Stephen was born in Middlesex, England in 1616 the third child of Johanem John Atwood and Joan Coleson.  He came to this country -- date unknown -- with other pilgrims during the period of 1620-1647.

  He married Abigail Dunham on 16 Nov 1644 in Barnstable, MA.  Abigail was born about 1626 in Leyden, Netherlands, the daughter of Deacon John Dunham and Abigail (Barlow or Ballou).  

   Stephen was "first recorded at Plymouth in 1643.  In 1656 he took an oath of allegiance and shortly after his marriage removed to that part of Eastham MA set off as Wellfleet (Barnstable County), and resided there until his death in 1693.  He married Abigail 16 Nov 1644 and among their children were:  John (d. 1648), Hannah (b. 14 Oct 1649), Joseph who married Mrs. Apphia (Bangs) Knowles, widow of John Knowles and daughter of Edward Bangs, Daniel, Eldad, Stephen, Jr., and likely more daughters."  Stephen, Jr. had eight children.