James Chilton, my 12th Great Grandfather, his wife, and his youngest daughter Mary, all came to America aboard the Mayflower.
The Speedwell departed July 22, 1620, and arrived at Southampton, where the Mayflower was waiting. The Speedwell had been leaking on the first leg of her voyage, so they spent the next week making repairs.
On August 5, the two ships finally set sail together, but the Speedwell began leaking again, so they pulled into the town of Dartmouth for repairs. The Speedwell was once again patched up and the two ships again set sail together for the second time August 21st.
Three hundred miles out to sea, the Speedwell was once more taking on water. Frustrated with the enormous amount of time lost, the captains turned their vessels back to Plymouth, England, and made the decision to leave the Speedwell behind.
Tired and disappointed, James and his family crammed themselves onto the already very crowded Mayflower.
Finally, on September 6th, the Mayflower headed out to sea alone. By this time the Chilton's had already been living onboard a ship for nearly a month and a half.
After a treacherous voyage, land was finally sighted on November 9, 1620. and the Mayflower was anchored near what is now Provincetown Harbor.
James, at the age of 64, was the oldest person known to have made the Mayflower's voyage. Unfortunately he did not survive to enjoy the freedoms he sought. James died December 8,1620, onboard the Mayflower, anchored off Provincetown Harbor. His wife also died sometime the first winter, but their daughter Mary survived.
