A Short Narrative of My Life
| Author | Samson Occom |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Autobiography |
Publication date | 1768 |
A Short Narrative of My Life is an autobiographical account by Rev. Samson Occom (1723–1792) and is one of the earliest English-language writings by a Native American. It was written in 1768.[1]
Original Documentation
[edit]The original document, specifically the second draft of Samson Occom’s A Short Narrative of My Life, is kept in the Dartmouth Libraries. This version includes handwritten annotations, likely added by a 19th-century editor, which reflect efforts to interpret Occom’s original handwriting[2].
Synopsis
[edit]This autobiographical narrative recounts the religious experiences and life journey of Samson Occom, beginning at age 16 when he experienced a profound spiritual awakening during a Christian minister’s preaching to his community. Inspired by the message of the minister, he decided to pursue his spiritual and academic career. He began to teach himself to read, before seeking formal instruction under the guidance of Reverend Eleazar Wheelock. Despite Occom’s intentions to stay with Wheelock briefly, he remained under his mentorship for four years. During this time, his education was supported by Wheelock’s friends and associates. However, ongoing health issues and severe eye strain eventually forced him to discontinue his studies.
In defiance of his poor health, Samson remained determined to serve his people. He traveled among several Native communities offering his instruction and teachings, and eventually settled in Montauk, Long Island. There he taught in school, led religious meetings, cared for the ill, and served as both minister and mediator for the local tribes. On top of these responsibilities, he had a growing family to support, stating, “I took all opportunities to get something to feed my family daily.” To provide for them, Samson turned to farming, hunting, fishing, and took on any work he could find.
His devotion and labor continued for over a decade, often under immense hardship and with inadequate financial compensation. He notes with pain the unfair treatment he received compared to white missionaries, attributing this disparity to racial prejudice. Despite these challenges, he remained committed to his mission, driven by compassion for his people and a deep sense of spiritual calling[3].
Analysis and Symbolism
[edit]In this passage, Occom refers to his first encounters with the Great Awakening, a religious movement that started in Europe and spread throughout the United States and that was strongly dedicated to prayer and to establishing new churches. This period of religious retrieval in the 18th century. Occum was affected by the movement and committed to Christianity, where his main focused centers in Theology, became a Missionary and a Presbyterian minister. Samson's experience reflected the awakening of the influence on individuals impacting the relationships between Christian missionaries and Native Americans. Where Occum wanted to put Skepticism away and convert others to be enlightened.
His work had some similarities to Mary Rowlandson's A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson (1683). Where both of their focuses were centered in their faith in the Colonial context. Writing based upon their experiences using their narrative to explore faith. Referring to the bible and using it to interpret and influence their audience. Rawlandson narrative centered in white women among Native Americans[4]. Rowlandson wrote about being taken as a captive among the Indians due to the Indians' trying to regain their land from King Philip's War. Occom also wrote about his struggles to break away from his Indian tribe, although his reason was to learn about the word of God and then go back and spread the message to his people. Occom aims to promote Christian Education and the importance of spreading Christian teaching[5]. He also wrote about his struggles to break away from his Indian tribe, his reason was to learn about the word of God and then go back and spread the message to his people.
Theme
[edit]The main idea in A Short Narrative of My Life is the Great Awakening—a series of religious revivals in the American colonies during the 18th century that inspired people to get to know and deepen their relationship with God—and how it was used to transform society. The Great Awakening was supposed to create more equality between different groups of people, but inequality and prejudice were still very common. White preachers were often favored over Native American preachers. During that time, Native Americans were often not allowed to attend the same higher education courses as others. Occom realized that, in order to make a difference, he had to take action on his own, as race favoritism was still very present. He understood that bold statements and actions were necessary for success. His efforts and those of many others allowed people from different backgrounds to share the goal of spreading God's word. These shared beliefs and efforts ultimately helped make the American Revolution possible.
References
[edit]- ^ "Samson Occam", Early American Writing, ed. Carla Mulford, New York: Oxford UP, 2002, p. 868.
- ^ "Samson Occom, autobiography, undated". collections.dartmouth.edu. Retrieved 2025-04-11.
- ^ "A Short Narrative of My Life". Teaching American History. Retrieved 2025-04-11.
- ^ "Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs Mary Rowlandson", Schlager Anthology of Early America, Schlager Group Inc., 2022-01-15, ISBN 978-1-935306-67-2, retrieved 2025-04-16
- ^ "Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs Mary Rowlandson", Schlager Anthology of Early America, Schlager Group Inc., 2022-01-15, ISBN 978-1-935306-67-2, retrieved 2025-04-16