A Life of Conviction
Explore the life of James Chilton, the oldest passenger on the *Mayflower* and a signer of the Mayflower Compact. This interactive experience charts his journey from a respected tailor in England to a Pilgrim in the New World, and traces the legacy of his family across two continents.
Oldest Voyager
Born c. 1556, James Chilton was ~64 years old during the 1620 voyage.
Compact Signer
One of 41 men to sign the foundational document of Plymouth Colony.
A Family Divided
Only he, his wife, and youngest daughter Mary sailed; other children remained in Europe.
The Pilgrim's Journey
This timeline traces the major events in James Chilton's life, from his established roots in Kent, England, to his final days on the shores of Cape Cod. Click on any event to learn more about the circumstances that shaped his path to the New World.
c. 1556
Birth in Kent
1583
Freeman of Canterbury
c. 1600
Move to Sandwich
c. 1609
Emigration to Leiden
1619
Leiden Riot
1620
Mayflower Voyage & Death
A Family on Two Continents
James Chilton had ten children, but his legacy was carried on through three surviving daughters. Two remained in Europe, while two created extensive family lines in America. Explore the branches of his family tree below.
Mary Chilton (c. 1607-1679)
Married John Winslow, arrived on the *Mayflower*.
Had 10 children, establishing a large and influential line of descendants in Boston.
Notable Descendants: U.S. Presidents George H. W. Bush & George W. Bush.
Isabella Chilton (b. 1586/7)
Married Roger Chandler, immigrated to Plymouth after 1627.
Had 4 children, settling first in Plymouth and then Duxbury.
Ingle Chilton (b. 1599)
Remained in Leiden, Holland. Married three times.
Christian Chilton (b. 1601)
Remained in Leiden, Holland. Married at least twice.
Chilton Grandchildren
Total grandchildren through the American lines.
The Case of the Unknown Wife
For centuries, the identity of James Chilton's wife was a mystery, complicated by a long-standing genealogical error. Modern research has disproven the old theory and proposed a new, more plausible candidate. This section lays out the evidence for this fascinating historical puzzle.
Disproven Theory: Susanna Furner
This theory, popular for decades, suggested James married his stepsister, Susanna. However, primary records make this impossible.
Chronologically Impossible
Susanna Furner was baptized in 1573. She would have been only 12 or 13 when James Chilton's first child was born in 1584.
Lack of Primary Evidence
Contemporary records, like her 1609 excommunication notice and Governor Bradford's history, leave her name blank, referring to her only as "his wife."
Plausible Hypothesis: Mildred Furner
Researchers now propose James married Susanna's older sister, Mildred. This theory is based on interlocking circumstantial evidence.
Strategic Family Alliance
A marriage between step-siblings was a common way to solidify a new family unit formed by a widow and widower.
Unusual Will Provisions
James was legally obligated to house his stepmother (Isabel), which makes more sense if she were also his mother-in-law.
Naming Patterns
The Chiltons named their eldest daughter Isabel, a significant honor for her maternal grandmother.