Chief Oratam
Chief Oratam was sachem of the Hackensack indians during the time when the Dutch settlers first arrived at the northeast part of New Jersey. Chief Oratam was born in the year 1577 in Hackensack, New Jersey. He was a famous sachem of a large clan of Lenapes and a solemn negotiator between Native Americans and the European settlers. Oratam lived an unusual long 90 years. He was buried in Wykoff, New Jersey.
Chief Oratam was a sage negotiator who helped form many treaties between his people and the newcomers. He became in charge of the Hackensack, a large group of Native American in 1643. According to New Jersey Social Studies textbook on page 74, it mentions, " As Europeans began to settle in the Delaware homeland, conflicts soon arose between Dutch settlers and the surrounding Native American groups." As a respected sachem, Chief Oratam was chosen to settle arguments. Sitting around a rectangular wood table with friendly smiles on face, Oratam had peaceful conversations with newcomers. To end all hostilities, treaties were signed and truces were declared. By then, Oratam became quite influential. He acted as a peace symbol of conflicts.
Some legends about Oratam are sure interesting. Oratam was said to have another name, Oratini. He belonged to the turtle clan. During his rule, Oratam was very generous and fair. Based on the textbook on page 74, to show appreciation to his interpreter Sara Kiersted, Chief Oratam gave her 2,000 acres of land. He was even trusted by the Dutch. Chief Oratam even traveled to the colonies territory to organized a conference which banished hostilities.
Chief Oratam was a sage negotiator who helped form many treaties between his people and the newcomers. He became in charge of the Hackensack, a large group of Native American in 1643. According to New Jersey Social Studies textbook on page 74, it mentions, " As Europeans began to settle in the Delaware homeland, conflicts soon arose between Dutch settlers and the surrounding Native American groups." As a respected sachem, Chief Oratam was chosen to settle arguments. Sitting around a rectangular wood table with friendly smiles on face, Oratam had peaceful conversations with newcomers. To end all hostilities, treaties were signed and truces were declared. By then, Oratam became quite influential. He acted as a peace symbol of conflicts.
Some legends about Oratam are sure interesting. Oratam was said to have another name, Oratini. He belonged to the turtle clan. During his rule, Oratam was very generous and fair. Based on the textbook on page 74, to show appreciation to his interpreter Sara Kiersted, Chief Oratam gave her 2,000 acres of land. He was even trusted by the Dutch. Chief Oratam even traveled to the colonies territory to organized a conference which banished hostilities.
I chose Chief Oratam as my famous New Jerseyan because he was a trusted, respected, fair, peaceful negotiator among the Dutch settlers and Lenape Indians. Oratam used the non-violent way to solve conflicts the influenced people nowadays. Next time, when I argue with my brother about who gets to play the game "Bloons Tower Defense 4 " on the computer, Chief Oratam might reminds me to talk to him kindly that we each play 10 minutes in turns. Chief Oratam is remembered not only by two different peoples, also by his peaceful and powerful leadership. So, Chief Oratam is on the Hackensack municipal seal.
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