William Eldredge

     William Eldredge was born circa 1622 at England. He married Anne Lumpkin, daughter of William Lumpkin and Tamesin (?).¹ William Eldredge died in 1679 at Yarmouth, Barnstable Co, Massachusetts.
     William Eldredge was a resident of Yarmouth by 3 March 1645. He does not appear to be of Plymouth Colony in 1643. It is possible that William of Yarmouth, Robert of Yarmouth and Samuel of Cambridge and Stonington were all brothers, coming from England in 1635. They all appear to men of standing and substance. It is also supected by some that the Eldredges of Massachusetts were in some way related to John Eldred of Great Saxham in Suffolk, England. John was one of the founders of Virginia and was a member of His Majesty's Council for the Virginia Company of London. The Pilgrims had received a patent from the London Company, intending to plant their colony in Virginia, even though the wind carried them far from their mark to Cape Cod. John Eldred of Great Saxham was at that time, as well as for the next 15 years, a director of the Virginia Company of London. It is quite possible that our New England Eldredges were related to him in some manner. The name is frequently spelled Eldred in the early days, as well as Eldredge and Eldridge.
William Eldredge was appointed constable in Yarmouth and he was also surveyor of highways.¹