Edward Alleyn (Massachusetts)


Edward Alleyn was a businessman and early American politician. He served on the first board of selectmen in Dedham in 1639 and was a frequent representative to the Great and General Court beginning in 1638. He was town clerk for two years, having first been elected in 1639. As a businessman, he was involved with establishing an iron foundry.
Alleyn was a "pillar of the church" at the First Church and Parish in Dedham. In early records he was given the title of "mister," which typically indicated that he had a university degree. For his service to the community, he was later given the title of "gent."
Although several men initially complained that he had offended them, Alleyn's answers were sufficient enough to make him a founding member of the church.
He was killed in 1642 in Boston and buried in the Old Village Cemetery.

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