Robert Elwell (b. About 1612) was born in England, came from Stoke Abbot, Devonshire, England. Robert is know to have been a resident of Dorchester, in the Colony of Massachusetts Bay (now a part of the city of Boston) in the year 1634. In the Dorchester Town Records for 1 September 1634, reads: "It is ordered that the lot which was granted formerly to John Rocket shall be transferred to Robert Elwell" (Source: Dorchester Town Records)

Robert Elwell was know to have been a resident of Dorchester in 1634. There are several records of transfer of land to him in Dorchester Town Records. He was a freeman on the 13th of March 1640, appears an owner of land in Gloucester on the 2nd of April 1642 when he bought of Mr. Milward two acres of upland lying in the harbor between the lots of John Collins and Zebulon Hill and running from his swamp northerly over the next swamp. In 1651 Robert had a grant of land "Stage Neck", now called "Rock Neck". Robert's will specifies location of other land he owned. Robert was counted a citizen of Salem until he actually resided at Gloucester. His Children were there baptized until the close of 1641, and his name is on the list of members of the church in 1643. (Source: "Elwell Family in America" by Reverend Jacob Thomas Elwell)

Robert Elwell was listed one of the 82 residents of Gloucester from the time of its first permanent settlement. The map shows Robert Elwell living on Easter Point, on the other side of the harbor from Osmund Dutch and William Vinson. Five Pound Island, which belonged to William Vinson lay between them. (Source: "History of the Town of Gloucester" by John T. Babson)

Robert Elwell married Alice Leach on 29 May 1676. Robert and wife Joanne had Jacob, born 10 June 1651. Robert Elwell died on 18 May 1683, Joanne died on 31 March 1675. (Source: N.E.H. & G., Volume 4, page 361)

Robert Elwell lived in Gloucester, Massachusetts In 1635 he appeared as a witness concerning the outrageous conduct of one Thomas Winnerton. Robert was admitted a freeman, 1640, a member of Salem church 1643. Robert was several times a selectman, the first time in 1649. He bought land. In 1642 he owned several lots. His first residence was at Harbor. The term "Goodman" was often given to him. He died 1683 leaving an estate worth two hundred pounds. His first wife, Joanne, died in 1675. In 1676 he married Alice Leach who survived him. His children were Samuel, John, Isaac, Josiah, Joseph, Sara (born and died in 1651), Sarah, Thomas, Jacob, Richard and Mary. (Source: Genealogical and Family History of the State of Maine, compiled under the editorial supervision of George Thomas Little A.M.)