William Tucker (Virginia colony) facts for kids

William Tucker was a very special person born in 1624. He was the first African American born in what would later become the United States. His parents were among the first Africans to arrive in the Jamestown Colony before he was born.

William Tucker's Birth

William Tucker was born in 1624 near Jamestown, in the Colony of Virginia. His parents, Isabell and Anthony, were African indentured servants. This means they worked for someone for a set time to pay off a debt or journey.

When William was born, there were 22 Africans living in the colony. Most of them had arrived in 1619. William's parents worked for Captain William Tucker and his wife, Mary. Captain Tucker was an important person who worked with the Pamunkey Native Americans. Their farm was located near where Bluebird Gap Farm is today in Hampton.

Isabell and Anthony got married in 1623 or earlier. Captain Tucker supported their marriage. At that time, indentured servants usually could not marry until their work contract ended. Captain Tucker had 17 servants working for him.

His Baptism

William was baptized in the Anglican Church. This made him the first African child baptized in English North America. He was named after Captain Tucker. The captain's farm was located on the Hampton River.

Near the farm was a Native American village called Kecoughtan, Virginia. Today, this area is known as Hampton, Virginia. The closest Anglican Church was the Elizabeth City Parish. It is now called the St. John's Episcopal Church.

People had different ideas about baptizing African Americans. Many wanted as many Christians as possible in the colony. However, being baptized did not change a person's status as a servant or an enslaved person. This rule was made official in 1667 by the Virginia Assembly. Enslaved people were still seen as property.

William's Childhood

As a young boy, William was considered one of Captain Tucker's 17 servants. In 1634, Elizabeth City County, Virginia was created. William's parents reportedly helped with this. This area is now Hampton, Virginia.

Around 1635, when William was about 10 or 11 years old, his parents were freed. They then started their own farm in Kent County, Virginia.

William Tucker's Legacy

• The 2-acre Tucker Family Cemetery in Hampton is named after William. Next to this cemetery is the Aberdeen Gardens neighborhood. This area was created by African Americans. The cemetery used to be called the Old Colored Graveyard. It holds the remains of people who believe they are related to William. Many graves are unmarked, but it is thought that William might be buried there. The cemetery is about one mile from Bluebird Gap Farm. This farm is believed to be where Captain William Tucker's plantation once stood.