John was born in about 1599 in England. In spite of various writings attempting to identify his English origin and parentage, nothing is known for certain about his English background other than William Bradford's words that Alden "was hired for a cooper, at South-Hampton, wher the ship victuled; and being a hopefull yong man, was much desired, but left to his own liking to go or stay when he came here; but he stayed and maryed here". Charles E. Banks, a noted Mayflower biographer, claimed that John Alden was from Harwich, Essex, because an Alden family there was related by marriage to the master of the Mayflower, Christopher Jones.
John Alden was hired as a cooper at Southampton shortly before the Mayflower sailed. He was the youngest signer of the Mayflower Compact. Reputedly the tallest man in the Colony, he founded Duxbury in 1627, and lived there the rest of his life. Alden became one of the most respected members of the Mayflower, holding many public offices, including deputy governor of Massachusetts for 43 years.
John Alden married Priscilla Mullins, daughter of William Mullins and Alice (_______), 12 May 1621 in Plymouth Colony. Priscilla had come with her parents and a brother, Joseph, on the Mayflower. Her parents and brother died during the first several months of a sickness that proved fatal to about half the Colony during the first winter and spring. Priscilla was described as a vivacious dark-haired, dark-eyed beauty who loved to cook, especially dainty desserts.
John Alden outlived all of the other Mayflower passengers and died at Duxbury 12 Sep 1687.
Priscilla preceded him in death 05 Feb 1687/88. His eulogy read, in part: "in a good old age, an
old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people - and his sons burried him." He did
not leave a will, having disposed of most of his estate during his lifetime. His children were:
Elizabeth, John, Joseph, Rebecca, Ruth, Sarah, Jonathan, David, Mary, Priscilla, and an
unnamed child that died young. I descend from Elizabeth and her husband William Pabodie.
Return to Main Page
