William White facts for kids
William White was an important passenger on the famous ship Mayflower. He traveled from England to America in 1620 and helped start Plymouth Colony. He also signed the Mayflower Compact, which was an agreement for how the new colony would be governed. William White was born at an unknown date and sadly passed away in February 1621, during the first winter in Plymouth Colony.
The Mayflower Journey
William White married Susanna around 1615. Their son, Resolved, was born soon after. In 1620, William, Susanna, and Resolved became passengers on the Mayflower. They also brought two servants, William Holbeck and Edward Thompson.
The Mayflower left Plymouth, England, on September 16, 1620. There were 102 passengers and about 30 to 40 crew members on board. The ship was supposed to land in the Colony of Virginia. However, the Mayflower was damaged during the long journey.
On November 19, 1620, the ship finally spotted land. Because of the damage, they had to land at what is now Provincetown Harbor. They arrived on November 21. Before leaving the ship, the passengers wrote the Mayflower Compact. This important document set up rules for how they would live and treat each other in their new home.
Life in Plymouth Colony
William White's second son, Peregrine White, was born while the Mayflower was anchored at Cape Cod. Peregrine was the very first English child born in Plymouth Colony.
Sadly, William White and his servants, William Holbeck and Edward Thompson, died soon after landing. They passed away in early 1621 during the harsh first winter in the new colony.
William White's Family
William White's widow, Susanna, married Edward Winslow in May 1621. This made her the first bride in Plymouth Colony. Edward Winslow was also a Mayflower passenger. He later became the second governor of Plymouth Colony.
Susanna and Edward Winslow had five children together. Susanna and Edward are buried in the Winslow Cemetery.
William White's first son, Resolved White, later married Judith Vassall. She was the daughter of William Vassall.
William White's second son, Peregrine White, married Sarah Bassett. She was the daughter of William Bassett, who was also a Mayflower passenger.
See also
In Spanish: William White para niños
