THEONDECHOREN, Joseph, Indian convert, died near Tadoussac, Canada, 26 June, 1652. Previous to his conversion it is related that he could take live coals and red-hot pebbles in his hands and mouth without sustaining any injury, and plunge his arm into boiling water, and he attributed this power to satanic influence. He became a Christian in 1641, and endeavored to imitate the missionaries in everything and conform to their mode of life. The Jesuit relations contain extracts from sermons that he preached, which are remarkable for fervor and rude eloquence. He went with Father Jogues in 1643, accompanied by his two brothers and his son. One of his brothers and his son were killed, but he escaped, during a hunting expedition of the Iroquois, and reached Three Rivers, where he preached some remarkable discourses to his countrymen, who had come to congratulate him on his escape. After his return to his own country he formed one of a convoy of 100 warriors who went down to Quebec. He was wounded in an attack that was made on the town by the Iroquois, but succeeded in escaping to the woods. He was discovered by a band of hostile Indians, who were so touched by his discourse that they saved his life and nursed him. When the Hurons were driven from their country in 1649 he went to live in St. Joseph's island, and afterward took a large part of his tribe to Quebec. They formed a settlement close to the city, where Theondeehoren edified both the Indians and French by the sanctity of his life, and astonished the latter by his eloquence.