Any Mayflower descends here? [View all]

My uncle has been into genealogy for about 25 years, maybe longer, and a few years ago he gave us all CD's of his findings.

I recently had another look at my uncle's research, particularly at the names and dates that were from the 15 and 1600's. I noticed there was a notation next to one of the names - 'Mass USA'. I didn't know we had any relatives connected to the US beside me - I've lived here over 40 years. Anyway, I looked up the name next to the notation and I was rather blown away.

The name was John Tilley and it turns out that John Tilley, along with his wife, daughter and brother were Pilgrims on the Mayflower. They all died the first winter except for the girl. The Tilley's son, Robert stayed behind in England and because Robert's father was a Pilgrim on the Mayflower - I am a Mayflower descended!

I know the English village the Tilley's were born in very well. My family all still live in the same county. All of us have been born within a 12 mile radius for hundreds of years.

My uncle started his research the old fashion way, on foot. He had no idea of the Mayflower connection and when I told him at first he didn't really grasp the significance of it. He understands now.

Thanks to his research, I names, dates and villages going back to the 1500's and even the 1400's and look forward to discovering who else is hiding in the family tree.