Disappearance of the colony from Roanoke. In 1587 John White brought to the New World 115 colonists. People settled on the island of Roanoke. White had to return to England for help after the native killed the colonist. When the man returned to Roanoke, he found no one. The inhabitants of Roanoke, among them were the granddaughter of John White and the daughter, seemed to disappear without a trace.