Necotowance facts for kids

Necotowance was a powerful Native American leader. He was the chief, or Werowance, of the Pamunkey tribe. He also became the main chief, or Paramount Chief, of the Powhatan Confederacy. This was a group of many Native American tribes in Virginia. Necotowance became chief after Opechancanough in 1646. He remained chief until he died sometime before 1655.

In 1646, Necotowance signed an important peace treaty with the Colony of Virginia. The English people called him the "King of the Indians." After Necotowance died, Totopotomoi became the Werowance of the Pamunkey. However, Necotowance was the very last Paramount Chief of the Powhatan Confederacy. Totopotomoi's wife, Cockacoeske, later became a powerful female chief, or Weroansqua. She briefly brought some of the tribes back together.

Necotowance's Rise to Power

In February 1644, Opechancanough was the Paramount Chief of the Powhatan Confederacy. He made a final attempt to force English colonists out of Virginia. This started a two-and-a-half-year war. It was called the Third Anglo-Powhatan War.

By 1646, Opechancanough was very old and sick. But he still wanted to fight. He had to be carried into battles on a stretcher. The governor, Sir William Berkeley, wanted to end the war. He attacked Opechancanough's village. The old chief was captured and taken to Jamestown. It is believed that Necotowance had already taken over as chief of the Confederacy by then.

The Peace Treaty of 1646

Necotowance's first appearance in history was in October 1646. After surrendering to the English, he signed a peace treaty. This treaty with the General Assembly of Virginia ended the Third Anglo-Powhatan War. In the Assembly, he was called "Necotowance, king of the Indians." He was seen as the leader of all nearby tribes. This included tribes on both sides of the river.

Soon after the treaty was signed, Opechancanough died in prison. He was killed by one of his guards. After this, there was about 30 years of peace. During this time, new laws were made to help and protect Native Americans. They were often victims of people trying to take their land.

Understanding Necotowance's Family

We do not know much about Necotowance's early life. We also do not know exactly who his parents were. Some people thought he was the "King of Wyanoak" who was arrested for debts. However, Necotowance is believed to have died before 1655. There is no proof he was ever arrested.

Necotowance was Opechancanough's successor. But this does not mean he was Opechancanough's son. The Powhatan people followed a special family rule. Leadership passed down through the mother's side of the family. This is called matrilineal descent. For example, Wahunsenacawh, Opitchapam, and Opechancanough were all brothers from the same mother.

So, Necotowance was likely the son of Opechancanough's sister. Or he could have been the son of one of Opechancanough's nieces. If Opechancanough married his niece, Necotowance could have been his son. But there are no written records to confirm this. He is often identified as a Pamunkey and Patawomeck Indian.

Some people think Necotowance was the father of Totopotomoi. Totopotomoi did become chief after Necotowance. But because of the matrilineal succession, Totopotomoi was more likely Necotowance's younger brother. Or he could have been the son of Necotowance's sister.

Many also believe Necotowance was the father of Cockacoeske. She was Totopotomoi's wife. It was common for a chief to marry his niece to keep the ruling family strong. But brothers and sisters were not allowed to marry. So, Cockacoeske and Totopotomoi could not both be Necotowance's children. It is thought that Cockacoeske was a daughter or granddaughter of Opechancanough. Her marriage to Totopotomoi makes it more likely that Totopotomoi was Necotowance's younger brother. This would mean they were both sons of Opechancanough's niece or sister.

Important Powhatan Chiefs

Here are some of the main chiefs of the Powhatan Confederacy:

• Toppahannock/Rappahonnock - Chief of the Rappahannock tribe before 1607.
• "Powhatan" (Wahunsenacawh) - He was the Paramount Chief of the Powhatan Confederacy in 1607. This was when English colonists first came to Virginia. He was born around 1547. He gave up his leadership to his brother Opitchapam in 1618 due to poor health. He died that same year. He was the maternal brother of Opitchapam, Opechancanough, and Kekataugh. He inherited his leadership through his mother.
• Opitchapam - Also known as Itoyatin, Otiotan, and Sasawpen. He was the maternal brother of Wahunsenacawh and Opechancanough. He became Paramount Chief after his older brother Wahunsenacawh died, from 1618 to 1630. His younger brother Opechancanough was his War Chief during this time. Opitchapam died in 1630.
• Opechancanough - He was Werowance and Paramount Chief from 1630 to 1646. He died in 1646. He was also known as Mangopeesomon and Apachiso. He was the maternal brother of Wahunsenacawh and Opitchapam. He was the chief of the Pamunkey Tribe. He planned major attacks in 1622 and 1644. He became Paramount Chief after his brother Opitchapam died. He was captured by Sir William Berkeley and died while held captive at Jamestown in 1646.
• Necotowance - He was the "King of Tsenacommacah" and the last Paramount Chief of the Powhatan Confederacy. The English called him the "King of Indians."
• Totopotomoi - He was King of Pamunkey from 1645 to 1656.
• Cockacoeske - She was Queen of Pamunkey and Weroansqua from 1656 to 1686.
• "Queen Anne" Isom GoSi One - She was chief from 1686 to 1715.