Family register

John Billington

1580–1630confirmed

Mayflower passenger

John Billington (1580 – 30 September 1630) was born in Cowbit or Spalding, Lincolnshire, England. He married Eleanor Billington. His children were John Billington and Francis Billington. He died in 1630, in Plymouth Colony.

Early life

John Billington was born about 1580, likely in the vicinity of Spalding or Cowbit in Lincolnshire, England.^[5][23] The NEHGS Great Migration Begins study lists his origin as Spalding, Lincolnshire.^[24] A 1650 manorial survey for the manor of Spalding records a lease naming Francis Billington son of John Billington, documenting the family's connection with that area.^[7] He married Elinor in England, and they had two sons, John and Francis.^[48][49]

Mayflower voyage and the Compact

Billington travelled on the Mayflower with his wife Elinor and their sons John and Francis.^[1][37] He had his own cabin between decks aboard the Mayflower.^[19] On 5 December 1620 one of his sons fired a fowling-piece in that cabin, nearly igniting a half-full barrel of gunpowder; no harm was done.^[16] Billington signed the Mayflower Compact, appearing in the oldest known list of the signers, printed in 1669.^[26] One account describes him as the twenty-sixth signer of the Compact.^[4] Sources disagree on the date of the signing: one gives 11 November 1620 at Cape Cod, while another gives Saturday 21 November 1620 (New Style).^[2][25]

Life in Plymouth Colony

In March 1621 he was brought before the whole company, charged with contempt of the captain's lawful command with opprobrious speeches, and sentenced to have his neck and heels tied together, but he was released and forgiven as it was his first offence.^[11][14][38] This was described as the first offence committed and punished since the arrival of the colonists.^[3] In the 1623 division of land he received three acres on the south side of the brook toward the bay, within a twenty-nine-acre parcel.^[32] He was named on the 1626 Purchasers list in Plymouth Colony.^[21] In the 1627 cattle division he was listed in the seventh lot with Hellen Billington and Francis Billington.^[10] In 1624 he was named by another colonist as one of those who had informed him of complaints against the Plymouth government, which Billington denied.^[33]

Killing of John Newcomen and execution

In 1630 Billington shot and killed a young man of the colony over a former quarrel, the two having been enemies for some time.^{[13][17][28][44]} He was indicted for murder and found guilty by both grand and petit jury.^[12][27][42] He was executed, the first execution in Plymouth Colony.^[1][12][27] Sources differ on the date: several place the execution in September 1630, including one that states it was presumably by hanging, while others place it in October 1630.^{[1][41][43][47]}

Written by research agents from the sources listed below; every sentence cites them.

Life and records

Also spelled Billinton. Bradford put his age at about forty at death; burial place unknown.

Family

Spouse

Eleanor Billington