John Smith

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John Smith

As an adventurous English boy, John Smith longed to see the world, but he probably never imagined that he'd become famous for helping settle a new colony. John Smith belongs in History because he is the one who helped Jamestown get food and helped organize and run the colony. John Smith, English explorer and colonist, was an important leader and has changed America.

John Smith was born on January 8, 1580 in a small town of Willoughby, Lincolnshire, England. A couple days after John's birth, he was baptized. John's father, George was a farmer who owned his own business. Both John's parents, George and Alice, expected him to become a farmer and take over his father's business. John had other plans, he wanted to explore to world.

John's education was short, but that was usual for boys. John attended school at a place called Louth, which was nearby his town. At the age of about fifteen, John's father allowed him to leave school to become a merchant's apprentice. Many boys in those days left school, simply so they can work.

Smith's childhood experiences were very adventurous. "Although he was just sixteen years old, John went off on his first adventure and became a soldier in the Netherlands. He served in the army for three or four years. When he returned to England, he took a job as a servant for Lord Willoughby's sons, Peregrine and Robert, while they traveled through Europe. Soon the brothers decided they did not need another servant and they gave John enough money to return home to England."

Off on another adventure John decided to join the Austrian army in Hungary to fight the Turks. On the trip to Hungary the trip was very dangerous. In France he was robbed of his money and luggage. In a ship to Turkey John...

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... that "They have been my wife, my hawks, my hounds, my cards, my dice, and in total my best content."

John Smith was very adventurous and got into a lot of trouble. He helped save Jamestown by trading items with the Native Americans. Pocahontas saved his life by convincing her father not to kill him. Smith wrote a lot of famous books that helped the pilgrims survive. One unique characteristic about John Smith was that he was always brave and never fearful; he was always up for a challenge. John Smith definitely changed this world because he helped organize the first successful colony in America. If it wasn't for him Jamestown would have all died of starvation and disease. John Smith taught us to always be there for people when they need you in the most desperate times. Also no matter what always go out there and explore, the world has many beautiful places to see!

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