How One Irish Immigrant Changed the Fate of the American Colonies: The Story of Sir William Johnson
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- Опубліковано 15 жов 2024
- Peter makes fire and brews coffee over the open fire, while explaining his hypothesis of how Sir William Johnson changed the course of history in the American Colonies.
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Featuring - Peter Kelly
Cinematography - Catherine Wolfe
Producer & Editor - Catherine Wolfe
SOCIAL MEDIA
UA-cam - / @thewoodlandescape
Facebook - / the.woodland.escape
MUSIC
The amazing music in this episode is graciously provided by our friends, Richard Fortier and Al MacDonald.
#18thcenturycooking#18thcenturypioneerlife #americancolonialhistory
As an Irishman myself, and an old soul at heart, I feel a special connection to this man and the path he follows. The pioneer ways of old were fascinating, and I’m blessed to live in the Appalachian Mnts, and able to reconnect with my roots. Love these videos, I could watch, and attempt to mimic, all day😂💪
I thank, sir. You live in a very beautiful part of your country.
If I had a school teacher who could make history as interesting and exiting as you do I would have been a much better student.
I’m flattered by your kind words.
I am a student of the French and Indian war reading all I can about it. Yes I've read extensively about Sir William Johnson and his accomplishments. Always thought he was sort of an unsung hero, if you will. Thanks.
I agree. Having said that I do get some negative feedback from some Americans, saying he was nothing but a Redcoat. Ironically as you would know from your studies, everyone in the colonies was a redcoat in that time period.
From an Aussie 18-19th century history nut, I love your presentations Peter, thank you sir.
Many thanks! If your ever in Canada, we welcome all history nuts at our fire.
A great story. My GGGGrandparents landed in Philadelphia in. 1815. They were Scotch Irish. Alexander was born in 1772. Amazingly enough, I have both their photographs taken in the 1850s. My Grandfather born in 1892 knew an elderly gentleman whose father was a veteran of the war of Independence. We think of a hundred years as a long time but in reality it isn’t long at all. I think of my Grandfather who passed at the age of 97 in 1989, who knew a man who’s father fought in the War of Independence and here am I. We are all connected in so many ways. Kind Thanks! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania
What a wonderful heirloom that photograph must be. Thanks so much for sharing your story!
@@daveyjoweaver6282 I have lots of ancestors that fought in the Revolution. 16, intact.my wife has four.
Peter if I had a history teacher like you I would never have skip classes in high-school.
Cheers from the pacific northwest. Canada side.
I played a lot of billiards when I should have been in class, lol. Thanks for the lovely compliment.
If only all history teachers could start their classes off with a fresh pot of coffee and a campfire....I think they would capture the minds of every student for a lifetime, and also a few others ;)
I do some educational things with youth and I agree, David, if you immerse them, allow hands on it works. Oh and the sound, heat and smoke from a fire goes a long way.
Thanks👍🏴
Johnstown, NY founded and named by Sir William Johnson, I live in his back yard, lol. His residence is still standing. The history of this man and the area he was responsible for played a major role in New York history. If u ever get the chance visit his homes in Johnstown, ny. Also read a book called The Bloody Mohawk. The history of this area is unbelievable. Thanks again for another great video.
Thanks for the recommendations, Robert. NY State does indeed have a lot of history. Over 80% of the battles in the Rev war were fought there.
In 1765, William brought over a Scottish family of whitaners, which is a fancy word for glove makers. A year later they took a wagon load of gloves to Albany and the glove industry was started in the US. He would purchase deer skins from natives and hunters. Johnstown was originally called Stumptown due to the Eastern Hemlock groves, the bark used for tanning, the wood for lumber and firewood. Johnstown was and is a tannery town, Gloversville was the headquarters for glove making for over 200 years, until everything went overseas. I believe there is a man who is opening a museum about the glove industry in the area. Sir William also brought over breeches makers, tailors, tanners,etc. He showed what could be possible if people stopped fighting and got along.
I used to read a lot about Frontiersman of the 18th Century, so I am familiar with Sir William Johnson. Thank you for the video!
Glad you enjoyed it! Sir William was certainly one of the most colourful characters of that era!
I could sit and listen to you read a phone book and enjoy it. Thanks again, Mr. Kelly.
Oh my, now that has to be the most flattering compliment to date! You gave me my smile of the day.
Awesome video I could smell the coffee hear and Salisbury NC take care and stay warm and safe .
I trust the aroma was to your liking, Karen.
Superb history lesson I cam across Sir William Johnson watching Broken Chain. Very thank-you for your service of education. Big respect.
Thanks for the kind compliment, glad you’re enjoying.
What great videography.. you make the bitter cold look inviting .. enjoyed the story ..
Onward and Upward is the watchword.
Flattered, Jeff, thank you.
Love your channel. So humble and honest... and informative!
Thank you so much 😊
An interesting, informative, and enjoyable video. Thanks for sharing your fire with us.
Our pleasure Larry.
Thanks for sharing and giving us a little know history lesson blessings to all
Thanks Kim.
great story!
Thanks Ronnie. Keep your powder dry.
@@TheWoodlandEscape keep your coffee hot!
Always!
Thank you my friend again for the history lesson I never heard of Sir William Johnson but now I know of them and what he did thank you again and enjoy your coffee always Freddie
Love the beautiful work, and love the history lessons!
First few minutes with the deer & the Sun peaking into the trees just spectacular! Read some on Sir William, outstanding gentlemen. Really like your 18th century coffee grinder! Thank you Sir.....ATB
That coffee grinder just never stops working. No comparison with the modern junk of today.
More of that. Actually more of everything please. Even if only a wee bit at a time. Lol. Great story. Thanks!!
Thanks Steven.
Herzliche Grüße aus Österreich!
Greetings from Austria!
👍 Danke fürs Hochladen!
👍 Thanks for uploading!
👍 Very good and beautiful, thank you!
👍 Sehr gut und schön, danke
Great episode!
Thanks Chris.
Hi from Ireland. My brother sent me in the direction of your channel. Love what you do. Thank you for sharing your life, your skills and your history lessons with us. : )
Thanks Lulu and a thank you to your brother for the support. We’re glad you’re enjoying. I still have a visit to Ireland on my bucket list.
The"Frontier Man" right at home and settle in. I love it !
Thanks Everett, home is where one hangs their hat. Last couple of night for me have been out trekking.
Wanted to tell you thanks for sharing your life. Always enjoyed your work and story’s. I’ve been rewatching all your cabin building videos. Just this past week I closed on a wooded property in the Ozark. It’s a little way from home ( 1hr) and I’m praying I’ll get to build a cabin similar to y’all’s. God bless y’all. (Old guy from Arkansas)🇺🇸
I wish you well in your cabin building project and thank you for your continued interest in our endevour.
Very interesting old friend. I would love to sit around a warm fire and listen to your great stories.
I like to listen to a good tale as well. We appreciate your interest.
From an early age I voraciously read… history, westerns, early Americana, spot on about William Johnson, he did sooo much more , please expound over another cup of coffee!
Ah a good fire and a fine cup of coffee and I could expound history all day long. Great idea.
Interesting. Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
Sir William is my 5th great-grandfather. As his story continues, because of his success with native relations, he was appointed British Superintendent of Indian Affairs by King George. After Sir Williams death a few years later, his son John Johnson took over that position, but at that point, being an agent of the King and having the alliance of the native population was too much of a threat to the new "American Patriots" looking to oust British rule, and Sir John and family were literally chased through the wilderness into Canada, where his father had once chased the French. One of Sir Williams daughter's died in childbirth on that journey, and Sir John's infant son froze to death. Sir John Johnson then became a major figure in the formation and history of Canada.
Wow an amazing story and some fantastic family history. Geology is fun but, without the stories to go with the people, it is simply not the same as your wealth of your families real stories. Thanks so much for sharing.
Came here from Ron and Justine’s channels, and I’m not sad I did! I adore listening to you tell stories and share the early American lifestyle! I’m going to binge all your videos now!
Ron amend Justine do an amazing job on their channel. We appreciate both your interest and support in ours.
Beautiful animals in the opening, is it deer? Really enjoy your channel in the wilderness. Thank you for shearing.
They are Whitetail Deer, Bjoern . Glad you’re enjoying.
Thoroughly enjoy watching your videos and listening to your stories Peter.
Thanks John, I appreciate that.
I love hearing these historical stories. I really like and respect you and what you do. To most of us, (USA and Brits) the revolution is an enigma. We're so tight with the Brits now, it's as if the revolution never even happened! We're like long lost cousins and there is sure no ill will. Now, the US and Canada have had the longest, largest and most unrestrained border in the history of humanity. I can't imagine why any Canadian people would have any animosity for USA people, but I've seen it in some of your videos and from some of the Canadian people I met in Mexico about 15 years ago. Can you explain this? I don't understand.
Not sure how Canadians come across that way to you, but, as far as we’re concerned, Americans have always been our good friends and neighbours. We appreciate your interest in our back in time endeavour.
Good video. Sir William was a heck of a man. I assume you have read A. W. Eckert's book WILDERNESS EMPIRE. If not, it is a great work. Sir William is a prominent character in it. Although, Eckert himself admitted that he sometimes strayed a bit from the accuracy of a good story. Even so, it is a must read.
I have indeed read it … loved all of his works. As my grandfather used to say, never let truth get in the way of a good story!
Loved it felt like I was setting there with you keep them coming
Actually Richard, I do,sometimes, when I’m rambling on, that I’m telling a story to a few friends around a campfire. Don’t be telling anyone about my imaginary friends, lol.
That's a great story Peter. As you know, my family were Jacobite's in Scotland and many are buried at Culloden, and other places where they fought the British. Being Highlander's they were Papists, and the Lowland part were Protestant. Love your stories, and i can't wait to see you build the canoe. Be well, Red Davey Crumpton
Thanks David and I too am looking forward to the canoe build.
My family came to Canada because of the "Great Clearance" that lasted for 90 years. Stuart, Mac Pherson, Mac Millen, and the lowland Hamiltons.
One of your best vids yet! Thanks and would like to hear more about Willliam Johnson!
Thanks Millie.
Nice video. Nothing like a good fire and a hot cup of coffee on a cold morning, and a bit of history as well.
Hard to beat!
Simply brilliant the way you roasted the coffee beans and beat them into submission with a stick.
That method will grow hair on your chest lol. (JF)
Excellent educational story. Well done. To date I've watched every one of your videos.
Another great video! I've long admired William Johnston (sp?). He's actually in my opinion a good example of the French attitude regarding the natives. In my ongoing portrayal of a French trapper/trader on the south shore of Lake Superior, I've always wondered what would be the outcome of the F & I war if he had sided with the French oriented tribes.
I always like to speculate on the “what if’s in history” as well.
So much history we are unaware of! Thanks for a look at Sir William Johnson. Enjoy your coffee, Peter!
Thanks Jan.
Very nice! He was also responsible for naming Lake George - Lake George
Indeed!
Just found your channel 3 weeks ago and have now watched every episode. Thanks so very much for such a informative and peaceful channel...
Your the Man Kelly
Well worth the sub for sure. I’m about 6 months in. Love the content!
Well William, that is one marathon effort …that is a lot of viewing. We are very flattered by your interest and support.
And a big thanks to you Stan.
Thank you for another wonderful way to begin my day - and this time, my Birthday :-)
I’m glad Bent … another successful trip around the sun, happy birthday.
Thank you for the history. I enjoy these videos. I loved history in school, but realize how much they didn't say. I'm 58 and still love learning. About 5 years ago I went to a popular state park to hike and stumbled upon a Civil War enactment. Ran into someone I knew that was participating. A group of kids from some school that were teenagers had come thru, and my friend said they had never heard about the civil war. How is that possible? History doesn't demand for you to agree or disagree but to simply know what happened. History should be facts. I'm afraid the school system is failing, but my three grands are always introduced to history from their Gram. Again thank you for all your work. When they want "screen time" This is the kind of stuff they get from me. I homeschooled my own kids and they are smart, educated, well rounded, successful individuals.
I certainly admire anyone who cares enough to home school their own, good for you. As to the current state of our education system, well,one has to wonder. We thank you for your interest in our step back in time endeavour.
@@janetnga3234 they don’t teach history in school, anymore. I grew up with Georgia and American history, which is why my BA is in history. It has served me well in my genealogical pursuits. My mother wanted me to teach school but I would not have tolerated the conduct of students, today. I also would not take courses in finger painting in order to get a teachers certificate. . I probably would have liked coaching but you have to take the same education courses, which I would not do. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree and not a watered down education degree, which is little better than a certificate from a trade school, imho.
Very cool, You’ve taken what you love and turned into and awesome life life that encouraged and educates us, and I might add it doesn’t look easy either. Keep it up.
Thanks Roger, we’re glad you’re enjoying.
Very much
@@TheWoodlandEscape noticed your leather covered canteen. Nice
Thank You Very Much for this video. :)
My pleasure Warren, glad you’re enjoying.
Enjoyed the story Peter. I am going to make some coffee like you did roasting and pounding the beans. Bet its great. Take care.
It doesn’t get any fresher, Paul.
Hi Peter!
That warm drink sure looked like it was "good to the last drop"! I know I shouldn't be surprised... but Good Heavens! That is a lot of snow!
I first read about Sir William when I picked up a copy of Allen Eckhart's book, "Wilderness Empire"... more years ago than I care to recall. It has formed the basis of my opinion of the man ever since. I've been up and down the Mohawk Valley three times in my life so far... but I've never had the time to stop and tour the historical sites that have stood pretty tall in my imagination... Johnson Hall, Fort Stanwix, and Oriskany to name a few.
I'm looking forward to seeing the new canoe being fabricated! Stay Warm!
I love Eckert’s books. Did you read the Frontiersman? Should you ever find yourself at Johnson Hall, take a short drive the Fort Klock … an amazing site as well.
@@TheWoodlandEscape YES I have! As a "Hoosier" from Indiana, I was particularly interested in how this area was settled... and I became acquainted with Simon (Butler) Kenton and a host of others!
I have all of his "The Winning Of America" series... but I thought his volume about the Black Hawk War was almost too tragic to read. The technological advantages of Steam Boats, cannons, Regular Army troops, and overwhelming supplies indicated that the ability of the Natives to resist had already come and gone. It probably died with Tecumpsah. The best that they could do was to fight a long, eventually futile rearguard action to defend their way of life and lands.
Thanks for the tip about Fort Klock! I will add it to my bucket list! I'm just going to go ahead and blame the movie, "Drums Along The Mohawk" for an early and abiding interest in that neck of the woods! Take Care!
New subscriber. I really enjoy your channel. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and thanks for the way you integrate history lessons in the videos.
Thanks, Richard and we appreciate your interest and support.
What a fabulous story. So very great to learn this, thanks
Thank you for the fascinating history lesson, Peter!
Thank you.
Thank you for sharing these interesting stories. Another uplifting video. I'm looking forward to your videos with Spring/Summer landscapes. Keep up the good work!
At this point in the winter, Emsol, so am I!
Always enjoy the history lessons Peter. Thanks for sharing and always look forward to the next video.
Thanks Micheal, you’ve been a very loyal follower of our endevour.
@The Woodland Escape thanks Peter, the pleasure is all mine.
Enjoyed sitting down by the fire for a talk. Love the history and the setting surrounding you as you re-enter our past and squeeze out "a wee bit" for us.
Thanks Gail.
Great story! Had never heard of Sir William Johnson before. Thank you!
I really enjoyed this and would love to hear more! Thanks for sharing.
I admire the way you transmogrified into a snowy owl at the end. Great video.
Love the history you share. So important and I share it with my Grandchildren!
Thanks Kathy for giving your grandkids a peek into the past.
Thank you for the wonderful “We Bit Of History”, one can’t help but enjoy it so very much. And my goodness that owl is incredible.
Thanks Richard.
Good history story. I knew I saw Irish in you. 🙂. My family is 100% Irish Protestant on my dad's side and Irish/Scottish on the mom's. Dad came over with a box of clothes, and a box of tools. Mom's side came to new Brunswick in 1830 to a tiny, remote township. And oh my bod, I just noticed the closing shot. What an awesome shot of an owl!
Irish as it comes! Cathy does have a knack for capturing the good shots.
THANKS
Thanks for watching.
Another great history lessons from Peter.
Thank you.
Thank you very much appreciated
I love stories of history
You may have guessed, Scarlet, I kinda like them too. Thanks for your interest.
Could not be too cold or the canteen water would be solid. Thank you for the history.
When it is really cold I carry my water Bodley under my outer garments and under my blankets at night.
I have nothing major to say other than I hope the youtube algorithm will see my interaction and help promote your great channel Peter ;)
Thank you. We do seem a wee bit stalled.
Top notch!!!!
Thanks, Joe.
As always appreciate your efforts and dedication. Enjoyed your wee bit of history today. People don't quite understand the influence of native people in the early years of the content. Thanks again and keep your powder dry!
Thanks Ashley, sadly the nylon real losers in all the various wars were the natives. Always forced to pick sides in wars they didn’t want any part of.
Are coffee pots like yours still available? If so where? I first read about Sir William Johnson in Allen Eckert's book Wilderness Empire many years ago.
Found that pot in a flea market some 30 years ago and it has been in my kit ever since. I love Allen Eckert’s books. Have you read the Frontiersman?
@@TheWoodlandEscape yes I have and the Conqueror also
Another awesome video and perspective on our history, Peter.
Thanks Bob. Just read your email and we are both in for the frolic. I,ll be up on Manitoulin that week but, I get home the day before your event.
@@TheWoodlandEscape That's great Peter. We can do it the 2nd day if that works better for you. Let us know , as well as how many attending .
Your chosen date works just fine and it will be Cathy and a I.
I've just recently discovered your channel and am sooooo impressed and inspired to live a simple life with what & whom surrounds it ... May I ask you what the red leggings are called please, and did you make them? ... Do you have a website where handmade items may be purchased? ... I'll be watching all if your videos every spare moment I have, and I've shared a few on my FB page to share with others also ... Keep warm, strong and filled with Joy as you walk the woodland trails of your journey through life good sir🌲🌲👞👞🌲
They are simple well wraps, a common item in the 18th century. Glad you found us and we appreciate your interest and support.
Peter. You are making me think about making a pot of coffee. I usually make it at 0600 but I may make it earlier this morning. There is nothing like a cup of Joe to get you going. My famines were mostly in the Colonies by 1700. My last ancestor came from Prussia in 1836 but the others were well established in the Colonies by then. Some were on the Mayflower and others on the Caroline into Jamestown. My wife has a similar ancestry, except here were Yankees. Bobby Lee is a cousin of mine, so is Tommy Jefferson. I don’t know of any Irish ancestors. Mine were Scottish, but I am also of Anglo Saxon and Norman descent. Now to make some coffee.
I wish you would produce a recording of the background music for your videos, such as this one! It'd be great for rides in the car or even simply reading in your room.
That's a great idea! I’ll see what I can do.
Thanks for another great history lesson, it's always appreciated!
Thanks Jeff.
I'm a descendent of sir william johnson. Thank you
Nice to know you have some strong Irish blood running through your veins.
Hello from New Zealand. Simply love ALL you share. Look forward to watching everytime.
Is it possible for you to share how you made the fur vest you are wearing.
It looks very warm.
It is pretty darn warm. The construction is a wee bit crude. Simple took the hides I had tanned and whip stitched them together. We do plan on doing some sewing episodes at some point.
@@TheWoodlandEscape I look forward to those.
do you know anything about Zachariah connell the founder of connellsville PA? love the stories
No I do not but, ill be looking it up!
Love the " we bit of history " and can't wait to see the canoe
Me too. Spring for sure, May is the time for bark harvesting.
@@TheWoodlandEscape Dead a living ?
It must be a live tree with nice thick bark and few blemishes.
Funny looking kangaroos!!! Lol
What magnificent creatures your deer are - & in great condition.
Thanks for the insight to your early history as a lot of it is new to me. So William Johnson is about to be extensively Googled along with the associated territory wars & the Mohicans
Funny, you’ve given me my morning laugh.
Wonderful bit of history from the 7 Years War, (French & Indian War) that is unknown here in the US. Thanks for sharing William Johnson's story, and the legacy he left.
Thanks, Tracy
what music do you use in your videos? it is really quite nice and I would like to find it.
Supplied by two friends so not available for purchase. I keep telling them to start selling their stuff, to no avail.
I'm selling my house in Sudbury and first on the agenda is a trip back to Cavantown for a visit.
Beauty day ya got there. Having Scots/Irish/German etc. heritage I must smile at the observations. The true history of our lives. Moving at most the speed of a horse. Sir William Johnston must have been an honorable, vigorous man with a keen intelligence.
He was apparently a very big man and yes quite fit and agile in his youth.
Have you seen the movie, Unconquered, with Gary Cooper and Paulette Goddard? Sir William Johnson was depicted in this movie, along with George Washington and Mason and Dixon.
02:00 I suspect that there would've been a cold sink, below the feet. Normally a foot square hole. Still utilised today in Arctic Warfare.
Hope there are more fire side chats with history theme coming
Indeed there are … Appreciate your interest
How Interesting Peter! Reading up on your 'Irish Hero' (and well you R 2 B proud of him), he seems 2 B the kind of man that accomplishes amazing tasks but is not framed , when the picture is taken. He does have a monument in Johnstown, NY., and when a bird can perch or christen your like...you 'know', that you have 'made it'.LOL! He does have qualities that 'shine' like George Washington's, in that he genuinely appreciated people and respected them. Theodore Roosevelt said; " People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." Personally, with these two men, I find it was their great forte for moving men into position for victory. These 'kind' are first raised and then cultivated for their 'moment in time', and when they submit themselves to the sacrifice needed...their 'gold' is witnessed. Thank-you 4 your time/talents shared, and for your steady hand Catherine. Health and God Bless!
Well put, Marie and thank you , you’ve made me smile this morning with the bird perch thing.
An excellent read about William Johnson is " Wilderness Empire" by Allan A Eckert. I have all 611 pages and could not put the book down.
I know, an excellent read as was the Frontiersman .
I have " The Frontiersmen " in my library also. Both books by Allan Eckert are excellent.
The Scot Irish built and made America.
Did you know the Brits had even forbid the Colonials from making shovels - they had to import them from England. The first company in America that made shovels was Ames and they are still in business.
Crazy.
Makes me proud to be a Presbyterian
My line! Scots, Irish, Welsh...
Well then Steve, I wouldn’t want to wrestle you, lol. Joking aside, very good bloodlines in my humble opinion.
Can’t wait for the canoe. I may try to carve a cherry paddle this summer.
I find whittling out paddles a very relaxing project.
Where did you get that coffee pot ?
A flea market almost 30 years ago. It has been carried a lot of miles since then.
@@TheWoodlandEscape Thanks - It is a great looking piece. I don't need another coffee/tea pot but that would be a welcome addition to my camp box.
Thanks and I really enjoy your channel.
History is always a good topic. Still a key point left out and one still burning in the minds of some (the aware) Americans; Sir William Johnson was a "RED COAT" even if he passed away in New York. I think the prelude to the video: The two young deer. One was highly spooked and the other oblivious as they were being watched (camera representing - take a guess) - Think America and Canada. Due to pride and not wanting to offend, I'll let the reader decide which one was which. Thanks for the video and history. Things; in a way, haven't changed. Canada's demeanor and America's remains the same ... how odd that is? I also believe the relationship between the two countries is as blended as our histories... Like two brothers. Hence, why Americans are not pleased with the recent actions taken against the Canadian people. (JF)
Is the canteen that you used a glass bottle wrapped in leather?
I think you’re referring to my leather shot pouch but, I have made canteens fin leather covered bottles as well as simply leather ones.