Wamsutta

Wamsutta ( probably * 1634, † 1662) was a chief of the Wampanoag Indians.

Biography

Wamsutta was the son of the chief Massasoit, whose tribe lived in the New England States Rhode Iceland and Massachusetts. He followed his father's moderate policy towards the white immigrants, to which he was forced in part due to negotiated contracts.

From the White Wamsutta was named Alexander. His younger brother was Metacomet, who was also known as King Philip or Metacom. Wamsutta married Weetamoo whose daughter Wootonekanuske later the wife was Metacomets.

When Massasoit died in 1660 took over Wamsutta his office and was chief of the Wampanoag. He could increase the influence of his tribe through land sale to the settlers. This sale resulted, however, from the need to find new sources of money for his tribe, as the fur trade was broken by the now smaller hunting areas. There were obligations, land of whiteness due under contracts of his father having to sell. For this reason, Wamsutta was 1662 before the Court of Plymouth. According to a survey by Major Josiah Winslow, he fell ill and died shortly thereafter. Metacomet, who became his successor in office, the White suspected to have poisoned him.