Books by James E. Seaver

Mary Jemison was a white captive of Indians, who chose to remain living with her captors. This is her account of acculturation into Seneca society, as told to upstate New York physician James Everett Seaver, and first published in 1824. The book is full of insights into Iroquois culture.

Taken captive at the early age of thirteen by Seneca Indians, Mary Jemison was trained in the wilderness to the ordinary duties of the Indian female. Embedded with the sentiments and lifestyle of the Seneca's she essentially transformed into a member of the tribe. Mary Jemison's story is a remarkable one not because of her extraordinary lifestyle, but because this was the lifestyle that, in the end, she chose for herself. When prisoners were being set free from the bondage of the Indians after the French and Indian War, Mrs. Jemison chose to remain with her Indian friends and accept her Seneca upbringing. Known for her uncommon generosity, as Westward Expansion began to flourish, those who settled near the Genesee River soon became acquainted with The White Woman. This is not a facsimile but is a quality retype set addition. It is illustrated and contains a Appendix with Indian Geographical Names of the area.

The Indian captivity narrative is important not only in the history of American letters but also as an indispensable source concerning the colonization of the 'frontier', and the peoples who dwelt on either side of it. A Narrative of the Life of Mrs. Mary Jemison is one of the best of this literary genre.