Chappiquiddic Tribe
Chippanooonk (a tribe)
Noepe
or Martha's Vineyard
We are the First People to inhabit the area of Chappiquiddic (Chippi-ahquedne) on the island Noepe (also spelled Nope), known today as Martha's Vineyard, Ma. We spoke an Algonquian n-dialect. English Colonial records called us the Band of Pahkepunnassoo (the Sachim in 1643) on the island of Chappaquiddick. We were also known as the Capauk (the separate people) by our Pokanoket Tribe. The Pokanoket will be known as the Wampanoag after the "King Philip War." We were one of nine bands existing on the island. The territory of the Pokanoks covered all of southeastern Massachusetts and eastern Rhode Island (east of Narragansett Bay) and the islands of Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, the Elisabeth Islands, and Sakonnet Point, Rhode Island, known as Pokanoket (place of the people of the bays). The Pokanoks were led by the Massasoit (Great Sachim), whose name was Weesoemequin (Yellowfeather) and consisted of a total of twenty-five bands, fourteen on the mainland, the nine on Martha's Vineyard, and two on Nantucket. Each band was led by a sachem (similar to a leader or chief) or a mugwump (similar to a captain) whose allegiance was to the Massasoit.
The Massasoit appointed trusted advisors called Sagamores, who represented different regions of Pokanoket territory. Those regions were Noepe, Nantucket, Nauset, Mattakeese, Seconet, Pocasset, Sowanis, Nemassaket, Punkatest, and Sognatis.
Some of the villages and Locations were:
Pokanocket and Sowams (about Bristol,RI.);
Aquednet (Newport,RI.);
Pocasset and Quaket (Tiverton,RI. area);
Saugkonnet, Cokesit (Little Compton);
Shawonet (Somerset area);
Mattapoiset (Swansea area);
Acoaxet (Westport area);
Nukkehkummees and Assameekg (Dartmouth area);
Acushnet; Seipican (Marion area);
Cohannet (Taunton area);
Saughtuckquet (Bridgewater area);
Nemassaket, Kehtehticut (Middlebourough area);
Assawamset, Quittaub (Lakeville Area);
Monponset (Halifax/Hanson area)
Wenawkset and Winnatuxet (Plympton area);
Mohootset (Carver area);
Patuxet, Apaum, and Accomauk (Plymouth area);
Missaukatucket and Sayoquash (Marshfield area);
Sagoquas (South Cohasset area);
Assanippi and Statuit (Scituate area);
Manamooskeagin (Abington area);
Nannumackewit (Hanover area);
Namasakeeset (Duxbury area)
Mattakeset (Pembroke area);
Weeweeantic, Pispogut, Apowaywans, and Wawayontet (Wareham area);
Manomet (about Buzzard's Bay);
Comassakumkanit (Bourne/Herring Pond area);
Shawme, Aqetnet, Mannamit, Kitteaumut, and Weesquob (Sandwich area);
Sacconesset, Wequammohquisset,and Waquoit (Falmouth area);
Codtanmut, Massapee, and Ashimuit (Mashpee area);
Satuit, Pawpoesit, and Coatuit (all in Barnstable area);
Nobsquasset (Dennis area);
Punonakanit (Wellfleet area);
Matakees and Sesuet (Yarmouth area);
Nobsque at Woods Hole, Potanumaquat, Satucket, Mamskeket (Brewster area);
Monamoyik (Chatham area);
Nauset, Ponanummakut (Eastham area)
Pamet (Truro area);
Sahquattuket, Potenummecut (Harwich area);
Pocket (Orleans area);
Meeshawn (Provincetown).
Capauk (Cape Poge and Chappaquiddick);
Nunepauk, Sahnchecontuckquet, and Nobnocket (Edgartown area);
Nashawakemuk, Seconchqut, Talhanio (Chilmark);
Takemmeh, Ohkonkemme (Tisbury);
Aquinnah (Gay Head area);
Capoaquit (Nomans Land)
Madaket, Siasconset, Quays, Oggawane, Wammasquid, Squatesit (Martha's Vineyard);
Myacomet (Nantucket)
We lived a simple life as hunters, gatherers, farmers, and fishermen in harmony with nature. The Pokanok/Wampanoag has inhabited Noepe (amid the waters) and the mainland coast for an estimated 10,000 to 13,000 years. Paleo-Indians for more than 18,000 years. With the practice of large-scale burning, we created large open tracts of land of fertile soil to cultivate our crops (Three sisters: corn, beans, and squash), maintain berry patches, and hunt areas. When the many European explorers arrived and sailed up and down America's east coast, they saw unforested land for miles inshore under cultivation.
Noepe's Sachemdoms were Chappaquiddic (also spelled Chaubaqueduck, Chabbequiddick, Chappequiddic, Chappaquiddic, and today Chappaquiddick), which included Natick (also known as Capoag) and Muskeget Islands. Nunnepoag (Edgartown area, also spelled Nunepog or Nunpauk) was governed by Sachem Tewanticut. Under his leadership were two lesser sachemships at Sahnchecontuckquet (Known today as East Chop and Oak Bluff), the Band of Sub-Sachem Autumsquin, and then his son Wampamag. Nobnocket (known today as West Chop and Vineyard Haven) was the Band of Sub-Sachem Cheesehahchamuk. Nashanekammuck (southern Chilmark) was the Band of Sachem Wassulon and Seconchqut (north shore of Chilmark) Band of Sachem Toohtoowee. Ohkonkemme (Tisbury's central/Eastern area) Bands of Mankutquet. Okokame (western area of Tisbury/Christiantown) Band of Sachem Sossoanew and then his son-in-law Wannamanhut, and (about Gay Head/ Aquinnah) Band of Sachem Nohtooksaet. The bands of Wannamanhut (who came from the Boston area) and Nohtooksaet were Massachuset tribes who settled on the island, Wannamanhut's people joining Sossoanew's people. By moving to Noepe, they became Pokanoket/Wampanoag.
1600's
In the year 1602:
Bartholomew Gosnold explores Noepe and names it Martha's Vineyard. Two to Three thousand Pokanoket/Wampanoag are estimated to have been living on the island at this time. He called it Martha's Vineyard for the abundant grapes he found about an Indian village and a family member.
In 1605
Samuel de Champlaine explores Noepe and names it La Soupconneuse and names Cape Cod Cap Blanc.
In 1611
The Earl of Southampton funds the voyage of Captain Edward Harlow to the New England area, where he takes captive 24 natives, including two from Capowak (Martha's Vineyard). Their names are Epanow and Coneconam.
In 1612
The first devastating plague hits New England's mainland native population.
In 1614
Nicholas Hobson leads an expedition to Capowak, allowing Epanow to escape back to his people.
From 1616 to 1619
A second plague hit New England's mainland, devastating the Massachuset tribe. Nohtooksaet and Wannamanhut of Sachim lineage take their people to Noepe, where Nohtooksaet settles and becomes Sachim of Gay Head, and Wannamanhut settles at Takemmy under Sachim Sossoannew. He marries Sachim's two daughters and becomes Sachim after Sossoannew's death.
In 1622 -1623
A third plague hit New England, killing a considerable number of natives on the mainland.
In 1632
The Narragansetts wage war on the Pokanokets.
In 1633
A smallpox epidemic kills much of the native population north of Boston.
In 1635
War ends between the Narragansett and Pokanoket. The Isle of Capawock (Martha's Vineyard) was granted to Sir Ferdinando Gorges.
In 1641
Thomas Mayhew was granted the right to inhabit Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, and the Elizabeth Islands.
In 1642
Thomas Mayhew Jr. and other settlers arrive on Noepe. His father had received a charter from the King of England to possess Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Wampamag was a Sachim on the east end of the main island (East Chop-Oak Bluff). The English named him Mr. Sam. Wampamag grants land in exchange for gifts, allowing Thomas Mayhew to establish a colony at Edgartown. The land of Edgartown was immediately divided among the English colonists.
In 1643
Noepe has its first plague. The epidemics that had been plaguing the tribes of New England reached the island. At least seventy percent of the Native American population of New England is wiped out, including Noepe and Nantucket. Hiacoomes, a native of the village of Nunpaug, converted to Christianity.
In 1644
Hiacoomes begins Christian preaching. Sachim Pahkapunnassoo of Chappiquiddic accepts Christianity after being struck by lightning which killed a man standing beside him as they built a fireplace at his wetu. He was vehemently against Christianity until this, even having struck Hiacoomes in the face when he preached at his village.
In 1645
Hiacoomes converts Sachim Towanticut of Nunpaug.
In 1646
Thomas Mayhew gave a Grant of Township to "The Inhabitants of Edgartown at the Great Harbor," which declared Chappaquiddic an official part of Edgartown even though the Pokanok/Wampanoag solely inhabited Chappiquiddic. The Pokanoks remained the sole occupants until 1722. A second plague hits the native population of Noepe.
In 1649
Momonequem, son of Annomantooque of Aquinnah, whose mother was from Nunpaug, accepts Christianity. He later becomes the first preacher at Nashawakemuk. He also converted the first Powwaw, named Tequanomin, to Christianity.
In 1650
Forty native families are practicing Christianity on Noepe.
In 1652
On January 11th, 1652, an Indian school was established on the island.
In 1653
An English government structure takes shape in Edgartown, and the town orders Thomas Mayhew to buy the land of Ogissket. The division of the Planting Field begins in Edgartown.
In 1654
The division of the Five and Twenty Lots on the island.
In 1655
The Common Seal of Martha's Vineyard was adopted, and Thomas Mayhew was chosen as Magistrate.
In 1657
Thomas Mayhew Jr. dies at sea.
In 1659
Christiantown was established for the "Praying Indians of Takemmy." Wannanauhkomun is preacher. Cracketuxett and Chapoquecois were purchased from Sachim Towaquateck. Again, a division of common lands begins called " Lots on the Line," and Thomas Mayhew deeds out Nantucket Island to European settlers.
In 1660
Proprietors draw lots at Crackatuxet in Southeastern Edgartown. Natives on Cape Cod are deeded fifty square miles in and about Mashpee. The Nipmuck Nation becomes subjugated by the Pokanoket.
In the winter of 1661
Massasoit Weesoemequin dies and the Mohegans make war on the Nipmuck. Massasoit's eldest son, Wamsutta, becomes Massasoit of the Pokanoket and thus declares war on the Mohegans since the Nipmuck are now part of the Pokanoket Nation. Wamsutta is known to the English as Alexander.
In 1662
Wamsutta deeds rights at Gayhead to William Brenton. Wamsutta is taken prisoner by Major Josias Winslow at White Island (Halifax) on Monponset Lake and called to Plymouth under English guard to answer charges of plotting against the English and dies en route (believed poisoned) after a meal served to him by the English in Duxbury, and his brother Metacomet becomes Massasoit of the Pokanoket. He is called King Phillip by the English.
In 1663
War breaks out between the Pokanoket and the Mohawks. Chappiquiddic Sachim Pahkepunassoo grants Natuck Island to Thomas Mayhew on June 16th. Natuck (Cape Poge) is still a separate island from Chappiquiddic. About this time, conflicts began to arise over land use as more settlers arrived in Edgartown. Trespassing became prevalent in Chappaquiddic by settlers searching for wood and grazing their sheep at Wasque. Sachim Joshua Sekinnaunt (Pahkepunassoo's son) filed numerous lawsuits (petitions) in the English courts over this trespassing to no avail. Jacob Sekinnaunt continued this when he became Sachim on his father's passing. Sachim Mittark is the first Christian and preacher at Gayhead.
In 1664
Meachemus's Field is divided in Edgartown.
In 1665
Joel Hiacoomes (son of Hiacoomes) and Caleb Cheesechamuck are divinity students at Harvard. Joel Hiacoomes dies at sea on a return trip to Noepe before graduating, and Caleb Cheesechamuck graduates. There are now five Praying Towns located on Noepe.
In 1666
Caleb Cheesechamuck dies. English food while in college is believed to be the cause.
In 1668
War with Mohawks ends.
In 1669
Sachim Towanticut of Nunpaug wrote his will and died in 1670.
In 1670
The First Indian Church is established on Noepe and at Mashpee. Hiacoomes is an ordained minister at Noepe. John Tackanash becomes a teacher of Christianity at Hiacoome's church. The church splits into two churches later this year, John Tackanash and John Nohnosoo, serving the east end of Martha's Vineyard Island and Hiacoomes with Tribal Elder Joshua Mamachegin on Chappiquiddic.
In 1671
Thomas Mayhew was appointed the lifetime governor of the Vineyard Indians with the authority to purchase their lands by the King of England. The towns of Tisbury and Edgartown are incorporated.
In 1674
Thomas Mayhew counts 300 native families on Noepe and 60 families at Chappaquiddic.
In 1675
Waban informs the English that King Phillip intends war in spring, and Plymouth's native interpreter Sassamon is found murdered under the ice in a Middleborough Lake on January 29th. The English arrested three natives loyal to Phillip and tried them, convicted and executed them, disregarding the Treaty between Massasoit and the Pilgrims. King Phillip's War begins.
In 1676
Capt. Benjamin Church captures the Monponset Band of Pokanoket during the summer in Halifax's Great Cedar Swamp area. None escape. Squa Sachim Weetamoo drowns near the mouth of the Taunton River on August 6th, fleeing the English soldiers; King Philip is killed on August 12th at Mount Hope. King Philip's War ends with the death of Annawon. The colonists decreed the Pokanoket name be outlawed and the captured natives of the western areas to be sold into slavery in Bermuda. The remaining natives take the name Wampanoag. Christiantown preacher Wunnanauhkomun dies, leaving a wife, three daughters, and one grandson.
In 1677
Chappiquiddic Sachim Pahkehpunnassoo was a witness to a deed on June 7th of this year.
In 1678
John Nahnosoo dies at Sahnchecontuckquet, leaving a wife and son.
In 1680
Assaquanhut (also known as John Shohkow), the second son of Nashohkow of Takemmeh, becomes an Elder upon the death of Nohnosoo.
In 1682
Thomas Mayhew dies.
In 1683
Preacher John Tackanash died at Nunpaug on January 22nd, 1683, and was interred the next day. Hiacoomes becomes ill and returns to the main island, closing church on Chappaquiddic. Sachim Mittark of Gay Head died on January 20th, 1683.
In 1684
The division of Woodland Lots in Edgartown.
In 1686
Janawannit, preacher at Nashawakemuk dies. He was the brother of Sachim Pamehannit.
In 1687
Sachim Joseph Mittark gives Gay Head Neck to Thomas Dongan, the Earl of Limerick.
In 1688
Mashquattuhkooit (also known as Paul) dies. He was a Deacon at Sahnchecontuckquet with Pastor Japheth.
In 1690
Another epidemic kills many of Noepe's Indians.
Panunnut (also known as William Lay) becomes a Magistrate at Nashawakemuck.
Assaquanhut, alias John Shohkow, dies at Christiantown, a ruling elder (deacon).
Micah Shohkow, brother of John Shohkow, a Deacon after Mashquattuhkooit's death, dies at Christiantown.
In 1691
The Elizebeth Islands become part of Chilmark.
In 1692
Sachim Joshua Seiknout of the Chappiquiddic grants Mooskeiakit Island to Mayhew on July 20th.
In 1693
Sasachuett gives a grant to Thomas Butler on October 10th on Chappaquiddic.
In 1696
Obedyah Wahpoanett gives a grant to Thomas Butler on December 9th on Chappaquiddic. A conflict arises between Samuel Athearn and the Indians regarding the possession of land in Tisbury.
In 1698
There are 138 Christian Indians at Chappiquiddic (Maumachegin is pastor), 231 at Nashawekammuck (Chilmark) of which Japhet is paster and Abel an Elder, 72 at Ohkonkemme (Tisbury) of which Stephen and Daniel are pastors, 35 at Seconchqut (Chilmark) which also Stephen and Daniel pastor, 260 at Gay Head which Abel and Elisha are pastors, 136 at Sahnchecontuckquet whose pastor is Job Russel, and 84 at Nunnepoag whose pastor is Joshua Tackquannash and the schoolmaster is Josiah Thomas. Thomas Sockakonnit, among the first to convert to Christianity on the island, is named a Deacon. Wuttinomanomin, alias David of Gay Head, a Deacon, and Magistrate at Sahnchecontuckquet, dies. Massachusett's Indian population is estimated to be 4000.
1700's
In 1700
The death of Sachim Josias Keteanomin of Takemmy was succeeded by his son Zachariah Peeskin. In Chilmark, several Indians became Baptists and created separate congregations, one at Noman's Land.
1701
A reservation was set aside in Fall River for Indians and was recognized in 1709.
1703
Pastor Joshua Maumachegin Dies on Chappiquiddic. Deacon Thomas Sockakonnit also dies.
A boundary is set between Tisbury and Nashowakemuck. Several land disputes were filed by Indians against European settlers on Noepe through 1705.
1706
Jonathan Amos Dies. He was the son of Amos of Chappiquiddic, one of the first Christians of Chappiquiddic. Jonathan married the daughter of Michqsoo, lived for several years in Dartmouth, had eight daughters, and became a Deacon at Sahnchecontuckquet when they returned to the island, replacing Deacon David. He also preached on Chappiquiddic.
1708
Japheth Hannit, the third Pastor of Nashawakemuck, dies July 29th. He was born about 1638 in Chilmark, son of Pamehannit. Pamehannit and wife buried their first five children within ten days of birth. Japheth was their 6th child, and his mother made a promise to God that he would serve the Lord if his life were spared. He married the daughter of Keestumin.
1711
An Indian reservation was established at Gay Head.
1714
The town of Chilmark is incorporated and annexes Nomans Land.
1716
Ebenezer Rogers files a trespass suit against Hosea Manhut of Takemmy to the Superior Court of Judicature, and several depositions are taken by older natives about the history of land titles.
1717
Sasachumett brings a suit to the same court against Sachim Jacob Sieknout, disputing his sachemship of the Chappaquiddic. Several dispositions are taken, establishing the histories of both party's families.
1718
An award to Benjamin Hawes (a settler) by Sachim Jacob Sekinnaunt (Sieknout ) granting him "1/8 part of all the herbage on Chappiquiddic annually from October 20th to March 25th." He was also" granted 200 head of cattle, along with the privilege to feed and mow but setting aside any salt grass growing in the award for the Chappiquiddic.
1722
Sachim Jacob Sekinnaunt sold and deeded Wasque to Simeon Butler, the first settler to own property on Chappiquiddic. The following year, the Great Gale of 1723 closed off the east end of Pocha Pond from the Atlantic Ocean, thereby connecting Natuck Island (Cape Poge) to Wasque, East Beach and Wasque being the southeastern part of Chappaquiddick Island.
1723
Several Gay Head natives are acquitted of murdering their neighbor Moses Quanch.
1726
A Petition was issued to Lt. Gov. Dummer and the General Court from John Cakquit, on behalf of the Chappiquiddic Indians, regarding the abuses of their agent Simeon Butler, with the connivance of their Sachem. Cakquit asks for a new agent and an investigation of their grievances. The General Court orders that Butler be served a copy of the petition and directs Enoch Coffin and John Worth to gather evidence. At the hearing, the council recommended that Coffin replace Butler. The House nonconcurs and recommends that the petition be dismissed.
1728
Natives and settlers dug Mattakesett Herring Creek. Fifteen Chappiquiddic natives are paid for this labor.
1737
Another smallpox epidemic among Noepe natives.
1740
A Christiantown native named Isreal Amos married to a Gay Header, records a deed purported to convey "one-quarter of the Gay Head" to his great-grandfather in 1675 and files a lawsuit against the proprietors for these rights.
1741
Pain Mayhew sues the Proprietors of Gay Head in a Plea of Abatement.
1744-50
Elisha Amos of Christiantown acquires land at Christaintown and Roaring Brook in Chilmark.
1745
The Gay Head submitted a Petition to the court.
1746
Guardians are appointed for Gay Head.
1747
The Gay Head submitted another petition complaining about the abuses of the Guardians.
1749
The Gay Head submits another Petition regarding the Guardian's activities.
1750-57
Elisha Amos acquired land rights from various natives at Gay Head.
1753
The Gay Head submits another Petition.
1755
The Guardians' accounts are ordered to be examined from 1748 to 1754. Experience Mayhew compiles a list of disbursements to the natives on the Vineyard.
1759
Chappiquiddic and Gay Head submit Petitions, and twenty-five Chappiquiddic ask the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel to build a church. English settlers Matthew Mayhew, John Norton, and John Sumner are appointed Guardians of the Martha's Vineyard Indians by the Province of Massachusetts Bay.
1762
Chappiquiddic (Pelix Wani) petitioned to build a church on January 22nd. Land purchases of white settlers in Christiantown after 1699 are declared null and void.
1763
Gay Head proprietors award the Reverend Zachariah Howwaswee with "the run of one hundred sheep" for successfully defending them against Isreal Amos's land lawsuit. The British government issues a proclamation forbidding the private purchase of Indian land. The District of Mashpee is incorporated. Another epidemic hits Noepe and Nantucket, thought to be smallpox, and kills most Indians on Nantucket and many on Noepe.
1764
Three hundred thirteen natives are surviving on Noepe, 86 are at Edgartown/Chappiquiddic, 39 are in Tisbury, and 188 are in Chilmark/Gay Head.
1766
Chappiquiddic (Peter Tuppohhus, Patience Ekill, Zachariah Hoswit, Jerusha Jeffrey, Joel Joel, John Joel, Samson Kokane, Benjamin Moses, Benjamin Natak, James Robbins) petitioned the Massachusetts General Court on January 28th that the English have trespassed on their land, that English cattle ruined their pastureland and cornfields, and that their firewood was taken.
1767
Chappiquiddic and Gay Head file Petitions to Gov. Bernard and The General Court on November 16th. Chappiquiddic's (Ruth Wannai, Job Wannai, Belick Simon, Bethiah Dach, Patience Dach, Patience Ekill, Zachariah Hoswit, Sari Jethro, Benikiah Joel, Joel Joel, John Joel, John Joel Jr., George Johnson, George Johnson Jr., Jerushshae Kondeye, Ebenezer Kottoode, Mark Kottoode, Benaiah Moses, Benjamin Natak, Benjamin Natak Jr., James Robbins) subscribe to a reply to settler John Norton's petition as to property rights on November eleventh and twentieth. The Chappiquiddic were concerned that purchases by the English which an earlier General Court deemed illegal, would be confirmed and allowed by the present court. The petition included the claim of the Chappiquiddic that the lands awarded to them by the General Court remain in their possession.
Chappiquiddic Petition Gov. Bernard and The General Court on November 20th complained of the English trespassing, cutting firewood, and destroying pastureland with English cattle on Chappiquiddic lands. No action was taken on either petition by the General Court.
1768
Chappaquiddic submitted a Petition on May 27th to Gov. Bernard and The General Court, asking the court to prevent the continual land encroachment by English settlers and the destruction of crops by English cattle and wood being stolen. The General Court took no action.
1771
Chappaquiddick filed another Petition.
1772
Eighteen Chappaquiddic submit a petition to the King of England regarding encroachment.
1773
Chappiquiddic submits another Petition (James Womsbly, James Robbins, Benaiah Moses, John Joel, Isaac Joel, John Joel Jr., Ben Edick) on May 4th to Gov. Hutchinson and The General Court regarding encroachment, cattle destruction, taking of firewood, and for the enforcement of the law against English trespassers on May 4th. The General Court took no action.
On June 29th, a Report from The General Court Committee appointed to consider a Petition from John Pease and other Settlers regarding land disputes on Chappaquiddick found that land made by the English be illegal and recommended the formation of a committee to consider compensation for the Indians of the island. The General Court accepted the report and appointed a committee to consider the compensation due to the Indians.
1776
Gay Head petitioned to revoke Elisha Amos's former deeds and return the estate to the proprietors.
1778
British General Charles Grey raids Noepe during the American Revolutionary War. Removes food stores, cattle, and sheep for the British army.
1781
Gay head submits petition
1782
Twelve male Chappaquiddic submitted petitions and again in 1783.
1785
Gay head submits petition
1788
Massachusetts Legislature repeals self-government of Mashpee and appoints Guardians.
1789
The Massachusetts Legislature passed an act granting all improved land on the west side of Chappiquiddic be set off and confirmed to said Indians during their natural lives and no longer.
1790
Gay Head submits petition
1792
Chappiquiddic native population at 75 people. Gay Head Indian census taken and includes blood percentages and heads of household.
1796
Twelve male Chappaquiddic petitions did not pass through the Legislature.
1799
Ten male and female Chappaquiddic petitions.
1800's
1800
The Federal Census of Indians was taken of Martha's Vineyard by town. It lists thirty-two families at Edgartown, Chilmark, and Tisbury under the classification" free colored" but are Indian descendants.
1802
Gay Head petition.
1804
Christiantown petition, resulting in an act protecting them at Christaintown.
1805
Chappiquiddic and Christiantown submit petitions. The State passes an act protecting Christiantown Indians and their property. Chappiquiddic petition signed by ten male and female proprietors.
1807
Sixteen male and female Chappaquiddic submit petitions. The reservation contains about eight hundred acres. The population is about sixty-five, living in two wetus and ten framed houses.
1808
Sanchakantucket submits a petition.
1809
The Chappiquiddic submit several petitions from now till 1812. The population is now eighty-two. The 1809 Massachusetts Act, Chapter 70, contains two 1809 Chappaquiddic Petitions, as well as the 1791 petition and 1801 Guardian Accounts.
1810
The Massachusetts Act 1810, Chapter 69; Massachusetts Resolves 1810, Chapter 107; and Senate Unpassed Legislation #4093 list five petitions signed by fifty male and female Chappaquiddic (including minors) representing two rival factions. Chappaquiddic land is divided among the native communities. A Federal Census of Indians residing on Martha's Vineyard is taken, again listing Native Americans as "free colored." Ebenezer Skiff successfully defends Gay Head Indians against a white man who claimed a valuable part of Gay Head.
1811
Several Gay Head of pure blood submitted petitions complaining of incursion by mixed blood, disputed by other inhabitants.
1814-15
Gay Head submitted two petitions.
1817
Christiantown submit petition
1818
Fourteen male and female Chappiquiddic and Christiantowners submit Petitions.
1820
Christiantown submits a petition. Federal Census again lists Native Americans as "free colored ." There is a list of twenty-seven Chappaquiddic students by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel.
1821
Chappaquiddic population is now ninety-one. Reverend Zachariah Howwoswee of Gay Head dies.
1823
Martha's Vineyard Indian Census was done by Frederick Baylies and sent to the Reverend James Freeman of Boston. Chappiquiddic population is one hundred.
1824
Fourteen male and female Chappaquiddic submit petitions.
1827
Fifteen male and female Chappiquiddic submit a Petition. Chappaquiddic population is one hundred one. Massachusetts House of Representatives issues report on Gay Head Indians, passing a resolve to build a church and school, recommends Indians to hold and sell land individually and only to other tribal members. Christiantown submits a petition.
1828
Chappiquiddic land division records at the Dukes County Registry of Deeds give names in each family, the population at one hundred ten.
1829
Twenty-seven male and female Chappaquiddic (including minors) submit petitions.
1838
Gay Head submits petition
1839
Gay Head submits petition
1842
Gay Head submits a petition and goes unpassed.
1845
Gay Head submits a petition and goes unpassed.
1848
The Bird Commission takes a complete census of the Indian communities in Massachusetts, including the names and ages of all members. Known as The Briggs Report of 1849. Chappaquiddic population at seventy-five. Massachusetts House Bill 48H101 concerning Chappiquiddic and Christiantown.
1849
Chappiquiddic holds 692 acres of barren land, Christiantown holds 390 acres, and Gay Head holds 2400 acres.
1851
Massachusetts Senate Bill 51S109 concerning Chappiqiddic and Christiantown.
1853
Chappiquiddic submit petition
1856
A Report of the Commissioners to the Legislature to determine the title of land claims at Deep Bottom in Tisbury under the Resolve of May 17th, 1855. Massachusetts House Bills 56H100 and 56H126 concerning Chappiquiddic and Christiantown.
1857
Massachusetts House Bill 57H104 concerning Chappiquiddic and Christiantown.
1859
The Earle Report by the Earle Commission on the State of Massachusetts Indians is given to the Governor and Council.
1860
The Federal Census includes Chappiquiddic households.
1861
The 1861 Report on the Indians of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to the Senate by John M. Earle is released. Chappiquiddic has seventy-four people: seventeen families, thirty-six men, thirty-eight women, and seven foreigners.
1862
A census of Chappiquiddic giving names and ages are recorded in the Dukes County Land Records. Massachusetts House Bill 62H151 concerning Chappiquiddic and Christiantown.
1863
Massachusetts House Bill 63H111 concerning Chappiquiddic and Christiantown.
1864
Massachusetts House Bills 64H105, 64H125, and 64H166 concern Chappiquiddic and Christiantown.
1865
The Massachusetts Census lists most of the Chappiquiddic living in Edgartown.
1869
Massachusetts House Bill 69H490 concerning Chappiquiddic and Christiantown. The Massachusetts Legislature disenfranchises Indians and makes them citizens of the State, abolishing reservations.
1870
The Federal Census lists all Indian households at Edgartown, Tisbury, and Gay Head.
1871
R.L. Pease examines Gay Head land titles and how the Town of Gay Head is incorporated.
1880
Federal Census lists Indian households on Martha's Vineyard
1888
Christiantown is deserted due to another smallpox epidemic.
1900's
1900
The federal census shows the native population on Chappaquiddic Island at seven. Most tribes have moved to the mainland due to the high cost of farming and land values and the lack of work available on the island to pay land taxes.