Sir William Johnson

Definition

Sir William Johnson, 1st Baronet (l. c.1715-1774) was a British military officer, diplomat, and Superintendent of Indian Affairs. He was instrumental in aligning the Native Americans of New York with the British during the French and Indian War and served as a Major-General with distinction.

More about: Sir William Johnson

Timeline

  • 1739
    William Johnson starts to trade with the Iroquois, undercutting British traders at Oswego.
  • c. 1742
    After becoming immersed in Mohawk culture and learning their language, William Johnson becomes adopted by the Mohawks as "Warraghiyagey".
  • 8 Sep 1755
    Battle of Lake George results in a British victory.
  • 6 Jul 1759 - 26 Jul 1759
    The Siege of Fort Niagara results in a British victory. 1,000 Iroquois warriors participate on Britain's side, fulfilling their part of the Covenant Chain alliance.
  • 1768
    Sir William Johnson helps define the boundary between Iroquois and colonial land at the Treaty of Fort Stanwix.
  • 11 Jul 1774
    Sir William Johnson, 1st Baronet, dies from a stroke aged 58-59, at a conference with the Iroquois Confederacy.
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