Smith, John. English colonist. Born in 1580. Was taken prisoner by the Turks when in the Hungarian service, but after his escape from the Crimea went out to colonize Virginia in 1606. He was captured by the Indians, and only saved from death by Pocahontas, the Indian girl. After his release and explorations in Chesapeake Bay, was made president of the Colonial Council. He fell into the hands of the French in 1615, and on his return to England met Pocahontas, and presented her to the queen. His "History of Virginia, New England, and the Summer Isles" appeared in 1624. He wrote various autobiographical works. John Smith died in 1631.

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