William Carpenter (Rhode Island)

Wiliam Carpenter
Born	abt. 1610 Amesbury, Wiltshire, England
Died	7 September 1685 Providence (Pawtuxet section now in Cranston)
Known for	First surnamed Carpenter to make permanent residence in America

William Carpenter was a co-founder of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, born about 1610, probably in Amesbury, Wiltshire, England. He died September 7, 1685 in the Pawtuxet section of Providence, now in Cranston, Rhode Island. He was listed by 1655 as a "freeman" of the colony.

William Carpenter was the son of Richard Carpenter, who was born in England, probably in or near the Wiltshire town and parish of Amesbury or the adjacent parish of Newton Ton(e)y. His mother may have been Alice Knight, but this is not confirmed.

William married Elizabeth Arnold (Nov 23, 1611 - after Sep 7, 1685), who was born in Ilchester, Somerset, England, the daughter of William Arnold (June 24, 1587 - 1675/76) and sister of Benedict Arnold, the first governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. William and Elizabeth had eight children together: Joseph, Lydia, Ephraim, Priscilla, Timothy, Silas, Benjamin, and William. The couple were probably buried on their homestead in present-day Cranston, Rhode Island.

William Carpenter is the first person bearing the surname "Carpenter" to make permanent settlement in America. He settled in Providence Plantation and was instrumental in its development as a Colony, holding many public offices.

William Carpenter was not one of the first six settlers of Providence Plantation with Roger Williams in 1636, but he arrived early the next spring with seven others. His name is listed in the first deed executed in the settlement by Roger Williams. In 1640, his name appears with the names of 38 others on an agreement to form a government in Providence.

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