Chapter 1: The Perils of the Journey

John Howland's voyage from the Old World was filled with danger. He survived a harrowing fall into frigid waters, showcasing his resilience during the tumultuous crossing.

John Howland, believed to have been born around 1599, was the son of Henry and Margaret Howland from Fenstanton, Huntingdonshire. Some records indicate he may have been born as early as 1592. As noted in Caleb Johnson's Mayflower History, Howland joined the Mayflower in 1620 as an indentured servant to Governor John Carver and his spouse, Katherine.

During the perilous journey to the New World, Howland's life hung in the balance when he fell overboard amid a fierce storm. Nathaniel Philbrick, author of Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War, vividly recounts the incident:

"As the Mayflower lay ahull, Howland, feeling uneasy below deck, realized that the deck of a ship battling a tempest was perilous for someone unfamiliar with the sea. The howling wind through the rigging was frightening, as were the massive waves crashing around. Suddenly, the Mayflower lurched to one side, causing Howland to stumble against the ship's rail and plunge into the ocean."

Fortunately, Howland was able to grab a halyard, and crew members quickly rescued him.

Years later, William Bradford, who governed Plymouth Colony, reflected on this event in his work, Of Plymouth Plantation, 1620–1647: "It pleased God that he [John Howland] caught hold of the topsail halyards which hung overboard and ran out at length. Yet he held his grip (though he was several fathoms underwater) until he was pulled up by the same rope to the surface, and then using a boat hook and other means, he reboarded the ship, saving his life. Although he suffered some ill effects, he lived many years afterward and became a valuable member of both church and community."

In November 1620, Howland's signature was the 13th on the Mayflower Compact, signed before the Pilgrims landed on Cape Cod. This suggests he was at least 21 years old at the time.

Tragically, Carver passed away in April 1621, followed shortly by Katherine. It is believed that Howland inherited Carver's estate, as their only child had died in 1617, with no records detailing the child's name or gender. Of the 102 passengers on the Mayflower, Carver and his wife were among the many who did not survive the first harsh winter; only about 50 of the original Pilgrims lived through that year.

My fascination with Howland is personal—he is my 10th great-granduncle. In total, there are around 35 million descendants of the Pilgrims worldwide, with approximately 10 million in the United States claiming Mayflower lineage.

Eventually, John Howland married Elizabeth Tilley, who had boarded the Mayflower at the age of 13 alongside her parents, John and Joan Tilley, as well as her uncle and aunt, Edward and Agnes (or Anne) Tilley. Upon discovering that Howland married a Tilley, I was captivated, as Agnes (Cooper) Tilley is my 11th great-grandaunt and was also a Mayflower passenger.

Another significant figure in my family tree is Henry Samson (or Sampson), who is my 10th great-granduncle.

Henry Samson was born around January 15, 1604, in Henlow, Bedfordshire, England. He wed Ann Plummer on February 6, 1636, in Plymouth, where they had at least five sons and five daughters. He passed away around December 24, 1684, in Duxbury and was interred in Coles Hill Burial Ground, Plymouth.

As I’ve discovered on Family Search, the more details added to a family tree, the higher the chance of uncovering a famous relative, a pursuit I find both exciting and engaging.

Although I might qualify for membership in the Mayflower Society, I don't intend to pursue that path.

John Howland passed away in Plymouth, MA, on February 23, 1672, or 1673. Elizabeth died in Swansea, MA, on December 21, 1687, or 1688. They had ten children, who in turn contributed to a lineage of 88 grandchildren. Today, it is estimated that there are around two million descendants of the Howland family.

The first video titled "Christopher Columbus: Explorer of the New World" explores the life and contributions of Columbus, shedding light on his role in the Age of Exploration.

The second video, "Over the Edge: Magellan's Terrifying Travels," chronicles the perilous journeys of Ferdinand Magellan and the challenges he faced during his expeditions.

Are you a descendant of the Mayflower? The journey to uncover your ancestry begins with a search into your past. Thank you for reading!