Author: Administrador

(March 4, 1629), was granted by King Charles I. In June of 1630, ten years after the Pilgrims founded the Plymouth Colony, Governor John Winthrop founded the Holy Commonwealth of Massachusetts with 700 people sailing in eleven ships. This began the Great Migration, which saw more than twenty thousand Puritans embark for New England in … Continue reading “MASSACHUSETTS,
FIRST CHARTER OF”

(June 7, 1629), established the Dutch patroon system of land holdings in New York and New Netherlands. This plan, intended to promote colonization, granted large tracts of land to those who would help fifty families to emigrate and settle along the Hudson River. It stated: Article XXVII. The Patroons and colonists shall in particular, and … Continue reading “NEW
YORK, CHARTER OF FREEDOMS AND EXEMPTIONS TO PATROONS OF”

(January 25, 1627–December 30, 1691), was a British natural philosopher, known as the “Father of Modern Chemistry.” One of the founders of the Royal Society of London, he was noted for his pneumatic experiments and the espousal of atomism. His contributions in physics and chemistry included the discovery of the basic law of gas dynamics, … Continue reading “BOYLE,
ROBERT”

(November 29, 1627–January 17, 1705), was a British biologist and natural theologian who founded of the Royal Society. Considered the father of English natural history, he was a respected expert in the field of taxonomy, botany and zoology. He compiled an extensive catalogue of English flora and, between 1686–1704, published A General History of Plants … Continue reading “RAY,
JOHN”

(June 19, 1623–August 19, 1662), was a French physicist, mathematician and philosopher. Known as the “Father of the Science of Hydrostatics,” he helped develop the barometer, pioneered hydrodynamics and fluid mechanics, leading to his discovery of “Pascal’s Principle,” the basis of hydraulics. He made invaluable contributions in the areas of probability and differential calculus, with … Continue reading “PASCAL,
BLAISE”

(July 1624–January 13, 1691), was the founder of the Society of Friends, or “Quakers,” 1652. After his conversion experience, 1646, he traveled extensively, ministering in England, Ireland, Scotland, Holland, the West Indies and North America, often being imprisoned for his beliefs. William Penn, founder of the Pennsylvania Colony, was close friends with Fox, even traveling … Continue reading “FOX,
GEORGE”

(April 17, 1622–April 23, 1695), was an English physician and poet, who was born in Wales. After receiving an education at Jesus College, Oxford, he practiced medicine in Brecon. Many of his best poems, such as “The Retreate,” “The Sap” and “I walkt the other day” are included in his collection entitled, Silex Scintillans, 1655. … Continue reading “VAUGHAN,
HENRY”

(November 3, 1620), granted by King James I (1566–1625), declared the purpose of the colony: In the hope thereby to advance the enlargement of the Christian religion, to the glory of God Almighty.269

(November 11, 1620), was America’s first great governmental document, signed by the Pilgrims before they disembarked from their ship, the Mayflower. This covenant, revolutionary in its concept of individuals mutually and voluntarily submitting themselves to each other under God, has influenced all other American constitutional instruments since. The Mayflower Compact stated: In ye name of … Continue reading “MAYFLOWER
COMPACT”

(baptized May 26, 1613–June 14, 1662), was the Governor of Massachusetts in 1636. An English colonial administrator and statesman, he served as joint treasurer of the English Navy, elected to Long and Short Parliaments and in 1640 was knighted by King Charles I. Sir Henry Vane is noted for having helped Roger Williams secure the … Continue reading “VANE,
SIR HENRY”