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Occom, Samson, 1723-1792

 

Dates

  • Existence: 1723 - 1792

Biography

The Reverend Samson Occom, a member of the Mohegan nation, was born in 1723 on Mohegan land near New London, Connecticut. In 1743, he began to study theology with Congregational minister Eleazar Wheelock. Occom became a schoolmaster and Presbyterian minister, serving as a missionary to Indian communities in New England and at Montauk on Long Island. In 1766, he and fellow minister Nathaniel Whitaker traveled to England to raise money for Wheelock's Indian Charity School. In the early 1770s Occom and Wheelock had falling out over the use of the funds raised in England to found Dartmouth College. In 1786, Occom moved to Oneida territory in New York, to found a separate Christian Indian community. He settled there with his wife Mary Fowler, their family, and a contingent of Christian Indians. The community was known as Brothertown. Occom died in Brothertown in 1792.

Found in 9 Collections and/or Records:

Mohegan in New London, Connecticut., to Mrs. Mary Occom Digital Version Available

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 000800
Mss 000800
Date(s): [176-?]
Abstract

Emotional letter from Samson Occum to his wife Mary Fowler, acknowledging the burden of caring for their children in her absence, and stressing his feelings for his family and the importance of faith and his ministry.

New Stockbridge, NY, to ? [Minister of Albany] New Stockbridge, NY, to ? [Minister of Albany] Digital Version Available

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 791676
Mss 791676
Date(s): 1791-12-26
Abstract

Has moved to Munhegunnack or New Stockbridge. Conditions there. Postscript dated January 8: State of religion among the Indians. Mr. Kirkland is visiting his parish.

N.P., to Madame ...

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 756900.2
Mss 756900.2
Date(s): circa 1756
Abstract

Letter of thanks for her continuing kindness and expressing great hope that God will shine His light upon her in reward for her good deeds.

Poughkeepsie, NY, to Benoni Occom Poughkeepsie, NY, to Benoni Occom Digital Version Available

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 791117
Mss 791117
Date(s): 1791-01-17
Abstract

Is going to N.Y. to attend on the Assembly about land matters.

Samson Occom digital collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS-1237
MS-1237
Date(s): 1743 to 1790
Abstract

Samson Occom, Mohegan Indian minister and missionary. Helped raise funds for Eleazar Wheelock's school which later became Dartmouth College. Journals and sermons document his life and career as a Native American Congregational minister between 1743 and 1790.

Samson Occom letter Digital Version Available

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 003111
Mss 003111
Date(s): 17--
Abstract

In a strongly worded letter to an unidentified correspondent, Occom declares that John [Dantuckquet?] and himself have been unjustly served with lawsuits. Occom writes, if there is no redress he would rather be among "the most Wild and uncultivated Indians, in the Western wilderness."

Samson Occom letter

 Folder: 44, Box 1
Identifier: Mss 788172
Part of MS-1237: Samson Occom digital collection
Date(s): 1788-02-22
Scope and Contents

Letter from Samson Occom of Philadelphia to the Friends, Philadelphia in which he thanks the Friends for the kindness show them in Philadelphia. Signed by Occom, David Fowler and Peter Pohquonnoppeet.(788172)

Found in: Samson Occom digital collection Box: 1

State of N.Y. to Samson Occom Digital Version Available

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 791174
Mss 791174
Date(s): 1791-02-24
Abstract

The State of N.Y. granting Samson Occom £15 for his expenses in attending the legislature in behalf of Brothertown. On reverse, Samson Occom’s receipt for the sum.

Two Hymns Digital Version Available

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 000194
Mss 000194
Date(s): undated
Abstract

Two hymns: “Nativity” and “Come all my young companions, come.” Atttributed to Samson Occom.

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