Wonohaquaham

Wonohaquaham, also known as Sagamore John, was a Native American leader who was a Pawtucket Confederation Sachem when English began to settle in the area.

Early life Wonohaquaham was the oldest son of Nanepashemet and the Squaw Sachem of Mistick. A few years after his father's death, Wonohaquaham became sachem of Mishawum, which consisted of the land near the Mystic River, including present-day Chelsea, Charlestown, Malden, Everett, Revere, Somerville, Woburn, and Stoneham as well as parts of Medford, Cambridge, Arlington, and Reading. He resided in Rumney Marsh (now known as Chelsea). In 1631, Thomas Dudley wrote that Wonohaquaham led around 30 or 40 followers and that they moved locations often.

Relationship with English colonists Wonohaquaham was described as having a "gentle and good disposition" towards the English. In 1627, he gave them permission to settle in Charlestown. As early as 1631, Wonohaquaham, who was called Sagamore John by the colonists, spoke English wore English clothing, lived in English-style housing, and showed interest in Christianity. part of an outbreak that had also killed Massachusett sachem Chickatawbut the previous month, and would go on to devastate the native population of Piscataqua. As such, Sagamore Park may be Nanepashemet's final resting place and not Wonohaquaham's.