2. Greetings! Ready for the next installment?
1616
John Rolfe and Pocahontas – given the Christian name Rebecca – and baby, Thomas, enjoyed peaceful times in the colony. Colony leaders wanted to build a school. English and Powhaten children would be taught religion there. The English King James was not interested in funding a school. Colony leaders suggested that Pocahontas take her family to England to awaken interest in the colony.
The family received a royal welcome in London. Pocahontas met the King at Whitehall palace. In March 1617 they left London aboard ship to return to the colony. They only reached Gravesend on the River Thames when Pocahontas took ill and died. Her dying wish; “That her son be raised with a good education in the ways of God.” John Rolfe continued to Jamestown. Thomas was raised in England by his Rolfe grandparents at the Rolfe home – Heacham Hall, Heacham, Norfolk.
Thomas had opportunity to study at Cambridge and excelled in canoeing and wrestling. As a youth he was invited to the court of King James: “I decided it would be pleasing to see the son of Pocahontas. Now I want to present you with the Bible requested by your Mother. Perhaps you will take this Bible to your Mother’s people.” (Find more details about your great-great…grandfather by read Two Mighty rivers – Son of Pocahontas by Mari Hanes)
Thomas returned to Chesapeake Bay and the Jamestown colony in 1629.Two cultures met and melded in this young man – Thomas Pepsicanough Rolfe – Two Mighty Rivers. He lived 87 years.
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