Iyannough

Iyannough, the sachem of Cummaquid, is a significant historical figure deserving of remembrance for his benevolence towards the Pilgrims and his unfortunate demise. He led the Mattachiest (Mattakeese) tribe, with territories encompassing present-day Barnstable, parts of West Barnstable, Sandy Neck, South and West Yarmouth, and the eastern and northeastern sections of Hyannis.

The Pilgrims first encountered Iyannough in the spring of 1621, approximately 18 months post the Mayflower's arrival in Provincetown. A young son of Mayflower passenger John Billington had strayed from the Plymouth settlement and became lost in the woods. After several days of unsuccessful searching, the Pilgrims learned from Native Americans that the boy had been located near Manomet, about twenty miles south of Plymouth. The sachem there, for reasons unknown, sent the boy to Aspinet, the sachem of Nauset. An account of the Pilgrims' journey to Nauset to retrieve the boy was documented in Mourt’s Relation (1622), attributed to Edward Winslow.

On June 11, the Pilgrims set sail for Nauset under fair weather, but soon encountered a storm. They sought refuge at Cummaquid, hoping to find the boy. Two Native Americans accompanied them: Tisquantum, their interpreter, and Tokamahamon, a close ally. Upon arrival, they anchored in the bay and, the following morning, spotted Native Americans gathering lobsters. The interpreters communicated their purpose, assuring the locals of their peaceful intentions. The Native Americans informed them that the boy was safe in Nauset but invited them ashore for a meal. The Pilgrims accepted, meeting Iyannough, a young man of about twenty-six, who was gracious and hospitable.

A poignant moment occurred when an elderly woman, estimated to be over a hundred years old, visited the Pilgrims. Overcome with emotion, she wept upon seeing them, revealing that her three sons had been taken captive by Master Hunt during a trading expedition. The Pilgrims expressed their sorrow for her loss and reassured her of their goodwill, offering her small gifts that brought her some comfort.

After dining, the Pilgrims continued to Nauset, with Iyannough and two of his men accompanying them. As they approached Nauset, the day was waning, preventing them from entering with their shallop. Iyannough went ashore with his men, while Tisquantum was sent to inform Aspinet of their arrival. After sunset, Aspinet arrived with a large entourage, bringing the boy back to the Pilgrims, who presented gifts in return.

Subsequent encounters between the Pilgrims and Iyannough occurred in the fall of that year, as the Pilgrims sought to trade with Native Americans to avert starvation following a poor harvest. Under William Bradford's leadership, they successfully traded for provisions, including corn and beans, at various locations, including Cummaquid, where Iyannough again provided generous assistance.

Despite the initial cordial relations, tensions escalated between the Pilgrims and Native Americans due to food shortages and aggressive actions by the colonists. Led by military captain Myles Standish, the Pilgrims attacked members of the Massachusetts tribe, resulting in the deaths of several warriors, including Wituwamet, whose head was displayed as a grim trophy in Plymouth. This violence instilled fear among the Native Americans, leading many to abandon their homes and crops, resulting in widespread mortality among their ranks, including Iyannough.

Iyannough's death marked a significant loss, as he was noted for his amiable nature. Following his passing, a discovery in 1861 by David Davis and Patrick Hughs of a skeleton and artifacts in Cummaquid led historians to speculate that they belonged to Iyannough. The grave's location and the presence of English-origin artifacts suggested a connection to the sachem, although definitive proof remains elusive.

The skeleton and associated artifacts were eventually housed at Pilgrim Hall in Plymouth, MA, where they were displayed for many years, serving as a testament to the complex interactions between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans during this pivotal period in history.