John. Born 1622. Moved to Boston and married there Elizabeth (Phillips) Everill, widow of Abiel Everill. They also had thirteen children. He was a mariner and became a naval commander of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He was a member of the Old South Church of Boston and his ancient slate headstone is embedded in the wall there. Perhaps the best known event of his life is when, on a trip to Salem, he was accused of witchcraft, spending fifteen weeks in a Boston jail. He escaped shortly before nine of the other victims were executed/murdered during the Salem witch trials. Ironically, while Alden was not a witch, a collateral descendant now living in Rhode Island is high priest of a witches' coven. Alden was later exonerated. Died 1701.
