Geissler honored by Tuscarora Nation

Lewiston resident Susan Geissler was honored Tuesday by the Tuscarora Nation during the 210th anniversary commemoration of the Tuscarora Heroes.

Geissler was the sculptress of the “Tuscarora Heroes” monument and is acclaimed as one of the nation’s top portrait and tableau artists. She was presented a replica wampum bracelet by Chief Tom Jonathan and Tuscarora Council member Neil Patterson Sr.

The monument, located at Portage Road and Center Street, was the largest War of 1812 bicentennial project in the U.S., and stands a testament of thanksgiving and gratitude to the Tuscarora Nation for savings the lives of Lewiston residents during the British attack on Dec. 19, 1813.

About a dozen Lewiston citizens were killed. More would have been killed had it not been for the Tuscaroras intervening and buying more time for the remaining Lewiston citizens to run for their lives down Ridge Road.

Both the Lewiston and Tuscarora villages were completely destroyed in the conflict.