Paul Mitchell Discusses Jasper Parrish’s Path From Revolutionary War Captive To Trusted Interpreter

Discover the remarkable life of Jasper Parrish. How did a boy captured during the Revolutionary War become a vital interpreter bridging Native American and American worlds in early Greater Western New York? Click the image below to watch this week’s episode of the State of Greater Western New York Report and uncover how his extraordinary journey shaped the region’s post-Revolution history.

Author Paul Mitchell, who recently retired from a 35-year career as a nurse practitioner to pursue writing full-time, joins the show to discuss his latest historical novel on Jasper Parrish. In the first half, Paul shares his path from local heritage writing to crafting a family saga trilogy and how he discovered Parrish’s story while researching missionary Samuel Kirkland. He details Parrish’s capture as an 11-year-old during the Wyoming Valley events, his adoption and life among the Delaware and Mohawk, learning multiple languages, and early post-war reunions with his family.

In the second half, Paul explores Parrish’s role as an interpreter at key treaties—including Canandaigua—his close ties with the Seneca, land holdings, and life as a pillar of the Canandaigua community. He also recounts colorful incidents like his youthful fight at Fort Niagara alongside fellow interpreter Horatio Jones, Parrish’s enduring relationships with Native leaders, and upcoming events at the Ontario County Historical Society.

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