John Endecott

Endecott, John (c.1589–1665), governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He led the first group of Puritan colonists from England in 1628 and established a colony at Salem, Mass. In 1636 he conducted an expedition against the Pequot Indians and in 1644 became governor of the colony, serving for several terms. A zealous Puritan, he was intolerant of other religions.

See also: Massachusetts Bay Company; Puritans.