In September 1620, the Mayflower started its journey with 35 crew members and 102 passengers, including John Howland and Elizabeth Tilley.
John Howland was born in Fenstanton, Huntingdonshire, England, between about 1592 and 1599. Based on his death date, which is recorded on his headstone and death records in Plymouth, he would have been born in about 1592.
In November 1620, the Mayflower Compact was signed by nearly all the adult male colonists and two indentured servants. One of those indentured servants was John Howland. His signature on the famous document suggests he was likely an adult and at least 21 years old in 1620.
The separatist Pilgrims had originally planned on sailing to the New World in two ships. The Speedwell proved to be unseaworthy, and many of the passengers were moved to the Mayflower.
There were turbulent seas that autumn, and in one horrible storm, John Howland fell overboard. William Bradford wrote in his book Of Plymouth Plantation about John Howland’s near-death experience:
“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 hold (though he was sundry fathoms under water) till he was hauled up by the same rope to the brim of the water, and then with a boat hook and other means got into the ship again and his life saved. And though he was something ill with it, yet he lived many years after and became a profitable member both in church and commonwealth.”
John Howland lived with Mr. and Mrs. John Carver as their manservant. The first winter was terrible because the colonists had gone too far north, but John and Mr. and Mrs. Carver managed to survive the winter. Although, the Carver’s would die the next spring.
John Howland married Elizabeth Tilley in about 1623.
They had a total of 10 children, Desire, John, Isaac, Ruth, Elizabeth, Hope, Lydia, Hannah, Joseph, and Jabez
He served as a Plymouth colony assistant and deputy for Plymouth to the general court, was in charge of the fur trading post at Kennebec, and was on the fur trade committee.
ohn Howland died in Plymouth, Massachusetts, on February 23, 1672 or 1673. Elizabeth died at Swansea, Massachusetts on December 21, 1687 or 1688.