Degory Priest was a passenger on the Mayflower who had ties to Isaac Allerton and other Pilgrims who sailed to Plymouth Colony.
He seemed to have an interesting personality. He was cited for confronting an individual who was having an adulterous relationship, and it was even said he hit the man. According to his testimony, he only nipped his shirt and did not hit him.
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He lived in Leiden, Holland, until heading to Plymouth.
Once he arrived, he would sign the Mayflower Compact as "Digery Priest."
According to William Bradford, he died during the first winter.
Family Overview
His parents' names are unknown, but it is believed that he was born in London, England, around 1579. His origins are disputed.
By November 1615, he was a resident of Leiden, Holland, and seemed to have some influence amongst the Separatists that would eventually migrate to the New World.
Degory Priest married a widow and sister of future Pilgrim Isaac Allerton.
He and his wife would have two daughters, and when it was time to go to the New World, they would stay behind, and he would send for them when the colony was established.
When the Mayflower sailed away from Leiden, Holland, he would never see his family again.
Family Tree Chart
Parents: Unknown
Spouse:
Sarah Allerton (1584 - 1633) - She probably died prior to 1633. After the death of Degory Priest, she remarried for a third time. She would eventually make it to Plymouth.
Children:
Marah Priest (1612 - 1689) - She would arrive in Plymouth in 1623 and would move to Charlestown, where she would die.
Sarah Priest (1615 - 1648) - She arrived in Plymouth with her step-father, mother, and sister but would eventually move back to England, where she died. She would have three children and would be the direct ancestor to Franklin D. Roosevelt.