Matthew Scrivener facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lieutenant Matthew Scrivener
Seal of Virginia Governor's Council
Born	c. 1580 Suffolk, England
Died	January 7, 1609/10 (O.S./N.S.) James River, Virginia
Other names	Mathew Scrivenor [sic], Master Scrivner [sic], Screvener, Captain Scrivener
Occupation	Secretary (title)
President of the Virginia Governor's Council
In office 1608–1608

Lieutenant Matthew Scrivener (born around 1580 – died 1609) was an important English colonist in early Virginia. He played a role in the Jamestown settlement, even serving as its acting leader for a short time. He was later succeeded by Captain John Smith.

Matthew Scrivener's Early Life and Journey to Virginia

Matthew Scrivener was born in Suffolk, England, around 1580. His father, Ralph Scrivener, was a respected lawyer and city official in Ipswich. The Scrivener family likely came from Coddenham. Matthew was baptized into the Church of England on March 3, 1581.

His family knew Bartholomew Gosnold, who was one of the first English explorers to reach Virginia in 1607. This connection might have sparked Matthew's interest in the new world. The Virginia Company of London, a group that organized trips to America, chose Scrivener to be a council member. His job was to help lead the new colony.

Matthew Scrivener arrived in Virginia in 1608. He traveled on one of the first ships bringing supplies and new settlers to Jamestown. Records from that time describe him as "Matthew Scrivener, gentleman," which meant he came from a good family. His sister was also married to a cousin of Edward Maria Wingfield, who was the first president of the Jamestown Council.

Scrivener's Role in the Jamestown Council

Matthew Scrivener quickly became a close friend and supporter of another important council member, John Smith. In July 1608, the leader of the Governor's Council, John Ratcliffe, stepped down from his position. Matthew Scrivener then took over as the acting president of the Governor's Council. He held this important role until September 1608.

In September, John Smith was chosen as the new president, or "chief counselor." Scrivener continued to serve as a councilor and secretary. He often took charge as acting president whenever John Smith was away exploring the rivers and lands around Jamestown. This shows how much trust the other colonists placed in him.

The Tragic End of Matthew Scrivener

In January 1610, Matthew Scrivener and ten other men went on a hunting trip. They used a small boat called a skiff on the James River. As they were near Hog Island, a sudden and powerful storm hit their boat. The storm caused the boat to flip over, throwing everyone into the very cold river.

In those days, most English people did not know how to swim. Sadly, Matthew Scrivener and eight other colonists drowned. This was a great loss for the young colony. Half of the governing Council members died in this accident, including Anthony Gosnold, who was Bartholomew Gosnold's brother.

About a year after Matthew Scrivener's death, his brother John Scrivener bought a place called Sibton Abbey back in England.