John Gay (died March 4, 1688) was an early settler and selectman in Dedham, Massachusetts. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]
Gay emigrated to America with John Winthrop on the Mary and John on May 30, 1630. [1] He settled first in Watertown, Massachusetts and was a grantee in the Great Dividends and in the Beaver Brook plowlands, owning altogether forty acres. [1] He was admitted freeman on May 6, 1635. [1] With his wife, Joanna, [a] he had 11 children. [1]
With others of Watertown, he was one of the founders of the plantation of Dedham, Massachusetts. [1] [4] He was one of those who petitioned for incorporation of the town on September 6, 1636 [1] and signed the Dedham Covenant. [7] He served as selectmen in 1654 [1] [8] [2] and in a variety of other positions, including constable and member of the county grand jury. [9]
In 1661, Gay was the richest man in Dedham. [9] His wealth dwindled in his later years, though, with much of it likely going to his sons, until he was in near poverty at the time of his death. [9] Gay died March 4, 1688. [1] [9] His will in the Suffolk records was dated December 18, 1686 and was proved December 17, 1689. [1] His estate was valued at £91 5s 8d. [1] [9]