Isaac Allerton

Isaac Allerton was an English merchant and colonizer who was among the Mayflower’s passengers in 1620 who founded Plymouth colony, the first permanent settlement in New England.

Possibly a tailor, Allerton worked as a merchant in Leiden before departing for the New World. During the early history of the colony, he worked as an assistant to Governor William Bradford holding that office from 1621 to 1630s. From 1627 until early 1630s, he acted as a business agent of the Plymouth colony and travelled often to London. Using his position and authority, Allerton became involved in illegal personal trading arrangements and engaged the Pilgrims' joint-stock company in unauthorized business ventures which contributed to its financial setback. Consequently, he was removed from his position and replaced by Edward Winslow.

Around 1631 Allerton left the Plymouth Colony, and spent some time at Marblehead and New Amsterdam before he settled to the New Haven Colony where he spent the rest of his life. Involvement in trade with many neighboring colonies, including the Dutch at New Netherlands, New Sweden, Virginia, Massachusetts Bay, and Barbados brought him a considerable profits and he has been considered a rich man.