Indian Captive: The Story of Mary Jemison

Author Lois Lenski explains that “in the early days of the settlement of America, children were frequently captured by Indians” (19). While some children were returned after a short time, others were not; in some cases, children stayed with Indigenous communities by their own choice. Mary Jemison was such a case, remaining with the Senecas for the rest of her life.

Near the end of her life, Mary Jemison related her experiences to an author, and her story was published in 1824. Mary was born on a ship as her parents were traveling to North America and spent the first part of her childhood in Marsh Creek Hollow, Pennsylvania. On April 5, 1758, the entire family was captured, except for two brothers who fled. The next day, Mary was separated from the rest of her family; she was taken to live with the Senecas, while her family members were killed. Mary Jemison stayed with the Senecas for her entire life and was later referred to as “the White Woman of the Genesee” (21).

Lenski’s novel presents “the conflict between Indian and white life” (22), and she has tried to paint an accurate picture of Iroquois life during the French and Indian War era.