Kirkland, Samuel

(born Dec. 1, 1741, Norwich, Conn.—died Feb. 28, 1808, Clinton, N.Y., U.S.) American clergyman. He was a Congregational missionary to Indian tribes of the Iroquois Confederacy and learned several Indian languages. In the American Revolution he served as chaplain to colonial troops and secured an alliance with the Oneida. He was rewarded with a land grant in New York state, where he founded the Hamilton Oneida Academy for Indian and white students (later Hamilton College).

Source: Encyclopedia Britannica