SMITH FAMILY

Captain John Smith, heroic founder of Jamestown, Virginia

John Smith was born on 9 January 1580 in Willoughby, England. At the age of 16 he left England to become a soldier. He fought in several wars on the continent of Europe, and was promoted to Captain at the age of twenty because of his conspicuous gallantry and powers of leadership. After many adventures, he returned to England at the age of twenty-five.

King James I granted the Virginia Company a charter to establish a colony in Virginia. John Smith joined the adventure, which set sail in 1606. After four months at sea, the settlers reached Jamestown in May 1607. John Smith was one of the governing committee.

Disease struck the new colony, adding to the suffering caused by a harsh winter. Hostile Indians took the opportunity to attack the weakened settlers. John Smith led the defence, inspiring the other men by his example of courage and fortitude.

In December 1607, John Smith and a party of scouts were ambushed by Indians and captured. The Indians were so impressed by John Smith's courage that, although they murdered all the other Englishmen, they took Smith back to their chief. The young Indian princess Pocahontas was so impressed by Smith's dignity that she pleaded that he be spared. The Indians eventually released John Smith in friendship, and he returned to Jamestown.

John Smith found the colony short of food, and with very low morale. He took charge, and set an example of hard work. He told the colonists firmly that, "He who does not work, will not eat." Because of Smith's strong leadership, Jamestown survived and grew. Smith was injured by an accidental explosion of gunpowder, and had to return to England. While he was ill, jealous men conspired against him, and Captain John Smith was never to return to Virginia. He died in England on 21 June 1631, aged 51.

Please help the family charitable trust, by adding a Social Bookmark to bring this website more visitors. Just click here:-