The Susquehannock Fire Ring » People

Jeffrey M. Coney

Jeffrey M. Coney — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:38:16 +0000

Our family has long known of a Susquehannock Indian connection. According to family tradition: A relative named Richie Condon (my gggreat-grandfather) traded with the Susquehannock, in what would now be the Williamsport, PA, and Western Susquehanna River branch, on a regular basis. They dealt with him for what sounds like it may have been a number of years and he got along well with them. On one such trip he met a Susquehannock squaw who was either the daughter of the tribe/community’s chief or medicine man (not exactly sure which). After several trips Richie and the squaw fell in love, however it was kept secret because her father would not approve. Well as you might expect he found out anyways. There was a big scandal in the Indian community and Richie was told to leave and never return. He said he wouldn’t without her. The father told him if you don’t we’ll kill you. I’m not sure of the exact words Richie used but he basically told the father you’ll have to kill me then because I won’t leave without her. The presumption is that whatever was said impressed the father; he let Richie live and they married.

The family only knows the squaw, his wife, as “Susqua”. They had a daughter named Hannah Condon (born June 6, 1832, died 1906) not sure if they did it on purpose or out of a sense of humor but when placed together… Susqua-Hannah (like the river – get it!). I have Photos of Hannah and David Coney which were taken in the 1890s.

Hannah married David Coney (My Great Great Grandfather – Born 1828 Juniata, PA, Died: 1900)
His son: Robert Coney (My Great Grandfather)
His son: Rev. Daniel Richie Coney Sr. (My Grand Father)
His son: Elmer C. Coney Sr. (My Father)
His son: Jeffrey M. Coney (Me)

So, if my math is correct that would make me 1/32nd Susquehannock Indian. While tracing my family lines I found that the newest family line’s arrival was in the 1830s – most branches of my family have been here since the early 1600s to mid 1700s. The earliest Coney held office in the Virginia house of Burgesses in 1628 so it won’t surprise me if I find more Indian connections.
Thanks, Jeff

Ray Miquon Johnson

Ray Miquon Johnson — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:20:50 +0000

I am still carrying on where my father, and his mother and father, and their ancestors did for generations before that and that is to find our People again. I was given this task at birth. I am just one of many who like Grandfather William Commanda (First Nations, Canada) who are still gathering the People together. My ancestors go back to the time way before the smallpox blankets were given to our People in Pequea, Shenks Ferry, Andaste, Miquon and a few of the local villages here in the Lancaster and York counties… and some down in what is now known as Maryland… like in Conowingo and Rocks. Our family like other Miquon/ Andaste spent their summers here in the Lancaster, York, and in the Conowingo-Rocks area farming. This was our summer quarters. Valley Forge/ Conshohocken PA area was our winter quarters, while some still stayed here in the Conowingo/ Rocks area in Maryland. My grandmother (Johnson) lived right there on what is now known as Johnson Road in the Conowingo and Rocks area of Maryland. I have been gathering the People my whole life. My grandmother used to take me around the country and introduce me to the Elders. I am, as far as I know… what is left of the Andaste/ Miquon Snake Clan.

If you met a Susquehanna/ Andaste/ Miquon JOHNSON from PA, VA, NY (Six Nations), or MD… they are more than likely my JOHNSON kin. My grandmother was Susan Rogers from the Cornplanters Rez. I am her grandson… many of the old Elders up in Six Nations know me as the ‘Roger’s kid/boy’.

I’d love to find my cousins. I’d love to hear your stories and I’ll share mine. So Hey! please feel free to call me after 9:00am till 11:30am and after 10:30pm. Call me at (EST) 717-983-0836. I have Vonage… so I can call you back on our dime. Here is my e-mail addy – miquon1@comcast.net, but I’d rather talk… like we did in the old way.

I’d love to hear from any of you who are of Miquon/ Susquehannock/ Andaste/ Mingo/ Mingua/ Conestoga ancestry and/or any other nation and we can just talk. We are in the ‘Times’, so please contact me.

Thanks.

Ray Miquon Johnson
717-983-0836
miquon1@comcast.net
Lancaster County, PA