Hathorne, William, 1607-1681

Major William Hathorne, Puritan, of Salem, Mass., an ancestor of Nathaniel Hawthorne, was involved in the persecution of Quakers and other religious heretics. Rev. Robert Jordan, a priest of the Church of England, came to Richmond's Island, in Maine ca. 1640 and became a landowner in that area. Owing to his religious affinities and associations, Jordan was an object of suspicion and hostility to the Puritan government of Massachusetts who forbade him to marry or baptize. He paid no attention to this order, and continuing to discharge the duties, of his office, the General Court of Massachusetts ordered his arrest and imprisonment in Boston. This occurred twice, namely in 1654 and in 1663.

From the description of William Hathorne warrants, 1663. (Maine Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 272911538