JOHN ROLFE

EARLY LIFE

• Traveled from england to Virginia colony in 1610
• Goal was to grow and sell a better grade of tobacco
• Ship ran into a hurricane that ran them ashore in Bermuda
• There he found specially grown sweet tobacco seeds
• Finally made it to Jamestown to start making his profits

FATHER OF TOBACCO

• Economy was poor in Jamestown before his arrival
• John's high quality tobacco boosted the economy
• Began making larger profits and had large plantations
• Became known as "Father of Tobacco Industry"
• Backed by the Virginia Stock Company

POCAHONTAS

• Married Indian chief powhatan's daughter, Pocahontas in 1614
• Their relationship led to peace and commerce between colonists and Indians
• Had a son with her
• Returned to England in 1616 when Pocahontas died and son was left to a guardian

LATER LIFE

• Returned to colonies and married Jane Pierce in 1619
• John became a prominent figure in society
• He had large roles in political and economical life of Virginia
• Served on Virginia's council of state in 1621

DEATH AND IMPORTANCE

• After powhatan died, relationship between indians and colonists turned hostile
• Indians launched major assault in 1622, killing 1/4 population of Jamestown
• Unknown if John died in attack or by disease, but he died in 1622.
• Most important thing to remeber about John Rolfe was that he was...
• FATHER OF TOBACCO INDUSTRY in Virginia colony and saved the economy.