Chapter 1: Early Life and Family Roots

Alice French was born around 1610 in Suffolk, England, into a family deeply rooted in the agrarian society of early 17th-century England. Her father, Thomas French, and mother, Susan Reddesdale, were part of a community that valued hard work and religious devotion.

The French family lived in a time of significant social and religious upheaval, as the Protestant Reformation continued to shape the cultural and spiritual landscape of England.

Alice's early years were marked by the rhythms of rural life, with the family likely engaged in farming or other agrarian pursuits. The French family's decision to emigrate to the New World was influenced by the promise of religious freedom and economic opportunity.

This period of migration, known as the Great Migration, saw thousands of English families seeking a new life in the American colonies.

Chapter 2: Journey to the New World

In 1634, Alice French married Ensign Thomas Howlett, a man of some standing in the community. The couple's decision to emigrate to Massachusetts was part of a broader trend among English Puritans seeking to establish a society based on their religious beliefs.

The journey across the Atlantic was arduous, with passengers facing cramped conditions, disease, and the constant threat of storms.

Upon their arrival in Massachusetts, Alice and Thomas settled in Ipswich, a growing community that offered both challenges and opportunities. The Howletts were among the early settlers who helped to establish the town's infrastructure and social institutions.

Thomas Howlett's role as an ensign in the local militia underscored the family's commitment to the community's defense and well-being.

Chapter 3: Life in Ipswich

Alice French Howlett's life in Ipswich was shaped by the demands of frontier life. As a wife and mother, she was responsible for managing the household, which included raising their children and contributing to the family's subsistence. The Howletts had several children, including Thomas, Sarah, John, Mary, Samuel, William, and Nathaniel.

Each child's birth and upbringing were significant events in Alice's life, reflecting the family's growth and the challenges of raising a family in a new and often harsh environment.

Thomas Howlett's involvement in local governance and military affairs meant that Alice had to manage the household during his frequent absences. Her resilience and resourcefulness were essential to the family's survival and success.

The Howletts' participation in community activities, such as the construction of public bridges and the defense against Native American attacks, highlighted their commitment to the collective good.

Chapter 4: Legacy and Later Years

Alice French Howlett's later years were marked by both joy and sorrow. The death of her son Nathaniel in 1658 was a profound loss, compounded by the passing of her mother, Susan Reddesdale, in the same year. Despite these challenges, Alice continued to play a vital role in her family and community.

Alice's legacy is reflected in the lives of her descendants, who became integral members of the Ipswich community. Her marriage to Thomas Howlett and their shared experiences in the New World exemplify the resilience and determination of early American settlers.

Alice's story is a testament to the strength and perseverance of women who helped to build the foundations of American society.