Christopher Martin (1581-1621)

Christopher Martin (ca. 1582-1620/21) was a Pilgrim and signer of the Mayflower Compact.

Christopher Martin was born on an unknown date prior to 1582. He married Mary Prower, a widower, in Great Burstead, Essex, England in February 1606 or 1607. Mary Martin was born around 1580, in the vicinity of Great Burstead, Billericay. She had a son, named Solomon, from her previous marriage. She later bore Martin a son, whom they named Nathaniel, born in February 1609 or 1610, also in Billericay.

Christopher Martin was a merchant. He was a practicing catholic, however in his early 30s, he came into conflict with Catholic religious authorities for refusing to observe the Catholic ritual of kneeling at communion. A similar incident, also involving Nathaniel, occurred at Archdeaconry Court at Chelmsford in 1619.

When they sailed to America, Mr Martin, was first governor of the Mayflower and a leader of the Strangers that joined the Pilgrims headed to Plymouth Colony.

Christopher Martin, Mary Martin and her son Solomon came to America on the Mayflower, but all died during the first winter in Plymouth Colony, during 1620-21.