John Howland (bef. 1574 - bef. 1655)

Born before 6 Oct 1574 in London, England

Ancestors

Died before 21 Mar 1655 at about age 80 in Southwark, Surrey, England

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Biography

This profile is part of the Howland Name Study.

Note

In 1848, the book History of the County of Westchester discussed Howland of Greenburgh in the addendum, and it claimed that John Howland of the Mayflower was presumed to be the son of John Howland and Emma Revell.^[1]

In 1855, John A. Howland of Providence, Rhode Island, made a query if John Howland was identical to John Howland of the Mayflower.^[2]

The current research found that John Howland is not identical with John Howland of the Mayflower.

Identity

John Howland identified himself as John Howland of London, Gentleman in his will.^[3]

This John Howland "is the one who has always hitherto been supposed to be identical with John Howland of the Mayflower," but in 1911, Col. Joseph L. Chester, a noted antiquarian, in London, proved that this John Howland "died unmarried and was buried in England."^[4]

In 1893, the book Surrey Archaeological Collection on page 313 says, "Joh'es Howland, de Newport, in com. Essex, filius et hæres."^[5] Those words were written in the Latin language. It translates in English, ”John Howland, of Newport, in the county of Essex, son and heir.”

In 1899, the book The Visitations of the County of Surrey, 1530, 1572, and 1623, Vol. 43, discusses the pedigree of Howland on page 146, and it says about him, “John Howland of Newport in com. Essex vnmarried in Anno 1633 [sic] in March”. It presents a problem whether he died in 1623 or remained unmarried in 1623, or it can be interpreted that he was living and unmarried in March at the time of the visitation of 1623. Look up “1623” elsewhere on this or any page that shows the visitation occurred in 1623 but not in 1633.^[6] Evidently, 1633 was the result of a handwritten typo on the pedigree made by himself, and that's why it added "sic" before it went into the printing. He was alive at that time, in 1623, when he was unmarried.

John Howland was the son and heir of John Howland and Emma Revell.^[6]

The probate records in 1585, 1588, 1598, 1606, and 1608 confirmed that John Howland was the son and heir of John and Emma (Revell) Howland. Also, those records confirmed that he had one brother, Nicholas Howland, and one sister, Margaret Howland, who married Euseby Catesby.

In 1613, his mother, Emma Howland, called him "my loveinge sonne John Howland Citizen and Salter of London" which was written in her will.

Baptism

John Houland, as recorded, was baptized on 6 October 1574 at St. Margaret Moses Church in London, England.^[7] He was the son of John and Emme Howland.

Relatives

He willed his legacies to his deceased sister Margaret Catesby's children, namely: Frances Catesby, the wife of John Gibbins of Cambridge, Thomas Catesby, the elder, John Catesby, Euseby Catesby; to the said John Gibbons' eldest son, John Gibbins; to his two grandnieces ("cousins"), Suzanna and Abigale Catseby, the daughters of his nephew, the said Euseby Catseby; to Anne Catseby, the widow of the said Eusebuy; to Robert Catesby, the grandson of the said deceased sister, Margaret Catesby; to every one of his sister's children not mentioned yet. Also, he willed his legacies to his servant, George Hall, and the maidservants; to his loving friend, Humphrey Millett, a Saddler; to his friends, Edward Thickens of London, Girdler, and William Yorke of London, Ironmonger. He named his cousin, Jeffrey Howland, to be his executor on his will, but if Jeffrey Howland refused, then he named his nephew, John Gibbins, to be his next executor. ^[3]

Properties

He had properties in the city of London, the counties of Middlesex, namely: Stratford Bow, Suffolk, namely: Parham, and Essex, namely: Enterbyes in Chinckford (now Chingford), Newport, Pond, Debden, Widdington, Wicken, Bonnett, and closes and a coppice of wood. He had several messuages or tenements, namely: on Tower Street, near Redriffe Lane, at Pudding Lane near Eastcheap Street; his warehouse on Canntes Key in Thames Street; his stable, hay, and yard near the South; and Hogg Lane, also known as Petticoat Lane, in the parish of St. Botolph with Algate in London..^[3]

Life

He was not married when he signed his will on 21 April 1651 in London.^[3]

It confirms that he had not married and died unmarried, so the Howland branch of Essex ended in 1655, and he was also the last armiger to bear the heraldic achievement, which is now excinct. Unfortunately, no male heir carries the surname of Howland to this day.

Death and Burial

He died in London between the date of the codicil to his will on 12 April 1655, and the date of probate to his will on 21 March 1655.^[8] He was later buried at St. Saviour Church in Southwark, Surrey, England.^[9]

Probate

In the name of God Amen the One and Twentieth Day of Aprill in the yeare of our Lord God One thousand Sixe hundred ffiftie and One I John Howland of London Gentleman Considering my owne mortallitie and weaknes of Body Doe make publishe, and declare this my last Will and Testament. ffirst I give and bequeath my Soule to God my Creator believing that through the meritts of Jesus Christ my Saviour and Redeemer I shall have aeternall life. And I will my Body unto the Earth to be buried in decent manner, with the charge of Twentie Markes at the most. And as touching the disposinge of my Estate My will is That all my debts which I shall owe to any person shall bee paid out of my freehold Lands in Suffolke and out of my house in Thames Streete in London in the occupation of Randall Baskervill according to the provision I have made in that behalf [?] under my hand and seale And I will that all my ffreehold Messuage Landes Tenements and hereditaments in the Citi of London and in the Countie of Essex and Suffolke shall remayne after my death as followeth, Vizt I give will and bequeath All my Messuages, Landes, Tenements, and Herditaments with the Appurtenances Scituate lying and beeing in Parham, or elsewhere in the Countie of Suffolke and all my Messuage or Tenement called Enterbyes with thappurtenances in the Chinckford in the Countie of Essex and three Closes and one Coppice of Wood neare to the said Messuage and all other my Messuages, Landes, Tenements, and Hereditaments in Chinckford aforesaid. And also my two houses in or neare Redriffe Lane att Pudding Lane neare East Cheape in London with all thappurtenances, unto John Gibbins of Cambridge; who married Frannces the daughter of my sister Margarett Catesby deceased, for terme of his life, and after his death to his eldest Sonne John Gibbins and to the heires, and Assignes of the said John Gibbins the Sonne forever. And I give, will, and bequeath all my ffreehold, and Copy-hold, or Customarie Messuages, Landes, Tenements and Hereditaments, Scituate, and beeing in Newport, Pond, Debden, Widdington, Wicking, and Bonnett, and everie of them in the Countie of Essex, and in Stratford Bow in the Countie of Middlesex, and the Revertion, and Revertions of them, and everie of them To my Nephew Thomas Catesbie the elder and to his heires and Assignes forever. And I doe give, will, and bequeath my two Messuages, or Tenements with their Appurtenanes Scituate, lying, and beeing in, or neere Tower Streete in the parish of St Dunstans in the East in London, now or late in the severall occupations of Joseph Day, and Oliver Reynolds, or their Assignes to my Servant George Hall for Terme of his naturall life; And after his decease to Anne Catesby widdow of Euseby Catesby deceased for the terme of her life; and after their decease to the said ffrances Gibbons for Terme of her life and after her decease to her said Sonne John Gibbins, and to his heires and Assignees for ever. Item I give, will, and bequeath my Messuage, or Tenement, somtymes two Messuages, or Tenements knowne by the Signe of the Harrow in Tower-Streete London late in the occupation of John Houth pewterer, and now the occupation of James Simpkins; And all my Messuage, or Tenement in, or near Tower-Streete aforesaid, now or late in the occupation of Christopher ffretheren or his Assignees to the said George Hall my Servant for terme of his naturall life, and from and after his decease I will and devise the said Messuage in the occupation of the said James Simpkins with all the Appurtenances, and the Reversion therof, to my Cousins Suzanna, and Abigale Catesby Daughters of my Nephew Euseby Catesby deceased for terme of their naturall lives and the life of the longer liver of them And after their deceases, to the said ffrances Gibbins for her life, and after her death to her said Sonne John Gibbins, and to his heirs and Assignes for ever. And I doe give will and bequeath the said Messuage with all thappurences in the occupation of the said Christopher ffretheren after the death of the said George Hall to the said ffrances Gibbins for terme of her life, and after her death to her said Sonne John Gibbins, and his heires and Assignees for ever. And I give, will, and bequeath my Stable, Hay-lott, and yard with their Appurtenances neare the South end of Hogg-Lane, als Petticoate-Lane in the parish of Saint Buttolph without Algate London, purchased by mee of Thomas Birkett to the said George Hall for Terme of ffortie yeares next after my decease. I the said George shall soe long live, and dwell and inhabit thirin. And after his Estate shall determin Then I give, and bequeath the same to the said ffrances Gibbins for her life, and after her death to her said Sonne John Gibbins; and to his heires and Assignees for ever. Item I give, will, and bequeath my Ware-house with thappurtenances, Scituate and beeing at or neare Canntes-Key in Thames Streete London in the occupation of Randall Baskervill, and the Roome or Chamber with thappurtenances at or neare Canntes-Key aforesaid now or late in the occupation of George Young or his Assignees, and my Messuage or Tenement with the Appurtenances Scituate in Canntes-Key aforesaid now or late in the tenure or occupation of George Young aforesaid, And my Messuage or Tenemt. in Thames-Streete aforesaid in the parish of St. Buttolph Gillingsgate London now, or late in the occupation of Randall Baskervill or his Assignees to the said ffrances Gibbins for terme of her life; And after her death, to the said John Gibbins, and his heires and Assignees for ever. Chargeable with the payment of Eigtheene poundes p annu to Abigale Catesbie and Suzanna Catesbie for the life of the said George Hall. And if the said Annuall payment shall not bee paid to them quarterlie by equall partions; then they shall have, and hold the said premisses as a penaltie untill the said Annuall payment shall bee paid to them. Item I give to the said Suzanna, and Abigaile Catesbie Daughters of the said Euseby Catesby ffive poundes a peece, To bee paid out of my lands at Parham in the County of Suffolke at their respective daie of Marriage of One and Twentie yeares which shall first happen. Item I give to Richard Catesbie my heire at Lawe One Hundred poundes upon Condition that the said Richard Catesbie shall Convey, and Release all his Right, Title, and Interest whatsoever in Lawe, or Equitie in , and to all my Landes, Tenements, and Hereditaments whatsoever unto the severall Devisees to whom I have given or devised the same before the said Hundred poundes shall bee paid out him in such manner and forme as by them the said Devisees respectivelie, or their respective Councellors learned in the lawe shalbee at their Oaths and Charges, reasonablie devised, or advised and required: The same also to bee paid out of my lands at Parham aforesaid. And I give to Robert Catesby the Grand-Child of my Sister Margarett Catesby One hundred poundes of lawfull Englishe money to bee paid to him out of my Landes at Parham aforesaid. Item I give to Thomas Catesby my Sisters Sonne One hundred pounds out my Landes in Suffolke. And that the said Robert Catesby shalbe first paid his said Legacies, and then the said Richard shalbee paid his said Legacies, and then the said Thomas Catesby shalbee paid his Legacie. Item I give and bequeath the said John Catesbie ffive shillinges. Item I give to everie woman-Servant that shall dwell with mee att my death ffive poundes a peece, To my Servant George Hall Tenn poundes; And to everie one of my Sisters children not before named ffive Shillings a peece. Item I will that my Executor shall out of my Estate mayntaine my Servants that shall dwell with mee at my death with Meate, Drinke, Lodging, washing, and Starching in my now dwelling-house for three Monethes after my death. Item I give my Servant George Hall the Bedstead and Bolster, and Bedd, and all thinges thereto belonging, which hee commonlie lyes upon, and three paires of Sheets, three Towells, and a Dozen of Napkins. The residue of all my goods, and Chattells I doe give to the said John Gibbins the Sonne. And I doe will that all pannted Clothes, Shelves, Waincott, and such like things now used with any of my houses shall remayne to the ffreehold of each house respectivelie; And I doe will that George Hall shall have a true Copie of the severall Counterpts of the Leases lett to the Tenants of my houses in Tower-Streete which I have Conveyed to him for his life. And that all those Counterpartes shall bee produced by those yt have the Reversion of the said Howses in any Court of Lawes or Equitie upon the request of the said George for his better recovery of the Rents of the houses. And I do make, and ordaine my Cousin Mr. Geoffrey Howland Executor of this my Will; And whatsoever Legacies, or Sumes of money I hae any waies appointed by any deed or writing to my Executor shallbee onely to him if hee shall take upon the execution therof, and not otherwise; But if hee shall refuse to take upon him the Executorshipp of this will; Then and in such case I make and ordaine my said Nephew John Gibbins the Sonne my Sole, and whole Executor of this my last Will and Testament. In Witnes Wherof to this my last Will and Testament containing Nyne sheets of paper with this present Sheete, and renounceing all former Wills by mee heretofore made I have sett my hand, and Sealed the day, and yeare first above Written. By mee John Howland. Signed, Sealed, published, and Declared by the Testator to bee his last Will and Testament in the presence of us Humphrey Myllett, Henr: Colbron, Ser: John Parrey. Wheras I agree to make a Lease to Myles Elkes for One and ffiftie yeares of the aforesaid two houses late in the occupation of Joseph Day, and Oliver Reynolds, Whereupon there is to bee reserved but a pepper Corne for the first fower yeares (in Consideration of his new building the same houses) and afterwardes Six and Twentie poundes dureing the rest of the Terme. Now I doe will that if I dye before the end of the said ffower yeares; That the George Hall, and Anne Catesby to whom I have given the said Houses suaessively, and respectively shall receave perceave, and bee paid out of my lands in Suffoke the Annuall Sume of Six and Twentie poundes during the residue of the said fower yeares. Witnes my hand the said One and Twentieth Day of Aprill One thousand Sixe hundred ffifty and One. By mee John Howland. Witns hereto Henr Colbron John Parrey Humphrey Myllers This is a Codicill to be annexed and taken as parte of the last will and Testament of mee John Howland; And I give and bequeath unto my Nephew John Catesby Sonne of my Sister Margarett Catesby ffortie shillinges a yeare for terme of his naturall life to bee chargeable and paid unto him out of my houses in Pudding Lane in London Quaterlie by equall portions; And if the same yearelie payment shall not bee duely paid; Then I will that the said John Catesby shall have, and hold the said Messuages untill the same yearlie payment shalbee paid. Item I give unto Humrey Millett my loving friend beeinge a Saddler living in Southwarke the Sume of Tenn poundes to bee paid him within three Monethes after my death. And wheras I have appointed in and by my said Will that Robert Catesby my Sisters Grand-Child should bee first paid the hundred poundes given him in my said Will, I doe herby revoke that appointment; And I doe herby appoint that his brother Richard Catesby shalbee first paid his Legacies of One hundred poundes and then his Brother Robert Catesby his hundred poundes after his Brother Richard is paid. And I make and ordaine my ffriends Edward Thickens of London Girdler, and William Yorke of London IronMonger Overseers of my said Will, and I give to each of them ffive poundes a peece. And if my cousin Mr. Geoffry Howland shall not take upon him the Execution of this my Will; Then , and in such case I make and ordaine my Nephew John Gibbins the Sonne my Sole and whole Executor of this my Will. And I give to loving friend Anthony Traford ffive poundes to bee paid him within three Monethes after my death. Witnes the hand, and Seale of mee John Howland this thirteenth Day of Aprill in the yeare of our Lord God One thousand Six hundred ffiftie and ffive. By mee John Howland Acknowledged Signed, Sealed, and published by the said John Howland in the presence of us. Henr Colbron, John Perrey, George Hall.

This will was proved the One and Twentieth of March One thousand Six hundred ffiftie ffive before the Judges for probate of Wills, and granting Administrations by the Oath of Jeffery Howland Sole Executor anemd in the said Will Hee beeing fist sworne trulie to Administer.^[3]

Howland Branch of Essex

It became extinct in 1655 when the unmarried John Howland (1574–1655) died without a male issue.

Sources

1. ↑ Bolton, Robert. A History of the County of Westchester, from Its First Settlement to the Present Time. United States, Alexander S. Gould, 1848.
2. ↑ Notes and Queries. United Kingdom, Oxford University Press, 1855, p. 484–485.
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4} “Will of John Howland, Gentleman of Saint Botolph Billingsgate, City of London”, 21 March 1656. PROB 11/254/53. The National Archive (www.nationalarchives.gov.uk) (https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D809656 : accessed 18 March 2019).
4. ↑ The Howland Homestead (Society of the Descendants of Pilgrim John Howland, of the Ship Mayflower, Boston, 1911), p. 5: "The Ancestry of John Howland of the Mayflower."
5. ↑ Surrey Archaeological Collections: Relating to the History and Antiquities of the County. Vol. XI. London: Boworth & Co. Limited, 1893, p. 318.
6. ↑ ^{6.0 6.1} Bannerman, W. Bruce. The Visitations of the County of Surrey: Made and Taken in the Years 1530 by Thomas Benolte, Clarenceux King of Arms; 1572 by Robert Cooke, Clarenceux King of Arms; and 1623 by Samuel Thompson, Windsor Herald, and Augustin Vincent, Rouge Croix Pursuivant, Marshals and Deputies to William Camden, Clarenceux King of Arms. London: 1899, p. 146.
7. ↑ "England Births and Christenings, 1538–1975", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JM2V-9X7: 18 September 2020), John Houland, 1574.
8. ↑ Howland, Charles Roscoe. A Brief Genealogical and Biographical Record of Charles Roscoe Howland, Brothers, and Forebears. Rutland, VT: Tuttle Pub. Co., 1946.
9. ↑ Church of England Parish Registers, 1538–1812. London, England: London Metropolitan Archives; London Church of England Parish Registers; Reference Number: P92/SAV/3003. Ancestry.com. London, England, Church of England Baptisms, Marriages, and Burials, 1538–1812 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010, https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/1964477:1624.