Paul Cuffee (missionary) facts for kids
Paul Cuffee (born 1757, died March 7, 1812) was an important Christian leader and teacher. He was a Native American from the Shinnecock tribe. Paul Cuffee became a Christian when he was a young adult. He later became a minister in the Presbyterian Church. He worked as a missionary for a group called the New York Missionary Society. He helped Native American people on Long Island, New York. He was known as a powerful speaker and a strong supporter of Native American rights. People called him "Priest Paul." He also spoke out against slavery. He was even mentioned in the famous book Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe.
Paul Cuffee's Work
Paul Cuffee was very active in the Native American communities. He worked a lot with people in Hampton Bays and Montauk. He also worked closely with his own Shinnecock community. He created safe places for Native Americans to meet. In these places, they could talk, discuss ideas, and practice their faith.
Lasting Impact
Even today, his Shinnecock tribe still meets for prayer. They have a special gathering called the "June Meeting." You can still find Paul Cuffee's grave marker on Shinnecock tribal land in Hampton Bays. The New York Missionary Society put it there. The marker says he was an Indian of the Shinnecock tribe. It also says he worked hard for 13 years on Long Island. He shared the Christian message with loyalty and success. It describes him as humble, religious, and tireless in his work. He died on March 7, 1812, at 55 years old.
