John Sassamon

= Early Biography =

John Sassamon was a Massachuseuk Indian born around Boston Massachusetts during the earlier part of the 17th century. His family like many others perished from the diseases brought to this land by the invaders. It is very likely that he was subsequently enslaved/adopted by a English family which is where he learned to speak English and was exposed to Christianity. Indians who accepted this philosophy were moved to enclaves known as praying towns in English society. In his youth, Sassamon made the acquaintance of John Eliot (missionary), a minister from Dorchester, a town near his, whom he later taught the Massachusett language to in exchange Eliot gave English lessons and bible teachings. During the Pequot War (a Colonial-Indian war) which began in 1637, Sassamon functioned as an interpreter, and he fought on the side of the colonists. In 1651, John Eliot (missionary) established the town of Natick and Ponkapoag as praying towns and recruited Sassamon to be a schoolmaster to teach Indians English and Christianity.

Education

From early on, Sassamon could speak English, and he was literate. In 1653, he attended Harvard College even before an official Indian college had been established there which would come two years later. It is not known how long he stayed at Harvard, but it was for only a short time.

Middle Years

After his return from Harvard, Sassamon drifted away from Puritan society and re-entered Indian life. He served as a translator and secretary to several of the Pokanoket chiefs most importantly King Philip with whom he was very influential. Christian leaders hoped that through Sassamon King Philip could be converted to Christianity; however, ultimately no such conversion was made. Several years later, Sassamon returned to Puritan society. He did not sever ties with the Indians but it is not clear why he left. Back in Christian society, he became a minister in the Plymouth colony.

Position in Society

John Sassmon filled a position in 17th century New England society that very few maintained. He was an Indian who could speak and read English. He had close relations with both Puritans and Indians and was considered elite in both societies. He was powerful in each settlement where he held important positions such as teacher and secretary. However, he was never fully trusted by either side due to his intimate knowledge and relations with the other society. From his dual position he ceased to be fully accepted by either community. First he was a Massachuseuk Indian who spoke the language of the invaders, secondly there were ill feelings between the Pokanoket and the Massachuseuk. Phillip's father, Massasoit caused the murder of Peksuit and Wittawamit, Massachuseuk leaders in the Weymouth area. He also caused the death of Yanough the Nauset chief another Massachuseuk whose area was initally invaded by the Pilgrims. Massasoit(Yellow Feather) did these things to solidify his power and influence in the area. So the murder of Sassamon was just a continuation of that friction.

Death

In December 1674, Sassamon warned the governor of the Plymouth Colony, Josiah Winslow, about an impending Indian attack orchestrated by King Philip. The Puritans however took no regard of this warning. Soon after this incident, Sassamon was reported missing and in January or February of 1675 his body was discovered in Assawompset Pond. At first, the Puritans who found the body thought that he had drowned; however, soon the Plymouth settlers began to think that he was murdered. They were convinced when another Indian, Patuckson, claimed he had seen three of King Philip’s men kill Sassamon and put him in the frozen pond. The Puritans were convinced of Philip’s involvement in Sassamon’s death, although it is not clear what his motive may have been. Some historians believe it was because of Sassamon’s apparent betrayal of Philip by reporting to Winslow of the future Indian attack while others believe it was because of Sassamon’s Christianity and his continuing efforts to convert Philip and other Indians. In June 1675, three Pokanoket Indians were put on trial for his murder in Plymouth colony. This trial was the first in Plymouth to include a mixed jury of whites and Indians. This jury found the three men guilty of murdering John Sassmon, and they were subsequently executed for their involvement. To the Puritans the guilt of the three Indians implied that Philip had been involved and they were outraged at this thought. The Pokanoket Indians who maintained the innocence of the three men were in turn incensed at the actions of the Puritans. Both sides were becoming increasingly distrustful and frustrated at the other.

King Philip's War (also called Metacom’s Rebellion)

After the trial and executions, tensions between the Indians and the Puritans were at a high. In June 1675, some Indians attacked English houses and four days later war officially broke out between the Puritans and the Indians. As the war continued, many of the Puritan settlements got involved as well as more Indians beyond just the Pokanokets. The early years of the war were difficult for the English, and the worst defeat for them was a battle called Bloody Brook in which over sixty Englishmen were killed. However, a large blow came to Philip’s forces in 1676 when they began to be attacked by other Indian tribes such as the Mohawks. After Philip’s death that same year, Indian forces were weakened beyond any hope, and victory came to the English. This war was incredibly devastating to both the Indians in Southeastern New England and well as the English. In fact, more English died in this war proportionate to population than any other war in American history. The English triumph ensured that Indians would and could never launch that large of an attack against the English again. For the English, their society was badly destroyed and their confidence was diminished from the war.

Significance

John Sassamon filled a unique role in New England during the 17th century. Due to his ability to speak and read English and Massachusett language, he was a valuable asset to both Puritan and Indian society. To the Puritans, he embodied the success of their conversion efforts and the subordination and assimilation of Indians into English society. For the Pokanoket, he served as a crucial link between them and the Puritans. He worked as an interpreter, and he helped to represent them to the New Englanders in dealings. However, ultimately, he came to embody the fundamental discord between the Pokanoket and the Puritans. He could never be accepted by either society which hinted at the underlying irreconcilable differences and distrust between the two. Once the tenuous relationship between the two had been broken, King Philip's War broke out.

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