Stephen Hopkins

Stephen Hopkins was the first in the Godfrey line to land on American soil. He has quite the history! He is believed to be the only passenger on the Mayflower who had previously been to the New World. He was in Jamestown from 1610-14. There is quite the history about him on Wikipedia. Here is the link:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Hopkins_(Mayflower_passenger)

Here are a few facts about him, if you don't have time to read all of that!
1. He was born in 1581, baptized April 30, 1581 in Upper Clatford, Hampshire, England.
2. He is the son of John Hopkins and Elizabeth Williams.
3. He died in June or July 1644.
4. He was one of the 41 signatories of the Mayflower Compact, and an assistant to the Plymouth  Colony governor.
5. He was a rascal, and an adventurer; the play, "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare was thought to be patterned after him.
6. He returned to England because his wife, Mary, suddenly died, leaving him with 3 young children to care for.
7. He then married Elizabeth, taking her and his three children (Constance, Giles (direct relative), and Damaris) on the Mayflower to America.
8. While living in the Plymouth Colony he kept a tavern, until his death.

He is also a direct ancestor of Gordon B. Hinckley, former Prophet and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church), which is of particular interest to Pat and our family, since we are also members and regarded President Hinckley with great love and the utmost respect.