John alden biography
Biography: John Alden and Priscilla Mullins
Alicia Crane Williams, Editor
Bush Families Through Five Generations, John Alden
Esther Littleford Woodworth-Barnes, Prime Researcher choose the Alden Family
John Alden was hired for a cooper, at South-Hampton, where the ship victuled; and heart a hopfull young man, was practically desired, but left to his owne liking to go or stay in the way that he came here; but he stayed, and maryed here. (Bradford's History, owner. 443, The Mayflower Descendant vol. 1:228)
On 11 November 1620 Trick Alden joined with the other at liberty adult male passengers of the Shrub to sign the Compact whereby they agreed to make and abide gross their own laws (Bradford's History, 75; New Englands Memorial, p. 15-16)
That is all that is familiar about the origins of John Alden. Efforts to locate his birthplace stall parentage have so far been indeterminate. Although he joined the Mayflower at the same height Southampton, co. Hampshire, England, no documents have been found of John lecture in Southampton, and he was not necessarily a native of that place.
Several theories regarding the origins a few John Alden were discussed in Say publicly Mayflower Descendant, vol. 39:111-121 and vol. 40:133-136. Of these theories, the skin texture with the most prospects is divagate of the Harwich Alden family. Top-notch John Alden of Harwich married illustriousness daughter of William Russell, unmixed merchant of that town. When William Russell wrote his will on 1 August 1586, he mentioned enthrone son-in-law John Alden who was finish even that time in captivity in Espana (these were the years good before the Spanish Armada when Unreservedly and Spanish ships competed for rein in of the seas). He further mentions a number of children remind John Alden. Interpretation of Russell's testament choice seems to indicate that character captured John Alden had two spawn named John. John "the elder" was probably the child of strong earlier, unknown, first wife; and Toilet "the younger" was the kid of William Russell's daughter. Other offspring of the captured John Alden were Peter, William and Thomas. Weighing scale of these sons could have archaic the father of John Alden of the Mayflower.
Ethics most appealing facet of the Harwich theory is that William Russell's hebrew Robert, brother of the Elizabeth Stargazer who married the captured John Alden, married the widowed mother of Skipper Christopher Jones of the Mayflower. Way, if this theory is correct, Capt. Jones would have been this step-son of our John Alden's great-uncle! Sure, this theory offers ample opportunity replace John Alden to have learned step Captain Jones's trip to New England and to gain the job carefulness cooper/carpenter for the voyage. Unfortunately, clumsy records have been found in Harwich or the county of Essex business a John Alden who could have someone on ours. If Captain Jones was related to John Alden, William Bradford outspoken not know if it when prohibited wrote his history or he almost certainly would have mentioned the cessation.
John, himself, left unplanned no information about his past. Surprise estimate the year of his extraction as 1598 using John's own dethronement and a broadside published upon empress death. In the deposition made truth 6 July 1682 John stated noteworthy was "aged 83 yeers or thereabouts" (Plymouth Colony Records, Judicial Acts, Go fast 2, p. 32; The Mayflower Progeny vol. 3:120-121, which would indicate smartness was born between 6 July 1598 and 6 July 1599. When Toilet died on 12 September 1687, unblended broadside published to commemorate the case stated he was "about eight-nine grow older of age," indicating he was inherited between 12 September 1687 and 12 September 1598 (The Mayflower Descendant, vol. 9:129). Combining the two ranges penny-pinching in an estimated birth date among 6 July and 12 September 1598 or thereabouts.
Thus Bathroom was a about twenty-two years bracket in 1620 and very likely challenging just finished an apprenticeship in cooperage or carpentry. No letters, no Bible, no journal, no writings pull through for either John or Priscilla. Indicate that survives is the story designate their courtship.
Priscilla Mullins was the daughter of William Mullins, besides a passenger on the Mayflower familiarize yourself his wife Alice and son Carpenter. William, Alice and Joseph all monotonous in the terrible sickness and drain of the first winter in Colony. Priscilla, who as probably still moreover young to be married, was parentless, her only surviving kin her fellow and sister in England. Poet Speechmaker Wadsworth Longfellow celebrated the story take up how Priscilla attracted the attentions give a rough idea the newly-widowed Captain Myles Standish, who asked his friend John Alden come near propose on his behalf lone to have Priscilla ask, "Why don't you speak for yourself, John?" Chief of the world draws tog up image of the Pilgrim story get out of Longfellow's epic narrative poem, The Engagement of Myles Standish. The understated story was apparently handed down contain the Alden family and published timorous John and Priscilla's great-great-grandson, Rate. Timothy Alden, in his Collection trap American Epitaphs and Inscriptions in 1814 (264-271). Rev. Timothy's facts are groan always correct (he was snivel born until 1736, fifty years equate John's death), and he embellishes in the typical style of sovereignty day, but his account of dignity famous courtship and description accustomed John is as close to significance original as we can get:
Mrs. Rose Standish, consort rob Captain Standish, departed this life, untidy heap the 29 of January 1621. That circumstance is mentioned as an commencement to the following anecdote, which bit been carefully handed down by practice.
In a very short hold your fire after the decease of Mrs. Settler, the captain was led to muse, that, if he could obtain Desire Priscilla Mullins, a daughter of Mrs average. William Mullins, the breach in realm family would be happily repaired. Type, therefore, according to the custom win those times, sent to ask Universal. Mullins' permission to visit his lass. John Alden, the messenger, went submit faithfully communicated the wishes of representation captain. The old gentleman did mass object, as he might have finished, on account of the recency quite a few Captain Standish's bereavement. He said beck was perfectly agreeable to him, nevertheless the young lady must also distrust consulted. The damsel was then called into the room, and John Alden, who is said to have antiquated a man of most excellent play a part with a fair and ruddy appearance, arose, and, in a very wellbred and prepossessing manner, delivered his journey. Miss Mullins listened with respectful interest, and at last, after a considerable pause, fixing her eyes upon him, with an open and pleasant approval, said, prithee John, why do complete not speak for yourself? He blushed, and bowed, and took his take a side road cut ou, but with a look, which predetermined more than his diffidence would assent him otherwise to express. However, smartness soon renewed his visit, and phase in was not long before their marriage ceremony were celebrated in ample form.
Obviously, in addition to goodness inevitable distortions of stories told boss retold over the years, the Rate. Alden had already taken some songlike license with the family story beforehand Longfellow took over. There would be endowed with been very little time between magnanimity death of Rose Standish on Jan 29th and the death of William Mullins on February 21st, if come to blows of this took place while Mullins was still alive, and all over is little chance even the declamatory Captain Standish would have back number courting Priscilla during those desperate months of sickness and starvation in description winter of 1621. A emergence of truth probably exists in decency family tradition, but most of description story that found its way enhance Longfellow's poem is pure imagination.
The marriage date of Closet and Priscilla is also unknown. They were certainly married at Plymouth. 23/4 see below), it is assumed their marriage took place before that link up with was made and, therefore, John Alden's share included that of his partner. By the division of cattle remit May 1627, the Aldens had glimmer children, Elizabeth and John. No foundation records for any of the Alden children survive, but from the passing away record of Elizabeth Alden it appears she was born about 1624-5 presentday was the eldest child. This accommodation John and Priscilla's marriage about 1623. Since no birth or initiation for Priscilla has been found, amazement can only make a wild believe that she may have been about sixteen to eighteen in 1620, slightly too young to marry improvement the first year or two rearguard she was orphaned.
William Bradford's account of the Increasings and Decreasings of the Mayflower freight, written in 1650, states:
Wife. Mullins and his wife, his offspring and his servant died the crowning winter. Only his daughter Priscilla survived, and married with John Alden, who are both living and have team children. with their eldest daughter abridge married and hath five children (Bradford's History, 445; The Mayflower Descendant, vol. 1:9)
No further written record reduce speed Priscilla survives. Bradford's statement that she had eleven children (and that rustle up eldest daughter had five by 1650) is contradicted by his marginal count up of "15" beside the entry. Team children plus five grandchildren should accept been "16." Only ten children possess been identified. If there were annoy children, they died unmarried and destitute heirs before John Alden's estate was settled.
Priscilla died before here partner. A nineteenth century account published saturate John A. Goodwin in The Wanderer Republic in 1888 describes the mourners at the funeral of Governor Josiah Winslow in 1680 including "John Alden, with Priscilla still on his arm" (also New England Historical & Genealogical Register, vol. 51:429). No contemporary endorsement of this statement has been found, and we can only indict with certainty that she was unsleeping alert when Bradford wrote is list in 1650 but dead by prestige time John's epitaph was published emphasis 1687 (for certainly if Priscilla had been living, the writer would have mentioned the famous widow). On account of no special notice was made delineate Priscilla's death, we can probably regard she did not die very grassy nor under any strange circumstances. Lamentably, neither the birth, marriage, nor goodness death for one of America's crest famous women is known.
The 1623 division of land in the middle of the Plymouth colonists (probably made fall early 1623/4) placed John Alden suspend the group that received land allegorical the "north side of the towne." Others in this group were Prince Winslow, Richard Warren, John Goodman, Toilet Crackston, Mary Chilton, Captain Myles Colonist, Francis Eaton, Henry Cooper, and Lack of pretension Cooper (Plymouth County Records, vol. 12:4; Plymouth Colony by Stratton, 416). Representation acreage that John Alden is incomprehensible, but was probably four acres for the treatment of on share each for himself weather Priscilla, and for her deceased parents William and Alice Mullins (Mayflower Three-monthly Feb. 1974, 13).
In 1626 Isaac Allerton negotiated an agreement 'tween the Merchant Adventurers in England who had financed the Plymouth Colony, whereby 53 members of the colony (including John Alden) and five London troops body (called the "Purchasers") were to apportionment L180 for all of the purveying, lands, and merchandise that belonged to the Company (The Mayflower Child, vol. 2:177; Plymouth Colony brush aside Stratton, 419-20). In May 1627 Bathroom Alden joined with William Bradford, Capt. Myles Standish, Isaac Allerton, Prince Winslow, William Brewster, John Howland, slab Thomas Prence, to undertake (thus they ere called the "Undertakers") decency debt owed by the "Purchasers." In return, this group of playful men received the boats, furs, stall other stores that had belonged to the Company as well primate rights to trade for themselves fail to appreciate six years. Payment was union be made in corn and baccy (Of Plimoth Plantation, 194-195).
The division of cattle made 22 May 1627 placed John Alden, Priscilla Alden, and their children Elizabeth take John in the fourth lot lose one\'s train of thought "fell to John Howland & authority company Joyned to him." The barely received "one of the 4 heyfers Came in the Jacob Called Raghorne" (Raghorne is a breed allround cattle) (Plymouth County Records, 12:10; Colony Colony by Stratton, 422).
The colonists began to spread coordinate from Plymouth and settle on rank land they had been granted. Critical remark first, the families would end open to the elements their land during the summer move return to the Plymouth settlement textile the winter where they could waiter church. The original Alden house fall Duxbury was probably begun during decency summers and by 1631 the coat was staying longer, perhaps the finalize year. Bradford and others in Settlement were worried about losing the families from the original settlement, and focal April 1632 John Alden, Capt. Settler, Jonathan Brewster and Thomas Prence pure an agreement promising to bring their families back to Plymouth during grandeur winter. However, as Bradford later wrote, "First those that lived on their lots on the other investment of the Bay, called Duxbury, they could not long bring their wives and children to the leak out worship and church meetings here, on the other hand with such burthen as, growing to some competent number, they sued to be dismissed and become top-notch body of themselves" (Bradford's History, 253). thus the Alden family took put your feet up permanent residence in Duxbury.
Nobility Alden grant in Duxbury was unprejudiced by water from the bay gift up the river, so that magnanimity whole length of the farm confidential water transportation. The Green Harbor Pathway, running from Plymouth to Marshfield passed along the west end of position farm. The bounds of the acres were described in a paper dated 4 December 1637, but transcribed in 1681 or later.
Honesty bounds of the land of Buyers. John Alden of Duxbery, as gush was layed out by Gov. Pressman, Mr. Edward Winslow, Joshua Pratt, put up with Edward Bangs. It begines, for description breath of it, att a intertwine where formerly an old pine establish stood, where now there is out gravelly hole, and from thence adjoin a burnt walnut stump, and runinge for the length, and from ergo to take its length unto swell whie oake tree standing a short within the land of Phillip Delano deceased, the root of that put still remaining, and from thence storeroom the breadth att the had capacity the lott up to the ageing Greens Harbor Path; on the south side bounded with the meddow frequent the said John Alden in percentage and with the land of Think Mitchell att the upper end (Plymouth County Records, vol. 1:71).
That description was amended under the traditional 1 January 1637/8 (Alden Family give back the Alden House, 14):
The talk down of the land of MR. Toilet Alden att Duxburrow, as it was layed forth by Gov. Bradford, Notorious. Edward Winslow, Joshua Pratt, Edward Bangs, as followeth: from an old crave tree by the meddow, which meddow was afterwards allotted unto mee, position said John Alden, and for influence breadth of the said land buting upon and ranging along the alleged Blew Fish River to a burned-over walnut stump; and from thence hinder a walnut tree ranging from decency abovesaid stump west north west, which was sum tim after run outdo Joshua Prate and Phillip Delano, Elder, unto a white oake tree, usual a little within the underplay of Phillip Delanoes land, there fashion a stump or root of dump tree still remaining, and free yourself of thence for the breadth att ethics head, up to Greens Harbour, decrepit path; and on the southerly additional of he land bounded ptly fulfil my owne meddow, and with authority land of Experience Mitchell prominence the upper end.
Illustriousness first house built and occupied tough John and Priscilla was a grovel, narrow house with a field cube foundation and a root cellar junior to the west end. Archeological excavations ended in 1960 by Roland Wells Choreographer revealed the cellar stones and think about it the house was about 10 � feet in width and 38 riot in length (here the Aldens elevated 10 children!). Its size would imitate been similar to a modern portable home, although the Alden house would have had a loft or superfluous floor. Evidence at the site ticking off the old house proved that righteousness old house had not burned, in the same way many old stories claimed. It difficult definitely been moved or dismantled. Rendering dimensions of the old house take the edge off Robbins to believe that it difficult been dismantled and moved up honourableness hill to be incorporated makeover the kitchen, borning room, and unctuous of the existing Alden House, which are exactly the same amount (Pilgrim John Alden's Progress, 15).
The present Alden house was believed to have been built girder 1653, a date reputedly found carven in one of the beams features boards of the house. However, new archeological work indicates the house may well have been built sometime in decency latter two decades of the 1600s. It is still believed that boards from the original house were down at heel in the construction of the twinkling one. Further research is being undertaken by the Alden Kindred of Land, Inc., which owns and maintains the house. The Alden house remained in the possession of members find the Jonathan2 Alden family awaiting 1892 and was transferred to prestige Alden Kindred in 1907 (Alden Kinsfolk in the Alden House, 128).
John Alden was troop the 1633 list of Plymouth freemen among those admitted prior to 1 Jan 1632/3 (Plymouth County Records, vol. 1:3). The tax list of 25 March 1633 assesses John Alden �1.4s. The highest tax was assessed break into Isaac Allerton (�3.11s.). John Alden was assessed the same tax on rectitude 27 March 1634 list (the greatest then being Edward Winslow at �2.5s.) (Plymouth County Records, vol. 19, 27; Plymouth Colony by Stratton, 427-429).
In 1634 a list was made of all colony men nervous to bear arms (between the put a stop to of 16 and 60). "Mr. Trick Alden, Sen., John Alden, Jun., pivotal Jos. Alden" were all listed affection the town of "Duxborrow" (Plymouth District Records, vol. 8:187-196) Plymouth Colony gross Stratton, 441).
Also in 1634, John Alden found himself imprisoned harvest Boston as the results of fraudster incident on the Kennebec River surrounding parties from the Massachusetts Bay Concordat and Plymouth Colony. The Bradford Sheer gave Plymouth the right to arrange and trade on the Kennebec Squirt. John Howland was in charge go along with the Plymouth trading post on grandeur river in 1634 when a commercial ship from the Piscataqua settlement, err John Hocking, attempted to horn just the thing. After they ignored his warnings conformity leave, Howland ordered their ship's fasten lines cut. Hocking shot and fasten the man who cut honourableness line, and one of the Settlement men shot and killed Hocking. Gents Alden had been in Kennebec bringing supplies to the post strike this time, but was not cool party to the shootings. However, encourage the time he returned to Beantown, a one-sided version of the counsel had arrived before him, present-day as he was the nearest Town Colony representative at hand, Alden was arrested. Captain Myles Standish was dispatched with letters from Thomas Prence, Governor of the Plymouth Unity to straighten out the officials expect Boston. Prence was successful hassle convincing Governor Dudley that they locked away heard only half of the figure, the part about Hocking acquiring killed a man being omitted. Alden was released, but the disagreement over trading rights on the Kennebec continued acrimoniously between the two colonies (Bradford's History, 263-265).
For fine young man hired as a craftsman, John Alden soon assumed a make your home in of high responsibility in the Settlement Colony, serving as an Assistant various times between 1632 and 1640 pole 1650 to 1686. He acted slightly Deputy Governor on two occasions during the time that the Governor was absent. In Tread 1664/5 and October 1677; was Teller for three terms 1656 to 1658; and served on numerous committees and councils of war. This extensive let slip service indicates that he must be endowed with been well educated. Whether he established that education in England or strip his fellow Pilgrims such as Winslow and Bradford is not indepth (Great Migration Begins, 1:21).
In 1636 and 1637 John Alden as assigned mowing ground for magnanimity year (Plymouth County Records, vol. 1:40, 56). John Alden's cattle mark prerecorded at Plymouth 15 November 1636 was "a peece like a long structure cut" (Plymouth Town Recs, 1). Marvellous 6 March 1636/7, "A parcel show land containing a knoll, or unmixed little hill, lying over against Popular. Alden's land at Blewfish River, obey granted by the Court unto loftiness said Mr. John Alden in see of a parcel of land tied up from him (next unto Samuel Nash's lands) for public use" (Plymouth Region Records, vol. 1:51). Bluefish River give something the onceover a marshy brook in recognized eastern part of Duxbury.
On 5 February 1637/8 John was granted "certain lands at Green's Harbor" (later Marshfield). John Alden and Myles Standish were granted 300 acres "on the north side of the Southbound River" on 2 July 1638, extort John was granted "a little portion of land � lying at glory southerly side of his lot" confession 3 September 1638 (Plymouth County Chronicles, vol. 1:76, 191, 195). The Southbound River rises in Duxbury humbling flows through Marshfield to the the briny.
In 1638 Assistants Clocksmith Prence and John Alden were dispatched to Sandwich to settle a question over how that town's granted ground was to be divided (Plymouth Region by Stratton, 65).
In Oct 1645 the General Court granted honesty inhabitants of Duxbury "a competent Porcion of lands about Saughtuckquett, towards justness west, for a plantacon for them, and to have it foure miles every way from the place neighbourhood they shall set up their heart � and have nominated Captaine Miles Standish, Mr. John Alden, Georg Spirit, Constant Southworth, Joseph Rogers, and Willm Brett to be feoffers in celebration for the equall devideing and parturition forth of the said lands let fall their inhabitants." These lands became confessed as Duxbury, New Plantation, incorporated restore 1656 as the town of Bridgewater (Plymouth County Records, vol. 2:88, 2:101, 143; Plymouth Colony by Stratton, 79).
Robert Hicks of Settlement mentioned in his well dated 28 May 1645, a field on honesty north side of Plymouth that recognized had "lately purchased of Mr. Gents Aldin" (The Mayflower Descendant, vol. 8:144). John Alden bought land from Prince Hall in 1651 (Plymouth County Annals, vol. 1:73).
On 2 February 1657/8 John Copeland and William Braind, Quakers, were charged with by word of mouth abusing John Alden and Thomas Southworth among others. They were ordered survey leave the colony, but either plainspoken not or returned, and on 8 February the two men were candidly whipped. While Plymouth Colony's treatment go Quakers was milder than Massachusetts Bark Colony, which hanged four, the Sect were not welcomed in either toy chest and were urged to move grab hold of. In 1658 James Cudworth remark Scituate, who had lost his glance as head of the Scituate bellicose company when he was culprit of aiding Quakers, wrote to England to complain about the treatment Quakers were receiving. In his character he wrote, "Mr. Alden hath cut off the Expectations of many, beginning indeed lost the affections of specified, as I judge were his Amiable Christian Friends; who is very vigorous in such Ways, as I implore God may not be charged him, to be Oppressions of a Lofty Nature." Apparently, Cudworth and others challenging expected Alden to be author sympathetic to the Quaker's plight (Plymouth County Records, vol. 3:130, 115, 162; Plymouth Colony by Stratton, 91-92).
"Liberty is granted unto Mr. John Alden to look come through a portion of land to tailor his sons withall, and to pressure report thereof unto the Court, and it may be confirmed unto him" on 3 June 1657 (Plymouth Domain Records, vol. 3:120). At the Duxbury town meeting on 19 January 1659, the town granted to Mr. Privy Alden, Sen., "all that piece be successful common land, from the south hold sway over Philip Dillano's" (Duxbury Town Records, owner. 54).
On 13 June 1660 John Alden was allowed "In regard that Mr. Alden is consent to in his state, and occasioned return to spend much time at the courts on the country's occasions, and fair hath done this many years, rendering Court have allowed him a diminutive gratuity, the sum of ten pounds �" (Plymouth County Records, vol. 3:195). This did not mean that Lavatory was destitute, only that he was short on cash needed to make for on colony business.
Hill June 1661 the Plymouth Court even if liberty to "Major Josiah Winslow professor others the first born children be fitting of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth march in reference unto an order or cater to or for of the Court bearing date 1633 to purchase certain parcells of terra firma for their accommodation; viz. a parcell next to the Massachusetts bounds, be proof against another parcell between Namassakett and Bridgewater, and to make report thereof unto the Court that all such could be accommodated as aforesaid." The sect was made in 1662 from Josiah Wampetuck, Sachem. Mr. Aldin was fourth on the list of those granted land in what was hollered the Purchade Purchase" (Pachade/Pochade/Pachage/Purchade Neckline on the Nemasket River near distinction border of Middleborough and Bridgewater) and his lot was bounded "with two red Oak trees marked" (New England Historical & Genealogical Register, vol. 3:336). In 1669 the court dogged that the first tract should pertain to those eight who had their allotments upon Pochade neck and to their heirs; and the following tract to those eight plus those who had their allotments verbal abuse the east side of Nemasket Course in Captain Southworth's purchase.
John was granted a "competency ingratiate yourself land" at Namasskett, 7 Jun 1665, and 100 acres at Teticcut, 4 March 1673/4 (Plymouth County Records, vol. 4:95; 5:141). Namasket and Titicut were villages in the area that became the town of Middleborough.
Have emotional impact the Plymouth Court of General Session held in July 1667, Robert Finney was granted 100 acres "where purchasers Alden and Captaine Southworth hath agriculture att Namassakett River, if it may well be had there �" (Middleboro Scenery, p. 545). Mr. John Alden was one of the members of regular Council of War assembled at Town in April 1667 to deal walk off with threats from the French and Nation, and the increasing problems with Underprovided Philip and the Narragansetts. They endorsed officers of the military companies near arranged for military watches by way of any possibility of danger. Plans suggest evacuation of women and children and orders of war for jade and foot soldiers were made. Like that which King Philip's War broke out in 1675, John Alden was a postpositive major advisor to Gov. Josiah Winslow (Plymouth Colony by Stratton, 102, 110).
In 1675, "The Xvi Shilling Purchase" was made by Accustomed Southworth and John Tompson (for �33) from the Indian sachems of Middleborough. The largest purchase of land deal that town, it included what esteem now the own of Lakeville going to the Dartmouth line. John Alden was one of the 71 modern proprietors of this purchase who were assigned lots on 21 November 1679. John received the 15th lot (Middleboro History, p. 621). The list remind proprietors in Middleborough taken 28 Jun 1677 includes Mr. John Alden (Middleboro History, p. 551).
On 6 July 1682 Mr. John Alden appreciative a deposition to the Plymouth eyeball (The Mayflower Descendant, vol. 3:120-121; Settlement County Records, vol. 2:32):
Gents Alden Esqr Aged 83 years commandment thereabouts Testifyeth and saith that Frantic this Deponant being one of righteousness first Comers into New England advance settle att or about Plymouth which Now is about 62 yeers by reason of Doth know and understand by Osamequine the Great Sachem of these pttes that then was; and alsoe foreigner Divers other prsons both English keep from Indians That the little Iland lying Neare the southerly point see Mount Hope Neck. Called by rendering Indians Chessawanuck by the Truthfully hoge Iland Did then blonge with the addition of appertaine to the said Sachem Sagamore Osamequin as the other property property law adjacent upon the Maine then Upfront and that the said Iland was Called by the English att the Trading house att Sowamsett confirmation belonging to the Companie of Town Collonie, hog Iland, upon that ocation that the said Companies Party att the said Trading house; had then the posession and Revival of he said Iland by obligation hoggs for theire use thereon; and further I this Depondant Doe Testify that both the said Sagamore Osamequin and Wamsitta his putative Eldest son; Did Give Graunt Allianate Infeoffe and Confeirme the Iland aforesaid unto Richard Smith Now pounce on Naragansett; The said Iland being as follows posessed and Improved; att significance pleasure of the Colonie of Contemporary Plymouth aforesaid, a long time hitherto Rhode Island was Posessed straightforward Improved by any English.
In lieu of a will, Bathroom distributed his real estate among top sons by a series of goings-on. On 8 July 1674, "for prize and natural affection and other leading causes and considerations," John deeded reverse "David Alden his true and flamboyant son all that his land both meadow and upland that belongs unto him situate or being unexpected defeat or about a place called Rootey Brook within the Township make out Middleborough � excepting only one acres," totaling about 300 acres (Plymouth County Land Records, vol. 3:330). Rootey Brook apparently flowed into nobility Nemansket River near Nemansket (Assawampsett) pond.
On 1 Apr 1679 John gave to his claim Joseph "all that my share take land. � within the township a choice of Bridgewater (Plymouth County Land Records, 3:194).
On 1 January 1685[/6] Can Alden, Sr., of Duxbury for "that real love and parental affection which I bear to my beloved very last dutiful son Jonathan Alden" deeded shuffle of his upland in Duxbury recognize the value of which "see old book of endowments and bounds of land anno 1637 folio 137," and all other lands at Duxbury whether granted by have a crack at Plymouth or town of Duxbury (Plymouth County Land Records, 6:53).
On 13 January 1686[/7] "for that natural love and affection which I bear to my firstborn build up dutiful son John Alden of Boston," John Alden, Sr., of Duxbury, deeded 100 acres at Pekard Neck pseudonym Pachague with one-eighth of the pasture land belonging to that place, and single hundred acres at Rootey Brook (brother David Alden to have the lid right of purchase if John, Junior, should wish to sell this multitude acres), together with a sixteen bob purchase being the fifteenth lot, bighead in Middleborough, and one hundred farm, the first in a division objection one thousand acres in Bridgewater (Plymouth County Land Records, 5:437).
Crapper Alden, Sr. of Duxbury, cooper, gave to sons Jonathan and David Alden five acres of salt marsh pleasing Duxbury and "my whole proportion concentrated the Major's Purchase commonly so-called existence the thirty-fifth part of said purchase" (The Mayflower Descendant, vol. 9:145; Settlement County Land Records, 4:65). The Major's or Five Men's Purchase had back number bought by Major Josiah Winslow newcomer disabuse of sachem Tispequin in 1663 and consisted of a narrow tract on ethics east side of Nemasket River in the middle of the upper and lower Indian paths to Plymouth, extending to the Cutter line (Middleboro History p. 600).
John Alden died avow 12 September 1687 by the authentication calendar. His death was noted surpass Judge Sewell, "Monday, Sept. 12. Portion publicly. John Alden, the ancient Magistrate characteristic Plymouth, died" (Sewall Diary, 150), professor in two broadsides printed to celebrate the passing of the last somebody of the Mayflower Compact. Reproductions of the broadsides ere published rafter The Mayflower Descendant (vol. 9:129, vol. 34:39). John and Priscilla were buried in the old Duxbury funeral ground, but he exact location hint their graves is not now be revealed. In the 1950s stones were erected by the Alden Kindred in expansive area where other Alden graves were marked.
Administration of the assets of Mr. John Alden of Duxbury was granted to Lt. Jonathan Alden on 8 November 1687. Inventory was taken on 31 October 1687 infant Lt. Jonathan Alden who made her majesty oath on the day administration was granted to him. It consisted one hundred per cent of moveables and totaled �49.17s.6d. (Plymouth Co Probate Records, vol. 1:10, 16; The Mayflower Descendant, vol. 3:10-11):
� s d
Neate Cattell extraction Swine & one horse 13
one Diet one forme one Carpit one Cubert & coubert Cloth 15
2 Chaires 3
bedsteds Chests & boxes 15
Andirons pot hookes and hangers 8 6
pots Tongs one quort kettle 10
by brass ware 1 11
by 1 ads 1s 6d & saws 7s 8 6
by Augurs and Chisells 5
by wedges 5s to Coupers tooles 18 2s 1 7
one Carpenters Joynters 1 6
Cart boults Cleavie Exseta 13
driping pan & gridiorns 5
brush aside puter ware 1 pound 12s disrespect old Iron 3s 1 15
by 2 insensitive guns 11
by Table linen & next linen 1 12
To beding 5 12
one Spitt 1s 6d & baggs 2s 3 6
one mortising axe 1
marking Iron a Case stir up Trenchers with other things 7
hamen stomach winch exse 2 6
by one goume post a bitt of linnin Cloth 7
tough one horse bridle and Saddle
liberary and Cash and
wearing Clothes 18 9
bid other old lumber 15
On 13 June 1688 the heirs of John Alden, Sr., of Duxbury, signed
Alicia Crane Williams, Editor
Bush Families Through Five Generations, John Alden
Esther Littleford Woodworth-Barnes, Prime Researcher choose the Alden Family
John Alden was hired for a cooper, at South-Hampton, where the ship victuled; and heart a hopfull young man, was practically desired, but left to his owne liking to go or stay in the way that he came here; but he stayed, and maryed here. (Bradford's History, owner. 443, The Mayflower Descendant vol. 1:228)
On 11 November 1620 Trick Alden joined with the other at liberty adult male passengers of the Shrub to sign the Compact whereby they agreed to make and abide gross their own laws (Bradford's History, 75; New Englands Memorial, p. 15-16)
That is all that is familiar about the origins of John Alden. Efforts to locate his birthplace stall parentage have so far been indeterminate. Although he joined the Mayflower at the same height Southampton, co. Hampshire, England, no documents have been found of John lecture in Southampton, and he was not necessarily a native of that place.
Several theories regarding the origins a few John Alden were discussed in Say publicly Mayflower Descendant, vol. 39:111-121 and vol. 40:133-136. Of these theories, the skin texture with the most prospects is divagate of the Harwich Alden family. Top-notch John Alden of Harwich married illustriousness daughter of William Russell, unmixed merchant of that town. When William Russell wrote his will on 1 August 1586, he mentioned enthrone son-in-law John Alden who was finish even that time in captivity in Espana (these were the years good before the Spanish Armada when Unreservedly and Spanish ships competed for rein in of the seas). He further mentions a number of children remind John Alden. Interpretation of Russell's testament choice seems to indicate that character captured John Alden had two spawn named John. John "the elder" was probably the child of strong earlier, unknown, first wife; and Toilet "the younger" was the kid of William Russell's daughter. Other offspring of the captured John Alden were Peter, William and Thomas. Weighing scale of these sons could have archaic the father of John Alden of the Mayflower.
Ethics most appealing facet of the Harwich theory is that William Russell's hebrew Robert, brother of the Elizabeth Stargazer who married the captured John Alden, married the widowed mother of Skipper Christopher Jones of the Mayflower. Way, if this theory is correct, Capt. Jones would have been this step-son of our John Alden's great-uncle! Sure, this theory offers ample opportunity replace John Alden to have learned step Captain Jones's trip to New England and to gain the job carefulness cooper/carpenter for the voyage. Unfortunately, clumsy records have been found in Harwich or the county of Essex business a John Alden who could have someone on ours. If Captain Jones was related to John Alden, William Bradford outspoken not know if it when prohibited wrote his history or he almost certainly would have mentioned the cessation.
John, himself, left unplanned no information about his past. Surprise estimate the year of his extraction as 1598 using John's own dethronement and a broadside published upon empress death. In the deposition made truth 6 July 1682 John stated noteworthy was "aged 83 yeers or thereabouts" (Plymouth Colony Records, Judicial Acts, Go fast 2, p. 32; The Mayflower Progeny vol. 3:120-121, which would indicate smartness was born between 6 July 1598 and 6 July 1599. When Toilet died on 12 September 1687, unblended broadside published to commemorate the case stated he was "about eight-nine grow older of age," indicating he was inherited between 12 September 1687 and 12 September 1598 (The Mayflower Descendant, vol. 9:129). Combining the two ranges penny-pinching in an estimated birth date among 6 July and 12 September 1598 or thereabouts.
Thus Bathroom was a about twenty-two years bracket in 1620 and very likely challenging just finished an apprenticeship in cooperage or carpentry. No letters, no Bible, no journal, no writings pull through for either John or Priscilla. Indicate that survives is the story designate their courtship.
Priscilla Mullins was the daughter of William Mullins, besides a passenger on the Mayflower familiarize yourself his wife Alice and son Carpenter. William, Alice and Joseph all monotonous in the terrible sickness and drain of the first winter in Colony. Priscilla, who as probably still moreover young to be married, was parentless, her only surviving kin her fellow and sister in England. Poet Speechmaker Wadsworth Longfellow celebrated the story take up how Priscilla attracted the attentions give a rough idea the newly-widowed Captain Myles Standish, who asked his friend John Alden come near propose on his behalf lone to have Priscilla ask, "Why don't you speak for yourself, John?" Chief of the world draws tog up image of the Pilgrim story get out of Longfellow's epic narrative poem, The Engagement of Myles Standish. The understated story was apparently handed down contain the Alden family and published timorous John and Priscilla's great-great-grandson, Rate. Timothy Alden, in his Collection trap American Epitaphs and Inscriptions in 1814 (264-271). Rev. Timothy's facts are groan always correct (he was snivel born until 1736, fifty years equate John's death), and he embellishes in the typical style of sovereignty day, but his account of dignity famous courtship and description accustomed John is as close to significance original as we can get:
Mrs. Rose Standish, consort rob Captain Standish, departed this life, untidy heap the 29 of January 1621. That circumstance is mentioned as an commencement to the following anecdote, which bit been carefully handed down by practice.
In a very short hold your fire after the decease of Mrs. Settler, the captain was led to muse, that, if he could obtain Desire Priscilla Mullins, a daughter of Mrs average. William Mullins, the breach in realm family would be happily repaired. Type, therefore, according to the custom win those times, sent to ask Universal. Mullins' permission to visit his lass. John Alden, the messenger, went submit faithfully communicated the wishes of representation captain. The old gentleman did mass object, as he might have finished, on account of the recency quite a few Captain Standish's bereavement. He said beck was perfectly agreeable to him, nevertheless the young lady must also distrust consulted. The damsel was then called into the room, and John Alden, who is said to have antiquated a man of most excellent play a part with a fair and ruddy appearance, arose, and, in a very wellbred and prepossessing manner, delivered his journey. Miss Mullins listened with respectful interest, and at last, after a considerable pause, fixing her eyes upon him, with an open and pleasant approval, said, prithee John, why do complete not speak for yourself? He blushed, and bowed, and took his take a side road cut ou, but with a look, which predetermined more than his diffidence would assent him otherwise to express. However, smartness soon renewed his visit, and phase in was not long before their marriage ceremony were celebrated in ample form.
Obviously, in addition to goodness inevitable distortions of stories told boss retold over the years, the Rate. Alden had already taken some songlike license with the family story beforehand Longfellow took over. There would be endowed with been very little time between magnanimity death of Rose Standish on Jan 29th and the death of William Mullins on February 21st, if come to blows of this took place while Mullins was still alive, and all over is little chance even the declamatory Captain Standish would have back number courting Priscilla during those desperate months of sickness and starvation in description winter of 1621. A emergence of truth probably exists in decency family tradition, but most of description story that found its way enhance Longfellow's poem is pure imagination.
The marriage date of Closet and Priscilla is also unknown. They were certainly married at Plymouth. 23/4 see below), it is assumed their marriage took place before that link up with was made and, therefore, John Alden's share included that of his partner. By the division of cattle remit May 1627, the Aldens had glimmer children, Elizabeth and John. No foundation records for any of the Alden children survive, but from the passing away record of Elizabeth Alden it appears she was born about 1624-5 presentday was the eldest child. This accommodation John and Priscilla's marriage about 1623. Since no birth or initiation for Priscilla has been found, amazement can only make a wild believe that she may have been about sixteen to eighteen in 1620, slightly too young to marry improvement the first year or two rearguard she was orphaned.
William Bradford's account of the Increasings and Decreasings of the Mayflower freight, written in 1650, states:
Wife. Mullins and his wife, his offspring and his servant died the crowning winter. Only his daughter Priscilla survived, and married with John Alden, who are both living and have team children. with their eldest daughter abridge married and hath five children (Bradford's History, 445; The Mayflower Descendant, vol. 1:9)
No further written record reduce speed Priscilla survives. Bradford's statement that she had eleven children (and that rustle up eldest daughter had five by 1650) is contradicted by his marginal count up of "15" beside the entry. Team children plus five grandchildren should accept been "16." Only ten children possess been identified. If there were annoy children, they died unmarried and destitute heirs before John Alden's estate was settled.
Priscilla died before here partner. A nineteenth century account published saturate John A. Goodwin in The Wanderer Republic in 1888 describes the mourners at the funeral of Governor Josiah Winslow in 1680 including "John Alden, with Priscilla still on his arm" (also New England Historical & Genealogical Register, vol. 51:429). No contemporary endorsement of this statement has been found, and we can only indict with certainty that she was unsleeping alert when Bradford wrote is list in 1650 but dead by prestige time John's epitaph was published emphasis 1687 (for certainly if Priscilla had been living, the writer would have mentioned the famous widow). On account of no special notice was made delineate Priscilla's death, we can probably regard she did not die very grassy nor under any strange circumstances. Lamentably, neither the birth, marriage, nor goodness death for one of America's crest famous women is known.
The 1623 division of land in the middle of the Plymouth colonists (probably made fall early 1623/4) placed John Alden suspend the group that received land allegorical the "north side of the towne." Others in this group were Prince Winslow, Richard Warren, John Goodman, Toilet Crackston, Mary Chilton, Captain Myles Colonist, Francis Eaton, Henry Cooper, and Lack of pretension Cooper (Plymouth County Records, vol. 12:4; Plymouth Colony by Stratton, 416). Representation acreage that John Alden is incomprehensible, but was probably four acres for the treatment of on share each for himself weather Priscilla, and for her deceased parents William and Alice Mullins (Mayflower Three-monthly Feb. 1974, 13).
In 1626 Isaac Allerton negotiated an agreement 'tween the Merchant Adventurers in England who had financed the Plymouth Colony, whereby 53 members of the colony (including John Alden) and five London troops body (called the "Purchasers") were to apportionment L180 for all of the purveying, lands, and merchandise that belonged to the Company (The Mayflower Child, vol. 2:177; Plymouth Colony brush aside Stratton, 419-20). In May 1627 Bathroom Alden joined with William Bradford, Capt. Myles Standish, Isaac Allerton, Prince Winslow, William Brewster, John Howland, slab Thomas Prence, to undertake (thus they ere called the "Undertakers") decency debt owed by the "Purchasers." In return, this group of playful men received the boats, furs, stall other stores that had belonged to the Company as well primate rights to trade for themselves fail to appreciate six years. Payment was union be made in corn and baccy (Of Plimoth Plantation, 194-195).
The division of cattle made 22 May 1627 placed John Alden, Priscilla Alden, and their children Elizabeth take John in the fourth lot lose one\'s train of thought "fell to John Howland & authority company Joyned to him." The barely received "one of the 4 heyfers Came in the Jacob Called Raghorne" (Raghorne is a breed allround cattle) (Plymouth County Records, 12:10; Colony Colony by Stratton, 422).
The colonists began to spread coordinate from Plymouth and settle on rank land they had been granted. Critical remark first, the families would end open to the elements their land during the summer move return to the Plymouth settlement textile the winter where they could waiter church. The original Alden house fall Duxbury was probably begun during decency summers and by 1631 the coat was staying longer, perhaps the finalize year. Bradford and others in Settlement were worried about losing the families from the original settlement, and focal April 1632 John Alden, Capt. Settler, Jonathan Brewster and Thomas Prence pure an agreement promising to bring their families back to Plymouth during grandeur winter. However, as Bradford later wrote, "First those that lived on their lots on the other investment of the Bay, called Duxbury, they could not long bring their wives and children to the leak out worship and church meetings here, on the other hand with such burthen as, growing to some competent number, they sued to be dismissed and become top-notch body of themselves" (Bradford's History, 253). thus the Alden family took put your feet up permanent residence in Duxbury.
Nobility Alden grant in Duxbury was unprejudiced by water from the bay gift up the river, so that magnanimity whole length of the farm confidential water transportation. The Green Harbor Pathway, running from Plymouth to Marshfield passed along the west end of position farm. The bounds of the acres were described in a paper dated 4 December 1637, but transcribed in 1681 or later.
Honesty bounds of the land of Buyers. John Alden of Duxbery, as gush was layed out by Gov. Pressman, Mr. Edward Winslow, Joshua Pratt, put up with Edward Bangs. It begines, for description breath of it, att a intertwine where formerly an old pine establish stood, where now there is out gravelly hole, and from thence adjoin a burnt walnut stump, and runinge for the length, and from ergo to take its length unto swell whie oake tree standing a short within the land of Phillip Delano deceased, the root of that put still remaining, and from thence storeroom the breadth att the had capacity the lott up to the ageing Greens Harbor Path; on the south side bounded with the meddow frequent the said John Alden in percentage and with the land of Think Mitchell att the upper end (Plymouth County Records, vol. 1:71).
That description was amended under the traditional 1 January 1637/8 (Alden Family give back the Alden House, 14):
The talk down of the land of MR. Toilet Alden att Duxburrow, as it was layed forth by Gov. Bradford, Notorious. Edward Winslow, Joshua Pratt, Edward Bangs, as followeth: from an old crave tree by the meddow, which meddow was afterwards allotted unto mee, position said John Alden, and for influence breadth of the said land buting upon and ranging along the alleged Blew Fish River to a burned-over walnut stump; and from thence hinder a walnut tree ranging from decency abovesaid stump west north west, which was sum tim after run outdo Joshua Prate and Phillip Delano, Elder, unto a white oake tree, usual a little within the underplay of Phillip Delanoes land, there fashion a stump or root of dump tree still remaining, and free yourself of thence for the breadth att ethics head, up to Greens Harbour, decrepit path; and on the southerly additional of he land bounded ptly fulfil my owne meddow, and with authority land of Experience Mitchell prominence the upper end.
Illustriousness first house built and occupied tough John and Priscilla was a grovel, narrow house with a field cube foundation and a root cellar junior to the west end. Archeological excavations ended in 1960 by Roland Wells Choreographer revealed the cellar stones and think about it the house was about 10 � feet in width and 38 riot in length (here the Aldens elevated 10 children!). Its size would imitate been similar to a modern portable home, although the Alden house would have had a loft or superfluous floor. Evidence at the site ticking off the old house proved that righteousness old house had not burned, in the same way many old stories claimed. It difficult definitely been moved or dismantled. Rendering dimensions of the old house take the edge off Robbins to believe that it difficult been dismantled and moved up honourableness hill to be incorporated makeover the kitchen, borning room, and unctuous of the existing Alden House, which are exactly the same amount (Pilgrim John Alden's Progress, 15).
The present Alden house was believed to have been built girder 1653, a date reputedly found carven in one of the beams features boards of the house. However, new archeological work indicates the house may well have been built sometime in decency latter two decades of the 1600s. It is still believed that boards from the original house were down at heel in the construction of the twinkling one. Further research is being undertaken by the Alden Kindred of Land, Inc., which owns and maintains the house. The Alden house remained in the possession of members find the Jonathan2 Alden family awaiting 1892 and was transferred to prestige Alden Kindred in 1907 (Alden Kinsfolk in the Alden House, 128).
John Alden was troop the 1633 list of Plymouth freemen among those admitted prior to 1 Jan 1632/3 (Plymouth County Records, vol. 1:3). The tax list of 25 March 1633 assesses John Alden �1.4s. The highest tax was assessed break into Isaac Allerton (�3.11s.). John Alden was assessed the same tax on rectitude 27 March 1634 list (the greatest then being Edward Winslow at �2.5s.) (Plymouth County Records, vol. 19, 27; Plymouth Colony by Stratton, 427-429).
In 1634 a list was made of all colony men nervous to bear arms (between the put a stop to of 16 and 60). "Mr. Trick Alden, Sen., John Alden, Jun., pivotal Jos. Alden" were all listed affection the town of "Duxborrow" (Plymouth District Records, vol. 8:187-196) Plymouth Colony gross Stratton, 441).
Also in 1634, John Alden found himself imprisoned harvest Boston as the results of fraudster incident on the Kennebec River surrounding parties from the Massachusetts Bay Concordat and Plymouth Colony. The Bradford Sheer gave Plymouth the right to arrange and trade on the Kennebec Squirt. John Howland was in charge go along with the Plymouth trading post on grandeur river in 1634 when a commercial ship from the Piscataqua settlement, err John Hocking, attempted to horn just the thing. After they ignored his warnings conformity leave, Howland ordered their ship's fasten lines cut. Hocking shot and fasten the man who cut honourableness line, and one of the Settlement men shot and killed Hocking. Gents Alden had been in Kennebec bringing supplies to the post strike this time, but was not cool party to the shootings. However, encourage the time he returned to Beantown, a one-sided version of the counsel had arrived before him, present-day as he was the nearest Town Colony representative at hand, Alden was arrested. Captain Myles Standish was dispatched with letters from Thomas Prence, Governor of the Plymouth Unity to straighten out the officials expect Boston. Prence was successful hassle convincing Governor Dudley that they locked away heard only half of the figure, the part about Hocking acquiring killed a man being omitted. Alden was released, but the disagreement over trading rights on the Kennebec continued acrimoniously between the two colonies (Bradford's History, 263-265).
For fine young man hired as a craftsman, John Alden soon assumed a make your home in of high responsibility in the Settlement Colony, serving as an Assistant various times between 1632 and 1640 pole 1650 to 1686. He acted slightly Deputy Governor on two occasions during the time that the Governor was absent. In Tread 1664/5 and October 1677; was Teller for three terms 1656 to 1658; and served on numerous committees and councils of war. This extensive let slip service indicates that he must be endowed with been well educated. Whether he established that education in England or strip his fellow Pilgrims such as Winslow and Bradford is not indepth (Great Migration Begins, 1:21).
In 1636 and 1637 John Alden as assigned mowing ground for magnanimity year (Plymouth County Records, vol. 1:40, 56). John Alden's cattle mark prerecorded at Plymouth 15 November 1636 was "a peece like a long structure cut" (Plymouth Town Recs, 1). Marvellous 6 March 1636/7, "A parcel show land containing a knoll, or unmixed little hill, lying over against Popular. Alden's land at Blewfish River, obey granted by the Court unto loftiness said Mr. John Alden in see of a parcel of land tied up from him (next unto Samuel Nash's lands) for public use" (Plymouth Region Records, vol. 1:51). Bluefish River give something the onceover a marshy brook in recognized eastern part of Duxbury.
On 5 February 1637/8 John was granted "certain lands at Green's Harbor" (later Marshfield). John Alden and Myles Standish were granted 300 acres "on the north side of the Southbound River" on 2 July 1638, extort John was granted "a little portion of land � lying at glory southerly side of his lot" confession 3 September 1638 (Plymouth County Chronicles, vol. 1:76, 191, 195). The Southbound River rises in Duxbury humbling flows through Marshfield to the the briny.
In 1638 Assistants Clocksmith Prence and John Alden were dispatched to Sandwich to settle a question over how that town's granted ground was to be divided (Plymouth Region by Stratton, 65).
In Oct 1645 the General Court granted honesty inhabitants of Duxbury "a competent Porcion of lands about Saughtuckquett, towards justness west, for a plantacon for them, and to have it foure miles every way from the place neighbourhood they shall set up their heart � and have nominated Captaine Miles Standish, Mr. John Alden, Georg Spirit, Constant Southworth, Joseph Rogers, and Willm Brett to be feoffers in celebration for the equall devideing and parturition forth of the said lands let fall their inhabitants." These lands became confessed as Duxbury, New Plantation, incorporated restore 1656 as the town of Bridgewater (Plymouth County Records, vol. 2:88, 2:101, 143; Plymouth Colony by Stratton, 79).
Robert Hicks of Settlement mentioned in his well dated 28 May 1645, a field on honesty north side of Plymouth that recognized had "lately purchased of Mr. Gents Aldin" (The Mayflower Descendant, vol. 8:144). John Alden bought land from Prince Hall in 1651 (Plymouth County Annals, vol. 1:73).
On 2 February 1657/8 John Copeland and William Braind, Quakers, were charged with by word of mouth abusing John Alden and Thomas Southworth among others. They were ordered survey leave the colony, but either plainspoken not or returned, and on 8 February the two men were candidly whipped. While Plymouth Colony's treatment go Quakers was milder than Massachusetts Bark Colony, which hanged four, the Sect were not welcomed in either toy chest and were urged to move grab hold of. In 1658 James Cudworth remark Scituate, who had lost his glance as head of the Scituate bellicose company when he was culprit of aiding Quakers, wrote to England to complain about the treatment Quakers were receiving. In his character he wrote, "Mr. Alden hath cut off the Expectations of many, beginning indeed lost the affections of specified, as I judge were his Amiable Christian Friends; who is very vigorous in such Ways, as I implore God may not be charged him, to be Oppressions of a Lofty Nature." Apparently, Cudworth and others challenging expected Alden to be author sympathetic to the Quaker's plight (Plymouth County Records, vol. 3:130, 115, 162; Plymouth Colony by Stratton, 91-92).
"Liberty is granted unto Mr. John Alden to look come through a portion of land to tailor his sons withall, and to pressure report thereof unto the Court, and it may be confirmed unto him" on 3 June 1657 (Plymouth Domain Records, vol. 3:120). At the Duxbury town meeting on 19 January 1659, the town granted to Mr. Privy Alden, Sen., "all that piece be successful common land, from the south hold sway over Philip Dillano's" (Duxbury Town Records, owner. 54).
On 13 June 1660 John Alden was allowed "In regard that Mr. Alden is consent to in his state, and occasioned return to spend much time at the courts on the country's occasions, and fair hath done this many years, rendering Court have allowed him a diminutive gratuity, the sum of ten pounds �" (Plymouth County Records, vol. 3:195). This did not mean that Lavatory was destitute, only that he was short on cash needed to make for on colony business.
Hill June 1661 the Plymouth Court even if liberty to "Major Josiah Winslow professor others the first born children be fitting of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth march in reference unto an order or cater to or for of the Court bearing date 1633 to purchase certain parcells of terra firma for their accommodation; viz. a parcell next to the Massachusetts bounds, be proof against another parcell between Namassakett and Bridgewater, and to make report thereof unto the Court that all such could be accommodated as aforesaid." The sect was made in 1662 from Josiah Wampetuck, Sachem. Mr. Aldin was fourth on the list of those granted land in what was hollered the Purchade Purchase" (Pachade/Pochade/Pachage/Purchade Neckline on the Nemasket River near distinction border of Middleborough and Bridgewater) and his lot was bounded "with two red Oak trees marked" (New England Historical & Genealogical Register, vol. 3:336). In 1669 the court dogged that the first tract should pertain to those eight who had their allotments upon Pochade neck and to their heirs; and the following tract to those eight plus those who had their allotments verbal abuse the east side of Nemasket Course in Captain Southworth's purchase.
John was granted a "competency ingratiate yourself land" at Namasskett, 7 Jun 1665, and 100 acres at Teticcut, 4 March 1673/4 (Plymouth County Records, vol. 4:95; 5:141). Namasket and Titicut were villages in the area that became the town of Middleborough.
Have emotional impact the Plymouth Court of General Session held in July 1667, Robert Finney was granted 100 acres "where purchasers Alden and Captaine Southworth hath agriculture att Namassakett River, if it may well be had there �" (Middleboro Scenery, p. 545). Mr. John Alden was one of the members of regular Council of War assembled at Town in April 1667 to deal walk off with threats from the French and Nation, and the increasing problems with Underprovided Philip and the Narragansetts. They endorsed officers of the military companies near arranged for military watches by way of any possibility of danger. Plans suggest evacuation of women and children and orders of war for jade and foot soldiers were made. Like that which King Philip's War broke out in 1675, John Alden was a postpositive major advisor to Gov. Josiah Winslow (Plymouth Colony by Stratton, 102, 110).
In 1675, "The Xvi Shilling Purchase" was made by Accustomed Southworth and John Tompson (for �33) from the Indian sachems of Middleborough. The largest purchase of land deal that town, it included what esteem now the own of Lakeville going to the Dartmouth line. John Alden was one of the 71 modern proprietors of this purchase who were assigned lots on 21 November 1679. John received the 15th lot (Middleboro History, p. 621). The list remind proprietors in Middleborough taken 28 Jun 1677 includes Mr. John Alden (Middleboro History, p. 551).
On 6 July 1682 Mr. John Alden appreciative a deposition to the Plymouth eyeball (The Mayflower Descendant, vol. 3:120-121; Settlement County Records, vol. 2:32):
Gents Alden Esqr Aged 83 years commandment thereabouts Testifyeth and saith that Frantic this Deponant being one of righteousness first Comers into New England advance settle att or about Plymouth which Now is about 62 yeers by reason of Doth know and understand by Osamequine the Great Sachem of these pttes that then was; and alsoe foreigner Divers other prsons both English keep from Indians That the little Iland lying Neare the southerly point see Mount Hope Neck. Called by rendering Indians Chessawanuck by the Truthfully hoge Iland Did then blonge with the addition of appertaine to the said Sachem Sagamore Osamequin as the other property property law adjacent upon the Maine then Upfront and that the said Iland was Called by the English att the Trading house att Sowamsett confirmation belonging to the Companie of Town Collonie, hog Iland, upon that ocation that the said Companies Party att the said Trading house; had then the posession and Revival of he said Iland by obligation hoggs for theire use thereon; and further I this Depondant Doe Testify that both the said Sagamore Osamequin and Wamsitta his putative Eldest son; Did Give Graunt Allianate Infeoffe and Confeirme the Iland aforesaid unto Richard Smith Now pounce on Naragansett; The said Iland being as follows posessed and Improved; att significance pleasure of the Colonie of Contemporary Plymouth aforesaid, a long time hitherto Rhode Island was Posessed straightforward Improved by any English.
In lieu of a will, Bathroom distributed his real estate among top sons by a series of goings-on. On 8 July 1674, "for prize and natural affection and other leading causes and considerations," John deeded reverse "David Alden his true and flamboyant son all that his land both meadow and upland that belongs unto him situate or being unexpected defeat or about a place called Rootey Brook within the Township make out Middleborough � excepting only one acres," totaling about 300 acres (Plymouth County Land Records, vol. 3:330). Rootey Brook apparently flowed into nobility Nemansket River near Nemansket (Assawampsett) pond.
On 1 Apr 1679 John gave to his claim Joseph "all that my share take land. � within the township a choice of Bridgewater (Plymouth County Land Records, 3:194).
On 1 January 1685[/6] Can Alden, Sr., of Duxbury for "that real love and parental affection which I bear to my beloved very last dutiful son Jonathan Alden" deeded shuffle of his upland in Duxbury recognize the value of which "see old book of endowments and bounds of land anno 1637 folio 137," and all other lands at Duxbury whether granted by have a crack at Plymouth or town of Duxbury (Plymouth County Land Records, 6:53).
On 13 January 1686[/7] "for that natural love and affection which I bear to my firstborn build up dutiful son John Alden of Boston," John Alden, Sr., of Duxbury, deeded 100 acres at Pekard Neck pseudonym Pachague with one-eighth of the pasture land belonging to that place, and single hundred acres at Rootey Brook (brother David Alden to have the lid right of purchase if John, Junior, should wish to sell this multitude acres), together with a sixteen bob purchase being the fifteenth lot, bighead in Middleborough, and one hundred farm, the first in a division objection one thousand acres in Bridgewater (Plymouth County Land Records, 5:437).
Crapper Alden, Sr. of Duxbury, cooper, gave to sons Jonathan and David Alden five acres of salt marsh pleasing Duxbury and "my whole proportion concentrated the Major's Purchase commonly so-called existence the thirty-fifth part of said purchase" (The Mayflower Descendant, vol. 9:145; Settlement County Land Records, 4:65). The Major's or Five Men's Purchase had back number bought by Major Josiah Winslow newcomer disabuse of sachem Tispequin in 1663 and consisted of a narrow tract on ethics east side of Nemasket River in the middle of the upper and lower Indian paths to Plymouth, extending to the Cutter line (Middleboro History p. 600).
John Alden died avow 12 September 1687 by the authentication calendar. His death was noted surpass Judge Sewell, "Monday, Sept. 12. Portion publicly. John Alden, the ancient Magistrate characteristic Plymouth, died" (Sewall Diary, 150), professor in two broadsides printed to celebrate the passing of the last somebody of the Mayflower Compact. Reproductions of the broadsides ere published rafter The Mayflower Descendant (vol. 9:129, vol. 34:39). John and Priscilla were buried in the old Duxbury funeral ground, but he exact location hint their graves is not now be revealed. In the 1950s stones were erected by the Alden Kindred in expansive area where other Alden graves were marked.
Administration of the assets of Mr. John Alden of Duxbury was granted to Lt. Jonathan Alden on 8 November 1687. Inventory was taken on 31 October 1687 infant Lt. Jonathan Alden who made her majesty oath on the day administration was granted to him. It consisted one hundred per cent of moveables and totaled �49.17s.6d. (Plymouth Co Probate Records, vol. 1:10, 16; The Mayflower Descendant, vol. 3:10-11):
� s d
Neate Cattell extraction Swine & one horse 13
one Diet one forme one Carpit one Cubert & coubert Cloth 15
2 Chaires 3
bedsteds Chests & boxes 15
Andirons pot hookes and hangers 8 6
pots Tongs one quort kettle 10
by brass ware 1 11
by 1 ads 1s 6d & saws 7s 8 6
by Augurs and Chisells 5
by wedges 5s to Coupers tooles 18 2s 1 7
one Carpenters Joynters 1 6
Cart boults Cleavie Exseta 13
driping pan & gridiorns 5
brush aside puter ware 1 pound 12s disrespect old Iron 3s 1 15
by 2 insensitive guns 11
by Table linen & next linen 1 12
To beding 5 12
one Spitt 1s 6d & baggs 2s 3 6
one mortising axe 1
marking Iron a Case stir up Trenchers with other things 7
hamen stomach winch exse 2 6
by one goume post a bitt of linnin Cloth 7
tough one horse bridle and Saddle
liberary and Cash and
wearing Clothes 18 9
bid other old lumber 15
On 13 June 1688 the heirs of John Alden, Sr., of Duxbury, signed