Cockenoe facts for kids
.jpg)
Cockenoe was an important Native American man from Long Island, New York. He was a member of the Montaukett people. Cockenoe lived a long time ago, from before 1630 until after 1687. He was a skilled translator, which means he could speak and understand different languages. He helped turn parts of the Eliot Indian Bible into the Massachusett language. This was the very first Bible ever printed in America!
Contents
Who Was Cockenoe?
Cockenoe was known by many names, like Cockeno, Cockenow, and Cheekanoo. He was born before the year 1630. His life was very important because he helped people from different cultures talk to each other.
His Early Life and Capture
In 1637, a big conflict called the Pequot War happened. During this war, a group of soldiers from Massachusetts captured Cockenoe. After his capture, he was taken to Dorchester, Massachusetts. There, he became a servant for a fur trader named Richard Callicot.
Another famous Native American translator, John Sassamon, also grew up in Callicot's home. Living there helped Cockenoe learn English very well. He also became an expert in several Algonquian languages, including the Massachusett language. This made him one of the first people in early America who could speak both English and Native American languages fluently.
A Special Job: Translator
Cockenoe's amazing language skills made him very valuable. He helped a missionary named John Eliot with a huge project. They worked together to translate the Bible into the Massachusett language. This book became known as the Eliot Indian Bible. It was the first Bible ever printed in America.
John Eliot himself said that Cockenoe helped him translate important parts of the Bible. This included the Ten Commandments and the Lord's Prayer. Cockenoe also helped Eliot write prayers and speeches.
Returning Home and Later Life
Between 1646 and 1649, Cockenoe went back to the Long Island area. He continued to use his translation skills there. He often helped with land deals between local Native American tribes and the new colonists. He made sure everyone understood what was being agreed upon.
In 1667, Cockenoe married a woman named "Sunksquaw." She was a leader of the Shinnecock Indian Nation. She was also the sister of another important leader, Nowedonah, or possibly Wyandanch. Cockenoe's name last appears in records in 1687. This means he lived until at least that year.
Cockenoe Island
Today, there is an island named after him. It's called Cockenoe Island. You can find it near the Connecticut shore in the Norwalk Islands of Long Island Sound. It's a way to remember his important role in history.
