An multi-part article in The Register, published in 2023 (Volume 177:5-25, 160-178, 262-281) and titled The English Origins of John Thurber of Swansea in Plymouth Colony and His Descendants by Florence Thurber Gargaro, Kathryn Davitt Peters and Barry R. Smith identified the parents of my ancestor, John Thurber, the subject of this article.

This article greatly extends our knowledge about the Thurber family and John’s descendants. However, it adds but one earlier generation to John’s ancestry. On the positive side, his English origins are proven.

John Thurber alias Shepherd was born c1605 in England. He married an unknown wife, c1623 and was buried on 24 August 1662 in Littleham, Devonshire, England.

Records for only three children of John Thurber have so far been located. It may be that his wife died after the birth of the youngest child or might not have had any more children, for whatever reason.

Children:

1. John, baptized 8 October 1625, Littleham, Devonshire, England; died before 8 August 1706, Swansea, Bristol, Massachusetts; married Priscilla (MNU), c1647
2. Susanna (probably), baptized 2 December 1627, Littleham, Devonshire, England
3. Elizabeth, baptized 5 February 1631/32, Littleham, Devonshire, England; died before 17 September 1680; married Phillip Lovering. Phillip was a widower when he died after 17 September 1680, possibly at sea

My Thurber line, who settled in Massachusetts, then Rhode Island, then New Brunswick, Canada, then Maine, back to Massachusetts and then to New Jersey:

1. John Thurber alias Shepherd = Unknown (MNU)
2. John Thurber = Priscilla (MNU)
3. John Wheaton = Elizabeth Thurber
4. Joseph Hicks = Patience Wheaton
5. Samuel Hicks = Thankful Bowen
6. Ira Hicks = Sarah Thornton
7. Israel Hicks = Abigail Carlisle
8. Charles Augustus Stewart = Elida Ann Hicks
9. Charles Edwin Adams = Annie Maude Stuart
10. Vernon Tarbox Adams = Hazel Ethel Coleman
11. George Michael Sabo = Doris Priscilla Adams
12. Me!

For further information about the Thurber family, the article can be accessed on AmericanAncestors.org by subscription.