Moses Carpenters real name was Ska-Run-Ya-Te, he was a Canadian Mohawk Indian who came to Middlesbrough in 1889. The traveling company who offered ‘miracle cures’ was lead by Sequah (who was actually an Englishman named William Hannaway Rowe). This picture is thought to show Ska-Run-Ya-Te stood next to a seated Sequah.
The show was in Middlesbrough for three weeks with twice daily shows selling cures such as Prairie Flower and Sequahs Oil.
Moses was taken ill in Middlesbrough and died on 15th August 1889, it is said that 12,000 – 15,000 lined the route of funeral to pay their respects.
The grave is still decorated to this day with feathers and flowers.
Mohawk Indian Moses Carpenters Grave
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Great stuff Chris – as ever!
The story goes that on market day, part of his service was also to lick off the cataracts form the old folks’ eyes! …dunno if true or not!
Hi Chris,
Apparently, there were 23 different Sequahs in the heyday of this early franchise. I think I’ve identified this Sequah as W.G. Barnsford. I’ve linked to your photo on my blogpost https://catherineclarkeauthor.com/2018/02/25/sequah/ Can you tell me more about the source of the photo please?
Regards
Cathy Clarke
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