In 1675, the northeast Algonquin Native American tribes staged a final defense of their land in what is known as King Philip’s War. Fighting took place in central Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut but had repercussions for all New England colonies and native tribes.
As colonists advanced further and further west, indigenous people saw their land, trees and food supplies being taken away.
Metacomet, known as King Philip, organized tribes to fight back. The war was bloody and brutal on both sides. Many captured Native Americans were sold into slavery in the West Indies after the defeat of Metacomet and his army.
After the war, English magistrates and officials began to consider the legality of the possession of lands they had taken from Native Americans in the name of the Crown. They decided that they needed to obtain signed deeds for proof of ownership and that Native American tribes should be compensated for their lands, at least enough to make it official. All towns and villages were ordered to procure a legal document from the original owners of their land.
The Marblehead’s parchment deed, which still hangs in Abbot Hall, was signed on July 18, 1684, by the wife and descendants of Nanepashemet, chief and intertribal leader of the Naumkeag Indians. Members of a committee of Marblehead selectmen and others investigated their claims on the land and then negotiated the sale of the land.
The Native Americans, led by James Quanophkonat, known as James Rumney Marsh, agreed to a sale price of approximately 20 pounds (accounts vary) and signed the deed. Each of their signatures are symbols made on a ribbon, attached to the deed with a red wax seal. From left to right they are:
- James Quanapohkonat, alias James Rummney Marshe, with a Lion Rampant.
- Joane Quanophkonat with a Pelican in its Piety.
- Name unreadable with a Raven.
- Jone Ahawayetsquaine with a Lion Rampant.
- Susanah Wenepawweekin with a seal with an “H” and a cross.
- Sarah Wanapawequin with a Pelican in its Piety.
- Israell Quanapahomatt with a Raven.
- Name unreadable with a Lion Rampant.
The original deed is on display in the Select Board Room. The Marblehead deed of sale was restored in June 2004 with funds raised by Marblehead fourth-grade students.
In the same room is a painting of the signing of the deed of sale by Marblehead folk artist J.O.J. Frost, inspired by colonial accounts of the story.
