Did you know that Hamilton College in Clinton has honored one of the most important and prominent leaders of the Oneida Nation?

As the institution recalls it's 200th anniversary, some background is needed.

Oneida Chief Shenendoah (Skenandoa) led the Oneida people during and after the American Revolution, when the Oneidas aligned themselves with the colonists. According to oral history, Shenendoah organized a gift of corn for the American troops at Valley Forge.

The link between Hamilton College and the Oneida Nation was forged soon after the war as a result of Shenendoah’s friendship with Presbyterian missionary Samuel Kirkland. Under Kirkland’s spiritual guidance, Shenendoah embraced Christianity, and the two men remained lifelong friends.

In 1793, Kirkland founded the Hamilton-Oneida Academy to educate the children of Oneida Indians in the area and the children of white settlers. The Academy became Hamilton College in 1812.

Before his death in 1816, Shenendoah requested that his grave be placed next to Kirkland’s “so that I may cling to the skirts of his garments and go up with him to the great resurrection.” The two were buried next to the Kirkland home in the village of Clinton. The grave was marked by a prominent stone.

In 1856, the graves were moved from the Kirkland home to the Hamilton College cemetery. Nearly 150 years later, when the college decided to restore its founder’s headstone, it approached the Nation about restoring Shenendoah’s marker. The restored marker was unveiled after a ceremonial tobacco burning and remarks from Hamilton College and Oneida officials.

The refurbished memorial, shaped like the original marker, carries both the original inscription and two new ones. It reads:

“You have laid a permanent foundation for a great school, and you propose our children shall be benefited by it. …Possibly you may find that the difference between us consists only in the color of skin.”

“The rededication of this sacred monument reaffirms the long-standing ties between Hamilton College and the Oneida Nation. May the friendship of Skenandoah and Kirkland continue to inspire our two communities.”

“Skenandoa. This monument is erected by the Northern Missionary Society, in testimony of their respect for the memory of Skenandoa, who died in peace and hope of the Gospel, on the 11th of March, 1816. Wise, eloquent and brave, he long swayed the Councils of his Tribe, whose confidence and affection he eminently enjoyed. In the war which placed the Canadas under Great Britain, he was actively engaged against the French; in that of the Revolution; he espoused that of the Colonies, and ever afterwards remained a firm friend to the United States. Under the ministry of Rev. Mr. Kirkland he embraced the doctrines of the Gospel; and having exhibited their power in a long life, adorned by every Christian virtue, he fell asleep in Jesus at the advanced age of 100 years.”

Hamilton also has a dormitory named after Shenendoah. Skenandoa House, the former Psi Upsilon Fraternity House, was rededicated in 2004. During the event, the Oneidas presented Hamilton officials with a wampum belt, which records, documents and binds the giver and receiver. A basket of white corn, the same corn that the Oneidas carried to Valley Forge to provide sustenance to Gen. George Washington’s starving troops, was also offered.

“We are pleased that the spirit of Skenandoa lives on here at Hamilton in many ways,” reflected Brian Patterson, Bear Clan Council Member, during the dedication. “We thank you for this special day and this special honor. We thank you for helping to keep the memory of our leader, Samuel Kirkland’s good friend, Skenandoa, very much alive for all future generations.”