Ebenezer Quippish facts for kids

Ebenezer Quippish (1859-1933) was an important leader of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe in Mashpee, Massachusetts. He was also known as Chief Red Jacket. Ebenezer helped bring back many cultural traditions for his people in the 1920s. He was a talented person who worked as a basket weaver, cook, fishing guide, and even a sailor. He was also part of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show.

Early Life and Adventures

Growing Up and Becoming a Sailor

Ebenezer Quippish was born in 1859 in Mashpee. His parents were Joseph Quippish and Jemima Pocknett. When he was young, he might have gone to the Carlisle Indian Industrial School.

In 1877, Ebenezer became a sailor. He sailed on a whaling ship called the "Josephine." A whaling ship is a large boat used to hunt whales. He continued working as a sailor in 1880.

Joining the Wild West Show

After his time as a sailor, Ebenezer joined different traveling shows. He performed in the Montana Charlie Indian show and the Healy and Bigelow show. Later, he joined Buffalo Bill Cody's famous Wild West Show. In this show, he was a skilled horseback rider.

Later Life and Cultural Leadership

A Talented Cook and Outdoorsman

When the Wild West Show traveled to Europe, Ebenezer learned how to cook. After returning to Massachusetts, he worked as a chef. He cooked at the Tenampo Club in Marstons Mills, Massachusetts. This club was a popular place for fishing and hunting.

Ebenezer also worked as a fisherman and a guide for people who wanted to fish or hunt. He knew a lot about the outdoors.

Master Basket Weaver and Cultural Revival

Throughout his life, Ebenezer made traditional Wampanoag baskets. He learned this skill from his father. Some of his handmade baskets and fishing nets are now in museums. You can see them in places like the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian.

In the 1910s and 1920s, Ebenezer worked with Nelson D. Simons. They worked hard to keep Wampanoag cultural traditions alive. Their efforts led to a big powwow in 1928. This event brought together different groups of the Wampanoag people.

In 1929, Ebenezer was one of the last traditional basket makers of his time. He taught Gladys Tantaguideon, a folklorist, how to make an offering basket.

Ebenezer Quippish passed away on January 7, 1933. He was buried in the Mashpee Town Cemetery. His sister, Priscilla Quieppish Pells, was his closest living relative.