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Ely Samuel Parker (1828 - 1895), Hasanoanda, was an Iroquois of the Seneca tribe born at Indian Falls, New York (then part of the Tonawanda Reservation). While attending local schools, he began his career in public service by working as a translator to the Seneca chiefs in their dealings with government agencies. In 1852 he was made sachem of the Seneca, Donehogawa, Keeper of the Western Door.
Later, Parker read law in Ellicotville, NY, only to be denied admittance to the bar due to his race. He then studied engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. Parker obtained work as a civil engineer until the Civil War.
Parker was commissioned a captain in 1863 and rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel. He became the adjutant to his friend, Ulysses S. Grant, and wrote the final drafts for the surrender at Appomattox Courthouse in April 1865. From 1869 to 1871 he was the Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
Leaving government service, he involved himself in the stock market, but eventually lost the fortune he accumulated. He lived his last years in poverty. His body was exhumed and moved to Forest Lawn Cemetary in Buffalo, New York, to lie amid other notables of Western New York.
