The Elliott Bible, translated into Algonquian by John Elliott,  a Puritan missionary known as the “Apostle to the Indians,” was the first Bible printed in the colonies in 1663 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  John used this Bible in his missionary efforts.

The Indians of course had no written language, but John Elliott learned Algonquian with the help of an Indian captive named Cockenoe who spoke both Algonquian and English.  Specifically, John wrote this Bible in what he perceived to be the Massachusetts language.

Eventually, John succeeded in converting 14 towns into what were known as “praying Indians.”

That Bible today resides in the Library of Congress.

Hat tip to Don for this information.