Passaconaway of British Origin?

AskLisa — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:10:00 GMT

Is New Hampshire's famous Indian Chief Passaconaway really from Britain?

Reader: As you will see from my name (Conaway) I am very curious to know how my surname which is of British origin came to be part of your famous Passaconaway. I came across the name while reading a book of the Mayflower and The Pilgrim Fathers. It to me does not sound like an Indian name! If you throw any light on this I would really appreciate some info.

Lisa: That's very interesting. Growing up, I heard stories about Passaconaway as he is one of the most well-known Native American Indians from our region. I don't really know how he came to be called Passaconaway, however it seems that there is some record of his existence before the Pilgrims landed. You may want to check with the NH Historical Society. They might have further information/details.

Here is a bit about Passaconaway from a book about him:
http://www.sidis.net/PassContents.htm

The NH Historical Society:
http://www.nhhistory.org/

Ask Lisa : Culture

Passaconaway of British Origin?