Netawatwees facts for kids

Netawatwees, also known as King Newcomer, was an important leader of the Lenape people. He lived from about 1686 to 1776. As a Sachem, he was a main chief and spiritual guide for his people, also called the Delaware. His name means "skilled advisor" or "first in council." It could be spelled in many ways, like Netaut Twelement or Netodwehement.

During the French and Indian War, Netawatwees moved his people to safer areas. He led them to where the Tuscarawas and Muskingum rivers meet in what is now Ohio. There, he was chief of a village called Gekelukpechink. Later, he moved to Coshocton, another important Lenape town. Netawatwees signed the Fort Pitt treaty with the American forces. He hoped that by working with them, Native Americans could have their own state.

Life of Netawatwees

Netawatwees was likely born around 1686. His birthplace was in the lower Delaware River Valley. He was part of the Unami-speaking Lenape group. These people lived along the mid-Atlantic coast. Their lands stretched from the lower Hudson River to western Long Island and Connecticut.

Moving West

When Netawatwees was young, his family moved west. They wanted to escape from European-American settlers. In July 1758, he lived in a Delaware settlement. This was at the mouth of Beaver Creek, near present-day Pittsburgh. People knew him as "the great man of the Unami nation."

Netawatwees moved to Ohio with other Delaware people. This happened during the French and Indian War (1754–1763). This war was part of a bigger conflict in Europe. Netawatwees wanted to ally with the English during this time. He started a village near what is now Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.

New Villages

From there, he moved to the Tuscarawas River. This river flows into the Muskingum River. Here, he became a chief of a Delaware town. It was called Gekelukpechink, which means "still water." This town became known as Newcomer's Town. It was on the north bank of the Tuscarawas. Today, Newcomerstown, Ohio is located west of this old site.

Netawatwees never became a Christian. However, he was influenced by the Moravian missionaries. He grew old and became weak. In 1776, White Eyes took over as chief. On October 31, 1776, Netawatwees passed away. It is said that his last words asked the Delaware people to follow the Moravian pastors' teachings.

Netawatwees' Family

Netawatwees was married and had a family. His son was named Bemino, also known as John Killbuck Sr. Bemino became a famous war leader. He allied with the French during the French and Indian War.

Netawatwees also had a grandson named Gelelemend. He was born in 1737 and died in 1811. Gelelemend was also known as John Killbuck Jr. He was an important chief during the American Revolutionary War.