Leschi

Chief Leschi (; 1808 – February 19, 1858) was a chief of the Nisqually Native American tribe, based in present-day Washington state south of Puget Sound in what is known as the Nisqually Delta along the river of the same name. Appointed as chief of the Nisqually and Puyallup peoples by the US territorial governor, Leschi signed a treaty in 1854 to cede lands to the United States, but he objected to the territory which his people were given for a reservation. Following outbreaks of violence and the Yakima Wars (1855-1858), as a leader Leschi was charged with the killings of two Washington Territorial Volunteers. He was hanged for murder on February 19, 1858, although supporters argued that he could not be charged with murder in the death of a combatant in a recognized war. Leschi was exonerated in 2004, by a Historical Court of Inquiry of Washington State, following a resolution by both houses of the legislature asking the State Supreme Court to vacate his conviction.