Nenatcheehunt facts for kids

Nenatcheehunt (died April 30, 1762) was an important Lenape chief. He was also known as "Delaware George." He played a key role in peace talks at the end of the French and Indian War. People like George Croghan and James Kenny called him "Delaware George." Sometimes, another chief named Keekyuscung was also called "Delaware George." This can make it tricky to know which person is being talked about, as they often attended the same meetings.

Early Life and Family

Nenatcheehunt was likely an older brother to other well-known Lenape chiefs. These included Pisquetomen, Shingas, and Tamaqua. If this is true, he grew up in the Tulpehocken Creek Valley. This area is in what is now Berks and Lebanon counties, near the Schuylkill River.

He lived with his uncle, Sassoonan (also called Allumapees), and his brothers. Nenatcheehunt was probably the son of Sassoonan's sister. This would make him a grandson of the famous chief Tamanend.

In 1732, the Lenape people had to leave their lands in Tulpehocken. After this, Nenatcheehunt lived for a while at Shamokin. Later, he moved to Kuskusky.

Working for Peace

Nenatcheehunt was a strong supporter of peace. He worked to find solutions between the Lenape and English colonists.

Land Disputes and Early Meetings

In 1742, Nenatcheehunt went with Sassoonan to a meeting in Philadelphia. They discussed land issues from the Walking Purchase of 1737. The Lenape felt this land deal was unfair.

He also took part in important meetings in 1753. These included the Winchester Conference and the Treaty of Carlisle. He attended these with other leaders like Keekyuscung and Scarouady.

In January 1754, Nenatcheehunt met with George Croghan at Logstown. Later that month, he and other chiefs sent a message to the Governor of Virginia. They asked for a strong fort to be built on the Monongahela River. This spot later became Fort Pitt. They wanted the fort to protect them from enemies.

Meetings with George Washington

Nenatcheehunt met with George Washington in June 1754. Washington had heard that some Lenape and Shawnee were turning against the English. He invited Lenape leaders, including Nenatcheehunt, to meet him.

Nenatcheehunt and other chiefs said they were friendly to the English. However, they felt they could not openly show their support. Washington asked Nenatcheehunt to check out Fort Duquesne. He wanted to see what was happening there.

Standing Against Violence

In October 1755, Nenatcheehunt was at Shamokin when the Penn's Creek Massacre happened. He was upset by the attacks. He did not approve of the raids carried out by Shingas and his followers. Nenatcheehunt strongly supported the British.

In 1757, he sent a message to Teedyuscung. He said he was happy about the peace Teedyuscung had made with the English. He promised that he and his people would not break this peace.

Later in 1757, Nenatcheehunt met with Lieutenant-Governor William Denny in Philadelphia. He apologized for an attack by some Lenape on English settlers. He explained that the French had caused the attack. Governor Denny accepted his apology.

In November 1758, Nenatcheehunt helped with peace talks at Kuskusky. He told Christian Frederick Post that he was very happy about Post's arrival. He had been thinking about it all night.

By 1759, Nenatcheehunt was frustrated. He found it hard to get all the Lenape to support the British. He even thought about moving back to the Susquehanna River if things didn't improve.

In August 1761, Nenatcheehunt told James Kenny that he was one of the three main leaders of the Lenape nation. The other two were Tamaqua (the Beaver) and White Eyes.

Helping Prisoners Return

Nenatcheehunt also worked to get English prisoners released. These prisoners were being held in Lenape communities.

In June 1758, Teedyuscung reported that Nenatcheehunt wanted to know if the English would include him in their peace plans. He also wanted to know if Teedyuscung wanted the prisoners back. When he was told yes to both, Nenatcheehunt promised that all prisoners in his town would be returned.

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

In July 1759, Nenatcheehunt joined Tamaqua and other chiefs at a meeting. In August 1759, he went with Tamaqua to the new Fort Pitt. They met with Colonel Hugh Mercer and others. Their goal was to negotiate the release of more prisoners.

Death and Burial

Nenatcheehunt died on April 30, 1762. James Kenny wrote about his last days. He said Nenatcheehunt arrived at Fort Pitt very ill. He was carried on a blanket because he was so weak.

On May 2, 1762, Nenatcheehunt was buried across the Allegheny River. Soldiers fired their guns three times over his grave. Many white people, including George Croghan, attended the funeral. That night, the Lenape shot off guns many times. This was to keep away evil spirits.

George Croghan sent a gift to Nenatcheehunt's family in May 1762. He wrote that Nenatcheehunt was greatly missed by his own people and by the white people. He said Nenatcheehunt was a steady friend to the British.