John Carver

Carver was a successful businessman, leader and the first governor of the Pilgrim settlement at Plymouth in New England.

A wealthy London merchant, Carver was interested in new religious ideas. As supporter of English Protestantism he fled to Holland in order to avoid religious persecution under King James I.

When a group of puritans decided to leave for North America, Carver obtained the financial backing for the voyage from his merchant friends in London, enlisted settlers from England, and hired and provisioned the Mayflower for the voyage. Due to his wealth and prominence, Carver was also elected governor in 1620 for one year, and in charge of finding the site at Plymouth.

Soon after arrival the newcomers were faced with the bad conditions and epidemics during which many lost their lives. The Native American Indians taught the colonists farming techniques and helped them to survive in the colony. The colony's first successful harvest was marked by the feast in the autumn 1621 known as the first Thanksgiving feast.

On the post of a governor Carver was succeeded by William Bradford.