Nathaniel Tilden, the immigrant ancestor, came in the ship “Hercules” of Sandwich, England, from Tenterden, England, in March, 1634, bringing with him his wife Lydia, seven children and seven servants. He settled at Scituate where he was living and had a house built according to Parson Lothrop, as early as September, 1634. He was the first ruling elder of the Scituate church, indicating that he was one of the foremost citizens. He held many town offices. His was the third house on Kent street, south of Greenfield lane. He also had lands at Long Marsh, and in 1640 land on the east side of North River below the Gravelly Beach. His will was dated May 25, 1641 and proved July 31, 1641. He bequeathed to his wife; to sons Joseph, Thomas and Stephen; daughters Judith, Mary, Sarah and Lydia; to servants Edward Cinkins and Edward Tarse; his wife was to have a house at Tenterden. His son Joseph. was made executor of the will of his father’s brother, Joseph Tilden, citizen and girdler by trade, of London, February 1, 1642. The widow Lydia and daughters Mary and Sarah were the legatees and this daughter Lydia afterwards married Richard Garrett. Children: Joseph, married Elizabeth Twisden, had the homestead; Thomas (a Thomas came to Plymouth in 1623 and had three lots assigned to him, perhaps the same) ; Mary, married, March 13, 1630, Thomas Lapham; Sarah, married, March 13, 1630, George Sutton; Judith, married Abraham Prebles; Lydia, married Richard Garrett; Stephen, about 1630, mentioned elsewhere.
