🌟 Pilgrim Spotlight: Edward Doty (Dotey) Born in England (likely around 1599), Edward Doty arrived in 1620 as an indentured servant to Stephen Hopkins. Edward was a signer of the Mayflower Compact, indicating he was at least 18 years old in 1620. He received one acre of land in the 1623 land division and is listed in the 1627 cattle division as Edward “Dolton.” The second offense to have been committed in the colony occurred on June 18, 1621, when Edward and fellow servant Edward Leister fought the colony’s first recorded duel—with swords and daggers. Both were wounded and sentenced to 24 hours with their heads and feet tied together. After an hour, their master pleaded for mercy, and they were released after promising to behave better. Edward Doty married twice. His first wife, whose name is unknown, likely died during the 1633 sickness. He married Faith Clarke, daughter of Thurston and Faith Clarke. She came to Plymouth on the ship Francis in April 1634 with her father, and they were married the following January. Together, they had nine children: Edward, John, Thomas, Samuel, Desire, Elizabeth, Isaac, Joseph, and Mary. Edward appears to have been a “high-spirited and aggressive young man,” making regular appearances in Plymouth Colony Court throughout his life, mostly just being sued for various misdemeanors (failing to pay on a contract; failing to keep his cows fenced; not properly caring for a servant). Occasionally there were more serious infractions (twice for assault, once for theft, and once for slander). Despite his frequent court appearances, Edward became a prosperous landowner. He died in Plymouth on August 23, 1655. While his burial place is unknown, he is memorialized at Burial Hill Cemetery. His wife, Faith, was remarried in 1666/67, to John Phillips of Marshfield. She died and was buried at Marshfield in December 1675. Sources: General Society of Mayflower Descendants, Pilgrim Hall Museum, mayflowerhistory. com (Links in comments). Photo: Walt Perro, Find A Grave . . #PilgrimSpotlight #EdwardDoty #MayflowerHistory #Pilgrimhistory #mayflower #PlymouthColony #Plymouth400 (fb)

250 years ago, militia leaders convened at Alden House to plan their strategy against British forces. Watch their video to learn more! (fb)