Taphow[a] (/ˈtæpˌh/ TAP-hoh) was a Native American Munsee sachem in Connecticut, was the son of Ponus and the uncle to Katonah. Taphow, known as the "Sakimore and Commander in Chief of all those Indians inhabiting in northern New Jersey, signed many land deeds "in the lands of Taphow and his relations" including the Ramapo Tract in 1700, the Kakiat Patent in 1701 and witnessed the sale of the Wawayanda Patent.[1] Taphow's wife, Awowas (Wawowus), and son Quatowquechuck also signed on some land deeds.[2] Taphow was accused of murder in Connecticut but was acquitted for lack of evidence.[3]

Taphow
Munsee leader
Personal details
SpouseAwowas (Wawowus)
RelationsBrothers, Onox(the older) and Owenoke.
ChildrenQuatowquechuck
Parent(s)Father, Ponus. Son, Quatowquechuck. Nephews, Katonah and Powahay.

Notes edit

  1. ^ Because the Dutch used phonetic spelling to write his name, it appears on deeds in a variety of ways, including Tapehome, Tapehow, Tapgow, Taphance, Taphaow, Taphow, Tapphow, Tephgan, Topgow, and Tophow.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ a b Grumet 1991, p. 221–222.
  2. ^ Orcutt 1880, p. xxxiii: "In the second deed Patucko's name stands first and Atumtucko's second; then Taphow, then Wawowus. This fourth name sounds like a new one, but making due allowance for inaccurate hearing and spelling on the part of the early scribes, it may be easily identified with Alwaush in the former list. The rest of the signers are new; Judas (another English name), Mantow, Momantow's squaw, Mercy (Sepuses's squaw) and Quatowquechuck, who is described as Taphow's son."
  3. ^ Selleck 1896, pp. 37–38: "Taphance, his second son, lived under a cloud, he was charged with murder, albeit, in justice to his memory it ought to be stated that the Court dismissed his case on the ground of insufficient evidence."

Bibliography edit

  • References of Robert S. Grumet (1991). Orr, David G.; Campana, Douglas V. (eds.). The People of Minisink: Papers from the 1989 Delaware Water Gap Symposium. Philadelphia: National Park Service, Mid-Atlantic Region. hdl:2027/wu.89073127573.
  • Orcutt, Samuel (1880). The History of the Old Town of Derby, Connecticut, 1642-1880. Press of Springfield Printing Company.
  • Selleck, Rev. Charles M. (1896). Norwalk. The author.

External links edit