For a seemingly interminable 65 days the Mayflower was the floating home of pilgrims, officers and crew as they made their famous journey to America. For some it was a graveyard, and for others, a symbol of life renewed.
Those who sailed on the Mayflower in 1620 are commonly known as pilgrims, but the sailors who traveled with the actual pilgrims—the passengers who were seeking religious freedom—were at distinct odds with each other. They swore like, well, sailors, which wasn’t welcome among the Puritans, who were bullied for their sea unworthiness. One sailor, whose name is known only to God, was especially contemptible and merciless, hoping “to cast half of [the Pilgrims] overboard before they came to their journey’s end.”[1] Early in the voyage this young sailor himself got sick and died, his body thrown over the Mayflower to a watery grave. A blessing for the boat-weary passengers.
Being cooped up in cramped quarters with hardly any fresh water and increasing stink would drive the most hardy among us mad. Such was the case with John Howland who found the ‘tween decks, the space on the Mayflower where its residents lived, unbearable. Seasickness, too, was a constant struggle, and fresh air would be just the thing to help combat it…or so John Howland thought. He exited to the ship’s deck in the midst of a howling storm with violent waves and fell overboard. He grabbed a rope that miraculously dangled from the ship and was pulled up to the safety of the Mayflower.
In a more mysterious episode, Dorothy Bradford, wife of William Bradford, the famed governor of Plymouth Plantation, fell overboard and died in completely calm waters. The Mayflower had reached its destination and was anchored in a quiet harbor, where she “drowned by falling from a boat in the bay.”
Given John Howland’s surviving a fall during a torrential storm, it is suspect that Dorothy Bradford would fall over and drown in calm waters while the ship was stationary. Not surprising, then, that some historians suspect her of committing suicide.
What despair and depression she must have suffered after she and William arrived at a barren scene without their young son, whom they left behind in Europe, hoping he would join them later. The desolation Dorothy felt and her desperation under extremely tough circumstances might have been too much to take. Nonetheless, the official record indicates death as a result of an accident. Her husband hardly even noted it, recording in his journal under death, “Dec. 7. Dorothy, Wife to Mr. William Bradford.”[2]
Another jump-ship account happened before the Mayflower ever arrived in America. The pilgrims were relative latecomers to the American coast, and French and English sailors navigated American waters from present-day Virginia north into Canada years before the pilgrims came. During these explorations, indigenous peoples were kidnapped and taken to Europe as curiosities. One “curiosity” named Epenow sailed to England, presumably never to return home. But he devised a way to go back to his native land: he wove stories of limitless gold supplies found there. His captors, lusty for riches, returned with Epenow, who jumped off the ship as it approached land and escaped to freedom.
[1] Philbrick, Nathaniel, Mayflower (New York: Viking, 2006), 31.
[2] Willison, George F., Saints and Strangers (New York: Ballantine Books, 1965), 113.
Comments (7)
Very informative.
is there any record of a seaman named Hingerty jumping ship and marrying one of the pilgrim ladies
?
I had heard over the years there were stories obout my family (May). In the attempt to formerly prove my grandfather was an elegal from Ireland (several aliases) under the the more used name “Thomas Burns” was used most. My initial aim was to prove I was 100% Irish thru my grandfather(my mothers father) so I could apply for dual citizenship.To date however, because of his legal name remaining elusive, I only received 8 his on my online ancestry program.
Disappointed, I turned to my father’s tree and in one month, I was astounded that I have over 5,000 hits on the “May” name and nearly every name that accompanied the “May” name.
Well, the last week has been a plethora famous names who are related and famous people they rubbed elbows with. (Ex. Little Women, authored by Louisa May “Alcott”) However, today I had two HUGE hits I feel is worthy of me reaching out to tell my findings, noting there are several dozen historical events my ancestors worthy of historical record keeping (Ex. Amos Bronson Alcott “Husband of an abolitionist having worked with Harriett Tubman harbouring slaves as part of the “Underground Railroad” and supporter of women’s rights) or “Abigail May “Alcott”, and mother of Louisa) or (The story we were all thought in school about “Paul Revere” and his famous warning “the British are coming”! Turns out, there were 3-minutemen with Paul Revere, Samual Prescott and (“William Dawes Jr. Married to
Mehitable Dawes “May”). It turns out history was wrong – Paul Revere was actually caught by the “Red-Coats” and later released. “William Dawes Jr.” Was thrown from his horse, leaving Samuel Prescott to ride on. Although, credit was given to all 3-minutemen, it appears Samuel Prescott rode on and sent the warnings which led to the First Victory of the Revolutionary War!
Finally, evidence appears “Deacon John May” 1663-1729. I learned the “May” Clan are direct ancestors to “George Bush Sr. and George Bush Jr.” (Others include Clint Eastwood, a former Chief Justice on the Supreme Court, etc.)
What I think is the BIG find is “William Bradford”. Husband of Dorothy Bradford “May” 1597-1620 who was made famous when she off the “Mayflower” and passed away when they were anchored in calm Seas of the coast of Plymouth. Turns out an argument can be made that “William Bradford” our true 1st President when he was elected 31-times as commissioner of the”United Colony’s. Two of those years (1652 and 1656) President. Additionally,”William Bradford” was 1 of 41 “True Pilgrims” who signed the Mayflower Compact. Having read the Compact, one can make the argument it was very possibly the 1st Constitution.
I’m still in the midst of more ongoing findings, but wanted to provide to you as part of the “May” descendants history, and confident there’s more to come.
Hoping that an expert will “VET” what I’ve uncovered, and afterwards make the necessary inputs/changes to ensure our history is on point.
Any advise, comments are welcomed. Thank you
Ken May
I’m a descendant of William and Mary Brewster. My sister and I are members of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. We belong to the Albany in NY. and have visited Plimoth (English spelling) it’s something I’m very proud of, knowing my paternal grandfather and my mother have such a rich history which I carry on to my child.
I’m a descendant of William and Mary Brewster. My sister and I are members of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. We belong to the Albany colony in NY. and have visited Plimoth (English spelling) it’s something I’m very proud of, knowing my paternal grandfather and my mother have such a rich history which I carry on to my child.
I’m A 12th generation descendent of William Bradford!
I’m A 12th generation descendent of William Bradford! And I’m proud he was a CHRISTIAN!!