John Martin (Jamestown) facts for kids
Captain John Martin (around 1560–1632) was an important leader in the early Jamestown Colony in 1607. He was a member of the Council, which helped govern the new settlement. He also owned a large piece of land called Martin's Brandon Plantation on the south side of the James River. Today, this land is known as Lower Brandon Plantation in Prince George County, Virginia. It is a very old farm that is still working, and it's also a special historic place called a National Historic Landmark.
Early Life and Adventures
John Martin was the third son of Sir Richard Martin, who was a goldsmith and later became the Lord Mayor of London. His father was also in charge of the Royal Mint, where coins were made. John's father was very interested in voyages and helped John get his first job on a ship.
In 1585, Captain Martin sailed with famous explorer Sir Francis Drake. They went on an expedition to the New World to challenge Spanish ports. When he came back, John Martin married Mary, whose father, Robert Brandon, was also a well-known goldsmith who supplied Queen Elizabeth I of England. John Martin also joined a company called the Company of Mineral & Battery Works, which his father had helped start.
Some people think that Captain Martin might have explored the coast of New England in 1602 with Bartholomew Gosnold. It's even believed that the island of Martha's Vineyard might have been named after him, as it was sometimes called "Martin's Vineyard" long ago.
Journey to Virginia
Because his family was involved in goldsmithing and mining, the Virginia Company chose Captain John Martin to be the Master of Battery Works for the new colony in Chesapeake. This meant he was in charge of finding and testing valuable minerals in the new land. His teenage son, John Martin, and a relative, George Martin, came with him to Jamestown.
Captain Martin and his son arrived in Virginia on April 26, 1607. This was the "First Landing" at Cape Henry, where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. He was named to the governing council of the new colony. The orders for the council were kept secret in a sealed box until they reached Virginia.
On May 14, 1607, after finding a good spot, the colonists founded Jamestown. Soon after, the Council chose Edward Maria Wingfield as the colony's first president. Captain Martin sometimes had disagreements with other leaders, like Wingfield and John Smith. For example, he and Smith once stopped other colonists from leaving Virginia on their only remaining ship.
Captain Christopher Newport, who had brought the colonists to the New World, sailed back to England for more supplies. When he returned in 1608, he brought two gold refiners. Martin, whose family were goldsmiths, was very excited about finding gold. However, John Smith was not as hopeful.
Sadly, Captain Martin's teenage son, John, was among many early colonists who died during the first year in Jamestown. Captain Martin returned to England in 1608. He came back to Virginia in 1609 with more ships, though their main ship, the Sea Venture, was lost in a storm.
Martin's Brandon Plantation
Captain John Martin passed away in 1632 at his home, Martin's Brandon Plantation. He had started this plantation in Virginia in 1616 after receiving a land grant. He left the plantation to his grandson, Captain Robert Bargrave.
Later, Bargrave sold the plantation to three merchants from England. From 1720 until 1926, the plantation was owned by members of the well-known Harrison family of Virginia. Today, Martin's Brandon Plantation is located in Prince George County, Virginia and is known as Lower Brandon Plantation. It is a very special place because it is a National Historic Landmark and one of the oldest farms in America that has been continuously working since Captain Martin started it.
