Joseph Brant, born Thayebdanegea, was a Mohawk chief who was born in what is now called the state of Ohio. During his youth he joined the British in their fight against the French.

It was during this time he was befriended by a British general by the name of Sir William Johnson. As a result he was sent to the Eleazer Wheelock in Connecticut, and became a Christian. Until the war began Brant served as a missionary among his own people and translated the Episcopal Prayer Book and part of the New Testament into Mohawk.

During the Revolutionary War in America he led many raids against American settlers and soldiers causing great damage.