596327

[0938.ftw]

[Brøderbund WFT Vol. 22, Ed. 1, Tree #0938, Date of Import: Dec 3, 1998]

Edward Doty came to England on the Mayflower in 1620 as a servant of the household of Stephen Hopkins. His birth parents have not been found. Since he was a signer of the Mayflower Compact, on 11 November 1620, he was at least 20 years old at the time.

In August 1643, his name appeared on the list of men, ages 16-60, able to bear arms, thus he was not born before 1583.

Since his service to Stephen Hopkins appears to have been in the role of apprentice, is probable he is a very young man in 1620, born not long before 1599.

His place of birth is unknown. He was referred to, along with Stephen Hopkins, as "of London" which may or may not have been his place of birth.

NOTE: Two entries in the LDS International Library Genelogical index give county, Shropshire as a birthplace of Edward Doty in 1599, however, both references are based upon alligations made by Gustave Anjou that are believed to be fictitious.

Edward Doty was one of 10 volunteers who set out on the ship's boat on 6/16 Dec. 1620 that culminated on Monday, 11/21 Dec 1620 in the landing at Plymouth. The journey was marked with many hardships, including a fight with the indians.

Edward Doty was noted for his beligerence. On 18 June 1621, he fought the first and only duel in Plymouth Colony. His opponent was his fellow servant Edward Lister/Leister. And their weapons were swords and dagers. They succeeded in wounding each other before they were separated. The entire colony assembled to decided their punshiment, which was the two men were to have their heads and feet tied together for a period of twenty-four hours. However, before one hour had passed, their evident suffering, coupled with their humble appeals for pardon secured their release.

Edward Doty was married twice, but nothing is known of his first wife. Her existence is known only hrough a reference by William Bradford, who wrote, in March or eaarly April 1651 "But Edward Doty by a second wife hath 7 children, and both he and they are living.

Edward Doty frequently appeared in Court as plantiff or defendant. Although most of the law suits he was involved in were civil disputes, some were complaints lodged against him for trespassing, assault and battery, and breaking the peace. He lost most of these suits, both civil and criminal, whether appearing as defendant or plaintiff.

On March 7, 1652, Edward Doty was recorded as one of thirty four purchasers of land at Dartmouth. He received one full share of land.

The will of Edward Doty, signed May 20, 1655, proved March 5 1655/6, left a double portion of his estate to son Edward, the other sons (not named) to have equal shares, with a third of the estate to go to his wife. The daughters are not mentioned at all. The inventory of his estate, taken November 25, 1655, recorded a net value of over 130 pounds. This was a substantial estate for the time, and showed that the one-time servant had achieved a greater-than-average level of prosperity during his life in Plymouth.