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Daniel Webster Little Eagle Custalow

Daniel Custalow Obituary

Daniel Webster Little Eagle Custalow, Chief of the Mattaponi Indian Reservation, ascended to meet with Jesus Friday morning, March 21, 2003. He was preceded by his wife, Mary White Feather Custalow in 1993 and three grandchildren, Donald Kuhns, Michael Salmons, Darrell Custalow. Chief Little Eagle was born on November 14, 1912 on the Mattaponi Indian Reservation. He was the youngest of ten siblings. Chief Little Eagle resided on the Mattaponi Reservation until his death. Chief Little Eagle is survived by nine children, five daughters, Eleanor Pocahontas Cannada and husband, Alton, Edith White Feather Kuhns and husband, Raymond, Dolores Little White Dove Salmons and husband, Ralph, Shirley Little Dove McGowan and husband, Olsson, Debra White Dove Perreco and husband, Louis; and four sons, Dr. Linwood Little Bear Custalow and wife, Barbara, Assistant Chief Carl Lone Eagle Custalow, Ryland Little Beaver Custalow and Leon Two Feathers Custalow and wife, Helen. He had 24 grandchildren, and 32 great-grandchildren. Chief Little Eagle operated his own trucking service, hauling pulpwood; as well as, farmed and fished on the Mattaponi River. During the depression he was instrumental in community service on the Reservation and in King William County. During Chief Little Eagle’s 25 years tenure as Chief of the Mattaponi Reservation, he maintained the annual Mattaponi Treaty of Tribute to the Commonwealth of Virginia that has remained continuous since the Treaty was signed in 1646 and ratified in 1677. Bennett Funeral Home at 8014 Lee Davis Rd. in Mechanicsville, Va., will accommodate the funeral arrangements. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Sunday, March 23, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Bennett Funeral Home on Monday, March 24 at 11 a.m. This will be followed by a service at 2 p.m. at the Mattaponi Indian Reservation Baptist Church. Chief Little Eagle’s body will be laid to rest on the Mattaponi Indian Reservation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Mattaponi Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 15, Walkerton, Va. 23177.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch from Mar. 22 to Mar. 23, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Custalow

18 Entries

Jade

January 11, 2025

As a child my family visited his family
Many times over the years in the 60´s. Some of my best memories. It was always a joy seeing him on the news going to the Capitol on holidays. This was the single good thing I saw about Native Americans in a positive way. His legacy will live on.

Otis & Beverley Newton

April 6, 2003

We wish to express our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Custalow family and the Mattaponi Tribe. Chief Webster was a great chief who will be missed. He always had a kind word and a smile for everyone, even when he was ill.

Twandra Lomax-Brown

March 28, 2003

To the family of Chief Daniel Webster "Little Eagle" Custalow, I would like to extend my sincere condolences. Also, to my classmate Robin Custalow please know that my thoughts are with you in this time of loss of your family member.

Sincerely,

Twandra Lomax-Brown

Judy McCord

March 25, 2003

I met Chief Custalow in 1990 or perhaps 1991 at the thrift store at 441 East Belt Blvd in Richmond. He had come to the store to visit one of my coworkers, Helen Barnett, whose husband D.J., had a radio show on WXGI. Helen introduced me to Chief Custalow and I was so thrilled and excited to meet a real Indian Chief! But, the thing I'll NEVER forget was he seemed excited to meet me. He made me feel so special, and I think that that was one of his many special gifts. I would reflect on that moment every year when I would see his picture in the paper at Thanksgiving time, paying the annual taxes. People that wondrous enjoy everlasting life with the Lord, because their lives have been a reflection of their relationship with God. I am so grateful that I got to meet him that day.

Kay Oxendine

March 25, 2003

I was very saddened to hear of Chief Custalow's passing. Chief always had a kind word to say and was always very positive, especially when he spoke of his people. He was a great spokesperson for the Mattaponi - he lived a good long life and touched many lives along the way. My life was blessed to have known him.

My condolences to the family, and to the members of the Mattaponi tribe.

Laura Andrews Clark

March 25, 2003

I want to express my deepest sympathy to the Custalow family. I grew up in King William and will always remember my friends from there. My prayers are with you.

Helen Wagner

March 25, 2003

ALTHOUGH I NEVER MET THE CHIEF But have met some of the people of his nation I have spent a few days at SunEagles and have visited Aunt Gertrude at The Mattaponi I KNOW THE SPIRIT OF THE People there THIS DAY I SEND MY PRAYERS TO THE PEOPLE AND SHARE IN THEIR SORROW.. I AM ALSO A VIRGINIA INDIAN OF THE MONACAN NATION AND A SISTER TO MARY B WADE

Lenora Adkins

March 24, 2003

Please accept my expression of sympathy and respect for such a wonderful, kind man. There is no one in the world who will ever say "Darling" like he did . . . and have the respect and love with it as Chief Webster intended it.

Another warrior has gone to help prepare the way for those still on Earth and join with others who have walked on!

With love and warmest regards,

Lenora

Betsy Craig

March 24, 2003

My sincere sympathy to the Custalow family. I especially want to be remembered to Dr. Linwood Custalow and Barbara Custalow. You, two, were at Pine Street Baptist Church many years ago while you were studying at MCV. I remember you fondly from those early days of your marriage. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am the daughter of Emily & Edlow Craig (both deceased)and I still regularly attend various functions at Pine Street in the Oregon Hill Community. Blessing to you both, and I would love to see you sometime in the future. Love, Betsy Craig

BILLY HEDGEPETH

March 24, 2003

I did not not know this man personally but only by his deeds and by his deeds he made this earth a better place to live.We should do everything possible to carry on his great work and keep his spirit alive.May God be with his family in this difficult time.

John Ogden

March 23, 2003

Chief Webster was a great leader and will be missed by many people across the Commonwealth. JohnO. (brother of Thomasina "Redhawk Woman" Jordan)

Zenda Gordon

March 23, 2003

Our thoughts and prayers to the Custalow family. Especially to great granddaughter, Tracey, my youngest daughter's friend. My children have grown up knowing Chief "Webster" as they called him. They loved his stories, especially the one about him killing the two turkeys when he was a child and the whipping he got from his father for taking from nature more than he needed. We will so miss seeing him at the pow-wows, but know that he remains with us. We bow our heads with tears in our eyes knowing that we will miss him, he will forever walk in our hearts. Everytime we look at the beautiful Mattaponi River we will see his smiling face. Walk with God, dear sweet Chief Webster, smiling your sweet smile.

Zenda, Preston, Jessica, Kenton and Chelsea Gordon

King William, Virginia

Sunday March 23, 2003

Susan Sizemore

March 23, 2003

I wish to extend my sympathy to the Custalow family. I am Barbara Custalows sister , you will probably remember me. I visited the reservation many years ago. Our prayers and thoughts are with you

Pat Milby

March 23, 2003

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of this great man. May God be with you during this time

Jean (Gagnon) Dingle

March 23, 2003

Leon,

Your father, Chief Custalow was an amazing man. When I moved here from

Pennsylvania the first thing I did was to bring my children to the

reservation to see all the heritage there. I know you probably won't remember who I am but, we hung out together on Laurel Street when I visited my grandmother, Mrs Arnold some 40 odd years ago. I want to extend my deepest sympathy for your loss and tell you he is gone but will never be forgotten ,for he touched the hearts of so many, especially the children.Your friend from the past.

Jean

adrienne sydnor

March 22, 2003

I was sorry to hear of the passing of Chief Custalow. I remember him from when he visited my school (Warsaw Primary), when I was in elementary school, and have never forgotten him. He will be missed but never forgotten. My prayers go out to you and your family.

Margarette Vencill Melton

March 22, 2003

We just wanted to express our condolences to the Custalow Family. We have such wonderful memories of the 1950's & 60's of visiting the Reservation and Chief Custalow was so wonderful to us. We have some great memories and pictures of him. What fun we had as children when he let us play in the teepees there. He will be greatly missed.

The Family of Homer & Betty Vencill

Larry Elliott

March 22, 2003

Doloras, we were very sorry to hear of your fathers passing,you have our Deepest Sympathy,Love Larry and Brenda

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