Han Yerry

Han Yerry is also known by Honyere Doxtator and his native name, Tewahangarahken ("He Who Takes Up the Snow Shoe") (c. 1724 – 1794 to 1839). As a child, Han Yerry lived with a German-Dutch couple, who educated him and taught him the white people's culture. Over his life, he was a warrior, war chief, commissioned American Army officer, farmer, rancher, and caterer. He made a name for himself in the American Revolutionary War and is one of three great ancestors of Oneida people who served as commissioned officers in the war. Hon Yerry received 1,800 acres in land grants for his service. He was a gentle man, distinguished soldier, leader, man of his word, and heroic.

Early life and family Johan George Dachstetter, born about 1724, was the son a Mohawk woman, (Some say that he was born about 1745, but he was married and had a son Cornelius in 1754.) Fort Stanwix, built near the Oneida Carry on Oneida land in the present state of New York, was used as a garrison by American and British troops. The Oneida supported American troops as warriors, scouts, and spies. They helped catch deserters and provided them with information. When the British occupied the fort, the Oneida supported them. against Loyalists and other members of the Haudenosaunee. and Dolly Cobus are both said to have played pivotal roles in battles with him. also known as Sarah Montour and Sarah Martin, in 1754. Their first child, Cornelius was born that year. Two years later, Dorthea, also known as Dolly, was born. In 1758, their son Jacob was born.

Han Yerry married for a second time to Dolly Cobus on August 20, 1774. They had a son, Peter, in 1787. Peter had seven children with his wife, Lucretia Calvin. (Dolly Cobus is also said to be Polly Cooper, Cobus means cooper in the Oneida language.) She was said to have loaded his musket or shot her weapon at the Saratoga campaign (June 14 – October 17, 1777), Cobus died on July 23, 1844. Her son Peter was alive at the time. Her step-children and husband were deceased.

Farm and land grants Han Yerry had a farm for his family at Oriska, near Fort Stanwix. The Doxtators were among the wealthiest Oneida families. The lived in a large frame house and operated a farm, livestock and poultry ranch, and an inn. Food was served on pewter plates. They grew a number of crops. The family had horses, sheep, cattle, and turkeys. There were 60 hogs and 100 chickens. In the winter, they traveled on a sleigh and a wagon.

In 1791, Han Yerry and his brother Honyost received 3,000 acres of military bounty land near the town of Junius, New York. Han Yerry received about 1,800 acres. Cobus was also said to have received land nearby in Red Springs, but it is not confirmed. The Oneida that had lots there sold them on May 26, 1809, for $23,000.

Death Han Yerry's year of death ranges from 1794 to 1839.