| John Eells migrated to New England during the Puritan Great Migration (1621-1640). (See Great Migration Begins, by R. C. Anderson, Vol. 1, p. 618) Join: Puritan Great Migration Project Discuss: pgm |
John Eeles (Eells, Eales) was born about 1600, a year estimated upon the birth year of his elder son. John's origin is unknown but some have speculated with no sources that he was from the vicinity of Chichester, Sussex. Anderson, however, in "Great Migration Begins" indicates a strong possibility that he was from Barnstable, Devonshire or somewhere in that area. The basis is his residences in Dorchester and Windsor and his transactions with Thomas Allen, just before his return to England.[1]
He migrated to New England in 1633 with possibly his wife and eldest son with him. He settled at Dorchester, moved to Windsor then again lived in Dorchester. John was a planter.[1]
He married, but the name of his wife is not known and is not found in any record in New England.[1]
He was admitted to the Dorchester church before May 14, 1634, since he had become a freeman;[2]he was obviously a member of the Windsor church before May 3, 1640 at the baptism of his son Samuel.[1]
He acted as constable and had sufficient education to keep the accounts needed in that position.[1]
John Eeles estate consisted of a great lot of twenty acres at Dorchester, two acres of meadow plus additional land about Rocky Hill, some property at the neck, some cow pasture, a small parcel of upland, and another meadow. On February 22, 1638 John Eells sold his land in Dorchester Neck to Mr. Mather. Later on October 28, 1640 he sold his house, out buildings, and lands to Nathaniel Patten.[1]
On July 8, 1641 he purchased "one house & garden with the appurtenances in Barnstable in the County of Devon lying on Bowport Street" from Thomas Allen of Barnstable in New England. A provisio to the agreement was "that if the said John Eells die at sea without heirs then the premsises shall be & remain to the said Thomas Allen. Allen further gave John Eells power of attorney to collect debts for Allen in England,[1][3] which suggests that John Eeles was about to set sail for England.[4]
He returned to England permanently in 1641[1]and went to Devon. In the 1660s his son Samuel returned to New England.[4]
"John, who, it is said, resided in Hingham for a short time, was from Dorchester, where he sold his dwelling-house, land, etc., "the 28th of the 8th mo. 1640." I have been unable, however, to find anything relating to him on Hingham's records. He may have been " John the bee-hive maker " who finally settled at Newbury, as has been suggested by various historical writers."[5]
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Categories: Founders of Windsor | Puritan Great Migration | PGM Beyond New England
here: https://www.americanancestors.org/databases/great-migration-begins-immigrants-to-ne-1620-1633-vols-i-iii/image?pageName=618&volumeId=12107
It is a subscription site, but allows guests to browse, so maybe you can see the article.
On that basis, I'm going to add sources & a more complete biography.