Girty, Simon (1741-1818), was an American who fought with Native Americans against white settlers. His parents were white, but he was a Native American by training, sentiment, and choice. Seneca warriors captured Girty and his family when he was 15. He spent three years with the Seneca and learned their languages and customs. He then worked as an interpreter around Fort Pitt, Pennsylvania, until 1774. Girty sided with the British during the American Revolution (1775-1783). He led many raids against colonists.
After the war, Girty helped the Seneca attack settlers who were moving west. But he sometimes persuaded warriors to spare the lives of the people they captured. He fled to Canada in 1796, after the British gave up Detroit, their last outpost in the United States.
Girty was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The day of his birth is unknown. He died on Feb. 18, 1818.
