Pumham facts for kids
Pumham (who died in 1676) was an important leader and advisor to Metacomet, also known as King Philip. He played a key role during a big conflict called King Philip's War. Pumham was the sachem (or chief) of the Shawomet people, who lived in what is now Warwick, Rhode Island. People described him as a very brave and strong leader among the Narragansett people. Even though he was friends with English settlers, Pumham chose to join Metacomet when the war began.
Pumham's Early Life and Alliances
Pumham was connected to the Massachusetts Bay Colony. This colony claimed the lands of Shawomet, which is now Warwick, Rhode Island. The colony did not allow anyone to live there without their permission. They even built a fort in the area to protect it. The remains of this fort could still be seen in the year 2000. This fort was built right where Pumham's village used to be.
Pumham's Role in King Philip's War
As tensions grew between the Native Americans and the colonists, Pumham started to encourage resistance. He did not want peace with the colonists. During the war, Pumham used the fort at Shawomet.
On July 4, 1675, Governor John Leverett sent a captain named Edward Hutchinson. Hutchinson's goal was to sign a treaty with the Narraganset people. This treaty would make them promise not to help any of Metacomet's followers. Hutchinson decided to force the Narragansets to sign. Pumham was made to sign the treaty on July 15. However, Pumham and his people ignored the treaty as soon as the colonists left.
Pumham was captured in Dedham, Massachusetts on July 25, 1676. Some Christian Native Americans saw Pumham's group in the woods. His son and other family members were with him, and they were very hungry. Captain Samuel Hunting led 36 men from Dedham and Medfield. They joined 90 Native Americans to find Pumham's group. In the end, 15 people from Pumham's group were killed, and 35 were captured. Pumham was seriously wounded and could not stand. He hid in the bushes with his hatchet. He grabbed an English soldier and would have harmed him. But another settler came to the soldier's rescue. Pumham died during this fight.
