Newton's Hidden Indigenous History
Image description: Massachusetts Historical Marker sign commemorating the site of the original meetinghouse of the first church of Newton, MA, across the street from Boston College Law Campus
On Indigenous Peoples' Day, the Law Library is reflecting on the fundamental influence of American Indians in our niche of New England. It's closer than you think.
On the corner of Centre and Cotton streets, across the road from the Law campus, there's a sign commemorating the original meetinghouse of the first church in Newton. The first pastor of this church was the son of John Eliot, the so-called "Apostle to the Indians," who converted over a thousand Native people and helped established “Praying Indian” communities in eastern Massachusetts. In these settlements, Indigenous Americans would convert wholly to Christianity, receive an English education, and cultivate deeper connections to white colonists. Eliot’s approach to conversion was steeped with cultural imperialism, as he required converts not only to embrace the Christian religion, but also to adopt an English-style of living. They were obliged to give up their hunter-gather lifestyles, their clothing, their rituals, and almost all other markers of their previous cultures.
Image description: Portrait of John Eliot in black-and-white Puritan garb seated and holding a book open
In 1646, Eliot decided to proselytize a Sagamore (lesser Indian chief) named Waban. Waban became the first American Indian convert to Christianity in Massachusetts and is also the namesake of the Newton village just down the road. Waban, meaning “The Wind” or “The Spirit,” was the son-in-law of the Sachem (higher chief) at Musketaquid, near today’s Concord. After his conversion, Waban established a new settlement which he called Nonantum (another Newton village), meaning “Place of Rejoicing.” Here, both Waban and Eliot continued their missionary work. Later, motivated by distrust towards Native people and hunger for more land, local Puritans pressured the population of Nonantum to move 15 miles southwest to Natick.
Image description: John Eliot preaching Christian religion to a large crowd of American Indians under a tree
Waban maintained friendly relations with the white settlers of Massachusetts and even warned them of unrest among the Wampanoags, a local tribe. This turbulence later culminated in King Philip's War, the largest Indian-colonist conflict in Massachusetts history. Despite the goodwill gesture, Waban was accused of being a conspirator and was imprisoned on Deer Island, along with his entire community. Ironically, Waban was also denounced as a traitor by King Philip and his army for his loyalty to the English. Waban and his followers were eventually released, but when they returned to their home in Natick, much of their property was destroyed and their possessions gone.
Image description: Emblem of Native, MA, founded in 1651, featuring a white Puritan man preaching to three seated American Indians
Waban spent the remaining years of his life in peace. He reestablished Natick as a "Praying Town" and continued to serve as a leader and councilor until his death in 1684 at the age of 80. He was survived by his wife and several sons.
A note on terminology:
Although the terms American Indian, Indian, Native American, and Native are all currently acceptable, the consensus is that Native people should be called by their specific tribal name whenever possible. In the US, Native American is widely used but is falling out of favor with certain groups. Many Native people prefer the terms American Indian or Indigenous American.
Sources:
"East Parish Burying Ground, Newton, MA,"
http://johnfullerofnewton.com/cemeteries/middlesex/east-parish-burying-ground/
"John Eliot and Nonantum,"
https://wpmarchione.com/2017/03/22/john-eliot-and-nonantum-2/
"Native Knowledge 360: Frequently Asked Questions,"
https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/faq/did-you-know
"Waban, the Wind,"
http://www.wabanimprovement.org/oldsite/waban%20early%20days/wabanwind.html
"Waban, -1684"
https://nativenortheastportal.com/bio/bibliography/waban-1684