Ebook Original Narratives of Early American History

Edward Johnson came over to New England in 1630 with Winthrop, probably in the Arhella. He was licensed by Governor Winthrop to trade with the Indians along the Merri mac River, and in May, 1631, was admitted a freeman of the colony; but he returned to England, probably in that year, and remained there till the spring of 1636, when he came out again, this time bringing his family. This absence accounts for some of the meagreness and vagueness of his information respecting the events Of the years 1631 — 1635. In an Official list of passengers sailing from Sandwich, England, in 1636, for America, we find the entry, Edward Johnson, of Canter bury, joiner, and Susan, his wife, seven children, three ser vants. Data respecting the occupations of emigrants were often given in a form intended to mislead the royal Officers; but the records of St. George's parish also call him a joiner, and two of his sons were shipwrights and carpenters.