1732–1748, also known as Newcheconner, Nocheknonee, Neucheconner, Neucheconno, Neucheconer, Nowchekano, Nawchikana, Neuchconna, Nuckegunnah, Neuchyconer or Nechikonner) was a Pekowi Shawnee chief from western Pennsylvania.
His name (Noochickoneh) first appears as a chief's signature to a letter to Governor Patrick Gordon in June 1732, sent in explanation for the sudden move of Shawnees from Pechoquealin (now Smithfield Township, Monroe County, Pennsylvania)[1] to Wyomink in August, 1728.
"[2]: 309–310 They also petitioned that "no trader above-mentioned may be allowed to bring more than 30 Gallons of Rum, twice in a year and no more," as excessive drinking was starting to have social and economic effects on the Shawnee people.
[4] Neucheconeh's name was signed to another letter of March 20, 1738, addressed to Thomas Penn and Acting Governor James Logan, which stated: All our people being gathered together, we held a council together, to leave off drinking for the space of four years, and we all in general agreed to it, taking into consideration the ill consequences that attend it and what disturbance it makes, and that two of our brothers, the Mingoes, lost their lives in our towns by rum, and that we would live in peace and quietness and become another people ...
[7]: 28 On 27 July 1739, Cacowatchike (Kakowatcheky), Newcheconneh, Tamenebuck, and Meshemethequater came to Philadelphia from Wyoming and Allegheny to hold a council with Governor Thomas Penn.
Colonial authorities were concerned about the migration of Shawnee and Lenape communities from Pennsylvania to the Ohio River valley, where it was feared that they would become allies of New France.
Secretary James Logan told the Shawnee, Since your nation first left their settlement near Paxtang, on the west side of the Susquehanna, and retired to so great a distance as the River Ohio, or Allegheny, this Government has ever been desirous of a conference with some of your chiefs.
Some of your older men may undoubtedly remember that about forty years ago a considerable number of families of your nation thought it fit to remove from the great river that bears your name,[1] where your principal correspondence was with those of the French nation.A new treaty was concluded at this council, in which it was declared that the Shawnees had moved to the Allegheny from their former home on the Susquehanna.
[2]: 306 After a series of violent conflicts between Indians and white settlers, Meshemethequater and other chiefs from the Six Nations (including Shikellamy), the Tuscaroras, and the Lenape met with Conrad Weiser and Andrew Montour at Shamokin in April 1743, and received wampum from Weiser, who was trying to persuade the Shawnees not to attack English traders living on the Allegheny, to prevent war from erupting.
The commission was instructed: As to the Shawonese you are to enquire very exactly after their conduct since the commencement of the War, and what lengths they went in favor of Peter Chartier; where he is; and what he has been doing all this time; and be careful that these people acknowledge their fault in plain terms, and promise never to be guilty of any behaviour again that may give such reason to suspect their fidelity.
We earnestly desire you would intercede with our brethren, the English, for us who are left at Ohio, that we may be permitted to be restored to the chain of friendship, and be looked upon as heretofore, the same flesh with them.Although Kakowatcheky had not followed Chartier to Ohio, as had Neucheconeh and Meshemethequater, he participated in the apology and was commended by the Provincial authorities for maintaining his loyalty to the British:[13]: 138 The Pennsylvania Commissioners agreed to take the offending Shawnees back into the English alliance, but they also sent a belt of wampum by the Six Nations chiefs, requesting them to reprimand Neucheconeh and his party for their misconduct:[14] Take this string of wampum and therewith chastize Neucheconneh and his party in such terms as will be a proper severity with them.
[15]In a letter to Conrad Weiser dated 23 June 1748 Anthony Palmer, President of the Pennsylvania Provincial Council, said, "...they relented, made acknowledgment to the Government of their error in being seduced by Peter Chartier, and prayed they might be permitted to return to their old Town.