Thomas Wiggin facts for kids

Captain Thomas Wiggin (1601–1666) was an important leader in early American history. He is often called Governor Thomas Wiggin. He was the first governor of the Upper Plantation of New Hampshire. This area later became part of the Province of New Hampshire in 1679.

Thomas Wiggin also founded the town of Stratham, New Hampshire. This town celebrated its 300th birthday in 2016. He came from a respected family in England. His family had connections to important people of his time. He was a highly respected man who helped shape early American values.

Thomas Wiggin had three children who lived to be adults: Andrew, Mary, and Thomas. His son Andrew married Hannah Bradstreet. Hannah was the daughter of Governor Simon Bradstreet from the Massachusetts Colony. Thomas Wiggin's granddaughter, Sarah Wiggin, married into the family of John Sherburne from Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Who Was Thomas Wiggin?

Thomas Wiggin first appears in colonial records in May 1629. He signed a document called the Wheelwright Deed. This document was an agreement with the local Algonquin people. It was about working together for defense. It also transferred land along the coast of what is now New Hampshire to English settlers. These settlers were led by Reverend John Wheelwright.

Wiggin's Arrival in New England

Thomas Wiggin arrived in New England on the Winthrop Fleet. This was a group of ships that brought many settlers to America. By 1631, he was chosen to be the main agent or governor. He was in charge of the "Upper" or "Dover" Plantation. This area included modern-day Dover, Durham, and Stratham.

He made his home in what is now Stratham. He also owned a large area of land called the Squamscott patent. This land was east of the Squamscott River. He was a close friend and ally of Governor John Winthrop. Winthrop was the governor of the nearby Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Journey to England and Return

In 1632, Thomas Wiggin traveled back to England. He returned the next year with more power. He also brought 30 new settlers who were Puritans. Wiggin served as governor of the plantation until 1637. In that year, the people of the plantation created a more formal government. They elected George Burdett as their new governor.

During this time, the Dover plantation had some disagreements. The Puritan settlers who arrived in 1633 had different religious views. They disagreed with the earlier settlers who were Anglicans.

Wiggin's Role in Massachusetts

In the early 1640s, Massachusetts claimed control over the New Hampshire settlements. Thomas Wiggin represented these settlements in the colonial assembly. He eventually became a member of the Massachusetts council of assistants. This was an important group that helped the governor.

Later, in the 1680s, Governor Edward Cranfield was in charge. Thomas Wiggin and his son, Thomas Wiggin Jr., joined other New Hampshire residents. They signed a petition to King James II of England. This petition protested against the heirs of John Mason. Mason's family was trying to take back land and property. This land had been taken by the colonists after Mason's death.

Thomas Wiggin's Religious Beliefs

Thomas Wiggin was a Puritan. This meant he was very religious. He strongly believed that the Anglican Church needed to be changed. He thought it had too many ideas from the Catholic faith. He was convinced that God would punish England for its religious practices. He believed that English Puritans needed to create a "New England" in a new world.

Family Life and Legacy

In June 1659, Thomas Wiggin's son, Andrew Wiggin, married Hannah Bradstreet. Hannah was the daughter of Massachusetts Governor Simon Bradstreet. Her mother was Anne Dudley, who was also the daughter of Massachusetts Governor Thomas Dudley.

Thomas Wiggin passed away in 1666. He was buried near his home.

More Information

To learn more about Thomas Wiggin, you can read the book "Echo Me the Life and Times of Captain Thomas Wiggin 1601-1666, the Making of American Values." It was written by Joyce Wiggin-Robbins and published in 2016. ISBN: 9781514476987