Metacomet (1636-1676)

Biography
Metacomet, also known as Metacom and by his adopted English name King Philip, was a Wampanoag and the second son of the sachem Massasoit (c1581-1661). He became a chief of his people in 1662 when his brother Wamsutta (c1634-1662) (or King Alexander) died shortly after their father Massasoit. Wamsutta's widow Weetamoo (c1635-1676), sunksqua of the Pocasset, was Metacomet's ally and friend for the rest of her life. Metacomet married Weetamoo's younger sister Wootonekanuske. No one knows how many children they had or what happened to them all. Wootonekanuske and one of their sons were sold to slavery in the West Indies following the defeat of the Native Americans in what became known as King Philip's War.

At the beginning Metacom sought to live in harmony with the colonists. As a sachem, he took the lead in much of his tribes' trade with the colonies. He adopted the European name of Philip, and bought his clothes in Boston, Massachusetts.

But the colonies continued to expand. To the west, the Iroquois Confederation also was fighting against neighboring tribes in the Beaver Wars, pushing them from the west and encroaching on his territory. Finally, in 1671, the colonial leaders of the Plymouth Colony forced major concessions from him. Metacomet surrendered much of his tribe's armament and ammunition, and agreed that they were subject to English law. The encroachment continued until hostilities broke out in 1675. Metacomet led the opponents of the English, with the goal of stopping Puritan expansion.

Marriage and Family
Wamsutta married Weetamoo (c1635-1676).

Bradfords Journal
From the record made (Circa 1651) by Gov Wm Bradford about early Plymouth settlers: