USA > Massachusetts > Dukes County > Marthas Vineyard > The history of Martha's Vineyard, Dukes County, Massachusetts, Volume I > Part 22
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50
Indeed the Natives in general observed to their wonder, that the Christians were all along exempted from being hurt by the Pawaws; even some of the Heathen Pawaws themselves at length came to own, that they could not make their Power to seize upon a Christian: and those who were yet Enemies to the Christian Indians, could not but acknowledge that the Blessing of Heaven was in an eminent manner among them.
Continuing, the annalist summarizing the results of Mayhew's work at this period says: -
Thus this worthy Gentleman continued his almost inexpressible La- bour, and vigilant Care for the Good of the Indians, whom he justly es-
1Records, Commissioners of the United Colonies, II, 123.
2Ibid., II, 141, 163, 167.
226
The Missionary Mayhews
teemed his Joy and Crown. And GOD was pleased to give such a vic- torious Succese to his painful and unwearied Labours, that by the year 1657, there were many hundred Men and Women added to the Christian Society, of such as might truly be said to be holy in their Conversation; and for Knowledge, such as needed not to be taught the first Principles of the Oracles of GOD: besides the many hundreds of looser and more superficial Professors.
In this year, at the annual meeting of the commissioners, the same salary was voted for Mayhew, but the pay of "an English Scoolmaster Imployed by him," (Peter Folger), was reduced ten pounds, and this sum was granted to "Mr May- hew Seni'r," but the purpose is not stated. The two native preachers and interpreters were continued at the old rate. By this time the mission work had been in existence about fourteen years, and it was so far successful and well-systema- tized with assistants who could carry on the work well under his guidance. At this time matters of a family and personal character, connected with the patrimony of his wife's brother, Thomas Paine, in England, demanded attention, and it was considered necessary that they should go over to the estates left to young Paine and settle his affairs permanently. May- hew requested leave of absence in 1656 for this purpose, but the commissioners told him that they were "assured that a worke of higher consideration would suffer much by his soe long absence advised him to send som other man."1 Mayhew listened to their advice, and agreed to postpone the trip to a more convenient time. It was delayed a year, but after the annual meeting of the commissioners this year (1657), he was allowed to go. His intention was, naturally, to combine this personal business with his own public labors, and he arranged his plans so as "to give a more particular Account of the State of the Indians than he could well do by Letters, and to pursue the most proper Measures for the further Advancement of Religion among them." To add a touch of realism to this part of his journey, he decided to take with him one of the converts, as a living evidence of the power of the Gospel of Christ. He chose a son of Miohqsoo, who was a preacher, and had been brought up by him in his own house. His in- tended departure with this young native caused the greatest interest and excitement among the people of his flock. His own projected absence was mourned in advance. It was said of them "that they could not easily bear his absence so far as
1Records, Commissioners of the United Colonies, II, 165.
227
History of Martha's Vineyard
Boston, before they longed for his return." He arranged a farewell meeting of his faithful followers, and the legend is that he went to the most distant assembly of them, probably in Taakemmy or Nashowakemmuck, where he held a service of worship and song, accompanied with a parting injunction to them to be steadfast in his absence. His journey towards the east end of the island became almost a triumphal pro- cession. They refused to consider this a farewell, and followed him homewards till he came to a spot on the "Old Mill Path," since known in song and story as the "Place on the Way-side," where by this time had gathered hundreds of others in an- ticipation of his return to meet with them. Here a great com- bined service was held, and the simple children of this flock heard their beloved shepherd give a blessing to them and say the last sad farewells to them individually and as a congrega- tion. It was a solemn occasion, long held in memory by all who participated. He made his departure from Boston in the month of November, with his two companions, says Gookin, "in the best of two ships then bound for London, whereof one James Garrett was master. The other ship whereof John Pierse was commander, I went passenger therein.1 Mr. Garrett's ship which was about four hundred tons had good accommodations greater far than the other: and shee had aboard her a very rich lading of goods, but most especially of passengers, about fifty in number; whereof divers of them were persons of great worth and virtue, both men and women; especially Mr. Mayhew, Mr. Davis, Mr. Ince, and Mr. Pelham, all scholars and masters of arts, as I take it, most of them."2 When this ship cleared the white receding shores of Cap Cod in her outward voyage, and headed for the green pastures of Old England, it was the last seen of this fine vessel and her distinguished passengers. It was never known what disaster overtook her, but it only came to be known that she was long and then longer overdue, while her companion ship had reached her destination. Some great ocean cataclysm en- gulfed her, and she foundered in storm or collision with an iceberg. It must have been an awful and perhaps inspiring scene, as she carried with her to the chilling waters of the
1Gookin "intended and resolved to pass in that ship: but the master who some- times had been employed by me and from whom I expected a common courtesy, carried it something unkindly, as I conceived, about my accommodation of a cabin; which was an occasion to divert me to the other ship, where I also had good accom- modation, and my life preserved, as the sequel proved."
2Gookin, " Description of the New England Indians," 201.
228
The Missionary Mayhews
great deep these precious lives of beloved fathers, husbands, and brothers. Doubtless Thomas Mayhew could say in that supreme moment, like Sir Humphrey Gilbert: "It is as near to Heaven by sea as by land." Weeks and months passed by without tidings of Master Garrett, and hope gave way to fear, then to despair, as the time lengthened out. Even as late as August, 1658, nearly a year after, the disconsolate old governor wrote, "I cannot yett give my sonnes over." There was still hope that they might have been captured by Spanish or Algerian pirates, and carried to the shores of the Mediter- ranean. But it was not to be. This young Christian warrior was to be the first of the hundreds of Vineyard men to perish "at sea."
Contemporary writers, diarists, correspondents, and others, all refer to the loss of Thomas Mayhew, Junior, with appre- ciative words. Morton says: "Amongst many considerable passengers there went Mr. Thomas Mayhew, jun., of Martin's Vineyard, who was a very precious man. He was well skilled, and had attained to a great proficiency in the Indian language, and had a great propensity upon his spirit to promote God's glory in their conversion; whose labors God blessed for the doing of much good amongst them; in which respect he was very much missed amongst them, as also in reference unto the preaching of God's word amongst the English there. The loss of him was very great."1 The commissioners of the United Colonies refer to his loss, "which att present seemeth to be almost Irrepairable,"2 and his fellow worker, the "Apos- tle" Eliot, said: "The Lord has given us this amazing blow, to take away my Brother Mayhew."3
The "Place on the Way-side," mentioned as the spot "where he solemnly and affectionately took his leave of that poor and beloved People of his," became in the minds of the Indians a sort of hallowed spot. It was the last place asso- ciated in their thoughts with their lost shepherd, and it is stated that the ground where he stood "was for all that Gen- eration remembered with sorrow." It is a part of the leg- endary lore of this spot, that no Indian passed by it without casting a stone into a heap that, by their custom, had thus grown like a cairn, in remembrance of him, to be a great monument to this sad event in their lives. The attachment
1New England's Memorial.
2Records, Commissioners of United Colonies.
3Letter dated Dec. 8, 1658, published in London, 1659.
229
History of Martha's Vineyard
must have been genuine, for we are told by an authority that, "for many Years after his departure, he was seldom named without Tears." It is one of the historic places on the island which has been suitably made a permanent memorial by the Martha's Vineyard Chapter, Daughters of the American Revo- lution, of Edgartown, who, on July 27, 1901, dedicated a bronze tablet, set in a large boulder, placed on top of the stone pile above referred to. The boulder was brought from Gay Head, by descendants of the "poor and beloved" natives who raised the foundations when passing by in generations since gone. The tablet bears the following inscription: -
THIS ROCK MARKS THE "PLACE ON THE WAYSIDE " WHERE THE
REV. THOMAS MAYHEW, JR., SON OF GOV. MAYHEW,
FIRST PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST ON MARTHA'S VINEYARD, AND THE FIRST MISSIONARY TO THE INDIANS OF NEW ENGLAND, SOLEMNLY AND AFFECTIONATELY TOOK LEAVE OF THE INDIANS, WHO, IN LARGE NUMBERS, HAD FOLLOWED HIM DOWN FROM THE WESTERN PART OF THE ISLAND,
BEING HIS LAST WORSHIP AND INTERVIEW WITH THEM BEFORE EMBARKING FOR ENGLAND IN 1657, FROM WHENCE HE NEVER RETURNED NO TIDINGS EVER COMING FROM THE SHIP OR ITS PASSENGERS. IN LOVING REMEMBRANCE OF HIM THOSE INDIANS RAISED THIS PILE OF STONES, 1657- 190I. ERECTED BY THE MARTHA'S VINEYARD CHAPTER, DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
THE LAND GIVEN FOR THIS PURPOSE BY CAPTAIN BENJAMIN COFFIN CROMWELL, OF TISBURY ;
THE BOULDER BROUGHT FROM GAY HEAD, A GIFT FROM THE NOW RESIDENT INDIANS. TABLET PURCHASED WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM MAY- HEW'S DESCENDANTS.
Historical remarks relating to the subject of the memorial were made at the unveiling by Miss Harriet M. Pease and Dr. Charles E. Banks, and greetings from an Indian deacon
230
The Missionary Mayhews
of the present church at Gay Head made a fitting close to the interesting exercises, conducted by Mrs. Warren, the Regent of the Chapter.
The relative amount of funds allowed to the younger Mayhew, as compared to that given elsewhere, became the subject of hostile criticism, as the facts were made public. It has been seen what salary was allowed to him, and the other gratuities annually voted for his assistants. It may be compared with that allowed to other workers elsewhere. Eliot received £50 per annum from 1656-1662, but the al- lowances to his assistants exceeded the amounts given to others. The total outlay of the society in 1658 was £520, of which sum less than one-fifth was appropriated for Vineyard workers.1
The elder Mayhew complained to the commissioners of the scanty sums given for this island. "When I consider the great somes given," he wrote to Governor Winthrop in 1658, "and that one maine cause of it was this work; and judging 'twas given as one maine end for the comfort of those that began it, & were now uppon it, I say that they in the first place should be liberally provided for."? Samuel Maverick, of Boston, in a written description of New England, thus refers to the matter: -
Almost South some what Westerly from Billingsgate is Natuckett Is- land on which many Indians live and about ten leagues west from it is Martines Vinyard, whereon many Indians live, and also English. In this Island by Gods blissing on the Labour, care and paines of the two May- hews, father and sonn, the Indians are more civilized then anywhere else which is a step to Christianity, and many of them have attained to a greate measure of knowledge, and is hoped in a short time some of them may with joy & Comfort be received into the Bossome of the Church, The younger of those Mayhews was drowned comeing for England three yeares since, and the Father goes on with the worke, Although (as I under- stand) they have had a small share of those vast sumes given for this use and purpose of the Revenues of it It were good to enquire how it hath been disposed of I know in some measure or at least suspect the bus- sines hath not been rightly carryed.3
Governor Edward Godfrey of the Province of Maine, who was in England at the time of the Restoration, makes a mys- terious allusion to the subject in one of his indictments against the influences which controlled Massachusetts affairs: "I
1Records, Commissioners of United Colonies, II, 167, 189, 205.
24 Mass. Hist. Soc. Coll., VII, 34.
3Egerton Mss., 2395 (British Museum), ff. 397-41I.
23I
History of Martha's Vineyard
have endeavoured," he says, "to screw into the Great Benevo- lences that have been so publicly knowne to propagate the Gospell in New England . ... there is a snake in the weeds."1
It is interesting to observe the assertion of Thomas May- hew, the elder, that "one maine cause of it (the collection of funds for evangelizing the natives) was this work," begun by his son. He had received, according to the elder Mayhew, £160 in all, besides his books, during the fourteen years of his labors. "The work was followed by him," says the father, "when twas bare with him for foode and rayment, and then indeede there was nothing in sight any waies but Gods prom- ises."2
THOMAS MAYHEW, SENIOR.
The work of converting the Indians to Christianity, when the young missionary left for England, was placed under the supervision of the father, while the same corps of assistants remained to follow out the plans laid out by their lost leader. The father was no stranger to this class of labor, though he was busy with the civil and material concerns of the island colony. In his anxiety for its proper continuance, as the long absence of the missionary became too great for hope of his return, he wrote to the commissioners about the future: "I thought good to certifye you that this ten yeares I have con- stantly stood ready to atend the work of God here amongst the Indians. Verry much time I have spent & made many Journies, and beene at verry much trouble and cost in my house, and I have reseved one yeare 20 li. and the last yeare ten pounds. It is more " he adds, "then when I entred on it I did expecte. Methinks that which I have had is verry little. Truely if I were now to be hired to doe ass much yearely as I have donne, thirtie pounds per annum, & more to, would not doe it."3 It was indeed a difficult place to fill, requiring peculiar qualifications, a knowledge of the Indian character, and more than all this, an ability to speak their tongue. This the elder Mayhew had to the fullest extent. "His place as Patentee and chief Ruler," says Prince in a sketch of his life, "obliged him not only to a frequent Con- verse with the Natives, but also to learn so much of their Language as was needful to understand and discourse with
'Colonial Papers, P. R. O., XX, 19.
24 Mass. Hist. Soc. Coll., VII, 34. 3Ibid.
232
The Missionary Mayhews
them."' But he realized that he was nearly three score and ten years of age, and that a younger man was needed to carry on the work. He suggested to the commissioners that either Rev. John Higginson or Rev. Abraham Pierson be urged to take up the fallen burden, and bear it along the paths blazed by his son. The commissioners responded : -
You may assure youer selfe that wee will use all Dilligence to make . a supply as the Lord may direct us: wee shall according to your advise move Mr. John Higginson and Mr. Pierson, but we greatly feare wee shall not prevaile unlesse the Lord strongly sett in to pswade them.
But Mayhew would not be discouraged, and wrote to one of the members :-
If my sonne be gonne to heaven, I shall press very hard upon Mr. Higginson to come here, as I have written to the commisioners.
Meanwhile, the work was going on under the old staff, with the aged magistrate directing the details. This was what the commissioners in reality wished to bring about: -
Wee thinke that God doth call for youer more then ordinery Assis- tance in this Worke, and are very well pleased that youer sperit is soe farr Inclined therunto: and desire you may persevere therein.
Mayhew was solicitous for the welfare of the young widow with her three sons and three daughters, left without means of support. He asked that the society give her aid on account of the services of the deceased missionary, and that it "find a way to keepe two of the sonnes at schoole."2 Mrs. Mayhew, Junior, attended the annual meeting of the commissioners in September, 1658, and laid her case before them personally, and they gave her an allowance of twenty pounds "in con- sideration of her husbands paines and labours amongst the Indians," and wrote the father that "youer Daughter Mayhew was also with us and hath received such Incurragement from us as wee thought we might adventure to bestow: but shal bee very free to doe further as the Corporation shall advise."3 At this same meeting, the following grants, in addition, were made: -
To Mr. Thomas Mayhew senr for his paines in teaching and instructing the Indians this year to September 1658 20 00 00
To Thomas and James two Indians Interpreters and school masters that Instruct the Indians att Martins Vineyards each ten pounds 20 00 00
1Indian Converts, 297.
24 Mass. Hist. Soc. Coll., VII, 34.
3Records, Commissioners of the United Colonies, II, 205.
233
History of Martha's Vineyard
To Peter Folgure English scoolmaster that teacheth the Indians and Instructs them on Lords day 25 00 00
To Mrs. Bland for healpfulnes in Phisicke and Chirurgery att Martins Vineyards1 02 00 00
The usual allowances for Hiacoomes were made in addi- tion to the above grants, and the commissioners wrote: "wee hope god will afford strength who hath given you a hart for this great worke." It was indeed a great work, and one which ought to have engaged the energies of a much younger man, but none came forward to fill the vacant chair. The salary offered was not sufficient for the purpose of attracting anyone not having his heart in the task. "I pray take it for granted, if such employment as mine amongst the Indians be not to be considered, or verry little, I hope I shall sattisfie my sellfe whether the call of God by the Indians, which is still continued by them verry lately expressing themselves to that purpose." In these words he placed the matter squarely before the com- missioners, and went about his work. The misgivings in the old man's mind over all these conflicting circumstances are told by the pastor of the Old South Church, Boston, in lan- guage that reflects accurately what passed therein, and his words are quoted at length: -
He sees no Probability of obtaining so sufficient a Salary as might invite a regular Minister to engage in the Indian Service; he has little or no Hopes of finding any of the Spirit of his deceased Son, to bear the Burden attending, and at this time of Necessity to be undergone, with a Prospect of more than could well be expected, to encourage to so toil- some a Work; he considers, that his excellent Son had spent his Strength, and yet rejoiced in the midst of these many Aches, Pains and Distempers, contracted by his often lodging on their hard Matts, in their exposed Wig- wams, and enduring wet and cold, in Faith of God's accepting and pros- pering him in that painful Work, whereto he could see no earthly Ad- vantage that might rationally move or encourage him. The pious Father concludes that this was all of GOD, and not merely of Man: and when he looked on the Indians, he could not bear to think that the Work so hopefully begun, and so far advanced by his Son, should now expire with him also.
In the Consideration of these things, an holy Zeal for the Glory of God, and a most compassionate Charity for the Souls of this bereaved and perishing People, kindle up in his Breast. They raise him above all those Ceremonies and petty Forms and Distinctions that lay in the Way, and which he accounted as nothing in competition with their eternal Salvation: and he therefore resolves to do his utmost, both to preserve this most important Work, and to carry it on under all external Difficul- ties and Discouragements.
He determines frequently to visit and encourage this poor People. He goes once every Week to some of their plantations. At so advanced
1 Records, Commissioners of the United States, II, 205.
234
The Missionary Mayhews
an Age he sets himself with unwearied Diligense to perfect himself in their Difficult Language; and tho a Governour, yet is not ashamed to become a Preacher among them. And his Heart was so exceedingly en- gaged in the Service, that he spared no Pains nor Fatigues, at so great an Age therein; sometimes travelling on Foot nigh twenty Miles thro' the Woods, to preach and visit, when there was no English House near to lodge at, in his absence from home.1
Very little can be added to this clearly limned picture of this new missionary, as he took up the burden dropped by the younger man when no one else arose to fill the vacant chair.
By the end of the next summer, before the annual meeting of the commissioners, the elder Mayhew addressed a letter to his friend, Governor John Winthrop, Jr., of Connecticut, giving him an explanation of the situation up to that time. Omitting the formal portions, the abstract follows: -
I have ever borne the greatest burthen touchinge this worke when my sonne was here, hardly ever free, and I have through mercye taught them this year, and doe still goe on, and the Lord hath strengthened me much of late, beyond my expectation. I am sorry that the Commissioners did not send some trustye & considerable person to see how things are carried on here. Mr. Browne of Seacunck, ere he went for England, wrote me he would come on purpose to sattisfie himsellfe about these Indians, whoe had, as I perceived, many doubts of them & all the rest. I understand there is little or noe hopes of Mr. Pierson. I am still of this mind, that a man will fitt the church here, & the Indians allsoe, is abundantly most convenient: though he hath little or noe Indian languadge, he will soon attaine it, with the hellpes that are here now: I have wrote the Commissioners I can clearly make knowne to them by an interpreter, what I know mysellfe. I do speake to them sometimes about an houre. I ask sometimes where they understand: they say yes: and I know they doe, for in generall I really know they understand me, but sometimes I dount mysellfe & then I ask. Notwithstandinge this, I desire, if it may be, a sollid man & a scholler for both works. If not, for the present the Indians are comfortably supplied. If I should be taken by death, here is hellpe that the schoolmaster who hath some languadge,2 and my sonne Doggett3 that hath I think much more than any English man uppon the Island, and is a considerable young man : & of the Commissioners I much desire, if I come not, that touching the business that the Commissioners of the Bay may have some power granted to consider with me & deter- mine what they shall see good grounds for. I resolve, if God will, for to goe thither before the meeting next year, either before winter or at Springe.
You may be pleased to tell the Commissioners that I say & tis true that I have great neede to have what may be justly comminge to me for this worke to supply my wants.4
1Indian Converts, 298.
2Peter Folger was the schoolmaster.
3Thomas Daggett, his son-in-law.
44 Mass. Hist. Soc. Coll., VII, 36. Letter dated Aug. 29, 1659.
235
History of Martha's Vineyard
At the annual meeting of the commissioners, held in Sep- tember, 1659, the following allowances were made by them for the work on the Vineyard: -
Imprimis to Mr Thomas Mahew for his paines in teaching and Instructing the Indians at Martins vinyards, 30 00 00
To Peter Folger, an English schoolmaster there, 20 00 00
To four Indian Teachers there, one ten pounds, the other three five pounds apiece 2 25 00 00
Among the plans which the new incumbent devised for the improvement of the natives was an advanced education at some of the schools in or around Boston, with perhaps a collegiate course for such as should prove fit to receive it. The commissioners were evidently doubtful of the expediency of this idea, and wrote him in somewhat of a cautionary tone: "Conserning the Indian boys you do speake of sending wee desire that they should bee well entered, that is fitt for the accidence before they come hither." By this last phrase was meant, prepared for teaching in the grammar. The plan was not immediately adopted. The accounts of the com- missioners for the next year contain the following items: -
To Mr Thomas Mahew for Teaching and Instructing the In- dians att the Vineyard for this yeare (1660), 30 00 00 .
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.