Thomas Stidston & Argentina Luxmoore family

Robert Stidston - Formally known as Cornet Robert Stetson. (1615–1703) - was a foundational figure in early New England history, particularly in Scituate, Massachusetts. Born in Modbury, Devon, England, he emigrated to Plymouth Colony in 1634 and became one of its most respected leaders. Robert earned the title "Cornet" by leading one of the Plymouth Colony’s first mounted troops, the "First Horse Company," established in 1658. He served as a commissioned officer during King Philip’s War (1675–1676), a pivotal conflict between Native American tribes and English settlers. His military leadership was instrumental in the colony’s defence during this tumultuous period.  Beyond his military role, Robert was deeply involved in civic affairs. He served as a deputy to the Plymouth Colony General Court 17 times between 1654 and 1678, was a member of the Council of War, and held various other public offices, including constable and foreman of a jury to lay out roads. In 1634, Robert received a substantial land grant along the North River in Scituate, where he established his homestead. He was a successful miller, building the first sawmill in the area in 1656, which was later destroyed during King Philip’s War. Despite this setback, he rebuilt and expanded his operations, contributing to the town’s economy.   Robert's homestead, known as "The Shrine," remained in the Stetson family for generations. Today, it is preserved by the Stetson Kindred of America, Inc., an organization dedicated to the descendants of Cornet Robert and Honour Tucker Stetson.  

Hugh Stidston, born before May 24, 1612, in Modbury, Devon, England, was the son of Thomas Stidston and Argent Luxmoore. His baptism occurred on May 24, 1612, in Modbury. Hugh married Rose Shepard on June 23, 1632, in Modbury, and together they had several children, including Frances, Lewis, Charity, Arthur, and Susan. He passed away in 1676, likely in Devon, England. Records indicate that Hugh's surname descended into the variant 'Stitson'. Records indicate the surname 'Stitson' is still being used to this day.

Anne Stidston was born in 1607 in Modbury, Devon, England, to Thomas Stitson and Argentina Luxmoore. Tragically, Argent died young at the age of 9 on June 19, 1618, in Modbury. Her death occurred the same day as those of her sibling Elleanor, suggesting a possible illness or local tragedy that affected multiple children in the family. Anne's short life was part of a large and early Stidston lineage in Devon, with family ties reaching into the 17th century. 

Samuel Stidston was born and baptized on 7 October 1610 in Modbury, Devon, England.  He was one of several children in the Stidston family during the early 17th century. Sadly, Samuel died at a very young age, passing away on 24 May 1612, just one year and seven months old. His brief life, like that of other young siblings in the family, reflects the high child mortality rate of the time. Samuel is remembered as an early member of the Stidston family line in Devon. 

Lodowicke Stidston, was born on 25 June 1606 in Modbury, Devon, England. Baptized the same day in his hometown, he grew up in a large family, one of many siblings—several of whom died young, reflecting the harsh conditions of the time. In 1631, Lodowicke married Margerie Creese in Modbury. Tragically, Margerie died the same year, possibly related to childbirth, as their son Richard Stitson was born around 1630–1631. Following this personal loss, Lodowicke emigrated to Massachusetts in 1634 during the wave of early English migration to the New World. He settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, a major center of early colonial life. Lodowicke lived there until his death in 1658, becoming part of the early fabric of American colonial history. His life bridged the old world of Devon and the new opportunities in America, marking him as a noteworthy figure in the Stitson family line.

Thomas Stidston was born on 18 February 1620 in Modbury, Devon, England.  

He was baptized later, on 26 May 1629, in Dean Prior, Devon. This delayed baptism is notable and might suggest a move or a family event that postponed the ceremony.

Thomas was one of several children in the Stitson family and had a twin brother, John, born the same day. Their early years were shaped by multiple family losses, including the deaths of siblings and their parents during the 1640s.On 27 April 1658, Thomas married Grace Cornish in Saint Gluvias, Cornwall. He lived the rest of his life in Devon and died in 1676 in Plymouth.His life spanned a period of major social and religious change in England, including the English Civil War (1642–1651). While no direct records of his involvement in public or military affairs are listed, the historical context suggests his life would have been shaped by these national events.