San Diego Colony of Mayflower Descendants

Yesterday, I had the honor of being accepted as a member of the San Diego Colony of Mayflower Descendants at their luncheon. 

First, I had to become a member of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. In order to do that I submitted to the Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of California in the Fall of 2016 a list (Mayflower Lineage Match form) of who I believed my ancestors were back to John and Priscilla (Mullins) Alden.  After a review of my submission, I was informed in October 2016 that I  was a likely descendant and would need to provide the appropriate documentation for proof of lineage from myself back 7 generations on my maternal side to Timothy Alden, son of Israel and Lucy (Markham) Alden.  The Society had previously proven documentation for Timothy Alden back another 5 generations (Israel & Lucy Markham Alden, Noah & Joanna Vaughn Alden, John & Hannah White Alden, Joseph & Mary Simmons Alden) to John and Priscilla Alden. 

About 2 years later after gathering the remainder of the documentation needed I submitted my paperwork last Summer to the Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of California.  After several requests for additional information and some clarification the paperwork was deemed acceptable and sent to the General Society of Mayflower Descendants.  On 8 December 2018 my request for membership was approved (see post ‘General Society of Mayflower Descendants’ Success). 

Saturday’s luncheon was a formality but an exciting one!  While I stood, I thought of Priscilla Mullins Alden and all she went through to make a life in this new world.  

12 generations of Alden descendants had to have the lives they lived for me to be here and taking part in this ceremony…almost 400 years after John and Priscilla arrived in this new world.  Pretty awesome when you stop and think about it!  I also felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment in my research skills to be able to prove my lineage to John & Priscilla.  No matter how frustrated you may get on your journey to find the information you are searching for it is well worth it when you finally reach a destination such as this one.

The Pilgrim Pledge

In the name of God Amen.

I pledge myself to help hold aloft the lamps of civil and religious liberty lighted by the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock; to recall and cherish the sacrifices and struggles made by them for the common good; to study their lives, deeds, faith, courage and character, and to draw inspiration therefrom; to emulate their spirit; to be loyal to the flag and institutions of the country whose founding was so greatly aided by their work and wisdom; to do everything within my power to deserve and preserve the heritage, and at all times and in all ways to profit by the Pilgrim example.

I was very happy to have good friend & fellow blogger Diane Gould Hall and fellow ‘Alden’ cousin Darlene Conner Sampley  there to share in this momentous occasion! 

If you have any corrections, additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.
Enjoy the journey,
Debby

Note: Before joining the General Society of Mayflower Descendants I was accepted as a member of the Alden Kindred of America.  (See post It’s Official! I Proved it!)