Nathaniel Colburn
Early English settler in Massachusetts
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Nathaniel Colburn (1611–1691) was an early settler and selectman in Dedham, Massachusetts.[1]
Nathaniel Colburn | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1611 Suffolk, England, UK |
| Died | 14 May 1691 (aged 79–80) |
| Spouse |
Priscilla Clarke (m. 1639) |
| Children | 11 |
| Relatives | Waldo Colburn (descendent) |
Early life
He was baptized in 1611 in Woolverstone, Suffolk, England.[2] His parents were Leonard Colborne and Sara (née Lewes) and he had a sister named Sarah.[2] In 1630, Governor John Winthrop organized a group of men to move to New England and Colburn joined the group.[3]
Dedham
Colburn arrived in Dedham shortly after it was incorporated in 1636.[4] Colburn married Priscilla Clarke on July 25, 1639, and together they had 11 children.[4] He signed the Dedham Covenant[4] and was an original proprietor.[5] In addition to being selectman for five years,[1] he held a number of roles and positions of responsibility within the new town including tithingman.[4][3] He had 11 children, the youngest of whom was Joseph.[6]
Colburn was admitted to the First Church and Parish in Dedham on January 29, 1641, "after long and much inquisition into his case,"[3] nearly a year after his wife was.[4] They lived nearby,[4] on the west side of what is today Wigwam Creek.[7] Part of Mother Brook ran through his land.[8] He owned considerable property.[3]
Ten years after King Phillip's War, question arose as to whether or not the town of Wrentham, Massachusetts was on land legally purchased from the Wampanoag people.[9] In March 1667, Colburn testified that he personally witnessed Metacomet sign the deed to the lands.[9]
Death and legacy
Colburn died May 14, 1691.[4] He was an ancestor of Waldo Colburn.[10]