Elizabeth Poole facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elizabeth Poole (Pole)
|
|
|---|---|
Plaque on the front of the Pilgrim Congregational Church (Taunton, Massachusetts)
|
|
| Born | August 25, 1588 East Devon, England
|
| Died | May 21, 1654 |
| Known for | Founding Taunton, Massachusetts |
Elizabeth Poole or Pole (born August 25, 1588 – died May 21, 1654) was an English woman who traveled to America. She helped start the town of Taunton, Massachusetts. She is known as the first woman to found a town in the Americas.
Contents
Elizabeth Poole's Story
Elizabeth Poole came from a wealthy family in England. She was born in Shute, East Devon. Her father, Sir William Pole, was a knight. Her mother was Mary Peryam. Elizabeth's family lived in a large house called Shute Barton. This house is now a National Trust property.
Journey to America
In 1633, Elizabeth sailed from Plymouth, England. She traveled on a ship called the Speedwell. She brought two friends, fourteen servants, and many goods with her. She also brought twenty tons of salt for fishing. Elizabeth wanted to create a new settlement in America. She also hoped to share her Christian faith with the Native Americans.
Founding Taunton
The town seal of Taunton shows Elizabeth Poole buying land from the local Wampanoag Indians. However, she was not part of the first land deal. Instead, in 1637, she and her brother William Poole bought a large piece of this land. This purchase led to the start of the Taunton settlement in 1638. The next year, on March 3, 1639, the settlement officially became a town.
Her Legacy
When Elizabeth Poole died in 1654, she was a wealthy woman. She had built her own house with an orchard. She also owned a second home. She was one of the few women at that time who left a will. Her will gave her property, including a 40-acre meadow, to her nephew, John Poole.
Her gravestone has a special message. It says she left her good life in England to follow her beliefs in America. It also says she was a big part of starting Taunton. She died on May 21, 1654, at 65 years old.
Elizabeth's Bible
Elizabeth Poole owned a special Bible called a Geneva Bible. In January 2023, this Bible was sold for £20,000.
See also
- First Parish Church (Taunton, Massachusetts)
- Neck of Land Cemetery
