Native American Schoolmaster And Preacher

Two Worlds.

Samson Occom, a Mohegan Indian born and raised near New London, Connecticut, was something of a novelty. A Native American who could write and speak English with grace and style, Occom has been called the father of Native American literature. He was also a preacher and schoolteacher who devoted his life to serving God and helping his people. Occom also knew the liabilities of being an Indian. His mentor, Eleazar Wheelock, abused his trust, and his own denomination lessened its support as he pushed harder to protect Indian lands, thus making clear the liabilities of being an Indian in a white man's world.

Early Life.

Occom was the grandson of Tomockham and the son of Joshua Ockham. His mother, "Widow Sarah" Occom, was one of the first Mohegan converts of the Great Awakening. Samson, at sixteen years old...