Born: probably c.1590 -1600
Died: before 1643

“And there was another Indian called Hobbomock come to live amongst them, a proper lusty man, and a man of account for his valour and parts amongst the Indians.”
– William Bradford, Of Plimoth Plantation

Hobbomock was a “Pniese,” a military advisor and important diplomat of the Massasoit, Ousamequin. Described as a young man, he was perhaps about 30 at the time he encountered the Mayflower Pilgrims. Soon after the Wampanoag and the English formed an alliance in 1621, Hobbomock and his family established a home on the hill overlooking the colony. This proximity allowed him to keep Ousamequin informed of their activities.

Hobbomock became a significant envoy to the English. He translated for them and often accompanied them on trading missions. In addition to being Ousamequin’s advisor, he also counseled other Indigenous leaders. In June of 1621, when the English heard a report that Ousamequin had been captured by the Narragansett, Hobbomock was instrumental in determining what was actually happening and defusing the crisis.

Though Hobbomock maintained good relations with his English counterparts, his allegiance was to Ousamequin. In March 1623, when hearing a mistaken report of Ousamequin’s death, Hobbomock grieved the loss of his “loving Sachem” and spoke about the Massasoit with such “unfeigned sorrow, as it would have made the hardest heart relent.”

When Plymouth leaders learned of a Native plan to attack the English at Wessagusset and Plymouth in 1623, Hobbomock accompanied Standish and a party of soldiers to confront the instigators of the threat. But he refused to take part in Standish’s ambush of Witawamet, Pecksuot, and others when the English used false pretenses to entrap and kill them. Despite Hobbomock’s misgivings with how the English had conducted themselves, he remained an ally.

It is unclear if Hobbomock ever moved away from Plymouth Colony or if he continued to live close to the town. Even his end is uncertain, though records suggest he died sometime before 1643.