#chickatabut

[theirmarks]

The marke of Josiah ye Sachem (Josias Chikatabut).

Also known as Josias Wampatuck and Josias Sagamore. Massachusett sachem at Mattakeesett, land at and near the place today called Quincy, Massachusetts. In this document, dated June 14, 1667, Josias Chikatabut is identified as “Sachem of the Massachusets Indians” and asks that the town of Dorchester “would give him a deed of gift, of that six thousand acres at punkopauog [sic] which the town gave to the Indians.”

Josias Chickatabut’s kin: father, Obtakiest or Chickatabut; children called Jeremy, Abigail, and Charles Wampatuck.

Translated from the Algonquian, Wompatuck may mean white deer, or snow goose. Chickataubut may mean thankful fire. We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Seen at the Massachusetts State Archives.