Samson Occom
1723-1792 18th century
To serve without being repaid, and to say so without falling silent.
Who was Samson Occom?
A Mohegan of Connecticut, he learned to read at seventeen, became a schoolmaster and then a preacher among the Montauk of Long Island. Sent to England, he preached some three hundred times and raised a fortune for an Indian school, money that in the end founded a college for white students. He came home bitter but faithful, led his community to new land, and wrote the earliest known autobiography by a Native American.
In their own words
I was Born a Heathen and Brought up In Heathenism, 'til I was between 16 and 17 years of age.
I had, as I trust, a Discovery of the way of Salvation through Jesus and was enabled to put my trust in him alone for Life and Salvation. From this Time the Distress and Burden of my mind was removed, and I found Serenity and Pleasure of Soul.
I believe it is because I am a poor Indian. I can't help that God has made me so; I did not make myself so.