Europe to the Americas
Table of Contents
England Migrations
Between the years 1410 and 1714, the fabric of our family was woven through the heart of England, intertwining with the nation’s most transformative epochs. This is the chronicle of our 356 ancestors, who lived, loved, and left an indelible mark upon the land, and the 23 intrepid souls who embarked on a journey to the New World. Highlighted below are some of the greatest eras in history that our ancestors have witnessed and lived through:
The Medieval Mosaic
Our story begins in the late Middle Ages, a time when England was emerging from the shadows of the Dark Ages. Life was a blend of hard work and simple pleasures. Our ancestors, rooted in the soil of their fields and the bustling streets of burgeoning towns, witnessed the end of the Hundred Years’ War and the rise of the Tudors. They were artisans, farmers, and merchants, shaping a life amidst feudal systems and a society on the brink of change.
The Tudor Tapestry (1485-1603)
As the Tudor dynasty ascended, our family narrative embroidered itself into the fabric of an evolving England. This era, marked by exploration, religious reformation, and the flowering of the English Renaissance, saw our ancestors adapt and flourish. They lived through the reigns of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, experiencing the cultural and social upheavals that defined the era.
An ancestor, George Vincent (or Vyncent), born around 1493, emerged as a prominent figure in 16th-century England, not only as part of the English landed gentry from Peckleton, Leicestershire, but also through his service as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Leicestershire in 1558. His life encapsulates the roles and responsibilities of the landed gentry during the Tudor period.
Another ancestor, William Howard, 1st Baron Howard of Effingham (circa 1510 – 12 January 1573), was a distinguished English figure who notably served four monarchs: Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I. His career spanned various significant roles, including key diplomatic missions and high-ranking positions like Lord Admiral and Lord Chamberlain of the Household.
The Stuart Saga (1603-1714)
The Stuart period brought with it a whirlwind of change. Our ancestors bore witness to the English Civil War, the rise and fall of monarchies, and the tumultuous beginnings of parliamentary democracy. Amidst these seismic shifts, some of our kin sought opportunities afar. The 23 who set sail for the New World embarked on a perilous journey, driven by the promise of new beginnings and the pursuit of freedom.
An ancestor, Anne Sutton, who lived from 1589 to 1615, fits into the Elizabethan era and the early Jacobean era in England. As a lady-in-waiting and companion to Elizabeth Stuart, Queen of Bohemia, during the reigns of both Queen Elizabeth I (who died in 1603) and her successor, King James I, Sutton’s life spanned the transition between these two significant periods in English history.
A Martyr of Religious Dissent in England
In the early 16th century, Thomas Harding of Gloucestershire, England, became a notable figure for his affiliation with the Lollards, a group challenging the Catholic Church’s practices. His dissent placed him in jeopardy during an inquiry into heresy around 1506 or 1511, leading to his initial recantation. However, by 1521, Harding boldly returned to his Lollard beliefs, a decision that ultimately led to his arrest and tragic death in 1532 for possessing works by William Tyndale, including an English translation of the New Testament. Recognized posthumously as a Protestant martyr, Harding’s story is a poignant example of the perilous path of religious dissent in England during a period of intense doctrinal conflict. His legacy is commemorated in various memorials, including one at St Mary’s Church in Chesham and the Amersham Martyrs Memorial, reflecting his significant impact on the religious history of the time.
England to Germany
In the early 17th century, England was embroiled in religious and political turmoil, with the transition from the Tudor to the Stuart dynasties intensifying conflicts among Anglicans, Catholics, and Puritans. This discord set the stage for the English Civil War, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty.
Tewes Tobias Luckey and Adelhaid Gottwald, born into this era of unrest, would have felt the pressures of these divisive times. The increasing religious persecution and political instability in England likely compelled them to seek a more peaceful life.
Their journey led them to Twiste in Waldeck-Frankenberg, Hessen, Germany, known for its religious tolerance and stability. Here, away from England’s strife, Tewes and Adelhaid found a haven where they could live without fear of persecution, embracing the tranquility and security that their homeland could no longer provide.
England to Massachusetts
In the early 17th century, a group of English settlers embarked on a life-changing journey across the Atlantic, bound for Massachusetts. Among these were farmers, artisans, and families, united in their quest for a new life. Their story is a mosaic of aspirations and hopes, with each individual playing a role in the shaping of a new society.
Many of the settlers during this period were Puritans seeking religious freedom. Massachusetts, with the establishment of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630, was particularly attractive to Puritans who wanted to escape the religious persecution they faced in England under the Anglican Church. The colony was envisioned as a “city upon a hill,” where they could practice their religion freely and build a society based on their religious beliefs. This was a primary motivating factor for many, and less so in regions like New York or Pennsylvania at that time.
Among these pioneers, Samuel Cole stands out for his significant contribution to the burgeoning community of Boston. Born in Essex, England, Cole arrived in Boston in 1630 aboard the Arabella, part of the historic Winthrop Fleet. His presence in Boston marked the beginning of a new chapter in the colony’s social life.
England to Virginia
The Virginia colony, established in 1607 with the founding of Jamestown, was becoming known for its economic opportunities, especially in agriculture and tobacco cultivation. The promise of owning land and profiting from tobacco farming would have been a significant draw for many, including John Pruitt, who decided to move from England to Virginia in 1623.
The Great Migration: The period of the 1620s was part of the “Great Migration,” where a significant number of English settlers moved to America. This movement was often driven by a combination of seeking religious freedom, economic opportunities, and escaping political turmoil following the Protestant Reformation in England.
Netherlands Migrations
In the span of 145 years, from 1570 to 1715, the Netherlands experienced a remarkable metamorphosis, an era that saw the birth and zenith of the Dutch Golden Age. This period was characterized by dramatic changes in society, culture, and economy, painting a vivid picture of life in cities like Amsterdam and Leiden.
The Rise of a Trading Power: Amsterdam in the Golden Age
In Amsterdam, the late 16th and 17th centuries were a time of unprecedented prosperity. The city, bustling with maritime trade, became the beating heart of a global trading network. The completion of the Amsterdam Stock Exchange in 1611, the first of its kind in the world, symbolized the city’s financial prowess.
Amsterdam was not only a center of trade but also of culture and arts. The works of painters like Rembrandt and Vermeer adorned the homes of wealthy merchants, reflecting a society that highly valued art and creativity. The city’s streets were alive with the sounds of construction, as elegant canal houses were built, forming the iconic Amsterdam we know today.
Leiden: A Center of Learning and Industry
Leiden, another jewel in the Dutch crown, was known for its prestigious University, founded in 1575. Scholars from across Europe were drawn to its renowned faculties, contributing to a vibrant academic atmosphere. The city was also a hub for the textile industry, which was a cornerstone of its economy.
Before their historic journey to the New World, the Pilgrims resided in Leiden, enjoying the religious freedom that was scarce in England. This chapter in Leiden’s history highlights the city’s role as a haven for diverse religious and cultural groups.
Life in the Dutch Golden Age
For the average citizen, life in the Netherlands during this period was marked by a mix of hard work and newfound prosperity. The growing middle class, consisting of merchants, artisans, and tradespeople, enjoyed a level of wealth and comfort previously reserved for the nobility. This was a society in motion, characterized by social mobility and economic opportunity.
Decline and Transition
As the 17th century waned, so did the Dutch Golden Age. The costly wars with England and France, combined with internal political strife, began to strain the Dutch economy. By the early 18th century, the Netherlands was transitioning into a new era, one less dominated by trade and more by a search for political stability.
The Voyage to New Amsterdam
In the early 17th century, Marritje Sytje Dirks and Trintie Thomase Van Dyke, like many of their compatriots, were drawn to the promises of the New World. Their journey from the bustling, prosperous Netherlands to the untamed shores of New Amsterdam and Brooklyn was a leap into the unknown, spurred by the allure of new opportunities and a fresh start.
Upon arrival in New Amsterdam, they found themselves in a fledgling settlement rapidly transforming from a trading post into a vibrant community. New Amsterdam, the heart of New Netherland, was a melting pot of cultures and nationalities, a reflection of the Dutch Golden Age’s spirit of commerce and tolerance.
The town was a hub for the fur trade, and its harbor buzzed with ships from around the Atlantic world. Opportunities abounded in trade, shipping, and mercantile endeavors. As a Dutch colony, New Amsterdam was characterized by a degree of religious and cultural freedom unusual for the time, attracting a diverse population.
Despite its growing economy, life in New Amsterdam was still rustic and challenging, with basic infrastructure and the constant need for more labor and resources. Marritje and Trintie’s story may have also intertwined with the settlement of Brooklyn, known then as Breuckelen. This area, with its fertile land, offered a different appeal – the promise of farming and land ownership, a precious commodity in the densely populated Netherlands.
Netherlands to Chester, Pennsylvania
In the span between 1645 and 1715, two of our ancestors embarked on a transformative journey, leaving their known world behind to settle in Chester, Pennsylvania. Their decision, made during a time of significant growth and opportunity in the American colonies, was fueled by several compelling factors that drew many to this new and promising land.
Pennsylvania, founded by William Penn in 1681, was a beacon of religious tolerance and freedom. Penn’s vision of a ‘Holy Experiment’ offered a haven for those facing religious persecution in Europe, a promise that likely resonated deeply with our ancestors. This land, marked by its Quaker principles, stood in contrast to the religious strife and intolerance rampant in many parts of the world at that time.
In addition to religious freedom, the fertile lands of Pennsylvania offered unparalleled agricultural opportunities. The region’s rich soil was ideal for farming, promising prosperity and the potential for land ownership, a dream far beyond the reach of many in the crowded cities and rigid social structures of Europe. Our ancestors would have been drawn to the chance of cultivating their own land and building a new life from the soil up.
Moreover, the political climate in Pennsylvania was a draw. Under Penn’s governance, a democratic system allowed for greater participation in political decisions than many other colonies. This political stability, coupled with the promise of economic growth, made Pennsylvania, and particularly Chester with its vital location along the Delaware River, an attractive destination for settlers seeking a stable and prosperous life.
Upon arriving in Chester, our ancestors found themselves in a thriving port city, a melting pot of cultures and nationalities, bustling with the activities of settlers building new lives. Here, community bonds were strong, forged in the shared experience of carving out a new existence in a foreign land. Life in Chester was marked by cooperation and mutual support, essential for survival and growth in the new world.
Their interaction with the Native Americans, influenced by Penn’s policies, was marked by more peaceful relations compared to other colonies, reflecting the unique character of Pennsylvania during this period.
France Migrations
The lives of our ancestors in France from the late 15th to the mid-17th century spanned a dynamic and transformative era, marked by significant shifts in cultural, religious, and political landscapes. Here’s a glimpse into the different phases of this period:
Late 15th to Early 16th Century (1485-1520)
This era saw the dawn of the Renaissance in France, characterized by a flowering of the arts, learning, and culture. Towns like Montreuil and Rennes would have begun to reflect this cultural shift. The majority of the population were peasants, artisans, or merchants. Regions like Brittany and Île-de-France, rich in agricultural and maritime activities, offered varied economic opportunities.
Mid to Late 16th Century (1520-1590)
This was a tumultuous period marked by the Wars of Religion between Catholics and Protestants (Huguenots). Regions like Brittany and Ille-et-Vilaine witnessed conflicts and social upheaval. Despite the turmoil, the Renaissance continued to influence art, architecture, and thought, particularly in urban centers.
Early 17th Century (1600-1630)
The Edict of Nantes in 1598 brought a temporary peace between Catholics and Protestants, impacting social and religious life. France, under the rule of the Bourbon kings, began to centralize power and develop its economy, though rural areas like Brittany and Picardie were slower to change.
Mid to Late 17th Century (1630-1674)
Thirty Years’ War Impact: The Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648), although primarily in the Holy Roman Empire, had significant impacts on France, leading to further military and political upheavals.This period also saw the rise of French colonial expansion. The migration of some ancestors to places like Henrico, Virginia, might be linked to these new opportunities overseas.
France to Henrico, Virginia
The late 17th century, spanning the years when Nancy Ann Luckey migrated from Somme, Picardie, France to Henrico, Virginia (approximately 1637-1671), presents several plausible reasons for her journey:
During this period, the American colonies, particularly Virginia, were burgeoning economically. The tobacco industry, in particular, was booming, offering opportunities for work and potentially lucrative investments. For someone from Picardie, a region not known for immense wealth, the promise of economic betterment in Virginia would have been a strong motivator.
Land Ownership: The availability of land in the colonies was a significant draw. In contrast to Europe, where land ownership was often restricted to the nobility and wealthy gentry, the New World offered the possibility of owning land to a broader segment of the population. This opportunity for land and the autonomy it brought would have been enticing.
Ireland Migrations
Between 1580 and 1739, Ireland was a land in turmoil, experiencing dramatic political, religious, and social upheavals that deeply affected its inhabitants, including Reverend Thomas Craighead Sr. and his family.
Elizabethan Conquest (late 16th Century)
Leading to heightened tensions between Irish Catholics and Protestant English settlers, compounded by the Plantations of Ireland that redistributed lands to English and Scottish settlers. This period was marked by religious strife, notably in Ulster, where the plantation led to significant demographic and cultural changes.
Irish Rebellion of 1641
The 17th century continued this turbulent trend with the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and the Cromwellian Conquest, further deepening the Catholic-Protestant divide and ushering in economic hardships.
Ireland to Pennsylvania
The 18th century introduced the Penal Laws, severely restricting the rights of Catholics and dissenting Protestants like the Presbyterians, spurring many, including Thomas Craighead, to seek refuge elsewhere. Craighead, born in Derry and having a background in both medicine and ministry, married in Scotland before migrating to Pennsylvania in 1733. His journey was emblematic of the era’s challenges—seeking religious freedom and stability in Pennsylvania, where he settled in Cumberland, contributing his skills to the community until his passing in 1739. Craighead’s life, set against Ireland’s complex and transformative backdrop, highlights the resilience and adaptability of those navigating these tumultuous times.
The New Life in Massachusetts
Between 1603 and 1721, Massachusetts transformed from a nascent colonial outpost to a well-established province in British Colonial America. This period was marked by significant events and developments that shaped life and society in Massachusetts.
European Exploration (early 1700s)
In 1603, Massachusetts was largely inhabited by Native American tribes, with European exploration and contact gradually increasing. The early 17th century saw the arrival of English settlers, most notably the Pilgrims in 1620 aboard the Mayflower, who established the Plymouth Colony. This marked the beginning of permanent European settlements in the region.
The 1620s and 1630s witnessed the establishment of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, driven primarily by the Puritans seeking to escape religious persecution in England. Their goal was to create a “city upon a hill,” a community guided by their religious convictions. The Puritans established a self-governing, theocratic society with strict adherence to their religious beliefs, which significantly influenced the cultural and social fabric of the colony.
Throughout the mid-17th century, Massachusetts experienced growth and expansion, but not without conflict and challenges. The colony saw tensions with Native American tribes, culminating in conflicts such as the Pequot War (1636-1638) and King Philip’s War (1675-1678), which had devastating effects on both the Native American populations and colonial settlements.
The late 17th century also witnessed the Salem Witch Trials in 1692, a dark chapter in the colony’s history, reflecting the deeply religious and sometimes superstitious nature of the Puritan society.
Economically, Massachusetts prospered through shipping, trade, and agriculture. The Atlantic trade, particularly with the Caribbean, was instrumental in the economic development of the colony. The coastal towns became centers of maritime activities, and the colony as a whole benefited from the trade of goods like timber, fish, and fur.
By the early 18th century, Massachusetts was a well-established colony with a complex society. It played a significant role in the political and economic affairs of British Colonial America. The colony had a relatively high level of literacy and an emerging sense of identity, distinct from that of England, setting the stage for future events leading up to the American Revolution.
The New Life in Virginia
Between 1532 and 1700, Virginia underwent a remarkable transformation from a largely unexplored territory to a key colony in British Colonial America. This period was pivotal in shaping both the colony’s future and the broader history of what would become the United States.