Roger Conant (colonist)

Roger Conant
Statue of Roger Conant by Henry Hudson Kitson in Salem, Massachusetts.
Bornc. April 1592
East Budleigh, Devonshire, Kingdom of England
DiedNovember 19, 1679(1679-11-19) (aged 87)
Beverly, Massachusetts Bay
Occupation(s)Colonist, drysalter
Known forFounding Salem, Massachusetts

Roger Conant (c. 9 April 1592 – November 19, 1679) was a New England colonist and drysalter credited for establishing the communities of Salem, Peabody, Beverly and Danvers, Massachusetts (Peabody, Beverly and Danvers were part of Salem during his lifetime).[1][2]

Conant arrived at Plymouth Colony from London in 1624, where he became associated with Puritan opposition and subsequently led the settlement to outlying areas, including the site of an ancient Native American village and trading center, which would later become Salem.[3]

Conant's leadership provided the stability to survive the first two years in Salem, but John Endecott, one of the new arrivals, replaced him by order of the Massachusetts Bay Company. Conant graciously stepped aside and was granted 200 acres (0.81 km2) of land in compensation.[4]

Conant died in Beverly, Massachusetts Bay on November 19, 1679.

Plaque on the Roger Conant statue in Salem, Massachusetts.
  1. ^ Bartlett, Sarah S. Roger Conant in America: Governor and Citizen, An Historical Address Delivered at the Conant Family Reunion, Hotel Vendome, Boston, June 13, 1901, p. 8.
  2. ^ Shipton, Clifford K. Roger Conant: A Founder of Massachusetts, p. 53-4, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1944.
  3. ^ Shipton, Clifford K. Roger Conant: A Founder of Massachusetts, p. 37-8, 72, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1944.
  4. ^ Shipton, Clifford K. Roger Conant: A Founder of Massachusetts, pp. 68-75, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1944.