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Home , Edward Winslow, Josiah Winslow, Plymouth Colony, Thomas Hinckley, Thomas Prence

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE SOCIETY OF DESCENDANTS IN WASHINGTON STATE VOLUME 15 ISSUE 1 - WINTER 2002

ANNUAL SPRING MEETING MANY AMERICANS THINK

AND ELECTION THEY’RE PART-PILGRIM

he Washington Society’s Annual Spring Meeting and By Thomas Hargrove and Guido H Stempel III Election of Officers is Sunday, March 17, at the Tacoma Scripps Howard News Service Club, Tacoma. Registration is at 1 p.m. with lunch at 1:30 p.m. quarter of all Americans have Pilgrim dreams — a belief We are pleased to note and to announce that Eugene Fortine, that their ancestors may have walked the Mayflower's Governor General of the General Society of Mayflower wooden decks and survived to celebrate that first Thanks- Descendants, will be our honored guest and main speaker. This giving at ' Colony in 1621. "So is only the second time since 1989 that the Washington Society many of us have a family tradition, a belief that they are de- has had the honor of hosting a Governor General. scended from the Pilgrims," said Caroline Lewis Kardell, Histo-

Reservations are due to Treasurer Margaret Spangler no rian for the General Society of Mayflower Descendents. later than Saturday, March 9. "Sometimes the oral tradition is right, and sometimes it is wrong." A reservation form and directions are included with this A survey of 1,105 adults in the United edition of the Evergreen Log. States conducted by Scripps Howard News Service and Ohio University found GOVERNOR’S GREETINGS the 25 percent answered "yes" when asked: "Do you think your family may be descended from one of the Pilgrims who came to America on the Mayflower?" The latest estimates provided by the suggest that there are 35-million descendents worldwide of the 26 men who survived the harsh condi- tions of the Pilgrim's first Massachusetts winter. But the survey suggests that nearly twice this number in the U.S. be- lieve they have Pilgrim blood. "It's hard s we move into the new year I want to wish all of to say how good these family traditions our members the very best for a very happy and are," Kardell said. "Many people believe prosperous new year. they were descended from (Pilgrim) Wil- Most of our membership only rarely have the opportunity to liam White, but that was a very common name back in those days." meet a representative from the General Society, which is why The survey found that 96 percent of all adults usually cele- we are so pleased that Governor General Fortine was able to fit brate , making it the most universal holiday in us into his very busy schedule. America's richly diverse culture. Significantly smaller numbers We look forward to a good turn-out at the Annual Meeting will celebrate Easter, Christmas, or the Fourth of July. Additionally, 56 percent answered "yes" when asked: "Do and know that all will give the Governor General a great you think the original Pilgrims were the kind of folks you’d like Northwest welcome. to have as next door neighbors?" Thirty-one percent believe Pilgrims would be a detriment to the neighborhood; 13 percent See you in March. were undecided. But attitudes toward the Pilgrims are intensely political. Sincerely, Conservatives and older people overwhelmingly like the notion of Pilgrim neighbors while young adults CONTINUED ON 2

Governor

WELCOME ABOARD! Editor's Corner new members

The reader will note a number of changes in the make-up in Buckley Seattle this issue of the newsletter. Included is a new masthead Jon C Olsen Andrea M Harrison arrangement for the front page, re-location in the placement of 12th from 12th from John Alden some standard displays and minor adjustments in type size. As the newsletter is always a work in progress and your Gig Harbor Seattle editor is always trying to keep up with the times, improve the Peter C J Bernadelli Thomas B Rice product and keep it interesting, we trust that these changes are 12th from John Alden 10th from William White met with approval. As always, readers’ comments and input are

Issaquah East Wenatchee welcome. Mary Clark Levin Dorothy M Heins 12th from John Alden 1lth from Frances Cooke

Redmond Theodore R Parker 13th from William Bradford

blood than are older people, probably reflecting the statistical reality that the young have a greater chance of possessing such lineage. A son is twice as likely as his father to be a Mayflower ascendant because the son could be descended either through his father's family or his mother's. But the poll also demonstrated the remarkable depth of the JUNIOR MEMBERS WELCOMED Pilgrims' dream to include millions of people of all walks of life. Although the first residents of were all devout

Protestants, 21 percent of the Roman Catholics in the study said The Washington State Society is pleased to announce the they may have Pilgrim blood. following to Junior Member Status. Although the Pilgrims were all Caucasian, 17 percent of Afri-

can American poll respondents said they believe that they are Sydney Mae Bostick - Ancestor, - Sponsor, Ma- Mayflower descendents. They could be right because millions of vis Mae Ratcliff. African Americans have white ancestors.

Victoria Summer Felix - Ancestor, James Chilton - Sponsor, “As one small candle may light a thousand, so Mavis Mae Ratcliff the light here kindled hath shone to many, yea in some sorte to our whole nation.” —William Bradford

See Winter Log 1999 for related story.

CONTINUED FROM 1 and liberals want to live in Pilgrim-free zones. "That has to do with a very, very common misconception," said Richard Max- well, former Governor General of the General Society of May- flower Descendents. "Many people think of the Pilgrims of the Mayflower in the same way they think of the who set- tled in Massachusetts Bay 10 years later. EVERGREEN LOG The Puritans were stem Calvinists, more inclined to be judg- mental of others. Maxwell said it was these people and their A Publication of the Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Washington. Issued descendents — not the Mayflower Pilgrims — who were respon- three times a year in February, June and sible for the that resulted in the execution of October.

20 people for suspected sorcery and devil worship in 1692. "But Material received by the Editor less than thirty the group that settled Plymouth were less judgmental. They days prior to issue month can not be guaranteed tended to be more tolerant because they had lived among the inclusion in the current LOG. Dutch and had suffered so much for their faith," Maxwell said. The poll found that residents of small towns and rural areas EDITOR - Donald Wingerson 3700 32nd Avenue West, Seattle, WA 98199. are much more likely to believe that their family tree could be Copyright © 2002 by the Society of Mayflower Descendants rooted to the Plymouth Colony than are those in major cities and in the State of Washington, 715 North 77th Street, Seattle, WA.98103. suburbs. Young adults are more likely to believe they have Pilgrim 2 | EVERGREEN LOG WINTER 2002

continued to be a printer in partnership with William Brewster. PLYMOUTH’S He married Elizabeth Barker in 1618. They came on the May- flower accompanied by a girl put in their care (Ellen More) and OTHER two servants, George Soule and Elias Story. Edward and Elizabeth, who died in 1621, had no children. GOVERNORS Winslow later married Susanna (Fuller) White, by whom he had four children. They resided in Marshfield after the mid-. by Robert C Thompson In 1623, Winslow was chosen as an agent of the colony to handle affairs with . He made trips to England in 1623, hen we think of the Governor of the Plymouth Colony, 1624, 1630, 1634, and 1646. He is believed to be the principal the name William Bradford automatically comes to author of “Mourt’s Relation” (1622) and he was the author of mind. But there were other governors: John Carver, who the chamber-of-commerce-style pamphlet “Good News from was the first; and , who were ” (1624). woven into the governorship along with Bradford between 1633 Winslow served again as Governor in 1636 and 1644, and and 1657; the extensive service of Prence after Bradford died; was an Assistant Governor many times. In 1646, he went to followed by and . England for the last time and accepted employment in Oliver After the signing of the Compact aboard the Mayflower on Cromwell’s government. He never returned to Plymouth and , 1620, “they chose, or rather confirmed, Mr John died at sea near in 1655. Carver (a man godly and well approved amongst them) their Thomas Prence was chosen as Governor for the year 1634, Governor for that year.” again in 1636 and finally from 1657-73. He served as an As- The phrase “or rather confirmed” infers that Carver had per- sistant Governor many times during the intervening years. haps already exercised the role of “Governor of the Mayflow- Prence was the first Governor who had not been a Mayflow- er,” replacing the unpopular and pompous Christopher Martin er passenger. He arrived from England in 1621, young and who had been originally chosen as governor of the ship prior to single. There years later he married Patience Brewster, daugh- departure from . ter of the Elder. They had four children before she died in Carver’s leadership was cut short. Bradford describes what 1634. He married Mary Collier the following year and moved happened: “In the month of April (1621) whilst they were busy to Duxbury. Nine years later, they moved to Eastham. Thomas about their seed, their Governor came out of the field very sick, and Mary had five children. After Mary died, he married the it being a hot day. He complained greatly widow Apphia Freeman. Upon her death, of his head and lay down, and within a few he married the widow Mary Howes. hours his senses failed, so as he never spake Prence had almost immediately associ- more till he died, which was within a few ated himself with Colony affairs. Over the days after. He was buried in the best man- years, he amassed large landholdings on ner they could, with some volleys of shot the Cape. Sixteen consecutive years as by all that bore arms. And his wife, being a Governor were terminated by his death in weak woman, died within five or six weeks 1673, at which time he was a wealthy after him.” man. Tradition has it that Carver was born in He was succeeded by Josiah Winslow, Yorkshire, England; that he became a pros- son of the former Governor, Edward perous merchant; and that he joined the Winslow. Josiah was born in Plymouth Separatists some time after they came to about 1629. He married Penelope Pelham. Holland from England. It is known that he They had four children, all born at the was a deacon of their church at by home in Marshfield. Only two children 1616 and that he was chosen as early as survived to adulthood. Winslow was ap- 1617 to participate in the planning and or- pointed Assistant Governor at the age of ganizing of the Separatists’ emigration to America. Carver’s 28. He served as Governor from 1673 until his death in 1680. wife is believed to have been widow Katherine (White) Leggatt He was appointed Commander-In-Chief of the United Colonial of Nottinghamshire. There were only two known children , Forces at the time of King Philip’s War, 1675-76. He was the both of whom died prior to 1620. only governor who had been born in Plymouth Colony. Shortly after Carver’s death, William Bradford was chosen Upon his death, Assistant Governor Thomas Hinckley was Governor in his stead. He held that office continually from chosen to fill the vacancy, a position he held from 1680 until the 1621 to 1632, being re-chosen at the expiration of each one-year demise of the Colony in 1691 (except for the approximate two- term. He served again in 1635, 1637, 1639-43 and 1645-57. year period when all of the colonies were under the rule of the Having served for that relatively long initial period, Royal Governor, Edmund Adros). Hinckley was born in Eng- Bradford may have felt the need for a sabbatical. Also, looking land about 1618 and came to America with his parents in 1635. ahead, he may have recognized the desirability of preparing They first settled in Scituate but were in CONTINUED ON 5 others to eventually replace him. In any event, it is quite likely that he engineered the election of Edward Winslow as Governor for the year 1633 and Thomas Prence for 1634, during which time Bradford — probably by design — dropped back to Assis- tant Governor. Both Winslow and Prence had been highly ac- tive in colony affairs and there is no indication that Bradford ever experienced problems with either of them. Edward Winslow was born in , England in 1595 and received a good education there. He became a printer in London and later joined the Separatists in Holland, where he

3 | EVERGREEN LOG WINTER 2002

SECRETARY’S REPORT — FALL ‘01 COMPACT DAY MEETING SOCIETY NEWS Mark your calendar! Submitted by Recording Secretary Jan Mitchell Tentative Schedule of Meetings: he Washington Society of Mayflower Descendants held their Compact Day Time and Place to be Announced lunch meeting November 11, 2001, at the Best Western Southcenter, Tukwila. One hundred and four members and guests attended. 2002 Governor Don Wingerson welcomed members in a tribute to our history in the light of the tragic events of September 11 and called for a moment of February 23, Sat, Board of Assistants Seattle silence in remembrance and honor of those lost. The head table was introduced along with the added announcement that Bett March 17, Sun, Annual Meeting Huston, whose name was given to the Nominating Committee for consideration, Tacoma - Tacoma Club has volunteered to take over as Historian from Wayne Gardner following the April 13, Sat, Board of Assistants annual election process culminating at the Annual Meeting in March. Governor Seattle Don, on a round-table basis, then had members and guests introduce themselves with members noting their primary ancestor. July 06, Sat, Board of Assistants The invocation was given by Elder Frances Walters followed by the Pledge of Seattle

Allegiance to the Flag of the led by Captain pro-tempore Jim July 21, Sun, Annual Summer Picnic Siburg standing in for Captain Garth Borden. Location to be selected Following the reading of the by Deputy Governor Dick Greene, Corresponding Secretary Margaret Hyre, assisted by Governor Don October 05, Sat, Board of Assistants Seattle Wingerson, then called the Ancestor Roll of primary ancestors. Of the fifty-nine members present had the most descendants with a total of November 17, Sun, Compact Day thirteen. Seattle - Best Western Southcenter Luncheon was served followed by the reading of the Minutes of the Summer Picnic by Jan Mitchell, Recording Secretary. 2003 The Governor then called for Officer Reports. The Treasurer reported Account balances as follows: Checking, $1,203.97, February 22, Sat, Board of Assistants Seattle Savings, $10,405.17 for a total of $11,609.14. The Life Membership Fund Reserve Account Total is $10,341.8 1. March 23, Sun, Annual Meeting Elder Frances Walters reported three members deceased; Albert William Tacoma - Tacoma Club

Green; Anne Barberie Field, and Florence Barlow Stratton. A moment of silent April 19, Sat, Board of Assistants prayer was offered in their memory. Seattle Preceding the Compact Day Meeting, the Board of Assistants met in quorum approving the addition of seven new members to the Washington State Society. July 05, Sat, Board of Assistants Seattle Historian Wayne Gardner’s report covered the new members’ genealogy as well as the fact that he had four applications and two supplemental applications July 20 Sun, Annual Summer Picnic pending in Plymouth and that two supplemental applications had been mailed out Location to be selected and that two members had transferred out of the Washington State Society. Following the Historian’s Report, the new members present were welcomed to October 04, Sat, Board of Assistants Seattle the organization and presented their certificates and information packets. Historian Wayne Gardner, Corresponding Secretary Margaret Hyre and Governor November 16, Sun, Compact Day Don Wingerson did the honors. The new members welcomed were: Theodore Seattle - Best Western Southcenter Robertson Parker, Mary Elizabeth Clark Levin, Dorothy Mae Heins, Andrea Marie Harrison, Peter Charles Joseph Bernadelli, Jon Christian Olsen and 2004 Thomas Budd Rice. Historian Wayne Gardner then completed his report by giving an account of February 21, Sat, Board of Assistants his trip to for the General Society Meeting September 8, 2001 which Seattle included: (A) Proposed changes to the Constitution and By-Laws that were to include memberships of Americans residing in Europe; (B) An update on the manor house property purchase in , England, which is being offered for sale at a price between $500 and $750,000. Twenty thousand dollars has been allotted to continue research on the elements involved in the purchase of the property; (C) The prospect of a new application form and membership certificate design to be available in the near future and, (D) That San Antonio, Texas, is being considered for the General Society meeting location in 2003. The 2002 meeting place has not yet been decided upon. The nominating committee consisting of Mavis Ratcliff, Chair; Sue Albright, Governor Don announced the next Board John Hall, Dorothy McKillop and Gloria Swanson was introduced and thanked of Assistants meeting to be held February 23, for their work in setting up a slate of officers that will be presented for election 2002, at the College Club, Seattle; and the at the Annual Spring Meeting in March 2002. Annual Spring Meeting and Election to be Gloria Swanson was recognized as having a birthday and following a rousing held March 17, 2002, at the Tacoma Club, Tacoma. singing of Happy Birthday the Governor presented her with a stemmed red rose marking the occasion. (Continued on page 6)

4 | EVERGREEN LOG WINTER 2002

WHAT IS A HOUSE?

From the Arizona Mayflower Log

n ongoing exhibit at , in Plymouth, comes up with the answers. In Memoriam When the English colonists came to Ameri- ca, they quite naturally built houses that were famil- Hearts be free, and Spirits blessed. iar to them. The half-timbered English house with its hall and parlor was their model, which they adapted to the climate and natural resources of New Albert William Green #1131 England. What emerged over several generations 14 Jul 2001 was a distinct new style, now called the Cape Cod house. The name originated in 1800 in the writings Mrs Rex Bennett Stratton, Jr #1079 of the president of Yale University, who described Florence Ida Barlow his visit to Cape Cod where he saw Cape Cod hous- 22 Oct 2001 es. The houses had one story with four rooms. There was a central chimney and fireplace, and the roof was steeply pitched. The front featured a central door flanked by two windows on each side. The houses were built in New England from the late until about 1850. Early foundations were fieldstone, and then later brick was used. As glass technology improved, pane sizes became larger and eventually double-pane windows were used. Dormers were added to older homes to meet in- creased need for space. Architects rediscovered the Cape Cod houses in the 1930's, when the Depression created a desire for small, economical homes. However, they really came into their own in the 1940s and 1950s. GI’s CONTINUED FROM 3 returning from World War II were eligible for loans Barnstable by 1640. He married first, Mary Richards, and second, the wid- to buy homes for their families. Plans for Cape Cod ow May Glover. There were eight children by his first wife and two by his homes were circulated by the "House of the Month" second. Hinckley has the dubious distinction of being the Colony’s last company, which distributed plans to banks and sav- Governor, a situation which in the eyes of many was due to his lack of vig- ings and loans all over America. Planned develop- orous pursuit of a Royal Charter that might have kept the Colony alive. ments also featured Cape Cod houses. Some later versions had bathrooms and closets This article, with some revision, has appeared in newsletters published by and the central chimney and fireplace became less the Arizona, Vermont and Nebraska Mayflower Societies. important due to central heating. Ells and garages were often attached. Sources: Bradford’s “Of ,” Demos’ “A little Com- Today, as in the past, the Cape Cod house appeals monwealth,” Stratton’s “Plymouth Colony,” The New England Historic to our sense of heritage. The exhibit at Pilgrim Hall and Genealogical Register, “Mayflower Families’” Otis’ “Genealogical Museum features a two-foot-high scale model of an Notes of Barnstable Families” and Paine’s “History of Harwich, Mass.” 18th Century Cape Cod house. The model is built with the appropriate post-and-beam frame. and the sides are open so viewers can observe the detailed inside furnishings.

DUES NOTICE * * * The annual dues of $25.00 were due January 01. If you have not yet paid, please remit to Margaret W Spangler, Treasurer 1837 North Skyline Drive Tacoma, WA 98406 253-752-2230

If a current Membership Cards is desired please enclose a self addressed stamped envelope with dues payment.

5 | EVERGREEN LOG WINTER 2002

historical time lines and background on Danish naming customs. Beyond outlining a strategy for getting started, the guide offers instructions on more advanced research, including addresses and Web sites for more information. Additional guides will be published this year for the British book report Isles, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland (for German language records). Additional ones will follow, including research assistance for African American, American Indians and Pacific Islanders. From Myra Gormley’s FAMILY TREE “How Do I Start My Family History?” is free (item #32916) and “Finding Records of Your Ancestors, Part A: HE FAMIIY HISTORY Library of the Church of Jesus Christ Denmark, 1834-1900 is $3.25 (item #36577). of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City recently released two new Both are available at the church’s distribution centers products to aid genealogists: "How Do I Start My Family worldwide; and can be ordered by calling toll free History?" a workbook; and the first in a new line of small 800-537-5971 or on the Internet at FamilySearch: research guides, "Finding Records of Your Ancestors, Part A: www.familysearch.org/ Denmark, 1834 to 1900." Both feature easy-to-follow, step-by- step instructions, colorful graphics and tear-out worksheets. Myra Vanderpool Gormley (her husband is an Alden) is a The workbook is designed to help those just beginning to columnist with the Tribune Media Services and writes weekly gather and organize their genealogical data. The instructions are in the Seattle P-I. She also is the author of “Prima’s Official simple and the examples, along with 81/2-by-11-inch removable Companion to Family Tree Maker” available at bookstores pedigree and family group worksheets, will help you capture nationwide and on the Web at: www.primapublishing.com what you already know about your family The Denmark guide is the first in a new series of publications created to simplify the search process and increase the probability of success. The guides are designed for those who have gathered some information, organized what they have on pedigree and family group charts, and are ready to search public records. The new guides should take the guesswork out of genealogical research. Publications coordinator NaDine Timothy explains: "In the past, we have taken an encyclopedia- type approach by listing every single record that is available. Now we are trying to simplify the process and give users a specific, proven strategy to use." "One thing that has frustrated many family history enthusiasts is the need to master quickly a whole new set of (Continued from page 4) skills and concepts to be successful. They feel overwhelmed by Following a short break, The Mayflower players presented a what they don't know, and that can stifle their desire to learn skit entitled “A Pilgrim Afternoon.” Under the direction of more about their ancestors. The new guides will give them key Luanne Green and Warren Stewart of the Program Committee, information to compensate for that research still deficit and the twelve member cast, more or less in costume, entertained enable them to have success," Timothy said. with a dialogue recalling memories of the "first Thanksgiving." “We wanted to take beginners by the hand and walk them Honoring the precepts of our ancestors, the audience then through the research process,” says Kay Merkley, instructional participated in the singing of the hymn, “ To designer for the new series. "It's not an easy process at first, but Ask The Lord's Blessing,” which was brought to Plymouth by these guides provide a strategy not available before on how to the Pilgrims in 1620. The program ended with “The Lord's go from one record to another. The guides provide expert Prayer” which was sung in unison by all. advice every step of the way.” Elder Frances Walters then gave the Benediction and the The Denmark guide is divided into two parts, with Part A meeting was adjourned. now available. Part B will be available later this year and will cover additional time periods and research strategies. It explains different types of records in Denmark with instructions on when and how to use specific records. A real-life case study allows readers to see for themselves how the research process works. Expert search tips, including tips on how to use the Family History Library Catalog are included. Also included are maps, acknowledgment is made to the following publications for material used. Arizona Mayflower Log Nebraska Newsleetter Seattle P-I

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EVERGREEN LOG | WINTER 2002