Debedeavon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Debedeavon
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| Esmy Shichans, Tobot Deabot, Okiawampe | |
Debedeavon Monument at Northampton Virginia Courthouse
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| Accawmack leader | |
| Personal details | |
| Died | 1657 |
| Relations | Brother, Kiptopeke; daughter, Nandua |
Debedeavon (died 1657) was a powerful Native American leader. He was the chief ruler of the Accawmack people. They lived on the Eastern Shore of Virginia when English colonists first arrived in 1608. His full title was "Ye Emperor of Ye Easterne Shore and King of Ye Great Nussawattocks." People also knew him as "the Laughing King". He was also called Esmy Shichans, Tobot Deabot, and Okiawampe in English records.
Contents
Who Were the Accawmack?
The Accawmack people numbered about 2,000. They were part of the larger Powhatan Confederacy. However, they lived across the water from the main Powhatan lands. This separation gave them more freedom. They had their own group of tribes and lived peacefully under Chief Debedeavon. Each smaller chief paid him yearly tribute. This included 8 bushels of corn and three arrowheads.
In 1608, a 13-year-old English boy named Thomas Savage came to Virginia. He was traded to Chief Powhatan as a cultural exchange student. Thomas learned the Native language and became an interpreter. Later, he moved to the Eastern Shore for safety. Chief Debedeavon gave Thomas a large piece of land. This area became known as Savage's Neck. During a difficult time for the Jamestown colonists, Debedeavon helped them. He sold them much-needed food.
Helping the English Settlers
By 1621, English colonists had spread along the peninsula. In that year, Thomas Savage and Debedeavon gave an important warning. They told Governor George Yeardley that Powhatan's tribe was planning an attack. The Governor did not believe them at first. But he still prepared the English settlements. These preparations helped the colony survive a large attack in 1622.
Many people on the western shore were sick. Lady Elizabeth Dale and 20 others moved to the Eastern Shore. They found safety under Debedeavon's protection. By 1623, about 80 settlers lived safely on the Eastern Shore. Debedeavon especially liked Thomas Savage. He gave him a large area of land. This land is still called "Savage's Neck" today.
Debedeavon's Later Years
In his older years, Debedeavon enjoyed hunting. He let his brother, Kiptopeke, handle much of the government work. Kiptopeke was like his Prime Minister. Once, some Native Americans from another area killed an Englishman. Debedeavon sent people to make peace. An English court also protected Debedeavon. They ordered that no Englishman should bother him while he was hunting. This shows how much respect he had.
His Death and Lasting Impact
Debedeavon passed away in 1657. In his will, he left his leadership to his daughter, Nandua. He told her to stay friends with the English. His will was recorded at the local courthouse.
Today, in Eastville, Virginia, there is a monument to Debedeavon. It honors him as "A Gallant Warrior And A Loyal Friend To The Early Settlers Of The Eastern Shore." A historical marker also remembers the Gingaskin Indian Reservation. This was land where his tribe lived for 150 years.
By 1705, a writer named Robert Beverley described the Native Americans in Virginia. He said they were much fewer in number. They paid tribute to the English for their land and protection. The Gingaskins were one of the largest groups. They held their land together until 1812. They were later forced to leave during a time of unrest.
Different Names for Debedeavon
Debedeavon was known by several names in English records. This timeline shows how his name appeared over the years:
- 1608: Captain Smith wrote that Debedeavon ruled the Accowmacke people.
- 1620: Debedeavon gave large land areas to Thomas Savage and Governor George Yeardley.
- 1635: Thomas Savage's wife, Hannah, received land. The deed called Debedeavon "Esmy Schichans."
- 1648: Richard Vaughan bought land from "Debbedeaven, king of Nandue."
- 1650: Edmund Scarburgh, Jr. bought land from Okiawampe, "great Kinge of the Easterne Shore."
- 1653: Dr. George Hack bought land from "Tepitiason, King of great Nuswattocks."
- 1657: "Deabedanba, Kinge of great nusangs" gave land to Joan Johnson.
- 1657: Okiawampe's will was recorded.
- 1663: Thomas Leatherbury bought land from "Tapatiapon, great Emperor of the Eastern Shore."
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In Spanish: Debedeavon para niños
