Stephen Atwood

     Stephen was born circa 1616 in London, County Middlesex, England, at their home on Chancery Lane. He & his brothers, John & Henry, came to Plymouth in 1635 with their Uncle John Atwood. After their immigration, the brothers often went by the surname Wood. On 16 August 1641, Henry and Stephen were granted 8 acres of land at Loute Pond. Stephen was also granted 8 acres of upland at Loute Pond 16 September 1641. He was then granted "a garden place in a neighborhood at Wellingsley" 31 December 1641; Then, in August of 1643, the three brothers were all given the priviledge to bear arms.² Stephen married Abigail Dunham, daughter of John Dunham and Abigail Barlow, on 6 November 1644 in Plymouth, Plymouth County, Massachusetts.^3,4 The three brothers were propounded as freeman 1 June 1647, and in 1648 the three were jointly granted 3 acres of land adjacent to Henry's land at Loute Pond. Stephen and his family moved to Eastham and was one of the first settlers there. He was appointed surveyor of highways in Eastham 6 June 1654.⁵ Stephen departed this life the latter end of February 1694. in Plymouth.⁶