John Norton First Nations The Six Nations of the Iroquois Queenston Heights

Norton distrusted politicians. He preferred dealing with military leaders and it was through a military alliance that Norton hoped to make gains for the First Nations. Despite Norton's influence, many of the Iroquois were wary of an alliance with either the British or Americans. But Norton had the support of a young hereditary chief of the Grand River community, Brant's son, Ah'You'wa'eghs. Together they secured a sizable force with which to fight alongside General Brock. Norton and his warriors were present at Detroit and Queenston Heights, where they figured prominently in the battles on the Niagara in the summer of 1814. At Chippawa, the Grand River Iroquois fought their New York cousins in a bloody confrontation. After this tragic event the Six Nations of the Iroquois decided to withdraw from the war altogether. Norton and his warriors are perhaps most associated with the Battle of Queenston Heights. Their chilling war cries are credited with discouraging the American militia from crossing into Canada, and they frustrated the invading U.S. forces long enough for British reinforcements to arrive. For his part in the victory Norton was given the "Rank of Captain of the Confederate Indians." After the war, Norton went back to Scotland with his wife and son. They eventually returned to Grand River, but it appears that some years later Norton became estranged from his family. He left the Niagara and is thought to have traveled in the area that would become the southwestern United States. John Norton probably died in late 1831.