First governor of New Plymouth; born in
England, between 1575 and 1590; spent a considerable estate in forwarding the scheme of the “Pilgrims” for emigrating to
America, and accompanied them in the
Mayflower.
He was a deacon or elder in
Robinson's church at
Leyden, and was one of the committee sent to
London to effect a treaty with the Virginia Company concerning colonization in
America.
When the written instrument for the government of the colony
was subscribed on board the
Mayflower,
Mr. Carver was chosen to be governor.
His wife died during the succeeding winter.
Governor Carver's chair (the first throne of a chief magistrate set up in
New England) is preserved by the Massachusetts Historical Society.
He died in New Plymouth, Mass., April 5, 1621.
