American Quotations by William J. Federer 2024

John Harvard (November 1607-September 14, 1638) was the first benefactor of Harvard College. Born in London, he emigrated to Massachusetts, 1637, and served as Charlestown's minister. He bequeathed his library and half of his estate for the founding of the first college in America, which was subsequently named in his honor, 1639, as recorded in the Old South Leaflets: <After God had carried us safe to New-England, and wee had builded our houses, provided necessaries for our livelihood, rear'd convenient places for God's worship, and settled the Civill Government: One of the next things we longed for, and looked after...

Virginia (May 14, 1607) the first permanent colonial settlement in North America, was founded by settlers who embarked from England in December of 1606. Their initial act after landing at Cape Henry, April 26, 1607, was to erect a wooden cross and commence a prayer meeting, led by the Reverend Robert Hunt. Later that year, after Reverend Hunt's death, the settlers stated: <1607. To the glory of God and in memory of the Reverend Robert Hunt, Presbyter, appointed by the Church of England. Minister of the Colony which established the English Church and English Civilization at Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607. His people,...

First Charter of Virginia (April 10, 1606) granted by King James I to the settlers of the "Jamestown Colony" in Virginia. The Colony was named for the "Virgin Queen" Elizabeth I by Sir Walter Raleigh, who had explored the area and attempted to found a settlement on Roanoke Island, April 9, 1585. On August 13, 1587, the members of the colony converted the Indian Manteo, who was baptized into the Christian faith. That same month the first child was born in America, baptized with the name Virginia Dare. The Roanoke Colony was unsuccessful and became known as the "Lost Colony."...

John Eliot (1604-May 21, 1690) was a Puritan clergyman who was known as "The Apostle to the Indians," as he was the first to teach Christianity to the Indians of New England. Born in England, he graduated from Cambridge and traveled to Boston, 1631, to serve as a teacher and pastor. A young Indian who had converted from paganism to Christianity helped Eliot learn the various Indian dialects. John Eliot was responsible for having written the first Indian translation of the Bible and the first Indian grammar book. In addition, he established 3,600 Indians into over a dozen self-governing communities....

Abel Janszoon Tasman (1603-October 10, 1659) was the greatest of Dutch navigators and explorers. He discovered Tasmania, New Zealand, Tonga, and the Fiji Islands. He set sail from Batavia on August 14, 1642 with the instructions: <Destined for the discovery and exploration of the unknown Southland.... What numberless multitudes of blind heathen have by the same been introduced to the blessed light of the Christian religion....[and] invaluable treasures and profitable trade connections... the blessing of the Ruler of all things.... endow with manly courage in the execution of the intended discovery, and may grant a safe return.> 1603AT001 At the beginning of the voyage,...