Gregory Dexter facts for kids

front page to Roger Williams' A Key into the Language of America crediting Dexter as printer

Gregory Dexter (1610–1700) was an important person in early American history. He was a printer, a religious leader (Baptist minister), and an early President of the towns of Providence and Warwick. These towns were part of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

Dexter came to New England around 1644. He received a five-acre piece of land in Providence. Before moving, he ran a printing business in London, England. In 1643, his company printed a book by Roger Williams. This book was a translation of the Narragansett language. Dexter was very skilled at printing. In 1646, he even helped set up a printing press in Boston. He didn't ask for money, only a yearly calendar (almanac).

Dexter became active in the colony's government in 1647. This was when the four towns of Rhode Island were joining together. He served as a commissioner for Providence. Later, he became the President of Providence and Warwick from 1653 to 1654. After his time as president, he became a pastor at the Baptist church in Providence in 1669. People thought he was very religious and serious. He was always ready to share a sermon.

Gregory Dexter's Early Life

Gregory Dexter was likely born in Northamptonshire, England, in 1610. When he was young, he moved to London. In 1632, he started training to become a printer. He finished his training in 1639. Even before he finished, he secretly printed books for authors who disagreed with the government. In 1637, he was questioned for printing pamphlets by a Puritan writer who was in prison.

After becoming a full printer, Dexter became known for printing controversial writings. These often criticized the king and the church. He printed works for famous writers like John Milton. Gregory Dexter and his wife, Abigail, were even put in prison for printing these pamphlets. In 1644, his printing equipment was taken away. This meant they could no longer run their business in London.

Later that year, Dexter traveled to New England. He joined Roger Williams in Providence. He received land there and signed an agreement in 1640 to help form a government. This agreement set up leaders to manage town business. Dexter's printing company in London published Williams' book, A Key into the Language of America, in 1643. This was the first English translation of a Native American language. By 1644, Dexter was in New England again. He joined the Baptist church in Providence. He continued to work as a printer. In 1646, he was asked to help start a printing business in Boston. He only asked for a yearly almanac in return.

Leading Rhode Island

Roger Williams received a special document (patent) for the Rhode Island colony in 1644. However, the island towns of Portsmouth and Newport still had their own separate governments. In 1647, Providence chose Dexter to lead a group. This group met with others from the three towns to create one united government. They succeeded, and Dexter became a member of the General Court in 1648.

In 1651, William Coddington managed to get a special order from England. This order made him governor of the two island towns. This split the Rhode Island government for three years (1651-1654). During this time, Dexter served as a commissioner for Providence. He was also the town clerk from 1653 to 1654. Then, he became the President of the two towns, Providence and Warwick, from 1653 to 1654.

Dexter family monument, North Burial Ground, Providence

One of his first actions as President was to ask previous leaders, John Smith and Samuel Gorton, to explain their actions while in office. Dexter also spoke out against the island towns. They were acting aggressively towards the Dutch. He worried this would cause a big war in New England.

After his term as president, Dexter focused more on his church. He became the pastor of the Baptist church in Providence about 15 years later. This happened after the death of Rev. William Wickenden. In the Royal Charter of 1663, Dexter was one of the important citizens named. This document gave many freedoms to the people of the colony.

Dexter was on Long Island during part of King Philip's War (1675-1677). This was a very difficult time for the Rhode Island colony. The government wanted advice from its wisest citizens. So, they asked 16 people, including Dexter, to join their meetings.

Dexter remained involved with the Baptist Church throughout his long life. He died at an old age in Providence. Many records show he was buried on his own land there. There is a special memorial (cenotaph) for him on the Dexter Family Vault stone at North Burial Ground. A historian named Morgan Edwards wrote that Mr. Dexter was a very good and religious man. He was rarely seen smiling. He was so dedicated to his ministry that he would often preach whenever he met people.

Images for kids

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  Town layout of Providence with Dexter's name at the top
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  Detail showing Dexter's lot overlaid on current streets