1881 - Chief Joseph Onaskeurat Dies

Joseph Onaskeurat, chief of the tribe of Oka Indians, who died the other day near the Lachine Rapids, Province of Quebec, was one of the most distinguished red men of the present century, though he had only completed his thirty-fifth year last September. He was a leader of the Protestant Indians in their fierce conflict with their Catholic neighbors, about three years ago, in which the Protestants were charged, falsely, as Joseph always affirmed with burning down the Catholic Church. He was a fine looking man, speaking French and English as well as Iroquois. He translated the New Testament into the last named language, and many hymns, and at the time of his death was preparing a version of the rest of the Scriptures. Hew as also a popular preacher among his brethren and other aboriginal tribes. He had the boldness and determination which fitted him for leadership, and his loss will be greatly felt throughout Eastern Canada.