Custaloga facts for kids

Custaloga, also known as Packanke, was an important chief of the Lenape (Delaware) tribe in the mid-1700s. He was a member of the Wolf Clan because his mother belonged to it. His nephew, Captain Pipe, later became chief after him.

Life of Custaloga

Early Life and Family

Not much is known about Custaloga's early life. He was born as Packanke. He belonged to the Wolf Clan of his mother. The Delaware people had a special family system called matrilineal kinship. This meant that family lines and leadership were passed down through the mother's side. Children were born into their mother's clan. They also got their social standing from her family.

Building Villages

Custaloga, whose name was recorded by British colonists, settled in western Pennsylvania. This was in the mid-1700s. He built a large village with his group of people. This village was at the meeting point of French Creek and North Deer Creek. Today, this area is in Mercer County, Pennsylvania. This town was known as "Custaloga's Town." It became his main home. He also started another village called Cussewago. This village was also along French Creek. It is where Meadville is located today, in Crawford County, Pennsylvania.

Meeting George Washington

Custaloga's name first appeared in history in 1753. It was in George Washington's Journal. George Washington was 21 years old at the time. He arrived at Fort Machault in the village of Venango. This is now Franklin, Pennsylvania. Custaloga was in charge of his nation's wampum there. He worked under Chief Shingas.

Role in Pontiac's Rebellion

Custaloga had helped Pontiac in his rebellion. Because of this, white settlers were careful about his actions. They asked Guyasuta of the Seneca to live among Custaloga's people. Guyasuta stayed at Custaloga's Town. His job was to watch Chief Custaloga. The Seneca were a very powerful group. They were one of the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. At this time, the Iroquois Confederacy seemed to believe they had some control over the Delaware people.

Chief Succession

By late 1773, a meeting of Native American nations took place at Fort Pitt. The tribes were talking about who would become the next main chief. The current chief, Netawatwees, was getting old. He passed away in 1776. George Croghan was an agent for Sir William Johnson. Johnson was in charge of Native American relations. Croghan and Seneca representatives told Johnson about the discussion. They wrote that Chief Custaloga was too old to take Netawatwees' place.

In January 1774, another meeting happened. It was for the Six Indian Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. This meeting was at Johnson Hall. This place is near Albany, New York today. At this meeting, Croghan announced that Custaloga would be replaced as chief. His nephew, Captain Pipe, would take his place. Captain Pipe was a well-known war leader.

On November 29, 1778, Colonel James Smith led a group from Fort Pitt. They went to Custaloga's Town. But they found the town empty. After this date, not much is written about Custaloga. Some people think he moved to Ohio. Then, he might have returned to Kuskuskies' Indian Town. This town was on the Shenango River, near New Castle, Pennsylvania. He may have died as early as 1775.

Legacy and Honors

• A railroad station was named Custaloga. It was in Wayne County, Ohio, from 1897 to 1925.
• A Boy Scout camp is named after him. It is called Custaloga Town Scout Reservation. This camp is located where Custaloga's village used to be. It is along French Creek in French Creek Township, Mercer County, Pennsylvania.