Job Nesuton facts for kids

Job Nesuton (died 1675) was a Native American man from the Nipmuc people. He was a very important translator who helped create the Eliot Indian Bible. This was the very first Bible ever printed in America!

Job Nesuton grew up in a Nipmuc community. The Nipmuc are one of the many Native American groups who lived in what is now Massachusetts.

Meeting John Eliot

Job Nesuton probably first met John Eliot in 1646. Eliot was a Puritan missionary. This means he was a religious leader who wanted to share his Christian beliefs with Native American people.

By 1651, Nesuton became a teacher in a place called Natick, Massachusetts. Natick was one of the "Praying towns." These were special communities where Native Americans who had become Christians lived.

Helping with the Bible

Nesuton became one of the main translators for Eliot's big project. This project was to translate the entire Bible into the Massachusett language, which was a language spoken by many Native American groups in the area.

He worked alongside other important translators like Cockenoe and James Printer. Their hard work made it possible for the Bible to be printed in 1663. This was a huge achievement! It meant that Native American people could read the Bible in their own language.

Life and Legacy

Job Nesuton continued to be a valuable translator. He even helped the English forces during a big conflict called King Philip's War. This war was fought between Native American tribes and English colonists. Sadly, Job Nesuton was killed in 1675 during this war.

His work as a translator was very important. He helped bridge the gap between different cultures and languages during a challenging time in history.