Birth1512, Kent Co. England3
Death14 Jun 1567, Crankbrook, Kent, England, age: 551
FlagsAncestor of RCC
Notes: THOMAS CROUCHMAN died 14th June 1567 in Cranbrook (parish register).
The earliest baptism in the register is 1560 so that his birth date cannot be confirmed. The will of John Crocheman of Rolvenden in 1523 refers to a brother Thomas Crocheman to whom he leaves his estate presumably in Rolvenden and where Thomas is living and who is likely to be the father of the Thomas who later marries Ellen Hubbard.Such records are before the Rolvenden parish register transcripts which start in 1558. One family genealogy has him born about 1496 but no documentation.4
Another genealogy has him b 1512 in Hawkhurst, Kent, England, d. 14 Jun 1567 in Rolvenden, Kent, England, m Joan, b 1500 in Rolvenden, Kent, England, with children Anne Cushman b 1525 and Thoas “General” Cushman b 1538 in Hawkhurst, Kent, England. The source cited are family trees at “The Generations Network, Provo, Utah from trees submitted by Ancestry members.
The earliest baptism in the register is 1560 so that his birth date cannot be confirmed. The will of John Crocheman of Rolvenden in 1523 refers to a brother Thomas Crocheman to whom he leaves his estate presumably in Rolvenden and where Thomas is living and who is likely to be the father of the Thomas who later marries Ellen Hubbard.Such records are before the Rolvenden parish register transcripts which start in 1558. One family genealogy has him born about 1496 but no documentation.4
Another genealogy has him b 1512 in Hawkhurst, Kent, England, d. 14 Jun 1567 in Rolvenden, Kent, England, m Joan, b 1500 in Rolvenden, Kent, England, with children Anne Cushman b 1525 and Thoas “General” Cushman b 1538 in Hawkhurst, Kent, England. The source cited are family trees at “The Generations Network, Provo, Utah from trees submitted by Ancestry members.
SpouseUNKNOWN UNKNOWN , 39
Birth Memowife of Thomas Croucheman
Family ID23
ChildrenTHOMAS (COUCHEMAN) , 35 (ca1538-1585)
ELIZABETH , 1477 (~1540-1576)
RICHARDE Or Rychard Sr , 1478 (~1542-1575)
JOHN Sr , 1480 (1544-1568)
ANNE , 1481 (1546-1562)
JOAN , 1482
Birthca 1538, Hawkhurst, Kent Co. England1
Birth MemoBirth date calculated from deposition of Thomas Cowchman 25 Sep 1578. Source: Depositions at Canterbury, 1578 as reproduced in Genealogical Research in England, by Elizabeth French, The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, Vol. 68, Published by the New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, April, 1914; p.182.
Death MemoSt Mary the Virgin, Anglican.
Burial Memo1587. See: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=106086592
Number of Children5
FlagsAncestor of RCC, England, Gen #1
Notes: Many genealogies state he was Arch-Deacon of Canterbury.15 This has been found to be untrue. See research notes.
“The Will of Thomas Couchman of the Parish of Rolvenden, Co. of Kent, Husbandman, 10 February 1585 (1585/6) to be buried in the Churchyard of Rolvenden; To the Poormens box of Rolvenden, 2 S; To my son Rychard Couchman, 10L at the age of one and twenty years; To my younger son, Robarte Couchman, 10L at the age of one and twenty years; To my daughter Sylvester Couchman, 6L 13S 4D at the age of twenty years or day of marriage; If any of my children die under age, reversion to the survivors; To my Godchild Thomas Bredman 12D- To my Gochildren, Thomas Coyle, Thomas Gabriell, Marrion Hasleman, and Jane Couchman, a sheep each.”
Source: Burt Alvah Walford. Cushman Genealogy & General History, William Mitchell Printing Co., Greenfield, Indiana 1942; p. 53. Originally taken from the “New England Historical and Genealogical Register,” Vol. 68 under the Heading: Genealogical Research in England.
It appears that Thomas had a brother or uncle named John. “The Will of John Crocheman of Rolvenden, Co. of Kent, 2 March 1523 (1523/4) to be buried in the Churchyard of Rolvenden - To the Preparation of the Church of Rolvenden, 6 S, 8D. Toward the buying of a Cope for said Church 5 Marks; To an honest priest to sing in said Church for one year, 10 Marks; To the highway between the house of John Asten, the elder, and the Church 3S- 4D; To Johane Croucheman, my sister 13S-4-D. To Ewens widow, Vinkels Widow, John Blacke, Elyne Wederly and to Gabryell 12 D each; To Symon Harkwod all debts due me from him at this date; and to Goddeley Harkwod his wife, a barn adjoining the house he dwelleth in, with the ground around it, with reversion at her death to her son John and his issue and for default of such to her other children or else to my brother Thomas Crocheman and his heirs forever.”
Source: Burt Alvah Walford. Cushman Genealogy & General History, William Mitchell Printing Co., Greenfield, Indiana 1942; p. 53. Originally taken from the “New England Historical and Genealogical Register,” Vol. 68 under the Heading: Genealogical Research in England.
Son of Thomas Crocheman.
He married Elynour Hubbarde on 18 July 1568 in Rolvenden, England. Their marriage record is in the Archdeacons' Transcripts of the Parish Registers of Rolvenden, co. Kent, 1560-1612: "1568: July The same Day agayn [xviij] was maryid Thomas Cuchiman and Elynour Hubbarde.
Thomas was a Husbandman and was called a Householder at the time of his death. In a deposition dated 25 September 1578, Thomas Cowchman of the parish of Rolvenden, Kent County, having lived there twelve years and before that in the parish of Hawkhurst, aged forty years. (Depositions at Canterbury, 1578) However, there are no Cushman records at Hawkhurst.
Father of Deacon Robert Cushman, "Speedwell" passenger best known for being the person responsible for chartering the "Mayflower", obtaining the charter for the American colony from the King of England and having delivered the first sermon on American soil.He was born in Hawkhust, Kent County, England and migrated to Rolvenden, Kent County, England around 1574, where he died.
He was buried on 14 February 1585/6 in the churchyard in Rolvinden, Kent County, England.
Thomas' will was written on 10 February 1585/6 and was proven on 12 February 1589/90 by his executrix (Archdeaconry of Canterbury, volume 47, folio 276).
The Will of Thomas Cushman
"To be buried in the churchyard on Rolvinden. To the poor men's box of Rolvinden 2s. To my son Rychard Couchman £10 at the age of one and twenty years. To me younger son Robarte Couchman £10 at the age of one and twenty years. To my daughter Sylvester Couchman £6 13s. 4d. at the age of twenty years or day of marriage. If any of my said children die under age, reversion to the survivors. To my godchild Thomas Bredman 12d. To my godchildren Thomas Colye, Thomas Gabriell, Marion Hasleman, and Jone Couchman a sheep each. If my wife Ellen shall marry again before my children have received their portions, then her husband shall five security to Robert Gybbon for hte payment of the said portions, and if he will not, then my wife shall pay unto the said Robert Gibbon the said portions, and he shall lay it out for the use and profit of my said children, until they be of age to receive it. Residuary legatee and executrix: my wife Ellen. Overseer: Robarte Gibbon. [Signed] Signum Thome Couchman. Witnesses: Robart Gibbon, Leonard Wylson, and Symon Lingen. Proved 12 May 1589 [1589/90] by the executrix." (Archdeaconry of Canterbury, vol. 46, fo. 120.)
Burial:
Body lost or destroyed
Specifically: Based on his will, he was to be buried in the churchyard on Rolvinden16
“The Will of Thomas Couchman of the Parish of Rolvenden, Co. of Kent, Husbandman, 10 February 1585 (1585/6) to be buried in the Churchyard of Rolvenden; To the Poormens box of Rolvenden, 2 S; To my son Rychard Couchman, 10L at the age of one and twenty years; To my younger son, Robarte Couchman, 10L at the age of one and twenty years; To my daughter Sylvester Couchman, 6L 13S 4D at the age of twenty years or day of marriage; If any of my children die under age, reversion to the survivors; To my Godchild Thomas Bredman 12D- To my Gochildren, Thomas Coyle, Thomas Gabriell, Marrion Hasleman, and Jane Couchman, a sheep each.”
Source: Burt Alvah Walford. Cushman Genealogy & General History, William Mitchell Printing Co., Greenfield, Indiana 1942; p. 53. Originally taken from the “New England Historical and Genealogical Register,” Vol. 68 under the Heading: Genealogical Research in England.
It appears that Thomas had a brother or uncle named John. “The Will of John Crocheman of Rolvenden, Co. of Kent, 2 March 1523 (1523/4) to be buried in the Churchyard of Rolvenden - To the Preparation of the Church of Rolvenden, 6 S, 8D. Toward the buying of a Cope for said Church 5 Marks; To an honest priest to sing in said Church for one year, 10 Marks; To the highway between the house of John Asten, the elder, and the Church 3S- 4D; To Johane Croucheman, my sister 13S-4-D. To Ewens widow, Vinkels Widow, John Blacke, Elyne Wederly and to Gabryell 12 D each; To Symon Harkwod all debts due me from him at this date; and to Goddeley Harkwod his wife, a barn adjoining the house he dwelleth in, with the ground around it, with reversion at her death to her son John and his issue and for default of such to her other children or else to my brother Thomas Crocheman and his heirs forever.”
Source: Burt Alvah Walford. Cushman Genealogy & General History, William Mitchell Printing Co., Greenfield, Indiana 1942; p. 53. Originally taken from the “New England Historical and Genealogical Register,” Vol. 68 under the Heading: Genealogical Research in England.
Son of Thomas Crocheman.
He married Elynour Hubbarde on 18 July 1568 in Rolvenden, England. Their marriage record is in the Archdeacons' Transcripts of the Parish Registers of Rolvenden, co. Kent, 1560-1612: "1568: July The same Day agayn [xviij] was maryid Thomas Cuchiman and Elynour Hubbarde.
Thomas was a Husbandman and was called a Householder at the time of his death. In a deposition dated 25 September 1578, Thomas Cowchman of the parish of Rolvenden, Kent County, having lived there twelve years and before that in the parish of Hawkhurst, aged forty years. (Depositions at Canterbury, 1578) However, there are no Cushman records at Hawkhurst.
Father of Deacon Robert Cushman, "Speedwell" passenger best known for being the person responsible for chartering the "Mayflower", obtaining the charter for the American colony from the King of England and having delivered the first sermon on American soil.He was born in Hawkhust, Kent County, England and migrated to Rolvenden, Kent County, England around 1574, where he died.
He was buried on 14 February 1585/6 in the churchyard in Rolvinden, Kent County, England.
Thomas' will was written on 10 February 1585/6 and was proven on 12 February 1589/90 by his executrix (Archdeaconry of Canterbury, volume 47, folio 276).
The Will of Thomas Cushman
"To be buried in the churchyard on Rolvinden. To the poor men's box of Rolvinden 2s. To my son Rychard Couchman £10 at the age of one and twenty years. To me younger son Robarte Couchman £10 at the age of one and twenty years. To my daughter Sylvester Couchman £6 13s. 4d. at the age of twenty years or day of marriage. If any of my said children die under age, reversion to the survivors. To my godchild Thomas Bredman 12d. To my godchildren Thomas Colye, Thomas Gabriell, Marion Hasleman, and Jone Couchman a sheep each. If my wife Ellen shall marry again before my children have received their portions, then her husband shall five security to Robert Gybbon for hte payment of the said portions, and if he will not, then my wife shall pay unto the said Robert Gibbon the said portions, and he shall lay it out for the use and profit of my said children, until they be of age to receive it. Residuary legatee and executrix: my wife Ellen. Overseer: Robarte Gibbon. [Signed] Signum Thome Couchman. Witnesses: Robart Gibbon, Leonard Wylson, and Symon Lingen. Proved 12 May 1589 [1589/90] by the executrix." (Archdeaconry of Canterbury, vol. 46, fo. 120.)
Burial:
Body lost or destroyed
Specifically: Based on his will, he was to be buried in the churchyard on Rolvinden16
SpouseELINOR HUBBARDE2 , 37
Birth Memoc.30 Sep 1543
Death Memohas date of death as 22 Jul 1601, Ashford,
BurialSt Mary the Virgin Churchyard, Rolvenden, Ashbord Borough, Kent, England.20
Burial Memoilden Family genealogy says her body was interred 22 July 1601 in Ashford, Kent, England-
FlagsAncestor of RCC
FatherWILLIAM HUBBARD, 3154
Notes. Name also spelled Elynor Hubarde Maydn.1 Ellyn Cowchman widoe married 17 October 1587 Emanuell Everenden.6,10 who was testator of 1589, who was buried at Rolvenden 3 Dec 1589. 6,21 Ellen Evernden of Rolvenden, widow, married Thomas Tilden of Tenterden, Yeoman, 6 Nov 1593.22 23 Her father named William.24Tilden Family genealogy says her body was interred 22 July 1601 in Ashford, Kent, England. See: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=106090901
Elinore Hubbarde born Rolvenden 1543 before the parish register
started in 1558, but there were numerous entries for Hubbard families from
1558. She married Emanuell Evernden in 1587 (parish Register). It is
interesting to note that there is no location of her marriage to Thomas
Tilden (not in Rolv PR) but the 6th Nov 1593 is the day before her daughter,
Sylvester marries Stephen Evernden.
Cushman entries in the Archdecacons' Transcripts of the Parish Registers of Rolvenden, County Kent 1560-1612, as presented in Robert Cushman of Kent, p. 226, has it as: 1568 "July The same Day agayn [XVIIJ] was maryid Thomas Cuchiman and Elynour hubbarde maydin".
Notes for Thomas Couchman: TRANSCRIPTS OF THE PARISH REGISTERS OF ROLVENDEN, KENT COUNTY, ENGLAND, 1560-1612:
1568 JULY THE SAME DAY AGAYN (XVIII)WAS MARYID THOMAS CUCHIMAN AND ELYNOUR HUBBARDE MAYDIN.
1572 ALYS DAUGHTER OF THOMAS CUTCHMAN BAPTIZED 20 APRIL 1574 ALYS DAUGHTER OF THOMAS CUTCMAN BURIED 9 MAY 1574 SYLVISTER DAUGHTER OF THOMAS CUTCHIMAN BAPTIZED
30 OCTOBER 1575 JOHN SON CHRISTOPHER CROOCHIMAN BAPTIZED 8 MAY 1577 THE IX DAYE OF THE SAME MONTH OF FEBRUARY WAS BAPTIZED
ROBERT CUTCHMAN THE SONE OF THOMAS CUTCHMAN [1577/8]1582 MARGARET DAUGHTER OF THOMAS CUCHMAN BAPTIZED
25 MARCH 1583 MARGARET DAUGHTER OF THOMAS CUCHMAN BURIED 5 FEBRUARY
[1583/4] 1584 HENRY SON OF THOMAS COWCHMAN BAPTIZED 26 JULY 1585 HWNEY AON OD THOMAS COWCHMAN BIRED 11 APRIL 1585 THOAMS COWCHMAN HOUSEHOLDER BURIED 14 FEBRUARY [1585/6] 1587 EMANUELL EVERNDEN AND ELLYN COWCHMAN WIDOE MARRIED
17 OCTOBER 1589 EMANUELL EVERNDEN HOUSEHOLDER BURIED 3 DECEMBER 1593 STEPHEN EV'RENDED OF TENTERDEN BROADWEAVER AND SLYVESTER COWCHEMAN WERE MARYED 7 NOVEMBER
FROM THE REGISTERS OF THE PARISH OF ST. ALPHEGE, CANTERBURY: 1606 ROBERT CUSHMAN UNTO SARA REDER DWELLING WITH IN PR'CNCT'S OF CHRISTCHURCHE [THE CATHEDRAL] MARRED
31 JULY FROM THE REGISTERS OF THE PARISH OF ST. ANDREW, CANTERBURY:
1607 THOMAS CHUSMAN SONNE OF ROBART BATIZED 8 FEBRUARY
[1607/8] FROM THE VISITATION BOOKS OF THE ARCHDEACON OF CANTERBURY:
1603, 14 NOVEMBER, THE CHURCHWARDENS OF ST. ANDREW'S,
CANTERBURY, PRESENT ROBERT CUSHMAN, SEVANT TO
Elinore Hubbarde born Rolvenden 1543 before the parish register
started in 1558, but there were numerous entries for Hubbard families from
1558. She married Emanuell Evernden in 1587 (parish Register). It is
interesting to note that there is no location of her marriage to Thomas
Tilden (not in Rolv PR) but the 6th Nov 1593 is the day before her daughter,
Sylvester marries Stephen Evernden.
Cushman entries in the Archdecacons' Transcripts of the Parish Registers of Rolvenden, County Kent 1560-1612, as presented in Robert Cushman of Kent, p. 226, has it as: 1568 "July The same Day agayn [XVIIJ] was maryid Thomas Cuchiman and Elynour hubbarde maydin".
Notes for Thomas Couchman: TRANSCRIPTS OF THE PARISH REGISTERS OF ROLVENDEN, KENT COUNTY, ENGLAND, 1560-1612:
1568 JULY THE SAME DAY AGAYN (XVIII)WAS MARYID THOMAS CUCHIMAN AND ELYNOUR HUBBARDE MAYDIN.
1572 ALYS DAUGHTER OF THOMAS CUTCHMAN BAPTIZED 20 APRIL 1574 ALYS DAUGHTER OF THOMAS CUTCMAN BURIED 9 MAY 1574 SYLVISTER DAUGHTER OF THOMAS CUTCHIMAN BAPTIZED
30 OCTOBER 1575 JOHN SON CHRISTOPHER CROOCHIMAN BAPTIZED 8 MAY 1577 THE IX DAYE OF THE SAME MONTH OF FEBRUARY WAS BAPTIZED
ROBERT CUTCHMAN THE SONE OF THOMAS CUTCHMAN [1577/8]1582 MARGARET DAUGHTER OF THOMAS CUCHMAN BAPTIZED
25 MARCH 1583 MARGARET DAUGHTER OF THOMAS CUCHMAN BURIED 5 FEBRUARY
[1583/4] 1584 HENRY SON OF THOMAS COWCHMAN BAPTIZED 26 JULY 1585 HWNEY AON OD THOMAS COWCHMAN BIRED 11 APRIL 1585 THOAMS COWCHMAN HOUSEHOLDER BURIED 14 FEBRUARY [1585/6] 1587 EMANUELL EVERNDEN AND ELLYN COWCHMAN WIDOE MARRIED
17 OCTOBER 1589 EMANUELL EVERNDEN HOUSEHOLDER BURIED 3 DECEMBER 1593 STEPHEN EV'RENDED OF TENTERDEN BROADWEAVER AND SLYVESTER COWCHEMAN WERE MARYED 7 NOVEMBER
FROM THE REGISTERS OF THE PARISH OF ST. ALPHEGE, CANTERBURY: 1606 ROBERT CUSHMAN UNTO SARA REDER DWELLING WITH IN PR'CNCT'S OF CHRISTCHURCHE [THE CATHEDRAL] MARRED
31 JULY FROM THE REGISTERS OF THE PARISH OF ST. ANDREW, CANTERBURY:
1607 THOMAS CHUSMAN SONNE OF ROBART BATIZED 8 FEBRUARY
[1607/8] FROM THE VISITATION BOOKS OF THE ARCHDEACON OF CANTERBURY:
1603, 14 NOVEMBER, THE CHURCHWARDENS OF ST. ANDREW'S,
CANTERBURY, PRESENT ROBERT CUSHMAN, SEVANT TO
Family ID22
ChildrenRYCHARD , 1484 (1568->1585)
ALICE (ALYS) , 1476 (1572-1574)
SYLVESTER Or Silvester , 1438 (1574->1593)
ROBERT , 31 (1577-1625)
MARGARET , 1439 (1582-1583)
HARRY , 1440 (1584-1585)
Birth1 May 1568, Rovelden, Kent, England29
Deathaft 1585, age: 1629
FlagsEngland, Gen #1
This Rychard is important to us because he could have lived long enough to produce children and could be the Couchman/Cushman link. Also spelled Rychard. “Rychard C. Couchman's name recorded in father's will of 1585 (and listed first, before Robert or Sylvestor, the three then living children) but not listed as one of the children of Thomas and Elynor Couchman in A. W. Burt's Cushman Genealogy and General History (p 54). Also not listed with “Children Babtized at Rolvenden” in Robert Cushman of Kent book.”(This from Cushman-Pulsipher Genealogy and Family History.). Not mentioned in Elizabeth French work cited at vol 69, 1914, p. 181-185 of the Register, published by the New England Historical and Genealogical Society. 30
Ken Couchman notes there are two Richards born in 1568, one in Cranbrook and one in Benenden. A death of Richard Couchman, householder is recorded in 1625 in Benenden. We do not know which Richard died in that year. We cannot take baptisms from Cranbrook and Rolvenden and assume they are one and the same. There are in fact two Richard's in 1568 in the Cranbrook Parish Register; 29th August and 17th October but no indication of their parents. There was also a Richard in 1563. The Rovlenden PR clearly states that Rychard was the son of Thomas Cutcheman bapt 1 may 1568 and a couple of months before the marriage.
Ken Couchman notes there are two Richards born in 1568, one in Cranbrook and one in Benenden. A death of Richard Couchman, householder is recorded in 1625 in Benenden. We do not know which Richard died in that year. We cannot take baptisms from Cranbrook and Rolvenden and assume they are one and the same. There are in fact two Richard's in 1568 in the Cranbrook Parish Register; 29th August and 17th October but no indication of their parents. There was also a Richard in 1563. The Rovlenden PR clearly states that Rychard was the son of Thomas Cutcheman bapt 1 may 1568 and a couple of months before the marriage.
Death Memoor 9 May 1572 St mary the Virgin, Anglican
Burial9 May 1574, Rolvenden, County Kent, England27
FlagsEngland, Gen #1
Birth Memobaptized 30 Oct 1574/75
Deathaft 1593, age: 1829
Death Memomarriage date of 1593
FlagsEngland, Gen #1
Birth MemoBpt. 9 Feb. 1577-8 at Rolvenden, County Kent, England. Source: Mayflower Planters, vol.2; p. 179.
Death Memobelieved to be 16 Feb. 1625
Burial MemoBurial place in doubt. See research notes.
FlagsAncestor of RCC, England, Gen #1
(Son of Thomas Couchman ) 2 See Research notes.
A description of his years in Canterbury can be found in Cushman, Robert C. and Paulick, Michael R. “Robert Cushman, Mayflower Pilgrim in Canterbury 1586-1607”, The Mayflower Quarterly, Vol. 79, No. 3 (September 2013), 226-235.53
Pilgrim Village Families Sketch: Robert Cushman
ROBERT CHARLES ANDERSON
Download pdf version
Birth:
Robert Cushman was baptized on February 9, 1577/8, at Rolvenden, Kent, son of Thomas and Elinor (Hubbard) Cushman.
Death:
He died in 1625, in England.
Ship:
Fortune, 1621
Life in England:
Robert Cushman was one of five children born to Thomas and Elinor Cushman. In his February 10, 1585/6, will,Thomas Cushman gave bequests to his three surviving children: sons Richard and Robert, and daughter Sylvester. Elinor Cushman married (2) Emmanual Evenden on October 17, 1587, and (3) Thomas Tilden on November 6, 1593. Robert apprenticed to George Masters in Canterbury to learn the trade of grocer. If he served a full seven-year apprenticeship, then he started in 1598. In November 1603 while an apprentice, he was brought before the church court for saying, “he will not come to his parish church, because he cannot be edified and saith he can and will defend it by the word of God.” He was excommunicated a year later, but granted absolution and received again into the church in July 1605. Shortly thereafter he became a freeman of Canterbury. Robert Cushman returned to England in the winter of 1621/2. He worked as Plymouth Colony’s agent, sending supplies, etc. until his death in 1625.
Life in Holland:
Robert Cushman and his family emigrated to Leiden sometime before November 4, 1611, when he purchased a house. He worked in the city as a woolcomber. Beginning in September 1617, Cushman spent much of his time in England, working on arrangements for the new colony. He and his family were among those that left England in the summer of 1620, but stayed behind when the Speedwell was abandoned.
Life in New England:
Robert Cushman and his son,Thomas, traveled to Plymouth Colony aboard the Fortune in 1621. While there, Robert preached a sermon, published in 1846 as “The Sin and Danger of Self-Love.” Leaving his son in the care of Governor William Bradford, Cushman returned to England with the Fortune that winter.
Family:
Robert Cushman married (1) Sara Reder at St. Alphege, Canterbury July 31, 1606, and had three children. She was buried in Leiden on October 11, 1616. He married (2) Mary (Clarke) Shingleton, widow of Thomas Shingleton, on June 5, 1617.There are no recorded children, but some identify the Sara Cushman who married William Hoskins in Plymouth on November 2, 1636, as Robert Cushman’s daughter by one of his wives.This theory remains unproved.
Children of Robert and Sara Cushman:
•
• Thomas was baptized at St.Andrew, Canterbury on February 8, 1607/8. He married Mary Allerton about 1636 and had eight children. He died in Plymouth on December 11, 1691. She died in Plymouth on November 28, 1699, the last of the Mayflower passengers.
• Child, buried at the Pieterkerk, Leiden on March 11, 1616.
• Child, buried at the Pieterskerk, Leiden on October 24, 1616.54
Robert Cutchman or Cushman baptized at Rolvenden, County Kent, England, 9 Feb. 1577/8, died in England, probably in the summer of 1625. He married first, in the parish of St. Alphege, Canterbury, England, 31 July 1606, Sara Reder, who dwelt in the precincts of the Cathedral at Canterbury; and secondly, at Leyden, Holland, 5 Jun 1617, Mary (Clarke) Shingelton, widow of Thomas of Sandwich, Co. Kent, shoemaker, the license for her marriage to her first husband celebrated at St. Mary Bredman’s Canterbury, being dated 28 Jan 1610/11.
Robert Cushman is well known as the agent of the Leyden Pilgrims in England, and arrived at Plymouth, in New England, with his son Thomas, in the Fortune in Nov 1621. He sailed for England in the same ship about a month later, on business for the Colony, leaving his son Thomas in the care of Governor Bradford. Apparently his wife never came to New England, and some speculate that she may have died before her husband and stepson began their voyage to Plymouth in 1621. It is clear, though, that Robert intended to return to England to continue his services to the colony an this may account for leaving a wife behind.
Robert Cushman: The Man Who Would Have Signed the Mayflower Compact But Couldn't
Discover History
Written by Robert Jennings Heinsohn, PhD
During his years in Leiden, Cushman demonstrated unusual organizational skill such that in 1617 Cushman (age 40) and John Carver (age 51), deacons of the Leiden congregation, were chosen to travel to London to make arrangements for the congregation to immigrate to North America.
Initially Carver and Cushman sought a patent from the Virginia Company for a colony on the James River. The company was interested but King James refused to allow the Pilgrims to practice their religion as they wished. Next, Cushman and Carver approached wealthy Puritans in London. Sir Edwin Sandys, member of Parliament and Governor/Treasurer of the Virginia Company, and Thomas Weston a wealthy London ironmonger agreed to contact London colleagues to explore investing in a joint stock company with the Pilgrims to produce goods to sell in London. Eventually about 70 men of varying occupations, religious beliefs and positions in society invested in the company. The London men were called Merchant Adventurers. King James agreed not to persecute the Pilgrims providing they behaved quietly and were faithful subjects of the King. Negotiations with the Merchant Adventurers were tedious. In the spring of 1620 a revised agreement with Thomas Weston was negotiated, and Carver and Cushman returned to Leiden to present the agreement to John Robinson and the congregation. Disagreement remained which lead to further negotiation. Eventually a set of 10 articles of agreement emerged. Cushman returned to London to lease of the Mayflower and Carver remained in Holland to purchase the Speedwell. The plan was to retain the Speedwell in America for fishing and coastal trade.
Because the voyage and land clearing would be strenuous, it was decided that only strong men and women and their children would make the voyage. During the summer of 1620, the Merchant Adventurers assembled a pool of money and the Pilgrims who were chosen to sail sold their homes and belongings to pay for the voyage. It has been estimated that the cost of the voyage was approximately 1500 pounds. It became clear that additional people would be needed, and single men, and whole families of women and children were recruited in England. The new members were called "Strangers" while members of the Lieden congregation were called "Saints". Some Separatists never left England and had no close relationship with members of the Leiden congregation. On the eve of the voyage individuals were asked to sign the 10 articles of agreement. The articles had not changed since they were presented earlier and some displeased individuals withdrew from the voyage. Even though the agreement was unsigned, the remaining Separatists decided to sail and settle the issue at a later time. The Separatists selected a leader, "Governor", for each ship. To pacify the restive Strangers, one of their members, Christropher Martin was chosen governor of the Mayflower. Martin was an abusive person and disliked by everyone. Robert Cushman was chosen assistant governor to ensure harmony.
After two attempts to sail, the Speedwell proved to be overloaded, unseaworthy and it returned to port. During this period Robert Cushman became seriously ill. In a letter to Edward Southworth in August 1620 he thought he was close to death. When it was decided not to sail the Speedwell, Cushman was asked to remain in London to look after its passengers until they could sail the next year. The Mayflower sailed from Southampton alone on September 16, 1620. Cushman recovered and looked after the affairs of the passengers and purchased supplies for the voyage of the Fortune in 1621.
In April 1621 the Mayflower left Plymouth and arrived in England on May 6, 1621. Only then did the London Separatists learn of the arduous voyage, harsh conditions in Plymouth, the deaths of nearly one-half the Mayflower passengers, and that Christopher Martin died and John Carver had been elected Governor. The London Separatists were unaware that Carver had died shortly after the Mayflower left Plymouth.
The Fortune with Cushman and his son Thomas (age 14) sailed for Plymouth on August 9, 1621 with 35 new colonists but very few supplies. The Fortune arrived in Cape Cod harbor on 9 November 1621. The Plymouth colonists were downcast. Their beloved Governor John Carver had died the previous spring. The fall harvest had not been good, and the Fortune brought them only meager supplies. With 35 new mouths to feed, the winter looked bleak.
The compelling task facing Robert Cushman was to secure the colonists' signatures to the 10 articles of agreement that were not signed the year before. The continued support of the Merchant Adventurers depended on it. On December 9, 1621, the first anniversary Sunday of the Pilgrim landing in Plymouth, Robert Cushman gave a sermon, which along with Robinson's farewell sermon in Leiden, are quintessential statements of Pilgrim belief. Cushman's sermon entitled "The Sin and Danger of Self-Love" was based on 1 Corinthians 10:24, Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. Cushman's pious prose is verbose by today's standard but the sermon speaks to us today as powerfully as it must have in the bleak winter of 1621. Cushman's remarks were a heart-felt plea for the Pilgrims to cooperate unselfishly for common good without regard for personal gain. I do not believe it an exaggeration to draw a parallel between John F. Kennedy's inaugural address in 1960 in which he said, "ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do your country" and Cushman's sermon. During the previous 12 months the hardships the Pilgrims endured softened the strongly-held opinions they and John Robinson embraced before they sailed for New England. They realized their marginal existence in Plymouth depended on supplies from England and they signed the 10 articles of agreement.
The writing of Cushman, Bradford and other Pilgrims shows that they had an excellent command of the English language. Except for William Brewster, few (if any) of the Leiden men were educated formally. Nevertheless all were literate and wrote, and presumably spoke with facility. Since the Pilgrims read and quoted the bible frequently, their command of language is not surprising. The Bible is poetic, eloquent and has a cadence that influenced English-speakers for centuries.
Creating the Undertakers in 1626 began a process that reversed Cushman's 1621 advice sermon and transformed the colony's fundamental beliefs. At no time was there a deliberate effort to repudiate Cushman's advice. Rather, economic conditions altered the Pilgrims concept of community. Ostensibly, creating the Undertakers simply transferred the colony's debt to familiar hands; inadvertently, the decision set into motion actions that made acceptable the pursuit of private gain.
Thomas Cushman remained in Plymouth under the care of Governor Bradford and his father returned to England on the Fortune on December 13, 1621. Carried on the Fortune were beaver pelts and other furs worth approximately 500 pounds obtained from trade with the Indians for corn. The cargo was the first shipment of goods to the Merchant Adventurers and important for their continued support. As luck would have it as the Fortune approached the English coast, French privateers stole its cargo and the passenger's belongings. Cushman and the crew were imprisoned in France but returned to England in February 1622. Luckily the signed articles of agreement and the manuscript of Mourt's Relation were not lost. Mourt's Relation was written to assure the Merchant Adventurers of the success of the colony and to interest others to emigrate.
After 1621 Robert Cushman was the colony's London agent arranging the transfer of remaining members of the Leiden congregation to Plymouth. As London agent, Cushman arranged the sale of furs and fish sent by the colonists to the Merchant Adventures purchased supplies for the colonists. When Miles Standish visited London in April 1626 he discovered that Robert Cushman had died (at age 48) during the spring of 1625. There is no record describing the details of Cushman's death.
Thomas Cushman married Mary Allerton (b 1616), the youngest daughter of Isaac Allerton in ca 1636. Both Mary and Isaac were Mayflower passengers. Thomas succeeded William Brewster as Ruling Elder upon Brewster's death in 1644. Thomas and Mary had eight children. Thomas died in 1691 and Mary died in 1699. Mary was the last Mayflower passenger to die.
Robert Cushman demonstrated enormous organizational ability. He was the principal person negotiating agreements with the crown and London investors, organizing the logistics to transport over a hundred people across the Atlantic, and lastly managing the finances to provision the colony and sell its products. His keen leadership was most evident when he persuaded the colonists to sign the articles of agreement they had strongly rejected the year before. Sadly he died before he could move to Plymouth and share the remainder of his life with associates who held him in such high esteem.
If the Speedwell had been seaworthy, and Robert Cushman not been ill and able to sail on the Mayflower, he would have been one of the first signers of the Compact along with John Carver, William Brewster and William Bradford.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cushman, H. W., "Historical and Biographical Genealogy of the Cushmans: Robert Cushman the Puritan From the year 1617 to 1855", Little, Brown, and Company, Boston, MA, 1855
French E., "Cushman, Genealogical Research in England", NEHGR, 68:181, 1914
Cushman, M. L., "Pilgrims of the Fruitbelt A Cushman Genealogy", Heritage Press, Lansing, MI, 1980
Cushman, R. E. and Cole F. P., "Robert Cushman of Kent", General Society of Mayflower Descendents, Plymouth, MA, 1995
Stratton, E. A., "Plymouth Colony, Its History & People 1620-1691", Ancestry Publishing, Salt Lake City, UT, 198655
A genealogical profile of Robert Cushman
Birth: Robert Cushman was baptized on February 9, 1577/8, at Rolvenden, Kent, son of Thomas and Elinor (Hubbard) Cushman.
Death: He died in 1625, in England.
Ship: Fortune, 1621
Life in England: Robert Cushman was one of five children born to Thomas and Elinor Cushman. In his February 10, 1585/6, will, Thomas Cushman gave bequests to his three surviving children: sons Richard and Robert, and daughter Sylvester. Elinor Cushman married (2) Emmanual Evenden on October 17, 1587, and (3) Thomas Tilden on November 6, 1593. Robert apprenticed to George Masters in Canterbury to learn the trade of grocer. If he served a full seven-year apprenticeship, then he started in 1598. In November 1603 while an apprentice, he was brought before the church court for saying, “he will not come to his parish church, because he cannot be edified and saith he can and will defend it by the word of God.” He was excommunicated a year later, but granted absolution and received again into the church in July 1605. Shortly there- after he became a freeman of Canterbury.
Robert Cushman returned to England in the winter of 1621/2. He worked as Plymouth Colony’s agent, sending sup- plies, etc. until his death in 1625.
Life in Holland: Robert Cushman and his family emigrated to Leiden sometime before November 4, 1611, when he pur- chased a house. He worked in the city as a woolcomber. Beginning in September 1617, Cushman spent much of his time in England, working on arrangements for the new colony. He and his family were among those that left England in the summer of 1620, but stayed behind when the Speedwell was abandoned.
Life in New England: Robert Cushman and his son,Thomas, traveled to Plymouth Colony aboard the Fortune in 1621. While there, Robert preached a sermon, published in 1846 as “The Sin and Danger of Self-Love.” Leaving his son in the care of Governor William Bradford, Cushman returned to England with the Fortune that winter.
Family: Robert Cushman married (1) Sara Reder at St. Alphege, Canterbury July 31, 1606, and had three children. She was buried in Leiden on October 11, 1616. He married (2) Mary (Clarke) Shingleton, widow of Thomas Shingleton, on June 5, 1617.There are no recorded children, but some identify the Sara Cushman who married William Hoskins in Plymouth on November 2, 1636, as Robert Cushman’s daughter by one of his wives.This theory remains unproved.
Children of Robert and Sara Cushman:
• Thomas was baptized at St. Andrew, Canterbury on February 8, 1607/8. He married Mary Allerton about 1636 and had eight children. He died in Plymouth on December 11, 1691. She died in Plymouth on November 28, 1699, the last of the Mayflower passengers.
• Child, buried at the Pieterkerk, Leiden on March 11, 1616. • Child,buriedatthePieterskerk,LeidenonOctober24,1616.
For Further Information:
Robert C. Anderson. The Great Migration Begins. Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1995.
Robert C. Anderson. The Pilgrim Migration. Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2004.
Robert E. Cushman and Franklin P. Cole. Robert Cushman of Kent (1577–1625): Chief Agent of the Plymouth Pilgrims. Plymouth: General Society of Mayflower Descendants, 1995.
The Cushman family ...is one of the historic families of New England. Its progenitor, though of short life in New England, was one of the leading spirits in all the preliminary movements in both England and Holland incident to the coming of the "Mayflower" Pilgrims to New England, where his descendants soon allied themselves with those of the "Mayflower" passengers. (I) Robert Cushman, a wool carder ofCanterbury, England, was associated with William Brewster as agent of the Leyden church in negotiations for removal, and came to New England in the "Fortune" in 1621, bringing with him his only son, Thomas. He returned to England on business of the colony, and died there in 1626, leaving his son Thomas in the care of Governor Bradford. It is well known that Robert Cushman was among the eighteen or twenty persons left at Plymouth when the "Mayflower" made her final departure from England. When the Pilgrims came to Southampton from Holland he was there, having gone ahead of them to England, and he was among them when they set sail from that port, only to put back into Dartmouth. They started again, and again returned, this time going into Plymouth, whence they made their final departure. Robert Cushman was, therefore, a passenger on the "Mayflower" from the time she left Southampton until she left Plymouth.
Governor Bradford says, "He" (meaning Christopher Martin) "was Governor int he bigger ship ; and Master Cushman, Assistant." At the bottom of one of the panels of the Forefathers' Monument at Plymouth is this statement: "Robert Cushman, who chartered the May Flower and was active and prominent in securing the success of the Pilgrim Enterprise, came in the Fortune, 1621." He married as his second wife, at Leyden, Holland, June 3, 1617, Mary, widow of Thomas Chingleton, of Sandwich, England. An extended account of the succeeding generations of this family is given elsewhere in this work, including Thomas, who accompanied his father to Plymouth in 1621 in the ship "Fortune," and became an important man here in church and colony.He was chosen and ordained elder of the
Plymouth church in 1649, and was forty three years in that office. He married Mary Allerton, of the "Mayflower," and their son, Thomas (2) Cushman, lived to be eighty-nine years of age. He was the father of Benjamin Cushman, who lived on a part of his father's farm, in a home on the south side of or near to Colchester brook. He married Sarah Eaton, and their eldest child, Jabez Cushman, was the father of Zebedee Cushman, who was a private in Captain William Crow Colton's company, Colonel Josiah Whitney's regiment, from July 29 to September 13, 1778, serving one month and sixteen days in Rhode Island. He also served as a private in Captain William Tupper's company. Colonel Ebenezer White's regiment, which marched to Rhode Island on the alarm of August i, 1780, discharged August 8, roll sworn to at Middleboro. He married Sarah Padelford, of Taunton. (VII) Alvah Cushman, youngest child of Zebedee and Sarah (Padelford) Cushman,was born October 10, 1797, in Taunton,where he made his home. He married, November 27, 1818, Sally Leonard, daughter of William Leonard. She was a strong and forceful character, and her influence was a potent factor in the upbringing of her children. These children
were: David, born July 15, 1820; Horatio Leonard, October 22, 1826; Sally M., July 29, 1830; Christianna L., January 7, 1832; William, August 28, 1834; Harriet P., October 14, 1837; William H., mentioned below. (VIII) William H. Cushman, youngest child of Alvah and Sally (Leonard) Cushman, was born November 2, 1839, in Taunton, and spent his entire life in his native place. For many years he was a nail maker with his brother David, and was well known and beloved by all. He was a member of Alfred Baylies Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and held office in it for many years. He died at Taunton, August 27, 1901. He married Joanna Harlow, born October 12, 1840, daughter of John B. and Rebecca (Reed) Paine, the mother being a daughter of Levi and Lucy (Doten) Reed, of Plymouth. Mrs. Cushman is now a resident of New Bedford. Children : Henry Presbrey, born October 8, i860, died March 9, 1861 ; Herbert Elsworth, born January i, 1862; Albert Francis, born March 21, 1864, died November 17, 1884; William Alvah, born March 30, 1871, resides in New Bedford, and is connected with the Southern Massachusetts Telephone Company ; Jennie Edith, born January 12, 1874, married, September 8, 1897, Lewis Bright Barker, now of Central Falls, Rhode Island, and they have one .son, Winston Cushman, born December 25, 1899; Everett Morton, mentioned below; Grace Reed, born January 31, 1881, died August 29, 1882; Bessie May, born February 24, 1883, married, July 6, 1910, Francis N. Smith, and resides in New Bedford. (IX) Everett Morton Cushman, fifth, son of William H. and Joanna Harlow (Paine) Cushman, was born February 16,1876, and resides in New Bedford, where he is superintendent of the Holmes Manufacturing Company. He married, July 19,1905, Adelaide Louise Miner, daughter of Howard and Josephine (Hutchens) Miner (see Miner VIII). They have one son, Robert Miner, born October 16, 1906. Mrs. Cushman is a member of Fort Phenix Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, of New Bedford, of which she is auditor, and is quite activein the Young Women's Christian Association of that city.56
Division of property
“The eleventh lott ffell to the Governor Mr William Bradford*
and those with him, to wit, his wife
2 Alles Bradford and
3 William Bradford, Junior To this lott fell An
4 Mercy Bradford heyfer of the last yeare
5 Joseph Rogers* wch was of the Greate
6 Thomas Cushman white back cow that was
7 William Latham* brought over in the
8 Manases Kempton Ann, & two shee goats.
9 Julian Kempton
10 Nathaniel Morton
11 John Morton
12 Ephraim Morton
13 Patience Morton”57
From Great Migration Project (The Great Migration Begins: Immigrants to N.E. 1620-1633, Vols. I-III, page 502-504)
Origin: Leiden, Holland ( misleading)
Migration: 1621 in Fortune
First Residence: Plymouth
Return Trips: Returned permanently to England 1621
Occupation: Grocer (in Canterbury); woolcomber (in Leiden)
Education: Several literate and businesslike letters written by Cushman to John Carver, Edward Sourthworth, William Bradford and to the Leiden congregation are evidence of a well-educated man [Bradford 45, 54, 107, 125. 128. 355. 361. 365. 373]. On 12 December 1621, during his brief sojourn at Plymouth, Cushman preached a sermon whose principal intent was to convince the Pilgrims to accept the terms offered by the London Merchants, and was therefore more of an economic than an theological nature. This sermon, accompanied by some additional notes by Cushman, was published in London in 1622 [Young, Pilgrims 255-68].
ESTATE: In the 1623 Plymouth division of land “Robrt Cochman” received one acre as a passenger on the Mayflower (which he was not) [PCR 12:4].
BIRTH: Batized Rolvenden, Kent 9 Februayr 1577/8 son of Thomas and Elinor (Hubbard) Couchman [NEHGR 68:181].
DEATH: 1625 in England. (On his return from England early in 1626, Myles Standish “brought them notice of the death of their ancient friend Mr.Cushman, whom the Lord took away also this yer” [Bradford 180]}.
MARRIAGE: (1) St. Alphege, Canterbury, Kent, 31 July 1606 Sara Reder [NEHGR 68:183], bur. St. Peter’s Leiden, 11 October 1616 [NS} {Dexter 611, Small Gen 671].
(2) Leiden 5 June 1617 [NS} “Mary Shingelton from Sandwich in England, widow of Thomas Shingelton” {MD 10:193, HEHGR 68:183); apparently dead before 1621 as there is no evidence she came to Plymouth with her husband and stepson.
CHILDREN:
With first wife:
1 Thomas, bp St. Andrew, Canterbury, Kent 8 February 1607/8 [NEHGR 68:183]; “William Beale & Thomas Cushman” received two acres in partnership in the 1623 Plymouth land division, as passengers on the Fortune [PCR 12:5]; in the 1627 Plymouth division of cattle, he was the sixth person in the eleventh company [PCR 12:12] admitted freeman 1 January 1633/4 [PCR 1:4, 21] m. by about 1636 Mary Allerton, daughter of ISAAC Allerton.
Ii Child, bur. St. Peter’s, Leiden, 11 march 1616 {NS{ {Dexter 611; Small Gen 688].
III Child, bur. St. Peter’s Leiden, 24 October 1616 [NS} {Dexter 611; Small Gen 688}.
COMMENTS: Beginning in 1617, and continuing right up until the time of his death, Robert Cushman spent much time in London and vicinity negotiating on behalf of the Leiden congregation and later on behalf also of the settlers in Plymouth. He, John Carver and William Brewster labored constantly in their dealings with a number of London merchants, arranging for the shipping and provisions for the Mayflower and the Speedwell in 1620. The details of these negotiations constitute a large portion of the story told by Bradfford in his history of these years.
Cushman had planned to make the voyage across the Atlantic in 1620, but when the Speedwell had to be abandoned he was one of those who remained behind [Bradford 54]. This original intention of Cushman and his many other services in behalf of the Pilgrims are undoubtedly the justification for the assignment to Cushman in 1623 of land in Plymouth as if he had been a passenger on the Mayflower.
On 2 November 1636 “William Hodgekins and Sara Cushman” married at Plymouth [PCR 1:45]. Some have held that this was another child of Robert Cushman, but this remains only a surmise [ see Small Gen 688-93].
Bibliographic Note: Lora Underhill has gathered together every record known to her of the life of Robert Cushman, and in the process has compiled the best biography available of the man. Her treatment also goes into great detail on the career of his son Thomas [Small Gen 669-755], with Robert Cushman at 669-93]. Elizabeth French in 1914 published her research into the ancestry of Robert Cushman, including extensive transcripts of records of the family in Kent [NEHGR 68:181-85].58
Date 1617, June 4 Names Cushman, Robert, Cushman, Sarah, Cushman, Mary, Singelton, Mary, Singelton, Thomas, Keble, John, Carver, Catherine, White, Catherine, Paedts, Jacob, Vesaneveldt, Andries Jaspersz. van Place Leiden, England, Canterbury, Sandwich Street Nonnensteeg Source Register of marriages before aldermen Description Marriage certificate of Robert Cushman (F), widower of Sarah Cushman, from Canterbury, England, living in an alley in the Nonnensteeg, woolcomber, with Mary Singelton, widow of THomas Singelton, from Sandwich, England, with John Keble, acquaintance of the groom, and Catharine Carver (nee White, M), acquaintance of the bride, as witnesses59
Date 1617, December 7 Names Brewer, Thomas, Brewster, Jonathan, Brewster, William, Carver, John, Keble, John, Cushman, Robert, Paedts, A.C., Butterfield, Steven Place Leiden, England Street Groene Poort, Pieterskerkhof, Kloksteeg, Pieterskerk, St. Peter's Church Source Archives of the notary publics in Leiden, notary A.C. Paedts Description Agreement between Jonathan Brewster (F), ribbonmaker, living in "De Groene Poort" on the Pieterskerkhof in Leiden, and Thomas Brewer, living in the Kloksteeg in Leiden, to go into business together. Conflicts between the two men will be adjudicated by four arbiters, excluding the normal courts. Parties appoint William Brewster (M), printer, John Carver (M), Robert Cushman (F) and John Keble, all Englishmen, as arbiters. The agreement is drawn up in the house of Thomas Brewer near the clock tower of the Pieterskerk (St. Peter's Church). John Carver and Steven Butterfield, inhabitants of Leiden, are witnesses. A.C. Paedts is notary public.60
Date 1609, February 12 Names Robinson, John, Hout, Jan van Place Leiden, England Source Leiden City Archive 1574-1816, Register of decisions of the burgomasters and aldermen G, October 30 1608-August 4 1609. Description Permission granted by the burgomasters and aldermen of the city of Leiden to John Robinson, pastor, born in England, and about one hundred of his countrymen and fellow members of the Christian Reformed Religion, to come and take up residence in Leiden around May, 1609.61
On looking closely at the baptism entry, what at first looks like a D (Dutcehman) has been overwritten with a C in pen, not immediately obvious in black and whilte.
Ken Couchman found an entry in the Benenden Parish Register fiche; showing burial of 1625 6th May Robert Couchman a stranger. If this is our Robert, why would he be referred to as “a stranger”?
Note Will of a Robert Cushman of Frittenden, made 9 Jun 1580, in which there is reference to a son, Thomas. (Copy appears at page 214 of Robert Cushman of Kent book).
“I've had some info this week that pictures of the baptismal font at Rolvenden, which is likely the same font used for Robert Cushman's baptism, have been made available to be published at the website of the Pennsylvania Society of Mayflower Descendants, www.SAIL1620.org
The minister of the church in Rolvenden says that there is no memorial to Robert Cushman in the church. He's not even mentioned in the church guide. Until last Fall, the church was oblivious to the connection to Robert Cushman, the Pilgrim Agent.” (e-mail from Judy Swan 8 Ju; 2006)
DEATH: 1625 in England. (On his return from England early in 1626 Myles Standish "brought them notice of the death of their ancient friend Mr. Cushman, whom the Lord took away also this year"62
ROBERT CUSHMAN
ORIGIN: Leiden, Holland
MIGRATION: 1621 in Fortune
FIRST RESIDENCE: Plymouth
RETURN TRIPS: Returned permanently to England 1621
OCCUPATION: Grocer (in Canterbury); woolcomber (in Leiden).
EDUCATION: Several literate and businesslike letters written by Cushman to JOHN CARVER , Edward Southworth, WILLIAM BRADFORD and to the Leiden congregation are evidence of a well-educated man [ Bradford 45, 54, 107, 125, 128, 355, 361, 365, 373]. On 12 December 1621, during his brief sojourn at Plymouth, Cushman preached a sermon whose principal intent was to convince the Pilgrims to accept the terms offerred by the London merchants, and was therefore more of an economic than a theological nature. This sermon, accompanied by some additional notes by Cushman, was published in London in 1622 [ Young Pilgrim Fathers 255-68].
ESTATE: In the 1623 Plymouth division of land "Robert Cochman" received one acre as a passenger on the Mayflower (which he was not) [ PCR 12:4].
BIRTH: Baptized Rolveden, Kent, 9 February 1577/8, son of Thomas and Elinor (Hubbard) Couchman [ NEHGR 68:181].
DEATH: 1625 in England. (On his return from England early in 1626 Myles Standish "brought them notice of the death of their ancient friend Mr. Cushman, whom the Lord took away also this year" [ Bradford 180].)
MARRIAGE: (1) St. Alphege, Canterbury, Kent, 31 July 1606 Sara Reder [ NEHGR 68:183]; bur. St. Peter's, Leiden, 11 October 1616 [NS] [ Dexter 611; Small Gen 671].
(2) Leiden 5 June 1617 [NS] "Mary Shingelton from Sandwich in Eng~land, widow of Thomas Shingelton" [ MD 10:193; NEHGR 68:183]; apparently dead before 1621 as there is no evidence she came to Plymouth with her husband and stepson.
CHILDREN:
With first wife
i THOMAS, bp. St. Andrew, Canterbury, Kent, 8 February 1607/8 [ NEHGR 68:183]; "William Beale & Thomas Cushman" received two acres in partnership in the 1623 Plymouth land division, as passengers on the Fortune [ PCR 12:5]; in the 1627 Plymouth division of cattle, he was the sixth person in the eleventh company [ PCR 12:12]; admitted freeman 1 January 1633/4 [ PCR 1:4, 21]; m. by about 1636 Mary Allerton, daughter of ISAAC ALLERTON .
ii Child, bur. St. Peter's, Leiden, 11 March 1616 [NS] [ Dexter 611; Small Gen 688].
iii Child, bur. St. Peter's, Leiden, 24 October 1616 [NS] [ Dexter 611; Small Gen 688].
COMMENTS: Beginning in 1617, and continuing right up until the time of his death, Robert Cushman spent much time in London and vicinity negotiating on behalf of the Leiden congregation and later on behalf also of the settlers in Plymouth. He, JOHN CARVER and WILLIAM BREWSTER labored constantly in their dealings with a number of London merchants, arranging for the shipping and provisions for the Mayflower and the Speedwell in 1620. The details of these negotiations constitute a large portion of the story told by Bradford in his history of these years.
Cushman had planned to make the voyage across the Atlantic in 1620, but when the Speedwell had to be abandoned he was one of those who remained behind [ Bradford 54]. This original intention of Cushman's and his many other services in behalf of the Pilgrims are undoubtedly the justification for the assignment to Cushman in 1623 of land in Plymouth as if he had been a passenger on the Mayflower .
On 2 November 1636 "William Hodgekins & Sara Cushman" were married at Plymouth [ PCR 1:45]. Some have held that this was another child of Robert Cushman, but this remains only a surmise [see Small Gen 688-93].
BIBLIOGRAPHIC NOTE: Lora Underhill has gathered together every record known to her of the life of Robert Cushman, and in the process has compiled the best biography available of the man. Her treatment also goes into great detail on the career of his son Thomas [ Small Gen 669-755, with Robert Cushman at 669-93]. Elizabeth French in 1914 published her research into the ancestry of Robert Cushman, including extensive transcripts of records of the family in Kent [ NEHGR 68:181-85]. 63
Translation from The Dutch Records at Leyden: "Robert Cushman, Woolcomber from Canterbury, England, Widower of Sara Cushman, dwelling in a little alley of the Nunsgate, accompanied by John Keble, his friend with Mary Shingleton from Sandwich in England, widow of Thomas Shingleton, accompanied by Catharine Carver, her friend, were married before Andries Jasperson VanVesanevelt and Jacob Peadts, Sheriffs, this fifth of June 1617." (Burt, p. 56)
The following was posted by Paul Cushman on October 04, 1998 at 01:42:10, on the Cushman Family Genealogy Forum, http://genforum.familytreemaker.com/cushman/: "I recently returned from a trip to Rolvenden, Kent Co. England, (birthplace of Robert CUSHMAN) where I did some snooping. I found his baptism listed in the parish records as Robert Dutcheman son of Thomas Dutcheman. There were some 20 other references to Couchman, Coutcheman and Cushman. I found it interesting that there are several Couchmans (pronounced cootchman)still in the area. I think we are very likely related but have yet to make a positive connection. Does anyone have knowledge of this connection? I believe that the spelling of Robert Cushman's name was listed in the Leyden, Holland records at one point during the pilgrims' exile as Croutchman. This leads me further to think that the pronunciation used to be the same as the current Couchmans referred to above."
Pilgrim Village Families Sketch: Robert Cushman
ROBERT CHARLES ANDERSON
Download pdf version
Birth:
Robert Cushman was baptized on February 9, 1577/8, at Rolvenden, Kent, son of Thomas and Elinor (Hubbard) Cushman.
Death:
He died in 1625, in England.
Ship:
Fortune, 1621
Life in England:
Robert Cushman was one of five children born to Thomas and Elinor Cushman. In his February 10, 1585/6, will,Thomas Cushman gave bequests to his three surviving children: sons Richard and Robert, and daughter Sylvester. Elinor Cushman married (2) Emmanual Evenden on October 17, 1587, and (3) Thomas Tilden on November 6, 1593. Robert apprenticed to George Masters in Canterbury to learn the trade of grocer. If he served a full seven-year apprenticeship, then he started in 1598. In November 1603 while an apprentice, he was brought before the church court for saying, “he will not come to his parish church, because he cannot be edified and saith he can and will defend it by the word of God.” He was excommunicated a year later, but granted absolution and received again into the church in July 1605. Shortly thereafter he became a freeman of Canterbury. Robert Cushman returned to England in the winter of 1621/2. He worked as Plymouth Colony’s agent, sending supplies, etc. until his death in 1625.
Life in Holland:
Robert Cushman and his family emigrated to Leiden sometime before November 4, 1611, when he purchased a house. He worked in the city as a woolcomber. Beginning in September 1617, Cushman spent much of his time in England, working on arrangements for the new colony. He and his family were among those that left England in the summer of 1620, but stayed behind when the Speedwell was abandoned.
Life in New England:
Robert Cushman and his son,Thomas, traveled to Plymouth Colony aboard the Fortune in 1621. While there, Robert preached a sermon, published in 1846 as “The Sin and Danger of Self-Love.” Leaving his son in the care of Governor William Bradford, Cushman returned to England with the Fortune that winter.
Family:
Robert Cushman married (1) Sara Reder at St. Alphege, Canterbury July 31, 1606, and had three children. She was buried in Leiden on October 11, 1616. He married (2) Mary (Clarke) Shingleton, widow of Thomas Shingleton, on June 5, 1617.There are no recorded children, but some identify the Sara Cushman who married William Hoskins in Plymouth on November 2, 1636, as Robert Cushman’s daughter by one of his wives.This theory remains unproved.
Children of Robert and Sara Cushman:
•
• Thomas was baptized at St.Andrew, Canterbury on February 8, 1607/8. He married Mary Allerton about 1636 and had eight children. He died in Plymouth on December 11, 1691. She died in Plymouth on November 28, 1699, the last of the Mayflower passengers.
• Child, buried at the Pieterkerk, Leiden on March 11, 1616.
• Child, buried at the Pieterskerk, Leiden on October 24, 1616.
See also “The Great Migration Begins: Immigrants to New England, 1620-33”; woolcomber (in Leiden). Several literate and businesslike letters written by Cushman to JOHN CARVER, Edward Southworth, WILLIAM BRADFORD and to the Leiden congregation are evidence of a well-educated man [Bradford 45, 54, 107, 125, 128, 355, 361, 365, 373] . Preached famous sermon on Self Love on 12 Dec 1621 during his brief visit to Plymouth. On his return from England early in 1626 Myles Standish "brought them notice of the death of their ancient friend Mr. Cushman, whom the Lord took away also this year" [ Bradford .)
The original intention and effort of Cushman to come to New England and his many other services in behalf of the Pilgrims are probably the reason for the assignment of land in Plymouth to Cushman in 1623, as if he had been a passenger on the Mayflower. The ship Fortune arrived at Plymouth on November 9, 1621, just a few weeks after the First Thanksgiving. On 2 November 1636 "William Hodgekins & Sara Cushman" were married at Plymouth [ PCR 1:45] . Some have held that this was another child of Robert Cushman, but this remains only a surmise [see Small Gen 688-93]12
Robert Cushman, of Canterbury, a wool comber by trade and apparently another of the dissident Ancient Brethren who had quit Johnson's church in disgust. When he was named a deacon at the Green Gate is not known. Agent for the Pilgrims in London & Leiden, Holland Came to Plymouth Colony in Nov. 1621 in The Fortune
50
Robert Cushman came on the Fortune in 1621 with son Thomas of 14 years. Returned to England in the Fortune and left son in care of Governor Bradford Source: Genealogical Register of Plymouth Families by William T. Davis 189546 Passenger List, ship Fortune, 162164 This passenger list is based on the 1623 Division of Land, the passenger list compiled by charles Edward Banks in Planters of the Commonwealth, and by the information found in Eugene Aubrey Stratton's Plymouth Colony: Its History and its People, 1620-1691.
One of the Leiden Separatist leaders, Robert Cushman's English origins are given by Elizabeth French, "Genealogical Research in England-Cushman "NEHGR 68:181. He was baptized at Rolveden, Kent, 9 February 1577/78, son of Thomas and Elinor (Hubbard) Couchman. He was an apprentice to George Masters; was excommunicated from St. Andrews Church, Canterbury, after saying that he could not be edified by going to that church; was received back in the church in 1605; and in the same year became a freeman of Canterbury, being described as a grocer. His first wife was Sara Reder, by whom he had son Thomas, q.v., and he married (2) at Leiden in 1617 Mary (Clarke) Shingleton.
He and John Carver were chosen by their fellow Separatists to go to England to negotiate for a patent to go to America, and Bradford in his History has much to relate about him. In 1621 he arrived at Plymouth on the Fortune with son thomas, but returned to England with the Fortune, leaving Thomas in the care of Governor Bradford. Cushman died in 1625 before having the chance to return to Plymouth. A good account of his family can be found in Small Descendants, 2:669, which mentions also that a Sarah Cushman who married William Hoskins on 6 October 1636 was thought to be the daughter of Robert Cushman (Hoskins married [2] on 21 December 1638 Ann Hynes [PCR 1:45, 1071].
In the book, "The First Seven Generations of the Cushman Family in New England", by Joseph Augustine Cushman, it mentions Robert Cushman married 1. unknown (Mayflower Planter, vol, 1,2), married 2. Sarah Reder July 31, 1606 married 3. Mary (Clarke) Singleton June 5, 1617. Other sources do not mention this first marriage. Also, with his third marriage to Mary Clarke it lists two dates June 5, 1617 at Leyden Holland (Mayflower Planter, vol. 2, p. 179); June 3, 1617 at Leyden, Holland (Waterman Gen., p. 646)
Source: "Cushman Genealogy and General History", by Alvah Walford Burt Pub 1942 pg 56 Translation from the Dutch Records at Leyden: Robert Cushman, Woolcomber from Canterbury, England, Widower of Sara Cushman, dwelling in a little alley of the Nunsgate, accompanied by John Keble, his friend with Mary Shingleton from Sandwich in England, widow of Thomas Shingleton, accompied by Catharine Carver, her friend, were married before Andries Jasperson Van Vesanevelt and Jacob Peadts, Sheriffs, this fifth of June 1617. (The entries show the bans were published three times, on 20" and 27" May and 3" June 161734
My father has Robert married to Margery Freeman, , 20 Jun 1575, Tenderden. (Two years before our Robert’s birth???) HWCushman chart at NEHGS has same info and also says she was buried there 15 May 1603. If this were true, his next marriage would show him as a widower but it does not. We may be dealing with a different Robert here.???
The information on the following appears to show Robert Cushman is buried in Leiden. I have corresponded with people there and this is not the case. Never the less, others will probably cite this as “proof” that he is buried there.
2004 — Memorial to Pilgrims who died in exile, Pieterskerk, Leiden, Holland Mounted around the corner to the left of the exterior of Peter’s Church (Pieterskerk) from the Robinson memorial plaque, is this memorial to those adults and children who died during their exile in Leiden. The plaque, suggested by Jeremy D. Bangs, PhD, and erected by the city of Leiden, is highly significant because it begins with a quote from a member of the Separatists that is the earliest known reference to them as “Pilgrims.” Dated 1622 it predates William Bradford’s first use by eight years. The memorial reads: “During the Pilgrims Fathers’ Leiden exile, / more than thirty members died. / Many were buried in the Pieterskerk along with / their Leiden neighbors. / --- / ‘BUT NOW WE ARE ALL, IN ALL PLACES, / STRANGERS AND PILGRIMS, TRAVELERS / AND SOJOURNERS…’ / Robert Cushman, Pilgrim Leader, 1622 / --- / ISAAC ALLERTON’s child – 1620 / JOHN ALLERTON’s child – 1616 / THOMAS BLOSSOM’s children – 1617 / THOMAS BREWER’s wife & children – 1617, 1618 / WILLIAM BRITSMAN’s child – 1612 / EDMUND CHANDLER’s child – 1619 / ROBERT CUSHMAN’s wife and children – 1616 / SAMUEL FULLER’s wife & child – 1615 / EDMUND JESSOP’s child – 1618 / JOHN KEBLE’s child – 1614 / JOHN KEBLE’s widow – 1645 / SAMUEL LEE’s child – 1619 / ROBERT PECK’s child – 1619 / JOHN REYNOLD’s wife & child – 1619 / JOHN ROBINSON’s children – 1618, 1621, 1623 / JOHN ROBINSON – 1625 / JOHN SPOONER – 1628 / JOHN & JANE SPOONER’s child – 1630 / RANDALL THICKENS’s child – 1615”
The Pilgrims arrived by boat from Amsterdam in the university town of Leiden on May 1, 1609 and remained here for the next 11 years before departing for the New World.
-- From p 147, the Mayflower and her log..." Robert Cushman died in 1625, but a "Mary" wife [widow?] of Robert Cushman, and their son, Thomas" seem to have been remembered in the will of Ellen Bigge, widow, of Cranbrook proved Febrary 12 1638 (Archdeaconry, Canterbury, vol. 1xx.leaf 482). (Waters, Genealogical Gleanings in England, vol. i, p. 21) The will intimated that the "Thomas" named was "under age" when the bequest was made. If this is unmistakably so (though there is room for doubt), then this was not the Thomas of the Pilgrims. Otherwise the evidence is convincing.
Henry F. Waters abstracted her will (NEHGR, Jan. 1884):
"Ellen Bigge of Cranbrook, widow of Smalehope Bigge, of Cranbrook, clothier, 24 November, proved 12 February, 1638. To be buried in Cranbrooke Cemetery, near my husband. To Samuel Bigge, son of my brother John Bigge, of Maidstone. Lands and tenements at Rye in the County of Sussex to my only sister Mary, wife of Edward Benbrigg, jurat, of Rye, for her life, remainder to her son John Benbridge; to Anne Benbridge, alias Burrish, and Elizabeth and Mary Benbrig, daughters of my aforesaid sister Mary. To John Benbrigg, clerk, Thomas Benbrigg and Samuel Benbrigg, sons of my deceased sister Elizabeth; also her daughters Anne Benbrigge, alias Puttland, and Elizabeth Benbrigg ( the last named under age). My said sister Mary Benbrigg and her son John Benbrigg to be executors. To Peter Master, son of my brother Peter Master, of Cranbrook; to my sister-in-law Katherine Master. To William Dallett (son of my dec'd sister Bridgett) and his son (under age). To William Edwards, son of my sister Mercy. To Thomas Pilcher, Elizabeth Pilcher alias Beinson, Judith Pilcher alias Burges, and Anne Pilcher, son and daughters of my uncle John Pilcher of Rye, deceased. To Mary, wife of Robert Cushman and their son Thomas (under age). James Holden of Cranbrooke, clothier, and my brother-in-law Peter Master of Cranbrooke, mercer, to be overseers. Archdeaconry, Canterbury, Vol. 70, Leaf 482."
Note that John Robinson is buried at the Pieterskerk, same place that Robert’s wife, Sarah and two children are buried. It also appears that John Robinson lived close to where Robert was living. See following:
Date 1622, February 2 Names Jepson, William, Jepson, Henry, Robinson, John, Thickins, Ralph, Wood, Henry, Lalaing, Johan van, Orlers, Jan Jansz, Moersbergen Place Leiden Street Groene Poort, Pieterskerkhof Source Judicial Archive of Leiden Description Power of Attorney granted to Henry Jepson by Henry Wood (1643) to sell a quarter part of De Groene Poort, a house on the southside of the Pieterskerkhof.Co-owners of the house are John Robinson, pastor of the English Church in Leyden, William Jepson and Ralph Thickins. Together they had bought the house from Johan de Laleing65
Recorded as Robert and Roberte Couchman in death record for Benenden, Canterbury, Kent England.52
Timeline – Robert CUSHMAN - A Pilgrim from Kent
9 Feb 1577
Baptism in St. Mary the Virgin parish, Rolvenden, Kent
12 May 1586
Father Thomas’ of Rolvenden will proved
Dec 1596
Backdated apprenticeship to George Masters Canterbury – Urry KG
1603
Living with Masters in St. Andrew’s parish, Canterbury
14 Nov 1603
Court appearance
21 Nov 1603
Court of High Commission held at the Deanery – posting libels
24 Nov 1603
Imprisoned Westgate – 25 at Newman’s house St. Margaret’s
Jan 1604
Failed to appear at Archdeaconry court Dec 12, Jan 12
Excommunicated January 16 with 10 others in Canterbury
13 Feb 1604
Declaration of excommunication by William Swift, St. Andrews
15 Oct 1604
Humiliter petit for absolution
12 Nov 1604
Failure to appear in court
23 June 1605
2nd Declaration of excommunication by William Swift, St. Andrews
28 June 1605
Sought and was granted absolution
20 Sep 1605
Freeman of Canterbury
31 July 1606
Marriage to Sara Reder dwelling within the precincts of Christchurche
End 1607
Gore “ is runn away”
8 Feb 1607/8
Baptism of son Thomas St. Andrew’s, Canterbury last record England
29 Oct 1611
House purch. Leyden, Masterson bondsman 1st in Holland 154 426
28 Mar 1614
Bondsman to John Kebel, Canterbury, Jeremy NEHGR 154-431
9 June 1614
Bondsman to Henry Richard, Sandwich, Jeremy NEHGR 154-430
11 Mar 1616
Child buried Peterskierk – possible date
11 Oct 1616
Wife Sarah buried Peterskierk, child buried 24th.-possible date
6 June 1617
Married Mary Clarke Shingleton –he living in an alley in Nonnensteech
1617
with John Carver to negotiate with Virginia Co. Nov 12 1617 Sandys’ ltr
1619
Writing The Cry of a Stone in London
8 May 1619
London letter re Sandys and Blackwell
31 May 1620
Letter from Leyden church to Cushman & Carver
10 June 1620
Letter from London to John Carver re provisions
19 July 1620
Arrived on Mayflower from London to meet Speedwell– Arber, 335
6 Sep 1620
Mayflower sailed from Plymouth
12 Feb 1621
Leiden Power of attorney to Martijn Obejin & de Pon – Jeremy NEHGR
1621
Sailed on Fortune to Plymouth
1621
Sin and Danger of Self Love Sermon in Plymouth
29 July 1623
Yeoman, 45 years, Rosemary Lane - deposition
Early/mid1625
Death in London? – maybe Jan/Feb? Benenden?
Michael R. Paulick
Feb, 2002, revised 2016
A description of his years in Canterbury can be found in Cushman, Robert C. and Paulick, Michael R. “Robert Cushman, Mayflower Pilgrim in Canterbury 1586-1607”, The Mayflower Quarterly, Vol. 79, No. 3 (September 2013), 226-235.53
Pilgrim Village Families Sketch: Robert Cushman
ROBERT CHARLES ANDERSON
Download pdf version
Birth:
Robert Cushman was baptized on February 9, 1577/8, at Rolvenden, Kent, son of Thomas and Elinor (Hubbard) Cushman.
Death:
He died in 1625, in England.
Ship:
Fortune, 1621
Life in England:
Robert Cushman was one of five children born to Thomas and Elinor Cushman. In his February 10, 1585/6, will,Thomas Cushman gave bequests to his three surviving children: sons Richard and Robert, and daughter Sylvester. Elinor Cushman married (2) Emmanual Evenden on October 17, 1587, and (3) Thomas Tilden on November 6, 1593. Robert apprenticed to George Masters in Canterbury to learn the trade of grocer. If he served a full seven-year apprenticeship, then he started in 1598. In November 1603 while an apprentice, he was brought before the church court for saying, “he will not come to his parish church, because he cannot be edified and saith he can and will defend it by the word of God.” He was excommunicated a year later, but granted absolution and received again into the church in July 1605. Shortly thereafter he became a freeman of Canterbury. Robert Cushman returned to England in the winter of 1621/2. He worked as Plymouth Colony’s agent, sending supplies, etc. until his death in 1625.
Life in Holland:
Robert Cushman and his family emigrated to Leiden sometime before November 4, 1611, when he purchased a house. He worked in the city as a woolcomber. Beginning in September 1617, Cushman spent much of his time in England, working on arrangements for the new colony. He and his family were among those that left England in the summer of 1620, but stayed behind when the Speedwell was abandoned.
Life in New England:
Robert Cushman and his son,Thomas, traveled to Plymouth Colony aboard the Fortune in 1621. While there, Robert preached a sermon, published in 1846 as “The Sin and Danger of Self-Love.” Leaving his son in the care of Governor William Bradford, Cushman returned to England with the Fortune that winter.
Family:
Robert Cushman married (1) Sara Reder at St. Alphege, Canterbury July 31, 1606, and had three children. She was buried in Leiden on October 11, 1616. He married (2) Mary (Clarke) Shingleton, widow of Thomas Shingleton, on June 5, 1617.There are no recorded children, but some identify the Sara Cushman who married William Hoskins in Plymouth on November 2, 1636, as Robert Cushman’s daughter by one of his wives.This theory remains unproved.
Children of Robert and Sara Cushman:
•
• Thomas was baptized at St.Andrew, Canterbury on February 8, 1607/8. He married Mary Allerton about 1636 and had eight children. He died in Plymouth on December 11, 1691. She died in Plymouth on November 28, 1699, the last of the Mayflower passengers.
• Child, buried at the Pieterkerk, Leiden on March 11, 1616.
• Child, buried at the Pieterskerk, Leiden on October 24, 1616.54
Robert Cutchman or Cushman baptized at Rolvenden, County Kent, England, 9 Feb. 1577/8, died in England, probably in the summer of 1625. He married first, in the parish of St. Alphege, Canterbury, England, 31 July 1606, Sara Reder, who dwelt in the precincts of the Cathedral at Canterbury; and secondly, at Leyden, Holland, 5 Jun 1617, Mary (Clarke) Shingelton, widow of Thomas of Sandwich, Co. Kent, shoemaker, the license for her marriage to her first husband celebrated at St. Mary Bredman’s Canterbury, being dated 28 Jan 1610/11.
Robert Cushman is well known as the agent of the Leyden Pilgrims in England, and arrived at Plymouth, in New England, with his son Thomas, in the Fortune in Nov 1621. He sailed for England in the same ship about a month later, on business for the Colony, leaving his son Thomas in the care of Governor Bradford. Apparently his wife never came to New England, and some speculate that she may have died before her husband and stepson began their voyage to Plymouth in 1621. It is clear, though, that Robert intended to return to England to continue his services to the colony an this may account for leaving a wife behind.
Robert Cushman: The Man Who Would Have Signed the Mayflower Compact But Couldn't
Discover History
Written by Robert Jennings Heinsohn, PhD
During his years in Leiden, Cushman demonstrated unusual organizational skill such that in 1617 Cushman (age 40) and John Carver (age 51), deacons of the Leiden congregation, were chosen to travel to London to make arrangements for the congregation to immigrate to North America.
Initially Carver and Cushman sought a patent from the Virginia Company for a colony on the James River. The company was interested but King James refused to allow the Pilgrims to practice their religion as they wished. Next, Cushman and Carver approached wealthy Puritans in London. Sir Edwin Sandys, member of Parliament and Governor/Treasurer of the Virginia Company, and Thomas Weston a wealthy London ironmonger agreed to contact London colleagues to explore investing in a joint stock company with the Pilgrims to produce goods to sell in London. Eventually about 70 men of varying occupations, religious beliefs and positions in society invested in the company. The London men were called Merchant Adventurers. King James agreed not to persecute the Pilgrims providing they behaved quietly and were faithful subjects of the King. Negotiations with the Merchant Adventurers were tedious. In the spring of 1620 a revised agreement with Thomas Weston was negotiated, and Carver and Cushman returned to Leiden to present the agreement to John Robinson and the congregation. Disagreement remained which lead to further negotiation. Eventually a set of 10 articles of agreement emerged. Cushman returned to London to lease of the Mayflower and Carver remained in Holland to purchase the Speedwell. The plan was to retain the Speedwell in America for fishing and coastal trade.
Because the voyage and land clearing would be strenuous, it was decided that only strong men and women and their children would make the voyage. During the summer of 1620, the Merchant Adventurers assembled a pool of money and the Pilgrims who were chosen to sail sold their homes and belongings to pay for the voyage. It has been estimated that the cost of the voyage was approximately 1500 pounds. It became clear that additional people would be needed, and single men, and whole families of women and children were recruited in England. The new members were called "Strangers" while members of the Lieden congregation were called "Saints". Some Separatists never left England and had no close relationship with members of the Leiden congregation. On the eve of the voyage individuals were asked to sign the 10 articles of agreement. The articles had not changed since they were presented earlier and some displeased individuals withdrew from the voyage. Even though the agreement was unsigned, the remaining Separatists decided to sail and settle the issue at a later time. The Separatists selected a leader, "Governor", for each ship. To pacify the restive Strangers, one of their members, Christropher Martin was chosen governor of the Mayflower. Martin was an abusive person and disliked by everyone. Robert Cushman was chosen assistant governor to ensure harmony.
After two attempts to sail, the Speedwell proved to be overloaded, unseaworthy and it returned to port. During this period Robert Cushman became seriously ill. In a letter to Edward Southworth in August 1620 he thought he was close to death. When it was decided not to sail the Speedwell, Cushman was asked to remain in London to look after its passengers until they could sail the next year. The Mayflower sailed from Southampton alone on September 16, 1620. Cushman recovered and looked after the affairs of the passengers and purchased supplies for the voyage of the Fortune in 1621.
In April 1621 the Mayflower left Plymouth and arrived in England on May 6, 1621. Only then did the London Separatists learn of the arduous voyage, harsh conditions in Plymouth, the deaths of nearly one-half the Mayflower passengers, and that Christopher Martin died and John Carver had been elected Governor. The London Separatists were unaware that Carver had died shortly after the Mayflower left Plymouth.
The Fortune with Cushman and his son Thomas (age 14) sailed for Plymouth on August 9, 1621 with 35 new colonists but very few supplies. The Fortune arrived in Cape Cod harbor on 9 November 1621. The Plymouth colonists were downcast. Their beloved Governor John Carver had died the previous spring. The fall harvest had not been good, and the Fortune brought them only meager supplies. With 35 new mouths to feed, the winter looked bleak.
The compelling task facing Robert Cushman was to secure the colonists' signatures to the 10 articles of agreement that were not signed the year before. The continued support of the Merchant Adventurers depended on it. On December 9, 1621, the first anniversary Sunday of the Pilgrim landing in Plymouth, Robert Cushman gave a sermon, which along with Robinson's farewell sermon in Leiden, are quintessential statements of Pilgrim belief. Cushman's sermon entitled "The Sin and Danger of Self-Love" was based on 1 Corinthians 10:24, Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. Cushman's pious prose is verbose by today's standard but the sermon speaks to us today as powerfully as it must have in the bleak winter of 1621. Cushman's remarks were a heart-felt plea for the Pilgrims to cooperate unselfishly for common good without regard for personal gain. I do not believe it an exaggeration to draw a parallel between John F. Kennedy's inaugural address in 1960 in which he said, "ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do your country" and Cushman's sermon. During the previous 12 months the hardships the Pilgrims endured softened the strongly-held opinions they and John Robinson embraced before they sailed for New England. They realized their marginal existence in Plymouth depended on supplies from England and they signed the 10 articles of agreement.
The writing of Cushman, Bradford and other Pilgrims shows that they had an excellent command of the English language. Except for William Brewster, few (if any) of the Leiden men were educated formally. Nevertheless all were literate and wrote, and presumably spoke with facility. Since the Pilgrims read and quoted the bible frequently, their command of language is not surprising. The Bible is poetic, eloquent and has a cadence that influenced English-speakers for centuries.
Creating the Undertakers in 1626 began a process that reversed Cushman's 1621 advice sermon and transformed the colony's fundamental beliefs. At no time was there a deliberate effort to repudiate Cushman's advice. Rather, economic conditions altered the Pilgrims concept of community. Ostensibly, creating the Undertakers simply transferred the colony's debt to familiar hands; inadvertently, the decision set into motion actions that made acceptable the pursuit of private gain.
Thomas Cushman remained in Plymouth under the care of Governor Bradford and his father returned to England on the Fortune on December 13, 1621. Carried on the Fortune were beaver pelts and other furs worth approximately 500 pounds obtained from trade with the Indians for corn. The cargo was the first shipment of goods to the Merchant Adventurers and important for their continued support. As luck would have it as the Fortune approached the English coast, French privateers stole its cargo and the passenger's belongings. Cushman and the crew were imprisoned in France but returned to England in February 1622. Luckily the signed articles of agreement and the manuscript of Mourt's Relation were not lost. Mourt's Relation was written to assure the Merchant Adventurers of the success of the colony and to interest others to emigrate.
After 1621 Robert Cushman was the colony's London agent arranging the transfer of remaining members of the Leiden congregation to Plymouth. As London agent, Cushman arranged the sale of furs and fish sent by the colonists to the Merchant Adventures purchased supplies for the colonists. When Miles Standish visited London in April 1626 he discovered that Robert Cushman had died (at age 48) during the spring of 1625. There is no record describing the details of Cushman's death.
Thomas Cushman married Mary Allerton (b 1616), the youngest daughter of Isaac Allerton in ca 1636. Both Mary and Isaac were Mayflower passengers. Thomas succeeded William Brewster as Ruling Elder upon Brewster's death in 1644. Thomas and Mary had eight children. Thomas died in 1691 and Mary died in 1699. Mary was the last Mayflower passenger to die.
Robert Cushman demonstrated enormous organizational ability. He was the principal person negotiating agreements with the crown and London investors, organizing the logistics to transport over a hundred people across the Atlantic, and lastly managing the finances to provision the colony and sell its products. His keen leadership was most evident when he persuaded the colonists to sign the articles of agreement they had strongly rejected the year before. Sadly he died before he could move to Plymouth and share the remainder of his life with associates who held him in such high esteem.
If the Speedwell had been seaworthy, and Robert Cushman not been ill and able to sail on the Mayflower, he would have been one of the first signers of the Compact along with John Carver, William Brewster and William Bradford.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cushman, H. W., "Historical and Biographical Genealogy of the Cushmans: Robert Cushman the Puritan From the year 1617 to 1855", Little, Brown, and Company, Boston, MA, 1855
French E., "Cushman, Genealogical Research in England", NEHGR, 68:181, 1914
Cushman, M. L., "Pilgrims of the Fruitbelt A Cushman Genealogy", Heritage Press, Lansing, MI, 1980
Cushman, R. E. and Cole F. P., "Robert Cushman of Kent", General Society of Mayflower Descendents, Plymouth, MA, 1995
Stratton, E. A., "Plymouth Colony, Its History & People 1620-1691", Ancestry Publishing, Salt Lake City, UT, 198655
A genealogical profile of Robert Cushman
Birth: Robert Cushman was baptized on February 9, 1577/8, at Rolvenden, Kent, son of Thomas and Elinor (Hubbard) Cushman.
Death: He died in 1625, in England.
Ship: Fortune, 1621
Life in England: Robert Cushman was one of five children born to Thomas and Elinor Cushman. In his February 10, 1585/6, will, Thomas Cushman gave bequests to his three surviving children: sons Richard and Robert, and daughter Sylvester. Elinor Cushman married (2) Emmanual Evenden on October 17, 1587, and (3) Thomas Tilden on November 6, 1593. Robert apprenticed to George Masters in Canterbury to learn the trade of grocer. If he served a full seven-year apprenticeship, then he started in 1598. In November 1603 while an apprentice, he was brought before the church court for saying, “he will not come to his parish church, because he cannot be edified and saith he can and will defend it by the word of God.” He was excommunicated a year later, but granted absolution and received again into the church in July 1605. Shortly there- after he became a freeman of Canterbury.
Robert Cushman returned to England in the winter of 1621/2. He worked as Plymouth Colony’s agent, sending sup- plies, etc. until his death in 1625.
Life in Holland: Robert Cushman and his family emigrated to Leiden sometime before November 4, 1611, when he pur- chased a house. He worked in the city as a woolcomber. Beginning in September 1617, Cushman spent much of his time in England, working on arrangements for the new colony. He and his family were among those that left England in the summer of 1620, but stayed behind when the Speedwell was abandoned.
Life in New England: Robert Cushman and his son,Thomas, traveled to Plymouth Colony aboard the Fortune in 1621. While there, Robert preached a sermon, published in 1846 as “The Sin and Danger of Self-Love.” Leaving his son in the care of Governor William Bradford, Cushman returned to England with the Fortune that winter.
Family: Robert Cushman married (1) Sara Reder at St. Alphege, Canterbury July 31, 1606, and had three children. She was buried in Leiden on October 11, 1616. He married (2) Mary (Clarke) Shingleton, widow of Thomas Shingleton, on June 5, 1617.There are no recorded children, but some identify the Sara Cushman who married William Hoskins in Plymouth on November 2, 1636, as Robert Cushman’s daughter by one of his wives.This theory remains unproved.
Children of Robert and Sara Cushman:
• Thomas was baptized at St. Andrew, Canterbury on February 8, 1607/8. He married Mary Allerton about 1636 and had eight children. He died in Plymouth on December 11, 1691. She died in Plymouth on November 28, 1699, the last of the Mayflower passengers.
• Child, buried at the Pieterkerk, Leiden on March 11, 1616. • Child,buriedatthePieterskerk,LeidenonOctober24,1616.
For Further Information:
Robert C. Anderson. The Great Migration Begins. Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1995.
Robert C. Anderson. The Pilgrim Migration. Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2004.
Robert E. Cushman and Franklin P. Cole. Robert Cushman of Kent (1577–1625): Chief Agent of the Plymouth Pilgrims. Plymouth: General Society of Mayflower Descendants, 1995.
The Cushman family ...is one of the historic families of New England. Its progenitor, though of short life in New England, was one of the leading spirits in all the preliminary movements in both England and Holland incident to the coming of the "Mayflower" Pilgrims to New England, where his descendants soon allied themselves with those of the "Mayflower" passengers. (I) Robert Cushman, a wool carder ofCanterbury, England, was associated with William Brewster as agent of the Leyden church in negotiations for removal, and came to New England in the "Fortune" in 1621, bringing with him his only son, Thomas. He returned to England on business of the colony, and died there in 1626, leaving his son Thomas in the care of Governor Bradford. It is well known that Robert Cushman was among the eighteen or twenty persons left at Plymouth when the "Mayflower" made her final departure from England. When the Pilgrims came to Southampton from Holland he was there, having gone ahead of them to England, and he was among them when they set sail from that port, only to put back into Dartmouth. They started again, and again returned, this time going into Plymouth, whence they made their final departure. Robert Cushman was, therefore, a passenger on the "Mayflower" from the time she left Southampton until she left Plymouth.
Governor Bradford says, "He" (meaning Christopher Martin) "was Governor int he bigger ship ; and Master Cushman, Assistant." At the bottom of one of the panels of the Forefathers' Monument at Plymouth is this statement: "Robert Cushman, who chartered the May Flower and was active and prominent in securing the success of the Pilgrim Enterprise, came in the Fortune, 1621." He married as his second wife, at Leyden, Holland, June 3, 1617, Mary, widow of Thomas Chingleton, of Sandwich, England. An extended account of the succeeding generations of this family is given elsewhere in this work, including Thomas, who accompanied his father to Plymouth in 1621 in the ship "Fortune," and became an important man here in church and colony.He was chosen and ordained elder of the
Plymouth church in 1649, and was forty three years in that office. He married Mary Allerton, of the "Mayflower," and their son, Thomas (2) Cushman, lived to be eighty-nine years of age. He was the father of Benjamin Cushman, who lived on a part of his father's farm, in a home on the south side of or near to Colchester brook. He married Sarah Eaton, and their eldest child, Jabez Cushman, was the father of Zebedee Cushman, who was a private in Captain William Crow Colton's company, Colonel Josiah Whitney's regiment, from July 29 to September 13, 1778, serving one month and sixteen days in Rhode Island. He also served as a private in Captain William Tupper's company. Colonel Ebenezer White's regiment, which marched to Rhode Island on the alarm of August i, 1780, discharged August 8, roll sworn to at Middleboro. He married Sarah Padelford, of Taunton. (VII) Alvah Cushman, youngest child of Zebedee and Sarah (Padelford) Cushman,was born October 10, 1797, in Taunton,where he made his home. He married, November 27, 1818, Sally Leonard, daughter of William Leonard. She was a strong and forceful character, and her influence was a potent factor in the upbringing of her children. These children
were: David, born July 15, 1820; Horatio Leonard, October 22, 1826; Sally M., July 29, 1830; Christianna L., January 7, 1832; William, August 28, 1834; Harriet P., October 14, 1837; William H., mentioned below. (VIII) William H. Cushman, youngest child of Alvah and Sally (Leonard) Cushman, was born November 2, 1839, in Taunton, and spent his entire life in his native place. For many years he was a nail maker with his brother David, and was well known and beloved by all. He was a member of Alfred Baylies Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and held office in it for many years. He died at Taunton, August 27, 1901. He married Joanna Harlow, born October 12, 1840, daughter of John B. and Rebecca (Reed) Paine, the mother being a daughter of Levi and Lucy (Doten) Reed, of Plymouth. Mrs. Cushman is now a resident of New Bedford. Children : Henry Presbrey, born October 8, i860, died March 9, 1861 ; Herbert Elsworth, born January i, 1862; Albert Francis, born March 21, 1864, died November 17, 1884; William Alvah, born March 30, 1871, resides in New Bedford, and is connected with the Southern Massachusetts Telephone Company ; Jennie Edith, born January 12, 1874, married, September 8, 1897, Lewis Bright Barker, now of Central Falls, Rhode Island, and they have one .son, Winston Cushman, born December 25, 1899; Everett Morton, mentioned below; Grace Reed, born January 31, 1881, died August 29, 1882; Bessie May, born February 24, 1883, married, July 6, 1910, Francis N. Smith, and resides in New Bedford. (IX) Everett Morton Cushman, fifth, son of William H. and Joanna Harlow (Paine) Cushman, was born February 16,1876, and resides in New Bedford, where he is superintendent of the Holmes Manufacturing Company. He married, July 19,1905, Adelaide Louise Miner, daughter of Howard and Josephine (Hutchens) Miner (see Miner VIII). They have one son, Robert Miner, born October 16, 1906. Mrs. Cushman is a member of Fort Phenix Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, of New Bedford, of which she is auditor, and is quite activein the Young Women's Christian Association of that city.56
Division of property
“The eleventh lott ffell to the Governor Mr William Bradford*
and those with him, to wit, his wife
2 Alles Bradford and
3 William Bradford, Junior To this lott fell An
4 Mercy Bradford heyfer of the last yeare
5 Joseph Rogers* wch was of the Greate
6 Thomas Cushman white back cow that was
7 William Latham* brought over in the
8 Manases Kempton Ann, & two shee goats.
9 Julian Kempton
10 Nathaniel Morton
11 John Morton
12 Ephraim Morton
13 Patience Morton”57
From Great Migration Project (The Great Migration Begins: Immigrants to N.E. 1620-1633, Vols. I-III, page 502-504)
Origin: Leiden, Holland ( misleading)
Migration: 1621 in Fortune
First Residence: Plymouth
Return Trips: Returned permanently to England 1621
Occupation: Grocer (in Canterbury); woolcomber (in Leiden)
Education: Several literate and businesslike letters written by Cushman to John Carver, Edward Sourthworth, William Bradford and to the Leiden congregation are evidence of a well-educated man [Bradford 45, 54, 107, 125. 128. 355. 361. 365. 373]. On 12 December 1621, during his brief sojourn at Plymouth, Cushman preached a sermon whose principal intent was to convince the Pilgrims to accept the terms offered by the London Merchants, and was therefore more of an economic than an theological nature. This sermon, accompanied by some additional notes by Cushman, was published in London in 1622 [Young, Pilgrims 255-68].
ESTATE: In the 1623 Plymouth division of land “Robrt Cochman” received one acre as a passenger on the Mayflower (which he was not) [PCR 12:4].
BIRTH: Batized Rolvenden, Kent 9 Februayr 1577/8 son of Thomas and Elinor (Hubbard) Couchman [NEHGR 68:181].
DEATH: 1625 in England. (On his return from England early in 1626, Myles Standish “brought them notice of the death of their ancient friend Mr.Cushman, whom the Lord took away also this yer” [Bradford 180]}.
MARRIAGE: (1) St. Alphege, Canterbury, Kent, 31 July 1606 Sara Reder [NEHGR 68:183], bur. St. Peter’s Leiden, 11 October 1616 [NS} {Dexter 611, Small Gen 671].
(2) Leiden 5 June 1617 [NS} “Mary Shingelton from Sandwich in England, widow of Thomas Shingelton” {MD 10:193, HEHGR 68:183); apparently dead before 1621 as there is no evidence she came to Plymouth with her husband and stepson.
CHILDREN:
With first wife:
1 Thomas, bp St. Andrew, Canterbury, Kent 8 February 1607/8 [NEHGR 68:183]; “William Beale & Thomas Cushman” received two acres in partnership in the 1623 Plymouth land division, as passengers on the Fortune [PCR 12:5]; in the 1627 Plymouth division of cattle, he was the sixth person in the eleventh company [PCR 12:12] admitted freeman 1 January 1633/4 [PCR 1:4, 21] m. by about 1636 Mary Allerton, daughter of ISAAC Allerton.
Ii Child, bur. St. Peter’s, Leiden, 11 march 1616 {NS{ {Dexter 611; Small Gen 688].
III Child, bur. St. Peter’s Leiden, 24 October 1616 [NS} {Dexter 611; Small Gen 688}.
COMMENTS: Beginning in 1617, and continuing right up until the time of his death, Robert Cushman spent much time in London and vicinity negotiating on behalf of the Leiden congregation and later on behalf also of the settlers in Plymouth. He, John Carver and William Brewster labored constantly in their dealings with a number of London merchants, arranging for the shipping and provisions for the Mayflower and the Speedwell in 1620. The details of these negotiations constitute a large portion of the story told by Bradfford in his history of these years.
Cushman had planned to make the voyage across the Atlantic in 1620, but when the Speedwell had to be abandoned he was one of those who remained behind [Bradford 54]. This original intention of Cushman and his many other services in behalf of the Pilgrims are undoubtedly the justification for the assignment to Cushman in 1623 of land in Plymouth as if he had been a passenger on the Mayflower.
On 2 November 1636 “William Hodgekins and Sara Cushman” married at Plymouth [PCR 1:45]. Some have held that this was another child of Robert Cushman, but this remains only a surmise [ see Small Gen 688-93].
Bibliographic Note: Lora Underhill has gathered together every record known to her of the life of Robert Cushman, and in the process has compiled the best biography available of the man. Her treatment also goes into great detail on the career of his son Thomas [Small Gen 669-755], with Robert Cushman at 669-93]. Elizabeth French in 1914 published her research into the ancestry of Robert Cushman, including extensive transcripts of records of the family in Kent [NEHGR 68:181-85].58
Date 1617, June 4 Names Cushman, Robert, Cushman, Sarah, Cushman, Mary, Singelton, Mary, Singelton, Thomas, Keble, John, Carver, Catherine, White, Catherine, Paedts, Jacob, Vesaneveldt, Andries Jaspersz. van Place Leiden, England, Canterbury, Sandwich Street Nonnensteeg Source Register of marriages before aldermen Description Marriage certificate of Robert Cushman (F), widower of Sarah Cushman, from Canterbury, England, living in an alley in the Nonnensteeg, woolcomber, with Mary Singelton, widow of THomas Singelton, from Sandwich, England, with John Keble, acquaintance of the groom, and Catharine Carver (nee White, M), acquaintance of the bride, as witnesses59
Date 1617, December 7 Names Brewer, Thomas, Brewster, Jonathan, Brewster, William, Carver, John, Keble, John, Cushman, Robert, Paedts, A.C., Butterfield, Steven Place Leiden, England Street Groene Poort, Pieterskerkhof, Kloksteeg, Pieterskerk, St. Peter's Church Source Archives of the notary publics in Leiden, notary A.C. Paedts Description Agreement between Jonathan Brewster (F), ribbonmaker, living in "De Groene Poort" on the Pieterskerkhof in Leiden, and Thomas Brewer, living in the Kloksteeg in Leiden, to go into business together. Conflicts between the two men will be adjudicated by four arbiters, excluding the normal courts. Parties appoint William Brewster (M), printer, John Carver (M), Robert Cushman (F) and John Keble, all Englishmen, as arbiters. The agreement is drawn up in the house of Thomas Brewer near the clock tower of the Pieterskerk (St. Peter's Church). John Carver and Steven Butterfield, inhabitants of Leiden, are witnesses. A.C. Paedts is notary public.60
Date 1609, February 12 Names Robinson, John, Hout, Jan van Place Leiden, England Source Leiden City Archive 1574-1816, Register of decisions of the burgomasters and aldermen G, October 30 1608-August 4 1609. Description Permission granted by the burgomasters and aldermen of the city of Leiden to John Robinson, pastor, born in England, and about one hundred of his countrymen and fellow members of the Christian Reformed Religion, to come and take up residence in Leiden around May, 1609.61
On looking closely at the baptism entry, what at first looks like a D (Dutcehman) has been overwritten with a C in pen, not immediately obvious in black and whilte.
Ken Couchman found an entry in the Benenden Parish Register fiche; showing burial of 1625 6th May Robert Couchman a stranger. If this is our Robert, why would he be referred to as “a stranger”?
Note Will of a Robert Cushman of Frittenden, made 9 Jun 1580, in which there is reference to a son, Thomas. (Copy appears at page 214 of Robert Cushman of Kent book).
“I've had some info this week that pictures of the baptismal font at Rolvenden, which is likely the same font used for Robert Cushman's baptism, have been made available to be published at the website of the Pennsylvania Society of Mayflower Descendants, www.SAIL1620.org
The minister of the church in Rolvenden says that there is no memorial to Robert Cushman in the church. He's not even mentioned in the church guide. Until last Fall, the church was oblivious to the connection to Robert Cushman, the Pilgrim Agent.” (e-mail from Judy Swan 8 Ju; 2006)
DEATH: 1625 in England. (On his return from England early in 1626 Myles Standish "brought them notice of the death of their ancient friend Mr. Cushman, whom the Lord took away also this year"62
ROBERT CUSHMAN
ORIGIN: Leiden, Holland
MIGRATION: 1621 in Fortune
FIRST RESIDENCE: Plymouth
RETURN TRIPS: Returned permanently to England 1621
OCCUPATION: Grocer (in Canterbury); woolcomber (in Leiden).
EDUCATION: Several literate and businesslike letters written by Cushman to JOHN CARVER , Edward Southworth, WILLIAM BRADFORD and to the Leiden congregation are evidence of a well-educated man [ Bradford 45, 54, 107, 125, 128, 355, 361, 365, 373]. On 12 December 1621, during his brief sojourn at Plymouth, Cushman preached a sermon whose principal intent was to convince the Pilgrims to accept the terms offerred by the London merchants, and was therefore more of an economic than a theological nature. This sermon, accompanied by some additional notes by Cushman, was published in London in 1622 [ Young Pilgrim Fathers 255-68].
ESTATE: In the 1623 Plymouth division of land "Robert Cochman" received one acre as a passenger on the Mayflower (which he was not) [ PCR 12:4].
BIRTH: Baptized Rolveden, Kent, 9 February 1577/8, son of Thomas and Elinor (Hubbard) Couchman [ NEHGR 68:181].
DEATH: 1625 in England. (On his return from England early in 1626 Myles Standish "brought them notice of the death of their ancient friend Mr. Cushman, whom the Lord took away also this year" [ Bradford 180].)
MARRIAGE: (1) St. Alphege, Canterbury, Kent, 31 July 1606 Sara Reder [ NEHGR 68:183]; bur. St. Peter's, Leiden, 11 October 1616 [NS] [ Dexter 611; Small Gen 671].
(2) Leiden 5 June 1617 [NS] "Mary Shingelton from Sandwich in Eng~land, widow of Thomas Shingelton" [ MD 10:193; NEHGR 68:183]; apparently dead before 1621 as there is no evidence she came to Plymouth with her husband and stepson.
CHILDREN:
With first wife
i THOMAS, bp. St. Andrew, Canterbury, Kent, 8 February 1607/8 [ NEHGR 68:183]; "William Beale & Thomas Cushman" received two acres in partnership in the 1623 Plymouth land division, as passengers on the Fortune [ PCR 12:5]; in the 1627 Plymouth division of cattle, he was the sixth person in the eleventh company [ PCR 12:12]; admitted freeman 1 January 1633/4 [ PCR 1:4, 21]; m. by about 1636 Mary Allerton, daughter of ISAAC ALLERTON .
ii Child, bur. St. Peter's, Leiden, 11 March 1616 [NS] [ Dexter 611; Small Gen 688].
iii Child, bur. St. Peter's, Leiden, 24 October 1616 [NS] [ Dexter 611; Small Gen 688].
COMMENTS: Beginning in 1617, and continuing right up until the time of his death, Robert Cushman spent much time in London and vicinity negotiating on behalf of the Leiden congregation and later on behalf also of the settlers in Plymouth. He, JOHN CARVER and WILLIAM BREWSTER labored constantly in their dealings with a number of London merchants, arranging for the shipping and provisions for the Mayflower and the Speedwell in 1620. The details of these negotiations constitute a large portion of the story told by Bradford in his history of these years.
Cushman had planned to make the voyage across the Atlantic in 1620, but when the Speedwell had to be abandoned he was one of those who remained behind [ Bradford 54]. This original intention of Cushman's and his many other services in behalf of the Pilgrims are undoubtedly the justification for the assignment to Cushman in 1623 of land in Plymouth as if he had been a passenger on the Mayflower .
On 2 November 1636 "William Hodgekins & Sara Cushman" were married at Plymouth [ PCR 1:45]. Some have held that this was another child of Robert Cushman, but this remains only a surmise [see Small Gen 688-93].
BIBLIOGRAPHIC NOTE: Lora Underhill has gathered together every record known to her of the life of Robert Cushman, and in the process has compiled the best biography available of the man. Her treatment also goes into great detail on the career of his son Thomas [ Small Gen 669-755, with Robert Cushman at 669-93]. Elizabeth French in 1914 published her research into the ancestry of Robert Cushman, including extensive transcripts of records of the family in Kent [ NEHGR 68:181-85]. 63
Translation from The Dutch Records at Leyden: "Robert Cushman, Woolcomber from Canterbury, England, Widower of Sara Cushman, dwelling in a little alley of the Nunsgate, accompanied by John Keble, his friend with Mary Shingleton from Sandwich in England, widow of Thomas Shingleton, accompanied by Catharine Carver, her friend, were married before Andries Jasperson VanVesanevelt and Jacob Peadts, Sheriffs, this fifth of June 1617." (Burt, p. 56)
The following was posted by Paul Cushman on October 04, 1998 at 01:42:10, on the Cushman Family Genealogy Forum, http://genforum.familytreemaker.com/cushman/: "I recently returned from a trip to Rolvenden, Kent Co. England, (birthplace of Robert CUSHMAN) where I did some snooping. I found his baptism listed in the parish records as Robert Dutcheman son of Thomas Dutcheman. There were some 20 other references to Couchman, Coutcheman and Cushman. I found it interesting that there are several Couchmans (pronounced cootchman)still in the area. I think we are very likely related but have yet to make a positive connection. Does anyone have knowledge of this connection? I believe that the spelling of Robert Cushman's name was listed in the Leyden, Holland records at one point during the pilgrims' exile as Croutchman. This leads me further to think that the pronunciation used to be the same as the current Couchmans referred to above."
Pilgrim Village Families Sketch: Robert Cushman
ROBERT CHARLES ANDERSON
Download pdf version
Birth:
Robert Cushman was baptized on February 9, 1577/8, at Rolvenden, Kent, son of Thomas and Elinor (Hubbard) Cushman.
Death:
He died in 1625, in England.
Ship:
Fortune, 1621
Life in England:
Robert Cushman was one of five children born to Thomas and Elinor Cushman. In his February 10, 1585/6, will,Thomas Cushman gave bequests to his three surviving children: sons Richard and Robert, and daughter Sylvester. Elinor Cushman married (2) Emmanual Evenden on October 17, 1587, and (3) Thomas Tilden on November 6, 1593. Robert apprenticed to George Masters in Canterbury to learn the trade of grocer. If he served a full seven-year apprenticeship, then he started in 1598. In November 1603 while an apprentice, he was brought before the church court for saying, “he will not come to his parish church, because he cannot be edified and saith he can and will defend it by the word of God.” He was excommunicated a year later, but granted absolution and received again into the church in July 1605. Shortly thereafter he became a freeman of Canterbury. Robert Cushman returned to England in the winter of 1621/2. He worked as Plymouth Colony’s agent, sending supplies, etc. until his death in 1625.
Life in Holland:
Robert Cushman and his family emigrated to Leiden sometime before November 4, 1611, when he purchased a house. He worked in the city as a woolcomber. Beginning in September 1617, Cushman spent much of his time in England, working on arrangements for the new colony. He and his family were among those that left England in the summer of 1620, but stayed behind when the Speedwell was abandoned.
Life in New England:
Robert Cushman and his son,Thomas, traveled to Plymouth Colony aboard the Fortune in 1621. While there, Robert preached a sermon, published in 1846 as “The Sin and Danger of Self-Love.” Leaving his son in the care of Governor William Bradford, Cushman returned to England with the Fortune that winter.
Family:
Robert Cushman married (1) Sara Reder at St. Alphege, Canterbury July 31, 1606, and had three children. She was buried in Leiden on October 11, 1616. He married (2) Mary (Clarke) Shingleton, widow of Thomas Shingleton, on June 5, 1617.There are no recorded children, but some identify the Sara Cushman who married William Hoskins in Plymouth on November 2, 1636, as Robert Cushman’s daughter by one of his wives.This theory remains unproved.
Children of Robert and Sara Cushman:
•
• Thomas was baptized at St.Andrew, Canterbury on February 8, 1607/8. He married Mary Allerton about 1636 and had eight children. He died in Plymouth on December 11, 1691. She died in Plymouth on November 28, 1699, the last of the Mayflower passengers.
• Child, buried at the Pieterkerk, Leiden on March 11, 1616.
• Child, buried at the Pieterskerk, Leiden on October 24, 1616.
See also “The Great Migration Begins: Immigrants to New England, 1620-33”; woolcomber (in Leiden). Several literate and businesslike letters written by Cushman to JOHN CARVER, Edward Southworth, WILLIAM BRADFORD and to the Leiden congregation are evidence of a well-educated man [Bradford 45, 54, 107, 125, 128, 355, 361, 365, 373] . Preached famous sermon on Self Love on 12 Dec 1621 during his brief visit to Plymouth. On his return from England early in 1626 Myles Standish "brought them notice of the death of their ancient friend Mr. Cushman, whom the Lord took away also this year" [ Bradford .)
The original intention and effort of Cushman to come to New England and his many other services in behalf of the Pilgrims are probably the reason for the assignment of land in Plymouth to Cushman in 1623, as if he had been a passenger on the Mayflower. The ship Fortune arrived at Plymouth on November 9, 1621, just a few weeks after the First Thanksgiving. On 2 November 1636 "William Hodgekins & Sara Cushman" were married at Plymouth [ PCR 1:45] . Some have held that this was another child of Robert Cushman, but this remains only a surmise [see Small Gen 688-93]12
Robert Cushman, of Canterbury, a wool comber by trade and apparently another of the dissident Ancient Brethren who had quit Johnson's church in disgust. When he was named a deacon at the Green Gate is not known. Agent for the Pilgrims in London & Leiden, Holland Came to Plymouth Colony in Nov. 1621 in The Fortune
50
Robert Cushman came on the Fortune in 1621 with son Thomas of 14 years. Returned to England in the Fortune and left son in care of Governor Bradford Source: Genealogical Register of Plymouth Families by William T. Davis 189546 Passenger List, ship Fortune, 162164 This passenger list is based on the 1623 Division of Land, the passenger list compiled by charles Edward Banks in Planters of the Commonwealth, and by the information found in Eugene Aubrey Stratton's Plymouth Colony: Its History and its People, 1620-1691.
One of the Leiden Separatist leaders, Robert Cushman's English origins are given by Elizabeth French, "Genealogical Research in England-Cushman "NEHGR 68:181. He was baptized at Rolveden, Kent, 9 February 1577/78, son of Thomas and Elinor (Hubbard) Couchman. He was an apprentice to George Masters; was excommunicated from St. Andrews Church, Canterbury, after saying that he could not be edified by going to that church; was received back in the church in 1605; and in the same year became a freeman of Canterbury, being described as a grocer. His first wife was Sara Reder, by whom he had son Thomas, q.v., and he married (2) at Leiden in 1617 Mary (Clarke) Shingleton.
He and John Carver were chosen by their fellow Separatists to go to England to negotiate for a patent to go to America, and Bradford in his History has much to relate about him. In 1621 he arrived at Plymouth on the Fortune with son thomas, but returned to England with the Fortune, leaving Thomas in the care of Governor Bradford. Cushman died in 1625 before having the chance to return to Plymouth. A good account of his family can be found in Small Descendants, 2:669, which mentions also that a Sarah Cushman who married William Hoskins on 6 October 1636 was thought to be the daughter of Robert Cushman (Hoskins married [2] on 21 December 1638 Ann Hynes [PCR 1:45, 1071].
In the book, "The First Seven Generations of the Cushman Family in New England", by Joseph Augustine Cushman, it mentions Robert Cushman married 1. unknown (Mayflower Planter, vol, 1,2), married 2. Sarah Reder July 31, 1606 married 3. Mary (Clarke) Singleton June 5, 1617. Other sources do not mention this first marriage. Also, with his third marriage to Mary Clarke it lists two dates June 5, 1617 at Leyden Holland (Mayflower Planter, vol. 2, p. 179); June 3, 1617 at Leyden, Holland (Waterman Gen., p. 646)
Source: "Cushman Genealogy and General History", by Alvah Walford Burt Pub 1942 pg 56 Translation from the Dutch Records at Leyden: Robert Cushman, Woolcomber from Canterbury, England, Widower of Sara Cushman, dwelling in a little alley of the Nunsgate, accompanied by John Keble, his friend with Mary Shingleton from Sandwich in England, widow of Thomas Shingleton, accompied by Catharine Carver, her friend, were married before Andries Jasperson Van Vesanevelt and Jacob Peadts, Sheriffs, this fifth of June 1617. (The entries show the bans were published three times, on 20" and 27" May and 3" June 161734
My father has Robert married to Margery Freeman, , 20 Jun 1575, Tenderden. (Two years before our Robert’s birth???) HWCushman chart at NEHGS has same info and also says she was buried there 15 May 1603. If this were true, his next marriage would show him as a widower but it does not. We may be dealing with a different Robert here.???
The information on the following appears to show Robert Cushman is buried in Leiden. I have corresponded with people there and this is not the case. Never the less, others will probably cite this as “proof” that he is buried there.
2004 — Memorial to Pilgrims who died in exile, Pieterskerk, Leiden, Holland Mounted around the corner to the left of the exterior of Peter’s Church (Pieterskerk) from the Robinson memorial plaque, is this memorial to those adults and children who died during their exile in Leiden. The plaque, suggested by Jeremy D. Bangs, PhD, and erected by the city of Leiden, is highly significant because it begins with a quote from a member of the Separatists that is the earliest known reference to them as “Pilgrims.” Dated 1622 it predates William Bradford’s first use by eight years. The memorial reads: “During the Pilgrims Fathers’ Leiden exile, / more than thirty members died. / Many were buried in the Pieterskerk along with / their Leiden neighbors. / --- / ‘BUT NOW WE ARE ALL, IN ALL PLACES, / STRANGERS AND PILGRIMS, TRAVELERS / AND SOJOURNERS…’ / Robert Cushman, Pilgrim Leader, 1622 / --- / ISAAC ALLERTON’s child – 1620 / JOHN ALLERTON’s child – 1616 / THOMAS BLOSSOM’s children – 1617 / THOMAS BREWER’s wife & children – 1617, 1618 / WILLIAM BRITSMAN’s child – 1612 / EDMUND CHANDLER’s child – 1619 / ROBERT CUSHMAN’s wife and children – 1616 / SAMUEL FULLER’s wife & child – 1615 / EDMUND JESSOP’s child – 1618 / JOHN KEBLE’s child – 1614 / JOHN KEBLE’s widow – 1645 / SAMUEL LEE’s child – 1619 / ROBERT PECK’s child – 1619 / JOHN REYNOLD’s wife & child – 1619 / JOHN ROBINSON’s children – 1618, 1621, 1623 / JOHN ROBINSON – 1625 / JOHN SPOONER – 1628 / JOHN & JANE SPOONER’s child – 1630 / RANDALL THICKENS’s child – 1615”
The Pilgrims arrived by boat from Amsterdam in the university town of Leiden on May 1, 1609 and remained here for the next 11 years before departing for the New World.
-- From p 147, the Mayflower and her log..." Robert Cushman died in 1625, but a "Mary" wife [widow?] of Robert Cushman, and their son, Thomas" seem to have been remembered in the will of Ellen Bigge, widow, of Cranbrook proved Febrary 12 1638 (Archdeaconry, Canterbury, vol. 1xx.leaf 482). (Waters, Genealogical Gleanings in England, vol. i, p. 21) The will intimated that the "Thomas" named was "under age" when the bequest was made. If this is unmistakably so (though there is room for doubt), then this was not the Thomas of the Pilgrims. Otherwise the evidence is convincing.
Henry F. Waters abstracted her will (NEHGR, Jan. 1884):
"Ellen Bigge of Cranbrook, widow of Smalehope Bigge, of Cranbrook, clothier, 24 November, proved 12 February, 1638. To be buried in Cranbrooke Cemetery, near my husband. To Samuel Bigge, son of my brother John Bigge, of Maidstone. Lands and tenements at Rye in the County of Sussex to my only sister Mary, wife of Edward Benbrigg, jurat, of Rye, for her life, remainder to her son John Benbridge; to Anne Benbridge, alias Burrish, and Elizabeth and Mary Benbrig, daughters of my aforesaid sister Mary. To John Benbrigg, clerk, Thomas Benbrigg and Samuel Benbrigg, sons of my deceased sister Elizabeth; also her daughters Anne Benbrigge, alias Puttland, and Elizabeth Benbrigg ( the last named under age). My said sister Mary Benbrigg and her son John Benbrigg to be executors. To Peter Master, son of my brother Peter Master, of Cranbrook; to my sister-in-law Katherine Master. To William Dallett (son of my dec'd sister Bridgett) and his son (under age). To William Edwards, son of my sister Mercy. To Thomas Pilcher, Elizabeth Pilcher alias Beinson, Judith Pilcher alias Burges, and Anne Pilcher, son and daughters of my uncle John Pilcher of Rye, deceased. To Mary, wife of Robert Cushman and their son Thomas (under age). James Holden of Cranbrooke, clothier, and my brother-in-law Peter Master of Cranbrooke, mercer, to be overseers. Archdeaconry, Canterbury, Vol. 70, Leaf 482."
Note that John Robinson is buried at the Pieterskerk, same place that Robert’s wife, Sarah and two children are buried. It also appears that John Robinson lived close to where Robert was living. See following:
Date 1622, February 2 Names Jepson, William, Jepson, Henry, Robinson, John, Thickins, Ralph, Wood, Henry, Lalaing, Johan van, Orlers, Jan Jansz, Moersbergen Place Leiden Street Groene Poort, Pieterskerkhof Source Judicial Archive of Leiden Description Power of Attorney granted to Henry Jepson by Henry Wood (1643) to sell a quarter part of De Groene Poort, a house on the southside of the Pieterskerkhof.Co-owners of the house are John Robinson, pastor of the English Church in Leyden, William Jepson and Ralph Thickins. Together they had bought the house from Johan de Laleing65
Recorded as Robert and Roberte Couchman in death record for Benenden, Canterbury, Kent England.52
Timeline – Robert CUSHMAN - A Pilgrim from Kent
9 Feb 1577
Baptism in St. Mary the Virgin parish, Rolvenden, Kent
12 May 1586
Father Thomas’ of Rolvenden will proved
Dec 1596
Backdated apprenticeship to George Masters Canterbury – Urry KG
1603
Living with Masters in St. Andrew’s parish, Canterbury
14 Nov 1603
Court appearance
21 Nov 1603
Court of High Commission held at the Deanery – posting libels
24 Nov 1603
Imprisoned Westgate – 25 at Newman’s house St. Margaret’s
Jan 1604
Failed to appear at Archdeaconry court Dec 12, Jan 12
Excommunicated January 16 with 10 others in Canterbury
13 Feb 1604
Declaration of excommunication by William Swift, St. Andrews
15 Oct 1604
Humiliter petit for absolution
12 Nov 1604
Failure to appear in court
23 June 1605
2nd Declaration of excommunication by William Swift, St. Andrews
28 June 1605
Sought and was granted absolution
20 Sep 1605
Freeman of Canterbury
31 July 1606
Marriage to Sara Reder dwelling within the precincts of Christchurche
End 1607
Gore “ is runn away”
8 Feb 1607/8
Baptism of son Thomas St. Andrew’s, Canterbury last record England
29 Oct 1611
House purch. Leyden, Masterson bondsman 1st in Holland 154 426
28 Mar 1614
Bondsman to John Kebel, Canterbury, Jeremy NEHGR 154-431
9 June 1614
Bondsman to Henry Richard, Sandwich, Jeremy NEHGR 154-430
11 Mar 1616
Child buried Peterskierk – possible date
11 Oct 1616
Wife Sarah buried Peterskierk, child buried 24th.-possible date
6 June 1617
Married Mary Clarke Shingleton –he living in an alley in Nonnensteech
1617
with John Carver to negotiate with Virginia Co. Nov 12 1617 Sandys’ ltr
1619
Writing The Cry of a Stone in London
8 May 1619
London letter re Sandys and Blackwell
31 May 1620
Letter from Leyden church to Cushman & Carver
10 June 1620
Letter from London to John Carver re provisions
19 July 1620
Arrived on Mayflower from London to meet Speedwell– Arber, 335
6 Sep 1620
Mayflower sailed from Plymouth
12 Feb 1621
Leiden Power of attorney to Martijn Obejin & de Pon – Jeremy NEHGR
1621
Sailed on Fortune to Plymouth
1621
Sin and Danger of Self Love Sermon in Plymouth
29 July 1623
Yeoman, 45 years, Rosemary Lane - deposition
Early/mid1625
Death in London? – maybe Jan/Feb? Benenden?
Michael R. Paulick
Feb, 2002, revised 2016
Birthca 1587, Kent, England66
Death11 Oct 1616, Leyden, Holland, age: 2967
BurialSaint Peter’s Cemetery, Leiden, Leiden Municipality, Zuid-Hollad, Netherlands
FlagsAncestor of RCC
Death:
Oct. 11, 1616
Wife of Deacon Robert Cushman and mother of Elder Thomas Cushman. Robert and Thomas migrated to Plymouth Colony aboard the "Fortune" 4 years after Sara's death. She is buried at St. Peters, Leiden, Zuid-Holland Province, Netherlands. 68
She of Christ Church shown as Reder39
For many years the origins of Sara Reder or Reader, the first wife of Robert Cushman, have remained unknown. Cushman was well known as the principal agent working on behalf of the Mayflower Pilgrims in London in 1617. Little information about Sara is available in the written records. Robert Cushman and Sara Reder were married on 31 July, 1606 at St. Alphege Church, Canterbury. Their first child, Thomas, was baptized at St. Andrews, on 7 February, 1607/8. The two were Separatists who moved to Leiden, The Netherlands in about 1608/9 to join the Pilgrim Church. In 1616 Sara died in Leiden and was commemorated on a plaque of deceased Separatists on the wall of the Pieterskerk. Their son, Thomas Cushman, had eight children in Plymouth, New England and was the ancestor of many Cushman descendants in the United States.
In 2016, Michael Paulick and Robert C Cushman published additional information about the probable origins of Sara Reader. Her baptismal record at St. Mary’s Lenham, Kent, England for Sara and her brothers, Thomas and Helchea Reader - 17 September, 1585 “Baptizata fuit Sara filia Pauli Reader” [was baptized Sara daughter of Paule Reader]. See also, LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah, microfilm #1751918, Item 3, Archdeacons transcripts: Baptisms, marriages and burials 1564-1813, [Lenham].69
Family ID20
Marr Memoat Alphege Parish church, Marriage 2nd; also married 3rd, Mary Clarke Singleton, June 5 at Leyden, Holland (Mayflower Planters, Vol. 2, the widow of Thomas Singleton of Sandwich, England. (page 179)
According to the published version of St. Alphege Parish Record, the script reads “The 31st of July 1606 were married Robert Cushman and Sara Reder dwelling with in P’rcincts of Christchurche”
Other spouses: MARY (CLARKE) SINGLETON
Birth MemoBpt. Feb. 8, 1607-8 in St. Andrews Parish, Canterbury, England.
Death MemoP.Vital Records,. Mayflower. Descendants., vol 16, p.62 says Robert died 10 Dec 1691 at Plymouth, Mass and was buried at Burial Hill, Plymouth, Mass.
ResidenceCanterbury, Kent, England39
Birth8 Feb 1607, Canterbury, Kent, England39
Birth Memoor 1608
FlagsAncestor of RCC, England, Gen #2
Thomas Cushman, son of Robart. Source: England Births and Baptismsm 1538-1975. (Gives birth year as 8 Feb 1607).39
Son of Robert and Sarah (Reder) Cushman72,80Christened 8 Feb 1607 St. Andrews parish, Canterbury, Kent, England. 81 He came to New England with his father in the Fourtune, arriving at Plymouth in Nov. 1621, and died at Plymouth 10 or 11 Dc 1691. Photo of stone at Find A Grave.82
Additional proofs provided by descendant Kathy Wells. Her e-mail is: [email protected]: “A History of the Allerton Family” by Walter Allerton, pg 13030; “Descendants of Edward Small of New England” pg 669-727 "A history of the Allerton Family"/Walter Allerton, pg13-30; "Descendants of Edward Small of New England" pg 669-727; "Representative Men and Old Fam. of SE Mass" pg 105-106; I have a copy of his Will; "Mayflower Families thru 5 generations"/Mayflower Society, Vol 17, pgs. 1,2,6,13,14,35,91;
NOTES:
-----He came to Plymouth on the "Fortune" in 1621 with his father Robert Cushman. He received 2 acres in the 1623 Division of Land as passengers on the Fortune. He was admitted as a Freeman Jan 1, 1633. He was an Elder of the Plymouth Church from Apr 6, 1649 until his death. He left a Will naming his wife & children. Information from "Mayflower Families thru 5 generations"/Mayflower Society, Vol 17, pg 6. This line is approved by the Gen. Soc. Of Mayflower Descendants. --end notes from Kathy Wells.
The Genealogial Register of Plymouth Families by William T. Davis, 1895 says that Thomas Cushman came to Plymouth on the “Fortune: in 1621 with his father, Robert. Thomas was 14 at the time. 46 He also appears on the Passenger list of the Fortune.64
In a letter to Governor Bradford, he asks the Governor z’to have a care of my son, as your won, and I shall be bound unto you.” In a letter from Gov. Bradford to Robert Cushman, dated June 1625, he says “Your so is in good health (blessed be God). He received the things you sent him. I hope God will make him a good man.” (Note letter written probably after death of Robert.)
Pilgrim Village Families Sketch: Thomas Cushman
ROBERT CHARLES ANDERSON
Download pdf version
Birth: Thomas Cushman was baptized at St. Andrew, Canterbury February 8, 1607/8, and so was born shortly before that date.
Death: He died in Plymouth December 11, 1691, and was buried on Burial Hill, Plymouth.
Ship: Fortune, 1621
Life in England: Thomas Cushman was born to Robert and Sara (Reder) Cushman in Canterbury, Kent. His father was a grocer, having served his apprenticeship in that trade. When Thomas was very young, the family emigrated to Holland.
Life in Holland: Robert Cushman was a wool-comber in Leiden. In 1616, his wife, Sara, and two children were buried at St. Peter’s church. Robert married (2) Mary (Clark) Shingleton on June 5, 1617.
Life in New England: Robert Cushman and his son,Thomas, came over on the Fortune in November 1621, but Robert returned shortly thereafter, leaving Thomas in the care of Governor William Bradford. Thomas remained in Plymouth, serving as surveyor of highways and rate-assessor, as well as numerous other minor positions. He was chosen as Ruling Elder of the church on April 6, 1649, a position he held until his death.
Family: Thomas married Mary, daughter of Isaac Allerton, about 1636 and had eight children. She died in Plymouth November 28, 1699, the last of the Mayflower passengers.
Children of Thomas and Mary Cushman:
• Thomas was born about September 1637 in Plymouth. He married (1) Ruth Howland on November 17, 1664, and had three children. He married (2) Abigail (Titus) Fuller on October 16, 1679 and had four children. He died in Plympton August 23, 1726.
• Mary was born in Plymouth, but the year is unknown. She married Francis Hutchinson about 1676 had three children. She died before October 22, 1690.
• Sarah was born about 1641 in Plymouth. She married (1) John Hawkes in Lynn on April 11, 1661, and had eight children. He died August 5, 1694. She married (2) Daniel Hutchins shortly after November 7, 1695. She died after February 10, 1706/7.
• Isaac was born February 8, 1648/9, in Plymouth. He married Rebecca Harlow about 1675 and had seven children. He died in Plympton on October 21, 1732.
• Elkanah was born June 1, 1651 in Plymouth. He married (1) Elizabeth Cole on February 10, 1677, and had three children. She died January 4, 1681/2. He married (2) Martha Cooke on March 2, 1673, and had five children. He died in Plympton on September 4, 1727.
• Fear was born on June 20, 1653. She died before October 22, 1690.
• Eleazer was born February 20, 1656/7, in Plymouth. He married Elizabeth Coombs on January 12, 1687/8, and had eight children. He died after November 1733.
• Lydia was born about 1662 in Plymouth. She married William Harlow about January 1682/3 and had nine children. She died in Plymouth on February 11, 1718/9.
The will of Thomas Cushman Sr. of Plimouth dated 22 Oct. 1690, sworn 16 March 1691/2, names wife Mary Cushman; sons Thomas, Isaac, Elkanah and Eleazer Cushman; daus. Sarah Hoaks and Lidiah Harlow; the three grandchildren in Lin (Lynn), the children of daughter Mary Hutchinson, dec.
CUSHMAN, THOMAS - The son of Robert Cushman, q.v., Thomas was baptized at Canterbury 8 February 1607/8, and he was taken by his father to Leiden shortly after. He arrived at Plymouth on the Fortune in 1621, and became a ward of Governor Bradford. He was a Purchaser and received a number of land grants. He was admitted a Plymouth freeman 1 January 1633/34 (PCR 1:21). On 1 July 1634 he successfully sued Mr. John Combes for 10 pounds (PCR 1:30. He served on various juries and committees and was a highway surveyor (PCR, passim). On 1 December 1640 he, Nicholas Snow, and Josias Cooke were presented by the grand jury for not mending the highways, but were freed on condition that they make the repairs within a year (PCR2:5. On 3 march 1645/46 Cushman made a successful mothin in court that Mr. Isaac Allerton be allowed a year's time to recover his debts in the colony (PCR 2:95). Allerton was his father-in-law, Cushman having married Mary Allerton at an unknown date. By a letter of 27 October 1646, Allerton had assigned to his son-in-law Thomas Cushman a debt of 100 pounds owed Allerton by Mr. John Coombes (PCR 2:130-33). On 1 August 1648 the court of Assistants assigned part of some grain due the widow of John Coombes toward satisfying the debt of her late husband to Cuthbert Cuthbertson, whose estate was a debtor "of considerable some" to Isaac Allerton. Cushman succeeded William Brewster as Ruling Elder of the Plymouth church on 6 April 1649, the position having been vacant since 1644 (Ply. ch. Recs. 1:165). He had differences with the pastor, John Cotton, as the latter noted in church records in 1683, writing that the elders met with the pastor and decided to put their differences to some other churches for advice, and the Elder (Cushman) moved that the magistrates be invited to meet with and advise them. In succeeding months there are additional intimations of differences in which "the Elder showed discontent" (Ply. Ch. recs. 1:251, 253-54). He became ill in his old age and languished forsome eleven weeks before he died on 10 or 11 December 1691, another man whose life was virtually cotern-dnal with that of Plymouth Colony (Ply. ch. Recs. 1:165-66; George E Bowman, "Elder Thomas Cushman's Will and Inventory, and the Records of His Death," MD 4:37). In his will dated 22 October 1690, sworn 16 March 1691/92, he named his wife Mary, sons Thomas, Isaac, Elkanah, and Eleazer; daughters Sarah Hawks and Lydia Harlow; and the three children of his daughter Mary Hutchinson. he also had a daughter Fear (PCR 8:15), who predeceased him without issue. (all this from 12
Thomas, who accompanied
his father to Plymouth in 1621
in the ship "Fortune," and became an important
man here in church and colony.
He was chosen and ordained elder of the
Plymouth church in 1649, ^"^ was fortythree
years in that ofifice. He married
Mary Allerton, of the "Mayflower," and
their son, Thomas (2) Cushman, lived to
be eighty-nine years of age. He was the
father of Benjamin Cushman, who lived
on a part of his father's farm, in a home
on the south side of or near to Colchester
brook. He married Sarah Eaton, and
their eldest child, Jabez Cushman, was
the father of Zebedee Cushman, who was
a private in Captain William Crow Colton's
company, Colonel Josiah Whitney's
regiment, from July 29 to September 13,
1778, serving one month and sixteen days
in Rhode Island. He also served as a
private in Captain William Tupper's company.
Colonel Ebenezer White's regiment,
which marched to Rhode Island on
the alarm of August i, 1780, discharged
August 8, roll sworn to at Middleboro.
He married Sarah Padelford, of Taunton.
(VII) Alvah Cushman, youngest child
of Zebedee and Sarah (Padelford) Cushman,
was born October 10, 1797, in Taunton,
where he made his home. He married,
November 27, 1818, Sally Leonard,
daughter of William Leonard. She was a
strong and forceful character, and her influence
was a potent factor in the upbringing
of her children. 83
Thomas (i), son of Robert Cushman,
was born in England in February, 1608. He
was on the "Mlayflower" with his father, returned
with him to London on the "Speedwell,"
coming to New England again on the
"Fortune" in 1621. In 1635 he served as a
juryman. That year he married Mary Allerton,
probably a daughter of Isaac Allerton.
The exact locality of the house in which he
lived is pointed out in the present town of
Kingston, and the spring that stood near it is
named after him. It is often visited by antiquarians.
In 1649 he was made ruling elder
of the church, which was a very important position
in those days. He was one of the w'itnesses
to Governor Bradford's will. He died
December 11, 1694. The gravestone erected
to his memory at Plymouth is still in a good
state of preservation. The children were:
Thomas, Sarah, Lydia, Isaac, Elkanah, Feare,
Eleazer and Mary.84
See Research notes.
Son of Robert and Sarah (Reder) Cushman72,80Christened 8 Feb 1607 St. Andrews parish, Canterbury, Kent, England. 81 He came to New England with his father in the Fourtune, arriving at Plymouth in Nov. 1621, and died at Plymouth 10 or 11 Dc 1691. Photo of stone at Find A Grave.82
Additional proofs provided by descendant Kathy Wells. Her e-mail is: [email protected]: “A History of the Allerton Family” by Walter Allerton, pg 13030; “Descendants of Edward Small of New England” pg 669-727 "A history of the Allerton Family"/Walter Allerton, pg13-30; "Descendants of Edward Small of New England" pg 669-727; "Representative Men and Old Fam. of SE Mass" pg 105-106; I have a copy of his Will; "Mayflower Families thru 5 generations"/Mayflower Society, Vol 17, pgs. 1,2,6,13,14,35,91;
NOTES:
-----He came to Plymouth on the "Fortune" in 1621 with his father Robert Cushman. He received 2 acres in the 1623 Division of Land as passengers on the Fortune. He was admitted as a Freeman Jan 1, 1633. He was an Elder of the Plymouth Church from Apr 6, 1649 until his death. He left a Will naming his wife & children. Information from "Mayflower Families thru 5 generations"/Mayflower Society, Vol 17, pg 6. This line is approved by the Gen. Soc. Of Mayflower Descendants. --end notes from Kathy Wells.
The Genealogial Register of Plymouth Families by William T. Davis, 1895 says that Thomas Cushman came to Plymouth on the “Fortune: in 1621 with his father, Robert. Thomas was 14 at the time. 46 He also appears on the Passenger list of the Fortune.64
In a letter to Governor Bradford, he asks the Governor z’to have a care of my son, as your won, and I shall be bound unto you.” In a letter from Gov. Bradford to Robert Cushman, dated June 1625, he says “Your so is in good health (blessed be God). He received the things you sent him. I hope God will make him a good man.” (Note letter written probably after death of Robert.)
Pilgrim Village Families Sketch: Thomas Cushman
ROBERT CHARLES ANDERSON
Download pdf version
Birth: Thomas Cushman was baptized at St. Andrew, Canterbury February 8, 1607/8, and so was born shortly before that date.
Death: He died in Plymouth December 11, 1691, and was buried on Burial Hill, Plymouth.
Ship: Fortune, 1621
Life in England: Thomas Cushman was born to Robert and Sara (Reder) Cushman in Canterbury, Kent. His father was a grocer, having served his apprenticeship in that trade. When Thomas was very young, the family emigrated to Holland.
Life in Holland: Robert Cushman was a wool-comber in Leiden. In 1616, his wife, Sara, and two children were buried at St. Peter’s church. Robert married (2) Mary (Clark) Shingleton on June 5, 1617.
Life in New England: Robert Cushman and his son,Thomas, came over on the Fortune in November 1621, but Robert returned shortly thereafter, leaving Thomas in the care of Governor William Bradford. Thomas remained in Plymouth, serving as surveyor of highways and rate-assessor, as well as numerous other minor positions. He was chosen as Ruling Elder of the church on April 6, 1649, a position he held until his death.
Family: Thomas married Mary, daughter of Isaac Allerton, about 1636 and had eight children. She died in Plymouth November 28, 1699, the last of the Mayflower passengers.
Children of Thomas and Mary Cushman:
• Thomas was born about September 1637 in Plymouth. He married (1) Ruth Howland on November 17, 1664, and had three children. He married (2) Abigail (Titus) Fuller on October 16, 1679 and had four children. He died in Plympton August 23, 1726.
• Mary was born in Plymouth, but the year is unknown. She married Francis Hutchinson about 1676 had three children. She died before October 22, 1690.
• Sarah was born about 1641 in Plymouth. She married (1) John Hawkes in Lynn on April 11, 1661, and had eight children. He died August 5, 1694. She married (2) Daniel Hutchins shortly after November 7, 1695. She died after February 10, 1706/7.
• Isaac was born February 8, 1648/9, in Plymouth. He married Rebecca Harlow about 1675 and had seven children. He died in Plympton on October 21, 1732.
• Elkanah was born June 1, 1651 in Plymouth. He married (1) Elizabeth Cole on February 10, 1677, and had three children. She died January 4, 1681/2. He married (2) Martha Cooke on March 2, 1673, and had five children. He died in Plympton on September 4, 1727.
• Fear was born on June 20, 1653. She died before October 22, 1690.
• Eleazer was born February 20, 1656/7, in Plymouth. He married Elizabeth Coombs on January 12, 1687/8, and had eight children. He died after November 1733.
• Lydia was born about 1662 in Plymouth. She married William Harlow about January 1682/3 and had nine children. She died in Plymouth on February 11, 1718/9.
The will of Thomas Cushman Sr. of Plimouth dated 22 Oct. 1690, sworn 16 March 1691/2, names wife Mary Cushman; sons Thomas, Isaac, Elkanah and Eleazer Cushman; daus. Sarah Hoaks and Lidiah Harlow; the three grandchildren in Lin (Lynn), the children of daughter Mary Hutchinson, dec.
CUSHMAN, THOMAS - The son of Robert Cushman, q.v., Thomas was baptized at Canterbury 8 February 1607/8, and he was taken by his father to Leiden shortly after. He arrived at Plymouth on the Fortune in 1621, and became a ward of Governor Bradford. He was a Purchaser and received a number of land grants. He was admitted a Plymouth freeman 1 January 1633/34 (PCR 1:21). On 1 July 1634 he successfully sued Mr. John Combes for 10 pounds (PCR 1:30. He served on various juries and committees and was a highway surveyor (PCR, passim). On 1 December 1640 he, Nicholas Snow, and Josias Cooke were presented by the grand jury for not mending the highways, but were freed on condition that they make the repairs within a year (PCR2:5. On 3 march 1645/46 Cushman made a successful mothin in court that Mr. Isaac Allerton be allowed a year's time to recover his debts in the colony (PCR 2:95). Allerton was his father-in-law, Cushman having married Mary Allerton at an unknown date. By a letter of 27 October 1646, Allerton had assigned to his son-in-law Thomas Cushman a debt of 100 pounds owed Allerton by Mr. John Coombes (PCR 2:130-33). On 1 August 1648 the court of Assistants assigned part of some grain due the widow of John Coombes toward satisfying the debt of her late husband to Cuthbert Cuthbertson, whose estate was a debtor "of considerable some" to Isaac Allerton. Cushman succeeded William Brewster as Ruling Elder of the Plymouth church on 6 April 1649, the position having been vacant since 1644 (Ply. ch. Recs. 1:165). He had differences with the pastor, John Cotton, as the latter noted in church records in 1683, writing that the elders met with the pastor and decided to put their differences to some other churches for advice, and the Elder (Cushman) moved that the magistrates be invited to meet with and advise them. In succeeding months there are additional intimations of differences in which "the Elder showed discontent" (Ply. Ch. recs. 1:251, 253-54). He became ill in his old age and languished forsome eleven weeks before he died on 10 or 11 December 1691, another man whose life was virtually cotern-dnal with that of Plymouth Colony (Ply. ch. Recs. 1:165-66; George E Bowman, "Elder Thomas Cushman's Will and Inventory, and the Records of His Death," MD 4:37). In his will dated 22 October 1690, sworn 16 March 1691/92, he named his wife Mary, sons Thomas, Isaac, Elkanah, and Eleazer; daughters Sarah Hawks and Lydia Harlow; and the three children of his daughter Mary Hutchinson. he also had a daughter Fear (PCR 8:15), who predeceased him without issue. (all this from 12
Thomas, who accompanied
his father to Plymouth in 1621
in the ship "Fortune," and became an important
man here in church and colony.
He was chosen and ordained elder of the
Plymouth church in 1649, ^"^ was fortythree
years in that ofifice. He married
Mary Allerton, of the "Mayflower," and
their son, Thomas (2) Cushman, lived to
be eighty-nine years of age. He was the
father of Benjamin Cushman, who lived
on a part of his father's farm, in a home
on the south side of or near to Colchester
brook. He married Sarah Eaton, and
their eldest child, Jabez Cushman, was
the father of Zebedee Cushman, who was
a private in Captain William Crow Colton's
company, Colonel Josiah Whitney's
regiment, from July 29 to September 13,
1778, serving one month and sixteen days
in Rhode Island. He also served as a
private in Captain William Tupper's company.
Colonel Ebenezer White's regiment,
which marched to Rhode Island on
the alarm of August i, 1780, discharged
August 8, roll sworn to at Middleboro.
He married Sarah Padelford, of Taunton.
(VII) Alvah Cushman, youngest child
of Zebedee and Sarah (Padelford) Cushman,
was born October 10, 1797, in Taunton,
where he made his home. He married,
November 27, 1818, Sally Leonard,
daughter of William Leonard. She was a
strong and forceful character, and her influence
was a potent factor in the upbringing
of her children. 83
Thomas (i), son of Robert Cushman,
was born in England in February, 1608. He
was on the "Mlayflower" with his father, returned
with him to London on the "Speedwell,"
coming to New England again on the
"Fortune" in 1621. In 1635 he served as a
juryman. That year he married Mary Allerton,
probably a daughter of Isaac Allerton.
The exact locality of the house in which he
lived is pointed out in the present town of
Kingston, and the spring that stood near it is
named after him. It is often visited by antiquarians.
In 1649 he was made ruling elder
of the church, which was a very important position
in those days. He was one of the w'itnesses
to Governor Bradford's will. He died
December 11, 1694. The gravestone erected
to his memory at Plymouth is still in a good
state of preservation. The children were:
Thomas, Sarah, Lydia, Isaac, Elkanah, Feare,
Eleazer and Mary.84
See Research notes.
England Births and Baptisms 1538-197539
SpouseMARY ALLERTON2 , 30
Birth Memobef 1616
Death28 Nov 1699, Plymouth, MA, age: 8386
Death MemoDied Nov 28 or Dec 8 (WAC); Died Dec 8, 1699 age 90 (D,C,W. 1941, p 644).
BurialBuried at Burial Hill, Plymouth, MA87
FlagsAncestor of RCC
Daughter of Isaac Allerton and Mary Norris. Mary Allerton was born about 1616 in Leiden, Holland to Isaac and Mary Allerton. She came to Plymouth on the Mayflower in 1620, at about the age of four. Around 1636, she married Thomas Cushman. Thomas had come to Plymouth at the age of 13 on the ship Fortune in 1621 with father Robert Cushman, a prominent member of the Pilgrims' congregation in Leiden. Thomas and Mary had a very prosperous family: seven of their eight children survived to adulthood, got married, and gave them at least 50 grandchildren. Thomas and Mary lived to a ripe old age, having lived in Plymouth their entire lives. Thomas died in December 1691, at nearly 85 years in age.
Mary Allerton Cushman died in November 1699, the last surviving Mayflower passenger. Photo of monument to her at Find A Grave with inscription: MARY,
widow of Elder Cushman, and daughter of Isaac Allerton,
Died XXVIII November, MDCXCIX, aged about XC years,
The last survivor of the first comers in the Mayflower.
East side: Erected by
The descendants of
Robert Cushman
In memory of their Pilgrim Ancestors,
XVI September, MDCCCLVIII. 88
Her father, Isaac Allerton was born about 1586 in England. He died in Feb 1658/9 in New Haven, CT. He and Mary Norris were marreid on 4 Nov 1611 in leyden, Holland.89
ALLERTONS OF NEW ENGLAND AND VIRGINIA.
By
Isaac J. Greenwood, A.M., of New York city.
Reprinted from N. England Historical and Genealogical Register for July, 1890.
ISAAC ALLERTON, a young tailor from London, was married at the Stadhuis, Leyden, 4 November, 1611, to Mary Norris (Savage says "Collins"), maid from Newbury, co. Berks. At the same time and place was married his sister Sarah, widow of John Vincent, of London, to Degory Priest, hatter, from the latter place.* Priest, freeman of Leyden 16
November, 1615, came out on the Mayflower in 1620, and died, soon after landing, 1 January, 1620-1 ; his widow, who had remained behind, married 3d, at Leyden, 13 November, 1621, Goddard Godbert (or Cuthbert Cuthbertson), a Dutchman, who came with his wife to Plymouth in the Ann, 1623, and both died in 1633.
Allerton a freeman of Leyden 7 February 1614; save his brother-in-law Priest, and the subsequent Governor of the Colony, Wm. Bradford, none others of the company appear to have attained this honor. He was one of the Mayflower pilgrims in 1620, and was accompanied by his wife Mary, and his children Bartholomew, Remember and Mary. John Allerton, a sailor, who designed settling in the new colony, died before the vessel sailed on her return voyage, and Mrs. Mary Allerton died 25 February, 1621.
About 1626 Isaac Allerton married his 2d wife. Fear Brewster, who died at Plymouth, 12 December, 1634. .How soon after this he was again married is not apparent, but in 1644 a third wife, Johanna, is mentioned. The earlier incidents of Allerton's New England life, until his leaving the Bay Colony, are well known. He then appears to have settled in New Haven, where he commenced trading with the Dutch, and on 20 Jan. 1642, sold his yacht " Hope " to Govert Loockermans of New Amsterdam. The following year he and Loockermans had a grant in the latter town of two lots on the Great Highway, some 8 rods wide by 18 rods deep, running back to the Marsh. These lots are later mentioned in a grant of 1644 to Hendrick Jansen Smith ; in one of 1 645 to Edward Marrel ; and in a transfer
of March 15, 1652, from Barent Meyndertsen and Wessel Evertsen to Coenradt Ten Eyck. The " Duke's Plan " of New York, 1661, represents
: "The First Seven Generations of the Cushman Family in New England", by Joseph Augustine Cushman This book list two death dates for Mary Allerton with two sources listed after each date, first Nov 28, 1699 at Plymouth, MA (Mayflower Desc., vol. 16, p.63) and second Dec. 8, 1699 ae 90 (Daughters of Colonial Wars, 1941, p. 644)12
: "Cushman Genealogy and General History", by Alvah Walford Burt Pub 1942 pg 183 Mary Allerton, wife of Elder Cushman, came over in the Mayflower in 1620. She was then about eleven years of age. With her husband she was a member of the church at Plymouth, and as we may well suppose, she was a worthy companion of her excellent, pious and useful husband, during his long ministry as Ruling Elder of the Church. She survived him seven or eight years, and died at the advance age of ninety. Her name has become quite famous from the fact that she was in the Mayflower. She was probably buried by the side of her husband, in the Burying Hill Cemetery at Plymouth, though no monument has ever been erected to her memory.12 Note about her father:
Date 1619, January 8 Names Collet, Henry, Thomas, Alice, Collet, Alice, Hook, John, Allerton, Isaac, Carver, John, Velzen, Pieter Pietersz., Paedts, A.C. Place Leiden Source Archives of the notary publics in Leiden, notary A.C. Paedts Description Agreement between Henry Collet and his wife Alice Thomas, widow of John Hook, and Isaac Allerton (M), concerning the apprenticeship of 12-year-old John Hook (M), son of Alice Thomas from her first marriage as a taylor with Isaac Allerton. The apprenticeship is contracted for a period of twelve years, beginning on February 2, 1619. Moreover, Allerton will arrange for John Hook to learn to read and write and he will raise the boy in the faith. Parties further agree that John Hook will enjoy free clothing, bed and board. During the agreed term of the apprenticeship John Hook will not start working for somebody else, neither in Leiden nor elsewhere. John Hook has agreed to the terms of this apprenticeship contract in the presence of the notary public. This agreement was drawn up in the office of notary public A.C. Paedts, with John Carver (M), maker, and Pieter Pietersz. van Velzen, writer, as witnesses.90
Mary Allerton Cushman died in November 1699, the last surviving Mayflower passenger. Photo of monument to her at Find A Grave with inscription: MARY,
widow of Elder Cushman, and daughter of Isaac Allerton,
Died XXVIII November, MDCXCIX, aged about XC years,
The last survivor of the first comers in the Mayflower.
East side: Erected by
The descendants of
Robert Cushman
In memory of their Pilgrim Ancestors,
XVI September, MDCCCLVIII. 88
Her father, Isaac Allerton was born about 1586 in England. He died in Feb 1658/9 in New Haven, CT. He and Mary Norris were marreid on 4 Nov 1611 in leyden, Holland.89
ALLERTONS OF NEW ENGLAND AND VIRGINIA.
By
Isaac J. Greenwood, A.M., of New York city.
Reprinted from N. England Historical and Genealogical Register for July, 1890.
ISAAC ALLERTON, a young tailor from London, was married at the Stadhuis, Leyden, 4 November, 1611, to Mary Norris (Savage says "Collins"), maid from Newbury, co. Berks. At the same time and place was married his sister Sarah, widow of John Vincent, of London, to Degory Priest, hatter, from the latter place.* Priest, freeman of Leyden 16
November, 1615, came out on the Mayflower in 1620, and died, soon after landing, 1 January, 1620-1 ; his widow, who had remained behind, married 3d, at Leyden, 13 November, 1621, Goddard Godbert (or Cuthbert Cuthbertson), a Dutchman, who came with his wife to Plymouth in the Ann, 1623, and both died in 1633.
Allerton a freeman of Leyden 7 February 1614; save his brother-in-law Priest, and the subsequent Governor of the Colony, Wm. Bradford, none others of the company appear to have attained this honor. He was one of the Mayflower pilgrims in 1620, and was accompanied by his wife Mary, and his children Bartholomew, Remember and Mary. John Allerton, a sailor, who designed settling in the new colony, died before the vessel sailed on her return voyage, and Mrs. Mary Allerton died 25 February, 1621.
About 1626 Isaac Allerton married his 2d wife. Fear Brewster, who died at Plymouth, 12 December, 1634. .How soon after this he was again married is not apparent, but in 1644 a third wife, Johanna, is mentioned. The earlier incidents of Allerton's New England life, until his leaving the Bay Colony, are well known. He then appears to have settled in New Haven, where he commenced trading with the Dutch, and on 20 Jan. 1642, sold his yacht " Hope " to Govert Loockermans of New Amsterdam. The following year he and Loockermans had a grant in the latter town of two lots on the Great Highway, some 8 rods wide by 18 rods deep, running back to the Marsh. These lots are later mentioned in a grant of 1644 to Hendrick Jansen Smith ; in one of 1 645 to Edward Marrel ; and in a transfer
of March 15, 1652, from Barent Meyndertsen and Wessel Evertsen to Coenradt Ten Eyck. The " Duke's Plan " of New York, 1661, represents
: "The First Seven Generations of the Cushman Family in New England", by Joseph Augustine Cushman This book list two death dates for Mary Allerton with two sources listed after each date, first Nov 28, 1699 at Plymouth, MA (Mayflower Desc., vol. 16, p.63) and second Dec. 8, 1699 ae 90 (Daughters of Colonial Wars, 1941, p. 644)12
: "Cushman Genealogy and General History", by Alvah Walford Burt Pub 1942 pg 183 Mary Allerton, wife of Elder Cushman, came over in the Mayflower in 1620. She was then about eleven years of age. With her husband she was a member of the church at Plymouth, and as we may well suppose, she was a worthy companion of her excellent, pious and useful husband, during his long ministry as Ruling Elder of the Church. She survived him seven or eight years, and died at the advance age of ninety. Her name has become quite famous from the fact that she was in the Mayflower. She was probably buried by the side of her husband, in the Burying Hill Cemetery at Plymouth, though no monument has ever been erected to her memory.12 Note about her father:
Date 1619, January 8 Names Collet, Henry, Thomas, Alice, Collet, Alice, Hook, John, Allerton, Isaac, Carver, John, Velzen, Pieter Pietersz., Paedts, A.C. Place Leiden Source Archives of the notary publics in Leiden, notary A.C. Paedts Description Agreement between Henry Collet and his wife Alice Thomas, widow of John Hook, and Isaac Allerton (M), concerning the apprenticeship of 12-year-old John Hook (M), son of Alice Thomas from her first marriage as a taylor with Isaac Allerton. The apprenticeship is contracted for a period of twelve years, beginning on February 2, 1619. Moreover, Allerton will arrange for John Hook to learn to read and write and he will raise the boy in the faith. Parties further agree that John Hook will enjoy free clothing, bed and board. During the agreed term of the apprenticeship John Hook will not start working for somebody else, neither in Leiden nor elsewhere. John Hook has agreed to the terms of this apprenticeship contract in the presence of the notary public. This agreement was drawn up in the office of notary public A.C. Paedts, with John Carver (M), maker, and Pieter Pietersz. van Velzen, writer, as witnesses.90
Family ID19
Marr Memomarried about 1636; married at age 18
Death MemoBuried Old Cemetery, Plympton, Mass. Stone Photo’d 1935 J.A.C
Burial MemoStone photo’d 1935 bu JAC
FlagsGen #3
(Thomas, Robert) Son of Thomas and Mary (Allerton) Cushman. Photo of stone at Find A Grave. See Son of "Fortune" passenger Elder Thomas Cushman and "Mayflower" passenger Mary Allerton. Thomas first married on Nov 17, 1664 at the age of 27. His bride, Ruth Howland was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Tilley Howland, Both of whom came to America aboard the Mayflower, Thomas and Ruth Howland Cushman had 3 children: Robert (1665), Desire (1668) and Thomas III (1670). After the death of Ruth, he married Abigail Titus Fuller, the widow of John Fuller, on Oct 16, 1679. Their children were Job (1680), Bartholomew (1684), Samuel (1687) and Benjamin Cushman (1691). Old Burial Grounds is also known as Hillcrest Cemetery and is located on Main Street; Plympton, Plymouth Co., MA. Photo of stone at Find A Grave. Name changes of cemetery noted. Now referred to as Hillcrest Cemetery, Plimpton, Plymouth Co. MA97
Notes for THOMAS CUSHMAN:
PROOF:
--- "Mayflower Families thru 5 generations"/Mayflower Society, Vol 17, pgs. 1,2,6,13,14,35,91;
--- Plymouth Will Oct 22, 1690;
---Thos Cushman Will;
--- D/C;
----Mayflower Descendants 2:235, 22:115;
--- Rehoboth VR/Arnold, p. 143, 755 her birth; pg 365 shows her marriage to John Fuller;
----Attleboro VR 2:656 her death;
--- Gen. Notes of Barnstable Fam./Otis, p376-382;
---Marriage record of Town of Rehoboth, Mass.;
---Plymouth Church Records 1620-1859, pg 271;
-----A history of the Titus-Capron & related families/Vol 1, pg 29 shows her parents; pg 56 shows her marriage to John Fuller;
----The Titus Trail/Quarterly/Spring Edition 1980, Vol 1, Number 1, pg 11 & 19 shows her as daughter to John Titus and Abigail Carpenter;
From HWC's Cushman Family Genealogy, p. 100:
"He and his 2d wife were members of the Church at Plympton. He lived on the west side of the highway that leads from Plympton meeting house to the north part of the town, and "Colchester Brook" ran through his farm, which contained a large quantity of land.
"The Plymouth Colony Records, Court Orders, vol. 4, p. 90, under date March 7, 1664-5, contain a curious circumstance respecting him. In his early days, 'before marriage, but after contract,' as the record says, he made a mistake, that was not uncommon in the early history of this country; for which he was sentenced to pay a fine of five pounds according to law.' The rule of perfect chastity was oftener violated by our fathers in the 17th and 18th centuries than at later periods. The common practice in vogue then of 'courting' by young men and maidens, and the uniform fashion 'of keeping company till the small hours of the night,' was one that did not tend to promote a high degree of virtuous intercourse. In that particular the civilization of this day is in advance of our ancestors. But the subject of this article did not suffer materially in his reputation by an error which he soon remedied by marriage; and was, during a long life, a worthy member of the Congregational Church at Plympton, of which his brother was the Pastor." ...
---The following is a verbatim et literatim copy of the inscription on his grave stone in the burying ground at Plympton:
HERE LYES Ye
BODY of mr THOMAS
CUSHMAN WHO DEC'd
AUGst Ye 23d
1726 IN
Ye 89th YEAR
OF HIS AGE
---On 21 May 1721 Thomas Cushman of Plimpton, yeoman, deeded to son Benjamin the house and land where Benjamin was living. On the same day he deeded to son Samuel the land where Samuel was living. On 25 Dec 1721 he deeded the land where he, Thomas, was living to sons Benjamin and Samuel.
---On 17 Nov 1664 when Thomas was 27, he first married Ruth HOWLAND22, daughter of John HOWLAND (1593-5-February 23, 1672/3) & Elizabeth TILLEY (1607-31-22 Dec 1687), in Plymouth , Plymouth, MA.22 Born abt 1646 in Plymouth, Plymouth Co, Massachusetts.2 At the age of 33, Ruth died in Rehoboth, MA bef 16 Oct 1679.2 Will: She was living when her father's will was made on May 24, 1672.
---She was living when her father's Will made made, 29 May 1672, and as he (Thomas Cushman, Jr.) was married the second time in 1679, his first wife must have died between those dates. They had the following children:
i. Robert (1664-1757)
ii. Desire (1668-1762)
iii. Thomas (~1670-1726)
{Note Savage says that Ruth Howland died soon after marriage, producing only Robert. The other children listed above are not mentioned as coming from either his first or second marriage.)
----On 16 Oct 1679 when Thomas was 42, he second married Abigail Titus FULLER, daughter of John TITUS & Abigail CARPENTER, in Rehoboth, MA.2 Born on 18 Feb 1652/53 in Rehoboth, MA.22 At the age of 82, Abigail Titus died in Attleboro, MA on 31 May 1734.22
Her maiden name is TITUS. She was a widow, having been married to John FULLER. He and his second wife were members of the Church at Plympton. He lived on the west side of the highway that leads from Plympton meeting house to the north part of the town, and "Colchester Brook" ran through his farm, which contained a large quantity of land. They had the following children:
i. Job (1680-1740)
ii. Bartholomew (1683-1721)
iii. Samuel (1687-1766)
iv. Benjamin (1691-1770)
Thomas (2) Cushman, lived to
be eighty-nine years of age. He was the
father of Benjamin Cushman, who lived
on a part of his father's farm, in a home
on the south side of or near to Colchester
brook. He married Sarah Eaton, and
their eldest child, Jabez Cushman, was
the father of Zebedee Cushman, 83
Thomas (2), eldest child and son of
Thomas (i) and Mary (Allerton) Cushman,
was born September 16, 1637, and married
Ruth, daughter of John Howland, November
17, 1664. He married (second) Abigail Fuller
of Rehoboth, October 16, 1679. He lived
on the west side of the highway that leads
from Plympton meeting-house to the north
part of the town, "Colchester brook" running
through his farm. He died August 23, 1726,
aged eighty-nine, and was interred in the Center
burying-ground at Plympton. Children :
Robert, Job, Bartholomew, Samuel, Benjamin.84
additional references:
Early Lebanon, Ct. by Nathaniel H. Morgan- Jonathan Hunt.
DAR Patriot Index-Thomas Gushman, Isaac Cushman, Abraham Williams
N.J.Archives, Vol. 32 p. 83. Thomas Cushman Family.
Notes for THOMAS CUSHMAN:
PROOF:
--- "Mayflower Families thru 5 generations"/Mayflower Society, Vol 17, pgs. 1,2,6,13,14,35,91;
--- Plymouth Will Oct 22, 1690;
---Thos Cushman Will;
--- D/C;
----Mayflower Descendants 2:235, 22:115;
--- Rehoboth VR/Arnold, p. 143, 755 her birth; pg 365 shows her marriage to John Fuller;
----Attleboro VR 2:656 her death;
--- Gen. Notes of Barnstable Fam./Otis, p376-382;
---Marriage record of Town of Rehoboth, Mass.;
---Plymouth Church Records 1620-1859, pg 271;
-----A history of the Titus-Capron & related families/Vol 1, pg 29 shows her parents; pg 56 shows her marriage to John Fuller;
----The Titus Trail/Quarterly/Spring Edition 1980, Vol 1, Number 1, pg 11 & 19 shows her as daughter to John Titus and Abigail Carpenter;
From HWC's Cushman Family Genealogy, p. 100:
"He and his 2d wife were members of the Church at Plympton. He lived on the west side of the highway that leads from Plympton meeting house to the north part of the town, and "Colchester Brook" ran through his farm, which contained a large quantity of land.
"The Plymouth Colony Records, Court Orders, vol. 4, p. 90, under date March 7, 1664-5, contain a curious circumstance respecting him. In his early days, 'before marriage, but after contract,' as the record says, he made a mistake, that was not uncommon in the early history of this country; for which he was sentenced to pay a fine of five pounds according to law.' The rule of perfect chastity was oftener violated by our fathers in the 17th and 18th centuries than at later periods. The common practice in vogue then of 'courting' by young men and maidens, and the uniform fashion 'of keeping company till the small hours of the night,' was one that did not tend to promote a high degree of virtuous intercourse. In that particular the civilization of this day is in advance of our ancestors. But the subject of this article did not suffer materially in his reputation by an error which he soon remedied by marriage; and was, during a long life, a worthy member of the Congregational Church at Plympton, of which his brother was the Pastor." ...
---The following is a verbatim et literatim copy of the inscription on his grave stone in the burying ground at Plympton:
HERE LYES Ye
BODY of mr THOMAS
CUSHMAN WHO DEC'd
AUGst Ye 23d
1726 IN
Ye 89th YEAR
OF HIS AGE
---On 21 May 1721 Thomas Cushman of Plimpton, yeoman, deeded to son Benjamin the house and land where Benjamin was living. On the same day he deeded to son Samuel the land where Samuel was living. On 25 Dec 1721 he deeded the land where he, Thomas, was living to sons Benjamin and Samuel.
---On 17 Nov 1664 when Thomas was 27, he first married Ruth HOWLAND22, daughter of John HOWLAND (1593-5-February 23, 1672/3) & Elizabeth TILLEY (1607-31-22 Dec 1687), in Plymouth , Plymouth, MA.22 Born abt 1646 in Plymouth, Plymouth Co, Massachusetts.2 At the age of 33, Ruth died in Rehoboth, MA bef 16 Oct 1679.2 Will: She was living when her father's will was made on May 24, 1672.
---She was living when her father's Will made made, 29 May 1672, and as he (Thomas Cushman, Jr.) was married the second time in 1679, his first wife must have died between those dates. They had the following children:
i. Robert (1664-1757)
ii. Desire (1668-1762)
iii. Thomas (~1670-1726)
{Note Savage says that Ruth Howland died soon after marriage, producing only Robert. The other children listed above are not mentioned as coming from either his first or second marriage.)
----On 16 Oct 1679 when Thomas was 42, he second married Abigail Titus FULLER, daughter of John TITUS & Abigail CARPENTER, in Rehoboth, MA.2 Born on 18 Feb 1652/53 in Rehoboth, MA.22 At the age of 82, Abigail Titus died in Attleboro, MA on 31 May 1734.22
Her maiden name is TITUS. She was a widow, having been married to John FULLER. He and his second wife were members of the Church at Plympton. He lived on the west side of the highway that leads from Plympton meeting house to the north part of the town, and "Colchester Brook" ran through his farm, which contained a large quantity of land. They had the following children:
i. Job (1680-1740)
ii. Bartholomew (1683-1721)
iii. Samuel (1687-1766)
iv. Benjamin (1691-1770)
Thomas (2) Cushman, lived to
be eighty-nine years of age. He was the
father of Benjamin Cushman, who lived
on a part of his father's farm, in a home
on the south side of or near to Colchester
brook. He married Sarah Eaton, and
their eldest child, Jabez Cushman, was
the father of Zebedee Cushman, 83
Thomas (2), eldest child and son of
Thomas (i) and Mary (Allerton) Cushman,
was born September 16, 1637, and married
Ruth, daughter of John Howland, November
17, 1664. He married (second) Abigail Fuller
of Rehoboth, October 16, 1679. He lived
on the west side of the highway that leads
from Plympton meeting-house to the north
part of the town, "Colchester brook" running
through his farm. He died August 23, 1726,
aged eighty-nine, and was interred in the Center
burying-ground at Plympton. Children :
Robert, Job, Bartholomew, Samuel, Benjamin.84
additional references:
Early Lebanon, Ct. by Nathaniel H. Morgan- Jonathan Hunt.
DAR Patriot Index-Thomas Gushman, Isaac Cushman, Abraham Williams
N.J.Archives, Vol. 32 p. 83. Thomas Cushman Family.
SpouseRUTH HOWLAND , 33
Birth MemoDaughter of John and Elizabeht (Tilley) Howland. Died after May 29, 1672 but before 1679.
Death Memodied after May 29, 1672 but before 1679
Burialunknown
Daughter of John and Elizabeth (Tilley) Howland,.99both of whom were passengers on the Mayflower100 9th known child of John and Elizabeth.88 Maine Family Connections has her d 23 Aug 1726, Plympton, Plymouth, MA??101 John Howland’s Will says: “Item I giue and bequeath vnto my daughter, Ruth Cushman,twenty shillings.”102 Find a Grave has her b 1646??
RUTH, 9th known child of John & Elizabeth (Tilley) Howland, was born say 1646.[sic] She married at Plymouth 17 November 1664 Thomas Cushman, son of Thomas Cushman. Source: Anderson's Great Migration Begins.
Ancestry.com says:
Family Data Collection - Individual Record
Name: Ruth Howland
Spouse: Thomas Cushman
Parents: John Howland, Elizabeth Tilley
Birth Place: Scituate, MA
Birth Date: 16 Sep 1637
Marriage Date: 1653
Death Place: MA
Death Date: Oct 1679
RUTH, 9th known child of John & Elizabeth (Tilley) Howland, was born say 1646.[sic] She married at Plymouth 17 November 1664 Thomas Cushman, son of Thomas Cushman. Source: Anderson's Great Migration Begins.
Ancestry.com says:
Family Data Collection - Individual Record
Name: Ruth Howland
Spouse: Thomas Cushman
Parents: John Howland, Elizabeth Tilley
Birth Place: Scituate, MA
Birth Date: 16 Sep 1637
Marriage Date: 1653
Death Place: MA
Death Date: Oct 1679
Family ID25
Marr Memo1st marriage
Other spouses: ABIGAIL TITUS FULLER
SpousePERSES LEWIS , 63
Birth Memoborn about 1671
Death Memoor, “before 14 January 1743-4”
Burial MemoStone photo’d 1935
Robert’s first marriage. She was daughter of Thomas Lewis and Hannah Baker. 114 Another family genealogy has her surname as “Shaw”.115 Photo of stone at Find A Grave.97
Family ID26
Marriage1697, Plymouth, MA116
Other spouses: PRUDENCE SHERMAN
Burial MemoStone photo’d 1935 JAC
FlagsGen #5
(Robert, Thomas, Thomas, Robert). Son of Robert and Persis (Lewis) Cushman.
SpouseMERCY WASHBURN120 , 177
Death3 May 1796, Kingston, MA, age: 94112
Burial MemoStone photo’d 1935 JAC
Daughter of John and Lydia (Billington) Washburn. Robert and Mercy were married on 17 Apr 1725 in Plymouth but then moved to Kingston where all their children were born.97
She married (2nd) John Fuller of Kingston, MA and, after her death, John Fuller married Deborah Ring. See details and sources at: 120
She married (2nd) John Fuller of Kingston, MA and, after her death, John Fuller married Deborah Ring. See details and sources at: 120
Family ID45
Marriage17 Apr 1725, Plymouth, Plymouth Co, MA
ChildrenLYDIA , 3591 (1726-1784)
JERUSHA , 3592 (1728-1814)
REBEKAH , 3593 (1730-1813)
MERCY , 3594 (1731-1770)
HANNAH , 3595 (1732-1765)
THANKFUL , 3596 (1734-1748)
RUTH , 3597 (1735-1826)
ABIGAIL , 3598 (1737-1788)
ROBERT Fuller , 178 (1738-1799)
JOB , 181 (1740-1740)
ELKENAH , 3599 (1740-1748)
MARTHA , 3600 (1742-1748)
ISAAC , 179 (1745-)
Death3 Apr 1784, Kingston, MA, age: 57127
BurialBuried Old Burying Ground, Kingsont, MA128
Burial MemoStone photo’d 1935 by JAC
FlagsGen #6
(Robert, Robert, Thomas, Thomas, Robert). Daughter of Robert and Mercy (Washburn) Cushman. Memorial for her also at Evergreen Cemetery, Kingston, Plymouth Co. MA. Captain Josiah Fuller married Lydia Cushman the daughter of Robert Cushman (1698-1751) and Mercy Washburn (1702-1796). They married on January 21, 1746 in Kingston, Plymouth County, Massachusetts.
They had 11 children all of whom were born in Kingston. Hannah 1747, Josiah Fuller Jr. 1748, Zephaniah Fuller 1750, Thankful Fuller 1751, Malachi Fuller 1753, Lemuel Fuller 1755, Angelina Fuller 1757, Lydia Fuller 1759 (she married Elisha Cushman her cousin), Johanna Fuller 1762, James Fuller 1768 and Eleazer Fuller. 129
They had 11 children all of whom were born in Kingston. Hannah 1747, Josiah Fuller Jr. 1748, Zephaniah Fuller 1750, Thankful Fuller 1751, Malachi Fuller 1753, Lemuel Fuller 1755, Angelina Fuller 1757, Lydia Fuller 1759 (she married Elisha Cushman her cousin), Johanna Fuller 1762, James Fuller 1768 and Eleazer Fuller. 129
SpouseJOSIAH FULLER128 , 4116
Death3 Sep 1805, Kingston, MA, age: 83132
BurialBuried Old Burying Ground, Kingston, MA128
Burial MemoStone photo’d 1935 by JAC
Son of Ebenezer and Joanna (Gray) Fuller.128Josiah was a Capt in the Revolutionary War. He was the son of Ebenezer Fuller (1695 - 1759) and Johanna Gray (1696 - 1776). Josiah married Lydia Cushman the daughter of Robert Cushman (1698 - 1751) and Mercy Washburn (1702 - 1796). They married on January 21, 1746 in Kingston, Plymouth County, Massachusetts.
They had 11 children all of whom were born in Kingston. Hannah 1747, Josiah Fuller Jr. 1748, Zephaniah Fuller 1750, Thankful Fuller 1751, Malachi Fuller 1753, Lemuel Fuller 1755, Angelina Fuller 1757, Lydia Fuller 1759 (she married Elisha Cushman her cousin), Johanna Fuller 1762, James Fuller 1768 and Eleazer Fuller. 133 Capt. in Revolution from MA134
They had 11 children all of whom were born in Kingston. Hannah 1747, Josiah Fuller Jr. 1748, Zephaniah Fuller 1750, Thankful Fuller 1751, Malachi Fuller 1753, Lemuel Fuller 1755, Angelina Fuller 1757, Lydia Fuller 1759 (she married Elisha Cushman her cousin), Johanna Fuller 1762, James Fuller 1768 and Eleazer Fuller. 133 Capt. in Revolution from MA134
Family ID2554
Marriage21 Jan 1746, Kingston, MA135
Death19 Jan 1770, Plympton, MA, age: 38149
BurialBuried Old Cemetery, Plympton, MA128
Burial MemoStone photo’d in 1935 by JAC
FlagsGen #6
(Robert, Robert, Thomas, Thomas, Robert). Daughter of Robert and Mercy (Washburn) Cushman. ay have also married Philemon Fuller who was b 20-27 Oct 1763 in Plympton, Plymouth Co. MA and died 6 Dec 1838 in Plympton, Plymouth, CO. MA at age 74. 144
SpouseJAMES HARLOW Jr.128 , 4118
Birth12 Apr 1730, Plympton, MA150
Death23 Sep 1802, Plympton, MA, age: 72149
BurialBuried Old Cemetery, Plympton, MA128
Burial MemoStone photo’d in 1935 by JAC
Son of James and Hannah (Shaw) Harlow. Was a Captain in the Revolutionary war.134
Family ID2557
Marriage26 Aug 1754, Kingston, MA135