Montowampate facts for kids

Montowampate (born 1609, died 1633) was an important leader of the Naumkeag or Pawtucket people. He was known as the Sachem (leader) of their lands. These lands are now part of Saugus, Massachusetts. European settlers called him Sagamore James. He lived during the time when many European settlers, called Puritans, came to New England. Montowampate was one of three sons of Nanepashemet. Nanepashemet was the main leader of all the tribes in their area.

Early Life of Montowampate

Montowampate was born in 1609. His father was Nanepashemet, the Great Sachem of the Pawtucket group of tribes. His mother was known in English records as the Squaw Sachem of Mistick.

After his father died in 1619, the Pawtucket lands were divided. Montowampate became the leader of an area that included many towns we know today. These towns are Swampscott, Nahant, Lynn, Lynnfield, Marblehead, Reading, Saugus, and Wakefield. Montowampate lived on Sagamore Hill in Lynn. This was a high spot near the ocean.

Montowampate's Family Life

Montowampate married Wenunchus, who was the daughter of another powerful leader named Passaconaway. They got married around 1629 in a place called Pennacook. This area is now Concord, New Hampshire. Their wedding was a big celebration with a large feast.

Soon after their marriage, Wenunchus went to visit her father. Some of Montowampate's men went with her to make sure she arrived safely. When she was ready to return home, Passaconaway sent a message to Montowampate. He told Montowampate to send his own group of people to bring Wenunchus back.

Montowampate thought that Passaconaway should send his daughter back with his own people. Montowampate's men had already escorted her there. He felt that sending his own group again would make him seem less important than Passaconaway. Passaconaway, however, felt that Montowampate should show him more respect. He told Montowampate that if he wanted his wife back, he would have to send people for her. Montowampate still refused. He told Passaconaway to either send her with his own group or keep her. We know that Wenunchus eventually returned to Montowampate. However, we don't know exactly how the two leaders settled their disagreement.

Relationships with Other Native American Tribes

In 1631, Montowampate and his brother Wonohaquaham, also known as Sagamore John, met with Chief Masconomet. This meeting took place in Agawam, which is now Ipswich. Masconomet might have asked for their help in a conflict he had with the Tarrantine people.

On the night of August 8, 1631, about 100 Tarrantine warriors attacked Agawam. Masconomet, Montowampate, and Wonohaquaham were all hurt in the attack. Montowampate's wife was captured. A European colonist named Abraham Shurd helped to get her back. He paid for her release. She was returned to Montowampate on September 17, 1631.

Relationships with European Colonists

Governor Thomas Dudley described Montowampate as being "of a far worse disposition" than his brother. This suggests he was seen as more difficult to deal with by the colonists.

On March 26, 1631, Montowampate went to Governor John Winthrop for help. A colonist named Watts had cheated him out of twenty beaver furs. Watts soon returned to England. Governor Winthrop gave Montowampate a letter to a lawyer in London. It is thought that Montowampate might have traveled to England to try and get his furs back.

In 1632, Montowampate bought guns, gunpowder, and bullets from a settler named Richard Hopkins. By 1633, there were disagreements between the Pawtucket people and the colonists. They were arguing about the boundaries of their lands. However, before they could solve this problem, a terrible disease hit the tribe.

Death and Legacy

In 1633, a smallpox epidemic spread through the Pawtucket people. Many died because they had no natural protection against this new disease. Montowampate died from smallpox in December 1633. His brother Wonohaquaham also died around the same time.

Their younger brother Wenepoykin was one of the few who survived. He was also known as Winnepurkett or Sagamore George. He was called George No Nose because smallpox had disfigured his face. Wenepoykin took over the lands of both his brothers. He became the leader of the Pawtucket people who were left.

Montowampate is remembered in the town of Saugus. His image is on the town's official seal. He is shown holding a bow and arrow, with a hill and the rising sun behind him. His image and some information about him are also displayed on the first floor of the new Saugus Middle High School.