Oneco facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Oneco
|
|
|---|---|
| Owaneko | |
| Sachem of the Mohegan | |
| Preceded by | Uncas |
| Succeeded by | Caesar |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Mohegan |
| Rank | Commander |
| Battles/wars | King Phillip's War |
Oneco, also known as Owaneko, was an important leader (called a sachem) of the Mohegan people. He lived in what is now the Connecticut Colony. Oneco was the son of another famous Mohegan leader, Uncas.
During a big conflict called King Philip's War (1675–1678), Oneco showed great skill as a military commander. He also played a role in the death of Canonchet, a leader from another tribe. Later in his life, Oneco was involved in a major court case. This case questioned if the Mohegan leadership had the same power as the English King or Queen.
Oneco's Life and Leadership
Oneco was the son of the well-known Mohegan sachem, Uncas. During King Philip's War, Oneco served as a top war chief for the Mohegan tribe. He proved himself to be a brave and skilled leader in many battles. His strong leadership during the war made him a valuable friend to the English colonists.
In 1676, Oneco helped with the execution of Canonchet. Canonchet was a Narragansett commander. He had led the defense of a large fort during the Great Swamp Fight. It is interesting to note that Canonchet's father, Miantonomoh, had been killed by Oneco's father, Uncas, many years earlier in 1643.
After his father Uncas passed away, Oneco became the new leader of the Mohegan people. Later, Oneco's own son, Caesar, took over as sachem after him.
The Mohegan Land Case of 1703
In 1703, the Mohegan people faced a big problem over their land. The Connecticut Colony claimed ownership of land that had traditionally belonged to the Mohegans. The colony said they bought this land in 1699 from Oneco. However, there were questions about whether this sale was truly legal.
Samuel Mason, whose father John Mason had been a protector of Mohegan lands, stepped in to help. He had been given this role by Oneco's father, Uncas. Samuel Mason asked the Great and General Court of Connecticut to review the case, but they refused.
- Oneco's Letter to Queen Anne*
At Mason's urging, Oneco sent a direct appeal to Queen Anne of England. In his letter, Oneco explained his special authority as a sachem. He argued that his power came directly from the gods, not from the English Crown. Because of this, Oneco believed the Mohegan leadership was equal in power to the English monarchy.
Oneco explained that his ancestors had received a sacred pipe from the gods. This pipe was a symbol of their authority. To show their friendship with the English, the Mohegans kept this sacred pipe in the same place as a special ceremonial sword. This sword had been given to them by Charles II of England. Oneco's argument was very new. He described a relationship where the Mohegan sachem was equal to the English Queen. He used the idea of a diplomatic gift as proof of this special connection.
- The Queen's Decision*
Queen Anne's advisors, known as the Board of Trade, looked at Oneco's letter. They then asked the Attorney-General for his legal opinion. He wrote that Oneco's claim to the land likely had legal standing:
[Her Majesty] ... may command ye Governors of that Corporation not to oppress those Indians or to deprive them of their right, but to doe them right notwithstanding the Act made by them to dispossess them, which I am of opinion was illegall and void.
This meant the Queen could tell the Connecticut government not to take the Mohegan land. He believed the colony's act to take the land was against the law and not valid.
- The Royal Commission*
After this, a special royal commission was set up. It was led by Joseph Dudley, the governor of Massachusetts Bay. This group was tasked with looking into the matter. The Connecticut government protested this. They said the Queen had no right to interfere in their local affairs. They refused to appear before the commission. They also told all citizens of Connecticut not to give any testimony.
Despite Connecticut's refusal, the commission made a decision on August 24, 1705. They all agreed and ruled in favor of the Mohegans. They ordered that the land between New London and Norwich be returned to the Mohegan tribe.
