John Alden

John Alden was born about 1599. A cooper—a maker of barrels—he was hired at Southampton for the Mayflower’s voyage in 1620 and remained at Plymouth.[3]

He married Priscilla Mullins Alden, probably by 1623; their marriage is documented by 1627. They had ten children: Elizabeth, John, Joseph, Sarah, Jonathan, Ruth, Rebecca, Mary, Priscilla and David Alden.[1,3]

Alden joined the group that took responsibility for the colony’s debts and helped establish Duxbury, Massachusetts. His public offices included governor’s assistant and treasurer, and he participated in revising colonial laws. He later conveyed his property to his children.[3]

He died at Duxbury on 12 September 1687, leaving an estate inventory but no will.[3]