Ely Parker by Andrew Stefancik

Birth and Early Life

stefancika — 2018-05-30 14:29:16 UTC

Ely Parker was born to Elizabeth and William Parker, who were a Seneca family, in 1828 and was originally named Hasanoanda, or "Leading Name" in Seneca. Later, with white settlers began to appear around their home, his parents sent him to Baptist school so he could get an education. There, he took the first name of the minister of the school, and took on the name Ely Parker.

Education and Professional Life

stefancika — 2018-05-30 14:37:55 UTC

By the age of 14, Parker had attended the Yates Academy, and had mastered the English language. The Seneca elders were impressed by his skill, and hired him to be a translator and interpreter for their affairs with the Americans. In 1846, Parker headed to Washington to get engaged in national politics. There he stood up for the rights of the Seneca, but was ultimately defeated. He also studied law in New York, but racist ideas in New York policies stopped him from becoming a lawyer. He eventually settled down in New York, and later moved to Illinois as a civil engineer.

Relevance to Civil War

stefancika — 2018-05-30 14:47:17 UTC

Parker actually met Union General Ulysses S. Grant at a convenience store, and the relationship he created with grant was rewarding. When Grant was appointed the General of the Union Army, he invited Parker to join him, and Parker became a secretary for Grant and obtained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Union army. He was appointed to be the chief engineer in the 7th division for the Battle of Vicksburg. Parker later became General Grant's adjutant during the Chattanooga campaign, and eventually was moved with Grant to the U.S. Army Headquarters. Following his role in the Battle of Petersberg, he was upgraded to military secretary and awarded the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He is best known for writing the final Articles of Surrender for the Confederates, ending the war at Appomattox Courthouse.

Famous Quote

stefancika — 2018-05-30 14:48:54 UTC

After the battle of Appomattox Courthouse, which was where Robert E. Lee of the south surrendered to the Union, there was a surrender meeting. When Lee saw Parker, noticing that he was native american, he said, "I'm glad to see one real american here," and Parker shook his hand and replied, "We are all Americans."

stefancika — 2018-05-30 15:07:43 UTC

After the War

stefancika — 2018-05-30 15:10:44 UTC

After the civil war had come to a close, he was able to settle down and find a steady job as a clerk for the NYPD. In his last years, he battled strokes, diabetes, and kidney diseases. In 1895, he went to bed early and died in his sleep.

stefancika — 2018-05-31 14:38:31 UTC


Parker is seated here on the far left with Adam Badeau, General Grant, Orville Babcock, and Horace Porter.

Works Cited

stefancika — 2018-05-31 14:48:24 UTC

http://www.pbs.org/warrior/content/bio/ely.html
https://www.nps.gov/apco/parker.htm
http://www.historynet.com/ely-parker-iroquois-chief-and-union-officer.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ely_S._Parker