{"id":10406,"date":"2015-05-01T12:01:19","date_gmt":"2015-05-01T16:01:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.genealogybank.com\/?p=10406"},"modified":"2026-03-02T13:15:30","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T18:15:30","slug":"are-you-related-to-pocahontas-john-rolfe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.genealogybank.com\/blog\/are-you-related-to-pocahontas-john-rolfe.html","title":{"rendered":"Are You Related to Pocahontas? How to Trace Rolfe Descendants"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you or any of your extended family members are descendants of Pocahontas and John Rolfe, you\u2019ll want to read this recent article from Popular Archaeology<\/em>: Archaeologists rebuild 1608 church where Pocahontas was married<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Credit: Popular Archaeology<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The June 2013 issue of Popular Archaeology<\/em> details the story of the archeologists who found the original site of the church in Jamestown, Virginia, where Pocahontas and John Rolfe were married 401 years ago, on 5 April 1614.<\/p>\n

Archeologists are rebuilding a replica of the church on the site. Here is a companion Youtube video showing how this rebuilding is being done: Experimental archaeology: bringing Jamestown’s early church to life<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Tracing Pocahontas Descendants<\/h2>\n

The marriage between Pocahontas and John Rolfe worked to form a unity among the English settlers and Native Americans during the course of their matrimony. Their son, Thomas Rolfe, was born in Virginia in January 1615. In 1616 the family traveled to England and stayed for 10 months. In March 1617 they set sail to return to Virginia, but as the ship was heading down the river Thames, Pocahontas fell sick. She was taken ashore in Gravesend, England, where she died. Her son Thomas also fell ill, but recovered and continued living in England with family members. She was buried there on 21 March 1617 in Saint George\u2019s Church cemetery.<\/p>\n

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Photo: statue of Pocahontas in Saint George\u2019s Church, Gravesend, Kent, England. Source: Wikipedia.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

According to Wikipedia:<\/p>\n

Pocahontas and Rolfe had one child, Thomas Rolfe, who was born in 1615 before his parents left for England. Through this son, Pocahontas has many living descendants.<\/p>\n

Two of Pocahontas\u2019s descendants have become First Lady of the United States, both First Lady Edith Wilson and First Lady Nancy Reagan.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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Photo: First Lady Edith Wilson. Source: Wikipedia.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"photo<\/a>
Photo: First Lady Nancy Reagan. Source: Wikipedia.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Did you know?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Pocahontas was known by many different names during her lifetime. She was a Powhatan Native American and it was common for Powhatan Indians to have several names. Pocahontas\u2019s other Powhatan names included Matoaka and Amonute.<\/p>\n

According to Wikipedia:<\/p>\n

Pocahontas was captured and held for ransom by English colonists during hostilities in 1613. During her captivity, she was encouraged to convert to Christianity and was baptized under the name Rebecca.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

She was then used as a model for the rest of the English settlers, showcasing the success in turning Indians into “civilized” settlers.<\/p>\n

The Pocahontas genealogy highlights a rich history. This unique family line ties together a violent relationship between the American settlers and the Native Americans. The marriage of Pocahontas and John Rolfe brought a period of peace between the two conflicting groups.<\/p>\n

Do you know if you are related to Pocahontas?<\/p>\n

If so \u2013 tell us how.<\/p>\n

Create a free account<\/a> at GenealogyBank for 7 days to start your journey and discover the stories your ancestors left behind.<\/p>\n

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