Clarification of Lineage: Holland and Howland Families

As genealogists, we understand the importance of accurate lineage tracing and the potential for misinformation to spread within our community. This research aims to clarify the distinct lineages of the Holland and Howland families, emphasizing that they are separate and should not be conflated.

It is important to note that the Holland and Howland lines should not be merged, as they have never changed names. There are claims suggesting that Henry Howland of Fenstanton was descended from the noble family of Holland; however, these assertions are not supported by credible evidence. Often, this confusion arises from individuals copying and pasting the Holland-Howland pedigree from Ancestry.com, which lacks proper sourcing. Therefore, the Holland-Howland pedigree should be disregarded.

The Holland families are believed to be descended from either a royal or noble family between the 1300s and 1500s. The royal lineage of the Holland families can be traced back to Joan, the Fair Maid of Kent, who was the mother of King Richard II of England and the wife of Sir Thomas Holland, Earl of Kent. She is recognized as the progenitor of the long lineages of Hollands, which are well-documented in various publications and online sources.

A few noble lineages can also be traced back to the Lancashire Holland families. The Holland pedigrees found in older sources from the 19th and early 20th centuries are considered reliable, as they do not indicate any surname changes for Holland.

Understanding the distinction between the Holland and Howland families is crucial for genealogists. Merging these lines can lead to inaccuracies in family trees, misattributed heritage, and a misunderstanding of historical connections. Accurate lineage tracing is essential for preserving family histories and ensuring that descendants have a clear understanding of their ancestry.

As of September 2023, a male descendant of the noble family of Holland took the Big Y-700 test through FamilyTreeDNA and kindly shared his results, which show that his Y-DNA haplogroup is R-FGC71023. The results from FamilyTreeDNA indicate that the Howlands of Fenstanton are not directly descended from the noble family of Holland in Lancashire, as their Y-DNA haplogroup is R-A9708.

The two Y-DNA haplogroups are different, suggesting that the surname Holland did not change to Howland in the 1500s. This also indicates that Howland's R-A9708 is not a direct descendant of Holland's R-FGC71023. For comparison, examine the two results at FamilyTreeDNA: R-A9708 and R-FGC71023.

Parentage

The current research shows that the parentage of Henry Howland of Fenstanton remains unknown.

Henry Howland of Fenstanton: A Link to Kent's Howland Families

Henry Howland of Fenstanton is the father of Mayflower passenger John Howland, as well as Great Migration immigrants Arthur Howland and Henry Howland. It was widely understood that these three immigrants were brothers, and they were also brothers of Humphrey, George, and Simon Howland. This understanding was based on Humphrey Howland's will, which mentioned his brothers Arthur, Henry, and John Howland, all residing in New England. Researching the apprentice records of the Drapers' Company of London in 1937 revealed that Henry Howland of Fenstanton was the father of all these Howlands.[1]

The area around Fenstanton has been extensively searched, but no proof has been found to extend his ancestry. The parish registers for Fenstanton do not begin until 1612, with a few Bishop's transcripts beginning in 1604.[2]

No evidence has been found of a Howland family in Fenstanton before Henry Howland, who was mentioned in the baptismal record of his son in 1604. The Howland families have been identified in Horningsea, Ely, Great Shelford, Little Shelford, Harston, Madingley, and Fowlmere all located in Cambridgeshire. The common use of the name Henry among all these families has made it impossible to definitively link Henry Howland of Fenstanton to a specific family.[3]

In addition to the historical records, recent analysis of Big Y-700 test results reveals that John Howlen of Brabourne in Kent shares all 10 mutations or SNPs with Henry Howland, except for R-A9708. Both are descended from the haplogroup R-A9703. Research into John Howlen's patrilineal ancestry indicates that he is a descendant of Howlands from southeastern Kent, England. A researcher examined early English probate records for Howlands in Kent and found the wills of the following individuals: Henry Howling of Brook (1479/80), Simon Howlyn of Brabourne (1522/23), Simon Howlend of Wye (1524), and John Howlene of Brook (1554/55). Any of these individuals may represent the patrilineal line of the Fenstanton Howlands.

This finding is significant as it aligns with historical records, such as early English probate documents from Kent (1489 to 1572), which show various surname variations, including Howlend, Howlyn, Howllynge, Howlene, Houghlyn, Howling, Howlen, Howghlyn, and Howglyn. The shared Y-DNA mutations suggest a close genetic relationship, indicating that the Howlands of Fenstanton may have a common ancestor with the Howlands from Kent, thereby providing a potential link to further explore their ancestry.

Furthermore, early English probate records from Kent reveal a notable similarity in names, particularly those of Henry Howland and his three sons: John, Henry, and Simon. Considering the Y-DNA haplogroup alongside these historical records, it is likely that the Fenstanton Howland’s ancestor is connected to one of the individuals mentioned in the probate records. Additionally, a high frequency of the Howland surname and its variations can be found in Wye, Brabourne, and Brook in Kent.

While the exact parentage of Henry Howland of Fenstanton remains elusive, the evidence suggests that his origins likely trace back to southeastern Kent. The shared Y-DNA mutations with John Howlen of Brabourne, along with the historical records of Howland families in Kent, provide compelling support for this hypothesis. As genealogists continue to explore these connections, further research may uncover additional links that illuminate the ancestry of Henry Howland and his descendants.

Understanding Name Variations in Genealogical Research

For genealogists, recognizing and understanding the variations of surnames is essential for accurately tracing family histories. Names often change over time due to factors such as spelling variations, regional dialects, and transcription errors in historical records. This can lead to challenges in connecting individuals across different documents.

Fenstanton, a village in Cambridgeshire, has a rich history that dates back to the medieval period. It was part of the Huntingdonshire district and has been home to various families over the centuries. The village's historical records provide valuable insights into the lives of its residents, including the Howland family.

In Cambridgeshire, several orthographic variations of the surname "Howland" have been identified, including: Howland, Hawlan, Howlin, Howlen, Howlyn, Howlat, Howlet, Howlett, Houlet, Howlyng, Howlleyng, Howllinge, Howling, Howlinge, Holeng, Holyng, and Howling.[3]

One of the few surviving manorial records for Fenstanton provides valuable insights into these surname variations. A view of frankpledge was held by court baron William Compton on 7 October 1614. Frankpledge was a system of mutual responsibility in medieval England, where groups of men (usually heads of households) were bound together to ensure that each member adhered to local laws and customs. This system helped maintain order and accountability within communities. The record references Henry Howland twice: the first mention appears as "Henry Hawlan," while the second reference later in the same document is recorded as "Henry Howlin."[4]

Additionally, Henry Howlin is also mentioned twice in the churchwarden accounts for the parish church of Fenstanton, taken in 1630, the year after his wife's burial.[5]

The Fenstanton registers further illuminate the surname's variations, with two burial entries listing him as either "Henry" or "Henrie," and one baptism entry for his son confirming the name as "Henry."

For genealogists, these records are not just historical artifacts; they are vital tools for establishing connections within family trees. The variations in the name of Henry Howland illustrate how individuals may have been recorded differently across various documents, reflecting the historical context and naming conventions of the time. Understanding these discrepancies can help genealogists piece together family lines that might otherwise remain obscured.

By carefully analyzing these records, genealogists can uncover new insights into the Howland family's history in Fenstanton, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of their ancestry.

Currently, he is recognized as Henry Howland of Fenstanton.

Estimating the Birth of Henry Howland: A Genealogical Inquiry

This inquiry explores the estimated birth year and origins of Henry Howland, a figure of interest in genealogical research. By examining historical records and contextual evidence, we aim to shed light on his early life and the possible locations of his birth, contributing to a deeper understanding of his family lineage.

Based on his estimated marriageable age in 1590, a rough estimate places his birth around 1565, with a possible variance of a few years. Fenstanton is the only place he is known to have lived. Despite an extensive search, no evidence has been found of any Howland family in Fenstanton before Henry Howland was recorded in his son's baptismal record in 1604. It is probable that he was born in one of the neighboring parishes in Huntingdonshire or Cambridgeshire, where Howlands were known to reside.

Henry Howland was born about in 1564 or "in the latter half of the sixteenth century."[10][11][12]

While the exact details of Henry Howland's birth remain elusive, the evidence suggests he was likely born around 1564 in a neighboring parish of Fenstanton. Continued research into historical records may further illuminate his origins and enrich our understanding of his family history.

Historical Clarification: Henry Howland's Marriage to Margaret

The identity of Henry Howland's wife has often been misattributed to Anne, leading to confusion among genealogists. This examination clarifies that historical records confirm he married Margaret, not Anne.

Henry Howland of Fenstanton married Margaret around 1590. Her first name is documented in the Fenstanton parish records; however, her last name at birth remains unknown. Margaret was buried on 31 July 1629 at Fenstanton.

There has been a common belief that Henry Howland had a first wife named "A," but the initial given name is not specified.[6][7] It is unclear whether "A" refers to Anne or Alicia, as there is no definitive evidence to confirm either possibility.

According to Mayflower researcher Caleb Johnson, Henry Howland's son, Humphrey Howland, left pewter marked "A:H" to his daughter Anne. This indicates a family inheritance. The pewter had belonged to Anne Howland's grandmother, which clarifies its ownership.

Upon examining Humphrey Howland's will, it appears that he used the initials "A:H" to identify items intended for his daughter, Anne Howland. This usage does not suggest that the initials represent her grandmother's name on the pewter.[3] The belief that Henry Howland's wife was named Anne likely arose from a misunderstanding of the will, which initially used "A:H" to refer to his daughter, leading to the confusion for the genealogists.

Humphrey Howland marked all pewter with "A:H" to ensure it was designated for Anne. Notably, he used the gender possessive adjective "her" before "grandmother." This indicates that the grandmother was Anne Howland's maternal grandmother, not Humphrey Howland's own mother.

It remains uncertain whether the pewter was a wedding gift to Anne Howland or possessions inherited from her grandmother. The identification of "A:H" remains ambiguous; it may simply refer to Anne Howland, the daughter of Humphrey Howland.

The evidence supports that Henry Howland's wife was Margaret. By correcting this misconception, we can enhance our understanding of his family history and ensure accurate genealogical records.

The Howland Family: A Brief Overview of Their Children

Henry and Margaret Howland were the parents of seven children, including three sons who became prominent figures in early American history. Their lives and contributions provide insight into the experiences of early settlers in colonial America.

Henry and Margaret Howland had six known sons and one daughter. All six sons were apprenticed in London. The birth dates provided are estimates based on marriage records, apprenticeship dates, and the presumed order of birth derived from wills. These estimates align with the research conducted by noted Mayflower scholar Caleb Johnson.

They had seven children, as follows:

1. Arthur Howland (circa 1591) – This birth date is estimated based on the fact that he had a child by 1616. He first married Grace, who passed away and was buried on 4 December 1635 at St. Giles Cripplegate, London. Arthur was in London as of May 1639 before relocating to Duxbury, Massachusetts, by 6 August 1640. He is mentioned in the will of his brother, Humphrey Howland of London, in 1646. He married Margaret as his second wife; she was previously widowed by Mr. Walker. Arthur was buried on 30 October 1675 at Marshfield, Massachusetts. His second wife died on 22 January 1682/83 at Marshfield.
2. George Howland (circa 1593) – This birth date is estimated based on his status as a merchant. He died unmarried and was buried on 10 February 1643/44 at St. Dunstan in the East, London, England.
3. Humphrey Howland (circa 1595) – This date is estimated from his apprenticeship, which began in 1613. He was a draper and married Margaret Calvert at St. Mary Matfellon, Whitechapel, on 21 November 1622. Margaret died sometime between 1634 and 1636. Humphrey married Anne _____ as his second wife in October 1636. He was buried on 9 July 1646 at the churchyard of St. Swithin, London Stone, in London, England. His will, dated 28 May 1646, was proved on 10 July 1646. Anne was buried on 20 December 1653 at Barking, Essex, England.
4. John Howland (circa 1598) – This date is estimated based on significant historical events, including his signing of the Mayflower Compact, his apprenticeship in 1620, and his marriage around 1623. He married Elizabeth, the daughter of John and Joan (Hurst) (Rogers) Tilley, in Plymouth around 1623. John is named in the will of his brother, Humphrey Howland of London, in 1646. He died on 23 February 1672/73 at Rocky Nook, Plymouth, Massachusetts.
5. Henry Howland (circa 1600) – This date is estimated based on a probable marriage around 1624 to Mary. He is also named in the will of his brother, Humphrey Howland of London, in 1646. Henry died on 1 January 1670/71 in Duxbury, Massachusetts.
6. Margaret Howland (circa 1602) – She married Richard Phillips, a shoemaker, at Fenstanton on 26 April 1623. Margaret is named in the will of her brother, Humphrey Howland of London, in 1646.
7. Simon Howland (baptized 19 August 1604) – He was baptized at St. Peter and St. Paul parish church in Fenstanton, Huntingdonshire, making him the only child for whom a baptism record exists. Simon married Anne Weber (or Ulster?) on 1 April 1632 at St. Mary Magdalen in Bermondsey, Surrey. He was buried on 3 October 1636 at St. Mary Magdalen in Bermondsey.

The Howland children, particularly the three sons, played significant roles in shaping their communities and the broader historical landscape of early America. Their legacies continue to be of interest to historians and genealogists today.

Henry Howland: A Fenstanton Yeoman's Story

Fenstanton, a historic village in Cambridgeshire, England, offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of its inhabitants during the early 17th century. Among them was Henry Howland, a yeoman whose activities are documented through various manorial, church, and probate records. These records not only illuminate Howland's personal life and responsibilities within the community but also reflect the broader social and economic dynamics of Fenstanton during this period. This research aims to explore the significance of these records in understanding Henry Howland's contributions to the village and the context in which he lived.

This examination focuses on the Howland family, particularly Henry Howland, who appears in several historical records from the early 17th century. These records shed light on his activities and status within the community, illustrating the social and economic dynamics of Fenstanton during this period.

Using manorial, church, and probate records (in the absence of any available parish registers), there appears to be no evidence of any Howland family residing in Fenstanton prior to Henry Howland. It seems likely that he moved to Fenstanton from another location.[3]

In one of the few surviving manorial records for Fenstanton, a view of frankpledge was held by court baron William Compton on 7 October 1614. Henry Howland is referenced twice. First, as Henry "Hawlan," he, along with John Ashwood, was presented for having taken "one scabious horse" to the common field on 7 May 1614, against the orders of the last manorial court, resulting in a fine of 5 shillings. A "scabious" horse, which refers to a horse suffering from mange or skin disease, may suggest a horse with mange, caused by mites; bringing it to the common field could potentially spread this disease to other horses. Later in the same frankpledge, Henry Howland, along with John Martyn, was asked to scour their streams (overflowings) leading from the street as far as the place called 'the Greene,' sometime before the feast of St. Martin. Failure to do so could result in a fine of 6 shillings 8 pence. Neither appears to have been fined in the subsequent manorial court, so presumably, they performed this required action.[3]

In addition to manorial records, other documents provide insight into Henry Howland's status in the community. Three references in the apprenticeship records of the Drapers' Company on 19 March 1622/23, 1 October 1623, and 29 March 1629/30 indicate that Henry Howland of Fenstanton was a yeoman.

As a yeoman in 17th-century Fenstanton, Henry Howland was expected to manage his own farm effectively, cultivating crops and raising livestock to ensure his family's economic independence and contribute to the local economy. He actively participated in community affairs, attending parish meetings and influencing decisions that affected his neighbors, reflecting his role as a respected member of the village. In times of conflict, Henry was prepared to serve in the local militia, demonstrating his commitment to defending his community. He upheld moral standards and social responsibilities, often helping those in need and engaging in charitable activities. Additionally, as a landowner, he was responsible for paying taxes and adhering to local laws and customs, ensuring compliance with the regulations that governed rural life. Henry's literacy and understanding of legal matters further enabled him to navigate the complexities of land ownership and community governance, making him a vital figure in the social and economic fabric of Fenstanton.

Furthermore, Henry Howlin is mentioned twice in the churchwarden accounts for the parish church of Fenstanton, taken in 1630, the year after his wife's burial. He was paid 6 pence by churchwardens Edward Christian and John Woodward for "moweinge thistles in the greene." He was then also paid 8 pence for an unspecified reason, although it was listed under the subheading of "Willowes," so it may have been for trimming the church's willow trees.[3][4]

The examination of Henry Howland's life in Fenstanton reveals the intricate connections between individual lives and the community's historical fabric. Through manorial and church records, we gain valuable insights into Howland's role as a yeoman, his responsibilities, and his interactions within the village. These documents serve as a testament to the everyday lives of those in Fenstanton, highlighting the importance of local history in understanding the broader narrative of England's past. For genealogists tracing the lineage of the Howland family, understanding Henry's significance as a yeoman provides valuable context. His contributions to agriculture, local governance, and community life not only shaped his own family's history but also left a lasting impact on the village of Fenstanton. In exploring Henry Howland's life, genealogists can appreciate the broader narrative of rural England and the vital role that individuals like him played in its developmen

Unraveling the Death and Burial of Henry Howland: A Genealogical Perspective

Henry Howland was a resident of Fenstanton, Huntingdonshire, England, where he lived until his death in May 1635. He was the father of three children who became notable colonists in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Henry Howland died on May 17, 1635, and was buried at St. Peter and St. Paul Churchyard in Fenstanton. The burial record in the church registers states, "Buryalls Anno Dm 1635... Henry Howland May 17."[2][8][9]

Locating his burial is challenging due to several factors. Many 17th-century gravestones have suffered from weathering and erosion, making inscriptions difficult to read or completely illegible. Additionally, some burial records may have been lost or damaged over time, complicating efforts to confirm the exact location of his grave. For genealogists researching the Howland family lineage, understanding the life and burial locations of individuals like Henry Howland in England is essential for constructing accurate family trees.

Fenstanton and the Howland Family: A Compilation of Historical Findings

Location: Historically, Fenstanton has been documented under various names over the centuries: Stantun in the 11th century, Staunton in the 12th century, and Ston Gisbrit de Gant in the 13th century. The name Fenstanton, also referred to as Fennystanton, emerged in the 14th century. The name "Fenstanton" refers to a stone enclosure in the fenland. Fenstanton is the proper spelling for a village and civil parish.

• Fenstanton is located approximately 3 miles south of St. Ives, in close proximity to Huntingdon, in the northwest region of Cambridge. Huntingdonshire ceased to exist after 1983 due to administrative reorganizations. Fenstanton is now in Cambridgeshire.
• In 1963, the John Howland Society of Plymouth, MA, erected a tablet on the wall in the north aisle commemorating the burial of John's father, Henry Howland, in the Fenstanton Church. "In memory of HENRY HOWLAND who was buried in the churchyard of this parish on 17th May 1635 - Father of John Howland a pilgrim to America on the Mayflower 1620. Erected by the Pilgrim John Howland Society 17th May 1966."

Identification: The first genealogical theory originated from a document that a descendant of John Howland brought from England in the 1830s. This widely accepted theory stated that John Howland, a citizen of London, was baptized on 10 August 1541 and married Emme, the daughter of Nicholas Revell, a citizen and grocer of London. According to this theory, their son, also named John Howland, was the Mayflower passenger. This genealogical theory remains the source of many errors found on the internet.

• The NEHGR debunked this theory in 1880 by revealing that the son, John, died unmarried in London. Consequently, it was confirmed that he was not the Mayflower passenger.[13]
• In 1911, an article titled "The Ancestry of John Howland of the Mayflower" on page 5 in The Howland Homestead mentioned that John³ of London, the second son of John Howland and Agnes Greenway, was baptized on August 10, 1541, and buried in the Church of St. Mary's, Middlesex. He married Emme, the daughter of Nicholas Revell, who was a citizen and grocer of London. The article clarified that John⁴ Howland, previously thought to be the Mayflower passenger, actually died unmarried and was buried in England.
• At this time, researchers were aware of the will of Humphrey Howland which is the key proof that Arthur, Henry, and John Howland of New England were his brothers. In 1937, it was discovered by researching the apprentice records of the Draper company of London, that the father of all these Howlands was Henry Howland of Fenstanton.[14][15]

Key Document: The will of Humphrey Howland is the important document that ties the Howland family of Fenstanton together.[16] Humphrey Howland made the will on 28 May 1646, and it was proved by his second wife on 10 July 1646. He names his heirs as follows:

• Wife: Anne.
• Daughters: Anne, Mary, and Sarah Howland.
• Brothers: Arthur, John, and Henry Howland all (by inference) in New England.
• Sister: Margaret Phillips.
• Nephew: Simon Howland.
• Niece: Hanna Howland.

Exploring the Y-DNA Lineage of Henry Howland of Fenstanton

This research examines the Y-DNA test results of Henry Howland of Fenstanton, revealing his membership in haplogroup R-A9708 and tracing his genetic lineage. By analyzing shared genetic markers, we can better understand the connections between the Howland families of Fenstanton and Kent, as well as the implications for ongoing genealogical research.

Henry Howland of Fenstanton’s Y-DNA test results reveal that he belongs to haplogroup R-A9708, identified through tests such as Big Y-500, Big Y-700, and Y Elite. A haplogroup is a group of similar haplotypes that share a common ancestor, often used in genetic genealogy to trace lineage. His genetic lineage can be traced as follows: R-M269 >> R-U106 >> R-Z8 > R-Z1 > R-Z344 > R-Z6 > R-A96 > R-S10415 > R-A9701 > R-A9703 > R-A9708.[17] For additional information, see the Howland (Y-DNA) page of the Mayflower DNA Project and the Howland DNA project.

At the R-S10415 level, Howland shares nine genetic mutations with individuals bearing surnames such as Wing, Baldwin, Foate, Mayberry, Hadley, and Rogers. At the R-A9701 level, Howland and Rogers are distinguished by sharing the distinctive A9701 mutation, which sets them apart from other surnames. However, at the R-A9703 level, Howland differs from Rogers in their genetic makeup. Additionally, the Howlands of Fenstanton and the Howlands of Kent exhibit ten shared genetic mutations within the R-A9703 haplogroup. Ultimately, the Howlands of Fenstanton are distinguished from the Howlands of Kent at the R-A9708 level because the Howlands of Kent tested negative for the A9708 mutation.

Transitioning to the broader context of haplogroups, the R-A9708 haplogroup is associated with the direct male descendants of Henry Howland of Fenstanton. In contrast, the R-A9703 haplogroup is shared by two groups: the direct male descendants of Henry Howland of Fenstanton and the direct male descendants of the Howlands of Kent, as they both share the same mutations at the R-A9703 level. Notably, the R-A9703 haplogroup predates the R-A9708 haplogroup in terms of age, with R-A9708 being a subclade of the R-A9703 clade

Focusing on the historical context, Henry Howland of Fenstanton (circa 1564–1635) and John Howlen of Brabourne (died in 1705) in Kent County, England, are considered the two earliest known ancestors of the R-A9703 haplogroup. However, John Howlen of Brabourne is not directly descended from Henry Howland of Fenstanton. Instead, he is descended from one of Henry Howland of Fenstanton's patrilineal ancestors, such as his father or grandfather. Although the specific patrilineal ancestors of John Howland remain unknown, his ancestral home is in Brabourne, Kent. Ongoing research is being conducted to uncover more about his ancestry.

In terms of genetic analysis, SNP stands for Single Nucleotide Polymorphism, which refers to a variation at a single position in a DNA sequence among individuals. SNP testing conducted on descendants of Arthur Howland, John Howland, and Henry Howland, Jr. confirms a distinct Y-DNA SNP shared among them, establishing their direct descent from Henry Howland of Fenstanton. They have tested positive for one Y-DNA SNP, identified as A9708 on the R-A9708 block level of the Y haplotree.

The distinctive SNP, R-A9708, predates the birth of Henry Howland of Fenstanton and is inherited by his sons and their male descendants. Additionally, other unique SNPs emerge in the Y-DNA of descendants following the individual births of Arthur, John, and Henry Howland.

Looking ahead, further DNA tests can identify additional unique SNPs in the descendants, helping to trace the Y-DNA lineage to one of the three Howland sons in America or to Howland families in England.

We invite all Howland descendants and those interested in our family history to participate in this important genetic research. Your involvement is crucial in expanding our understanding of the Howland lineage and connecting with relatives across generations. By submitting your Y-DNA for testing, you contribute to a growing community of researchers and family members dedicated to uncovering our shared heritage. For more information on how to get involved, please review the details at Howland (Y-DNA) under the Mayflower DNA Project and the Howland DNA Project under FamilyTreeDNA. Together, we can build a more comprehensive picture of our ancestry and strengthen our family connections.

In summary, the Y-DNA analysis of Henry Howland of Fenstanton reveals his membership in haplogroup R-A9708, with distinct genetic markers that differentiate him from other Howland lineages. The R-A9703 haplogroup, which predates R-A9708, is shared by both the Howlands of Fenstanton and the Howlands of Kent, highlighting their common ancestry. Ongoing research aims to uncover more about the lineage of John Howlen of Brabourne and other descendants. The identification of unique SNPs through further testing will enhance our understanding of the Howland family’s genetic heritage and facilitate connections to other Howland families in America and England.

By engaging in this research, we not only honor our ancestors but also contribute to a collective effort that can reveal new insights into our family history. Your participation is vital in helping us piece together the intricate puzzle of our lineage, and we look forward to welcoming more Howland descendants into this exciting journey of discovery.

Common Errors to Avoid

Incorrect parents: Henry Howland of Fenstanton is not the son of John Howland and Emma Revell as is sometimes said. All the wills of John Howland, his wife, Emme Howland, his mother, Mrs. Agnes Quarles, and his four brothers disprove Henry Howland's parentage because they only mentioned three surviving known children between 1585 and 1612 as follows: John Howland, Margaret (Howland) Catesby, and Nicholas Howland. Sadly, this Howland branch of Essex ended in 1655 because John and Emme Howland's son, John Howland's will shows he died unmarried and did not produce any male line to this day. He was the last armiger to bear his Howland armorial achievement, which came to an end in 1655, and it did not pass to any surviving armiger to bear it.

Incorrect conflation: Henry Howland of Fenstanton is not identical to Henry Howland of Ely as is sometimes said. This Henry Howland of Ely married Alice Ayers on 26 April 1600 in Ely, Cambridgeshire. They had two known children as follows: John was baptized in 1603 and Henry was baptized in 1604. The names and dates made them good candidates to be the parents of the New England immigrants for many years. However, it has been shown that this was an entirely different Henry Howland who was buried on 27 May 1621 in Ely.[3]

Incorrect marriage date: The marriage date of 26 April 1600 previously on this profile comes from the mistaken belief that Henry Howland of Fenstanton was the same person as Henry Howland of Ely.[3]

Incorrect marriage date: The marriage date of 26 Apr 1590 previously on this profile comes from the erroneous combination of the estimated marriage date of 1590 and the marriage date of 26 April 1600 from the registers of St Mary's Church in Ely. It becomes a mistaken belief. Also, see more information just above at "incorrect marriage date" regarding 26 April 1600.

Incorrect name of wife: The name of his wife as Alice Ayers comes from the mistaken belief that Henry Howland of Fenstanton was the same person as Henry Howland of Ely.[1][19]

Incorrect son: Since 2014, the contributor of Find a Grave has claimed that Jonathan Aires Howland (1586–1590) was believed to be the son of Henry Howland and Ann Margaret Aires. The claim alleged that he was buried at St. Peter and St. Paul's Graveyard in Fenstanton, Cambridgeshire. The contributor's purpose was to insert her maiden name Aires to Jonathan's middle name, as if Jonathan were their legitimate son. This information was obtained from online public and private family trees, which included inaccurate and misattributed sources. No historical records exist to verify the existence of Jonathan Aires Howland. The burial records in Fenstanton or Ely did not mention his burial in 1590. Two parishes in Ely started recording baptisms, marriages, and burials in 1599, and one parish in Fenstanton began recording events in 1612. Moreover, Bishop’s Transcripts for 1604–1605, 1608, and 1610 provide additional information not found in Fenstanton's original registers. There is no physical evidence of his burial at St. Peter and St. Paul Churchyard due to the weathering of some 16th-century gravestones, which may indicate a mistaken creation of a non-existent individual. Jonathan Aires Howland was not the son of Henry and Margaret Howland of Fenstanton. Some genealogists on Ancestry.com have incorrectly identified Jonathan Aires Howland as the son of Henry Howland and Ann Margaret Aires or Alicia Ayers from Ely. Since he was born in 1586 and died in 1590 before the marriage of Henry Howland and Alicia Ayers, both of Ely in 1600, it is clear he could not have been their son. This misinformation resulted from the careless creation of a non-existent person. This likely stems from mistaken beliefs and the inadvertent duplication of content from Ancestry.com. On July 25, 2024, the Find A Grave administrators permanently removed the memorial of Jonathan Aires Howland. They found it inappropriate to add a non-existent person to the Find A Grave memorial page, which violates community rules. As a result, they decided to permanently remove it. They conducted a review of all primary sources and the latest research on the Howland family of Fenstanton. In the primary records for the Howland family of Fenstanton, they found conclusive evidence that Jonathan Aires Howland did not exist.

Sources

1. Howland Quarterly Magazine, The Pilgrim John Howland Society, vol. 1 no. 3 (January 1937): 1. Ancestry of the Pilgrim John Howland.
2. Parish registers of Fenstanton, Huntingdonshire, covering baptisms, marriages, and burials, 1612-1739, Huntingdon Archives HP 27/1/1/1 [hereafter Fenstanton Parish Registers]. Also available on FHL #1040984, It. 10.
3. Johnson, Caleb H. Henry Howland of Fenstanton, Huntingdonshire: Father of Mayflower Passenger John Howland. Available at The Pilgrim John Howland Society website (2015). Link to online PDF.
4. Manorial Court Roll for Fenstanton, 1614, Huntingdon Archives, HMR7. Howland was not found referenced in the Fenstanton rentals of 1591 or 1616, nor the manorial court rolls of 1617-1621. He was also not listed in the terriers for townlands 1632-1644 (HP27/25/2/1), nor on the receipt of inhabitants for 1633 (HP27/25/2/2); nor in any apprenticeship records (HP27/14/1-2).
5. Churchwarden accounts for Fenstanton, 1630. Huntingdon Archives HP27/5/2. No record of Howland was found in the 1627 churchwarden accounts which also survive.
6. Cherry, Lina Vandegrift Denison. Ancestry of My Three Children: Lewis Williamson Cherry, George Denison Cherry, Carolyn Vandegrift (Cherry) McDonnell. United States, n.p, 1945, p. 315.
7. Gilbert, Hilah Scott. Ancestors of Heather J. Gilbert, Susan Scott Gilbert and Allyn Ellsworth Gilbert, Jr. Chrisman, IL: unknown, 1963, p. 29. [Ancestry.com: subscription required.] (no free image available).
8. Huntingdonshire: Fen Stanton: St Peter and St Paul: Register of unspecified type: "Parish Register" database, FreeREG (https://www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/58180251e93790ec75a7aa38: viewed 19 Nov 2022) burial Henry Howland 17 May 1635.
9. "England, Huntingdonshire Parish Registers", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:WQC6-WP2M: 11 February 2021), Henry Howland, 1635.
10. Davis, William Goodwin. The Ancestry of Annis Spear, 1775-1858, of Litchfield, Maine. (1945), p. 103. Text: Henry Howland of Fenny Stanton, co. Huntington, was born in the latter half of the sixteenth century.
11. Christensen, Grace Hildy Croft. The Benson Family: Descendants of Isaac Benson and Mary Bumpas, and Allied Families: Archer, Bumpas, Howard, Knapp, Lewis, Luce, Meech, Milks, Potter, Reynolds, Waite, Whipple, Williams, Et Al. 2d Ed. United States, n.p, (1973), p. 681. Text: Henry Howland, b. abt. 1564.
12. "The Connecticut Nutmegger," Volume 14, (1981), p. 445. Text: Henry Howland b.... ca. 1564.
13. New England Historical and Genealogical Register, vol. 34, no. 2 (April 1880): pages 192-194. A Sketch of the Howlands, by L.M. Howland.
14. The Howland Quarterly, The Pilgrim John Howland Society, vol. 1, no. 3 (January 1937): 1. "Ancestry of the Pilgrim John Howland."
15. Torrey, Clarence Almon. "The Howland Ancestry," in The American Genealogist, vol. 14, (1937-8): pages 214-215.
16. Davis, Walter Goodwin. The Ancestry of Annis Spear, 1775-1858, of Litchfield, Maine. (Portland, Me.: Southworth-Anthoensen Press, 1945): pages 103-107.
17. General Society of Mayflower Descendants. “Mayflower: Official Project of General Society of Mayflower Descendants (GSMD).” FamilyTreeDNA, FamilyTreeDNA.com, 2019, www.familytreedna.com/groups/mayflowersociety/about. Mayflower DNA Project - Y-DNA Colorized Chart.
18. Family TreeDNA. Howland DNA Project. (https://www.familytreedna.com/groups/howland/about: accessed 25 Feb 2020).
19. The Howland Quarterly, The Pilgrim John Howland Society, vol. 28, no. 1. (October 1963), p. 4.
20. Institute of Historical Research. “Event Details of Humphrey Howland.” Records of London's Livery Companies Online, Institute of Historical Research, 2018, https://www.londonroll.org/event/?company=drp&event_id=DREW8576.

• The Howland Quarterly, The Pilgrim John Howland Society, vol. 1, no. 3 (January 1937): 1. '"Ancestry of the Pilgrim John Howland."
• Torrey, Clarence Almon. "The Howland Ancestry," in The American Genealogist, vol 14, (1937-8): pages 214-215. AmericanAncestors.org Link.
• Robert S. Wakefield & Robert M. Sherman, "Henry Howland of Duxbury, Massachusetts, 1633, His Children and His Grandchildren," in NGS Quarterly, 75 (June 1987): 105-113.
• The Pilgrim John Howland Society website.
• Johnson, Caleb H. "Henry Howland of Fenstanton, Huntingdonshire: Father of Mayflower Passenger John Howland". Available at The PilgrimJohn Howland Society website (2015). Link to online PDF.
• New England Historical and Genealogical Register, vol. 34, no. 2 (April 1880): pages 192-194. '"A Sketch of the Howlands," by L. M. Howland. AmericanAncestors.org Link. Archive.org Link. Google Books Link.
• Howland, Franklyn. A Brief Genealogical and Biographical History of Arthur, Henry, and John Howland and their Descendants. (New Bedford, Mass., 1885). Archive.org Link. Ancestry.com Link.
• See also: G2G discussion of his origins. Who was the father of Henry Howland Sr, father of Plymouth Colony Howlands?
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/48356201/henry-howland: accessed 06 August 2023), memorial page for Henry Howland (1566 – 17 May 1635), Find a Grave Memorial ID 48356201, citing St. Peter and St. Paul Churchyard, Fenstanton, Huntingdonshire District, Cambridgeshire, England; Maintained by J. Robison (contributor 46874858).
• Project administrators of MayflowerDNA.org. “Howland (Y-DNA).” Mayflower DNA, 17 July 2023, https://mayflowerdna.org/wiki/index.php/Howland_(Y-DNA).
• Notable Descendants of Henry Howland of Fen Stanton, Huntingdonshire, England.
• "Notable Howland Descendants. What do Humphrey Bogart, George Bush and Dr. Spock have in common?" < /pilgrimjohnhowlandsociety.org/ >