Hutchings and the Pilgrims

Did you know that if you are related to Shepherd Pierce Hutchings, then you have direct ancestors who crossed the Atlantic Ocean on the Mayflower and landed at Plymouth Rock.

Edward Fuller was born September 4, 1575 in Redenhal, Norfolk, England. He and his wife Ann were among the 120 members of the Mayflower that landed on Plymouth Rock in 1620 searching for religious freedom. Edward, Ann, their young son Samuel and Dr. Samuel Fuller, Edward’s brother, were among the passengers on the Mayflower. Both Edward and his brother Samuel were signers of the Mayflower Compact. They were Puritans who left Leydon, Holland for America, seeking religious freedom. Edward and his wife Ann were among those that died that first winter. Their son Samuel would be raised by his Uncle Samuel. Edward and Ann’s older son Matthew had stayed behind in England. He sailed to Plymouth on October 26, 1640.

And Edward and Ann Fuller begat Matthew Fuller.
And Matthew Fuller begat Samuel Fuller.
And Samuel Fuller begat Abigail Fuller.
And Abigail Fuller begat Israel Stowell.
And Israel Stowell begat Joseph Stowell.
And Joseph Stowell begat Abigail Stowell.
And Abigail Stowell begat Elias Hutchins.
And Elias Hutchins begat Shepherd Pierce Hutchings.

Thomas Hutchins, the emigrant ancestor of Elias and Shepherd Pierce Hutchings, was born on November 15, 1693 in Broadwinsor, Dorset, England. His grandson Asa, the father of Elias, served with a brother named Issac in the revolutionary war. They may have helped capture Fort Ticonderoga from the British in 1775.

Elias Hutchins was born February 20, 1784. He is given credit, along with his Uncle John, of discovering the Mammoth Cave in Kentucky. He married Sally Smith (Cox) on December 29, 1816. They joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on November 17, 1830 near Kirtland, Ohio. Elias served faithfully in Zion’s Camp. He was set apart as a President in the Third Quorum of Seventy in Nauvoo, Illinois. He died in Nauvoo and is buried there. His wife Sally crossed the plains with the pioneers and died September 28, 1863 in Salt Lake City. She is buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetary.

Shepherd Pierce Hutchings stood toe to toe with the mobs during the persecutions of the Mormons in Missouri. He witnessed the confirmation of Brigham Young as President of the Church after the death of Joseph Smith. He took his family to Utah, crossing the plains with the pioneers. He served a mission in the east promoting Joseph Smith’s effort to become President of the United States, just before the Prophet Joseph Smith was martyred. He also served a mission to the Indians in Utah and Nevada.

If your name is Hutchings, you are probably related to many people from southern England who were involved with the reformation and with the colonization of America.