USA > Massachusetts > Franklin County > Deerfield > Brief sketch of the first settlement of Deerfield, Mass. : together with a few of the events which took place there in early times > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
28
The Rev. John Williams, minister of the town, together with his wife and children, except his son Eleazer, were all either killed or taken prisoners. Two of his children were slain at the threshold of his own door. Mr. Wil- liams was a son of Mr. Samuel Williams, of Roxbury, where he was born, Dec. 10th, 1664. He took his degree at Harvard College 1683; Settled in the ministry at Deerfield, May 1686, He married Eunice, daughter of the Rev. · Eleazer Mather of Northampton. At the time of the attack on the town Mrs. Williams was weak and unable to travel ; the next day after she was taken, in crossing the Green river, in the north part of what is now Greenfield, about . six miles from her home she fell in the water, and was unable to proceed ; her savage master thereupon sunk his toma- hawk into her head, and she expir- ed on the spot, and was left unburied. Her husband had requested his master to let him go to her assistance before she fell, but he refused to grant the re-
29
quest. Her remains were soon after found by some of the people of Deer- field and were brought in and decently interred. The tomb stones show the place where her remains rest, on which is the following Inscription : viz .-
" Here lyeth the body of Mrs. Eu- nice Williams, the vertues and desira- ble consort of the Rev. John Williams, and daughter of Rev. Eleazer and Mrs. Esther Mather of Northampton. She was born Aug. 2, 1664, and fell by the rage of the barbarous enemy, March 1, 1703-4."
" Proverb 31-28. Her children rise up and call her blessed."
Mr. Williams with his remaining chil- dren was carried into captivity where they endured much hardship; he event- ually effected the redemption of all his children except his daughter Eunice, spoken of above. She married an In- dian and lived in their habits and died in the Romish faith. Mr. Williams re- turned from captivity in November, 1706, after an absence of two and a half years ;
30
he landed at Boston, from Quebec, and was immediately waited on by a com- mittee from his parish in Deerfield, with a request that he would return and con- tinue his labors among his people, which invitation he accepted ; and he preached there until his death which took place June 12th, 1729. He lived much respected, and died greatly lamented, by the people of his charge, and by all his friends and acquaintances. He was buried near by his first wife, and his tomb stones bear the following inscrip- tion : viz .-
" Here lyes the body of the Rev. John Williams, the beloved and faithful pas- tor of this place, who died on June 12, 1729, in the 65th year of his age."
" Rev. 14-13. Writes, blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."
Mr. Williams had three sons educated at Harvard College, and they were all eventually settled in the ministry as fol- lows : viz .-
Eleazer, at Mansfield, Conn. Stephen,
31
at Longmeadow, Mass. Wareham, at Waltham, Mass.
There are not now living in Deerfield any descendants from the Rev. John Williams, in a direct male line ; but one of Mr. Williams' daughter's, by his sec- ond wife, married Doct. Thomas Wil- liams of Roxbury, (now deceased,) who has one son settled at Deerfield. It is believed that there are many descend- ants of Rev. John Williams, in Connec- ticut and elsewhere. We have always understood that the Rev. Eleazer Wil- liams left a family at Mansfield, and Rev. Stephen Williams at Longmeadow, some of whom we have seen. Rev. Ware- ham Williams of Waltham left a family, but we know little of them, except his son Samuel, who was a professor in Harvard University ; he afterwards re- moved to Vermont, where he died, leav- ing posterity; some of them have re- cently visited Deerfield to view the place where their ancestors met with severe trials and sufferings.
The inhabitants of Deerfield suffered
32
as much by the cruelties of the savages, according to their number, perhaps, as those of any other town in New Eng- land; it was for a long time a frontier settlement ; from the time the people began to settle in 1671, to the conquest of Canada in 1760, a period of eighty nine years, there was but a short space that the inhabitants were not exposed to the attacks of the enemy ; during which . period the town was twice destroyed, and its inhabitants mostly killed or car- ried into captivity ; many of the latter were compelled to spend their days among the Indians, and adopt their hab- its and. mode of living, those who were young seemed soon to forget their rela- tives and friends, and reconcile them- selves to their condition, and in a short space of time lost the use of their native language, and adopted that of the In- dians, which they soon spoke fluently. Many of the elder ones fell into the hands of the French, and in some in- stances intermarried and formed con- nection among them, but with few ex-
33
ceptions, very little is known either of those whose lot it was to fall into the hands of the French or Indians. There are doubtless many of their descendants now living in Canada, who are unknown by their connections here, and probably will always remain so.
Two brothers were taken from Deer- field and carried to Canada, and resided among the Indians, a short distance from Quebec, on the river St. Charles. The elder one lived with them two and a half years, when he was redeemed out of their hands and returned to his native town, where he settled. He said, that his younger brother, (who was about 14 years old) had so far adopted the Indian habits, before he left them, and become so much attached to them, that he al- ways avoided meeting him, if in his power, and would never speak the En- glish language, but make use of the In-
dian dialect. That in fine he had be- come in the short space of two and a half years, completely Indian in his hab- its, manner and feelings. His friends
4
34
never heard more from him after his brother's return, he probably lived and died among the Indians.
Much has been said in relation to the manner by which our ancestors procur- ed their titles to the lands which they purchased of the Indians; many enter- tain an idea that the first settlers of New- England took from the natives their lands without giving them any consideration therefor ; that this may have been the case in some instances is probably true, and it would be very strange if it were not so, after the severe struggles and tri- als which were had between the settlers and the natives; but there is reason to suppose that the purchase of lands of the Indians was much more extensive than is generally believed to be ; by a little recurrence to the history of our country, we find evidence to show that a large portion of New England was pro- cured either by treaty, or by deed, from some of the head men of the several tribes inhabiting the lands so conveyed ; and a valuable consideration paid there-
.
35
1778956
for. Most of the lands lying along the Connecticut river, were purchased of the natives by deeds, (many of which are still · extant.) So far as we have examined, we find that the territory contained in the following towns, along the valley of the Connecticut, is among that which was purchased by deed, viz :
East and West Haddam, Wethersfield, Hartford, Windsor, Suffield in Conn. ; and Springfield, Longmeadow, Westfield, Northampton, Hadley, Deerfield, and Northfield, in Mass.
Many more might be mentioned did we deem it necessary ; that these pur- chases were made in good faith by both parties, we have no doubt. If any doubt exists on our mind, it is whether the per- sons who sold the land had sufficient authority to do so, and if they had whether they were not deceived in the amount or value, of what they received in payment .* But taking into view the
*When the Rev. John Davenport and compa- ny, first went to settle at Quinipiack, (now New- Haven,) they purchased the territory of Monan-
36
natural sagacity of the natives, add to this the jealousy they entertained tow- ards their white neighbors, we may pret- ty safely conclude that their bargains were as well understood by the Indians who participated in them, as by the whites ; they were doubtless considered by both parties, as a bona fida sale, and conveyance of the lands .. The natives perhaps did not consider the consequen- ces which would be likely to follow, by dispossessing themselves of their lands. This we think is most likely to have been the case, still we incline to believe that the sales were mutually satisfactory at the time they were made, and that not so much injustice was done the natives in the purchase of their land, as has by some been imagined. It would have been a difficult matter to have taken the
guin, the Sachem of that part of the country. Besides engaging to protect him against the In- dians of the neighborhood, they paid to him and his tribe, twelve coats of English cloth, twelve alchimy spoons, twelve hatchets, twelve hoes, two dozen knives, twelve porringers, and four cases of French knives and scissors.
37
advantage of the Indians in those bar- gains, if the Settlers had been so mind- ed, as the government early took the whole management of the land sales in- to their own hands, and passed prohibi- tory laws upon this subject, as will ap- pear by an extract of a letter from Gov- ernor Winslow dated May 1st, 1676, wherein he says, " I think I can clearly say that before the present trouble broke out, the English did not possess one foot of land in this colony, but what was fair- ly obtained by honest purchase of the Indian proprietors. Nay, because some of our people are of a covetous disposi- tion and the Indians are in straits, easily prevailed upon to part with their land, we first made a law that none should purchase or receive of gift, any lands of the Indians without the knowledge and allowance of our court, and a penalty of a fine of five pounds per acre for all that should be so bought or obtained." This was the regulation of the Plymouth Col- ony, and Massachusetts Bay passed a similar act. None were allowed to take
1
38
deeds of the Indians, except under cer- tain conditions pointed out and regula- ted by the Government .*
That the Indians were sometimes harsh- ly treated by the whites in time of war cannot be denied ; notwithstanding their mode of warfare, and their barbarous disposition to cruelty and bloodshed, yet we are satisfied that there are some acts of the first settlers, which do not fall a whit behind those of their red enemies. We have reference particularly to the treatment of their prisoners, which in
* Soon after the termination of the Pequod war, about 1637, the settlers on the Connecticut River, above Hartford and Windsor, were ex- tremely straitened for want of bread corn, and were under necessity of applying to their neigh- bors for a supply, but not having any to part with, they next sent to the Narragansett country, but they were unable to find sufficient relief. Agents were then sent u. the river to Pocom- tuck, (now Deerfield) to purchase corn of the Indians, who fitted out a fleet of fifty canoes loaded with corn, and descended the river, and sold it to the English at Windsor, this in some measure relieved the suffering people, and the most delicate fed on bread of this coarse, though wholesome material.
39
some instances are not easily reconciled to the principles of justice, and the hum- ble requirements of christianity. We have particular reference to the dispo- sition made of Anawon, (Phillip's great captain and counsellor,) when he was made prisoner by Capt. Church, soon af- ter the death of Phillip, he was conduct- ed to Boston, and there perfidiously put to death, and we have too much reason to believe that it was done with the knowledge, if not the consent of the government. This violent procedure could not be justified by any act of the natives, more especially by any act of this high-minded chief. He had conduc- ted himself with the utmost propriety, after his capture, he had fallen into the hands of his enemy by the fortune of war, and so long as he submitted to his fate with humility, he was entitled to protection. He was taken by surprise,
and submitted to his fate nobly.
conduct to Capt. Church was open, fair, honorable and high-minded; when he surrendered himself and his little army,
40
he brought forth all Phillip's richest ward- robe, consisting of elegant wampum belts, on which were wrought flowers, beasts. and birds. One to which two flags were appended, and one with a star, and richly edged with red hair, cu- riously wrought ; a rich red cloth blank- · et, and two horns of glazed powder. He addressed Capt. Church in the follow- ing language :
" Great Captain, you have killed Phil- lip, and conquered his country, I be- licve I and my company are the last who war against the English. I suppose the war is ended by your means."
He then proceeded to deck Capt. Church with Phillip's royal robes, which when he had done, he said; "you have won them, and I am happy in having an opportunity of delivering them to you."
Who does not remember with some degree of gratitude, the many favors and kind acts of Masassoit the chief of the Wampanoags and father to Phillip, and Chickatawbut the principal chief of Mas- sachusetts Bay. Both of whom rendered
41
essential services to our fathers when they first landed and commenced a set- tlement. The former particularly made a treaty with them and he faithfully ob- served it for more than fifty years, and his people were friendly to the English. Some have believed that these two chiefs had it in their power to have destroyed the infant settlement, but by the appoint- ment of Providence, or some other cause they remained friendly while many .of the neighboring tribes were hostile.
Much is due to Uncas, chief of the Mohegans, who remained friendly to the English, and joined them in their wars against his Indian neighbors, he assisted them with his warriors, in fighting many a hard battle against their enemies. There is something noble in many ac tions of these high-minded Indians. When Uncas met his enemy Miantino- moh, chief of the Narragansetts, in time of war; the former at the head of five hundred, and the latter with nine hun- dred of his warriors, Uncas addressed his antagonist thus ; " You have a num- ber of men with you and so have I with
42
me ; it is a great pity that such brave warriors should be killed in a private quarrel between us. Come like a man, as you profess to be, and let us fight it out. If you kill me, my men shall be yours ; but if I kill you your men shall be mine." Miantinomoh replied, my men came to fight, and they shall fight."
As soon as this answer was given, Un- cas gave the signal and his warriors poured in a shower of arrows upon the Narragansetts with a horrible yell, and advanced rapidly upon them and put them to flight. About thirty of them were slain ; Miantinomoh was overtak- en and seized by Uncas, who by a war . whoop brought back the pursuers. Mi- antinomoh finding himself in the hands of his implacable enemy, he remained silent, nor could Uncas by any art, force him to break his sullen mood.
" Had you taken me," said the con- queror, " I should have asked you for my life." No reply was made by the `indignant chief, and he submitted with- out a murmur to his humiliating condi-
43
tion. He was conducted by his con- queror, to Hartford, where I regret to state, he was informally condemned to be executed by Uncas, on the same ground where he was taken prisoner ; he was marched by him to the battle ground, accompanied by some of his most trusty warriors, and also two Englishmen, to see that no torture was inflicted; the moment he arrived at the fatal spot, one of Uncas' men came up behind, and with his hatchet split the skull of the un- fortunate chief. The body was burried on the spot, and a heap of stones piled upon the grave. The place since that time has been known by the name of Sachem's plain. It is situated in the town of Norwich in Connecticut.
There is one other instance, more strongly marked by the independent and high-minded character of one of those great captains, who fought against the English, at the first settlement of the country. It was Conanchet the princi- pal Sachem of the Narragansetts, who, after Winslow's defeat of the Indians in
44
the great swamp, in the Narragansett country, fled to Connecticut river, and had now returned to procure seed corn, to plant the lands on that river, he was fallen in with by Captains Dennison and Avery and taken prisoner. A young man belonging to the expedition, com- ing up began to question the chief, on various subjects, on which the indignant captive, with a look of contempt, repli- ed, "you much child-no understand matters of war ; let your captain come ; him I will answer." He was conveyed to Stonnington, after a short trial con- demned to be shot by the Mohegan and Pequot Sachems. On being offered his life, provided he would make peace with the English he rejected the proffer. When told his fate he complacently re- plied, that " he liked it well-that he should die before his heart was soft, or he had said any thing unworthy of himself" This high-minded chief was a son of the famous Miantinomoh, mentioned above ; and he seemed to possess much of the spirit of his father.
45
Subjoined is a list of a few towns in Massachusetts and Connecticut, with their former Indian names, which will be generally found correct, except per- haps some variation in spelling.
In Massachusetts.
Boston,
Shawmut.
Salem,
Naumkeag.
Worcester,
Pahachoog.
Brookfield, Quaboag.
Petersham,
Nichewaug.
Athol,
Poquaig.
Northfield,
Squakeag.
Pittsfield,
Pontoosuck.
Deerfield, Pocomtuck.
Hadley,
Norwothuck.
Springfield,
Aggawam.
Northampton, Nonotuck.
Westfield,
Woronoke.
In Connecticut.
Haddam, Machemoodus.
Hartford, Suckiang.
Wethersfield,
Pauquiaug.
Middletown,
Matabesick.
46
Windsor,
Poquanock.
New Haven,
Quinipiack.
Lyme,
Nehantick.
Symsbury,
Massecoe.
Derby,
Paugassett.
Woodbury,
Pomperang .
Indian names of the following rivers : viz. Connecticut River, Quoncktacut,
Deerfield River, Pocumtuck. Green
River, Pickomegan. Miller's River, Poquaig. -
Recapitulation of events in Deerfield. First grant of land to Dedham, 1669
Began to settle at Pocomtuck, 1671
Capt. Lathrop's defeat, town de- stroyed, 1675
Began to re-settle, were driven off, 1677 Commenced settling second time, 1682 Settled a minister (Mr. Williams,) 1686 Town destroyed second time, 1704 Number of inhabitants at this time, 280 Killed by the enemy, 47
Taken prisoners at same time, 122
Slain on the way to Canada, 19
The number that never returned, 28
The whole number redeemed from the enemy, 62
NOTE.
In offering the foregoing work to the public, I can only say, it is not my wish to appear as an author to any work ; but being frequently called upon to relate some of the incidents here recorded, I have been induced, at the repeated so- licitations of my friends, as well as those who often call to view the marks made by the savages upon the ancient house now standing at Deerfield, to put them down in my humble style, claiming no credit for the manner in which the work has been done ; nor " set down aught in malice " for criticims which any may choose to bestow upon it. I am sensible that if I had afforded myself more time, the arrangement of this plain humble . matter, might have been improved.
So far as relates to facts, I have en- deavored to be as accurate as the means
1
48
before me would permit, I have been obliged to rely for many facts, on the memory of those who have had them handed down from their fathers, and from my own memory, as related to me by my ancestors, who were sharers in many of the severe trials with the na- tives. I have also consulted, Rev. John Williams' Redeemed Captive ; - Church's History of Indian Wars ; - Hoyt's Antiquarian Researches ; - Wil- liam's History of Vermont ; - Holme's American Annals ; Bouchett's Descrip- tion of Canada, the ancient Journal of Massachusetts Legislature, and the re- cords of the town, and sundry other au- thorities.
In relation to Indian names, of per- sons and places, I have been governed vary much by authors before me. It is not strange that the orthography should very as we consult different authors, but the variation is so trifling, that it is not believed to be essential.
THE AUTHOR.
844205.4
6145 1
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.