John Smith

John Smith played an extremely important role in the beginning of American history. He was born in 1580 in Willoughby, England. Smith first began traveling when he volunteered for France who was fighting for Dutch independence from Spain. In 1600 he joined the Austrian army and fought against the Turks. There he earned the title of Captain.
In 1602, while fighting in Transylvania, Smith was wounded and captured. He was then sold as a slave. After killing one of his owners, Smith escaped and fled back to Transylvania. …