An Inquiry into Acculturation through the Eyes of William Apess

William Apess a missionary priest, activist and author on Native American land in the early 1800’s. His life was filled with abuse, hardship, alcoholism, and neglect from beginning to end. He embodies a best case scenario for an acculturated Native American during his lifetime, yet he still succumbed to same fate. William Apess’ was a true reformer who sought knowledge of Christianity. He was able to exploit all settlers whom betrayed Christ’s principles and integrity through the rhetoric used by whites. By having the opportunity to be educated and literate, he was able to fight against them intellectually and spirituality all with the hope of a more harmonious world.

Primary Sources

Apess, William. The Increase of the Kingdom of Christ: A Sermon. New-York: Printed for the Author by G.F. Bunce, 1831. Print.

In this piece of writing, William Apes points out the flaws and corruption of religion. He indicates how the principles of love are manipulated for the benefit of the white man. He discusses an ideal world in the eyes of Christ and how skewed colonists’ vision has played a huge role in Indian discrimination and abuse. Ultimately, he seeks to grow the population of Indian Christians. In doing so, he must distinguish Christian values and principles from Christianity's followers to the natives.

Apess, William, and Barry O'Connell. A Son of the Forest and Other Writings. Amherst: U of Massachusetts, 1997. Print.

William Apess’ autobiography is included in these writings. His activism, ministry, diplomacy and personal writings are included. These documents highlight his character and passion for equality and justice. The collective writings emphasize the hardship he had to go to accomplish what he has. He wrote the earliest autobiography known to man and gave Native Americans much needed understanding, clarity and hope amongst violence. His articulation provided understanding of Christianity to Native Indians and challenged the reasoning of whites in these writings.

Apess, William, and Barry O'Connell. On Our Own Ground: The Complete Writings of William Apess, a Pequot. Amherst: U of Massachusetts, 1992. Print.

In these writings, he describes how the basis of democracy is contrary to the reality of the settlers. In his testimonies, we are able to examine white supremacy firsthand. He discusses how “the word” was used against him until he read the bible. He explains that doing so left him even more puzzled by white men. He in detail describes the unfair deprivation of life for Native Americans.

Secondary Sources

Gura, Philip F. "Son of the Forest: William Apess and the Fight for Indigenous Rights." New England Review, no. 4, 2015, p. 72. EBSCOhost, lsproxy.austincc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsglr&AN=edsgcl.396608587&site=eds-live&scope=site.

This Author discusses how William Apess challenges whites to recognize their fault in impoverished natives. The author discusses how the stripping of one’s culture in trying to assimilate and acculturate can be counterproductive. The author highlights the odds of Apess’ success being born into poverty and abuse himself. He examines Apess’ condemning of Christianity, his life and his power.

Goodnight, Ethan. "William Apess, Pequot Pastor: A Native American Revisioning of Christian Nationalism in the Early Republic." Religions, vol. 8, no. 2, Feb. 2017, pp. 1-17. EBSCOhost, doi:10.3390/rel8020018.

This is an essay examining William Apess’s perspective on Christian through his writings. He highlights his anger with the adversities that haven risen for natives since Christians settled on indigenous land. The author of this author argues that William Apes seeks to create harmony for whites and natives rather than reciprocating nationalism towards natives.

MILLER, MARK J. "Mouth for God": Temperate Labor, Race, and Methodist Reform in William Apess's a Son of the Forest."[ACC1] Journal of the Early Republic, vol. 30, no. 2, Summer2010, pp. 225-251. EBSCOhost, lsproxy.austincc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=48791183&site=eds-live&scope=site.

This author analyzes the power of William Apes. The author suggests that his authority as a priest is the single most factor that enabled him the rhetoric success he had. The author examines his political and social reforms. The author examines the balancing of native and white values for solidarity.

Wyss, Hilary E. "Captivity and Conversion: William Apess, Mary Jemison, and Narratives of Racial Identity." American Indian Quarterly, vol. 23, no. 3/4, Summer/Fall99, p. 63. EBSCOhost, lsproxy.austincc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f5h&AN=3039366&site=eds-live&scope=site.

Hilary Wyss discusses the brutality of conversion in juxtaposition to Apess’ personal transformation and acculturation. She argues that Apess’ doubted potential transformation for all natives. Wyss discusses the importance of racial identity and how it was compromised for natives. Wyss states the process of Apess’ publication, which is crucial to examining how he attained success.

Gianni Luisi