John Ingram (revolutionary) facts for kids
John Ingram was a person who lived in early Virginia in the settlement of Jamestown. He became an important leader in Bacon's Rebellion, a major uprising in 1676. After Sir Nathaniel Bacon, who first led the rebellion, died from a serious illness, John Ingram took over. The rebellion involved about 300 to 500 people, mostly indentured servants (people who worked for a set time to pay for their trip to America) and some enslaved Black people. They were unhappy about a peace treaty signed in 1646, which ended the Third Anglo-Powhatan War. During the rebellion, Bacon's forces burned much of Jamestown.
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Early Life
John Ingram Jr. was born before 1644 in an area of Virginia called Northumberland County, Virginia. His father was John Ingram Sr., and his mother was Jane Ingram. He had three siblings: Elizabeth, Thomas, and Jane.
Why the Rebellion Started
Conflicts with Native Americans
For many years, there were wars between the English settlers and the Powhatan Native American tribes. The first of these wars, called the Anglo-Powhatan Wars, happened from 1610 to 1614. Another war broke out in 1622 when the Powhatan attacked Jamestown, killing many settlers. In 1644, the Powhatan attacked Jamestown again, leading to the Third Anglo-Powhatan War.
Broken Promises
In 1646, Governor William Berkeley signed a peace treaty with the Powhatan. This treaty caused problems for many settlers, especially indentured servants like John Ingram. These servants had been promised 100 acres of land after their years of hard work. However, this land was often territory belonging to the Powhatan. The 1646 peace treaty stopped these promises to avoid more conflicts with the Native Americans. This made many people, including John Ingram, very angry and frustrated.
Leading the Rebellion
The Fight Begins
In 1676, John Ingram joined a group of 300 to 500 men led by Sir Nathaniel Bacon. They rebelled against the local government. Bacon wrote a document called "The Declaration of the People." In it, he accused Governor Berkeley of giving special treatment to his friends and family. Bacon also demanded permission to lead soldiers to fight Native American tribes. Even though there was a peace treaty, the rebels attacked Native American villages.
Ingram Takes Charge
On September 19, 1676, members of the rebellion burned Jamestown to the ground. Governor Berkeley managed to escape. Soon after, on October 26, 1676, Nathaniel Bacon became very sick with dysentery and died. As the second-in-command, John Ingram took over leadership of the rebellion. However, the rebellion soon fell apart. Ships and soldiers sent by the King arrived in Jamestown and brought order back to the colony.
What Happened Next
After the rebellion ended, Governor Berkeley returned to Jamestown. He ordered the punishment of 23 of the rebellion's main leaders. It is not known exactly when John Ingram died, but it is believed he was punished along with other leaders of the rebellion.
