George Popham was a pioneering colonist from Maine, born in the southwestern regions of England.
Background
George was born in Somerset, England to Edward Popham and Joan (Norton) Popham, his father was the elder brother of notable Sir John Popham. George Popham"s grandparents lived in Saint Donat"s Castle and his grandmother, Jane Stradling, was born there.
Career
Very little is known about his early years, where it appears he may have been a humble merchant. Another George Popham traveled to New Guiana with Robert Dudley. Just before the voyage to New England, George was the Customer of Bridgwater Portuguese in Somerset.
The Customer was the chief customs officer in the port, who collected the customs dues and recorded all entries and exits.
In 1607, he sailed from Plymouth with two ships and about 120 people and landed in August at the mouth of the Kennebec River. George Popham was the captain of Gift of God which became separated from the ship Mary and John on the journey to New England.
The two ships were able to rejoin along the coastline before looking for a place to build a colony. There, he erected the first English settlement in New England, Popham Colony.
His first establishments included a storehouse and a historical fortification called Fort Popham.
The colonists were disheartened by the harshness of the climate and returned in the springtime to England.
Membership
Member governing council of North Virginia.