Family of Tecumseh facts for kids

Tecumseh (born around 1768 – died October 5, 1813) was a famous leader of the Shawnee people. He was a very important figure in Native American history. People have always been curious about his family life. However, old records about him are often incomplete or even disagree with each other. This means historians sometimes have different ideas about the details of his life.

Tecumseh's Parents

Tecumseh's father was named Puckshinwa. His name in the Shawnee language, Puckeshinwau, means "alights from flying." Puckshinwa was a minor war chief from the Kispoko band of the Shawnee. The Kispoko band was also known as the "Dancing Tail" or "Panther" group. Puckshinwa belonged to the panther clan.

Some stories say Puckshinwa's father was Muscogee (Creek) and his mother was Shawnee. Other stories suggest he might have had a British father. Because there are different accounts, historians say Puckshinwa's exact family background is still a bit of a mystery.

Tecumseh's mother was Methotaske. Her Shawnee name, Methoataaskee, means "one who lays eggs in the sand," like a turtle. She was Puckshinwa's second wife. People believe she might have been Muscogee Creek, Cherokee, or Shawnee. She may have been from the Pekowi band and the turtle clan.

Some traditions say Methotaske was Creek because she lived with that tribe before marrying. Others claim she was Cherokee. There are also family stories that Puckshinwa had been married to a white captive, leading some to wonder if Methotaske was white.

Puckshinwa and Methotaske had at least eight children. Among the Shawnee, family identity was passed down through the father's side. This meant Tecumseh and his siblings were considered members of the Kispoko band.

When Tecumseh's parents met, the Pekowi band lived near what is now Tuscaloosa, Alabama. They had moved there after the Iroquois forced them from the Ohio River valley. Around 1759, the Pekowi band moved north into the Ohio Country. Puckshinwa decided to go with Methotaske and her family. The Pekowi founded a settlement called Chillicothe, where Tecumseh was likely born.

Tecumseh's Siblings

Tecumseh had three older brothers, one older sister, and two younger brothers.

Older Siblings

The oldest sibling was Cheeseekau (born around 1761 – died 1792). He is best known as Tecumseh's older brother and mentor. Cheeseekau was also a well-known war chief in his own time.

The second child was Tecumapease, also called Menewaulaakoosee. Her name means "Flying Over the Water." She was Tecumseh's only sister, and they were very close. She married Wahsikegaboe, whose name means "Stands Firm." He became one of Tecumseh's main supporters.

The third child was Sauaweseekau, meaning "Jumping Panther." He became a warrior. He was killed during the Northwest Indian War, possibly in the 1794 Battle of Fallen Timbers.

The next sibling was a brother named Nehaaseemoo. Some older stories mistakenly thought Tecumseh had two sisters, but records show Nehaaseemoo was male.

Younger Siblings

Tecumseh was the fifth child in the family, born around 1768. In 1775, his father Puckshinwa was killed in the Battle of Point Pleasant. Soon after, Methotaske gave birth to triplets. One of the three babies died at birth.

The two boys who survived were Kumskaukau and Laloeshiga. Kumskaukau, whose name means "A Cat That Flies in the Air," grew up to be a well-liked man and a follower of Tecumseh. Laloeshiga, meaning "A Panther with a Handsome Tail," later became famous as Tenskwatawa (1775–1836), known as the Shawnee Prophet.

Tecumseh's Family Life

Tecumseh's first wife was Mamate. She was the mother of his first son, Paukeesaa, who was born around 1796. Their marriage did not last. Tecumseh's sister, Tecumapease, raised Paukeesaa from the age of seven or eight. Tecumseh married two more times after Mamate. His third marriage, to White Wing, lasted until 1807.

Images for kids

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  In the 20th century, this painting was claimed to be a long-lost portrait of Tecumseh. It is probably not Tecumseh, but is possibly his son Paukeesaa.