Moses Tunda Tatamy facts for kids

Moses Tunda Tatamy (born around 1690, died 1760) was an important Lenape man. He worked as a translator and guide. He helped early settlers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. His Lenape name was Tashawaylennahan.

Moses Tunda Tatamy's Life

Early Years and Moving West

Moses Tatamy was born in New Jersey around 1690. He became a guide and translator in the early 1700s. He helped people settling in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Tatamy lived near what is now Stockertown, Pennsylvania. This area is north of Easton, Pennsylvania, along the Delaware River. He moved from New Jersey to Pennsylvania by 1733.

A Special Land Purchase

The Lenape people were often forced off their land. This happened because of events like the "Walking Purchase". But on April 28, 1738, Moses Tatamy received a gift of land. It was about 325 acres (1.3 km2). This gift came from John, Thomas, and Richard Penn. They were the sons of William Penn, who founded Pennsylvania.

Tatamy worried he might lose his land. So, in 1741, he formally bought it. He paid 48 pounds, 16 shillings, and 5 pence. This made him the first Native American to officially buy land in Pennsylvania.

Staying on His Land

Later, many Native Americans had to leave the Lehigh Valley. But Tatamy asked the Pennsylvania Provincial Council if he could stay on his land. They agreed. In 1745, he was also the first Native American baptized by David Brainerd.

Moses Tatamy died in 1760. Around 1780, his neighbors claimed his property. They then gave it to William Allen. Tatamy's wife was still listed as living there in the 1790 United States Census.

What Happened to His Land Later?

A Lawsuit for the Land

In 2003, two Delaware Indian tribes from Oklahoma tried to get Tatamy's land back. At that time, the land was used by Binney & Smith. This company makes Crayola crayons. There were also 25 family homes on the property. The tribes went to court. They wanted to own the land again. Their plan was to open a casino there.

The Court's Decision

A federal judge dismissed their case in 2004. This means the case was thrown out. The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals also rejected the case in 2006. Both courts agreed on something important. They said that William Penn had the right to take the land. This was true even if the Lenape felt cheated by the Walking Purchase. The US Supreme Court later refused to review the ruling. So, the tribes did not get the land back.

His Lasting Mark

The town of Tatamy, Pennsylvania in the Lehigh Valley is named after him.