Roger Clapp facts for kids
Roger Clapp (1609–1690) was an early English colonist. He settled in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Clapp became an important military and political leader in early colonial Massachusetts.
Contents
Early Life and Journey to America
Roger Clapp was born in 1609 in Salcombe Regis, Devon, England. He grew up to be a very religious Puritan Christian. Puritans were a group of people who wanted to make the Church of England simpler.
In 1629 or 1630, Roger Clapp decided to move to America. He sailed on a ship called the Mary and John. First, he arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Then, he stopped in Nantasket in 1630. Finally, he settled in Dorchester, Massachusetts.
Family Life in Dorchester
In 1633, Roger Clapp married Joanna Ford in Dorchester. Joanna was the daughter of Thomas Ford. Roger and Joanna had a large family together. They had fourteen children.
Roger Clapp's original home was in Dorchester. Many years later, his descendant, Lemuel Clapp, built the Captain Lemuel Clap House. This house was built on the same spot as Roger Clapp's first home. It might even include parts of the original building.
Military and Political Roles
Roger Clapp was a strong leader in the new colony. He served in the Dorchester militia for many years. A militia is a group of citizens who act as soldiers. Clapp started as a Lieutenant. Later, he became a Captain.
His militia was based at Castle Island. This island had one of the first military forts in the original thirteen colonies. Clapp was also a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts. This was an important military group.
Besides his military work, Clapp was also a politician. He was elected as a Deputy for Dorchester. A Deputy is like a representative. He helped make laws in the colony's legislature.
Later Years and Legacy
Roger Clapp retired from the militia in 1686. He passed away in 1690. He was buried in King's Chapel Burying Ground in Boston.
Clapp left a lot of land to his family. This included areas in Dorchester and Ponkapoag. Ponkapoag was near a Native American Praying town. A Praying town was a settlement for Native Americans who had converted to Christianity.
Roger Clapp also wrote a book about his life. It told the story of his journey and settlement in America. This book helps us understand what life was like for early colonists.
