White Eyes
White Eyes | |
|---|---|
| Koquethagechton | |
| Lenape leader | |
| Preceded by | Netawatwees (Newcomer) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1730 Pennsylvania? |
| Died | November 1778 |
| Spouse(s) | Rachel Doddridge, d. 1788 |
| Relations | Son was raised by his friend, George Morgan |
| Children | George Morgan White Eyes (1770?–1798) |
| Known for | Negotiated a Lenape state; peace emissary in Lord Dunmore's War; trader, tavern keeper; founded settlement near present day Coshocton, OH |
| Nickname | George White Eyes |
White Eyes, named Koquethagechton (c. 1730 – 5 November 1778), was Chief Sachem of the Lenape (Delaware) people in the Ohio Country during the era of the American Revolution. Sometimes known as George White Eyes, or Captain Grey Eyes al. Sir William, his given name in Lenape was rendered in many spelling variations in colonial records.
By 1773 he was Speaker of the Delaware Head Council and known as one of the most important councilors. White Eyes was a war chief and a tireless mediator in turbulent times, negotiating the first Indian treaties with the fledgling United States, and always working toward his ultimate goal of establishing a secure Indian territory. His assassination by an American militia officer is believed to have been covered up by United States officials.