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John Konkapot, chief Sachem of the Mohicans, was responsible for the relocation and conversion of his people in the 17th century which in turn aided the tribe's longevity and prosperity.

Background

John Konkapot, born Pophnehonawoh, is estimated to have been born in the year 1690 (6). He served as a chief of the Mohican tribe located on the Hudson river, and was a highly regarded member of his community. Konkapot was known to be a forward thinker, adopting European values in an attempt to preserve the longevity of his tribe (6). The first contact between Mohicans and Europeans happened in 1609, when the Dutch were seeking new trade outlets. As a result of their meeting, European diseases were rampant throughout the tribe, diminishing their numbers dramatically over the 17th century (2). Konkapot was a first hand witness of his tribes’ near destruction.

Notable Acts

Because of the Mohican tribe’s long standing presence in North America before the arrival of Eurpeans, the tribe inhabited multiple modern day states, such as New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Vermont (4). The first land deed of Berkshire county was signed in 1724 by Konkapot and 20 other Mohicans in 1724, giving a portion of their land to a committee approved by the General Court (7). In return, the tribe received 460 pounds, 3 barrels of cider, and 30 quarts of rum (7).

In 1734, John Konkapot made the summation “Since my remembrance, there were ten Indians where there is now one. But the Christians greatly increase and multiply, and spread over the land; let us, therefore, leave our former course and become Christians” (9). This summation was made to John Sergeant, a Reverend at Yale University (9). Konkapot was observant of the everchanging times, and it is believed that he thought the Christian faith was possibly more powerful than his own. In an effort to save his tribe, and ensure that they would have land to live on, he persuaded his tribe to accept the help of Christian missionaries in exchange for land in Stockbridge, Massachusetts near the Hudson River.

This led to the 1735 arrival of Reverend John Sergeant, who helped to establish the missionary town and teach the 8 Mohican families the Christian faith (9). The Mohicans were the first recorded tribe to voluntarily adopt a new religion and attempt to live like the Europeans. By 1738, John Sergeant himself had moved to Stockbridge and established the missionary town which was attracting other small tribes from the area. The Wappingers, the Niantics, Brothertons, Tunxis, Pequot, Mohawk, Narragansetts and Oneidas joined the Mohicans and the group became known as the Stockbridge Indians (1). Prior to the arrival of Europeans, these tribes were known to be in conflict with each other frequently, but due to dwindling numbers in all tribes they were forced to set their differences aside and join together (2). Much of the Mohican tribe’s longevity is because of Konkapot’s choices and diplomacy with colonists. Throughout his life, Konkapot served as a counselor and negotiated land deals for his people and he served as a Captain in King George’s War of 1744 (6). His time of death is estimated to be between 1744-45, and his cause of death is unknown, but most likely war related. Konkapot had a wife, and between five and nine children (3).

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