Pocahontas
Jane Rolfe
• Born: 10 Oct 1650, Petersburg, Indian Territory (Dinwiddie Co.) VA
In 1995, Roy Disney decided to release an animated movie about a Powhatan woman known as “Pocahontas”. In
• Marriage (1): Col. Robert Bolling in 1675 in Petersburg, Indian Territory (Dinwiddie Co.) VA
answer to a complaint by the Powhatan Nation, he claims the film is “responsible, accurate, and respectful.” We of
• Marriage (2): Agnes before 1675
the Powhatan Nation disagree. The film distorts history beyond recognition. Our offers to assist Disney with cultural
• Died: 1676, Kippax, Charles City, VA at age 26
and historical accuracy were rejected. Our efforts urging him to reconsider his misguided mission were spurred.
“Pocahontas” was a nickname, meaning “the naughty one” or “spoiled child”. Her real name was Matoaka. The
legend is that she saved a heroic John Smith from being clubbed to death by her father in 1607 - she would have been
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about 10 or 11 at the time. The truth is that Smith’s fellow colonists described him as an abrasive, ambitious, self-Spouses/Children:
promoting mercenary soldier.
m. Col. Robert Bolling
Pocahontas “Rebecca” Matoaka
• Born: 26 Dec 1646, All Hallows Barking Parish, London, England
• Marriage (1): Jane Rolfe in 1675 in Petersburg, Indian Territory (Dinwiddie Co.) VA
(1595-1617)
• Marriage (2): Anne Stith in 1681 in Kippax, Charles City Co., VA
• Died: 17 Jul 1709, Cobbs, Prince George, VA at age 62
• Buried: Jul 1709, Kippax, Prince George, VA
Pocahontas “Rebecca” Matoaka