Cheeseekau facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cheeseekau
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|
|---|---|
| Pepquannakek (Gunshot), Popoquan (Gun), Sting, and Chiksika | |
| Kispokotha Shawnee leader | |
| Succeeded by | Tecumseh |
| Personal details | |
| Born | mum |
| Died | October 1, 1792 Tennessee |
| Relations | Five younger brothers, including Tecumseh, Tenskwatawa, Sauwaseekau, Nehaseemo, Kumskaukau ; sister Tecumapease |
| Parents | Pucksinwah and Methotasa |
| Nickname | Matthew |
Cheeseekau (born around 1760, died 1792) was a brave war chief of the Kispoko division of the Shawnee Nation. He was also known by other names like Pepquannakek, Popoquan, Sting, and Chiksika.
While many remember him as the older brother and teacher of the famous Shawnee leader Tecumseh, Cheeseekau was a respected leader in his own time. He was a contemporary of another important chief, Blue Jacket.
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Early Life of a Shawnee Leader
Cheeseekau was born around 1760. We don't know many details about his early years. He might have been born near the Tallapoosa River in what is now Alabama.
His parents, Puckeshinwa and Methoataaskee, moved their family north. They settled in the Ohio Country around the time Cheeseekau was born.
Taking on Responsibility
In 1774, Cheeseekau's father, Puckeshinwa, died during the Battle of Point Pleasant. After this sad event, Cheeseekau took on a big role. He became responsible for his younger brothers.
This included his famous brothers, Tecumseh and Tenskwatawa. Cheeseekau helped guide and teach them as they grew up.
Fighting for His People
During the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), Cheeseekau joined other Shawnee people. They allied with the British. Their goal was to protect their lands and drive American settlers out of Kentucky.
After the war, American settlers continued to move into Native American lands, especially in Ohio. In 1788, Cheeseekau led a group of Shawnee people to Missouri.
Moving South to Running Water
However, American colonists also started moving into Missouri. So, Cheeseekau decided to move his group again. They resettled at a village called Running Water. This village was located on the Tennessee River.
There, Cheeseekau joined forces with Dragging Canoe. Dragging Canoe was a strong leader of the militant Chickamauga Cherokee. They fought together against the expansion of American settlements.
Final Battle
On October 1, 1792, Cheeseekau was involved in a battle. He was badly wounded during an attack on Bledsoe's Station. This was a frontier fort near Nashville, Tennessee.
Sadly, Cheeseekau died from his wounds that day. He is remembered as a brave war chief and an important mentor to his younger brother, Tecumseh.
