Shikellamy (tribal leader)
Shikellamy was a prominent tribal leader known for his role among the Oneida people and his influence within the Iroquois Confederacy. Born potentially of French or Cayuga descent, he was kidnapped by the Oneidas at the age of two and later adopted into their community, where he lived along the Schuylkill River in Pennsylvania. Rising to prominence, Shikellamy was designated by the Iroquois council to oversee Iroquois interests in the Susquehanna Valley, particularly from his position at Shamokin. He was instrumental in negotiating with various tribal leaders, colonial officials, and land companies, reflecting his diplomatic skills and the complexities of colonial interactions. A key advocate for his people's welfare, he encouraged abstinence from alcohol among the Oneidas to combat its detrimental effects. Shikellamy played a significant role in the 1736 agreement that incorporated Pennsylvania Indians into the Iroquois Confederacy. However, his decision to sell Delaware lands to the colony of Pennsylvania sparked a period of unrest, highlighting the challenges faced by Indigenous leaders in navigating colonial pressures.
Shikellamy (tribal leader)
- Born: Unknown
- Birthplace: Unknown
- Died: December 6, 1748
- Place of death: Shamokin, present-day Sunbury, Pennsylvania
Category: Tribal leader
Tribal affiliation: Oneida
Significance: As representative for the Pennsylvania Iroquois, Shikellamy helped negotiate their admittance into the Iroquois Confederacy
Shikellamy was born either French or Cayuga, or possibly a mixture of the two. He was kidnapped by the Oneidas when he was two years old, and later adopted by them. He lived with them along the Schuylkill River in Pennsylvania. James Logan, a leader of the Ohio Oneidas who became known as Mingos, was Shikellamy’s son.
He rose to prominence among the Oneidas, and was assigned by the Iroquois council to represent Iroquois holdings along the Susquehanna Valley in Pennsylvania. At his post at Shamokin, he negotiated with leaders of tributary tribes, Pennsylvania officials, missionaries, and members of the Susquehanna Land Company. Encouraging abstinence among his people, Shikellamy helped curb white distribution of alcohol.
Shikellamy helped engineer the agreement in 1736 by which Pennsylvania Indians were incorporated into the Iroquois Confederacy. When he sold Delaware lands to the colony of Pennsylvania, Shikellamy initiated a period of unrest.