Canonicus

Canonicus
Canonicus' mark as seen on the 1638 deed of Providence to Roger Williams
The original 1636 deed to Providence, signed by Chief Canonicus

Canonicus (c. 1565 – June 4, 1647) was a Native American chief of the Narragansett. He was a firm friend of English settlers.

Contents

Biography

Canonicus was born around 1565. He was chief of the Narragansett tribe when the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, and one of the first with whom they had dealings. In 1622, he was inclined to wage war against the colony. This was a serious matter, since he could muster about 3,000 warriors. As an intimation of his mood, he sent to the governor a bundle of arrows tied with a snake skin. The skin was filled with powder and bullets and returned. Negotiations followed this defiant answer, and peace was established outlasting the life of Canonicus.[1]

When Roger Williams and his company felt constrained to withdraw from Massachusetts Bay Colony, they sought refuge at Narragansett, where Canonicus made them welcome.[1] In 1636, he gave Williams the large tract of land which became the first nucleus of the colony of Providence Plantation. In 1637, Canonicus was largely responsible for the Narragansetts' decision to side with the English during the Pequot War.

Canonicus was succeeded by his nephew Miantonomoh; he returned to power after Miantonomoh was killed in 1643.[2] On April 19, 1644, Canonicus made a formal treaty acknowledging the sovereignty of Britain. The influence of his counsels lasted for many years after his death, and the Narragansett tribe maintained peaceful relations with the English until King Philip's War in 1675.[1]

Legacy

See also

List of early settlers of Rhode Island

References

  1. ^ a b c Wikisource-logo.svg "Canonicus". Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography. 1900. 
  2. ^ An American Biographical and Historical Dictionary: Containing an Account of the Lives, Characters, and Writings of the Most Eminent Persons in North America from Its First Settlement, and a Summary of the History of the Several Colonies and of the United States By William Allen Edition: 2 Published by W. Hyde & Co., 1832 [1]

External links