V*

OF PLACES IN

PLYMOUTH, MIDDLEBOROUGH

LAKEVILLE AND CARVER

PLYMOUTH COUNTY

MASSACHUSETTS

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES

INDIAN NAMES

OF PLACES IN

PLYMOUTH, MIDDLEBOROUGH LAKEVILLE AND CARVER

PLYMOUTH COUNTY MASSACHUSETTS

With Interpretations of Some of Them

By LINCOLN NEWTON KINNICUTT

WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS 1909

Previous Publication:

Indian Names of Places in Worcester County, Massachusetts, with interpretations of some of them.

No.

THE COMMONWEALTH TRESS 1VOKCK.STKK, MASS.

To the land of Massasoit, On the hills of Pometacom, By the streams of Ouadequina, Through the woods of Queen Weetamoo, If you will, this book will lead you.

UJ

I — to

F7?-

P']K

INTRODUCTION

MY object in collecting some of the Indian Place Names of Plymouth Comity and attempting their translation, is the wish to create an interest in the use of Indian names in New England.

Although of the following comparatively small collection, few can be used, the early Massachusetts records and deeds contain innumerable Indian Place Names, many of which are more euphonious. The Algonkin language possesses also many euphonious words, which will describe some natural character- istic of almost any locality.

We scarcely realize that this whole country was once

inhabited by a people whose history is almost unknown, but

whose characteristics, and traditions, and myths, and religions

offer, in some respects, almost as wide a field for interesting

2 study and for research, as the myths and traditions of the

a races of the old world. I am speaking of the race before it

was corrupted by European influences. This is not a country

§? without a past, and much may yet be revealed of great interest

w to the historian.

The almost universal idea of the Indian is associated with cruelty, torture and massacre, while all other traits are generally unknown or forgotten. A very little study of the subject creates a broader estimate of his character. It seems to me that the Indian has never been given his true place in history. When condemning the " savage" to everlasting obloquy for his methods of warfare, and judging him by this alone, we should remember the civilized cruelties of the Spanish Inquisition of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, of the French Revolu- tion of the eighteenth, and the treatment of the Armenians by the

INTRODUCTION

Turks, and the Jews by the Russians, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and nine.

Massachusetts was inhabited by different tribes of the great Algonkin family, which " extended from Hudson Bay on the North to the Carolinas on the South; from the Atlantic on the East to the Mississippi and Lake Winnipeg on the West. ' '

When the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth the territory was occupied by a family of tribes known by the name of Pokano- kets, all under the dominion of Massasoit. The Pokanokets or possibly the Wanipanoags alone, at a little earlier date, ' ' num- bered about three thousand warriors." {Samuel Gr. Drake.)

Some of the Sachems, Sagamores and Captains (Mugwomps) of the Plymouth County tribes deserved admiration, respect, gratitude and sympathy from the descendants of the Pilgrims. Massasoit, Metacomet (King Philip), lyanough, Tisquantum (Squanto), Hobomok, Tispequin, Sassamon, were all impor- tant factors in the early days of the colony, between the years 1620 and 1675.

With a little investigation and study of the Algonkin language, euphonious and locally characteristic Indian names can easily be found for our country and seashore places and for our institutions. They bear the hall-mark of our own country and are more consistent with our national traits of independence and individuality than borrowed names from England, France or Italy.

Imagination was rarely, if ever, used by the Indians in New England in their place names, and any translation expressing anything except a description of the locality to which it is affixed, must be accepted with caution. In many other words, the Indian did use imagination, sometimes almost poetically. They called the sunset, Wayont, " when he has lost his way.' ' The name of the belt of Orion was Shwifshacuttowivaoug "The wigwam with three fires. " One of the names for the sun was

INTRODUCTION

Munnannock, probably from munnoh-annoch, "The Island Star. " The names of some of the plants, trees and flowers are wonderfully descriptive and at the same time imaginative.

In the attempt to translate Indian Place Names the first and most important step is, in my opinion, to obtain a knowledge, if possible, of the peculiar characteristics of the place itself when the Indians occupied the country. The next step is to attempt to consider it, as one who has been much with the Indians of the North expressed it, "from the Indian point of view. ' ' The place names were, in a large majority of cases, very descriptive, so as to be easily recognized by the Indians of the neighborhood, and often so descriptive as to serve as guide-marks for wander- ers through a country, almost a wilderness, with few inhabitants and with only narrow trails from point to point. It must be borne in mind that the Indians had no written language.

We cannot expect to find the exact meaning of many of these names, but I believe, to most, we can give the idea that was intended to be conveyed. The only foundations on which we have to build are the early records of these names, written by men very ignorant of the Indian language, struggling with the difficulty of expressing in writing, the sound of a word of an unknown tongue. As that same word was expressed by different hearers, with different spellings, the problem is a difficult one. Sometimes, for the sake of euphony, sometimes for contraction, more often through carelessness, almost all place names have been corrupted. This accounts, in part, for the different opinions of different students in regard to the same word, and a true student of the language, at the start, acknowl- edges possible wrong deductions in many cases. One object of my work is, however, the collecting by localities, the Indian Place Names of some of the towns of Plymouth County. I believe this has not been attempted before in a published form. I hope that my wish to create a new interest in the Wampanoag or Pokanoket names will be realized by this paper.

INTRODUCTION

I must ask the indulgence of Plymouth, Middleborough, Lakeville and Carver for any geographical errors or errors from ignorance of some local tradition or history, as I am not a native of Plymouth County.

I have included in my list of names quite a number over the boundaries of the designated territory, but this is on account of their frequent recurrence in deeds examined. Many Indian names must have been omitted, which are probably to be found in old deeds and manuscripts inaccessible or unknown to me.

I am greatly indebted to the late Hon. William T. Davis, of Plymouth, for the advice and information received from him, also to the late J. Hammond Trumbull, whose translations and suggestions, taken from his publications and letters, I have used whenever possible.

From the early publications of the Massachusetts Historical Society I have made many quotations, with the consent and courtesy of Dr. Samuel A. Green, and the manuscripts of the American Antiquarian Society have given me much valuable information.

Roger Williams' "Key to the Indian Language," Wood's " New England 's Prospect, " Josiah Cotton's " Vocabulary of the Massachusetts Indian Language," Dr. Arthur Gallatin's "Vocabularies," Rev. Jonathan Edwards' "Observations on the Mohigan Language," Rev. Experience Mayhew's "Obser- vations on the Indian Language," Dr. J. Hammond Trum- bull's publications, are the authorities I have mostly consulted in regard to the translations.

"The Plymouth Colony Records," "Records of the Town of Plymouth," " The Mayflower Descendant" and various Ply- mouth deeds and manuscripts are the authorities 1 have mostly used for the original spelling of the Indian place names.

Mr. William Wallace Tooker's "Algonquian Series" and Mr. Henry Andrew Wright's "Indian Deeds" have furnished many valuable suggestions.

1 wish to acknowledge the kindness of Mr. Charles E. Weston whose familiarity with the old deeds and land boun- daries in Middleborough has been of great service.

Abbreviated References

Abn. . . . Abnaki.

A. L. M. Ply. Ancient Land Marks of Plymouth.

(Wm. T. Davis)

Chip. . . . Chippewa.

Col Colonial.

Coll. . . . Collections.

Coly. . . . Colony.

C. H. S. Coll. Connecticut Historical Society Collections.

Cotton . . . Josiah Cotton.

I. N. C. . . Indian Names in Connecticut.

(J. Hammond Trumbull.)

M. H. S. Coll. Massachusetts Historical Society Collections.

Moh. . . . Mohegan.

Ply. Col. Rec. Plymouth Colony Records.

P Page.

R. W. . . . Roger Williams.

Rec. . . . Records.

s Series.

J. H. T. . . Dr. J. Hammond Trumbull.

W. T. D. . . William T. Davis,

v. Volume.

INDIAN NAMES

The Indian Names of Land in the Vicinity of the Towns of Plymouth County*

Abington

Manamooskeagin, "Much or many beavers. " (M. H. S. Coll., e. 2, v. 7, p. 122.)

Bridgewater

/Saughtuckquett, Saughtuckett, "At the mouth of the stream. "

Brockton

Formerly part of Bridgewater.

Carver

Mohootset, Formerly part of Plymouth.

Duxbury

JVamasakeeset or Matlakeeset, ' 'At the small fishing place. ' '

East Bridgewater

Nunketest.

Halifax

Monponset, "Near the deep pond."

Hanson

JWamasakeest, or Monpomet, "At the small fishing place," "Near the deep pond. "

*The explanation of the translations will be found on other pages under the Indian name.

INDIAN NAMES

Hanover

Nanumackewit.

Hingham

Conohasset, Wessaguscus. "A fishing promontory,"

Hull

jVantascot, Passataquack. — . "At the divided

stream."

Kingston

Formerly part of Plymouth.

Lakeville

Assawompset, "At the half-way rock. ''

Marion

Stppican, possibly river country, or place.

Marshfield

Sagoquash, Also Missaukatucket, "Hard rock," "At the large mouth of the river."

Mattapoisett

Mattapoixett, "Near the resting place."

Middleborough

Numuxket, Namasmkel, "At the fishing place."

Norwell

Formerly part of Scituate.

Pembroke

Matlakeeset, "At the small fishing place."

INDIAN NAMES

Plymouth

Patuxet, Appaum, Umpane, "At the little falls."

Plympton

Winnatuxet, "Near the good stream."

Rochester

iSippican, Sepaconnet, "Long river."? (M. H. S. Coll., s. 2, v. 4, p. 265.)

Rockland

Formerly part of Abington.

Scituate

$atui(, Assanipi, - — . "Rock water."

Wareham

Affawaam, Waywayartik, Wewewantett, "Unloading place," , "Crooked River."

West Bridgewater Nuncketetest.

Whitman

Formerly part of Abington.

PLYMOUTH

INDIAN NAMES

Accomack, Acawmuck.

The present site of Plymouth was called Accomack by Captain John Smith in 1614. "A name given not by the Indians, who occupied it, but by those, probably who lived far- ther north ' On the other side of Plymouth Bay' from Acawme or Ogkome (Abn-aga-mi, Chip . Agami) means ' on the other side.' " (J. H. T., C. H. S. Coll., v. 2, p. 10.)

In the Massachusetts Historical Soc. Collections (s. 2, v. 3, p. 175) it is spelled Acaivmuck and the signification is given " Go by water, " for which I can find no other authority.

Acomeques (moJi) was named by Uncas as his south bounds on the east side of Mohegan (Thames) River (Col. Rec. 3-149). The name means "land (or place) 'on the other side' of the river." (J. H. T., I. N. C., p. 2.) This was also a name of a river in Virginia.

2. Aggamenticm. York, Maine. " The small other side river."

3. Acawmenoaket. Old England "The land on the other side."

4. Accomac. A peninsular east of Chesapeake Bay which was "other side land" to the Powhatans of Virginia.

Agawam, Aggawom.

Name of river in Plymouth and Wareham and village in Wareham .

The river rises in Coatuit or Half Way Pond in Plymouth, flows through the southern part of Plymouth into Wareham and empties into Wareham River.

The "Agawam Purchase" from the Indians in 16655, called

17

INDIAN NAMES

the "Plantation of Agawam,'' included a part of the town of Wareham.

The river probably took its name from the village near its mouth, as this same name was used by several tribes for river settlements, namely, at Ipswich, Springfield, Southampton, in New York State, and in Canada.

There are many opinions in regard to the interpretation of this name and it has never been satisfactorily translated. From the formation of the word and from the locations of all Aga- wam Indian villages, I believe "The unloading place" or "the landing place" is the most natural signification.

Low Land — Fish Curing Place — Ground overflowed with water — Great fishing place — smoked fish, etc., are other mean- ings given to this word by different authorities.

Lemoine, in his Montagnaise dictionary, gives "Agwanus — an unloading place.''

Appaum, Apaum, Umpame.

"The ancient name applied to that part of Plymouth on one side of Town Brook, Patuxet, the name applied to the other side" (letter from William T. Davis, Sept, 19, 1906). "Umpame, written Apaum in the Colony Records, is the name of Plymouth in Churches History, and so it is called still (1815) by the natives of Massapee." (M. H. S. Coll., s. 2, v. 3, p. 175.) Possibly a contraction or corruption of Appamond, a place for fishing with traps. Appeh "trap" auimuj — "pond."

2. Appamatuck, name of a river in Virginia mentioned by John Smith in 1607.

Alkarmus Field, Alkermaus— 1641.

" On the westerly side of Sandwich Street, including Mount Pleasant Street and the land on both sides and bounded by Gal-

18

INDIAN NAMES

lows Lane on the west." ( W. T. D., A. L. M. Ply., p. 149.) Although sometimes claimed among Indian place names it is probably not of Indian origin. I believe without much doubt it is from Alkermes or Kermes, the usual form of the word, an insect found on several species of oak, formerly much used as a red dye before cochineal was discovered. Kermes was for- merly regarded as the fruit of the tree on which it lived. The " Kermes Oak" was a dwarf oak from two to five feet high. The following extracts are from Captain John Smith's account of his visit to New England in 1614. "The herbs and fruits are of many sorts and kinds as, alkermes, currans, mulberies." ' « Certain red berries called kermes may yearly be gathered a good quantity." "Certain red berries called alkermes which is worth ten shillings a pound may yearely be gathered a good quantitie."

It is probable, from these quotations, that some part of Plymouth was covered with a growth of small oak at the time of Captain John Smith's visit. Possibly he may have mistaken the cranberry or the boxberry for the alkermes but this is very doubtful.

Cattacapcheise.

"An Indian field" mentioned as a boundary of John Don- hames land near Winberry Hill. (Ply. Col. Records, 1637.)

Coatuit, Cotuit, Coituate, Satuite.

"The present name of a district in Plymouth? The Indian name of Half Way Pond." (M. H. S., s. 2, v. 3, p. 175.) In the southern central part of Plymouth. Possibly a cor- ruption of Kootuclcet — Pine Tree River, Koo or Koowa — Pine — Tuck — river or stream with the locative suffix et or it and

19

INDIAN NAMES

would refer to some well known place on the river. It may have been one of the aboriginal names of the Agawam River itself which rises in that pond. The present name of the river, without doubt, was taken from the Indian village Agawam. It is said that the last male Indian, of unmixed blood, in Ply- mouth died at Coatuit or Half Way Pond, in his wigwam, in 1801. Half Way Pond is so called being half way on the road from Plymouth to Sandwich. Kodtuhkoet would probably mean »« at the top of a hill."

Coatuit was a well known name among the Barnstable Coun- ty Indians and probably also among the Plymouth Indians, as one of their very old traditions tells of the formation of Coatuit River in Barnstable. " The Trout King wishing to furnish the Indians with a stream of fresh water forced his way into the land at Poponesset Bay but finding the effort too great for his strength he expired, when another fish took up the work where he left it and completed the river to Sanctuit Pond. The mounds made by these two trout, and supposed to be their graves, can be seen to-day." (1800.) Coatuit Town, Coatuit River, Harbor, Point and Highland are all present names in Barnstable.

Cantaughcantiest, Caughtaughcanteist, 1638, Cau- ghtacanteist, 1641 (Ply. Col. Rec.)

"The aboriginal name of the Strawberry Hill of the first planters." Was also called in early times " Mill Hill," after- wards Watson's Hill, which name it now retains.

Tradition asserts that the meaning of the name is " Planted fields." On this hill Massasoit camped in April, 1621, when he first visited the Pilgrims and greeting them through the Suchem Samoset and Tisquantum made the famous treaty which lasted as long as he lived. Edward Winslow remained as a hostage on this hill while the conference was being held.

20

INDIAN NAMES

The Treaty of Cantaugticanteist or Caughtaughcanta, as it should be called, was one of the most important events in our early Colonial history and with all its picturesque surroundings should take its place in song and story with the ballads of Scot- land and of France and with the Celtic and Saxon national tales of Great Britain.

The Sachem Samoset was the first Indian with whom the Pilgrims held communication and his words of greeting, when he met them a few weeks before the treaty," Welcome, English- men,'1 are historical. After much study of this word I think possibly this name was not applied originally, by the Indians, to the hill but only after the treaty. It must be borne in mind that this was the first time the Pilgrims had met any number of Indians (April 1621) and knew very little of their language. Massasoit was encamped on this hill and insisted that the Englishmen should send some one to meet him. A word which the Indians might naturally have repeated several times, con- sidering all the circumstances, and which might easily be con- sidered by the Pilgrims to refer to the hill itself, would be Ke kuttokaunta which means "Let us parley" or "talk." The first mention I find of this name in the Plymouth Colony Rec- ords is in 1638, where it is spelled Caugh taugh cant teist. Comparing this with Ke kut tok kun ta it is easily conceived that the first syllable of the original Indian word, Ke, could be lost or dropped, and the final syllable is probably a corruption, as I know of no Massachusetts Indian names with the termina- tion teist. Oaughtaughcanieist or Kekuttokuntu , Conference Hill is certainly an appropriate name.

Compare Caugh-taugh-cant-teist (Ke) Kut- to-kunt- ta

I offer the above only as a suggestion.

Catawmet.

The name of a district of Plymouth. (See Kitteaumut.') Also a name used near Falmouth.

INDIAN NAMES

Hobbamak's Ground.

"A parcel of Land on Watson's Hill occupied by Hobba- mak by permission of the colony before 1623." (W. T. D., A. L. M. Ply., p. 152.) This tract consists of about four acres at the top of the hill.

Hobbamak or, as his name is spelled by Samuel G. Drake, Hobomok, was a Wampanoag Indian, always a great friend of the English and served them often as a guide and interpreter.

The Pilgrim Colony owed much to the two Indians Squanto and Hobbamak, and but for the devotion and faithfulness of these two " savages " during 'the first year of settlement, Ply- mouth would have a very different history.

It is a curious fact that Squantam or Squantum and Haba- mouk were the names of the two evil gods of the Indians, and it is very plausible that these names were given to them by their own tribe as characterizing the results to the Indian through their friendship to the white man. One of the Indian Chiefs, Caunbitant, speaking of Squanto said, "If he were dead the English had lost their tongue."

Tisquantum was the name by which Squanto was most usu- ally called in the earliest records and the abbreviation of this name I should judge was of a little later origin. Edward Winslow mentions him many times in his " Relation" as Tisquantum.

Kamesit, District of Plymouth.

"The Indian name of the country about South Pond." (W. T. U., A. L. M. Ply., p. 152.) In the central part of Plymouth. Possibly the name of the pond itself. (M. H. S. Coll., s. 2, v. 3, p. 175.)

INDIAN NAMES

Kawamasuhkakamid, Kawamasohkakannit, 1664, Koomasabunkawitt, 1674 (Ply. Col. Rec.) Comassakumkanit.

Probably Herring Pond, in the southeastern part of Ply- mouth (M. H. S. Coll., s. 1, v. 1, p. 198). Hon. Nathaniel Freeman, in 1792, suggests that this name might have been given to the Indian territory in the neighborhood of Herring Pond, about five miles northwest of Sandwich, extending along shore to Monument Pond, and inhabited by a distinct tribe called the Herring Pond Indians. " Of that land called Kawa- masuhkakamid.'' (Indian deed, 1664.)

Richard Bourne, in a letter to Daniel Gookin in 1664, gives the fourth spelling of the name. From the construction of the word I am inclined to believe that it signified the place where the Indians fished for herring or alewives, Ommissakkeag or Ammassakkeag — "a fishing place for alewives." "Amoskeag" at the falls of the Merrimack has probably the same meaning. (J. H. T.)

"Great Herring Pond" is probably a literal translation of "Kawamasuhkakamid" doubtless a somewhat corrupted form of an original name K \ehti], ommissuogamaug — Kehti (often ab- breviated) " greatest" — " principal " — ommissuog — " herring "

imaug " fishing place" "pond."

Kitteaumut, Katamet, Kitaumet, Cataumit.

Monument Ponds. (M. H. S. ColL, s. 3, v. 2, p. 244 Cotton.)

The Indian name of the country from Manomet to Buzzard's Bay. (W. T. D., A. L. M. P., p. 152.)

A general name of the Village of Ponds. (M. H. S. Coll., s. 2, v. 3, p. 175.)

In comparing various statements in regard to Kitteaumut — Manomet and Monumet I am led to the conclusion that the

23

INDIAN NAMES

name Manomet originated at or about the head of Buzzard's Bay, Monumet or Monument was a corruption of the original word and the name was finally used as a general name for all the country from Plymouth town to Buzzard's Bay, including part of Sandwich and Bourne. Kitteaumut was a name per- haps originally given to Great Herring Pond and then became the name for all that part of Manomet about the ponds.

I believe the name is from Kehte-amaug . (Keht — The "greatest," or " principal, "amaug "fishing place.'')

Kowpiscowonkonett.

Indian deed, 1678, Ply. Col. Rec., v. 1, p. 231.

Mentioned as a boundary. Near Bartlett's marsh in Ply- mouth and Wareham. Perhaps it has the same signification as Kobpakommocket which signifies the place where the squaws and children were hidden in time of danger — usually a swamp.

(See Coppoanissett.)

Makewaumaquest.

Indian deed, 1678, Ply. Col. Rec., v. 1, p. 231. A place mentioned as a boundary. Was between Red Brook and Agawam River, in Wareham.

Manittoo-Asseinah. SACRIFICE ROCKS.

There are two of these rocks near the Cornish Tavern on the Sandwich road "where the natives still (1815) offer the homage of branches as they pass by in silence." (M. H. S. Coll., s. 2, v. 3, p. 201.) I should judge from this letter in the Massachusetts Historical Collections that these rocks were then called by the natives Manittoo-Asseinah.

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INDIAN NAMES

Manitto was the Indian word for God (Manittoo — It is a God — R. W.) kassun — " rock," hassunash — " rocks", God's Rocks.

Manomet, Manaumet, Mannamoiett.

Now called Bourne, a village on the Momimet River a few miles from the head of Buzzard's Bay. This is one of the ear- liest known Indian place names in Plymouth County and to-day probably the best known and more universally used than any other in the County, Manomet Hills, Manomet Ponds, Mano- met Beach, Monumet Village, Monumet River, etc., all owe their origin to the small Indian village of Manomet. It is de- scribed by Edward Winslow in "Good News from New Eng- land" published in London in 1625. "This town lieth from us South well near twenty miles and stands upon a fresh river which runneth into the Bay of N'namoliigganset'' (Narragansett). ("Edward Winslow mistook Buzzard's Bay for Narragansett Bay.")

It was known as early as July, 1621. The following is an extract from Gov. Bradford's diary of that date. " One John Billington lost himselfe in ye woods and wandered up and downe some 5 days. At length he light on an Indian planta- tion 20 miles south of this place, called Manamet." (Brad- ford's History, page 124.)

In 1627 "that they (the Pilgrims) might ye better take all convenient opportunitie to follow their trade .... re- solved to build a sniale pinass at Manamet, a place 20 miles from ye plantation standing on ye sea to ye southward of them, unto which by another creeke on this side, they could carry their goods within 4 or 5 miles and then transport them over land to their vessell ; and so avoid the comparing of Cap-Cod and so make any vioge to ye southward in much shorter time and with farr less danger." (Bradford's Journal, p. 266.) I

25

INDIAN NAMES

believe, from the name itself, that the Indians, from very early times, used this same crossing of the cape for like purposes and taking into consideration the whole history of the Cape Cod canal at this very spot, the translation of this Indian place name is very interesting. I believe the Indian name Manomet is derived from Mai — "a path," and a form of the verb "Nayeumau"- " he bears (or carries) on his back or shoulders" — and the loca- tive suffix et — " at or near." The whole literal translation would be — "at the path where they carry (across) on their backs or shoulders." A free translation — "The Burden Pathway." The pronunciation by the white man of the Indian word Mainayeu- mauet can easily be imagined as Manomet or Manaumet or Mannarnoiett .

In 1622-3 Governor Bradford first visited this village in search of corn, and a trading house was erected there in 1627; the second visit to Manomet, by Miles Standish, is also histori- cal.

In an article written in 1815 — M. H. S. Coll., s. 2, v. 4, p. 291, it is stated that the Indian name of the river was Pimese- poese and it signified "provision rivulet" (?) Aptuxet is given as the Indian name of the old trading house. (M. H. S. Pro- ceedings 1855-1858, v. 3, p. 256.) It probably took its name from the river — Appeh — "trap"— tuck — " river" with the di- minutive and the locative suffix. "At the little trap river." Believing my translation of Manomet to be correct, no name could now be used more appropriately for the land first occupied by the Pilgrims, the Pilgrim country. Manomet — "The trail of the burden carriers." (See Monomoy.}

Mashashinett, Massashinet.

Indian deed, Ply. Col. Records, v. 1, p. 231. From Mass — "great," hassune— "stone," et — at, "the place of large stones." Mentioned as a pond in boundary description.

26

INDIAN NAMES

Massassoomineuk.

" Is a place somewhere in the vicinage of Herring Pond." " This word is literally "much cranberries." (M. H. S. Coll., s. 2, v. 3, p. 175.) I believe, however, as the word is now spelled a literal translation would be ' ' the place of the large cranberry," or " where large cranberries are. " Massa " great," sasemine cranberry, and awk place. — Sasemineash — cranberries (R.W.) The plural of many kinds of berries was formed by adding "ash" to the singular.

Meshmuskuchtekutt.

Indian deed, Ply. Col. Rec., vol. 1, p. 231. From Mishe-m 'askeht-tuck-ut . "At the great grass (or bullrush) brook." Near Agawam River or Red Brook.

Missaucatucket.

The Indian name for the land about Marshfield. Probably from Miss — "Great" sank — "the mouth of the stream or out- let"— tuck — "river " and the locative et, meaning "(a place) on the stream which has a very large, wide outlet."

Monechchan, Maneikshan

"An Indian territory just beyond Ellis's usually called by the English ' Black Ground'" (M. H. S. Coll., s. 2, v. 3, p. 175.) In the southeast part of Plymouth, very near the coast. "Called by the English the 'Black bank, ' but called by the Indians Monechchan.'' (Indian deed, 1674.) I think it very probable, from the construction of the word, that the English name was taken from the Indian name. M'toi— black and some form of the word Anoohque or Nogqui which might mean " it looks like black earth." Mooi-ne-nan "it has the appearance of blackness."

27

INDIAN NAMES

Monomoy, Monnamoiet, Monamoyick, Manamoy- ack, Manamoyake.

The Indian name of land about Chatham. This I think has the same signification as Manomet and to me is additional proof that my translation of Manomet is correct. In Bradford's History we find there was a path from "Naumskachett" Harbor at the bottom of Cape Cod Bay to ' ' Manamoyack Bay," the distance being only two miles, saving the passage by boat around the head of the cape, and it was used by the Indians for the very same purpose as the path at Manomet was used. In 1626 an English ship bound for Virginia was wrecked at Manamoyake and the Plymouth Colony sent them aid and pro- visions over this trail.

Mainayeumauk — "the path where they carry (across) on their shoulders." ( See Manomet.} It was at this place that Squanto died in 1622.

Monomoy Point, near Chatham.

Monumet.

Name of river rising hi Great Herring Pond on the boundary line between Plymouth and Bourne, flowing southwesterly through Bourne into Buzzard's Bay.

The historical Indian village of Manomet (Monwnef), was situated almost at its mouth.

(See Manomet and Kitteaumut.}

Muchquachema, Mauthquohkoma

" To a swamp called Muchquachema." (Indian deed, Ply. Col. Rec., v. 1, p. 231.) Possibly this may mean — "where it is difficult to paddle a canoe" — from the verb Moosqhean — "it troubles," and chernan — " he paddles " or chemaun — " a canoe." Schoolcraft gives "cJiemaun" us the Indian word for canoe and Longfellow uses the same word in Hiawatha.

The swamp was probably near Red Brook.

28

INDIAN NAMES

Muskapasesett, Muscapasset.

"So running southerly to a place called Muskapasesett.'' Boundary, Indian Deed, Ply. Col. Rec., v. 1, p. 231. Also in Ralph Jones's deed of 1703.

Near Little Herring Pond, Plymouth.

Muscho-'pauge — name of large pond in Worcester County— "Mooskou-paug, Muskrat Pond."

Mussaauwomineukonett, Massaworninekonet.

"To a place called Mussaanwomineukonett.'1' Indian deed, 1703, Ply. County Registry of Deeds, book 5, p. 65.

Somewhere near Great Herring Pond, Plymouth. (See Massassoomineuk.*)

Namasakeeset or Mattakeeset.

The Indian name of land about Duxbury including also Pembroke and probably Carver.

These two names are without doubt the same, from Namas "fish" and ok "land or place" with the diminutive and the locative " at the small fishing place.' ' "All the land lying be- tween the path and the ponds between Namassakeset and Indian Head River."

Namassakeset River, in Pembroke, with Indian River form the two principal heads of North River.

Narragansett.

Name of pond and ridge of hills in the northwestern part of Plymouth, now called " Clear Pond."

In "Ancient Land Marks of Plymouth1' Mr. William T. Davis says that the pond derives its name from a battle fought near it between the Narragansetts and the Pockonokets in which a large number of the Narragansetts were killed and their bodies

29

INDIAN NAMES

thrown into the pond. The ridge of hills on which the battle was mainly fought is south of the pond.

Narragansett ; the anglicized name of the country of the Na- higaneuk, the "Nahicans" of the early Dutch explorers. The tribal name denotes "people of the point (Point Judith)" (J. H. T., Ind. Names in Conn., p. 35).

Patackosi.

"Probably is typical of the Town Brook from Tackosi "short, narrow" (M. H. S. Coll., s. 2, v. 3, p. 175).

In note R in Winthrop's History of New England, Savage says Patackosi is a part of Plymouth.

I should suppose it might be a corruption or derivation from Pautuxet.

(See Pautuxet.y

Paukopunnakuk, Pochuppunnukaak.

(1665) "That weary hill this side of Ellis's called by the early settlers 'Break Heart Hill'" (M. H. S. Coll., s. 2, v. 3, p. 175). I believe the translation of this word to be The place where you turn aside and take the narrow path. Poh- cJiau — " he turns aside" (Del. Pachgechen — "where the road strikes off "), and Penogolc — " where the path is narrow."

Paukopu i in akuk.

Pohchaupeonogok (Eliot's Bible, Matt. 7:13,14).

Assuming this translation to be correct, it is one of the striking examples of the geographical descriptive use the Indians made of their place names, for guidance as well as for de- scription. I should suppose it was the path around the hill.

Patopacassitt.

Indian deed, .March 1(5, 1664. Ply. Co. Rec., Patoompack- xick, 1674.

30

INDIAN NAMES

Polopacassatt, Poloopacassett.

A pond in the southeastern part of Plymouth. The Indian name of Little Herring Pond.

"Pacassatt," the greater part of the word, denotes a place at which "a strait widens — where the narrows open out." On examination of the formation of Little Herring Pond and noting the gradual widening out of the very short stream between Great and Little Herring Ponds, this part of the word certainly describes the locality. The first part of the name has probably been changed.

Pato — possibly Pehtean — "foaming" — ' 'afoaming narrows. ' ' Petaug — "a bay;" Potobzg — a bay. "Where the narrows open out into a small pond."

Pethto, Pogsett.

Boundary, Indian deed, 1678, Ply. Col. Rec., v. 1, p. 231. " To a place called Pethtopogset & by ye English Hedges pond." Deed of Ralph Jones (Indian), 1703 (Ply. County Registry of Deeds, book 5, p. 65). From these deeds and from the ety- mology of the word I am inclined to believe that Pethtopogset was Little Herring Pond and the original Hedges Pond ; the name of Hedges Pond being transferred to the small pond now bearing that name.

(See Patopacassitf).

Patuxet, Patuxat.

i. e., Pau't-tuk-es-it — "At the little falls."

The original name of land about Plymouth. On the 16th of March, 1621, Samoset suddenly appeared at Plymouth and greeted our Pilgrim Fathers with the words, "Welcome, Eng- lishmen." "He told us the place where we now live is called Patuxet." (Mourt's Relation, M. H. S. Coll., s. 1, v. 8, p. 218-219, in original edition, P. 19 and 20.)

31

INDIAN NAMES

The name is derived from Powntuck with the locative suf- fix— et, and is the diminutive. " Powntuck is a general name for all falls." (Chandler's Survey of the Mohegan Countries.) "Probably from some little falls on Town Brook." (J. H. T., Conn. Hist. Coll., v. 2. p. 9) "The Indian name perhaps of that part of Plymouth south of Town Brook" (W. T. D., A. L. M. P., p. 153).

Poekquamscutt.

Probably refers to cleared land, or land that had been broken for planting. The word Paquiaug with many variations occurs throughout New England.

' ' Poekquamscutt or a great rocke neare unto the brooke ' ' (Red Brook). Indian deed, 1678 (Ply. Col. Rec., v. 1, p. '231).

If this name applied to the rock itself I should suppose from the formation of the word that the rock was broken into two parts.

Pokanoket, The Pokanoket.

The name of a large family of tribes who occupied much of the land of the Plymouth Colony in 1620. This family in- cluded the Wampanoags and the Patuxets of Plymouth, the Namaskets of Middleborough and many others. All these tribes were under the dominion of Massasoit. The name sig- nifies " cleared land," or country.

"Pauqu-un-auk-it — " On, or at, cleared land."

Drake in his History of the Indians of North America states that Mount Hope was called Pokanoket by the Narragansetts, and Sowama by the Wampanoags, and that it was the principal place of residence of Massasoit.

Sowams, meaning "South Country," or "southward," was the Indian name of all of Barrington, a portion of Swanzey, Seakonkand East Providence (Bicknell History of Barrington).

32

INDIAN NAMES

Ponkashute.

"A part of Chiltonville near Russell's Mills, so called by the Indians as late as 1770" (W. T. D., A. L. M. Ply.).

Quanpaukoessett, Quanpasseesset.

"To a pond called Quanpaukoessett. " (Indian deed, 1678, Ply. Col. Rec., v. 1, p. 231.)

Probably means near the little long pond. From Quinni- long, paug — pond, diminutive es, locative sett — "near."

Quohtauannet, Sachtanannet.

"So running southerly to a place called Quohtauannet." (Indian deed, 1678, Ply. Col. Rec., v. 1, p. 231).

This must have been south of Little Herring Pond.

Otan means a town or village. KeTitotanet would signify at the great town.

Qusuknash, Qusuknashunk.

"Rock in the sea below Ellisville;" from Qussuk, a rock and AuJce, place, " a place of rocks or rock ground."

QussuJcanash. "Rocks" (Cotton). Eliot gives QussuJcqua- nash, as "rocks," in 1 Samuel 17-40, with the diminutive. Apparently this name is one of the least corrupted of Indian names in Plymouth County.

Auke from ohke — "land," "ground," was often written " unk."

"A great rock in ye water called Qussukuashunk " (Indian deed, 1664).

Sagoquas, Saquish, Sagaquish, Sagaquash.

The /Saquish of to-day was formerly an island at the entrance of Plymouth Harbour. First mentioned in an account of Sieur

INDIAN NAMES

de Monts Voyage of 1604, and is shown as an island on Cham- plain's map of 1605, but in neither case is a name given. Saquish Beach and Saquish Head are now the modern names of places about Plymouth Harbour. William T. Davis gives the meaning of /Saquish as a "small creek." Possibly the name may have some relation to the Indian word for clams, but I think it is very doubtful. It is spoken of in this connection in the Mass. Historical Society Collections, series 2, vol. 3, p. 175.

(/Sukkissitog "clams" (Cotton), from Sohq-ussuog "they squirt. ")

Without doubt this is the Sagoquas mentioned by Captain John Smith in his account of his voyage to New England in 1614. Afterward, in 1615, named "Oxford by Prince Charles" (Charles 1st). In Captain Smith's map Oxford is placed a little north of Plymouth Harbor and on the main land, probably the present Marshfield. Changing the original exact locality of Indian place names of towns and villages is almost a rule rather than an exception. The original Sagoquas may have been from Sagaqussuk or Sagaqussukashet, meaning "at the hard rocks," referring to stones from which they made their weapons. Sioge, Soggoh, "hard" (applied to rocks).

" Sagaguabe Harbour" (Hubbard's History of New Eng- land) .

I am inclined to believe the name was first applied to the land very near Brant Rock, or to the rock itself.

Sanqutagnappiepanquash, Sanqutuquappiepon- quash.

Boundary in Indian deed, Ply. Col. Rec., vol. 1, p. 231, " to a pond called SanqutagnappiepanquasJi. ' ' This pond must have been near White Island Pond in Plymouth and may have been the name of the pond itself.

The name may possibly indicate the outlet of the Cold Water ponds? or the fording place where the stream comes out of the ponds?

34

INDIAN NAMES

Scituate, Satuit.

Town in the northeast part of Plymouth County. "Prob- ably from a well known brook, implies Cold-brook?" (M.H.S. Coll., s. 2, v. 4, p. 223.) I am inclined to think the deriva- tion is from see — " salt," tuck — " stream," et — "at." "At the salt stream."

Skook, Scokes.

A pond in Plymouth at Manomet Pond settlement.

This is given as an Indian name by Dr. James Savage in Winthrop's History of New England. (Note R., vol. 2, appendix.)

"Scook is the Indian name for a small pond near Manomet Point where are many rocks." (Thatcher's History of Ply- mouth, p. 248.)

Scokes, Pond in Manomet where an Indian by that name lived. (W. T. D.) The Indian, however, probably took his name from the pond. In its present form I should suppose it must have lost one or two syllables. Possibly it is a corruption of Qussukook, " stone country. " Qussuk, " stone, "auk, "place."

Skapeunk.

District in Plymouth. (W. T. D., A. L. M. P., p. 153.)

Taupoowawmsett.

' ' One necke of land more that shools into the herring river pond (Great Herring Pond) called Taupoowaumsett." Prob- ably the name of an Indian Sachem or Medicine Man.

Taupowaw, " a wise speaker." Powwaw, "a priest."

Untsatuitt, Unsatuet.

"to a place called Untsatuit." (Indian deed, 1703, Ply. County Registry of Deeds, book 5, p. 65.) In Plymouth, south of Great Herring Pond.

35

INDIAN NAMES

Wampanoag, The Wampanoag.

The name of the tribe of Indians who occupied the greater part of Plymouth County and much of the country east of Narragansett Bay in 1620. The word means "East Land," Wampan-ohlte, from Wompan — "day," Wompanand — "The Eastern God " (R. W.), Wompanniyeu — "where the daylight is."

This name, "the East Land People," was probably applied to them by tribes living farther west, and Drake, in his history of Indians of North America, says "This tribe (the Wampa- noags) was perhaps the third in importance in New England when settled by the English.'' Massasoit was their sachem.

Wankinco, Wonkinco, Wankinquoak.

A river forming a part of the boundary line between Ply- mouth and Carver, also name of a bog at head of the river. Although in modern maps it is spelled Wankinco, it is usually written Wankinquoah, which I believe expresses more nearly the Indian name. Probably from Wonqun, crooked, and may have been first affixed to a part of the river at its source.

(See Wonquonquay .*)

Wauphaneeskitt, Wenphennesaket.

"To a place called Wauphaneeskitt." (Boundary, Indian deed, Ply. Col. Rec., v. 1, p. 231.) Somewhere near Red Brook in Plymouth.

Possibly from Woapin — " white, " anna — " shell," with the diminutive and locative et. "Near the little white shell place?"

(Compare Wappanucket.}

Wauquanchett.

"The lands lying neare Wauquanchett. " (Indian deed, 1678, Ply. Col. Rec., v. 1, p. 231.)

36

INDIAN NAMES

Probably from Wonqun — 4 'crooked, ' ' applied often to a bend in a river. This land was very near a deep bend in Red Brook on boundary between Plymouth and Wareham, " at the Bend."

(Compare Wankinco.)

Weakpocoinke.

"Thence southerly to a little pond called by the Indians Weakpocoinke. " Indian deed, 1674. From Quachattasett to Will Hedge or Webaquequaw. The original Indian name of Will Hedge was probably "Ahaz.'" This pond was near Little Herring Pond and was probably the present Hedges Pond. Possibly this name was originally Week-paug-ongque meaning "the wigwam pond on the other side" (of Great Herring Pond) or " the Wigwam Pond, which is the farthest off."

Week — "wigwam," pang — "pond," onque — "the other side "— " the farthest off. ' '

Wonammanitt.

Mentioned as a boundary in Indian deed, 1678, Ply. Col. Rec., v. 1, p. 231.

In Wareham between Red Brook and Agawam River.

Wonquonquauy.

" Voted to let out a sertaine branch of a cedar swamp about the head of Wonquonquauy." (Plymouth Town Records, Dec. 11, 1699.) This probably is the same name as Wonkinco. Possibly meant a bend or crooked place in the river. At the cedar swamp and where the Stag Brook enters Wankinco River there is a very curious bend.

Wauki — " crooked " (R. W.) Wonkoi — " crooked" (Cotton).

Woonki. Wonqun — " crooked."

Wakkickoo — "It is crooked'' ?

(See Wonkinco.)

37

MIDDLEBOROUGH, LAKEVILLE AND CARVER

INDIAN NAMES

Annasnappet, Annisnippi.

Name of village and also name of brook. Rises in the south eastern part of Plympton, flows westerly into the Winnetuxett River. The first mention I find of this name is in Plymouth Town Records, May 1701. Probably an Indian village. llNbo8nippi — Beaver water, Noosup being one of the names for the beaver in the Indian dialects of New England." (M. H. S. Coll., s. 2, v. 4, p. 275.) I think this translation very doubtful.

I would suggest Anna — "shell," es — (diminutive), nippe —"water," the small shell brook or small shell pond, referring perhaps to fresh water mussels. Near the source of the brook is a small pond from which the brook may have taken its name.

Nip s^ Nipsash — "pond," "ponds." (R. W.) Nippe— " water."

Asnemscussett.

A pond mentioned as a boundary in "Woods Purchase" from Tuspaquin, Aug. 9th, 1667. " On ye other end by a lit- tle pond called Asnemscussett." The present name is Woods Pond. In the eastern part of Middleborough north of Tespe- quin Pond. The meaning of this word may be ' ' The rapid brook which flows over small rocks" from Hassunemes — "small stones " and kussitanip — " a quick flowing stream." The pond taking its name from the brook flowing out of it, now called Woods Brook.

Assawampsett, Assawompsett, Assawamsett.

Was the Indian name of the land in the neighborhood of Assawompset Pond in Middleborough and Lakeville. Probably from (11) ashuae-omps-et, "At or near the upright rock that is between," or " in the middle." Perhaps referring to some large prominent rock between the ponds, or a rocky land mark that

INDIAN NAMES

was between two well known localities. Could be translated "at the middle rock," possibly "at the half way rock." I believe the accepted translation of the word in Middleborough is "At the place of the white stone," but the construction of the word or its etymology does not permit this interpretation .

"Ashawog, Assawaug, Nashawog, et aL," "this name desig- nated a place between (Nashaue, Eliot) 'or in the middle,' occurs in various forms throughout New England" (J. H. T., Indian Names in Connecticut, p. 5).

Nashaue-komuk. (Chilmark — on Martha's Vineyard) "Half way House" (J. H. T.).

Assawompsett is the present name of a very large pond between Middleborough and Lakeville, also was the name of one of the Indian Praying Villages, also the name of a brook. In a cove of this pond the Indian murderers concealed the body of John Sassamon in 1675, and the execution of the murderers hastened the beginning of King Philip's war. In early records the pond itself was called Namaskett, which probably meant "the fishing place."

Mr. Thomas Weston in his history of Middleboro says that " the name of Middleberry may have been given on account of its location mid way between Plymouth and the residence of Pokanoket Chief." Is it not very possible that the early settlers knowing the meaning of the Indian name partially Anglicized it and used it for their own. Assawompsett — " the middle borough?" The name may have been first used to designate the very large rock on which stands the present village of Rock, and later applied to the pond which is only about a mile away. Originally Assawompsett was not a water name.

Assonett, Assonet.

The present name of town, bay and river in Freetown. (Name of Indian town. Ply. Col. Rec., 1639.) The country about Freetown was called by the Indians Assonet, the river and town

42

INDIAN NAMES

taking the same name. Probably the name is a corruption of Hassunet, "near the rock." Hassun — " a stone or rock" — et — "at" or "near."

As the Dighton Rock, with its ancient inscription, is very near the present town of Assonet, and must have been a land- mark widely known to the Indians, the whole country in its vicinity would naturally refer to the rock. Although the in- scription was first attributed to the Norsemen, later antiquarians have concluded, I believe, that it is the rock writing of the aborigines. I know of no other rock inscriptions in Massa- chusetts and these must have been of very early date. The first tracing from this rock was made in 1680 by Dr. Danforth.

Cadohunset.

In Carver. Mentioned as the name of a brook as a boundary line in deed of land to James Cole and John Rickard from Tispequin. It is described as being near Tippicunnicut. Pos- sibly meaning " at the boundary ? "

Chippopoquet, Chupipoggut.

Indian deed, 1673, from Wattuspaquin to Assowetough.

Another name of Pocksha Pond. A part of Assawompsett Pond in Middleborough and Lakeville. Chippe — "separated," Paug — "Pond," et — " at." "The pond that is separated from another. This interpretation seems to be absolutely descriptive.

(See Pocksha. Compare Coppoanessett.}

Coppoanissett, or PINGUKST HOLE.

(Ply. Col. Rec., 1664.) A river near the Sandwich line (A. L. M. P., 153, W. T. D.).

Possibly from Kobpaoiik, " a place shut in," "a haven," with the diminutive -ess and the suffix -et. "At the little haven." It certainly is very descriptive of the place.

43

INDIAN NAMES

Pinguin Hole is the present name of a small inlet from Buzzard's Bay, a little north of Barlow River, on the western coast of Bourne.

Kabpaonk (Eliot Bible, Acts 27:8), "A haven." From Kuppi — " close-shut in," " enclosed." Cappacommock or Kabpakommock signifies a place where the squaws and children were hidden on the approach of boats.

Cuppacommock — "the hiding place." A noted place of refuge of the Pequots, sometimes called Ohomowauke — ' ' the owl's nest." A swamp in the S. W. part of Ledyard, Conn.

Cuttootquat — "Ales Teticut."

March 26, 1722, Ply. T. Rec., vol. 2, p. 216.

Mentioned in description of land given by the Indians to Nathan Wood — twelve acres.

This description is an apt illustration of some of the diffi- culties in the translation of Indian Place Names. It is the same name as Kehtehticut — " on the great river," and in this short description is spelled five different ways — Cuttootquat — Catoo- quot — Teticut — Tootqut — Catootquot.

Dr. Trumbull states that ' ' the omission or displacement of a consonant or an emphasized vocal necessarily modifies the signification of the compound name, the methods of Algonkin synthesis are so exactly prescribed." (I. N. C., p. 7.)

(See Titicwt.')

Mahutchet, Mahuchet.

Now called Rocky Meadow, in Middleborough near Carver line; also name of pond and brook, now Rocky Meadow Brook. Named probably from an Indian Chief of that name. (Weston's History of Middleborough, page 334 and 335.) Mentioned as a boundary "Muhndsett '* in south purchase.

In the records of the Town of Plymouth (v. 2, p. 124) the brook is spelled Mahucket, "Unto Mahuket Brook at the old

44

INDIAN NAMES

Indian path," etc. From this description it seems very prob- able that the interpretation is " near "or "at the place of the path" from Mai — ' 'path, "auk or uclc — ' ' place, " with the locative suffix — et — "The place on the trail." (See Manyhootset.)

Mohootset Pond, in northwest coiner of Carver. (M. H. S., s. 2, v. 4, p. 272.)

Mahutchett. Running of town lines in 1700.

Manyhootset.

"A little brook called Manyhootset a boundary in 'Major or Five Men's Purchase.' " (Indian deed, 1663.) In the Major's purchase it is described as between a cart path on the north and a new path on the south from Plymouth to Namasket, and with this spelling the name may possibly mean near the second small path, from Mai — "path" and hohtoen — "that which comes next" or "second," with the diminutive and the locative. Pres- ent name — Short's Brook.

(See Mahutchet.}

Mashquomoh, Massquamak.

"A little swamp place called Mashquomoh." Indian deed of 1673 from old Wuttuspaquin to Assowetough (Betty Sassa- mon). This was a part of the original grant of Betty's Neck in Lakeville. Probably from Massek — -"marsh," or MasTcliet — "grass," Komuk — "an inclosed place."

A similar name, "Masquomcossick," in Deerfield.

Mashucket Brook.

Mentioned as a boundary in "Little Lotmen's Purchase" from Wampatuck to Captain William Bradford and others, in 1664, "From Pochauge Neck to Mashuck Brook." Derived probably from Maskliet — "grass," ock — "land," et — "at," pos- sibly meaning " at the grass land or meadow." The brook, taking the name from the meadow, is now called Joses Brook, in Middleborough.

45

INDIAN NAMES

Massapanoch.

Mentioned in boundary deed of South Purchase from Tus- paquin, July 23, 1673. "To a place called by the Indians Massapan och . ' '

This word is probably a corruption and abbreviation of Massa-sappan-och , "Great miry place" or the "great swamp," the " swamp country." Derived from Saupae or Saupaun— ' ' made soft by water, " " miry . ' ' Massa — ' ' great, ' ' och — ' ' place ' ' or "land." In this "purchase" swamps are mentioned in two places. Probably the swamps near Double Brook in Middle- borough.

Mattapoisett.

A town at the head of Mattapoissett Harbor in Buzzard's Bay, also name of river, neck of land, etc.

"A place of rest." (Mason's Gazetteer.) This is derived from Mattapu — "He sits down," with a locative suffix, set — "near." "The resting place." Used in slightly varying forms in various parts of New England. Probably used to designate the end of a carry, between rivers, around falls, etc.

(See Mattapuyef).

Mattapuyst, Mattapuiet.

Mentioned as an Indian town by Edward Winslow in March, 1622, as the place where he passed the night with the Indian Chief Corbitant when he visited Massasoit who was very ill near "Pnckanokick." (In Good News from New England.)

Probably from Mattapu — "he sits down," denoting a resting place, the end of a carry, between rivers, around falls, etc., where, after carrying the canoe, they rested. This word in various forms is found throughout New England. Mattapoisett — town and harbor in Buzzard's Bay. "Mattapuyst — a neck of land in the township of Swanzey commonly pronounced Mattapoiset." (Belk. Biog., 2, p. 292.) It was here Weeta moo — "the Squaw

46

INDIAN NAMES

Sachem," or "Queen of Pocasset," was drowned, Aug. 6, 1676. She was the wife of Alexander (Wamsutta) and sister-in-law of King Philip (Pometacom) both sons of Massasoit. "Her body was found near the water side, her head was cut off and set upon a pole in Taunton." (Drake, N. A. Indians.)

Misquitucket — "Seeks the sea at Buttermilk Bay." (M. H. S. Coll., s. 2, v. 3, p. 175.)

It is derived from M'squi-tuck-et, signifying "at the Red Brook. ' ' Mus-qui — " it is red, ' ' tuck — ' ' a tidal stream " and the locative suffix et. The modern name is Red Brook, and it forms part of the boundary line between Wareham and Ply- mouth, having its source in White Island Pond.

Monhiggin.

A river mentioned as aboundary in " South Purchase " from Tuspaquin to Benjamin Church and another, July 23, 1673. "By a river called Monhiggin which runneth into a pond called Quitquassett." The present name of the river is Black Brook. (See Monhonkenock.') I believe these two words were the same. Originally this was probably not the name of the river but the country in the vicinity of the river and the pond. " The place where the islands are." From Munnoh — " an island," referring to the islands in Quitticas Pond.

Monhiggon — name of island at the mouth of the Kenne- beck.

Monhonkenock. River in Middleborough. (See POOK- POAWKQUACHOO. )

"Six miles south of wading place over Namasket River. '' (Town Records of Middleborough, April 6,1 686. ) Present name is Black Brook. This name must originally have been given to the land about Quitticus Pond. Munnohhan— "island,"

47

INDIAN NAMES

ock — "place or country." The whole name signifying "the place where the islands are." Great Quittacus Pond into which Black Brook flows has three large islands. (See Monhigffin.')

Monponsett, Moonponsett.

Large pond in northeast corner of Halifax, mentioned in Ply- mouth Town Records in 1663, where it is spelled Munponnett. It was the Indian name of the land all about Halifax.

In Mass. Hist. Soc. Coll., s. 2, v. 4, p. 281, it is suggested that the meaning may be "much nets or many ponds." Neither of these translations are satisfactory ; possibly it may be from Moonoi — "deep," ' paug — "pond," and the locative suffix sett, "at or near the deep pond."

Muttock.

An Indian village hi Middleborough . ' ' On the banks of a high hill on the westerly side of the Namasket River." (Weston's History of Middleborough, page 2.) "The first comers gave it the name of Muttock from Chesemuttock, one of the last of the Namasket Indians. ' ' ( Weston's History of Middleborough.) Mr. Weston also says that the Indian name of Muttock was Pauwatiny, "A swift river running between hills."

Kchesemuttuyk would mean "great shoulders," and this may have been the interpretation of the Indian chief's name.

Nahteawanet, In Lakeville.

"A tract of land called Nahteawanet." Indian deed to Assowetough, alias Betty, from Wattuspaquin, 1673.

The Indian name of "Betty's Neck," given by her to her daughter Mercy, 1696. Nai — " it makes a corner," yaue-nai — " it is four angled," "square, " or yaue nee — "four corners," tonwacf — "a gap," "a place left open," with the locative suffix ct.

48

INDIAN NAMES

Nahteawanet — "at a gap that is square" — "at the place of four corners." This translation is curiously descriptive of the locality.

Namasket, Namaschet, Nummastaguyt.

The Indian name of Middleborough and present name of small village in Middleborough. Also name of river rising in Assawompsett Pond, flows north into Taunton (Titicut) River. It was first visited by Thomas Dermer in 1619, "a days journey westward (from Plymouth) to a place called Nummastaguyt." Squanto was his guide and he probably met Massasoit on this journey. " Namaschet," as first known by the Pilgrims is de- scribed in "Purchase's Pilgrims" published in 1622, in "A journy to Pakanokik " taken by Stephen Hopkins and Edward Winslow to meet Massasoit, in July, 1621. The name prob- ably means "a fishing place,'' from Namas — "fish," auk — "place," et — "at." It is used in various forms throughout Plymouth County. Namassakeese, Namassachusett, Namaua- keag, etc. The Indians in the neighborhood of Middleborough were called Namascheuks.

Ninipoket.

A pond mentioned as a boundary in deed of "Sixteen Shil- lings Purchase" from AVitispican. "One (pond) is commonly called by the name of Ninipoket the other gos by the name of Quitticus Pond," the ponds being the bounds on the one side and end. Probably the same as JNunnippoget, "The freshwater pond," or "the cold water pond." Numiaquoquitt (Ply. C. R., v. 7, p. 241, 1681). Nunni — "fresh," pog — "pond," with the locative et — "at."

Pachusett Brook.

Mentioned in Titicut Purchase 1670.

"From Pachusett Brook on the east where it runs into Titicut or Great River."

49

INDIAN NAMES

Paukohkoesseke.

Boundary in Indian deed, 1678, Ply. Col. Rec., v. 1, p. 231. Possibly the place from where the pine trees had been cleared. From Poquaug — "cleared land," koo or kowas — "pine tree," and alike — "place." Probably on Agawam River near White Island Pond.

Pocaset, Pocassett.

Indian name of little brook running into the north end of Pocksha Pond in Middleborough. Boundary in Sixteen Shil- ling Purchase. "The brook is called by the name of Pocaset." 1675.

Paugeset would mean "near" or "at the small pond."

Pochaboquitt.

Mentioned as a boundary in the "South Purchase," 1673. "To a place culled Pochaboquett." Probably from Pauchau or Pohchau which signifies "to divide in two" and Pang — "pond," with the locative suffix. This place may possibly have been the name of a little pond which seems to divide the river into two brooks, Green Brook and Stony Brook.

Pauchau-paug-et — "the dividing in two," pond.

Pohsha, Pocksha.

In reality the eastern part of Assawompsett Pond in Lake- ville. Assawompsett Pond, after becoming very narrow in the eastern part turns to the north and south, expands again and forms Pocksha Pond. From this circumstance the name is probably derived.

Pahchau, Pauchau, Pohchau — "He turns aside — deviates," Pohzhaog describes "A place where they divide in two." (See Chvpipoggut . )

Pokexha — "It is broke." (R. W.)

50

INDIAN NAMES

Ponaquahot Pond.

Mentioned as a boundary in "Running of the Town of Middle borough Bounds." (Town Records, April 6, 1666.) This was probably the Indian name of Long Pond in Lakeville. Another name of Long Pond may have been Namatakeeset (I. W. Putnam, First Church of Middleborough).

Ponikin and Quassaponakin are Indian place names in Worcester County.

Penugqueog would probably mean — "a place on the bank'1 (of a river or a pond).

Polapoda, Polypody, Polypode.

Polapoda Cove, often erroneously given as an Indian name, is mentioned in the Town Records of Plymouth as boundary land laid out in 1694, also in Town Records, Oct. 7, 1701, Polapoda Cove is mentioned as being in the neighborhood of the South Meadows. "To extend from Polapoda Cove to Beaver Dam Pond." In the same record the name is also written Pollapod and Pollapody.

'•'•Polypody Cove," in Carver, a " place of brakes." (M. H. S. Coll., s. 2, v. 4, p. 275.) The name is derived from the word polypody, a species of ferns. A large rock in Middle- borough is called Polypode Rock and ferns grow very luxuri- antly all about it. Mentioned in South Purchase.

Pookpoawkquachoo, or MONHONKEXOCK.

An early name of river in Middleborough mentioned as a boundary in "Running of the Town Bounds," April 6, 1686. The present name of this stream is Black Brook, which flows into Great Quitticas Pond about ' ' Six miles south of wading place over Namasket River." I believe this name originally was the name of a hill in this vicinity and later given to the brook.

51

INDIAN NAMES

Pokpohku and Poohpoohguttog signified "quail," or Pokpoh- kussu — " partridge," and Achoo or Achu — " hill; " " Partridge or Quail Hill." Where Black Brook enters Quitticas is a hill to which this name probably belonged.

(See Monhonkenock.)

Poquoy, or TROUT BROOK.

Rises in the northwest part of Lakeville and flows into the Taunton River. Forms part of the boundary between Lakeville and Middleborough. Possibly from Pohki or Pohqui "it is clearer transparent." If so, however, a suffix has been lost signifying a brook or stream. More probably the name refers to the cleared land from the root Pohque. This root is found in many Plymouth County names and many of the small tribes used it in some form to designate the cleared wood land or meadow in their neighborhood. From early colonial history we know that in Plymouth County much land had been cleared by the Indians in various places for planting.

Possibly from PoTiqui — " it divides in two " — when it enters Taunton River.

Purchade, Pochade, Porchaeg, Pachaeg. Brook, Pond, and Neck in Middleborough.

Takes its name from a " certain neck of land called Pachaeg Pond" mentioned in deed of the Purchade Purchase in 1662, and in Little Lotmen's Purchase, 1664. This was the land near the junction of the Namasket and Taunton rivers. Purcltadv Brook runs through it rmd empties into the Namasket.

Probably from Pachatuj Pachau-anke — "a turning place." Poochoag or Pochag means a "corner or recess." Just before the Namasket River enters the Taunton River it makes a most curious turn forming nearly three sides of a square. Pacliaetj may have been the original name of Never Touch Pond.

52

INDIAN NAMES

Quitquassett, 1673, Quitiquas, Quetquas, Aquetquas.

Possibly originally from Aquedne-ash-et. Aquednash — "islands," with a locative suffix "at the islands," " the island place." There are three islands in Great Quitticas Pond.

Great Quittacas is on the boundary of Middleborough, Roch- ester and Lakeville, and Little Quittacas pond is between Lake- ville and Rochester. Quetecas was the early name given to the hills in the vicinity of the ponds, also the name of one of the islands.

Thomas Weston, in his History of Middleborough, states that the name was from an Indian chief (p. 429).

MunnoJi was another name for an island. (See MonhigginS)

Sammauchamoi.

A tract of land in Middleborough sold by Wampatuck in 1666. " Bounded south by Namasket Pond " (Assawompsett) . Possibly from Assamau — "he feeds," and komuk — "a place" — "a feeding place; " modern free translation — a picnic ground. It may be from Sam.me-auk-amog — "oil-place-pond."

Sasonkususet, Susunksisit.

"A pond called Sasonkususet. " Indian deed of 1673, from old Wuttuspaquin to Assowetough (Betty Sassamon). This pond was a boundary in the original deed of part of Betty's Neck in Lakeville. Cranberry is its present name.

Satucket, Saughtughtett. (Bradford.)

A pond very near the boundary line of Middleborough, Bridgewater and Halifax, now called Robbin Pond. Probably from iSauk-tucJc-et "near the mouth of the stream." Mentioned in surveying town lines in 1681. The pond taking the name of an Indian village.

The Indian name of land about Bridgewatei sold by Massa-

53

INDIAN NAMES

soit to Miles Standish in 1649. Sank — "outlet," tuck — " stream,'' with the locative et — " near " or "at."

"Satucket, a contraction of Saquatuckett oiMassaquatuckett." (M. H. S. Coll., s. 2, v. 7, p. 140.) In the deed of 1649 it was written "iSaughtuckett."

Sawcomst.

Mentioned as a boundary in Henry Wood's Purchase from Tuspaquin, Aug. 9,1667, " to that part of ye brook that is stony like to a fall called Sawcomst." The present name is Fall Brook. In Twelve Men 's Purchase "Fall Brook" is mentioned as a boundary. Possibly the root of this name is sau k — "a stream flowing out of a pond."

Seipican, Sepaconnet.

The Indian " name of a brook in Rochester, having its source in Middleborough. From this little stream the Planta- tion (Rochester) took its name." (M. H. S. Coll., s. 2, v. 4, p. -253.)

Name of harbor, river, and town in Marion.

Various translations have been given of this name but I think them doubtful. " Seip means river but only used as a base word with adjectival prefix — as Missi-sipi" (.). H. T.). Seip — " river." (R. W.)

Sniptuet, Snipatuit, Senepetuit.

A large pond in the northern part of Rochester near the Middleborough line. Mentioned as a boundary of South Purchase in Indian deed of 1673.

Swanhold, Swan Holt.

Mentioned as a boundary in deed of South Purchase from Tuspaquin, July 23, 1673. The place is described as " a little

54

INDIAN NAMES

southeast of Wenham Pond." (M. H. S., s. 2, v. 4, p. 274.) Swanholt. A place in the town of Wenham, so called by the first planters in 1642. " Holt was the Saxon name of a wood." It is a curious fact that sowhan-ohke, in the Indian language means "the south land" or "south place," and Swanhold certainly was in the neighborhood of the present South Brook and South Meadow. Swanliold may have been a corruption of Sowhanohhe.

Sucktequesite.

A river mentioned as a boundary in " Sixteen Shilling Purchase " May 14, 1675. " Till it meets with a river called Sucktequiwte" Running into Great Quittacas Pond. This without doubt is a corruption of Suckituclceset. Sudd — ' ' black, ' ' tnck — "river," with the diminutive es and the locative suffix, meaning "at or near the small black river." This interpreta- tion is probably correct, as the present name of this stream is Black Brook.

Several other Indian names have been given to Black Brook but with the exception of the above I believe all to have been land names of certain localities in the neighborhood of the brook and then gradually given to the brook by the early settlers. This occurs to a great extent throughout New England.

Tamett.

Small brook flowing into the southern extreme of Assa- wompsett Pond.

Tepikamicut, Tippecunnicut.

An old Indian village mentioned in Indian deed of ' ' Twenty- six Men's Purchase " and also an Indian deed of Tispequin to James Coee. "On the old Narnasket path." The first spelling was hi the deed of 1661. This may also be a corrupted abbre- viation of Kehti-paquon-oe-et) as Tippicanoe is supposed to be.

Kektipoquonunk — " at the great clearing."

55

INDIAN NAMES

Tionet, Tihonet.

"An angle of Plymouth that nearly touches the sea at Warehain" (M. H. S. Coll., s. 2, v. 3, p. 175).

Tannag (or Taunek R. VV.) means "a crane." " Taunek, the ' crane, ' is doubtless the name applicable rather to the rocky shore or point actually within that town where these birds seek their food." (M. H. S. Coll., s. 2, v. 3, p. 175.)

If this is the derivation, the word is much corrupted and part of it lost. Taunek-aug or Taunelc-aug-set, would probably mean a place where cranes were usually to be found. The home of the cranes.

" That small part of Plymouth which was annexed to Ware- ham, January, 1827 " (History of Plymouth, p. 159,W.T. D.).

Tihonet Pond near the boundary land of Wareham, Plymouth, and Carver.

Titicut, Kehtehticut, Cutuhtikut, Tetiquid, Catuht- kut.

The present name of a town in the northwestern part of Middleborough. A settlement was made at Titicut in 1637 by Miss Elizabeth Poole. This land had been conveyed to her before it had been reserved for the exclusive use of the Indians. The land in this vicinity was the old Indian reservation deeded by Chickatabutt, in 1664, to the Indians on "Catuhtkut River." It was also one of the old Indian praying towns. "The great river after receiving the waters of the Winetuxet, to Namasket is commonly called Titicut River, but from there to the sea is called Taunton Great River." (M. H. S. Coll., s. 2, v. 7, p. 172.) Dr. Trumbull says " Kehtehticut (-kehte-tuk-nt) a fa- mous fishing place ' on the great river' near Taunton, Mass., was abbreviated and corrupted to Teightaquid-Teghta^utt^ etc., and finally to Titicut as the name of a village in Middleborough.' '

Kehttetuck signifies the great or principal river; l\'ehti —

56

INDIAN NAMES

«« chief," " principal, greatest ;" tuck — •• a tidal or broad river. ' ' The land probably took the name from the river. The Indian name of the Blackstone River in Worcester County, Massachu- setts, was liuttutuckj often written in old deeds " Titicut."

Tuppatwett.

Mentioned as boundary Indian deed of South Purchase from Tuspaquin July 29, 1673. "And so to a rivers mouth called Tuppatwett wich runneth into ye pond called Quittu- washet." This is the brook flowing between Great Quitticas Pond and Snipatuit Pond. Northwest part of Rochester.

Tuspaquin, Tispaquin, Tispequin, Tispequn.

A pond in the eastern central part of Middleborough about two miles northeast of Pocksha Pond, so called from Tuspaquin, the Black Sachem, who inherited much land from Pamantaquash, the Pond Sachem, by will made in 1668. This pond is men- tioned as a boundary in deed of Twelve Men's Purchase from Tuspaquin. In Wood's Purchase, 1667, a boundary pond called the Black Sachem's Pond is the same, and so by the deed its original Indian name was Waumpaucutt. The Black Sachem who owned much land in Plymouth County gave many deeds, many in Middleborough. He was brother-in-law to King Philip and one of his most trusted chiefs. Upon a promise by Captain Church that the lives of his wife and children and his own life should be spared he went to Plymouth and gave himself up to the Governor and his Council, but he was soon after tried and publicly executed.

Tusconnanset.

Mentioned as a boundary of South Purchase from Tuspa- quin, Jan. 23, 1673, "to a river that runneth out of Swanhold unto a place called Tusconnanset.'' Probably from the root

57

INDIAN NAMES

tooskeonk — "a wading place." It was probably on South Mea- dow Brook in Carver not very far from Wenham.

Tooskeonganit, Tusconnanset — "near the wading place."

Wachamotusset.

Name of brook mentioned in an adjustment of boundaries between "Mr. Constant Southworth and Philip the Sachem." Must have been near Assawompsett Pond. Probably Tamett Brook.

See Mahchumoo — ' ' waste, " " barren; ' ' tuck — ' ' brook, ' 'with the diminutive es and locative et — " small barren brook."

Wappanuckett (Dr. Thomas Delano's will, 1222), Wau- paunucket, Wappahnucket, Wappond.

A neck of land in Middleborough near Assawompsett Pond. In deed of one of the tracts of land in Sixteen Shilling Purchase it is described as follows, "Neck of land commonly cald by the name of Wappond bounded on the northerly sid with Assawarnset Pond and on the westerly sid or end with a pond commonly called Poksha," May 14, 1675.

Probably from Wapunnnkquas — "swallow." Wappahnuc- ket— " the place of the swallows," now known as Walnut Plain. Possibly the name was originally the same as Waumpatuck, the old Indian Sagamore who owned much land in this vicinity.

Waupaunucket — "Village among the hills." (Thomas Weston Hist. Midi.)

Waumpaucutt Pond, mentioned as a boundary in "Wood's Purchase," 1667. "By ye pond called ye Black Sachems pond, ye Indian name being Wampaucutt." This, therefore, seems to be another name of Tispaquin Pond. Probably from Wompi — "white," paug — "pond," ut — locative suilix ; " at or near the white pond;" referring, perhaps, to white stones or the white birch trees in or about the pond.

58

INDIAN NAMES

Washanest.

"The Town granted unto Acannootus, 15 acres of land att a place called Washanest." (Vol. 1, Plymouth Town Records, page 172.)

Wecektuket, "in Kingston. ' '

"Is a brook which joins Jones River from the south, the native term seems to signify 'little wading.'" (M. H. S. Coll., s. 2, v. 3, p. 168.) I cannot explain this translation. Possibly Wek — or " week," tuck-et — "wigwam brook. "(Wigwam is a corruption from welc or week or wetiC), tuck — "river" or " stream," with a locative et.

Weweantitt, Wawayontat, Weweantet, Wewean- tic.

A river forming part of the boundary line between Middle- borough and Carver and flows through Wareham. Dr. Francis Lebaron bought a large tract of land on the south side of this river, in Middleborough, in the early part of the eighteenth century (Weston's History of Middleborough, p. 336). Prob- ably the word comes from the same root as Woweaushin- Woweou, etc., conveying the idea of wandering about, and this descrip- tion is more applicable to the river than the word crooked, as in its lower part it expands itself, forming inlets into the country.

Waywayantelc or Wewewantett was the Indian name of the land about Wareham (M. H. S., s. 1, v. 1, p. 198).

Winnapauckett.

A pond mentioned in Gov. Thomas Prince's will, 1673.

"Land on the easterly syde of Namassakett River between Winnapauckett pond and a tract of land called "the Major's purchase."

59

INDIAN NAMES

From Winne oxWunne — " good," paug — " pond," et — " at." " The good pond, " " the beautiful pond."

Winetuxet, Winnatuxett, Winnytucktuett.

River in Halifax, Plympton and Carver, also name of town in southern part of Plympton. "The source of it is in Muddy Pond in the North Section of Carver where it was the Six Mile Brook of the first planters on their first path to Namasskett" (M. H. S., s. 2, v. 4, p. 268).

Wintusksett Brook. Mentioned as north boundary in deed of "Twenty-Six Men's Purchase." It flows into the Taunton River.

Winne-tuk-es-et — "good small river," with a locative suffix. Probably meaning a good river for the canoes. "The beautiful small river." In "Twenty-Six Men's Purchase" it is written Wimabusksett Brooke," 1661.

"Winnatuxett or 'the New-found meadows.' '

The following names are mentioned in the will of Pumanta- quash, the Pond Sachem, 1668, " all his lands at Assawamsett or elsewhere." (Ply- Col. Rec., v. 1, p. 229.)

These places may all have been in the vicinity of Assa- wompsett Pond in Middleborough and Lakeville, but I have been unable to identify them.

Pachamaquast,

Nekatattacoeuek,

Setnessnett,

Wacagasaneps,

Qua/nakeckett,

Tokopixsett,

Wampaketateka m ,

Caskakachesqua («A) ,

Wachpusle,

Pachcst .

60

INDIAN NAMES

IN MEMORIAM THE GBANTOKS

" Lest we forget."

MASSASOIT, "The Great Chief," Sachem of the Wampa- noags, died 1661 or 1662.

QUADEQUINA, Brother of Massasoit.

WAMSTTTTA (Alexander), Oldest son of Massasoit, suc- ceeded his father in 1661 or 1662. Died in 1662.

POMETACOM (King Philip), The great chief of the Wampa- noags, second son of Massasoit, succeeded Alexander in 1662, shot August 12, 1676. Beheaded, and his quartered body hung on the trees.

WEETAMOO, Queen Sachem of Pocassit, wife of Alexander. Found drowned, August 6, 1676, in Taunton River. Her body was beheaded.

WOOTONEKANUSKE, wife of King Philip and sister of Weetamoo. Captured in August, 1665. Probably sold into slavery, with her son nine years old.

TTJSPAQTJIN, "The Black Sachem," Brother-in-law of King Philip. Surrendered on the condition that his life should be spared. Shot and beheaded September, 1676.

PAMANTAQUASH, "The Pond Sachem," died about 1668. 63

INDIAN NAMES

, Brother-in-law of King Philip. Shot at New- port, August 25, 1676.

CHIKATAUBUT, Sachem of The Massachusetts, Died No- vember, 1633.

WAMPATUCK, Sachem of Mattakeesett, Killed by the Mo- hawks in 1669.

TISQUANTUM (Squanto) and Hobomok, not Grantors, but loyal Friends, Interpreters and Guides to the Pilgrims.

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