My Mayflower Ancestor

My oldest daughter, Sarah, has been researching the genealogy of our family for years. During the course of this journey, she discovered that one of my paternal grandmother's ancestors came to America on the Mayflower in 1620.

His name was Edward Doty and he was, by all accounts, a  colorful character. He made the voyage as an indentured servant. After landing in Massachusetts (instead of the intended destination of Virginia), Doty and the other indentured servants argued that their contracts for indentured servitude were void since their contract was to serve in Virginia. As a compromise the Pilgrim leaders created a set of laws which became the Mayflower Compact. Doty was one of the signers.

Doty had a reputation for being argumentative and having a quick temper. As a result, he ended up appearing in Plymouth court numerous times over the years. Many of his business dealings were alleged to be fraudulent.

Doty was also one of the combatants in the first duel fought in New England on June 18, 1621 (fought with a sword and a dagger). The duel ended with both participants being wounded.

Records show Doty received one acre of land and was later granted twenty additional acres. There were additional land transactions over the years which apparently made him fairly prosperous.

As for his life of crime, court records exist from 1632 onward, and document 23 cases involving Doty between 1632 and 1651. There were suits and countersuits, accusations of fraud, slander, fighting, assault, debt, trespass, and theft. Amazingly, he was never jailed for anything, paying an occasional fine instead.

Among Doty's ancestors were at least one lawyer, a playwright, a territorial governor, a state legislator and an outlaw. There is also an Edward Doty society which his descendants can join (I have no plans to apply).

As far as I know, my daughter has not found any other ancestors as interesting as Doty, but the search is not over. How about your family?