Thomas Cushman (Plymouth colonist)

Robert Cushman returned to England alone, leaving Thomas as a ward of Governor William Bradford.

Over his long life Cushman became a person of note in the colony being involved in numerous important activities.

[2][3][4] Robert Cushman seems to be one of the earlier carriers of this name, which over many years, per Kent parish records of the 16th and 17th centuries, derived from such surnames as Cowchman, Couchman, Cutchman, Cuchman, Crocheman, etc.

Predominantly they were cloth makers, Flemish in origin, who with other countrymen came to several regions of England at the invitation of King Edward II around the year 1336.

Late in 1617, soon after his second marriage, Robert Cushman and John Carver were tasked by the Leiden congregation to go to the Council for Virginia in London to negotiate for patent within the company's grant.

But Robert Cushman, having already been at sea for four months, returned to England shortly thereafter; this left young Thomas in the care of colony William Bradford.

Bradford recorded that Robert Cushman's stay to attend to business regarding the London Adventurers agreement with the colony was “not above fourteen days”.

[8] On April 6, 1649, he was chosen as Ruling Elder of the church, succeeding William Brewster, a position he held until his death.

[8] No papers are left from Thomas Cushman, but one recently discovered document bearing his signature is in the care of the Massachusetts Historical Society.