Johannes Atwood

     Johannes was born in Sanderstead Court, County Surrey, England. On 20 September 1576, he was christened in Westminister, London, County Middlesex, England, at St. Martin's-in-the-Field.¹ Johannes married Ann Lee in England.² He immigirated to Plymouth in about 1635 with his three Atwood nephews Stephen, John and Henry. John quickly became known as a person of good stature as he was elected Assistant Governor of Plymouth Colony 3 years later in 1638. John held this position until his death. During this time period there became controversies over the sale of trade goods, mostly furs and hides, sent back to London by the colonist in Plymouth. William Bradford [governor of the colony] and other colonist who were at Plymouth and investors in the Plymouth Company, did not believe that they were being given fair credit for the goods they sent back to London. The controversies had been going on for years until both sides finally wanted a solution. John and William Collier [both men were Assistant Governors, William a partner in the Plymouth Company] were chosen to be advisors and counselors due to their close association with Bradford and other investors living in Plymouth. With their help, a compromise was reached, however it took 2 years of work on the part of John and William to achieve the agreement in 1642. This certainly shows the esteem parties on both sides of the Atlantic had for John.^1,3 John made his will on 20 October 1643 at Plymouth.

I John Atwood gentleman, this 20^th of October 1643, make this my last will and testament. For my Brethren God hath blessed them that they may be as well to give to me as I to them, and for their children they be many, I do her give and bequeath them greate and smale young and old male and female which were born before the date of these presents twelve pence apiece if demanded, and for the my little kinsman William Crowe & my Brother and sister Lee and their two children Ann & Mary I leave them to the will of my wife to deale with them as shall seem good to her and I do therefore ordain my loving wife Anne Atwood to be my sole Executrix to whom I will and bequeath all the rest of my estate my debts first payd and she paying my debts and legacies before mentioned etc.
Witnesses: William Bradford & Robert Hicks.⁴

John departed this life on Saturday, 27 February 1643/44 in Plymouth.⁵ The inventory of John's estate was taken on Saturday, 27 February 1643/44. His estate was valued at 186 pounds 14 shillings. It was taken by R. Hicks, Wm Paddy, Thomas Southworth and Nathaniel Souther.