Nathaniel's arrival in the New World comes in two conflicting versions:

"He emigrated in 1623 in the ship 'Ann,' landing a Plymouth in company with nine other gentlemen from the County of Kent. He laid out and founded the town of Scituate prior to 1628. Nathaniel Tilden was chosen Ruling Elder of the First Church of Scituate. He died in 1641."

"Another account says... Elder Nathaniel Tilden came to this country in 1634 in the good ship 'Hercules' and settled in Scituate, Plymouth County, Mass. He came from Tenderden in Kent, England and was a yeoman. He was accompanied by his wife, Lydia, who was one of the daughters of Thomas and Elizabeth Bourne, also their seven daughters and sons. His home was on Kent St. in Scituate. He was chosen Ruling Elder of the First Church the year he came over. He did not live long... his decease taking place in 1641."

The Scituate Town Historian has material that supports both accounts.

Nathaniel and Lydia had some children who died young and had as many as 13 total.