Stephen Hopkins

Stephen Hopkins was baptized at Upper Clatford, Hampshire, on 30 April 1581. In 1609 he sailed toward Virginia aboard the Sea Venture, which was wrecked in Bermuda. A death sentence imposed there for mutiny was pardoned, and he eventually reached Jamestown.[3]

After returning to England, he married Elizabeth Fisher in 1617. In 1620 they sailed on the Mayflower with Giles Hopkins and Constance Hopkins Snow, children of his first marriage to Mary, and their daughter Damaris. Their son Oceanus was born during the crossing.[3]

Hopkins signed the Mayflower Compact, helped explore the coast and hosted the Indigenous visitor Samoset at Plymouth. He later served as a governor’s assistant and ran an alehouse. Colonial courts fined him for assault, Sabbath drinking and overcharging.[3]

He died between 6 June and 17 July 1644. His will asked for burial beside his wife.[3]