Benjamin Church (1639-1718) was an English militia commander during King Philip’s War, a bloody conflict between the English colonists and the Wampanoag and allied Native American tribes in New England from 1675 to 1676. Church is best known for developing new military tactics that helped the English to win the war, and for his controversial decision to recruit Native American allies to fight against their own people.
Early Life and Career
Church was born in Plymouth Colony, Massachusetts, in 1639. He grew up on a farm and learned to track and fight in the wilderness. In 1672, he was commissioned as a captain in the Plymouth militia.
King Philip’s War
In 1675, King Philip (Metacomet), the sachem of the Wampanoag, led a series of attacks against English settlements in New England. The war quickly spread to other colonies, and soon thousands of people were involved on both sides.
Church was one of the first English commanders to be called up to fight in the war. He quickly distinguished himself by developing new military tactics that were more effective against the Native Americans. Church’s tactics included using small, mobile units to track and ambush the enemy, and using Native American allies to scout and gather intelligence.
Recruitment of Native American Allies
One of Church’s most controversial decisions was to recruit Native American allies to fight against their own people. Church argued that it was necessary to use Native American scouts and warriors to defeat the Wampanoag. He also believed that by recruiting Native American allies, he could help to divide the Native American community and make it more difficult for King Philip to wage war.
Church’s decision to recruit Native American allies was unpopular with many English settlers, who feared and mistrusted the Native Americans. However, Church’s tactics proved to be effective, and he was able to recruit a number of Native American allies, including the Sakonet and Pocasset tribes.
Contributions to the English Victory
Church played a key role in the English victory in King Philip’s War. He led a number of successful campaigns against the Wampanoag, and he was instrumental in the capture and killing of King Philip in 1676.
Church’s contributions to the war were recognized by the English colonists. He was promoted to colonel and awarded a grant of land. He also became a respected figure among the Native American allies who had fought with him.
Legacy
Benjamin Church was a complex and controversial figure. He was a skilled military commander who helped the English to win King Philip’s War, but he was also willing to use Native American allies against their own people.
Church’s legacy is still debated today. Some historians view him as a hero who helped to secure the future of the English colonies in New England. Others view him as a ruthless opportunist who was willing to sacrifice the Native Americans for his own gain.
Conclusion
Regardless of one’s opinion of Benjamin Church, there is no doubt that he was a significant figure in American history. He played a key role in the outcome of King Philip’s War, and his military tactics helped to shape the way that wars were fought in the American wilderness for many years to come.
Additional Information
In addition to his military career, Benjamin Church also served as a colonial official and a magistrate. He was a respected member of the Plymouth Colony community, and he played a role in shaping the development of the colony.
Church is also known for his book, The Entertaining History of King Philip’s War, which was first published in 1716. The book is a firsthand account of the war, and it is considered to be one of the most important sources of the conflict.
If you are interested in learning more about Benjamin Church and King Philip’s War, I encourage you to read the following resources:
- The Entertaining History of King Philip’s War by Benjamin Church
- King Philip’s War The History and Legacy of America’s Forgotten Conflict by Eric B. Shultz and Michael J. Tougias
Eric J Ostroff 