Jones, Peter (Kahkewāquonāby)

  • From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: See full biography at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Jones_(missionary)
  • Wiki Biography:
    • Peter Jones (January 1, 1802 – June 29, 1856) was an Ojibwe author, Methodist minister, translator, and chief from Burlington Heights, Upper Canada. His Ojibwa name was Kahkewāquonāby (Gakiiwegwanebi in the Fiero spelling), which means “[Sacred] Waving Feathers”. In Mohawk, he was called Desagondensta, meaning “he stands people on their feet”. In his youth his band of Mississaugas had been on the verge of destruction. As a preacher and a chieftain, as a role model and as a liaison to governments, his leadership helped his people survive contact with Europeans.
    • Jones was raised by his mother Tuhbenahneequay in the traditional culture and religion of the Mississauga Ojibwas until the age of 14. After that, he went to live with his father Augustus Jones, a Welsh-born United Empire Loyalist. There he learnt the customs and language of the white Christian settlers of Upper Canada and was taught how to farm. Jones converted to Methodism at age 21 after attending a camp-meeting with his half sister.
    • In 1997, Jones was declared a “Person of National Historic Significance” by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Andy Mitchell. To honour Jones and to underscore his role in helping the Mississaugas survive contact with the Europeans, a celebration of his recognition was held at New Credit. As well, the Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board erected an historic plaque detailing Jones’s life. The location of the plaque is Echo Villa, the estate where Jones lived from 1851 until his death in 1856.
  • Grandson of United Empire Loyalist listed in Loyalist Directory: https://uelac.ca/loyalist-directory/detail/?wpda_search_column_id=4285
  • Find A Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/68179728/peter-jones