McMullen, Ann. Native Basketry, Basketry Styles, and Changing Group Identity in Southern New England to Algonkians of New England: Past and Present. Boston, MA: Boston University Press, 1993.
McMullen does not specifically mention Simsbury or the Massacoe natives, but does write an important article on basketry west of the Connecticut River. The author delves into how baskets had been crafted, and the difference in basket making depending on tribe or region.
Loomis, Grace Hubbard. Windsor’s Heritage: 1633-1967. Warehouse Point, CT: Woodworth Press, 1967.
Loomis’ book is about the history of Windsor and its settlement. The author, although perhaps incorrectly stating that the natives of this area acted particularly violently, does discuss native population and disease.
Holbrook, Jay Mack. Connecticut Colonists: Windsor 1635-1703. Oxford, MA: Holbrook research Institute, 1986.
Holbrook provides a compilation of names, births, deaths, marriages in Windsor from the period of 1635-1701. This information can be used to look at settler population demographics, and specifically how size of population relates to the settlement of Simsbury.
Grissom, Nancy Jean. Talcott Mountain, Yesterday and Today. Grottoes, VA: N.J. Grissom, 1988.
Grissom tells the history of Talcott Mountain, and the important role it played in the foundation and history of Simsbury. Grissom also discusses the burning of Simsbury during King Philip’s War, and the legend of King Philip.
Gay, Julius. “The Tunxis Indians: An Historical Address.” Address, Annual Meeting of the Village Library Company, Farmington, CT, September 11, 1901.
The author’s address presents the details of how Farmington was founded through deeds with the natives. Gay proceeds to talk about the legacy of the Farmington Indians up until the 1700’s.
Cooper, Karen Coody. They Have Seized Upon Our Country: The Wangunk of Wethersfield. n.d.
Although Cooper does not specifically discuss the Massacoe, she shares a history of the Connecticut River Valley natives. The author’s most relevant points deal with disease at the time of native-settler contact, and its toll on the native population. Cooper finds her information from letters, journals, reports, etc.
Cooper, Karen Coody. “Connecticut Indians: Early and Now.” The New England Social Studies Bulletin, 1986.
Cooper provides a general history of the settlement of the Connecticut River Valley. Along with providing information on first contact between natives and settlers, Cooper also helps to differentiate between the different tribes. Important historical context is provided that helps understanding the movements happening not far from Simsbury.
Bradshaw, Harold Clayont. The Indians of Connecticut: The Effect of English Colonization and of Missionary Activity on Indian Life in Connecticut. Deep River, CT: New Era Press 1935.
Bradshaw writes extensively of most tribes that could have been found in Connecticut and how English settlement affected them. What is most intriguing in this work is Bradshaw’s estimate on population for the Podunks, Wangunks, and Windsor and Hartford tribes.
Hollister, G. H. The History of Connecticut from the First Settlement of the Colony to the Adoption of the Present Constitution. New Haven, CT: Durrie & Peck, 1855.
Hollister’s historical compilation is inclusive of the history of Connecticut from its settlement to about the time of the book’s first publication. Besides providing background history to the Connecticut River Valley, Hollister provides descriptions of the settlements of both Simsbury, and its direct neighbor, Farmington. Hollister mentions the contact between the settlers and the natives.
Ellsworth, John E. Simsbury, Being a Brief Historical Sketch of Ancient and Modern Simsbury 1642-1932. Simsbury, CT: The Simsbury Committee for the Tercentenary, 1935.
Ellsworth writes a history of Simsbury, and includes important information about the settlement of Simsbury and the natives of the area. The natives are written about in some detail, with paths, village locations, local native legends, relationships with specific natives, etc.