Molley Mohalk

Located in the recesses of Wapping Cemetery is the headstone of Molley Mohalk, whose inscription reads, “In memory of Molley Mohalk who Dieb Desember AD 1766. In the 28 Year of Her Age. A Squaw”

Molley is noted to have been the first person buried in the old Wapping Cemetery. It has been speculated that she may have been captured during the French and Indian War (1756 and 1763) and brought to a local family to serve as a servant or slave. Her grave was recorded to be “opened” by Oliver Skinner, the first sexton of Wapping Parish. Her red sandstone marker was carved by Peter Buckland in his earlier days of work. A crowned winged face dons the top of her marker and its tympanums feature highly stylized plant and flower imagery.

Mystery and intrigue surround this notable South Windsor Woman. Who was Molley Mohalk? And why was this Native American woman buried alongside Revolutionary War veterans and descendants of the Mayflower voyage?

If you have any information or insight which could shed some light on this notable south windsor woman Liz Glaviano our museum educator would like to hear from you.