Edward Convers facts for kids
Edward Convers (born January 20, 1590 – died August 10, 1663) was an important early settler in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He was a Puritan, which means he was part of a group of people who wanted to practice their religion in a very strict way. Edward Convers was one of the main people who helped start the town of Woburn, Massachusetts.
Who Was Edward Convers?
Edward Convers was a busy and important person in the early days of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He was known for helping to build new communities. He was also a wealthy landowner, which means he owned a lot of land. Besides being a farmer, he was also a miller (someone who runs a mill to grind grain) and a surveyor (someone who measures land).
Starting New Towns
Edward Convers played a big role in creating new settlements. He built the very first house and the first mill in Woburn. Mills were super important back then for grinding corn and other grains into flour.
He was also very involved in how the town was run. He was one of the first "selectmen" in Woburn. Selectmen were like the first town council members. They made important decisions for the community. Edward Convers was on almost every committee that helped plan and build the new town. He also helped establish another important town called Charlestown.
Journey to America
Edward Convers was born on January 20, 1590. After his first wife passed away, he married Sarah Parker in 1614.
In 1630, Edward Convers and his family traveled to America. They arrived in Salem, Massachusetts, as part of the Winthrop Fleet. This was a group of ships that brought many Puritan settlers to New England. Their journey was part of a larger movement called the Great Migration. During this time, many Puritans moved from England to New England to find religious freedom.
Important Contributions
Edward Convers did many things to help the new colonies grow. He helped start the First Church of Charlestown. Churches were very important centers for early Puritan communities.
He also started the first ferry service from Charlestown to Boston. A ferry is a boat that carries people and goods across water. This ferry was called the "Great Ferry." It operated where the Charles River Bridge is now. This ferry made it much easier for people to travel and trade between Charlestown and Boston.
Edward Convers passed away on August 10, 1663, in Woburn, Massachusetts. His work helped lay the foundation for many towns in early New England.
