Thomas Tinker facts for kids
Thomas Tinker was a man who sailed to America in 1620 on the famous ship Mayflower. He traveled with his wife and son. They were English Separatists, which means they wanted to separate from the Church of England. They had been living in Holland before their journey.
Thomas Tinker signed an important agreement called the Mayflower Compact. Sadly, he and his whole family died during the first winter in America (1620-1621). This period was known as "the first sickness."
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Thomas Tinker's Early Life
It's not completely clear where Thomas Tinker was born in England. Some historians believe he was a carpenter from a place called Neatishead in Norfolk, England. He might have been born in 1581 in Thurne, also in Norfolk.
One idea is that this Thomas Tinker married Jane White on June 25, 1609, in Thurne.
Life in Leiden, Holland
We know that Thomas Tinker was an English Separatist living in Leiden, Holland, in the early 1600s. His name appears in Leiden records on January 6, 1617. On that day, he became a citizen of the city.
His job was listed as a "wood sawyer," which means he cut wood. Two people, Abraham Gray and John Keble, helped him become a citizen.
The Voyage on the Mayflower
The Tinker family boarded the Mayflower for their journey to America. Records show that "Thomas Tinker, and his wife, and a sone" were on the ship. We don't know the names of his wife and son.
The Mayflower left Plymouth, England, on September 6, 1620. It was a small ship, about 100 feet long. There were 102 passengers and about 30 to 40 crew members. Everyone lived in very tight spaces.
After about two months at sea, the ship faced strong storms. The ship's wood was badly shaken, and water leaked in. Passengers were often wet and sick, even in their beds. Poor food and unclean conditions made many people ill. Two people died on the way to America. But the worst was still to come.
Arriving in America
On November 9, 1620, after about three months at sea, the passengers finally saw land. It was the Cape Cod Hook, which is now called Provincetown Harbor. They tried to sail south to their planned destination in Colony of Virginia. But strong winter storms forced them to turn back.
They anchored in the harbor at Cape Cod Hook on November 11. Before leaving the ship, Thomas Tinker signed the Mayflower Compact. This was an agreement to create a government for their new colony.
The Tinker Family
Historians believe Thomas Tinker, the carpenter, might be the same person who married Jane White. This marriage happened in Thurne, England, on June 25, 1609.
- His son was likely born sometime after 1609. We do not know his name.
The First Winter and Death
We don't know the exact dates when Thomas Tinker, his wife, and his son died. William Bradford, a leader of the colony, said the family "died in the first sickness." This means they likely passed away in December 1620 or January 1621. Many people became very sick during that harsh winter.
Thomas Tinker was probably buried in an unmarked grave at Cole's Hill Burial Ground in Plymouth. Many passengers who died early were buried there without headstones. His son is also noted as being buried at Cole's Hill. It is believed his wife was buried there too, though her burial spot is listed as unknown.
The Tinker family is remembered on the Pilgrim Memorial Tomb at Cole's Hill. It lists them as "Thomas Tinker his wife and son."
