Gelelemend


Gelelemend , also known as Killbuck or John Killbuck Jr., was an important Delaware chief during the American Revolutionary War, who supported the rebel Americans. His name signifies a leader. Born into the senior Turtle clan, which had responsibility to lead the tribe, he became principal chief of the Lenape in November 1778, following the death of White Eyes, a war chief and Speaker of the Delaware Head Council. Gelelemend succeeded his maternal grandfather Netawatwees.

Gelelemend was born near the Lehigh River in Pennsylvania, son of Bemino , a renowned war leader during the French and Indian War, and his wife. Under the matrilineal kinship system of the Lenape, Gelemend was born into his mothers Turtle clan, which had responsibility for providing hereditary chiefs for the tribe. His maternal grandfather was Netawatwees , principal chief of the Delaware.

Source: Wikipedia