Isaac Allerton Jr. facts for kids

Isaac Allerton Jr. (born around 1627/1630 – died 1702) was an important person in early America. He was a farmer who owned a large farm (a planter), a soldier, a politician, and a merchant (someone who buys and sells goods). He lived during the time when America was made up of colonies, ruled by England. Like his father, he first traded goods in New England. After his father passed away, he moved to Virginia. In Virginia, he was part of the Governor's Council from 1687 to 1691. He also served for many years in the House of Burgesses. This was like a government assembly, representing Northumberland County and later Westmoreland County.

Early Life and Family History

Isaac Allerton Jr. was born in Plymouth, Massachusetts. His exact birth date is not known, but it was between 1627 and 1631. His father, Isaac Allerton Sr., and his grandfather were important leaders in the Plymouth Colony.

His Father, a Mayflower Pilgrim

Isaac Allerton Sr. came to America on the famous ship, the Mayflower. He was one of the original Pilgrims. Isaac Jr.'s father had three older half-siblings. They were Bartholomew, Remember, and Mary. Mary was the last person who had traveled on the Mayflower to pass away.

His Mother, Fear Brewster

Isaac Jr.'s mother was Fear Brewster. She was the second wife of Isaac Allerton Sr. Fear's father was Elder William Brewster. He was a spiritual and political leader in the colony. William Brewster also sailed on the Mayflower and signed the Mayflower Compact. Fear Brewster arrived in Plymouth in 1623 on a ship called the Anne.

Fear Brewster Allerton passed away around 1634. After her death, Isaac Allerton Sr. had some disagreements with other colonists. He later moved to the New Haven Colony. Young Isaac Jr. did not go with him at first. Instead, he was raised by his grandfather, William Brewster. After his grandfather passed away, he lived with his uncle, Love Brewster.

Education and Learning

Isaac Jr.'s grandfather, William Brewster, taught him when he was young. Later, Isaac Jr. went to college. He graduated from Harvard College in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1650.

Marriage and Children

Isaac Allerton Jr. was married two times. His first wife was Elizabeth. They married in New Haven, Connecticut around 1652 or 1653. They had two children together: Elizabeth and Isaac.

Their daughter, Elizabeth, was born in New Haven in 1653. She first married Benjamin Starr. After he passed away, she married his cousin, Simon Ayers.

Their son, Isaac (the third person with that name), was born in New Haven in 1655. He moved to Virginia with his father when he was a child. However, he later returned to New Haven around 1683. He lived there for most of his life.

In 1663, Isaac Allerton Jr. married his second wife. Her name was Elizabeth Willoughby. She had been married twice before. They had three daughters and one son together.

Life in Virginia

Around 1660, Isaac Allerton Jr. moved his family to Virginia. He settled in an area known as the Northern Neck. He became a wealthy planter, which means he owned a large farm. He grew tobacco and likely had a wharf to ship his crops. He also owned a large plantation of about 2,150 acres.

Public Service and Military Role

In 1663, Allerton became a justice in Northumberland County. This meant he helped manage the county and served as a judge. He also joined the local Virginia militia, which was like a local army. He rose to the rank of colonel.

In 1667, he served as a major under Colonel John Washington. John Washington was the great-grandfather of President George Washington. Settlers in the area had faced attacks from Native American groups in the past. In 1675, a group called the Doeg people attacked some colonists. This led to a large force of colonists, including Allerton, attacking a fort.

Allerton first served in the House of Burgesses in 1667. This was the elected assembly in colonial Virginia. He represented Westmoreland County. For the next 14 years, he represented either Northumberland County or Westmoreland County.

During Bacon's Rebellion

During Bacon's Rebellion in 1676, Allerton stayed loyal to the governor. Nathaniel Bacon, the leader of the rebellion, criticized Allerton. Allerton's family also became close with the Lee family, who owned large estates. Like John Washington, Allerton was a senior officer. He also served on the General Court of Virginia, which was a high court. Allerton was involved in business, government, and social life.

Allerton served on the Governor's Council from 1687 to 1691. He, along with others, resigned because they did not want to take a loyalty oath to the new King and Queen, William III and Mary II. After some years, Allerton was elected to the House of Burgesses again in 1696. He also became a naval officer and tax collector for Westmoreland County in 1699.

Later Life and Legacy

Isaac Allerton Jr. passed away in Westmoreland County, Virginia, in late 1702.

His daughter, Sarah, married Hancock Lee. Hancock was the younger brother of Richard Lee II. Through their daughter Elizabeth Lee, Isaac Allerton Jr. became the great-grandfather of President Zachary Taylor.

Another great-granddaughter was Mary Willis Lee. She married Ambrose Madison. Ambrose was the brother of James Madison, who later became the fourth President of the United States.