Orinda Man Discovers Thanksgiving Ancestry Linked to Pilgrims

In a remarkable twist of fate, a resident of Orinda, California, has uncovered his lineage tied to a prominent figure in Thanksgiving history. Bill Brewster, a direct descendant of Elder William Brewster, played a key role among the Pilgrims who arrived at Plymouth Rock in 1620. This connection has sparked interest as families across the United States prepare to celebrate the holiday.

Elder William Brewster served as a spiritual and community leader for the Pilgrims during their harrowing journey to the New World. Bill shares that his ancestor was not formally ordained but assumed a guiding role. He explains, “There were two boats that left England that day, and the ordained minister, Reverend Robinson, was on the other one. That ship, the Fortune, sprang a leak and had to turn back, leaving the Mayflower to continue alone.”

The journey across the Atlantic Ocean lasted an arduous hundred days. Bill notes that conditions were dire, with the passengers facing dwindling supplies. Initially bound for Virginia, the Pilgrims ultimately landed at Plymouth Rock, where Elder William Brewster encouraged many of the passengers to sign the Mayflower Compact, a foundational agreement establishing cooperative governance.

“The Mayflower Compact was essential,” Bill explains. “It required everyone to work together for the common good.” Though intended to last indefinitely, the agreement proved challenging as disparities in effort emerged among the settlers. Soon, many began claiming land independently, marking a significant shift in their communal approach.

In a quest to connect with his roots, Bill and his son, Ben, recently traveled to Nottinghamshire, England, to explore their ancestor’s home in the small hamlet of Scrooby. During their trip, they also visited Sherwood Forest, where they were reminded of the legendary figure Robin Hood. They found the Brewster manor house still standing, although its current owners maintain a low profile to protect the historic site.

Over the course of twelve generations, Bill Brewster has built an impressive family tree that intertwines with notable figures such as Angela Davis, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Katherine Hepburn, and Julia Child. The connections reflect a rich legacy within American history and culture.

Bill also recounts a significant moment involving Squanto, a Native American who spoke perfect English after being captured by an English slave trader. Squanto became instrumental in bridging communication between the Pilgrims and his tribe, led by Chief Massasoit. “He helped arrange the first Thanksgiving and acted as a translator,” Bill adds, highlighting the deep interconnectedness between the Pilgrims and the indigenous peoples of America.

Thanksgiving has not always been celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. In 1939, business leaders petitioned President Franklin Roosevelt to move the holiday up a week to extend the shopping season, which sparked controversy nationwide. Critics dubbed it “Franksgiving,” leading to a divided nation where some states adopted the new date while others adhered to tradition. Ultimately, Congress solidified the fourth Thursday as the official date two years later.

As families gather around the table this Thanksgiving, Bill Brewster’s story serves as a reminder of the resilience and complexity of American history. His connection to Elder William Brewster enriches our understanding of the Pilgrims’ journey and their interactions with the land and its original inhabitants.

In related local news, Island Cat Resources and Adoption will host its annual Pawladay Boutique from December 5 to 7 at the Alameda Elks Lodge, a key fundraising event to support feline welfare in the East Bay area. For more information, visit their website at icraeastbay.org.

For further inquiries, Bill Brewster can be reached via email.