James Davis (mariner) facts for kids

James Davis (born around 1575 in England – died February 16, 1623, or later, in Virginia) was an English ship captain and writer. He was part of an early English effort to settle in North America. This expedition was organized by the Virginia Company of Plymouth and led to the creation of the Popham Colony, sometimes called "Northern Virginia."

The Popham Colony: An Early Settlement

James Davis was the captain of a ship named the Mary & John. This ship sailed to the New World, reaching the coast of what is now Maine. Many people believe that Davis wrote a detailed story about this journey. It was called The Relation of a Voyage into New England begun from the Lizard, ye first of June, 1607.

On August 19, 1607, Davis became the commander of a fort built on the Kennebec River. This fort was part of the Sagadahoc New England Colony. The colonists built their fort and wooden buildings near where Phippsburg, Maine, is today. They also built a small sailing ship called the Virginia. This showed that they could build ships in the new colony. The Popham Colony did not last long. It closed in 1608 because the winter was very harsh. The Virginia was one of the ships that carried the surviving colonists back to England. It is likely that Davis sailed her.

Life at Jamestown Settlement

Records show that Davis and the Virginia made at least one more trip across the Atlantic Ocean. This time, they sailed from England to the more successful Jamestown Settlement. This colony was a project of the Virginia Company of London.

The Virginia was one of two smaller ships being pulled by larger ships during the Third Supply mission to Jamestown. This fleet left Plymouth, England, in 1609. On their journey, they faced a terrible three-day storm, which was probably a hurricane. The main ship of the fleet, the Sea Venture, was shipwrecked on Bermuda.

Luckily, the Virginia survived the storm. Under Captain Davis's command, and with his wife Rachel also aboard, the ship arrived in the Colony on October 3, 1609. It is thought that Davis's brother, Robert, also traveled to Virginia with them. When he arrived, Davis took command of Fort Algernon at Point Comfort. He managed to survive the very difficult period known as the Starving Time (1609-10). Davis also served as an important advisor for the northern Virginia Colony.

The Virginia ship became a safe place for colonists when there were conflicts with local Native American groups. It was also used to travel inland to help Fort Algernon and try to trade with the Powhatan people. Davis was soon in charge of three forts, helping to protect the growing colony.

Later Career and Travels

James Davis continued to be mentioned in colonial records. In 1616, he was noted as commanding colonists at Henrico, Virginia. Most historians agree that Davis left his command of the forts at Coxendale, near the present-day Henricus fort site. He then sailed for England aboard the ship "Treasurer" in 1616. It is interesting to note that John Rolfe and Pocahontas were also on this ship.

It is likely that Davis returned to Virginia in 1617 aboard the ship "George." This is suggested because his son, Thomas, was later given land in Virginia. This land was given for the passage of two indentured servants whose travel costs Thomas had paid for on the "George" that year.

When Did James Davis Die?

The exact date of James Davis's death is not certain. Some sources believe he was among those killed or wounded during the Indian Massacre of 1622. This event happened along the James River, and about 350 people were killed. However, his name is not on the official lists of victims from the Virginia Company.

Other records suggest that he died on February 16, 1623, at his plantation in Virginia. Yet, there are still others who think he might have lived as much as 10 years longer than that.

Sources

• Biographies - James Davis (Wash & NoVa Company)