Wonohaquaham


Wonohaquaham also known as Sagamore John was a Native American leader who was a Pawtucket Confederation Sachem when English began to settle in the area.

Early life

Wonohaquaham was the oldest son of Nanepashemet and the Squaw Sachem of Mistick. A few years after his father's death, Wonohaquaham became sachem of Mishawum, which consisted of the land near the Mystic River, including present-day Chelsea, Charlestown, Malden, Everett, Revere, Somerville, Woburn, and Stoneham as well as parts of Medford, Cambridge, Arlington, and Reading. He resided in Rumney Marsh. In 1631, Thomas Dudley wrote that Wonohaquaham led around 30 or 40 followers and that they moved locations often.

Relationship with English colonists

Wonohaquaham was described as having a "gentle and good disposition" towards the English. In 1627, he gave them permission to settle in Charlestown. He was known to warn the colonists of impending attacks by unfriendly Indians. As early as 1631, Wonohaquaham, who was called Sagamore John by the colonists, spoke English wore English clothing, lived in English-style housing, and showed interest in Christianity. According to Dudley, this resulted in Wonohaquaham receiving the "scoffes of the Indians". Edward Howes wrote that he had "greate hopes" that Wonohaquaham become "civilized and a christian", however, Wonohaquaham chose to remain with the Pawtucket rather than joining the settlers. Wonohaquaham attempted to use the English court system to resolve disputes with mixed results. Many cases never made it to court, however in 1631 he received seven yards of cloth from Richard Saltonstall and fifty shillings sterling from Saltonstall's servant after the servant burnt two Pawtucket wigwams.

Death

In 1633, Wonohaquaham and thirty of his people died of smallpox. Prior to his death, Wonohaquaham asked Revered John Wilson to raise his two sons and teach them of the Christian faith. He left his wampum and personal items to his mother and his land on Powder Horn Hill in Chelsea to his son. He also left gifts for John Winthrop and other colonists.
In 1888, workers in West Medford discovered the remains of 18 Native Americans, which were believed to be those of Wonohaquaham and some of his followers. A 10 foot high monument was erected near the site in what is now known as Sagamore Park.