A tradition handed down in some branches of the Crowell family in the United States that they descend from the noted Cromwell family of England, and that the name was changed by the first of the family who came to America, for fear of the persecutions which followed members of the family of the Protector. It seems evident that some of the ancestors of the Crowell family were desirous of assuming a feigned name, for when they landed in Massachusetts they were first known by the name of Crowe, as may be seen by reference to Freeman's History of Cape Cod and other works, and the name of Crowe is found among the first settlers of Woodbridge, N.J., as may be seen by reference to Daily's History of Woodbridge.

In the old Town Book of Middletown, pages 31-33 and 57, an Edward Crome is named as having bought land in Middletown in 1670 and as selling the same in 1674. The name of Crome is an unusual one and difficult to account for, and it is probable that it should have been transcribed Crowe; and that the person meant was Edward Crowe, whose name shortly after appears at Woodbridge, N.J., with the Parkers and others who came from Massachusetts to that place. If this supposition is correct, then it is probable that this man who was among the first settlers of Old Monmouth, was the one traditions allege to have been a brother of the noted Oliver Cromwell of England.

Those familiar with English history will remember a tradition recorded that about 1638 several ships bound for New England, on board of which were Oliver Cromwell, who was subsequently Protector, Pym Hampden, Haselrig and other leading Puritans, were stopped in the Thames by the King's orders and all the passengers forbid leaving England. Some writers doubt the story, but Paxton Hood, in his life of the Protector, says the rumor seems to be too extended to be altogether unfounded. He thinks these patriots were actually on board the ships. This tradition points to the supposition that the King did not wish members of certain families to leave England. And here comes in the reason why some members of the Cromwell family had to assume some other name that they might stand a chance to get to New England. This difficulty would not occur with the sons of Col. John Cromwell in Holland, for they could leave that country without trouble under their real name, and this will account for the John Cromwell at Woodbridge, N. J., who shortly removed to Westchester Co., N. Y.