Indian Captive: The Story of Mary Jemison

Summary

Twelve-year-old Mary Jemison took for granted her peaceful days on herfamily’s farm in eastern Pennsylvania. But on a spring day in 1758,something happened that changed her life forever.

When a band of warriors invades the Jemisons’ house and takesthe family captive, Mary is separated from her parents and siblings. She travelswith the Indians to southern Ohio and later to a Seneca village on the GeneseeRiver in what is now western New York. Mary’s new life is not easy. She missesher family terribly and is unaccustomed to Seneca ways. But even after her severalunsuccessful attempts to run away, the Indians are kind to Mary and teach hermany things about the earth, its plants, and its creatures. She develops deepbonds with the animals and even her captors. When Mary is finally giventhe chance to return to the world of white men, she struggles with her newfoundfeelings.

Based on a true story, this is the unforgettable taleof the legendary “White Woman of the Genesee.”