John Sergeant (missionary)

John Sergeant (1710-1749) was a Presbyterian missionary who dedicated his life to working with the Stockbridge Indians (also known as the Muh-he-con-ne-ok) in western Massachusetts. Born in Newark, New Jersey, he graduated from Yale College in 1729 and was ordained in 1734.

Sergeant's mission began in 1735 in what is now Stockbridge, Massachusetts. He learned the Algonquian language spoken by the Stockbridge Indians and worked to convert them to Christianity. He also established a school for the children of the tribe, teaching them both religious and secular subjects.

Beyond religious conversion and education, Sergeant played a crucial role in mediating between the Stockbridge Indians and the increasingly encroaching English settlers. He advocated for the tribe's land rights and sought to protect them from exploitation. He understood the importance of preserving aspects of their culture while encouraging adoption of certain European customs.

Sergeant married Abigail Williams, the daughter of Reverend John Williams of Deerfield, Massachusetts, who had been famously captured during the Deerfield Massacre. They had several children.

John Sergeant died prematurely in 1749 at the age of 38. His work among the Stockbridge Indians was continued by Jonathan Edwards, the prominent theologian, who succeeded him as missionary. Sergeant's legacy is complex, reflecting the ambiguities and challenges of colonial missionary work in its efforts to combine evangelism with cultural interaction and advocacy. His papers and writings provide valuable insight into the history of the Stockbridge Indians and the dynamics of intercultural relations in the 18th century.