1. How do I SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE from this list?

To subscribe, send an e-mail message containing the one word message:

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To: Mayflower-l-request@rootsweb.com

To unsubscribe, send an e-mail message containing the one word message:

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2. What types of topics are considered "ON TOPIC for this list?

Any genealogy question dealing with the passengers of the Mayflower in 1620, their ancestors, spouses and descendants.  Yes, that's a big period!  ;-)

3. Is there a way to access the ARCHIVES for this list?

Yes, every email ever sent to list-members since March 2000 is archived.

You may find the archives at: Mayflower List Archives

4. What are all those abbreviations you folks insist on using?

GEB - George Ernest Bowman, MA Society of Mayflower Descendants

GSMD - The General Society of Mayflower Descendants

MD – The Mayflower Descendant, a magazine of Pilgrim history and genealogy by George Bowman, 34 Vols. Boston, 1899-1940.

MFIP – Mayflower Families In Progress, the Pink Books detailing the first few generations of descendants published by the GSMD, 1986 -- .

MF - Mayflower Families Through Five Generations, descendants of the Pilgrims who landed at Plymouth, Mass, December 1620. 7 Vols. Published by the GSMD.

MAI – The Mayflower Ancestral Index, Vol. 1, 1981, published by the GSMD

MI – The Mayflower Index, 2 volume set, published in 1932, updated in 1960 by the GSMD

MQ – Mayflower Quarterly, a publication of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, Vol 1, 1935

MSSR – Massachusetts Soldiers & Sailors of the Revolution, Boston 1886-1890

NEHGR – New England Historical and Genealogical Register published by:

NEHGS – New England Historic Genealogical Society

NGSQ – National Genealogical Society Quarterly, Vol. 1, 1912 through present, published at Washington, DC by the society

ROSER - Susan Roser, author of several books on Mayflower births & deaths, marriages, probates, etc, with information from the files of George Ernest Bowman. Published by the Genealogical Publishing Company

TAG – The American Genealogist, Vol. 1 – 1922 through present, David L. Green, editor.

TORREY – New England Marriages prior to 1700, Clarence Almon Torrey, Genealogical Publishing Co, 1985

VR – Vital Records, each town’s records of birth, deaths, etc
 

5. General questions about joining the "Mayflower Society" (contributed by Susan Roser and others)

Q:  Which Mayflower Society should I join?

A:  There is only one "Mayflower Society" - The General Society of Mayflower Descendants (GSMD), with its headquarters in Plymouth, MA. The General Society is made up of 52 state societies.  Applicants usually join the General Society through the state in which they reside, although you may join thru any state society you wish.

Q: Whom do I contact for information on membership?

A: The General Society of Mayflower Descendents has a web site where you will find a link which will give a list of contacts in each state.  Your state contact will be able to advise you as to the membership process in that state, including fees, dues, etc..

Q:  My grandmother always said we were descended from William Bradford of the Mayflower, but I've only traced back to my great-grandparents.  Can you tell me if they are descended from the Mayflower.  OR - Family tradition says our family is descended from the Mayflower. Can you tell me if these people were on the Mayflower?

A:  Questions such as these are extremely time consuming to State Historians, many of whom devote a large amount of time (volunteer) to assisting applicants who have already traced their line back to the Mayflower.  It should also be noted that the General Society itself does not have the manpower to respond to such generalized questions, or those for which the answers can be readily found on the Internet.   If you have not traced your line back to the Mayflower, it is best to continue with your search and contact your state society once you do find your Mayflower ancestor.  Also, a list of passengers and other info is already readily available at several web sites. (The list of passengers from whom descent can be proven can be found at the General Society's site and as well, a complete passenger list of those  on the Mayflower can be found at Caleb Johnson's Mayflower site.

Q: My mother/cousin was a member of the Society.  Does this mean I can automatically join?

A: No.  Members who were approved before 1983 provided little or no documentation to prove their lines (although there were exceptions).  In 1983 the requirements were strengthened, therefore papers approved after this date are well documented while earlier papers may not be.  If you already have a copy of your relative's paper, a copy should be forwarded to your State Historian for appraisal.  If you do not have a copy, see below.

Q:  How do I tell if a relative's approved paper (pre 1983) is well documented? OR Is there any way of finding out if someone else has previously had a well documented paper  approved based on my early lines?

A:  If you do not already have a copy of the relative's lineage paper, you will need to obtain one from the relative, thru your State Historian, or from the General Society (P. O. Box 3297, Plymouth MA 02361) at a cost of $10.00. You will need to send a synopsis of your line (a synopsis form may be printed out at General Society of Mayflower Descendants website ) give the person's name and if known, their General Society number.  Ask for a search for a well documented paper, and ask if your relative's paper is one of those.  The same applies to find out if a well documented line similar to yours has ever been approved - send a synopsis of your line.  If a  previously approved paper IS well documented, you will be able to use the data & sources from that paper up to the point where your lines branch off, which means your documentation efforts will begin at this point.

Q: In documenting my line for membership, what needs to be proven and what type of proof does one need?

A: The Society has researched and published four and five generations of many of the Mayflower passengers, therefore these early generations can be sourced by most State Historians.  Some State Historians also have resources available to them and can check past these generations.

As for the remainder, to put it simply - there are 2 people in each generation, the line carrier and the spouse.  This means 2 births, 2 deaths and 1 marriage - 5 events to prove in each generation.  A source must be provided to confirm each date - primary sources are preferable and expected, particularly to prove parentage of the line carrier.  If a primary source cannot be found, a RELIABLE secondary source may be used in some cases.  Your last 3 generations (i.e. yourself, parents, grandparents) and any date in the 1900's, must be proven with full primary documents (birth, marriage, death records) and these should be 'long form' records wherever possible.  Your State Historian will be able to advise you as to whether or not the documentation you have is sufficient.

Q:  What is the "Mayflower Index" and the "Mayflower Ancestral Index", and can they be used as a source on my lineage paper?

A: The "Mayflower Ancestral Index" (MAI), vol. 1, was published by the General Society in 1981, covering approved lineages of the families of Brewster, Chilton, Eaton, S. Fuller, More, Rogers, Soule & White as found in the files of the Society by 1981.  The book itself describes it thus: "...a roster of the family elements of the members of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants.... At best an index is secondary source material but it is not genealogical evidence.  It may not be offered as documentation for membership in the Society."

This is a guide only, to tell you which lines in the above families were approved before 1981.  The index contains the names in the lineage only, no sources, no places or dates (save for the occasional  "1710-1784").  Since the inclusion of a line in this book means the line was approved before 1981, these approved lineage papers in the Society's files  may not be well documented.

The Mayflower Index, a 2 volume set, was first published in 1932 then updated in 1960 by the General Society of Mayflower Descendents. May also not be used as genealogical evidence, but may assist in research.

Q. Are they others like me who might be able to help me?

Yes, there are a number of Pilgrim Family Associations, made up of folks who have proved their lines back to Pilgrim ancestors. Here are a few:

The Alden Kindred of America, Inc.

The Pilgrim Henry Samson Kindred

Q: What are the "Silver Books" and the "Pink Books"? (Contributed by Marty Irons)

A: The Mayflower Society publishes a series of 5-generation books, commonly called the "silver books".   Volumes 4 through 22 are currently being sold.   They also publish  series of 4-generation books "Mayflower Families  in Progress", commonly called MFIP or the "pink books". (see below)

Both the silver and the pink books are outstanding references, as they list many sources.

MFIP books are $10 apiece; silver books vary from $20 for one to $109 for a set of two covering one Pilgrim.

Postage is extra

For a complete list, with prices, contact Mayflower Families, PO Box 3297, Plymouth MA 02361, or any currently active member of the Society, as their complete catalog is listed in every quarterly, which every current member receives.

And, YES, the Silver Books seem to all be printed with the spine printing upside down as compared to every other book in your library!

Q:  What is the cost of joining the General Society?

A: Each State Society charges an application fee (non-refundable), the amount varies from state to state, as do the annual dues and life memberships.  Your state contact can give you this information.
 

6. Where are some web pages dealing with Mayflower genealogy?
(Following suggested by: bwhite@westelcom.com )

Caleb Johnson's Mayflower History Pages
Society Of Mayflower Descendants in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
http://www.willowbend.net
http://www.mayflowerfamilies.com/
http://www.familytreemaker.com/203facd.html
http://pilgrims.net/plymouth/
http://www.rootsweb.com/~mahampde/mass_set.htm
http://www.masshome.com/hist.html

7. Are there specific books I should add to my research library?

The following is a list of useful books for Mayflower researchers. This list was compiled by BethiahM@aol.com: 

A. Mayflower and Plymouth Genealogy and History:

Anderson, Robert Charles. _The Great Migration Begins : Immigrants to New England, 1620-1633. _ {GMB} Boston : New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1995

Bowman, George E. Edited by Ruth W. Sherman.  _The Mayflower Reader. Genealogical Publishing Co, 1978.

Bradford, William. _Of Plymouth Plantation 1620-1647_. Edited by Samuel Eliot Morison. Alfred A. Knopf, 1952. (12th printing, 1989)  [suggested by Dale Cook]

Konig, David Thomas, ed. _Plymouth Court Records 1686-1859_. 16 volumes, printed 1978-9.

Roberts, Gary Boyd. _English Origins of New England Families: From the New England Historical and Genealogical Register_. First series. Three volumes. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co, 1984.

-----. _English Origins of New England Families: From the New England Historical and Genealogical Register_. Second series. Three Volumes. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co, 1985.

-----.  _Genealogies of Mayflower families : From the New England Historical and Genealogical Register_. Three Volumes. Baltimore, Md. : Genealogical Pub. Co., 1985

-----. _Mayflower Source Records: Primary Data Concerning Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, From the New England Historical and Genealogical Register_. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co, 1986.

Roser, Susan. _Mayflower Births and Deaths_. 2 volumes. Genealogical Publishing Co, 1992.
----- _Mayflower Increasings_. Revised edition, 1995.
----- _Mayflower Marriages._ Genealogical Publishing Co, 1990.
----- _Mayflower Probate and Deeds_

Sherman, Ruth W. and Robert S. Wakefield. _Plymouth Colony Probate Guide: Where to find Wills and Related Data for 800 People of Plymouth Colony 1620-1691_. Warwick, RI, 1983.

Shurtleff, Nathaniel B., editor (except vol. 9, edited by David Pulsifer). _Records of the Colony of New Plymouth in New England_. Boston: William White, 1855 -1861.

vol. 1: Court orders, 1633-1640;
vol. 2: Acts of the Commissioners of the United Colonies of New England, 1653-1679;
vol 3: Court orders, 1651 - 1661;
vol. 4: Court orders, 1661-1668;
vol. 5: Court orders, 1668 - 1678;
vol. 6: Court orders, 1678-1691;
vol. 7: Judicial acts, 1636-1692;
vol. 8: Misc. records, 1633-1689;
vol. 9: Laws, 1632 - 1682

Stratton, Eugene. _Plymouth Colony: Its History and People 1620-1691_. Salt Lake City: Ancestry, 1986. ISBN: 0-916489-18-3

Torrey, Clarence A.  _New England Marriages before 1700_. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co, 1987.  (plus the 2 updates by Melinde Lutz Sanborn)
 

B. Family Specific Books:

The General Society of Mayflower Descendants publishes a series called "Mayflower Families Through Five Generations" or, more commonly, "The SILVER BOOKS". The volume numbers, year published, families covered, and compilers or editors are:

Volume 4, 3rd  edition (2006): Edward Fuller by Bruce Campbell McGunnigle

Volume 5, 2nd edition (1997): Edward Winslow and John Billington by Ruth Mc Guyre & Robert Wakefield & Harriet W. Hodge

Volume 6, 3rd edition (2001):  Stephen Hopkins by John D. Austin

Volume 7, 2nd edition (2002): Peter Brown by Robert S. Wakefield

Volume 8 (1994): Degory Priest, edited by Robert S. Wakefield

Volume 9 (1996): Francis Eaton, revised by Robert S. Wakefield

Volume 10 (1996): Samuel Fuller, revised by Robert S. Wakefield

Volume 11, part 1 (1996): Edward Doty (through sons Edward and John), by Peter B. Hill

Volume 11, part 2 (1996): Edward Doty (through Thomas, Samuel, Desire and Elizabeth), by Peter B. Hill

Volume 11, part 3 (2000): Edward Doty (through Isaac, Joseph Mary) by Peter B. Hill

Volume 12 (1999): Francis Cooke by Ralph Van Wood, Jr.

Volume 13, 3rd edition (2006): William White

Volume 14, 2nd edition (2007): Myles Standish, by Russell Warner, revised by Judith H. Swan

Volume 15 (1997): James Chilton, Richard More, revised by Robert S. Wakefield

Volume 16 - 1 (1999): John Alden (four generations, naming 5th) by Esther Littlefield Woodworth-Barnes

Volume 16, part 2 (2002): John Alden - Fifth Generation Descendants of Elizabeth² - compiled by Esther Littleford Woodworth - Barnes; edited by Alicia Crane Williams

Volume 16, part 3 (2004): John Alden - Fifth Generation Descendants of John², Joseph², and Jonathan² - compiled by Esther Littleford Woodworth - Barnes; edited by Alicia Crane Williams

Volume 17 (1998): Isaac Allerton compiled by Robert Wakefield and Margaret Harris

Volume 18-1 (2004): Richard Warren (four generations, naming 5th) by Robert S. Wakefield

Volume 18, part 2 (1999): Richard Warren - Fifth Generation Descendants of Mary², Anna² and Elizabeth² - compiled by Robert S. Wakefield

Volume 18, part 3 (2001): Richard Warren - Fifth Generation Descendants of Abigail2, Nathaniel2 and Joseph2 - compiled by Robert S. Wakefield

Volume 19 (2000): Thomas Rogers, revised by Ann T. Reeves

Volume 20, part 1 (2000): Henry Sampson - by Robert Moody Sherman, Ruth Wilder Sherman

Volume 20, part 2 (2005): Henry Samson - Fifth generation descendants of James, Elizabeth (Samson) Sprout, daughter (Samson) Hanmore, Hannah (Samson) Holmes, Dorcas (Samson) Bonney by Jane Fletcher Fiske, FASG, Robert Moody Sherman, FASG, Ruth Wilder Sherman, FASG

Volume 20, part 3 (2006):Henry Samson - Fifth generation descendants of Stephen and Caleb

Volume 21 (2001): John Billington - originally compiled by Harriet W. Hodge, revised by Robert S. Wakefield, FASG

Volume 22 (2004): William Bradford - compiled by Robert S. Wakefield, FASG and Ann Smith Lainhart

Volume 23, part 1 (2006):John Howland - Four generations naming fifth through Lydia, Hannah, Joseph, Jabez, Ruth and Isaac

John Howland of the Mayflower, Vol 1 : (Through Desire Howland) by Elizabeth Pearson White

John Howland of the Mayflower, Vol 2: (Through John Howland (2) by Elizabeth Pearson White

There is also a set of  paperback books (The PINK BOOKS), also available from the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, that covers four generations of some of the families:

William Brewster, Richard Church, George Soule, Francis Cooke, Robert Cushman of Kent, Philip Delano (of the Fortune) and Robert Bartlett (of the Anne)

ALL OF THESE BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE HERE:  General Society of Mayflower Descendants Bookstore
And, YES, the Silver Books seem to all be printed with the spine printing upside down as compared to every other book in your library! 

C. Periodicals with Frequent Articles about Mayflower Genealogy
 

The Mayflower Descendant_ (MD), 1899-1937, 1985-present. publ. by the Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants; 2x a year. (vital records, articles on both Mayflower and early MA families)

_New England Historical & Genealogical Register_ (NEHGR), 1847-present published by the New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS); 4x/year.

(Vital records, articles on early & colonial families)

_The American Genealogist_ (TAG), (articles on early & colonial families

in the U.S. & overseas)

_The Mayflower Quarterly_ (MQ), publ. by the General Society of Mayflower Descendants (GSMD); 4x a year (articles on Mayflower families; occasional records)

_New York Genealogical & Biographical Register_ (NYGBR) (articles on MA families -- especially those where later generations migrated west)

_The Great Migration Newsletter_, published by the New England Historical and Genealogical Society. Esp. see vol. 3 pp 11-14, “Focus on Plymouth”

Updated 07 December 2008