Charles, Polly
Little is known of the life of Polly Charles. That she was related to Benjamin Charles is suggested, not only by the shared surname, but also by the fact that they shared rights to land on the reservation. In April of 1819, Polly was a signatory to a petition for the appointment of a new overseer. She, along with 24 others from the community, petitioned the New London County Court for the appointment of Captain Eneas Morgan as overseer.
This is also around the time she first appears in the records of the State appointed overseers. For a relatively short period, from 1819- 1826 Polly Charles receiving goods and services paid for out of the tribal fund for such necessaries as clothing, cloth, shoes, and food.
In 1825 Polly Charles, once again, put her name to a request for the appointment of a new overseer. She, along with 18 others, petitioned the New London County Court for the discharge of Overseer Elisha Crary and the appointment of Erastus Williams in his stead.
Polly Charles had land rights at Mashantucket, evidenced by a leased parcel of land bearing both her name and that of Benjamin Charles. From April 1, 1826 to April 1, 1827 neighboring non-Native John Wilcox was noted as leasing, among other properties, the “Ben and Polly place”. Several years later, from April 1830 to April 1832, Wilcox was again billed for leasing the “Benjamin and Polly Charles lot”.
Polly Charles fades from the Overseer records in 1826 -1827. Around this time, there is a charge to the tribe for a coffin. It is possible that this was for Polly Charles.
Petition of the Western Pequots to the Connecticut General Assembly, 1819.04.24.00; Petition of the Western Pequot Tribe to the New London County Court, 1825.00.00.00; CSL, RG3, NLCC:PbS, Indians, Mashantucket Pequot; Worthpoint Auction, https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/pequot-indians-1826-27-groton-ct-1979548404
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