Colonial · 1630s–1666
George Cleeves
Second English owner; founder of Portland
[C]Confirmedc. 1586 – 1666
Summary
Acquired the island via Levett's successors after being ousted from Spurwink. The 1636 Gorges grant of the Neck and Hog Island implicitly acknowledged his prior title to Cushing.
From the sources
Cleeves was involved in endless litigation over his mainland claims but his title to the island — passed from Levett to a 'Mr. Ceeley and Mr. Jope and Company of Plimouth' and then to a man named Wright — was never impugned. He never conveyed the island away; it passed with his only daughter Elizabeth to Michael Mitton.
Places associated
Primary evidence
Cited works
- [1] Trelawny Papers, p. 102 (1637 letter).
- [2] Sargent (1886), pp. 23–24.
Continue the trail
- 01Stand at Levett's Cellar & Spicer's CovePlace · Levett's Cellar & Spicer's Cove — Colonial · 1623
- 02Look at the evidence: An Historical Sketch, Guide Book, and Prospectus of Cushing's IslandSource · An Historical Sketch, Guide Book, and Prospectus of Cushing's Island — 1886
- 03Read the whole layer: Levett's IslandLayer · Levett's Island — Layer 02 · 1529 → c. 1700
- 04Look at the evidence: Portland in the PastSource · Portland in the Past