PRENCE: Thomas Prence arrived in Plymouth aboard the Fortune in 1621. His first marriage was to Patience Brewster, daughter of Elder William Brewster. In 1627, Prence became a member of Plymouth's inner circle, known as the Undertakers. He was elected governor of the colony in 1634 and was reappointed in 1638. Prence served again from 1657-1672. Thomas held various other high officer in between terms. The governor would marry three more times, to Mary Collier, Apphia Quick and Mary Burr.
Prence staunchly opposed the Quaker residing in Plymouth Colony. Among the leaders of the Quaker community were Arthur and Henry Howland, brothers to Mayflower passenger, John Howland. Prence's problems with the Howlands intensified when Arthur Jr. married his daughter Elizabeth.
Prence had brought suit against young Howland for proposing to Elizabeth. The Howlands were excommunicated from the Marshfield Church for their Quaker beliefs and even jailed for a short time.
Gov. Prance died in March of 1672/3.
In spite of the conflicts between the governor and his daughter and son-in-law, the Howlands named their 2nd son Thomas [b. 1672] and their youngest son Prence [b. c1686].
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