Daniel Denison (colonist) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Daniel Denison
Member of the Council of Assistants
In office 1654–1682
Speaker of the General Court
In office 1651–1652
Preceded by	Daniel Gookin
Succeeded by	Humphrey Atherton
In office 1649–1649
Preceded by	Richard Russell
Succeeded by	William Hawthorne
Member of the General Court for Ipswich
In office 1640–1652
In office 1635–1637
Personal details
Born	1612 (1612) England
Died	September 20, 1682(1682-09-20) (aged 69–70) Ipswich, Massachusetts Bay Colony
Signature
Military service
Rank	Sergeant Major
Commands	Massachusetts Militia
Battles/wars	King Phillip's War

Daniel Denison (born 1612, died 1682) was an important early leader in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He was known for his roles in both government and the military. He helped shape the colony during its early years.

Early Life and Family

Daniel Denison was born in England in 1612. His father, William Denison, was one of the first settlers in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Daniel arrived in Roxbury with his parents in 1631. They likely traveled on a ship called the Lyon with the Puritan minister John Eliot.

In 1633, Daniel Denison moved to Cambridge. He was one of the first people to settle there. On April 1, 1634, he became a "freeman" of Cambridge. This meant he had the right to vote and hold office. He also helped with the first committee that planned how land would be divided in Cambridge.

Daniel Denison married Patience Dudley. She was the daughter of Thomas Dudley, who was a governor of Massachusetts. In 1635, Daniel moved to Ipswich. He took on leadership roles there to help defend the colony and build his career in government.

Public Service and Military Career

Daniel Denison had a long career serving the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He was involved in both its government and its military defense.

Government Roles

In Ipswich, Daniel Denison was elected as a deputy to the Massachusetts General Court. This was the colony's main governing body. He served as a deputy from 1635 to 1637, and again from 1640 to 1652. He was chosen to be the Speaker of the General Court in 1649, 1651, and 1652.

In 1643, the town of Ipswich gave him 200 acres of land. This was a reward for his service. In 1654, he was elected to the Governor's Council. This was a group of advisors to the governor. He held this important position until he passed away.

In May 1658, the General Court asked him to organize and write down all the laws of the colony. For this big task, he was given a quarter of Block Island. This island is now part of Rhode Island.

Military Leadership

Daniel Denison also had a strong military career. In 1636, he became the captain of Ipswich's first militia company, called a "train band." A militia was a group of citizens trained as soldiers for defense.

By 1644, he was chosen to lead the Essex Regiment of the Massachusetts Militia. He held the rank of sergeant major, which is similar to a modern major. In 1653, he was promoted to sergeant major general. This rank was like a modern major general, and he commanded the entire Massachusetts Militia.

In 1660, he joined the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts. This was a special military organization. He was elected as the company's captain for one year in June of the same year.

King Philip's War

During King Philip's War in 1675, Daniel Denison was still the commander of the Massachusetts Militia. However, he was too sick to lead the troops in battle. Major Thomas Savage took his place and commanded the militia during the war.

Later Life

Daniel Denison died in Ipswich on September 20, 1682. He was buried in the High Street Burial Ground in Ipswich.

Images for kids

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  Daniel Denison's signature.