Imagine setting sail into the unknown, in hopes of finding the new world. This was the reality of the English settlers who voyaged on the Mayflower back in 1602. John Alden, along with 101 other men, women, and children, were among the brave pilgrims who endured this 66-day journey at sea.
Are you longing to uncover the details behind your family’s heritage? It’s possible that your very own ancestors were among the first settlers to set sail on the Mayflower. Whether it’s pilgrim John Alden himself, or any of the other passengers on the Mayflower, you never know if your family heritage is connected to such a historical event.
The Rev. Bailey Loring (1786-1860) was a descendant of John Alden, who was a crew member on the Mayflower and one of the original settlers of Plymouth Colony and a crew member on the Mayflower. A year later when the Mayflower returned to England, John Alden was one of the few settlers who stayed behind to form the Plymouth Colony. John Alden later married a fellow Mayflower passenger, Priscilla Mullins, and together they remained in Plymouth Colony to raise a family. John and Priscilla Alden raised ten children and greatly influenced the creation and foundation of the Plymouth Colony.
Rev. Loring’s mother was Alethea (Alden) Loring (1744-1820), and her great-grandfather was John Alden, who married Priscilla Mullins.
Family stories and ancestral connections were reported in old newspapers, and GenealogyBank’s Historical Newspaper Archives are essential for getting the stories of your family history. Our historical newspaper archives contain some of the most prominent historical events.
For example, here is Rev. Bailey Loring’s obituary, which states he is a direct descendant of John Alden.
A “Shout Out” to the Alden Kindred of America, one of my all-time favorite genealogical organizations and websites: FYI—you’ll want to link this obituary and citation to your website. The “Alden Kindred” is a lineage society open to all descendants of John and Priscilla (Mullins) Alden and those interested in the work of the society.
Through the descendants of John Alden, GenealogyBank has been able to discover many family relationships tied to the Mayflower. Are you a descendant of John and Priscilla Alden? Tell us about your familial connection in the comments section.
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