 From 1727 to 1756, the village of Shamokin was one of the largest and most influential Indian settlements in Pennsylvania.In 1745, Presbyterian missionary David Brainerd described the city as being located on both the east and west sides of the river, and on an island, as well.Brainerd reported that the city housed 300 Indians, half of which were Delawares and the other Seneca and Tutelo.