Sholan

Sholan (died 1654) (also known as Nashawhonan, Nashoonan, Shawanon, and Showanon) was the leader (sachem) of the Nashaway tribe who lived on small hill between the two Waushacum Lakes in what is now Sterling, Massachusetts.

[3] In 1643 Sholan sold King and others in the Nashway Company an eighty-mile square tract of land, which became the towns of Lancaster, Berlin, Boylston, Bolton, Sterling, Clinton, and Harvard.

I have been foure times there this Summer, and there be more people by far, then be amongst us; and sundry of them do gladly hear the word of God, but it is neer 40 miles off, and I can but seldom goe to them; where at they are troubled, and desire I should come oftner, and stay longer when I come.

"[7] Sholan died in October 1654 and was succeeded in office by his nephew Matthew who was chosen after the tribe was advised to do so by John Eliot as encouraged by the Massachusetts authorities, instead of a rival (possibly Shoshanin) who was prone to intoxication.

[10] Sholan was also survived by a nephew, George Tahanto, who deeded further land grants to settlers in the area in 1701.