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The real story of the first Susquehannocks dates to about 1550. The Algonquian-speakingPowhatans had been fighting with the Iroquois and later the British in northern Virginia since 1608. The Susquehannock River played a significant role in their movement and settlement. Initially, the nation spread along the river from Philadelphia to New York State.
History has recorded a few cases of colonists rising through Indigenous American ranks to become sachems (clan leaders) and tribal leaders. Their backgrounds have yet to be registered. Some may have been born to mixed marriages whose fathers were known traders and whose mothers were rescued as outcasts.They are, for the most part, the stuff of legends.
Judah Joseph is the protagonist in this story. His family roots date back to the Spanish Inquisition where his lineage were forced to convert to Christianity, leave the country or perish. His family chose to move to Amsterdam and later to Recife, Brazil, because the Dutch had established control there through the Dutch West India Company. (True Story)
Judahs early life is told through flashbacks in some of the chapters.While his father wanted a traditional traders occupation for Judah, the young man was not satisfied but is genuinely motivated to make the world a better place to live. They are detoured enroute (true story) and land in New Netherland (later New York) where our story begins.
Despite the fact that major world powers are flexing their collective colonial muscles in New World, Judah Joseph finds his lifes identity with the Susquehannock nation. The nation gives him honor, courage, and strength.In turn, he brings knowledge, skill, honesty and adventure.He is an adventurous person who adopts the Susquehannock as his people.
The story of Judah Joseph is purely fictional, yet he could have existed. Colonial history weaves through his life a thread of many colors. Some of the events are true and as accurate as possible. Others are made up out of my imagination but certainly could have happened.
The book is divided into two parts - Becoming, and Bear Village - with 23 chapters. The story follows Judah's journey as he rises through Indigenous American ranks to become a sachem and tribal leader.
