Wenepoykin facts for kids

Wenepoykin (1616–1684) was an important Native American leader. He was also known as Winnepurkett, Sagamore George, George No Nose, and George Rumney Marsh. He was the Sachem (a leader or chief) of the Naumkeag people. This was when English settlers first started arriving in the area.

Wenepoykin's Early Life

Wenepoykin was born in 1616. He was the youngest son of Nanepashemet and the Squaw Sachem of Mistick. He was only 13 years old when English families began to settle nearby. At that young age, he became the sachem of Naumkeag. He might have had help from an older family member until he was older.

His older brothers, Montowampate and Wonohaquaham, sadly died in 1633. This was during a terrible smallpox sickness. After their deaths, Wenepoykin became the sachem of a large area. This included places like Lynn, Massachusetts and Chelsea, Massachusetts. It also covered many other towns we know today.

Wenepoykin survived the smallpox sickness. However, it changed his face, which led to his nickname, "George No Nose." After his mother passed away, he became the sachem of all the land north and east of the Charles River in Massachusetts. On April 1, 1652, he sold the land of Nahant. He sold it to Nicholas Davison for "twenty pounds sterling."

Wenepoykin and King Philip's War

Wenepoykin's relationship with the English settlers was often difficult. In 1651, he asked the Massachusetts General Court to return land. He believed this land rightfully belonged to his brother, Wonohaquaham. However, his request was turned down. His other attempts to get his land back through lawsuits also failed.

He later joined Metacomet, also known as King Philip. They fought together in King Philip's War. Wenepoykin was the only one in his family who fought with the Native Americans. Other relatives were known to have helped the English. In 1676, Wenepoykin was captured during the war. He was then sent far away to work in Barbados.

In 1684, a kind missionary named John Eliot helped him. Because of Eliot's help, Wenepoykin was able to return home. He was reunited with his family in Natick, Massachusetts. He passed away in September 1684. After the war, a pastor named Daniel Takawambait spoke about Wenepoykin's return. He said that Wenepoykin lived for a while and died at the home of James Rumley Marsh. He also said that Wenepoykin left all his land to his relative, James Rumley Marsh.

Wenepoykin's Family

Wenepoykin married a woman named Ahawayet. She was the daughter of Ponquanum, a sub-sachem from Nahant. They had one son named Poquanum. They also had three daughters: Pentagunsk (also called Cicely), Wattaquattinusk (also called Sarah), and Pentagoonaquah (also called Susanna).

His family lived in the Lynn area for many years. Later, during King Philip's War, they moved. They settled near Pawtucket Falls in Wameset. This area is now known as Chelmsford, Massachusetts. After Wenepoykin died, his children helped. They gave deeds for their towns to the people of Marblehead, Salem, and Lynn. They also gave up their claim to Deer Island to the city of Boston.