The Mayflower Society is still looking for volunteers for tour guides for The Mayflower Society House (see more info below). (fb)

Are you a descendant of John Howland? John Howland was a single man when he traveled on the Mayflower, as a servant of John Carver. John was probably born at Fenstanton, Huntingdonshire, circa 1598-99, the son of Henry and Margaret Howland. He died in Kingston 23 February 1672/73. John married Elizabeth Tilley in Plymouth circa 1623. Elizabeth and her parents, John and Joan (Hurst) Tilley were also passengers on the Mayflower. Elizabeth was baptized at Henlow, Bedford, England, 30 August 1607; she died at Swansea, 21 December 1687. Bradford relates that during the voyage, “in a mighty storm, a lusty young man called John Howland… [was] thrown into sea; but it pleased God that he caught hold of the topsail halyards which hung overboard…till he was hauled up…and then with a boat hook…his life saved. And though he was something ill with it, yet he lived many years after and became a profitable member both in church and commonwealth.” John received four acres in the 1623 land division; in addition to himself, these shares would be for his wife Elizabeth, and her parents who died the first winter. In the 1627 cattle division, he is listed with wife Elizabeth, and children John Jr. and Desire Howland. John and Elizabeth had 10 children total. From his beginnings as a servant, John rose quickly in status; he was the head of his group of 13 people in the 1627 cattle division and by 1633 he was serving as an Assistant to the Governor. He also served many times as deputy, surveyor of highways and land, grand juror and selectman. Learn more about the Mayflower Passengers here: https://themayflowersociety.org/passenger-profiles/ #TheMayflowerSociety #AreYouADescendant #JohnHowland (fb)