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Reverend John Cotton

Reverend John Cotton

Male 1585 - 1652  (67 years)

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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  Reverend John CottonReverend John Cotton was born on 4 Dec 1585 in Derby, England; was christened on 15 Dec 1585 in Derby, En; died on 23 Dec 1652 in Boston, Suffolk, MA.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Category: Christian Leaders

    Notes:

    John Cotton (4 December 1585 – 23 December 1652) was a clergyman in England and the American colonies. He is considered the preeminent minister and theologian of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Let’s delve into his life:

    Early Life and Education:
    John Cotton was born in Derby, England in 1585.
    He studied for five years at Trinity College, Cambridge, and then spent nine years at Emmanuel College, Cambridge12.
    His scholarly pursuits and outstanding preaching abilities gained him recognition even before he embarked on his significant ministerial journey.
    Ministry in England:
    In 1612, Cotton accepted the position of minister at St. Botolph’s Church in Boston, Lincolnshire.
    As a Puritan, he aimed to simplify religious practices by eliminating ceremonial aspects associated with the established Church of England.
    Despite the challenges faced by many non-conforming clergy, Cotton thrived at St. Botolph’s for nearly 20 years, thanks to supportive aldermen, lenient bishops, and his conciliatory demeanor.
    Emigration to New England:
    By 1632, increased pressure from church authorities forced Cotton into hiding.
    In 1633, he and his wife boarded a ship for New England.
    Cotton was highly sought after as a minister in Massachusetts and quickly became the second pastor of the Boston church, sharing the ministry with John Wilson.
    His impact was profound: in his first six months, he generated more religious conversions than the entire previous year.
    Controversies and Legacy:
    Cotton was involved in the banishment of Roger Williams, who attributed much of his trouble to Cotton.
    He also became embroiled in the Antinomian Controversy, supporting adherents of his “free grace” theology.
    However, he later realized that some of their theological positions were outside mainstream Puritan orthodoxy.
    Despite these controversies, Cotton continued to preach in the Boston church until his death1.
    John Cotton’s legacy extends beyond his lifetime. His efforts significantly influenced the governance of New England churches, and he played a pivotal role in shaping Congregationalism, a form of church polity

    John married Sarah Hawkrit Story on 25 Apr 1632 in England. Sarah (daughter of Anthony Hawkridge and Isabel Dowse) was born in 1601 in England; died on 27 May 1676 in MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 2. Seaborn Cotton  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1633 in At Sea; died in 1686 in Hampton, Rockingham, NH.
    2. 3. Clergyman John Cotton  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 15 Mar 1640 in Plymouth Colony, MA; died on 18 Sep 1699 in Charleston, Charleston, SC.
    3. 4. Maria Cotton  Descendancy chart to this point was born in Boston, Suffolk, MA; died in 1714 in Boston, Suffolk, MA.


Generation: 2

  1. 2.  Seaborn Cotton Descendancy chart to this point (1.John1) was born in 1633 in At Sea; died in 1686 in Hampton, Rockingham, NH.

    Seaborn married Dorothy Bradstreet in 1654 in MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 5. John Cotton  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1658 in Hampton, Rockingham, NH; died in 1710 in Hampton, Rockingham, NH.
    2. 6. Elizabeth Cotton  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1665; and died.

  2. 3.  Clergyman John Cotton Descendancy chart to this point (1.John1) was born on 15 Mar 1640 in Plymouth Colony, MA; died on 18 Sep 1699 in Charleston, Charleston, SC.

    John married Jane Bray Rossiter in 1660 in Wethersfield, Norfolk, CT. Jane (daughter of Md Bray Rossiter and Elizabeth Alsop) was born in 1642 in Boston, Suffolk, MA; died in 1702 in Boston, Suffolk, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 7. John Cotton  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1661 in Guilford, New Haven, CT; died in 1705 in Yarmouth, Barnstable, MA.
    2. 8. Elizabeth Cotton  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1663; and died.
    3. 9. Roland Cotton  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1667 in Boston, Suffolk, MA; died in 1721 in Sandwich, Barnstable, MA.
    4. 10. Missionary Josiah Cotton  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1680 in Plymouth Colony, MA; died in 1756 in Plymouth Colony, MA.
    5. 11. Theophilus Cotton  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1682 in Plymouth Colony, MA; died in 1726 in Hampton Falls, Rockingham, NH.

  3. 4.  Maria Cotton Descendancy chart to this point (1.John1) was born in Boston, Suffolk, MA; died in 1714 in Boston, Suffolk, MA.

    Maria married Std Increase Mather in 1662 in Boston, Suffolk, MA. Increase (son of Richard Mather and Katherine Hoult) was born in 1639 in Dorchester, Suffolk, MA; died in 1723 in Boston, Suffolk, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 12. Cotton Mather  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 12 Feb 1662 in Boston, Suffolk, MA; died on 13 Feb 1728 in Boston, Suffolk, MA.
    2. 13. Sarah Mather  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1671; and died.
    3. 14. Abigail Mather  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1677; and died.


Generation: 3

  1. 5.  John Cotton Descendancy chart to this point (2.Seaborn2, 1.John1) was born in 1658 in Hampton, Rockingham, NH; died in 1710 in Hampton, Rockingham, NH.

    John married Ann Lake in 1686. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 6.  Elizabeth Cotton Descendancy chart to this point (2.Seaborn2, 1.John1) was born in 1665; and died.

    Family/Spouse: William Williams. William was born in 1665 in Newton, Middlesex, MA; died in 1741 in Hatfield, Hampshire, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 15. Jr William Williams  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1688 in Hatfield, Hampshire, MA; died in 1760 in Weston, Middlesex, MA.
    2. 16. Elisha Williams  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1694 in Hatfield, Hampshire, MA; died in 1755 in Wethersfield, CT.

  3. 7.  John Cotton Descendancy chart to this point (3.John2, 1.John1) was born in 1661 in Guilford, New Haven, CT; died in 1705 in Yarmouth, Barnstable, MA.

    Family/Spouse: Sarah Hubbard. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  4. 8.  Elizabeth Cotton Descendancy chart to this point (3.John2, 1.John1) was born in 1663; and died.

    Family/Spouse: Caleb Cushing. Caleb was born in 1672 in Scituate, Plymouth, MA; died in 1752 in Salisbury, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 17. James Cushing  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1705 in Salisbury, MA; died in 1764 in NH.
    2. 18. John Cushing  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1709 in Salisbury, MA; died in 1772 in Boxford, Essex, MA.
    3. 19. Caleb Cushing  Descendancy chart to this point

    Family/Spouse: James Alling. James was born in 1657 in New Haven, CT; died in 1696 in Salisbury, Essex, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  5. 9.  Roland Cotton Descendancy chart to this point (3.John2, 1.John1) was born in 1667 in Boston, Suffolk, MA; died in 1721 in Sandwich, Barnstable, MA.

    Family/Spouse: Elizabeth Saltonstall. Elizabeth (daughter of Nathaniel Saltonstall and Elizabeth Ward) was born in 1668 in Boston, Suffolk, MA; died in 1726 in Boston, Suffolk, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 20. Joanna Cotton  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1691; and died.
    2. 21. John Cotton  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1693; died in 1757 in Newton, Middlesex, MA.
    3. 22. Elizabeth Cotton  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1693; and died.
    4. 23. Sarah Cotton  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1696; and died.
    5. 24. Nathaniel Cotton  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1698 in Sandwich, Barnstable, MA; died in 1729 in , Bristol, MA.
    6. 25. Roland Cotton  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1701; and died.
    7. 26. Josiah Cotton  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1703 in Sandwich, Barnstable, MA; died in 1780 in NH.
    8. 27. Ward Cotton  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1711 in Sandwich, Barnstable, MA; died in 1768 in Plymouth Colony, MA.
    9. 28. Maria Cotton  Descendancy chart to this point
    10. 29. Abigail Cotton  Descendancy chart to this point
    11. 30. Ruth Cotton  Descendancy chart to this point

  6. 10.  Missionary Josiah CottonMissionary Josiah Cotton Descendancy chart to this point (3.John2, 1.John1) was born in 1680 in Plymouth Colony, MA; died in 1756 in Plymouth Colony, MA.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Category: USA Famous People

    Notes:

    Josiah Cotton (1679/80–1756) was a remarkable individual who wore many hats during his lifetime. Let’s delve into his fascinating story:

    Indian Missionary: Josiah Cotton dedicated himself to spreading Christianity among Native American communities. Unlike some of his contemporaries, he didn’t have a settled pastorate. Instead, he preached to isolated Indian families and indentured servants living amidst English society. His missionary work cast a long shadow, especially considering his father’s influential legacy as an Indian missionary1.
    Civil Magistrate: In addition to his religious endeavors, Cotton served as a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas and held the position of Register of Deeds in Plymouth Colony. His role as a civil magistrate allowed him to rise to considerable heights, although he always felt the weight of his father’s legacy1.
    Family Ties: Josiah Cotton was a grandson of John Cotton (1585–1652), a prominent Puritan clergyman in New England. His father, John Cotton Jr., served as the pastor of the First Church in Plymouth Colony from 1669 to 1697. Cotton was also a cousin of Cotton Mather, another influential figure in colonial America1.
    Legacy: Cotton’s impact extended beyond his lifetime. He was the maternal grandfather of William Cushing, one of the first six Supreme Court justices appointed by George Washington. Cushing holds the distinction of being the longest-serving original jurist among those appointed1.
    Josiah Cotton’s legacy lives on through his descendants, his missionary efforts, and his contributions to the early American legal system. His fervent piety, sound mind, and honorable service left an indelible mark on the history of New England

    Family/Spouse: Hannah Sturtevant. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 31. John Cotton  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1712 in Plymouth Colony, MA; died in 1789 in Plymouth Colony, MA.
    2. 32. Judge Josiah Cotton  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1747 in Halifax, MA; died in 1819 in Plymouth Colony, MA.

  7. 11.  Theophilus Cotton Descendancy chart to this point (3.John2, 1.John1) was born in 1682 in Plymouth Colony, MA; died in 1726 in Hampton Falls, Rockingham, NH.

  8. 12.  Cotton Mather Descendancy chart to this point (4.Maria2, 1.John1) was born on 12 Feb 1662 in Boston, Suffolk, MA; died on 13 Feb 1728 in Boston, Suffolk, MA.

    Family/Spouse: Elizabeth Clark. Elizabeth was born in Boston, Suffolk, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 33. Samuel Mather  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1706 in Boston, Suffolk, MA; died in 1785 in Boston, Suffolk, MA.

    Cotton married Abigail Phillips in 1686 in Charlestown, Suffolk, MA. Abigail was born in Charlestown, Suffolk, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Family/Spouse: Lydia Lee. Lydia was born in Boston, Suffolk, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  9. 13.  Sarah Mather Descendancy chart to this point (4.Maria2, 1.John1) was born in 1671; and died.

    Family/Spouse: Nehemiah Walter. Nehemiah was born in 1663 in Ireland; died in 1750 in Roxbury, Suffolk, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  10. 14.  Abigail Mather Descendancy chart to this point (4.Maria2, 1.John1) was born in 1677; and died.

    Family/Spouse: John White. John was born in 1677 in Brookline, MA; died in 1760 in Gloucester, Essex, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]



Generation: 4

  1. 15.  Jr William Williams Descendancy chart to this point (6.Elizabeth3, 2.Seaborn2, 1.John1) was born in 1688 in Hatfield, Hampshire, MA; died in 1760 in Weston, Middlesex, MA.

    Family/Spouse: Hannah Stoddard. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 34. Lucy Williams  Descendancy chart to this point
    2. 35. Mercy Williams  Descendancy chart to this point

  2. 16.  Elisha Williams Descendancy chart to this point (6.Elizabeth3, 2.Seaborn2, 1.John1) was born in 1694 in Hatfield, Hampshire, MA; died in 1755 in Wethersfield, CT.

  3. 17.  James Cushing Descendancy chart to this point (8.Elizabeth3, 3.John2, 1.John1) was born in 1705 in Salisbury, MA; died in 1764 in NH.

  4. 18.  John Cushing Descendancy chart to this point (8.Elizabeth3, 3.John2, 1.John1) was born in 1709 in Salisbury, MA; died in 1772 in Boxford, Essex, MA.

  5. 19.  Caleb Cushing Descendancy chart to this point (8.Elizabeth3, 3.John2, 1.John1)

  6. 20.  Joanna Cotton Descendancy chart to this point (9.Roland3, 3.John2, 1.John1) was born in 1691; and died.

    Family/Spouse: John Brown. John was born in 1696 in Brighton, Suffolk, MA; died in 1742 in Haverill, Essex, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 36. Jr John Brown  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1723 in Haverill, MA; died in 1791 in Cohasset, Norfolk, MA.
    2. 37. Cotton Brown  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1726 in Haverill, MA; died in 1751 in Brookline, MA.
    3. 38. Thomas Brown  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1733 in Haverill, MA; died in 1797 in Westbrook, ME.
    4. 39. Abigail Brown  Descendancy chart to this point was born in Haverill, MA.

  7. 21.  John Cotton Descendancy chart to this point (9.Roland3, 3.John2, 1.John1) was born in 1693; died in 1757 in Newton, Middlesex, MA.

    Family/Spouse: Mary Gibbs. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 40. Anna Cotton  Descendancy chart to this point

  8. 22.  Elizabeth Cotton Descendancy chart to this point (9.Roland3, 3.John2, 1.John1) was born in 1693; and died.

  9. 23.  Sarah Cotton Descendancy chart to this point (9.Roland3, 3.John2, 1.John1) was born in 1696; and died.

  10. 24.  Nathaniel Cotton Descendancy chart to this point (9.Roland3, 3.John2, 1.John1) was born in 1698 in Sandwich, Barnstable, MA; died in 1729 in , Bristol, MA.

  11. 25.  Roland Cotton Descendancy chart to this point (9.Roland3, 3.John2, 1.John1) was born in 1701; and died.

  12. 26.  Josiah Cotton Descendancy chart to this point (9.Roland3, 3.John2, 1.John1) was born in 1703 in Sandwich, Barnstable, MA; died in 1780 in NH.

  13. 27.  Ward Cotton Descendancy chart to this point (9.Roland3, 3.John2, 1.John1) was born in 1711 in Sandwich, Barnstable, MA; died in 1768 in Plymouth Colony, MA.

  14. 28.  Maria Cotton Descendancy chart to this point (9.Roland3, 3.John2, 1.John1)

  15. 29.  Abigail Cotton Descendancy chart to this point (9.Roland3, 3.John2, 1.John1)

    Family/Spouse: Jurist Shearjushub Bourne. Shearjushub (son of Melatiah Bourne and Desire Chipman) was born in 1699 in , Barnstable, MA; died in 1768 in , Barnstable, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 41. Elizabeth Bourne  Descendancy chart to this point was born in 1726; died in 1760.

  16. 30.  Ruth Cotton Descendancy chart to this point (9.Roland3, 3.John2, 1.John1)

  17. 31.  John Cotton Descendancy chart to this point (10.Josiah3, 3.John2, 1.John1) was born in 1712 in Plymouth Colony, MA; died in 1789 in Plymouth Colony, MA.

  18. 32.  Judge Josiah Cotton Descendancy chart to this point (10.Josiah3, 3.John2, 1.John1) was born in 1747 in Halifax, MA; died in 1819 in Plymouth Colony, MA.

  19. 33.  Samuel Mather Descendancy chart to this point (12.Cotton3, 4.Maria2, 1.John1) was born in 1706 in Boston, Suffolk, MA; died in 1785 in Boston, Suffolk, MA.



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