John Tilley facts for kids

John Tilley (born 1571, died 1621) was an important passenger on the famous ship, the Mayflower. He was also one of the people who signed a very important agreement called the Mayflower Compact. Sadly, he passed away during the first difficult winter in America.

Who Was John Tilley?

John Tilley was an English man who decided to leave his home country to seek a new life. He was born in Henlow, Bedfordshire, England, in 1571. Not much is known about his early life, but he eventually became part of a group of people who wanted to travel to the New World.

Why Did People Go to America?

In the early 1600s, many people in England faced challenges. Some wanted more religious freedom than they had at home. Others hoped for new opportunities and a chance to own land. These reasons encouraged many families, including John Tilley's, to make the long and risky journey across the Atlantic Ocean.

The Mayflower Voyage

In 1620, John Tilley, his wife Joan Hurst, and their daughter Elizabeth boarded the Mayflower ship. The Mayflower was a merchant ship, not designed for passengers. It was crowded and uncomfortable. About 102 passengers and 30 crew members were on board.

A Long and Difficult Journey

The journey across the Atlantic Ocean was very tough. It lasted about 66 days, from September to November 1620. The ship faced strong storms and rough seas. Many people became sick during the voyage. Despite the hardships, the passengers hoped for a better future in the new land.

Signing the Mayflower Compact

Before landing in America, the leaders on the Mayflower realized they needed a plan for how they would govern themselves. They were landing outside the area where they had permission to settle. To keep order and work together, they created an agreement.

What Was the Mayflower Compact?

The Mayflower Compact was a written agreement signed by 41 men on the ship. It was a simple but powerful idea: the signers agreed to create their own laws and follow them for the good of everyone. This was an early step towards self-government in America. John Tilley was one of the men who put his name on this important document.

Why Was It Important?

The Mayflower Compact showed that the Pilgrims wanted to create a fair society. It meant they would work together to make rules and choose leaders. This agreement helped them survive their first difficult years and set a pattern for future settlements.

Arrival in the New World

The Mayflower finally reached the coast of what is now Massachusetts in November 1620. The passengers landed in an area they named Plymouth. The winter was already beginning, and the land was harsh and unfamiliar.

The First Winter in Plymouth

The first winter was incredibly hard for the Pilgrims. They faced freezing temperatures, a lack of proper shelter, and not enough food. Many people became very ill from diseases like scurvy and pneumonia. Sadly, about half of the Mayflower passengers and crew died during this first winter.

John Tilley's Fate

John Tilley, along with his wife Joan, was among those who did not survive the harsh conditions. They both passed away during that terrible first winter of 1620-1621. Their daughter, Elizabeth Tilley, survived and later married another Pilgrim, John Howland.

John Tilley's Legacy

Even though John Tilley died soon after arriving, his role as a Mayflower passenger and a signer of the Mayflower Compact is remembered. He was part of a brave group who helped start one of the first permanent English settlements in North America.

His Descendants

Through his daughter Elizabeth, John Tilley has many descendants today. These are people who can trace their family history back to him. Many people are proud to know their ancestors were among the first settlers in Plymouth Colony.

Images for kids

• Mayflower in Plymouth Harbor.jpg

  An artist's idea of the Mayflower arriving in Plymouth Harbor.

• Signing the Mayflower Compact.jpg

  A painting showing the signing of the Mayflower Compact.