Thomas Rogers facts for kids
Thomas Rogers (born around 1572, died in the winter of 1620/21) was an English man who sailed to America on the famous ship called the Mayflower in 1620. He traveled with his oldest son, Joseph. Thomas Rogers was one of the people who signed the Mayflower Compact, an important agreement for the new colony.
He was born near Watford, England. His parents were William and Elanor Rogers.
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Why Thomas Rogers Left England
After 1613, Thomas Rogers and his family moved from England to Leiden, a city in the Netherlands. They moved because they were part of a religious group called Separatists. This religion became against the law in England, so they had to leave to practice their beliefs freely.
In Leiden, Thomas Rogers bought a house and became a citizen. He worked as a merchant, selling a fancy fabric called camlet. This fabric was made from silk and camel’s hair. Even though he was a merchant, the Rogers family was quite poor.
The Mayflower Journey to America
On September 16, 1620, Thomas Rogers and his 18-year-old son, Joseph, left Plymouth, England. They were on the Mayflower ship, along with 102 other passengers and about 30 to 40 crew members.
The Mayflower was supposed to land in the Colony of Virginia. However, the ship was damaged during the long trip across the ocean. Because of this, they had to land much further north.
Landing at Cape Cod
On November 19, 1620, the Mayflower finally reached land at a place called Cape Cod hook. They officially landed on November 21. This area is now known as Provincetown Harbor.
Before leaving the ship, the passengers wrote an important document called the Mayflower Compact. This agreement set up rules for how they would live and treat each other in their new home. Thomas Rogers was one of the men who signed this important document.
Life in Plymouth Colony
Thomas Rogers and his wife had six children. Their names were Thomas, Richard, Joseph, John, Elizabeth, and Margaret. Sadly, Thomas and Richard died when they were young. Joseph, however, became a well-known person in Plymouth Colony.
Thomas Rogers' Death
Thomas Rogers died during the first difficult winter of 1620/21 in the new colony. Many of the Mayflower passengers died that winter because of sickness and harsh conditions.
After his father's death, Joseph Rogers went to live with Governor Bradford and his family. Governor Bradford later wrote about Thomas Rogers: "Thomas Rogers died in the first sickness, but his son Joseph is still living, and is married, and has six children. The rest of Thomas Rogers (children) came over, and now are married, and have many children."
Thomas Rogers was buried in an unmarked grave, just like most of the Mayflower passengers who died during that first winter. Today, his name is remembered on the Pilgrim Memorial Tomb, which is located on Cole's Hill in Plymouth.
