Experience Mayhew facts for kids
Experience Mayhew (1673–1758) was an important missionary in New England. He worked with the Wampanoag people on Martha's Vineyard and nearby islands. He also wrote a special book called the Massachusett Psalter. This was a rare book, like the famous Bay Psalm Book and Eliot Indian Bible.
Early Life and Work
Experience Mayhew was born on January 27, 1673. His birthplace was Quansoo, in Chilmark, on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. He was the oldest son of Rev. John Mayhew, who was also a missionary. His family had a long history of working with Native Americans.
The Mayhew family's missionary work was very long-lasting. When Experience Mayhew was 21, he started preaching to the Wampanoag people. He worked in a small meetinghouse his father built in Chilmark.
He became a Congregational minister. He looked after five or six Native American church groups. He continued this important work for 64 years.
Language Skills and Books
Experience Mayhew was very good at the Wôpanâak language. He had learned it when he was a baby. Because of his language skills, a group called the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in New England hired him.
His job was to create a new version of the Psalms and the Gospel of John. He finished this work in 1709. The book had two columns: one in English and one in the Wôpanâak language.
People said that if he had more formal schooling, he would have been one of the greatest people in New England. He did not have a lot of formal education. But in July 1723, Harvard College gave him an honorary bachelor's degree. He tried to say no to the degree, but they insisted.
Family Life
Experience Mayhew was married twice. His first wife was Thankful, the daughter of Thomas Hinckley. His second wife was Remember Bourne.
He had four children. Three of his children have descendants living today. His most famous child was Jonathan Mayhew. Jonathan became a minister at the Old West Church in Boston. Jonathan Mayhew is famous for creating the phrase "No taxation without representation." This phrase was important during the American Revolution.
His nephew, Joseph Mayhew, was a professor of classics. Experience Mayhew's house in Chilmark stayed in his family until 1864. He is buried at Abel Hill Cemetery on Martha's Vineyard.
