Rolfe, John (rŏlf), 1585–1622, English colonist in Virginia. He reached the colony in May, 1610, and introduced (1612) the regular cultivation of tobacco, which became Virginia's staple. A widower, he fell in love with and married (1614) Pocahontas Pocahontas (pōkəhŏn`təs), c.1595–1617, Native North American woman, daughter of Chief Powhatan .
..... Click the link for more information. , daughter of the Native American chief Powhatan Powhatan (pou'ətăn`), d. 1618, Native North American chief of the Powhatan tribe in Virginia, whose personal name was Wahunsonacock.
..... Click the link for more information. . They went to England in 1616, and there she died (1617). He returned to Virginia, remarried, and held several offices. He was probably killed in the Native American massacre of 1622.

Rolfe, John

(baptized May 6, 1585, Norfolk, Eng.—died 1622?, Virginia) English colonial official. He arrived in Virginia (1610), where his experiments with tobacco cultivation produced the first export crop and built the colony's economy. In 1614 he married Pocahontas, which helped assure peaceful relations with local tribes. In 1617 the couple and their infant son traveled to England; they were enthusiastically received, but Pocahontas became ill and died. Rolfe returned to Virginia and was appointed to the colony's council. He was apparently killed in a massacre.

Rolfe, John (1585–1622) colonist; born in Norfolk, England. His successful cultivation of tobacco led to its becoming the staple crop of Virginia. He married Pocahontas (1614); the union maintained peace with the Indians that lasted until 1622.