Squanto

Tisquantm spotting the Mayflower (www.viewimages.com)

Tisquantum or Squanto, was his nick name, was born in 1585 at Plymouth Massachusetts. He was part of the Pawtuxet Native American tribe. Tisquantum was kidnapped by English fisherman and taken to Spain. In spain he was sold as a slave there. He ran away to England for several years. While he lived in England he learned to speak English. Tisquantum returned to home in 1619. When he got there, there were no more Pawtuxet Native Americans. They were all wiped out by Smallpox. He became a part of the Wampanoag Native American tribe in 1621. In 1621 Tisquantum met the pilgrims.

Squanto teaching pilgrims. (www.mbeinstitute.org)

When the pilgrims arrived at the new world they did not know how to plant, make houses and many them died from the harsh cold winter. Only 55 pilgrims were left after the winter. Tisquantum taught the pilgrims how to build houses, how to plant corn, beans and squash. He also taught the pilgrims when to plant plants when the leaves turn the size of squirrels ears.

squanto (www.crossroadsforcultures.ca)

Tisquantum was forced to be a slave and that was his unfortunate fate. He was sold in England as a slave. He had to work on the farm or crops. He planted seeds, for fruits and vegetables. He was also sold in Spain. His next job was to work as a priest in a Catholic church. Tisquantum loved his homeland with his wild animals and his berries and nature. He also liked his friends and family.

Squanto holding a musket (www.britannica.com)

Tisquantum is a famous person because he helped the pilgrims survive in the new world. Without Tisquantum all the pilgrims would have died. Tisquantum was very giving to the pilgrims. He shared his food and shared his pelts. He provided food for the first Thanksgiving in Massachusetts. Squanto died in 1622 he was only 37 years old.

Squanto with pilgrims (www.fortunecity.com)

I liked Tisquantum because he helped the pilgrims survive the winters and showed them how to plant crops and corn and other vegetables. If it wasn't for Tisquantum the pilgrims would have died. I think Tisquantum was really nice to help the pilgrims. I know I would be grateful if Tisquantum taught me all those things.