"After very careful study of all accessible facts, I unhesitatingly commit myself to the conclusion that Spanish Hill is nothing more or less than this ancient fortified town, the stronghold of the Carantouans" ~ John S. Clark

Who he was:

General John S. Clark of Auburn New York, was born on November 2, 1823 in the town of Mentz, NY, the son of Israel S. DaVall and Sallie L. Clark.

His original name was John Swarthout Smith Duvall and it was changed to John Clark by an act of the legislature (Laws 1834 Chapter 65, page 70) according to the wish of his grandfather Bennoni Clark, who made him his heir.  He spent most of his boyhood on a farm northwest of the village Throop.

Earlier, he had served in the Civil War - gaining the title of Brigadier General, thereafter being known as General Clark.

In his later adulthood, he became a skilled surveyor and historian, was particularly skilled at locating indian villages in our area. 

General Clark teamed up with Rev. James Hawley in the study of the Jesuit Relations, and later the Moravian Missions, in order to try to locate the mission sites referenced therein, and thereby locate the indian village yet not located.   He also studied the Iroquois to the point that he received the "first strike of the Cornplanter Medal," given for excellence in Iroquois Research. 

He was also adopted into the Iroquois Confederacy, receiving the Indian Name, Hehaw-wesuck, "Pathfinder".

He died in Auburn, NY Easter Sunday, April 7, 1912.

As you may be able to tell, this man has become more than just a person in history to me.  He has gained my respect as a historian second to being a "gentleman" in his craft. His thoughtful studies of Spanish Hill and the Andastes is a MUST READ - and can be found in "The Selected Manuscripts of General John S. Clark" - copyright 1931, sponsored by The Society for Pennsylvania Archeology, and published by E.B. Yordy Co., Printers, Wilkes-Barre, PA.

Said General Clark of writing of history:

"The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth should be its basis, presented without fear or favor, conscientiously and in good faith," and again: "If I succeed in exciting a more earnest determination to investigate the rich historical mines that reexamine almost unknown and untouched in our libraries, and awaken the wise men of the day to realize the importance of securing while it is yet possible the vast stores of antiquarian wealth in fields yet untrodden, then I will feel that I am more amply repaid for my labors." - from the Selected Manuscripts of General John S. Clark, Relating to the Aboriginal History of the Susquehanna, 1931.

This is what General John S. Clark had this to say about Champlain's map:

"Champlain published a map in 1632, and from information furnished by Brule, located this town a short distance north of the junction of two main branches if a river, on the west branch some distance further north than New York City.  But unfortunately he was misled by other mapmakers, who preceded him, and made this river flow into the Delaware Bay.  The mistake was made originally by Captain Hendrickson, the discoverer of Delaware Bay and river, and was not corrected until many years after the publication (which leads me to believe it WAS CORRECTED) of Champlain's map. By cutting off this river from it's connection with the Delaware Bay and connecting it with the Chesapeake all difficulties immediately vanish as to the location of the famous Indian town, which I identify, as located beyond any possible question on the hill near Waverly, on the east bank of the Chemung, just south of the state line." ~ General John S. Clark

General Clark believed beyond a doubt that the Carantouan village was indeed located at Spanish Hill.

General Clark actually surveyed the hill on May 7th, 1878.   This map details the location of the remnants of old fortifications that some of later archeologists were not able to locate, and used this as their argument against Spanish Hill being the location of Carantouan.  He also mapped out the locations of the gateway bastions, which is of interest since the Susquehannocks were said to be the only indian tribe to have secured cannons from the Swedes.  This map can be viewed in "The Selected Manuscripts of General John S. Clark, Relating to the Aboriginal History of the Susquehanna, 1931."

"...The Eries were conquered about 1650, and probably the Carantouans were obliged to leave their position at the same time.  The Jesuit Relations of 1670 mention a tribe of Onnontiogas - (Onnon-hill or mountain, tioga - place or interval between two streams) that previous to that time had been conquered, and incorporated with the Five Nations.  Probably this was another name for the same people, taking the name from the hill or mountain between two rivers, that being the signification of the name.  After very careful study of all accessible facts, I unhesitatingly commit myself to the conclusion that Spanish Hill is nothing more or less than this ancient fortified town, the stronghold of the Carantouans" ~ John S. Clark