The prominent Wyandot Native American leader “Shateyaronyah” was given the name ”Leatherlips” by white settlers because he was trustworthy, and his word was said to be as rugged and reliable as leather.
Leatherlips was a firm advocate for peaceful coexistence with American settlers. He was a signatory to the 1795 Treaty of Greenville, which ceded much of Ohio to the United States. This decision did not sit well with many of the northern Wyandots. It also conflicted with the Shawnee leader Tecumseh, who was forming a confederacy of tribes resisting the sale of Indian land. Leatherlips refused to join the confederacy and honored the Treaty, stating he would remain at peace with the white invadors.This turned out to be a fatal decision on his part.
In 1810, a council headed by Roundhead, who was related to Leatherlips, sentenced him to death. The formal charge was witchcraft, but it is generally accepted that the motive was political because of his cooperation with the U.S. government.
On the day of execution, another council was convened at the request of some white men present. Leatherlips was given a chance to speak. He was calm and dispassionate in his own defense. The sentence of death was reaffirmed.
The prisoner walked slowly to his camp and prepared himself for his fate. He arrayed himself in his best apparel and painted his face. He shook hands with the spectators and began a chant of the death song. He walked to a shallow grave that had been prepared and knelt. He offered a prayer to the Great Spirit. No weapons were visible at the site. Suddenly, on of the warriors drew a tomahawk from beneath his skirt and delivered a strong blow to the crown of the head, and the victim immediately fell.
A tombstone has been erected at the burial site. In 1990, a nearby sculpture was made from stone. One can read more about “Leatherlips” by searching the internet.
