Who is Samson Occom from The World Turned Upside Down: Indian Voices from Early America and what is their importance?

Samson Occom was born in 1723 into the Mohegan Indian tribe. In his autobiography, he describes growing up as a "heathen" living off the land, hunting, and cultivating crops. At the age of sixteen, Occom was exposed to European missionaries preaching Christianity. He converted at that age and then spent the next four years in the service of Reverend Eleazar Wheelock. At this time, he worked hard to learn English and learn the customs and beliefs of Christianity.