Colonial American Leaders
William
Bradford
John
Smith
John
Wise
Anne
Hutchinson
William
Penn
Roger
Williams
William Bradford
Born: 1590 in York, England
Died: 1657 in Plymouth, Massachusetts
Accomplishments: He traveled to American on
the Mayflower and helped set up the colony of
Plymouth. He was the second governor of the colony and
under his leadership the colony survived.
Other Interesting Facts: In 1621, Bradford organized the
celebration of the first Thanksgiving Day in New England.
For more information:
William Bradford Biography
William Bradford – World Book Encyclopedia
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John Smith
Born: 1580 in Willoughby, England
Died: 1631 in London, England
Accomplishments: Led the founding of the
settlement of Jamestown which later became the colony of
Virginia.
Other Interesting Facts: In 1614 he charted the coast of southern
Canada and the area he named New England.
For more information:
The Adventures of Captain John Smith
Captain John Smith – Britannica Online
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John Wise
Born: 1652 in Roxbury, Massachusetts
Died: 1725 in Ipswich, Massachusetts
Accomplishments: Reverend Wise was a
minister and political leader who is
recognized as one of the first Americans to oppose “taxation
without representation.”
Other Interesting Facts: Wise lived in Ispwich, Massachusetts
often called "the birthplace of American independence."
For more information:
John Wise – Online Encyclopedia Britannica
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Anne Hutchinson
Born: 1591 in Lincolnshire, England
Died: 1643 in New York
Accomplishments: Anne Hutchinson was a
religious leader and the first American feminist. Her
courageous actions helped set the stage for religious
freedom in America.
Other Interesting Facts: Anne was banished from her
community because she expressed religious beliefs
that were different from the colony's rulers. She helped
establish what is now Portsmouth, Rhode Island.
For more information:
Anne Hutchinson – PBS Kids.org
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William Penn
Born: 1644 in London, England
Died: 1718 in Berkshire, England
Accomplishments: William Penn established the colony of
Pennsylvania where people could enjoy religious freedom. He
published the Plan of Union, a forerunner of the U.S.
Constitution.
Other Interesting Facts: Penn is remembered for peaceful
interaction with the Lenni Lenape Indians.
For more information:
William Penn – The Library of Congress
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Roger Williams
Born: 1603 in London, England
Died: 1621 in Providence, Rhode Island
Accomplishments: Roger Williams was the first American
defender of complete religious freedom and the idea of
“separation of church and state.” He was the founder and
governor of the colony of Rhode Island where religious
freedom was guaranteed.
Other Interesting Facts: He was an authority on the Native
Americans of his time. He bought land from the Indians and
started a trading post where he traded with them and was
known for his peace-making.
For more information:
Roger Williams Biography
Roger Williams Biography from the Library of Congress
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