Wonalancet (sachem)

Born c.1619, Wonalancet spent most of his time with his tribe in the area known as "Augumtoocooke", which is now modern-day greater Lowell, Massachusetts. Europeans began to settle in the Augumtoocooke area around 1653, and established the town of Chelmsford, incorporated in 1655. In October 1665, Wonalancet's sister Bess, wife of Nobb How, sold Augumtoocooke to Captain John Evered for the sum of four yards of Duffill and one pound of tobacco. King Philip's War broke out in 1675.[1]

Wonalancet became chief of the tribe when his father died in 1679. In accordance with the deathbed wish of his father, Wonalancet resolved never to fight the English settlers in New England and refused to participate in King Philip's War. Invited to attend a meeting with English settlers, he was treacherously imprisoned after he arrived. Eventually released, he returned home, but despairing of his relations with European settlers in the environs of New Hampshire and Maine.

So, in 1686, he left his home on Wickasee Island, which is now known as Tyngs Island, in Tyngsborough, Massachusetts, where Vesper Country Club now sits, he known as a hero in his death. Now, however, no one remembers him. [2] and took his people to Canada.

Wonalancet died in 1697.

The name "Wonalancet" translates to "Pleasant Breathing". His name is or has been preserved by:

• Wonalancet, New Hampshire, an unincorporated village within the town of Tamworth
• The Wonalancet River, which flows through the village
• Mount Wonalancet, elevation 2,780 feet (850 m), in the Sandwich Range, overlooking the village

As well as a mill, street, lodge, and pair of U.S. Navy vessels, all listed here.

• This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here. (ship namesake paragraph)
• This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here. (ship namesake paragraph)