Martha, the proginator of this American Harding family migrated to New England in 1632. A widow, she came with her young son. Perhaps her husband had planned to travel with her but died before their departure. To continue on alone, she must have had a close connection—undoubtedly a close family connection—in or traveling to New England. As discussed below, this connection was Mr. John Doane, probably her brother.
Return to main file
Unknown Harding
Martha Doane (likely) (d. 1633)
Martha died between 25 March and 28 October 1633. Her husband presumably died before her migration in 1632. [1]
The widow Harding was assessed nine shillings in the Plymouth tax list of 25 March 1633. [1]
John Doane presented an inventory of the estate of Martha Harding, deceased, on 28 October 1633. He was granted administration on hehalf of her son. [1] Her estate was valued at £20-18-06. [2]
Martha left her son in the custody of Mr. Doane. [1]
It is "likely" that Martha is Martha Doane. [1] Her son Joseph was complained of on 3 June 1652 for carrying an Indian's gun to the smith to be mended in his uncle's name. It has been suggested that this uncle was John Doane. [1]
The Doane Family Association website is a source of for the latest research on the Doane family. The results of research on the English origins of John Doane and Martha Harding was presented by Maureen Scott.
Children of Unknown Harding and Martha Doane:
i. Joseph Harding was born by 1632. He married Bethiah Cook.
References:
1. "The Great Migration Begins: Immigrants to New England 1620–1633, Volumes I-III," digitized book, AmericanAncestors.org, originally published as: Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Begins: Immigrants to New England 1620-1633, 3 volumes (Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1995), 854.
2. Justin Winsor, "Abstracts of the First Wills in the Probate Office, Plymouth," New England Historical and Genealogical Register 4 (1850): 34.
Last revised: 25-Aug-2023