Jon,

I don't have the name of the ship on which Joseph Ring traveled to America. I also don't have an exact date for the visit. It is reported as 1668. I think there is a reference to this visit in the MA court records of the time, so some research might be able to narrow down the date. His visit was in part to collect on an inheritance left to him and several of his siblings by his grandfather Rolfe, who died in 1664. He was appointed the representative of his English relatives (since they couldn't all come personally to America), to collect and disburse this inheritance. I don't believe he stayed long in Massachusetts. He would probably have taken a different ship south to Virginia.

His sister, Sarah, came to America about 1653 at the age of about 17. She traveled in the company of her uncle Robert Ring of Salisbury, MA, and his wife, Elizabeth Jarvis, and their two infant daughters. I think Sarah was invited along in part to serve as a helper to Elizabeth and the two babies. This was the second crossing for Robert Ring. He had first emigrated in 1638 and lived for about 5 years in Salisbury, accumulating a house lot and some additional property. In 1643, he returned to England, perhaps to find a wife. The Civil War then raging in England prevented his return to America for nearly 10 years.

Shortly after her arrival, Sarah married William Cottle. Will Cottle had emigrated as a youngster back in 1638, in the same ship with Robert Ring and the Rolfes -- the "Confidence". It is clear that several families -- the Rings, Rolfes, Cottles, and Sanders -- were close associates from Wiltshire, England. The Cottle who witnessed Joseph Ring's will in Virginia was no doubt from this group as well.

Sarah's husband, Will Cottle, died in 1668 (before or after Joseph's visit, I don't know). Later she remarried to John Hale. She had 4 Cottle children and 3 with Hale.

By the way, Jon, I am still puzzled about your connection to Joseph Ring of Ringfield Plantation. You say the link is a son of Joseph's named Thomas. But there is no reference to Thomas in Joseph's will. The National Park Service booklet which you brought to our attention does not include any Thomas among the children of Joseph. Did I miss something?

Always glad to know more.

Franz Martin