Thomas Rolfe

Thomas Rolfe (January 30, 1615 – c. 1680?) was the only child of Pocahontas and her English husband, John Rolfe. His maternal grandfather was Wahunsunacock, the chief of Powhatan tribe in Virginia.

Early life

Thomas Rolfe was born in Varina Farms, Virginia on January 30, 1615. Governor Sir Thomas Dale accompanied Thomas Rolfe and his parents on their trip to England aboard the Treasurer in 1616. He was a year old during this voyage, and (being half Native American) was not necessarily immune to the diseases and hardships of the voyage. Thomas survived, but a year later in spring 1617 was stricken with a severe fever, as was his mother.

Just as the Rolfe family was preparing to re-embark on the George ship commanded by Samuel Argall, Rebecca (Pocahontas) died, possibly of consumption. Thomas was left in Plymouth, England with Sir Lewis Stukley, and was later transferred into the care of his uncle, Henry Rolfe. His father, however, sailed without him to Virginia (after being persuaded by Admiral Argall and other members of the journey that his son was too sick to continue the voyage) and this was the last time that the father and son saw one another. Thomas remained in his uncle's care until he reached roughly 20 years of age, by which time his father had already died. As Henry raised Thomas, he felt he deserved compensation from his brother's estate, and therefore petitioned the Virginia Council in October 1622, claiming entitlement to a portion of John Rolfe's land. It is assumed that Thomas returned to Virginia in 1635, and there is no further mention of Rolfe's whereabouts or doings until 1641.