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The American Odyssey of Eleazer Williams: A Tale of Lost Identity and Native American Heritage

José Martí

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Published in Professional Indian: The American Odyssey Of Eleazer Williams (Early American Studies)

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Eleazer Williams was a controversial figure in early American history. He claimed to be the lost Dauphin of France, Louis XVII, who had escaped the French Revolution and found refuge among the Native Americans. Williams' story is a fascinating tale of lost identity, Native American heritage, and the search for one's true self.

Early Life and Education

Eleazer Williams was born in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, in 1787. His father was a white man named Thomas Williams, and his mother was a Native American woman named Eunice Skenandoreh. Williams was raised in the Mohawk Indian village of Caughnawaga, and he was given the Mohawk name Thayendanegea, which means "open door." As a child, Williams showed a great deal of promise. He was intelligent and well-spoken, and he had a natural ability for leadership. In 1802, he was sent to Dartmouth College to study for the ministry. However, Williams did not finish his studies, and he returned to Caughnawaga in 1807.

Professional Indian: The American Odyssey of Eleazer Williams (Early American Studies)

by Michael Leroy Oberg

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1681 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	281 pages

The Lost Dauphin

In 1812, Williams began to claim that he was the lost Dauphin of France, Louis XVII. He said that he had been rescued from the Temple Prison in Paris by a group of royalists and that he had been brought to America as a child. Williams' claims were met with skepticism by many people, but he was able to convince some influential people, including Governor DeWitt Clinton of New York. In 1823, Williams published a book entitled "A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Louis XVII, King of France." In the book, Williams recounted his story and provided evidence to support his claims.

Native American Heritage

Williams' claims to be the lost Dauphin were never fully accepted, but he did gain some support for his belief that he was of Native American descent. In 1836, he was elected chief of the Stockbridge-Munsee tribe. As chief, Williams fought for the rights of his people and helped to preserve their culture. He also worked to promote education and economic development among the Native Americans.

Later Years and Legacy

Eleazer Williams died in 1858. He was buried in the Stockbridge Indian Cemetery in Wisconsin. Williams' legacy is complex and controversial. He has been praised for his work on behalf of the Native Americans, but he has also been criticized for his claims to be the lost Dauphin. Regardless of his true identity, Williams was a fascinating figure who played an important role in early American history.

The story of Eleazer Williams is a tale of lost identity, Native American heritage, and the search for one's true self. Williams' claims to be the lost Dauphin were never fully accepted, but he did gain some support for his belief that he was of Native American descent. As chief of the Stockbridge-Munsee tribe, Williams fought for the rights of his people and helped to preserve their culture. He also worked to promote education and economic development among the Native Americans. Eleazer Williams was a complex and controversial figure, but he was also a fascinating one who played an important role in early American history.

Professional Indian: The American Odyssey of Eleazer Williams (Early American Studies)

by Michael Leroy Oberg

5 out of 5