Thomas Brooke, of Mere

Thomas Brooke, born c.1617, was enrolled 18 April 1635 at London as a passenger for New England on the Susan and Ellen under Edward Payne, master [captain]. On the 9th of May he enrolled again on the same ship, this time giving his age as 20. In each entry the succeeding name was Richard Brooke, 24, presumed to be his brother. Both men initially settled at Lynn, Massachusetts. T

he passenger of 1635 is probably the same Thomas Brooke fined 10 shillings in Salem court on 27 September 1636 'for being overseen in drink.' The fine was paid by an unnamed master, "who is to be satisfied by Brooke working out of his time."

The Great Migration authors conclude, "Nothing can be said about the history of the 1635 passenger beyond the court record of 1636." Richard Brooke is said to have removed to East Hampton in 1650, although the Great Migration authors cast doubt upon this claim as well. For a debunking of claims about Thomas Brooke put forward by Pope and others, see The Great Migration, 1634-1635, 1:406-07.4

Sources

• http://www.tributaries.us/p3859.htm