Francis Joseph Neptune facts for kids

Concouguash, also known by his Christian name Francis Joseph Neptune, was a very important leader of the Passamaquoddy tribe. He was born in 1735 and lived until 1834. He became the chief of his tribe during the American Revolutionary War. His father, Bahgulwet, was chief before him. After Concouguash, his son, John Francis Neptune, took over as chief in 1824. The word "chief" later became known as "governor" for the tribe.

Being a chief was a special role passed down through families. But it wasn't just about family! The Passamaquoddy people, along with the Penobscots and Maliseet tribes, had to agree to the new chief. These three tribes had similar ceremonies to welcome a new chief. They held these ceremonies together, with people from each tribe watching.

Chief Neptune and the American Revolution

During the American Revolution, the Passamaquoddy tribe chose to help the American colonists. They fought against the British soldiers who were trying to take over the eastern coast of Maine.

Helping in the Battle of Machias

On June 12, 1775, the Passamaquoddy tribe helped the American military in a naval battle. This fight happened at Pleasant Point. It was known as the "Battle of the Rim" or the Battle of Machias. Chief Francis Neptune was given permission to fire the first shot in this battle. He used his flintlock rifle to start the fight.

About 200 Passamaquoddy warriors fought in the Revolutionary War. They served under Chief Francis Neptune's leadership.

Friendship with George Washington

After the Passamaquoddy people helped win the battle, George Washington made a special promise. He called it a "pledge of friendship" with the tribe. On Christmas Eve in 1776, George Washington wrote to the tribe. He hoped they would send more warriors to help the American colonies. He also wanted to make sure the Passamaquoddy lands along the Canada and Maine border were safe.

Colonel John Allan was the American officer the Passamaquoddies served under. He wrote in his journal that Chief Joseph Francis was recognized for his bravery.

Protecting Passamaquoddy Lands

In the 1790s, the Passamaquoddy people faced challenges over their land and rights. Chief Francis Neptune took on the important job of fighting for his people.

Reminding the Government of Help Given

He reminded the American government how much the Passamaquoddies had helped the colonists win the Revolutionary War. Colonel Allan had once said that Native Americans who fought for the United States would be seen as "brothers" and "children." He promised they would be protected and cared for by the United States. Colonel Allan also said that their future children should have all the same rights as other Americans.

Establishing the Passamaquoddy Reservation

Chief Neptune was a key part of talks with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He helped set aside a piece of land from the state just for the Passamaquoddies. In 1794, the Passamaquoddy Pleasant Point Reservation was officially created.

The reservation was originally 23,000 acres. There were also other areas in Maine for hunting and fishing. Chief Neptune lived on this reservation with his wife, Sabattis Neptune. He lived there until he passed away in 1834. After the reservation was set up, Chief Neptune spoke to the Massachusetts government in Boston, Massachusetts. He argued that the Passamaquoddies should be able to make their own decisions about their land.

Mapping Borders and Signing Treaties

In 1796, Chief Francis Neptune also worked as a guide. He helped survey the border between the United States and Canada. During this trip, he signed a land treaty. This treaty helped set the exact boundaries between the Passamaquoddy reservation, the United States, and Canada.

To help draw the land boundaries, Chief Francis Neptune drew a map. On July 12, 1798, he drew a map of the Cobscook River area. This map was very helpful to British Commissioner Thomas Barclay. It helped him learn about the St. Croix River and the land borders.

Later Years and Legacy

In 1829, Andrew Jackson, who was the President of the United States, met with Chief Neptune. President Jackson enjoyed his meeting with the Passamaquoddy tribe. He showed his thanks, just as George Washington had done. The "chains of friendship" between the tribe and the United States stayed strong.

Chief Francis Joseph Neptune passed away in 1834. He was 99 years old and died on his Passamaquoddy Pleasant Point Reservation. To honor him, a special sailing ship called a schooner was built at Huston's Shipyard. Many people spoke highly of him. They respected the important actions he took as chief for his people.