For enthusiasts of early banjo

Another perspective on Frank Converse.

Myths and legends of the New York State Iroquois

By Harriet Maxwell Converse, Arthur Caswell Parker (1908)

Page 16

...In 1861 Harriet Maxwell Clarke, then the young widow of G. B. Clarke, one of the owners of Congress Spring, Saratoga, married Frank Buchanan Converse, of Westfield, Mass., a friend and playmate of her early childhood. For five years after her marriage she traveled in Europe, Asia and Africa and toured the United States. Her husband, Mr Converse, was an inventor and musician. He had spent his early days in the west where he experienced all the adventures of the early pioneer. He lived with the Indians and became a great favorite with them. His skill as an athlete, and his dexterity with the rifle and bow won their admiration.

After the return of Mr and Mrs Converse to the East they took up their home in Mott Haven, afterward removing to West 46th street, New York city.

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(page 23)

...In April 1890, the Name Holders of the Snipe Clan held a council and decided to change Mrs Converse's name. Thus on the following June there was another ceremony. Mr Converse was present with Mrs Converse and was given a clan adoption. He was named Ha-ie-no-nis, Music Maker, in allusion to his ability to wring melody from any musical instrument which he chose to touch. Mr James Kelly of New York city, an American sculptor of note, at this ceremony was named Ga-nius-kwa, Stone Giant, a name consistent with the sculptor's profession. Mrs Converse was received with great ceremony and named Ya-ie-wa-noh. The next spring the Indians planned to advance her still further in the honors of the nation.

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From now on I think we should only refer to Ha-ie-no-nis when referring to Mr. Converse.

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