Peregrine White facts for kids
Peregrine White (c. 20 November 1620 – 20 July 1704) was a very special baby! He was the first English boy born on the famous Pilgrim ship Mayflower. This happened in the harbor of Cape Cod, in what is now Massachusetts. His parents, William and Susanna, traveled on the Mayflower in 1620 with their older son, Resolved. Peregrine was born while the ship was anchored safely. As he grew up, Peregrine became an important person in Plymouth Colony, helping with both military and government duties.
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Peregrine's Family Story
Peregrine White was the second son of William White and Susanna White. His mother was pregnant during the long Mayflower journey. Peregrine was born in late November 1620, while the ship was anchored at Provincetown Harbor in Cape Cod.
The White family joined the Mayflower from England. They were part of a group of London merchants, not the religious group from Leiden, Holland. This is known because William Bradford, a leader of the Pilgrims, listed "Mr. William White" with other London merchants.
The Mayflower Journey
William Bradford wrote about the White family on the Mayflower. It included Mr. William White, his wife Susanna, their son Resolved, and the new baby, Peregrine. They also had two servants.
The Mayflower left Plymouth, England, on September 6, 1620. This small ship was only about 100 feet long. It carried 102 passengers and about 30-40 crew members. Conditions were very crowded! After two months, strong storms hit the ship. Water leaked in, and passengers were often wet and sick. Food was scarce, and conditions were unhealthy. Many people, especially women and children, became very ill. Two people died during the trip. But the worst was yet to come. After arriving in America, almost half the passengers died during the cold first winter.
During the voyage, another baby was born on the Mayflower. This was Oceanus Hopkins, born to Stephen and Elizabeth Hopkins.
On November 9, 1620, after about three months at sea, they finally saw land. It was the tip of Cape Cod, now called Provincetown Harbor. They tried to sail south to their planned destination in Colony of Virginia. But strong winter seas forced them back. They anchored at Cape Cod on November 11, 1620. On that same day, the Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact, an important agreement for their new colony.
Life in Plymouth Colony
Peregrine White's father, William White, died on February 21, 1621. Peregrine's mother, Susanna, was one of the few widows to survive that first harsh winter. She had her newborn son Peregrine and five-year-old Resolved to care for. On May 12, 1621, Susanna married Edward Winslow. He was also a Mayflower passenger and later became an important leader in Plymouth Colony. Susanna and Edward had five children together. One of their sons, Josiah Winslow, later became the governor of Plymouth.
In 1627, Peregrine and his brother Resolved were listed as part of Edward Winslow's family. In 1636, the family moved to a new settlement called Marshfield, north of Plymouth.
Peregrine grew up and served in the local army, called the militia, when he was 16. He continued to serve, becoming a lieutenant and then a captain. He was also a farmer. At one point, he served his community as a representative in the General Court, which was like a government assembly.
In 1655, Peregrine was given land because he was "the first of the English that was borne in these partes." This means he was recognized for being the first English child born in the new colony.
On October 2, 1658, he was chosen to be part of the council of war. This group helped make important decisions during conflicts. On June 3, 1662, Peregrine was chosen to be a deputy for Marshfield. This meant he represented his town in the colony's government.
In 1696, at age 78, Peregrine officially joined the Marshfield church.
Peregrine's Family
Peregrine White married Sarah Bassett before March 6, 1649. Sarah was the daughter of William and Elizabeth Bassett. William Bassett came to Plymouth in 1621 on the ship Fortune.
Sarah Bassett was born in Plymouth around 1630 and died in Marshfield on January 22, 1711. Peregrine and Sarah had seven children:
- Daniel White, born around 1649. He married Hannah Hunt and they had seven children.
- (child) White, born around 1650/1.
- Jonathan White, born in Marshfield on June 4, 1658. He lived near a stream in Yarmouth, Massachusetts, which is now named Whites Brook after him. Jonathan married twice and had children.
- Peregrine White (Jr.), born in Marshfield around 1661. He also married twice.
- Sarah White, born in Marshfield in October 1663. She married Thomas Young and they had nine children.
- Sylvanus White, born in Marshfield before 1667. He had one son.
- Mercy White, born around 1670. She married William Sherman and they had four children. Mercy was a descendant of another Pilgrim, Edward Doty.
Peregrine's Death
Peregrine White died on July 20, 1704, in Marshfield, Massachusetts. He was 83 years and 8 months old. He was buried in Winslow Cemetery in Marshfield, Massachusetts. His wife Sarah was also buried there after she died in 1711. Peregrine's older brother Resolved White, Resolved's wife Judith, and their mother Susanna are all buried in Winslow Cemetery. The cemetery has a large monument honoring the early settlers of Marshfield, including Peregrine and his family.
The 'Boston Newsletter' newspaper wrote about his death on July 31, 1704. It said: "Capt. Peregrine White of this town, Aged Eighty three years, and Eight Months; died the 20th Instant. He was vigorous and of a comly Aspect to the last; Was the Son of Mr. William White and Susanna his Wife; born on board the Mayflower, Capt. Jones Commander, in Cape Cod Harbour."
