Charles Josias Wampatuck facts for kids

Charles Josias Wampatuck (died after 1695) was an important leader, called a sachem, of the Massachusett tribe in the late 1600s. He is known for signing agreements about land with English colonists in areas like Boston and Scituate.

Charles Josias Wampatuck: A Massachusett Leader

What's in a Name?

Charles Josias Wampatuck had a few names! In an old document from 1695, he is called Charles Josias, also known as Josias Wampatuck. This document also says he was the grandson of another famous leader, Chickatawbut. You might also see his name spelled as Josiah or Wompatuck.

His Family and Background

Charles Josias Wampatuck came from a family of important leaders. His grandfather was Chickatawbut, who was a sachem until he passed away in 1633. Charles' father was Wompatuck (around 1629–1669). His father was also a sachem for the Massachusett tribe until his death in 1669.

Becoming a Leader

When Charles' father, Wompatuck, died in 1669, Charles was still too young to be a leader. So, another person acted as a temporary leader for him until he was old enough.

In 1671, Charles Josiah officially became the sachem of his tribe. As a sachem, he was responsible for his people and their lands.

Signing Land Agreements

During the 1680s, Charles Josiah Wampatuck signed several important documents. These documents, called deeds, confirmed that land in places like Boston, Stoughton, and Dedham had been transferred to English colonists many years earlier by his grandfather.

In 1686 or 1687, he signed another deed. This one gave up the tribe's claim to lands in an area called Conhassett, which is now Scituate, Massachusetts. For this agreement, he received £14.

Charles Wampatuck was known to be a friend and ally to the British colonists.