List of Jamestown colonists facts for kids
On May 14, 1607, about 105 English men and boys arrived in North America. They had survived a long trip from England and started the Jamestown Settlement on a narrow piece of land next to the James River. This became the first lasting English settlement in North America.
The journey and the new settlement were paid for by the Virginia Company of London. This company hoped to earn money from the new land's resources. The early years of Jamestown were very hard. The settlers faced terrible times, including not having enough food and attacks from local Native American tribes. But with new supplies and more people arriving, the settlement managed to survive. It grew into America's first permanent English colony.
After choosing the settlement spot, the company members opened secret instructions. These instructions listed the people chosen for the Virginia Governor's Council. The first leader of this council was Edward Maria Wingfield. Other council members included Bartholomew Gosnold, John Martin, John Ratcliffe, George Kendall, Christopher Newport, and John Smith.
Contents
The First Settlers (May 1607)
When the first ships arrived in May 1607, many different people came ashore. They included gentlemen, soldiers, carpenters, and even young boys. These brave individuals were the very first to try and build a new life in this unknown land. Many faced tough challenges.
Here are some of the people who arrived with the first group of settlers:
- Henry Adling - Gentleman
- Jerome Alicock - Gentleman (died August 4, 1607)
- Gabriel Archer - Captain and Gentleman (died winter 1609 or 1610)
- John Asbie (died August 6, 1607)
- Robert Beheathland - Gentleman
- Benjamin Best - Gentleman (died September 5, 1607)
- Edward Brinto - Mason and Soldier
- Edward Brookes - Gentleman (died April 7, 1607)
- John Brookes - Gentleman
- Edward Browne - Gentleman (died August 15, 1607)
- James Brumfield - Boy
- William Bruster - Gentleman (died August 10, 1607, from a wound)
- John Capper - Carpenter
- George Cassen - Labourer (killed by natives, December 26, 1607)
- Thomas Cassen - Labourer
- William Cassen - Labourer
- Ustis Clovill - Gentleman (killed by natives, June 7, 1607)
- Samuell Collier - Boy (died 1622)
- Roger Cooke - Gentleman
- Thomas Couper - Barber
- Richard Crofts - Gentleman
- Richard Dixon - Gentleman
- John Dods - Labourer and Soldier
- Ould Edward - Labourer
- Thomas Emry - Carpenter (killed by natives, December 26, 1607)
- Robert Fenton - Gentleman
- George Flowre - Gentleman (died August 9, 1607)
- Robert Ford - Gentleman
- Richard Frith - Gentleman
- Stephen Galithrope - Gentleman (died August 10, 1607)
- William Garrett - Bricklayer
- George Golding - Labourer
- Thomas Gore - Gentleman (died August 16, 1607)
- Anthony Gosnold - Gentleman (died January 7, 1609)
- Bartholomew Gosnold - Councilor and Captain (died August 22, 1607)
- Edward Harrington - Gentleman (died August 24, 1607)
- John Herd - Bricklayer
- Nicholas Houlgrave - Gentleman
- Robert Hunt - Preacher (died before 1609)
- Thomas Jacon - Sergeant (died September 18, 1607)
- William Johnson - Labourer
- George Kendall - Councilor and Captain (died December 1, 1607)
- Ellis Kingston - Gentleman (died September 18, 1607)
- John Laydon - Carpenter and Labourer
- William Laxon - Carpenter
- William Love - Tailor and Soldier
- John Martin - Councilor and Captain (died June 1632)
- John Martin, Jr. - Gentleman (died September 18, 1607)
- George Martin - Gentleman
- Francis Midwinter - Gentleman (died August 14, 1607)
- Edward Morish - Corporal and Gentleman (died August 14, 1607)
- Thomas Mounslie - Labourer (died August 17, 1607)
- Thomas Mouton - Gentleman (died September 19, 1607)
- Richard Mutton - Boy
- Nathaniel Peacock - Boy
- John Penington - Gentleman
- Robert Penington - Gentleman
- George Percy - Gentleman (died 1632)
- Drue Pickhouse - Gentleman (died August 19, 1607)
- Edward Pising - Carpenter
- Nathaniel Powell - Captain and Gentleman (died March 22, 1622)
- Jonas Profit - Fisherman and Sailor
- John Ratcliffe - Councilor and Captain (died November 1609)
- James Read - Blacksmith and Soldier (died March 13, 1622)
- John Robinson - Gentleman (killed by natives, December 26, 1607)
- William Rods - Labourer (died August 27, 1607)
- Thomas Sands - Gentleman
- Edward Short - Labourer (died August 1607)
- John Short - Gentleman
- Richard Simons - Gentleman (died September 18, 1607)
- Nicholas Scot - Drummer
- Robert Small - Carpenter
- John Smith - Councilor and Captain (died June 1631)
- William Smethes - Gentleman
- Francis Snarsbrough - Gentleman
- John Stevenson - Gentleman
- Thomas Studley - Gentleman (died August 28, 1607)
- William Tanker - Gentleman
- Henry Tavin - Labourer
- Kellam Throgmorton - Gentleman (died August 26, 1607)
- Anas Todkill - Carpenter and Soldier
- William Unger - Labourer
- George Walker - Gentleman
- Thomas Walker
- John Waller - Gentleman (died August 24, 1607)
- Thomas Webbe - Gentleman
- William White - Labourer
- William Wilkinson - Surgeon
- Edward Maria Wingfield - Councilor and Captain (died 1631)
- Thomas Wotton - Surgeon and Barber (died April 28, 1638)
- Richard - Commoner
Settlers from the First Supply (January 1608)
After the first group, more settlers arrived in January 1608. Two ships, the John and Francis and the Phoenix, brought about 100 new people to Jamestown. This was a much-needed boost, as only about 38 to 40 of the original settlers had survived the harsh first months.
Some of the settlers who arrived with the First Supply included:
- Jefrey Abots, Gentleman
- Robert Alberton, Perfumer
- Robert Barnes, Gentleman
- William Bayley, Gentleman
- William Beckwith, Tailor
- Richard Belfield, Refiner
- William Bentley, Labourer
- John Bouth, Labourer
- Richard Brislow, Labourer
- William Burket, Labourer
- James Burne
- William Cantril, Gentleman
- William Causey, Gentleman
- Thomas Coo, Gentleman
- Robert Cotton, Tobacco-pipe-maker
- Robert Cutler, Gentleman
- William Dawson, Refiner
- Richard Dole, Blacksmith
- Thomas Feld, Apothecary
- Richard Fetherstone
- George Forest, Gentleman
- Post Gittnat, Surgeon
- Raymond Goodyson, Labourer
- Richard Gradon, Labourer
- William Gryvill, Gentleman
- Edward Gurganay, Gentleman
- John Harford, Apothecary
- John Harper, Gentleman
- George Hill, Gentleman
- Thomas Hope, Tailor
- William Johnson, Refiner
- Peter Keffer, Gunner
- Richard Killingbeck, Gentleman
- Timothy Leeds, Gentleman
- John Lewes, Cooper
- William May, Labourer
- Michaell
- Richard Miler, Labourer
- Richard Molynex, Gentleman
- Ralfe Morton, Gentleman
- Rowland Nelstrop, Labourer
- John Nickoles, Gentleman
- William Perce, Labourer
- Francis Perkins, Labourer
- Michaell Phetyplace, Gentleman
- Captain William Phetyplace (Phettiplace), Gentleman
- Peter Pory, Gentleman
- Richard Pots, Gentleman
- John Powell, Tailor
- George Pretty, Gentleman
- Richard Prodger, Gentleman
- Abraham Ransacke, Refiner
- Christopher Rodes
- Walter Russell, Gentleman and Doctor
- Richard Salvage, Labourer
- Thomas Savage (Salvage), boy, Labourer
- Matthew Scrivener, secretary, appointed to be of the Council (died January 7, 1609)
- Michaell Sickelmore, Gentleman
- William Simons, Labourer
- John Speareman, Labourer
- William Spence, Labourer and Treasurer
- Daniell Stalling, Jeweller
- John Taverner, Gentleman
- Laurence Towtales, Tailor
- Nicholas Ven, Labourer
- William Ward, Tailor
- James Watkings
- Vere
- Richard Worley, Gentleman
- Richard Wyffin, Gentleman
- Bishop Wyles, Labourer
- William Yonge, Tailor
Settlers from the Second Supply (Autumn 1608)
Soon after the first supply, Captain Newport brought 70 more colonists on the ship Mary and Margaret. This group included the first women to arrive in Jamestown.
Here are some of the settlers who arrived with the Second Supply:
- Thomas Abbey, Gentleman
- Gabriell Bedle (Bedell), Gentleman and Lumberjack
- John Bedle (Bedell), Gentleman
- Henry Bell, Tradesman
- Thomas Bradley, Tradesman
- ♀️Anne Burras, maid
- John Burras, Tradesman
- George Burton, Gentleman
- Captain Raleigh Croshaw, Gentleman
- John Clarke, Tradesman
- Henry Collings, Gentleman
- John Dauxe, Gentleman
- Thomas Dowse, Labourer
- William Dowman, Gentleman
- David Ellis, Tradesman
- Thomas Forrest, Gentleman
- ♀️Mistress Margaret Fox Forrest
- Thomas Fox, Labourer
- Thomas Gipson, Tradesman
- Thomas Graves, Gentleman
- John Gudderington, Gentleman
- Nicholas Hancock, Labourer
- Hardwin, Labourer
- Harmon Haryson, Gentleman
- Hellyard, Boy
- John Hoult, Gentleman
- David ap Hugh, Tradesman
- Master Hunt, Gentleman
- Thomas Lavander, Tradesman
- Henry Ley, Gentleman
- Michaell Lowicke, Gentleman
- Thomas Mallard, Labourer
- Thomas Maxes, Gentleman
- Milman, Boy
- Morrell, Labourer
- Thomas Norton, Gentleman
- Dionis Oconor, Tradesman
- Thomas Phelps, Tradesman
- Henry Philpot, Gentleman
- Master William Powell, Tradesman
- John Prat, Tradesman
- Rose, Labourer
- John Chief Russell, Gentleman and Lumberjack (died around 1625)
- William Russell, Gentleman
- William Sambage, Gentleman
- Scot, Labourer
- Jefry Shortridge, Tradesman
- William Taler, Labourer
- Daniel Tucker, gentleman
- Captain Richard Waldo, appointed to the Council (died January 1609)
- Williams, Labourer
- Captain Peter Winne, appointed to the Council (died April 1609)
- Walker, Labourer
- Master Francis West, Gentleman
- Hugh Wollystone, Gentleman
- Hugh Wynne, Tradesman
- George Yarington, Gentleman
- Also, eight Dutch men and some Poles, known as the Jamestown Polish craftsmen.
- Wilhelm Volday (William Waldi), Swiss-German prospector
Settlers from the Third Supply (August 1609)
In May 1609, a large fleet of nine ships sailed with 500 to 600 people. It was led by Thomas Gates and George Somers. During the journey, a big tropical storm hit the ships. One ship, the Catch, was lost with everyone on board. Another ship, the Sea Venture, crashed on the island of Bermuda. This accident actually led to the colonization of Bermuda! The other seven ships arrived in Jamestown, but they brought many sick and hungry passengers, which added to the colony's problems.
Some of the settlers who arrived with the Third Supply included:
- Gabriel Archer, on the Blessinge
- Temperance Flowerdew Barrow (died 1628)
- John Martin, on the Falcon
- Joan Pierce, wife of William Pierce
- John Ratcliffe, on the Diamond
- Henry Spelman, boy, writer (died 1623)
Sea Venture passengers and mariners (Bermuda castaways)
- Henry Bagwell
- Nicolas Bennit, carpenter
- William Brian
- Jeffrey Briars (died around 1609-1610)
- Reverend Richard Buck (or Bucket), chaplain (died 1623)
- Mistress Maria Thorowgood Buck
- Richard and Maria Buck's daughter (I)
- Richard and Maria Buck's daughter (II)
- William Capps
- Christopher Carter
- Josuah (Joshua) Chard
- Edward Chart (Chard)
- Bermudas Eason, baby boy (died around 1609-1610)
- Edward Eason
- Mistress Eason
- Robert (Richard) Frobisher, shipwright
- Thomas Gates, Governour and Lt. General (died 1622)
- Thomas Godby
- George Grave (Graye)
- Mistress Horton
- William Hitchman (died around 1609-1610)
- Stephen Hopkins, merchant and tanner (died 1644)
- Elizabeth Joons, servant
- Captain Samuel Jordan, gentleman
- Silvester Jourdain, writer (died 1650)
- Richard Knowles
- Richard Lewis (died around 1609-1610)
- John Lytefoote
- William Martin
- Francis Michell
- Captain Christopher Newport
- Henry Paine
- Francis Pearepoint
- Elizabeth Persons, maid to Mistress Horton
- William Pierce
- Jane Pierce, girl
- Thomas Powell, cook
- John Graye Proctor
- Henry Ravens, master ship's mate (died around 1609)
- Humfrey Reede
- Robert Rich, soldier (died 1630)
- Bermuda Rolfe, baby girl (died 1610)
- John Rolfe, tobacco trader
- Mistress Sarah Hacker Rolfe (died spring 1610)
- Edward Samuel
- Samuel Sharpe
- William Sharpe
- Mister Henry Shelly
- George Somers, admiral (died November 1610)
- William Strachey, secretary-elect (died June 1621)
- James Swift
- Robert Walsingham, cockswain
- John Want
- Lieutenant Edward Waters
- Robert Waters
- Thomas Whittingham (died around 1609)
- George Yeardley, Captain of the Guard for Thomas Gates (died 1627)
Settlers from the Fourth Supply (June 1610)
The survivors from the Sea Venture shipwreck in Bermuda managed to fix their ship and build two new ones, the Deliverance and Patience. They finally reached Jamestown on May 23rd. To their dismay, they found only 60 starving colonists left. The decision was made to abandon the colony.
However, help was on the way! Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr and Samuel Argall led a rescue mission from England. They brought 150 men, including a doctor, and many supplies. Their ships, the Hercules of Rye, Blessing of Plymouth, and De La Warr, met the tired colonists leaving Virginia. Lord De La Warr convinced them to return to Jamestown with the new provisions and passengers, saving the colony.
Some of the settlers who arrived with the Fourth Supply included:
- Henry Bagwell, arrived on the Deliverance
- Edward Eason
- Mistress Eason
- Bermudas Eason, baby boy
- Thomas Godby
- John Rolfe
- Edward Waters
- Captain Samuel Argall (died 1626)
- Captain Ralph Hamor, secretary (died around 1626)
- Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr, "Lord Governour and Captain General" (died 1618)
Settlers from the Fifth Supply (May and August 1611)
In 1611, two more groups of ships arrived in Virginia. Thomas Dale led a group with 300 workers, along with horses, chickens, goats, and rabbits. Soon after, Thomas Gates arrived with his own ships. These new arrivals brought much-needed people and resources to help Jamestown grow and become stronger.
Some of the settlers who arrived with the Fifth Supply included:
- Thomas Dale, "Marshall of Virginia" (died 1619)
- Cecily Jordan Farrar, girl (died around 1631)
- William Spencer, yeoman
- Thomas Sully
See also
Additional reading
- Bernard Bailyn, The Barbarous Years: The Peopling of British North America: The Conflict of Civilizations, 1600-1675 (Vintage, 2012)
- Warren M. Billings (Editor), The Old Dominion in the Seventeenth Century: A Documentary History of Virginia, 1606-1700 (University of North Carolina Press, 2007)
- James Horn, A Land as God Made It (Perseus Books, 2005)
- Margaret Huber, Powhatan Lords of Life and Death: Command and Consent in Seventeenth-Century Virginia (University of Nebraska Press, 2008)
- William M. Kelso, Jamestown, The Buried Truth (University of Virginia Press, 2006)
- David A. Price, Love and Hate in Jamestown (Alfred A. Knopf, 2003)
- Helen C. Rountree, The Powhatan Indians of Virginia: Their Traditional Culture (University of Oklahoma Press, 2013)
- Ed Southern (Editor), Jamestown Adventure, The: Accounts of the Virginia Colony, 1605-1614 (Blair, 2011)
- Tony Williams, "The Jamestown Experiment: The Remarkable Story of the Enterprising Colony and the Unexpected Results that Shaped America" (Sourcebooks Inc, 2011)
- Jocelyn R. Wingfield, Virginia's True Founder: Edward Maria Wingfield and His Times (Booksurge, 2007)
- Benjamin Woolley, Savage Kingdom: The True Story of Jamestown, 1607, and the Settlement of America (Harper Perennial, 2008)
- William M. Kelso, Nicholas M. Luccketti, Beverly A. Straube, The Jamestown Rediscovery Archaeology Project
