This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (June 2010) |
John Sassamon, also known as Wussausmon (c. 1620–1675), was a Massachusett man who lived in New England during the colonial era.[1] He converted to Christianity and became a praying Indian, helping to serve as an interpreter to New England colonists. In January 1675, Sassamon was ambushed and assassinated. A mixed jury of colonists and Indian elders convicted and executed three Wampanoag men for his murder. These events helped spark the conflict known as King Philip's War, in which the New England Colonies defeated the Wampanoag and ended armed resistance by the Native Americans of southeastern New England.