Elder Interview-Gerald Jerry Danforth
A.2008.001.093 PP
Name/Title
Elder Interview-Gerald "Jerry" DanforthEntry/Object ID
A.2008.001.093Tags
Missing, Needs Accession Sheet, Needs Location, Needs PhotoDescription
Danforth, Gerald “Jerry” Leslie Born 12/24/1946 Parents: Eva Mae (Schuyler) and Leslie John Danforth Maternal Grandparents: Jim Schuyler and Hattie (Moore) Schuyler Paternal Grandparents: John Danforth and Amy (Skenandore) Danforth He doesn’t remember his grandfather Danforth because he passed away when Jerry was a young toddler. His grandmother Danforth use to take care of the kids while his parents worked. His grandma Amy went to school at Hamton School. His grandparents on his father’s side spoke the Oneida language and his grandmother went to the Oneida Methodist Church. His mother did house cleaning plus did her own. She baked and cooked at home all the time. His grandpa Schuyler use to work in the Cranberry Marshes. And his grandpa Jim farmed his own land. He also did work on other farms to. Jerry use to work with his grandpa Jim. Grandpa Jim went to school in Tomah and he spoke the Oneida language. His grandma Hattie was always busy doing something. She usually was cooking, baking, sewing, and toy making. And she used to clean the Methodist Church on weekends. Grandpa Jim was a pretty strict person. Grandma Hattie use to teach Sunday school too. Doesn’t recall Grandma Hattie saying where she went to school. Jerry’s father went to school as far as the 5th grade at Chicago Corners. His father was in the service during World War II and got out the service then did some farm work and landscaping. His father spoke the Oneida language but not with his children. His mother is a high school graduate. There are 3 children in his family. And their typical Sunday was going to church, coming home and having a big dinner. He remembers going Hooyaning and going to Rikka Smith’s house and getting square donuts. Jerry joined the Navy in between his junior and senior years in high school. Right after graduation he went into the service in 1968 and served for 4 years. He soon later got reenlisted and then served 30 years. When he got married his wife already had 2 children. Jerry has 5 children and 13 grandchildren. After 30 years in the Navy Jerry left she he could enjoy his family. He moved back to Oneida and got involved with the tribal politics. He served on the appeals commission in 1995. In 1999 he was elected into serving as a chairperson. In 2002 he decided to do some traveling and spend time with his family, which he has. He participates in the General Tribal Business Affairs.Recording Type
Audio/VisualCollection
Elder InterviewsCataloged By
Gerzetich, Courtney (Cottrell)Category
Digital Media, Military