Molly Ockett
Molly Ockett (also "Mollyockett", "Mollocket" and "Molly Occut") (born c. 1740, Saco, Maine, died August 2, 1816, Andover, Maine), was a Pequawket Abenaki woman who lived in the regions of northern New Hampshire, Maine and central Quebec during colonial times. She was baptized and given the name Marie Agathe. This became "Mali Agat" when spoken by the Abenaki, which sounded like "Molly Ockett" to English-speaking listeners.[1]
Biography
Molly was born about 1740 in the area now known as Saco, Maine.[2]
Molly was reputed to be a skilled healer[3] and wise woman with a singular sense of humor. She is reputed to have saved the life of future Vice President of the United States Hannibal Hamlin when he was an infant. She was well known by European settlers in the area and her name is still attached to numerous locales in the Androscoggin River valley and surrounding territory.[4]
Molly Ockett was skilled in traditional Abenaki crafts[5]
Her date of death is given as August 2, 1816. She is buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Andover, Maine. She was reputed to be the last living member of the Pequaket tribe.
Legacy
- Molly Ockett Middle School in Fryeburg, Maine, is named after her.[6]
- Bethel, Maine, once held an annual summer festival titled 'Molly Ockett Day'.[7][8][9]
- Molly Ockett Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in Bridgton, Maine is named in her honor.
References
- "Molly Ockett and Her World". Museums of the Bethel Historical Society. Museums of the Bethel Historical Society. Retrieved August 2, 2023.
- Newell, Catherine. "Well-known Indians of the Bethel Area". Museums of the Bethel Historical Society. Bethel Historical Society. Retrieved August 2, 2023.
- "Who Was MollyOckett?". MollyOckett Day. Bethel, Maine: Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved July 15, 2016.
- "Molly Ockett and Her World". Bethel Historical Society. Retrieved December 22, 2013.
- "Molly Ockett and Her World". www.bethelhistorical.org. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
- "Mona Polacca - North America at Evergreen". Retrieved June 16, 2013.
- "MollyOckett Days". Retrieved June 8, 2014.
- "Annual Events". Bethel, Maine. Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
- "Molly Ockett Day name changed to Summerfest". Sun Journal. Lewiston Sun Journal. February 13, 2020. Retrieved July 26, 2021.