Native Peoples

Massachusetts Tribe | Chief Nehoiden

The first Native Americans appeared about 12,000 to 16,000 years ago.

The life of Native Americans is very interesting.They had to make spoons out of wood because they didn't have metal or any other materials like that. They only had natural materials like wood, leaves, bones and animal skin.

Men and women had different jobs. Women were responsible for all household tasks, and for working in the fields. Women also collected wild plants for food and medicine, as well as craft materials. Older women were often herb doctors, and were respected for their traditional knowledge and wisdom.

Men depended on women to raise the crops, and women relied on the men to hunt, help clear new fields, and help to build houses. Men made many of the tools used by both women and men, including stone tools used by both men and women. While women grew food crops, men grew tobacco.

Photos of house and gathering crops

THE MASSACHUSETTS TRIBE

The local Native Americans lived along the Charles River, moving up and down it with the seasons. In the summer they lived and fished near its mouth and farmed along its bends. In the colder months they moved up stream. The Algonquian Indians arrived over 10,000 years ago, coming from the west and north. In 1680, the date of the Needham deed, no more then 500 Indians remained of the once great Massachusetts tribe. The local Chief was William Hahatton (Nehoiden.)
This is how they would speak:
“iNushum Kesukqut, Quttianamunach Ktowesuesuonk.“
In English this means: “Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be thy Name.”

Chief Nehoiden

Sketch by N.C. Wyeth for the New Century Club
The model is said to be Wyeth's younger brother, Stimson
Needham Historical Society Learn More

The chief of the Massachusetts tribe in this area was named William Nehoiden. He was of royal blood and proud of his ancestors. He made a deal with the Englishmen who settled in this area and wanted to buy the land from him. The Selectmen of Dedham wanted to give him payment for his lush land. Nehoiden demanded 40 English pounds and 50 acres of land for his own use in trade for the great island lagoon the north side of the Charles River, five miles one way and four miles the other.

The Selectmen were interested, but concerned. They empowered Thomas Fuller and Richard Ellis, experienced surveyors to begin the discussion with Nehoiden. After some debate, on April 13, 1680, they got the deed for the land they wanted for 10 pounds and a quantity of Indian corn worth 40 shillings. Nehoiden got to keep 40 acres of land for himself. This historic event is on Needham's official seal which shows two white men accepting a scroll from a Native American in the High Rock area.

Photos of Indian Cave at Hemlock Gorge