Quashaamit facts for kids
Quashaamit (also known as William of Blewe Hills or William Minnian) was an important Native American leader. He lived from before 1640 until around 1670-1672. Quashaamit was a bilingual person, meaning he spoke two languages. He was a leader, called a sachem, and also a teaching minister. He may have been connected to the Nipmuc, Massachusett, and Wampanoag tribes.
Quashaamit worked closely with other famous Native American leaders. These included Massasoit, Metacomet (also known as King Philip), Wamsutta, and Wompatuck. He was involved in selling large areas of land to early European settlers. These lands are now part of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Life in Ponkapoag
Quashaamit lived near a place called Great Blue Hill. He was a resident of Ponkapoag, which was a special village. This village was known as a "Praying Town." Praying Towns were places where Native Americans who had converted to Christianity lived.
Ponkapoag was started in 1657. It was created after Native Americans were moved from their traditional lands. These lands were along the Neponset River. Today, this area is known as the Neponset River Reservation.
Quashaamit, also called William Awinian, served as a Native American preacher in Ponkapoag. He worked there from 1656 until he passed away. This was sometime between 1670 and 1672.
Working with John Eliot
Quashaamit knew Reverend John Eliot. Eliot was a missionary who did something very important. He translated the first Bible into a Native American language.
In 1662, Eliot helped Quashaamit and other Ponkapoag people. They sold land to settlers in what is now Mendon, Massachusetts and Milford, Massachusetts. When they sold the land, they made sure to keep their traditional rights. This meant they could still hunt and fish in the area.
Land Deals and Agreements
Quashaamit was very active in land agreements. In 1659, he traveled to Providence, Rhode Island. He went there to claim his right to land in northern Rhode Island. The town of Providence agreed to look into his claim.
Later, in 1661-1662, his rights to northern Rhode Island were mentioned. This was in a land deed by Alexander (Wamsutta). This deed was officially recorded in Providence.
On August 5, 1665, Quashaamit was part of another important land deal. This was a deed to the town of Braintree (now Quincy). The deed was made by Wompatuck, who was a Chief Sachem. Quashaamit was called William Mananiomott in the document. He signed his name as William Manunion.
In 1666, Quashaamit sold land to Edward Inman and John Mowry. This land was in and around what is now North Smithfield, Rhode Island. Quashaamit signed this deed as "William Minnian." This shows that English settlers were becoming well-known in the area.
Edward Inman bought more land from William Minnian in 1669. This sale was also confirmed by King Philip. King Philip even mentioned William's uncle, Jeffrey. However, the town of Providence argued about these land deals. They said they already owned those lands.
Quashaamit's Legacy
Daniel Gookin wrote about Quashaamit in 1674. He said that "William Awinian...was a knowing person." He also said Quashaamit had "great ability" and "spoke very good English." Gookin felt that Quashaamit's death was a "very great rebuke" to his community. He called him "a very able teacher."
After Quashaamit's death, John Eliot also spoke about him. Eliot said, "Their late Teacher, William, is deceased." He added that Quashaamit was "a man of eminent parts." Eliot noted that "all the English acknowledge him." He was known for his "ready wit, sound judgment, and affable" nature.
Quashaamit was a respected leader and teacher. He played a key role in the history of Native American communities and early European settlements.
