seperating
East Neck from Sampaunes Neck.
A-que-bauke meadows wer in Piacomnock river in 1666. They were called
Aqbaak in 1667. A-que-bogue, or Riverhead is sometimes Occapogue,
In 1667
PAGE 228 (not knowing what county this is refering to but in
1860 Gazetteer of NY State find many names in Sullivan County)
It is now the name of a postoffice in Mamakating.
Ke-no-za lake, pickerel. Also Cahoonzie.
Ki-a-me-sha has been defined as clear water, but doubtfully. This
is Pleasenat pond, near Monticello. Kon-ne-on-ga' has been called white
lake, an illusion to its white sand, but he definition is much more than
doubtful, having no foundation. It is a pond in Bethel. Lack-a-wack is
ht ewest branch of Rondout creed, and meanris a river fork. Ma-hack-mack
is a Auntheier's map for the neversink River. It was called Maggaghkamieck
in 1694, and the name may allude to a fishery. Ma-ma-ka-ting is said
to have had its name from an Indain chief, but the form of hte word does
not suggest this, nor is such a chief's name on record. Gordon's Gazzetteer
gives it as Mammacotta, dividing the waters.
Spafford speaks of "Mameakating or Basier's kill." On
Sauthier's map the Indian village is called aMame Cotink. Memakochcus,
red, is the most suggestive componet in Zeisberger's lexicon,
and the name may be either a red or bloody place. Me-tau-ques or
Metongues pond is in Lunberlan. From mehtugques, small trees.
Mo-gaup is Mangawping or Mingwing river on Sauther's map.
It has been defined dancing feather, and also several strams in allusion
to is three branches. The last is the best but is not well sustained.
Munnequomin, corn growning in field, is better, but the name may refer
to islands. Nev-er-sink has many forms and definiaitons, among which was
mad river, water between highlnads, and fishing place. Some have
thought the name merely an English allusion to the highlands or th ewaters
of the river, butit is clearly aboriginal. These supposed meanings
are not satisfactory. Schoolcraft derived the name from onawa, water or
between waters, and sin, a place,but not sustained by eastern lexicons.
Ruttenber thought it a place abounding in birds, but this lacks support.
Nauwuchunke, afternoon, from Zeisbert, might be applied to a region lying
west of any place, in accordance wiht Indian usage, "a land where it is
always afernoon." Nahiwi, down the river, form the same writer, with
locative, suggest a fair derivation. Sha-wan-gunk has been derived from
shongun, white stone.. More probably it is souther rocks or hills. It has
been more fully treated under the head of Orange County.
Ten-na-nah or Tenannah.
Toch-pol-lock creek, near Callicoon.
To-ron-to- pond. Morgan elsewhere gives Toronto as De-on'-do, log
floating on the water. Here, of course, it is recent name. Wil-lo-we-moc
or Williwenmack creek is in ht etown of Rockland, and may be from wulagamike,
bottom land.
All these are Algonquin names but one.
TIOGA COUNTY
Ah-wa'-ga, where the valley widens, is Morgan's name for Owego,
but no early writer gives this form.
Ap-a-la'-chin creek is Appalacon on a map of 1825.
Ca-ne-wa'-na. N. P. Willis gave this as the name of a place
between his home at Glenmary and Owego. Gay's Historical Gazetteer of Tioga
County, 1888, says that part of Owego, near the mouth of owego or Canawana
creek, was called Canewanah. This is said to have been from Newana
Canoeush, little living water, in the Seneca dialect, from Indian Spring,
west of Owego creek and north of Main St. bridge. This word comes very
near Solomon Southwick's name for hte Chemung, in the Sullivan campaign,
which in Conewana, head of the pole.
Cat'-a- tunk creek is a tributary of Owego creek, and its name seems
Algonquin, the Iroquois name being quite different. It may mean the
principal stream.
Ca-rant'-ouan, big tree, seems to have been te village of
the Carantouanis in 1615, at or near Waverly and between the Susquehanna
and Chemung rivers.
Ca-yu'-ta creek may be simply a form of geihahate, a river.
Ga-na-to-che'-rat was a Cayuga village on the Chemung and near Waverly,
visited by Cammerhoff in 1750. Hence this was the Cayuga branch, and the
name may mean the last village of the Cayugas, or more exactly village
at the end.
Ga-now-tac-ge-rage, there lies the creek or village.
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