Montour

One of Johnson's jobs was to provide maps and directions to the grave-sites of well-known individuals such as Montour native T. Nelson Downs, the famous magician, who is buried on the cemeteries east side.

Times Republican 2009

GW to Montour, SEP 19 and OCT 10, 1755, GWP S2 L1.

George Washington’s First War David A. Clary 2011

Without waiting for a go-ahead from Dinwiddie—and still not having heard from Montour—Washington ordered Gist to visit the nations along the Susquehanna River to get them to “assist us in fighting their own battles.”

George Washington’s First War David A. Clary 2011

With Croghan was Andrew Montour, grandson of a French officer and an Indian woman; his métis mother had been kidnapped and adopted by Iroquois, and he still lived in Iroquoia.

George Washington’s First War David A. Clary 2011

The colonel was optimistic, telling Major Lewis on the South Branch that when the Indians arrived with Montour or Gist, he should supply and encourage them, and the officers were “all desired to take notice of them and treat them kindly.”

George Washington’s First War David A. Clary 2011

He sent an effusive letter of congratulations, renewed his invitation, and said he hoped Montour would tell “our brothers” that the colonel was “invested with power to treat them as brethren and allies; which I am sorry to say, has not been of late.”

George Washington’s First War David A. Clary 2011

He received no immediate response but later heard that Montour was headed for Venango with 300 Indians.

George Washington’s First War David A. Clary 2011

On September 19 he had invited his former translator Andrew Montour to join the regiment, and if he brought some of his Indian relations along, so much the better.

George Washington’s First War David A. Clary 2011

Montour was highly respected among several Indian nations, and Gist was delighted when he and Croghan agreed to accompany him down the Ohio and on to Pickawillany.

George Washington’s First War David A. Clary 2011

The colonel told Dinwiddie that he would send Gist and Montour out to win the loyalty of the nations.

George Washington’s First War David A. Clary 2011