[1] As a child, Han Yerry lived with a German-Dutch couple, who educated him and taught him the white people's culture.
Over his life, he was a warrior, war chief, commissioned American Army officer, farmer, rancher, and caterer.
Johan George Dachstetter, born about 1724, was the son a Mohawk woman,[2][a] perhaps Catherine, and Cornelius Doxtator.
[3][c] His father, Cornelius Doxtator was placed with a Dutch-German family of Anna Elizabeth and George Dachstetter who taught him his lessons and how the whites lived.
He was a key figure during the American Revolutionary War, considered to be one of the most influential leaders of the Oneida people.
[5] Han Yerry, Oneida warriors, and colonial militia men fought together during the Revolutionary War[6][7] against Loyalists and other members of the Haudenosaunee.
[9] His wife or his wives fought alongside him: Two Kettles Together, (Tyonajanegen)[5] and Dolly Cobus are both said to have played pivotal roles in battles with him.
[3] Three Revolutionary War commissioned officers, John Skenandoa (Oskanondonha), Han Yerry (Tewahangarahken) or James Powless (Wakarantharaus) made their mark with future generations.
[3][d] Dolly Cobus, also said to be Molly Pitcher, was said to have fought alongside her husband Han Yerry, Oneida warriors, and colonial militia men during the Revolutionary War.
The lived in a large frame house and operated a farm, livestock and poultry ranch, and an inn.
[13] In 1791, Han Yerry and his brother Honyost received 3,000 acres of military bounty land near the town of Junius, New York.