Meshemethequater facts for kids

Meshemethequater (born around 1690 or 1691 – died 1758), also known as Big Hominy, was an important Pekowi Shawnee chief. He came from what is now western Pennsylvania. Even though he was a respected warrior, he is most famous for working to keep peace. He attended many meetings to stop wars between English settlers and the Shawnee people.

In 1745, Big Hominy joined his cousin Peter Chartier and other Shawnees who decided to support New France. But after three years, he returned to Pennsylvania and apologized for his actions. He is believed to have died in 1758 during a sickness.

Early Life and Family

Big Hominy was the son of Tamenebuck Cornstalk. His grandfather was Straight Tail Meaurroway Opessa (1630-1709). He was also a cousin of Peter Chartier (1690-1759).

When Big Hominy was born, his grandfather Opessa's group of Pekowi Shawnee had just arrived in western Pennsylvania. They camped where the Ohio River meets the Monongahela River and the Allegheny River. This spot is where the city of Pittsburgh is today. Some records say that in 1711, Big Hominy married an older sister of Nonhelema (1718–1786). We do not know anything about his children.

Working for Peace

The 1739 Peace Conference

By 1738, Big Hominy was a chief. He went with his father, Cacowatchike, Neucheconeh, and other Shawnee leaders to a peace meeting in Philadelphia. This meeting was with Thomas Penn, a leader from the Pennsylvania colony. It took place from July 27 to August 1, 1739.

The colonial leaders were worried because many Shawnee and Lenape communities were moving west. They were going to the Ohio River valley. The English feared these groups would become friends with New France, who were their rivals. More European settlers meant less land for hunting. This made it hard for Native American groups who relied on hunting for food. This is why many Shawnee groups moved west.

James Logan, a government official, spoke to the Shawnee. He reminded them that the government had wanted to talk with their chiefs for a long time. He mentioned that the Shawnee had moved from their old homes near the Susquehanna River to the Ohio River.

At this meeting, a new peace agreement was made. It said that the Shawnees had moved from their old homes to the Allegheny region. Big Hominy agreed with the treaty, but his name does not appear on the signed document.

The 1743 Peace Conference

After some fighting between Native Americans and white settlers, another important meeting happened. Big Hominy, Sassoonan, and other chiefs met with Conrad Weiser and Andrew Montour. These chiefs were from the Six Nations, the Tuscaroras, and the Lenape. The meeting took place at the village of Shamokin on February 4, 1743.

Weiser gave them wampum, which are special beads used in Native American ceremonies. He was trying to convince the Shawnees not to attack English traders. This was to stop a war from starting. Weiser described Big Hominy as "A captain of war, and a very noted man among the Shawonese." The English called him "the Great Huminy." These talks were successful, and war was avoided.

Journeys with Peter Chartier (1745-1748)

On April 18, 1745, Big Hominy was with his cousin Peter Chartier. They were with about 400 Shawnees when they took goods from eight English traders on the Allegheny River. After this, Big Hominy went with Chartier to the Ohio River Valley. They stayed in Lower Shawneetown until June 24, 1745. Then, they traveled to Kentucky and started a community called Eskippakithiki.

In 1747, Big Hominy went with Chartier's group to Tennessee, Alabama, and South Carolina. By mid-1748, Big Hominy and other Shawnee leaders began to have doubts about leaving Pennsylvania. They returned to Lancaster with part of Chartier's group. On July 20, they met with Scarouady and apologized for joining Chartier.

Anthony Palmer, who was the President of the Pennsylvania Provincial Council, wrote a letter on June 23, 1748. He said that the Shawnees were sorry for being led astray by Peter Chartier. They asked to return to their old town and be accepted back by the government.

Returning to Lower Shawneetown

Big Hominy went back to Lower Shawneetown in 1750. On January 30, 1751, he met George Croghan, Andrew Montour, Robert Callander, and Christopher Gist there. Big Hominy was the main speaker for the Shawnees at this meeting. He gave a heartfelt speech, saying, "We hope that the Friendship now subsisting between us & our Brothers will last as long as the Sun Shines or the Moon gives light."

On February 8, 1752, he signed a letter to Governor James Hamilton. In the letter, he promised to support the English against the French. This was after the French reportedly killed some Twightwee warriors. Big Hominy, Loapeckaway (Opessa's son), Nickiphock, and Lawackamicky were named as important chiefs in Lower Shawneetown in 1752.

Big Hominy and his wife are thought to have died in 1758 during a widespread sickness.