Keekyuscung facts for kids

Keekyuscung (died August 6, 1763) was an important Lenape (Delaware) chief. He was also known by other names like Kickyuscung or Delaware George. In the 1750s, he worked to bring peace during the French and Indian War.

Keekyuscung helped George Washington by secretly carrying letters in and out of Fort Duquesne. For many years, he was friendly with the British. However, in 1763, he and his son Wolf joined the French side. This happened after an attempt to kill Keekyuscung by Colonel Henry Bouquet. Keekyuscung is known for leading Native American warriors who attacked Colonel Bouquet's forces at the Battle of Bushy Run, where he was killed.

Who Was Delaware George?

It can be a bit confusing, but two different Native American leaders were called "Delaware George." These were Nenatcheehunt and Keekyuscung. Both lived in western Pennsylvania around the same time. They even attended many of the same meetings. So, sometimes it's hard to know which "Delaware George" is being talked about. However, Hugh Mercer clearly called Keekyuscung "Delaware George."

Keekyuscung's Early Life

We don't know much about Keekyuscung's early life. But we do know he was seen as a very skilled warrior. He fought alongside the Iroquois (Six Nations) against the Cherokees. The name Keekyuscung means "healer" in the Unami dialect of the Lenape language.

Working for Peace

Keekyuscung played a big role in trying to make peace between Native American tribes and the British colonists.

Meetings for Peace

In October 1753, Keekyuscung met with leaders from Pennsylvania in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He was with other important chiefs like Shingas and Pisquetomen.

In January 1754, Keekyuscung and many other chiefs met with George Croghan at Logstown. On January 31, 1754, they sent a message to the Governor of Virginia. They asked for a strong fort to be built on the Monongahela River. This place later became Fort Pitt. They said, "our enemies are just at hand, and we do not know what day they may come upon us."

Talks with the British

Peace talks between the British and the Ohio Indians moved quickly after Keekyuscung and Pisquetomen arrived in Teedyuscung's town in June 1758.

On August 12, 1758, Keekyuscung met with Brigadier-General Robert Monckton in Pittsburgh. They talked about handing over white prisoners.

In July 1759, Keekyuscung, along with other chiefs like Tamaqua and Shingas, met with Colonel Hugh Mercer. They discussed releasing captives held in Lenape communities.

Secret Missions for Washington

In 1754, Keekyuscung helped George Washington with some secret missions.

Carrying Letters

On June 21, 1754, George Washington asked Keekyuscung to carry letters into Fort Duquesne. These letters were from French soldiers who had left the French army. Washington hoped the letters would encourage other French soldiers to leave too.

On August 16, 1754, Keekyuscung brought two secret letters out of Fort Duquesne. These letters were from Captain Robert Stobo, a British hostage held by the French. Stobo's letters contained important details about the fort and its soldiers. The French governor found out about the letters. He ordered the fort's commander to punish the Indian who helped.

Journeys with Christian Frederick Post

In 1758, Keekyuscung traveled with Christian Frederick Post, a missionary.

Spreading Peace Messages

In July 1758, Post, Pisquetomen, and Keekyuscung traveled to the town of Kuskusky. They wanted to learn about the situation with the Native Americans there. They also wanted to share messages of peace. Post wrote in his journal that Keekyuscung was "very active in endeavoring to establish a peace."

Keekyuscung explained to Post that peace needed all tribes to agree. He said, "We alone cannot make a Peace... it's necessary that the whole should join in the Peace."

Joining the French Side

Keekyuscung later told Post that he had joined the French in an attack on Loyalhanna (the Battle of Fort Ligonier) in October 1758. He said 150 other Lenape warriors had joined too, even though he supported the British.

On November 22, 1758, Keekyuscung told Post that General Forbes's army was close to Fort Duquesne. He said the French were taking apart the fort and planning to burn it. Keekyuscung thought the French would leave the fort empty. He believed they would return later with a large army of French and Native Americans.

Keekyuscung also shared that the French soldiers at Fort Duquesne were starving. He said many would have left if Native Americans had not supported them. This information was very important for General Forbes. On November 24, the French left the fort.

Warnings to the British

In 1759, Keekyuscung traveled to Philadelphia. He later met Christian Frederick Post again. Keekyuscung, called "Ketiushund, one of the chief counsellors," gave a warning. He said that all the tribes had agreed to protect their hunting grounds at Allegheny. They did not want anyone to settle there.

He told Post to warn the Governor and General: "Tell the Governor, the General, and all the other people not to settle there." He warned that if the British stayed, there would be a "great war."

Later Life and Death

Keekyuscung had a son named Wolf. Wolf's mother was a Wyandot woman.

Attack on Clapham's Farm

In early May 1763, Colonel Henry Bouquet sent men disguised as Native Americans to kill Keekyuscung. But they did not succeed.

On May 28, 1763, Keekyuscung, his son Wolf, and two other Native Americans were accused of killing former Colonel William Clapham and his family. This was reportedly done to get revenge for Clapham destroying a Lenape village in 1756. Wolf may also have wanted revenge for being arrested and jailed at Fort Pitt in 1762.

Highlanders charge at the Battle of Bushy Run, where Keekyuscung was killed.

Death at Bushy Run

At the Battle of Bushy Run on August 6, 1763, Keekyuscung and his son Wolf attacked Colonel Henry Bouquet's forces. Bouquet's troops were marching to help the soldiers trapped at Fort Pitt. Keekyuscung and Wolf knew that if Bouquet failed, Fort Pitt would fall.

During the night of August 5th and 6th, Keekyuscung shouted threats at Bouquet's soldiers. The British tricked the Native American warriors into charging. Then, they attacked them from behind. About 60 warriors were killed, including Keekyuscung and Wolf. Sir Jeffrey Amherst reported their deaths in a letter on August 23, 1763.

Images for kids

• 

  Highlanders charge at the Battle of Bushy Run, where Keekyuscung was killed.