William Carpenter (Rhode Island colonist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wiliam Carpenter
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| Born | abt. 1610 |
| Died | 7 September 1685 Providence (Pawtuxet section now in Cranston)
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| Known for | First surnamed Carpenter to make permanent residence in America |
William Carpenter (born around 1610, died 1685) helped start the colony of Rhode Island. He was born in England, likely in a town called Amesbury. He later moved to America and settled in what is now Cranston, Rhode Island. By 1655, he was known as a "freeman," which meant he had the right to vote and own land in the colony.
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William Carpenter's Life and Family
William Carpenter was the son of Richard Carpenter, who was also from England. His family likely lived near Amesbury in Wiltshire. We don't know for sure who his mother was.
William married Elizabeth Arnold. She was born in England in 1611. Her father was William Arnold, and her brother, Benedict Arnold, became the first governor of Rhode Island. William and Elizabeth had eight children: Joseph, Lydia, Ephraim, Priscilla, Timothy, Silas, Benjamin, and William. They were probably buried on their family land in what is now Cranston, Rhode Island.
William Carpenter was the very first person with the last name "Carpenter" to settle permanently in America. He played a big part in helping the Providence Plantation grow into a successful colony. He held many important jobs in the government there.
Settling in Providence Plantation
William Carpenter was not among the first six people who settled Providence Plantation with Roger Williams in 1636. However, he arrived very early the next spring with seven other settlers. His name is listed on the first official document signed by Roger Williams for the settlement. In 1640, his name appeared with 38 others on an agreement to create a government for Providence.
Soon after settling, Carpenter built a strong building called a block house on his land. This was for defense against attacks from Native American tribes. It was the first one in the colony. During a conflict known as King Philip's War, many settlers from Providence gathered at Carpenter's block house for safety. Their brave stand helped force the Native Americans to retreat. Sadly, William Carpenter's son, William Jr., was killed during this attack, along with many other settlers. During the war, the colony's leaders asked for advice from the wisest people in the colony. William Carpenter was one of 16 people chosen to give counsel.
William Carpenter's Public Service
William Carpenter held many important roles in the early government of Rhode Island. These jobs helped shape the new colony.
Keeping the Peace
In 1642, authorities from Boston chose William Carpenter as one of four people to "keep the peace" in the Pawtuxet area.
Serving as a Commissioner
William Carpenter served as a Commissioner for Providence in the Rhode Island General Court Assembly for several years. This was like being a representative or deputy for his town.
- 1657-1665
- 1675
- 1676
- 1679
Jury Duty and Legal Roles
He was also chosen to serve on juries for trials.
- Juror for the General Court of Trials: 1661, 1663, 1664.
- Juror for the Grand Inquest (a type of grand jury): 1658, 1663, 1665.
- Warden (a type of magistrate) for the General Court of Trials: 1660.
Leading Town Meetings
William Carpenter often led the town meetings in Providence. This role was called a town meeting moderator.
- June 1662
- June 1665
- September 1665
- April 1666
- September 1666
- October 1670
- December 1670
- February 1671
- April–September 1671
General Assistant for Providence
He served as a General Assistant for Providence to the Rhode Island General Assembly from 1665 to 1672. This was a very important role in the colonial government.
Justice of the Peace and Marriages
William Carpenter also worked as a justice of the peace for Providence.
- 1665
- 1667
- 1668
He also performed marriages from his office as an assistant from 1669 to 1672.
Town Councilman
He was a member of the Providence town council.
- January 1671
- June 1673
Images for kids
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This map shows the original layout of Providence, Rhode Island, in the 1600s. Many streets are named after the first landowners. William Carpenter's land is near the letter "D" in "Providence Neck."
