MISCOMOTE (Miscamote), a Maskegon Cree, son of Noah (captain of the Moose River Indians); d. 1721.

Miscomote is first mentioned as a Moose River Indian in the Albany account books for 1694. A few years later he must have decided to settle at Albany where he became captain of the Home Indians. He hunted for the factory and was hired by Governor Beale as a look-out at Cockispenny Point to give warning of French raiders.

He had four children: one son of about 13 died 29 Nov. 1712 and was buried in English fashion in Albany graveyard. A little black dog was killed by Miscomote and laid on the coffin. Another son died 19 May 1713. Miscomote and his wife were pensioners on the factory from 1711 to 12 Sept. 1721 when Miscomote died, badly “afflicted with gout.” He was interred near the fort “that he might be buried nigh the Englishmen.” His wife was a pensioner until at least 1728–29. Miscomote’s other children evidently had been killed or had died before 8 Oct. 1715 since there is a reference at that date to the fact that he had no children to support him.

Miscomote’s career illustrates the mutual respect that developed between the company and some of the leading Indians, and the responsibility accepted by the company for the maintenance of faithful old servants.

G. E. Thorman