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John Endecott
JohnEndecottPortrait.jpg
1st, 10th, 13th, 15th, and 17th Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony
In office
1629–1630
Succeeded by John Winthrop
In office
1644–1645
Preceded by John Winthrop
Succeeded by Thomas Dudley
In office
1649–1650
Preceded by John Winthrop
Succeeded by Thomas Dudley
In office
1651–1654
Preceded by Thomas Dudley
Succeeded by Richard Bellingham
In office
1655–1664
Preceded by Richard Bellingham
Succeeded by Richard Bellingham
Commissioner of the United Colonies for Massachusetts Bay
In office
1646–1648
In office
1658–1658
Personal details
Born unknown; before 1600
Died 15 March 1664/1665 (aged 77)
Boston, Massachusetts Bay Colony
Resting place Tomb 189, Granary Burying Ground
Spouses
  • Jane Francis (died 1629)
  • Elizabeth Gibson Married (m. 1630–1665)
Signature

John Endecott (also spelled Endicott) was a very important leader in early America. He was one of the first governors of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, which is now part of the state of Massachusetts. He served as governor for a long time, a total of 16 years! He helped shape the rules and life in the colony for many years. Many people consider him one of the "Fathers of New England."

Early Life and Beliefs

John Endecott was born before the year 1600. We do not know his exact birth date. He was a very strict Puritan. Puritans were a group of people who wanted to practice their religion in a very specific and serious way. They believed in simple living and strict rules.

Puritan Rules and Actions

Endecott believed that everyone in the colony should follow strict religious rules. He thought women should dress simply. He also believed men should keep their hair short. He made decisions that removed people from the colony if their religious ideas were different from the Puritans'.

One famous story about Endecott shows how strong his beliefs were. He once damaged the English flag. He did this because he saw the St George's Cross on the flag as a symbol of the Pope. Puritans did not agree with the Pope's authority.

He also had very strict rules for people who returned to the colony after being told to leave. For example, some Quakers were put to death for coming back after they had been banished. This shows how serious he was about enforcing the colony's laws.

Leading the Colony

John Endecott was the longest-serving governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He was governor for 16 years in total. This included most of the last 15 years of his life. When he was not governor, he still held other important jobs. He was involved in the colony's government from 1628 until 1665. The only year he was not involved was 1634.

Role in the Pequot War

In 1636, John Endecott led an expedition. This action is seen as the start of the Pequot War. This war was a conflict between the English colonists and the Pequot tribe. The war greatly weakened the Pequot tribe.

Endecott's Legacy

John Endecott left his mark on the land and history of New England. He was interested in farming and growing things.

Endecott's Pear Tree

He used some of his land to grow fruit trees. A special pear tree he planted is still alive today in Danvers, Massachusetts. It is known as the Endicott Pear Tree. It is a living reminder of his time.

Early Mining Efforts

Endecott also tried to start one of the first mining businesses in the colonies. Copper ore was found on his land. This was an early attempt to use the natural resources of the new land.

Endicott Rock

His name is carved on a rock in Lake Winnipesaukee. This rock is called Endicott Rock. Surveyors carved his name there in 1652. They were trying to figure out the northern border of the Massachusetts colony.

Places and Descendants

Many places and organizations are named after John Endecott. Like many early colonists, he has several famous people who are his descendants.

See also

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