Thomas Whiton (1599-1664)

THOMAS, son of William Whiton and Catherine Ardene (or derne), was one of six children.  As stated above, he probably emigrated from Oxfordshire, as evidenced by the vital records in the parish register at Hook Norton in that Shire, and a letter of attorney issued by his son James (2) relating to property at that place.  In Hotten's "List of Emigrants," appears the following, which would seem to differ from the last statement; greater credence, though, being given to the former statement:

"In the Elizabeth & Ann, Roger Cooper, Master, bound to New England, the underwritten names are to be transported p. certificate from ye minister of Benendon* in Kent of their conformitie to ye order and discipline of ye Church of England, & yt they are no Subsedy Men. 12th, May 1635."

Among the names are Jeremy Whitton, aged 8, and "bro.wever" (meaning not clear) Thomas Whitton, aged 36 and Awdry Whitton, aged 45.

The first official notice in this country is taken from the Vital Records of Plymouth, Massachusetts, which state that Thomas Whiton and Wynyfride Harding were married November 22, 1639.  Awdry Whiton disappears from the records and probably dies shortly after her arrival.  The names in the emigration records were frequently misspelled, and the ages given, inaccurate.  The Jeremy (Jamie) is undoubtedly James (2), who later settled in Hingham.

Thomas settled in Old Plymouth in 1637, where he was granted seven acres of land, and his name appears as a Proprietor in 1638.  This would indicate that he was a man of character and influence, as land was only given to men of that type, and the proprietors had the power of confirming all grants or purchases from the Indians.  On account of fear of Indian raids, these grants were small in size and contiguous.  In 1644 he bought of Edward Edwards a house and two acres of land for nine pounds, two shillings and six pence.  He died in 1664.*

It does not appear that there were any children by his marriage to Wynyfride; and in 1643, they adopted Sarah Hopkins, aged six years, "Until she should become twenty," agreeing "to be a father and mother to her, to instruct her in sewing, and to find meat, drink, apparel and lodging."  If she married before she was twenty Thomas was to be paid for the remaining time as shall be judged just by the two "indifferent" persons.  It is conjectured that Sarah was a sister or niece of Oceanus Hopkins, who was born at sea on the Mayflower.  In 1649 they adopted Jeremiah Smith, aged four years.

Wynyfride was evidently a woman of spirit and determination, for when in 1653 she was accused by one John Barnes of "telling lies," she promptly haled him before a magistrate and compelled a retraction.  She died in 1660

Children:
JAMES.

*Vital Records and Town Records of Plymouth.  Pioneers of Mass. p. 495.