It's All "Relative"

     I am related to John and Priscilla Alden. For those of you that aren't history buffs, these two came over on  the Mayflower in 1620 and landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts. They didn't come as a married couple however.
     Priscilla came over with her parents (the Mullens) and younger brother, Joseph.  Mr. Mullins (I think his name was William) made shoes and had actually brought  more than 30 pair along with him on the Mayflower so that he could trade them for other necessities. I don't think he actually had the chance to trade too many of them. 
     That first winter was  hard. Almost half of the group died during those first few months. William, his wife Alice, and their son were part of that group. Priscilla was the only Mullins to survive.
      A couple of years later, Priscilla married John. They had a lot of kids, the second one being Priscilla's namesake and my ancestrial line.

     I am related to John and Priscilla Alden. John was hired onto the Mayflower as the Cooper, one who repaired things on the way over to the New World. He was probably related to the captain. He fell in love with Priscilla, but there was a problem. Another man fell in love with her also, a certain Miles Standish.
     Two years later, the better man won and John and Priscilla wed. Both John and Priscilla lived a very long time, John being one of the last of the Mayflower clan to die.

     I am related to John and Priscilla Alden. Imagine what would have happened if Priscilla had married Miles instead? Would I still live in New England? Would I have artistic talent? Would I have red hair?

I am related to John and Priscilla Alden. Imagine my life if Priscilla had died along with the rest of her family that first winter....


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