Hon. Daniel Fisher, of Dedham

Capt. Daniel Fisher

• Birth: Circa 1618 - Syleham, Suffolk, Eng
• Death: Oct 8 1683 - Of Dedham, Nrflk, Ma
• Parents:
• Wife: Abigail Merritt

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biography

From WikiTree Genealogy - SmartCopy: Oct 9 2016, 17:05:45 UTC

Daniel Fisher was born 4 June 1618 in Syleham, Suffolk, England. He was the son of Anthony Fisher and Mary Buckingham.

Responding to difficult conditions in County Suffolk in the mid-1630s due to the 30-Year War, begun in 1618, crop failures in 1629/30, and the disruption of exports from the region, many families felt their chances in New England offered hope for a better future. This was especially true of non-conformist or Puritan families who were feeling increasing persecution.

In 1637 Anthony Fisher and his family (wife Mary, daughter Lydia and sons Daniel, Nathaniel, Anthony, Jr., and Cornelius) decided to emigrate to the newly-founded Massachusetts Bay Colony. Upon arriving, they settled in the small community of Dedham in Suffolk County (founded on May 10, 1643 as one of four original counties created in the Massachusetts Bay Colony).

Daniel was admitted to the church in Dedham in 1639, and took the oath as Freeman in 1640. He married Abigail Merritt, aka Marriott, on 16 November 1641.

Daniel prospered and became a significant landowner in the community. He was active for most of his life in Dedham in community and county politics. He served as a selectman (See Notes) from 1650 until his death, was a Deputy Constable for many years, the governor's assistant in 1682, Deputy general court speaker, three times. Daniel Fisher was described as ..."Ensign Daniel Fisher, for three years speaker of the House of Deputies, and afterwards an assistant ambassador to King Philip, 'learned in the law,' ..." Daniel was involved, as a lawyer, in the purchase of a large tract of land in 1663 or 1665 from King Philip "on which is situated Sharon, Wrentha, Walpole, and Foxborough...." He was a captain of Ancient and Heavy Artillery Company. He served as Dedham Representative to the General Court "1658 to 1682, excepting two years."

He was one of a committee sent with John Fairbanks to examine a potential settlement area which includes the present town of Deerfield. Dedham was granted 8000 acres which was allocated to settlers. For his work in mapping and laying out the parcels in that tract, Daniel was granted 300 acres of it.

Daniel died on 8 October 1683 in Dedham, Suffolk County.

• Reference: MyHeritage Family Trees - SmartCopy: Apr 29 2017, 0:46:31 UTC