John Strong (colonist) facts for kids
John Strong (1610–1699) was an important person in early American history. He was born in England and moved to New England as a colonist. He helped start two towns: Windsor, Connecticut, and Northampton, Massachusetts. John Strong was also a politician, a leader in the Puritan church, and he worked as a tanner (someone who prepares animal hides). Many Strong families in the United States today can trace their family tree back to him. People often called him Elder John Strong because he was an Elder in his church.
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Early Life and Moving to America
John Strong was born around 1610 in a town called Chard, Somerset, in England. In 1635, he sailed to Massachusetts with his pregnant wife and their one-year-old child. They traveled on a sailing ship named Hopewell.
The journey across the sea took about 70 days. During this long trip, his wife, Marjory Deane, gave birth to a baby. Sadly, both his wife and their new infant died shortly after they arrived in America.
John Strong now had his young son, John Jr., to care for. In December 1635, he married Abigail Ford, who was sixteen years old. She had also traveled to America on an earlier ship.
Settling in New England
John Strong and his new family first settled in Hingham, Massachusetts, in 1635. This area was part of the Plymouth Colony. In 1638, he became a "Freeman." This meant he could vote in town and colony elections. It also meant he could serve in the church.
After Hingham, he moved to Taunton, Massachusetts. While living in Taunton, John Strong was chosen to represent the town. He served in the General Court of Plymouth Colony for four years, from 1641 to 1644. This was like being a representative in a government assembly.
Life in Connecticut and Massachusetts
Later, John Strong moved to Windsor, Connecticut, which is located on the Connecticut River. He became a very important person in the new Connecticut colony.
In 1659, he moved again, about 40 miles further up the river. He settled in Northampton, Massachusetts. At that time, Northampton was a frontier town. It was surrounded by Native American nations like the Nipmuck and Pocumtuc.
John Strong was one of the first settlers in Northampton. He ran a tannery for many years. A tannery is a place where animal hides are turned into leather. He also helped protect the town from attacks during King Philip's War (1675-1676). This was a major conflict between Native Americans and English colonists. John Strong also played a big role in the town's government and church life.
Church Leadership
In 1661, John Strong was one of eight men who started the First Church of Northampton. Eleazer Mather became the first pastor of this church. He was the older brother of a famous Boston minister, Increase Mather.
Two years later, in 1663, John Strong was made an elder of the church. This was an important leadership position. When Pastor Mather died in 1669, John Strong was given the job of finding a new minister.
The next year, he and other church leaders invited Solomon Stoddard to be their new pastor. Stoddard accepted in 1672, and John Strong officially ordained him. Solomon Stoddard served as pastor for many years, until he died in 1729. His grandson, Jonathan Edwards, later took over as pastor. Jonathan Edwards's work in Northampton became very important during a religious movement called the Great Awakening.
John Strong passed away on April 14, 1699, in Northampton. He is buried at the Bridge Street Cemetery in Northampton.
