John Throckmorton was an early American settler and a prominent figure in the establishment of the Colony of Rhode Island. He was born in 1600 in England and became known for his strong beliefs in religious freedom and tolerance. Throckmorton was one of the original signers of the Rhode Island Charter in 1663, which granted the colony a high degree of self-governance. In 1637, Throckmorton was among the first settlers to arrive in Providence, where he helped to create a community based on principles of liberty and equality. His contributions to the colony's governance and his advocacy for individual rights played a significant role in shaping the early political landscape of New England.