Quashaamit

Quashaamit worked closely with Native leaders Massasoit, Metacomet, Wamsutta, and Wampatuck and deeded large tracts of land to early settlers in what is now Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

On "August 5, 1665, in a deed to the town of Braintree [(Quincy)] made by Wampatuck alias Josiah, Chief Sachem of the Massachusetts Indians, [w]ith the consent of his wise men, [Quashaamit] is called William Mananiomott in the body of the instrument, but his signature is William Manunion, and Joseph Manunion was a witness.

"[8] Inman purchased further land from William Minnian in 1669 which was also confirmed by King Philip (Metacomet) who also refers to William's uncle, Jeffrey, but the deeds were disputed by the town of Providence for several years thereafter because the town already claimed exclusive possession of those lands as previously granted by Canonicus.

Daniel Gookin wrote in 1674 that "William Awinian...was a knowing person, and of great ability, and of genteel deportment, and spoke very good English.

"[9][10] Upon his death John Eliot stated that "Their late Teacher, William, is deceased; He was a man of eminent parts; all the English acknowledge him, and he was known to many.