Caleb Cheeshahteaumuck facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Caleb Cheeshahteaumuck
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | ~ 1644 |
| Died | ~ 1666 |
| Alma mater | Harvard |
| Occupation | Student |
| Known for | Being the first Native American to graduate from Harvard |
Caleb Cheeshahteaumuck (born around 1644, died 1666) was a very important person. He was the first Native American to ever graduate from Harvard University.
Caleb's Early Life
Caleb Cheeshahteaumuck was born on Martha's Vineyard. This island is also known as Noepe in the Wampanoag language. His father was a leader, called a sachem, from the Nobnocket area of West Chop. Caleb received a good education from a young age.
He and his friend, Joel Hiacoomes, were first taught on Martha's Vineyard. Their teacher was Peter Folger. Interestingly, Peter Folger was the grandfather of the famous American, Benjamin Franklin. Around 1657, Caleb and Joel went to a grammar school in Cambridge. This school was run by Elijah Corlet.
Studying at Harvard
In 1661, Caleb Cheeshahteaumuck and Joel Hiacoomes both started studying at Harvard. They joined the Indian College at Harvard. Sadly, Joel Hiacoomes died in a shipwreck. This happened just a few months before he was supposed to graduate. He was returning to Harvard from Martha's Vineyard when the accident occurred.
Caleb Cheeshahteaumuck continued his studies. He made history in 1665 by becoming the first Native American to graduate from Harvard.
Caleb's Later Life and Legacy
Less than a year after graduating, Caleb became very sick. He died from a lung disease called tuberculosis in Watertown, Massachusetts in 1666.
There is one special document from Caleb's time at Harvard. It is a short letter that he supposedly wrote. The entire letter is written in Latin. In this letter, Caleb thanked the people who helped pay for his education. He also encouraged them to keep supporting students. Some people believe this letter is the oldest writing by a Native American that we still have today.
In 2010, Harvard University honored Caleb. They showed a new painting of him in Annenberg Hall. This portrait was painted by Stephen E. Coit. Caleb Cheeshahteaumuck is also the main character in a historical novel. The book is called Caleb's Crossing and was written by Geraldine Brooks.
