William Thorne

     William was born. He was made a freeman in Lynn, Massachusetts, 2 May 1638, the first record of him in New England. Because of their beliefs, William and others who refused to have their infants baptized were banned from the church there in Lynn . In fear of prosecution, many of them crossed the sound to the area of Flushing on Long Island in 1642 or early 1643. Because of the fierce Indian attacks, they were forced leave this northern western part of the island to an area on the far side of the island on the southwestern edge.. The area was founded by Lady Deborah Moody, William, as well as others who had fled Lynn were associates of hers in the founding of Gravesend in the later part of 1643. Gravesend was the only settlement in the western portion of Long Island that successfully defended themselves from the Indian attacks. On 10 October 1645, Governor Kieft granted a patent to eighteen Englishmen including William Thorne. They were to be allowed freedom to establish towns and enjoy liberty on the peninsula bordered by Flushing Creek which gave the name to the patent.^1,2 William departed this life on Monday, 12 May 1664 in the Town of Flushing. On this date, his son John Thorne is listed as head of the family.