Simon Johnson (deacon) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Simon Johnson
Born	1794 Gay Head, now Aquinnah, Massachusetts, U.S.
Died	1875
Occupation	Deacon, Politician, Lifesaving Station Manager
Known for	community leader, opposition to division of the commons
Spouse(s)	Hannah Cooper
Children	Simon Johnson Jr.

Deacon Simon Johnson (1794 – 1875) was an important leader in his community of Gay Head, Massachusetts. He was a respected religious figure and also played a big role in local politics during the mid-1800s. Simon Johnson also managed a station that helped rescue people from shipwrecks.

A Leader in Aquinnah

Deacon Simon Johnson was a very important person in the Native American community of Gay Head, which is now called Aquinnah. He lived from 1794 to 1875. He was known as a strong leader in both religious and political matters.

Protecting Tribal Resources

Simon Johnson worked hard to protect the resources of his community. He signed many official requests, called petitions, to the government of Massachusetts. These petitions were often about protecting the land and resources that belonged to the Wampanoag people of Gay Head.

One petition he wrote was about cranberry harvesting. Cranberries were an important resource for the community. This petition asked the government to create rules to stop people from picking cranberries without the tribe's permission. Simon Johnson and 77 other community members signed this important document.

A Respected Community Figure

Because of his important role, many writers who visited Aquinnah mentioned Deacon Simon Johnson. He was seen as a very respected person.

One writer, David Hunter Strother, described Simon Johnson as having power like a Native American chief combined with the role of a New England Deacon. This shows how much he was looked up to by both his own people and outsiders. Another book, the Gazetteer of Massachusetts, listed him and another leader, Zaccheus Howwoswee, as "highly esteemed citizens." This means they were thought of as very valuable and respected members of society.

An old illustration of "Deacon Simon"

Saving Lives at Sea

Simon Johnson also managed the Gay Head Lifesaving Station. This station was part of the Massachusetts Humane Society. Its job was to help sailors and ships in trouble near the coast.

As the manager, Simon Johnson was in charge of organizing rescue missions. He recruited volunteers from local fishermen and whalers. These brave volunteers would risk their lives to save others from shipwrecks and dangerous waters. His work at the Lifesaving Station showed his dedication to helping his community and anyone in need.