My review of The Wampanoag Genealogical History of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, Volume 1, by Jerome D. Segel and R. Andrew Pierce, 2003, Genealogical Publishing Company
The thorough research conducted by Segel and Pierce in putting together the first complete historical record of the island’s original people is remarkable. I did not realize a compilation like this existed. I am interested in the Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard Native Americans as some of my early English ancestors lived peacefully with the Native Americans, but there were many others who stole their land, converted them to Christianity and later fought against them in King Philip’s War.
A good chunk of this large 679-page book is the Database of Martha’s Vineyard Natives and Relations that contains genealogical information on an incredible 1,654 Wampanoags whose names are found in the 17th and 18th century records. The authors searched lands records, deeds, mortgages, leases, wills, court records, vital records, military information, maritime documents, religious records, and the census.
Some examples of genealogical profiles:
- Hiacoombs was the first Indian convert on the Island. He became a teacher, worked as an interpreter for the Mayhews who governed the island, and was ordained by Rev. John Eliot as pastor and teacher of the first Indian church founded in 1670.
- Hiacoombs’ son Joell was lost at sea in 1665 when he was coming home from Harvard to visit his parents.
- Isak Papanau sailed on the sloop Endeavor to Jamaica in 1737.
A number of the Wampanoag men included in this book were whalemen, fisherman, teachers, and ministers. Many owned land and several owned Bibles.
The Wampanoags were forced to obey English laws and its legal system, often being sued or accused of theft but also bringing lawsuits themselves.
Some of my English ancestral families are mentioned in the Wampanoag profiles. Joseph Starbuck lived on Chappaquiddick and was sued in 1741 by Matthew Pease regarding land. Thomas Sussetom sold land near the Wading Place at Sanchacantacket to Nicholas Norton. Tackhequen is mentioned as living near John Butler Jr. Thomas Tuxett, a fisherman, was sued by Nicholas Butler for land they co-owned on Pochey in 1731. Nathaniel Cooper (Cuper) (Jacob) was sued by John Butler Jr for debt in 1708.
Other chapters include The Native Vineyard Language, The Six Sachemdoms of Martha’s Vineyard, and Native New England Chronology.
There are helpful appendices including Cross-Reference to Settlers in Banks’ History of Martha’s Vineyard, Early Land Transactions, Indian Converts, and Native Place Names on Martha’s Vineyard.
This book is a great addition to the library of anyone descended from or nterested in the Wampanoag people. I do wish it included a name index.
Genealogical Publishing Company provided me with a copy of this book to review.
