Peteusha | |
|---|---|
| Died | c. 1813 present-day Wapakoneta, Ohio |
| Nationality | Shawnee |
| Other names |
|
| Years active | 1774–1812 |
| Known for | Military leader in the Ohio Country |
Shemanetoo | |
|---|---|
| Died | late 1830s present-day Kansas |
| Nationality | Shawnee |
| Other names |
|
| Years active | 1781–1817 |
| Known for | Signatory of several treaties |
Snake was the English language name of two Shawnee leaders prominent in the history of the Ohio Country: Peteusha (died c. 1813) and Shemanetoo (died 1830s). They were both commonly referred to as "Snake" in historical records, or by variations such as "Black Snake" or "Captain Snake," so it is often difficult to determine which individual was being referred to. On a number of occasions, the two Snakes both signed a letter or appeared together, so it is clear they were two different people.[1] There may have been additional Shawnees called "Snake," further complicating the matter.[1] According to historian John Sugden, "it is unlikely if the biographies of these chiefs will ever be completely disentangled."[1]
Nothing is known of Peteusha's and Shemanetoo's early lives. They were apparently brothers.[2] In 1781, missionary John Heckewelder wrote of "the two Shawano Captains known by the Name of the Snakes [John and Thomas],”[3] which apparently refers to Peteusha and Shemanetoo.[2] In a 1785 document they were recorded as "Major Snake" and "Thomas Snake."[4] Shawnees of their era belonged to one of five tribal divisions; the Snake brothers may have belonged to the Kispoko division.[5] The Shawnee warrior Spemica Lawba (Captain Logan), who fought on the American side in the War of 1812, was a cousin.[6]