Hello,

My name is Robert Berenger. I have been very interested in tracing the family of Robert Hooke the scientist. Our family has had a family story about Robert Hooke sending our ancestor (Thomas Hooke) to America. It is said that he paid for our ancestor Thomas Hooke to come to America. He was supposed to be a close relative. I had heard this story long before I had come to know who Robert Hooke was. Then I found that our ancestor Thomas came to America aboard the ship the Goulden Wheat Sheaf. Owned and captained by James Connaway of Middlesex England. In 1668 after transporting Thomas Hooke, Capt. Connaway came back to Maryland after returning to London and he freed Thomas Hooke of his indenture. Saying that he had transported Thomas Hooke under special circumstances. And that his passage was now paid. Appearently someone in London had paid his passage upon his safe transport to America. The colony of Maryland. Robert Hooke the scientist was living in London at that time.

To save a lot of time here let me just say that much research has lead me to believe that Robert Hooke's Grandfather is the famous minister Christopher Hooke. Probably of Newent. But also referred to as the Pauntley Hooke family. This Christopher Hooke or his son Christopher gave a famous Puritan talk in a London church. You can still buy this talk online yet today. I would like very much to find the will of this Christopher. He was born 1550 to one Thomas Hoke who when he died in 1604 he spelled his name Thomas Hooke. In this Thomas Hooke's will he mentions not only his son Christopher whom he calls his oldest son. But he also mentions his granddaughters one of which was named Alice. And then he mentions his four grandsons Christopher Hooke Jr., John Hooke, William Hooke and Richard Hooke. The John Hooke is probably the father of Robert Hooke the scientist. I think this for many reasons. Which I would be glad to share if anyone is interested.

Robert Berenger

Hello Robert and welcome aboard!

I'm so glad you posted this.  I find it very interesting and I know that Patrick will be interested to learn of this too!

I think I had seen your name before on one of the genealogy boards, and was trying to reach you about this issue so I'm very happy you are here!

All my best,

Kerry Hook