Kanuksusy facts for kids

Kanuksusy, also known as Kos Showeyha, was an important leader of the Seneca tribe in the 1700s. He was the son of a famous Seneca chieftain, Queen Alliquippa. Kanuksusy helped connect the Seneca people in Ohio with the Pennsylvania Colony. He also worked as a messenger and go-between for the Six Nations and other Native American tribes during the early 18th century, especially during the French and Indian War. The English knew him by other names like Captain Newcastle and Colonel Fairfax. He was also called Canachquasy, Cashuwayon, Ah Knoyis, Kosshoweyha, Cashiowaya and Cashunyon by different groups.

Kanuksusy: A Native American Leader

Early Life and First Mission

Not much is known about Kanuksusy's early life. He was born around 1701 to Queen Alliquippa of the Mingo Seneca. He likely grew up near the three important rivers: the Ohio River, the Allegheny River, and the Monongahela River. This area is where the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is today.

Kanuksusy first appears in records as Canachquasy in 1747. He led a group of ten young Mingo warriors from Kuskusky to Philadelphia. They arrived on November 11, 1747. He brought important news about French activities in western Pennsylvania. This was the first time the colony heard such reports from outside its borders.

Later, he spoke to the Pennsylvania Council. He told them that his group represented the "Six Nations." He also confirmed that the Six Nations would remain neutral during King George's War. This decision had been made earlier at the Onondaga Council. After leaving Philadelphia, he spent the winter with the Nanticoke Indian Tribe near the mouth of the Juniata River.

Working with the British

By November 1753, Kanuksusy was listed as a Mohawk chieftain. He was among those "entrusted with the conduct of public affairs among the Six Nations." As allies of the British, he and his mother traveled with a group of Mingo Seneca. They went to Fort Necessity to help George Washington.

In June 1754, while with Washington, his mother asked that Kanuksusy be allowed to join the Council. She said her health was failing. Washington then called his Native American allies together. He gave Kanuksusy a medal. Washington asked him to wear it "in remembrance of his great father, the King of England." Kanuksusy was also given the name Colonel Fairfax. This name honored Thomas Fairfax, a Virginia colonist. Washington told Kanuksusy that this name meant he was "the First in Council."

Criticizing General Braddock

Kanuksusy and his mother did not take part in the Battle of the Great Meadows on July 3-4. However, at a meeting of the Philadelphia Council, Governor Robert Hunter Morris praised him. Kanuksusy was one of seven Native American chieftains who fought under General Edward Braddock. This was at the Battle of the Monongahela the next year.

Despite this, Kanuksusy was critical of Braddock's actions during the battle. He said, "the pride and ignorance of that great General that came from England. He is now dead; but he was a bad man when he was alive; he looked upon us as dogs, and would never hear anything that was said to him. We often endeavored to advise him and to tell him of the danger he was in with his Soldiers; but he never appeared pleased with us, & that was the reason that a great many of our Warriors left him & would not be under his Command."

Receiving New Names and Roles

On August 22, Kanuksusy led a group to the Pennsylvania state house. He met with Governor Morris and members of the provincial council. Andrew Montour and Conrad Weiser, who were intermediaries, were also there. They discussed important issues, including General Braddock's defeat by French and Native American forces. They also talked about getting help from Native American allies.

During this meeting, the British honored Kanuksusy for his service. Governor Morris gave him "an English name." He said, "In token of our Affection for your parents & in expectation of Your being a useful man in these perilous Times, I do in the most solemn manner adopt you by the name of Newcastle ..., because in 1701 I am informed that your parents presented you to the late Mr William Penn at Newcastle."

In January 1756, Kanuksusy attended another council meeting in Carlisle with Governor Morris. There, the Iroquois "adopted" him as a colonial messenger. They gave him the name Ah Knoyis. On July 20, the Philadelphia council officially appointed him and Teedyuscung as agents for Native American transactions for the colony.

Kanuksusy spent a year living among tribes along the Upper Susquehanna. He worked as a messenger and spy for Governor Morris. He then returned to Philadelphia, where he sadly died from smallpox in November 1756.