Israel Stoughton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Israel Stoughton
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| Born | c. 1603 England |
| Died | 1644 (aged 40–41) Lincoln, England |
| Battles/wars | |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth |
| Children | William Stoughton |
| Signature | .png){kind=small} |
Israel Stoughton (born around 1603 – died 1644) was an important early English settler in Massachusetts. He was a military leader during the Pequot War. Later, he went back to England and became an officer in the Parliamentary army during the First English Civil War.
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Life in the New World
Israel Stoughton was born in England. In 1630, he moved to the Massachusetts Colony. He settled in a town called Dorchester.
In 1633, Stoughton became a "freeman" in Dorchester. This meant he had full rights as a citizen. In 1634, he was allowed to build the very first mill on the Neponset River. This area is now known as the Dorchester-Milton Lower Mills Industrial District. Stoughton was chosen to represent Dorchester in the Massachusetts General Court in 1634 and 1635. This was like being a lawmaker for the colony. He also had several apprentices and servants working for him.
Facing Challenges in the Colony
At one point, Stoughton wrote a book that criticized the colony's rules. This made some members of the General Court upset. Because of his book, Stoughton was not allowed to hold any colony offices for three years.
Later, Stoughton asked that his book be "burnt" because he felt it was "weak and offensive." Even after he apologized, the ban on him holding office lasted until 1636. However, in 1637, the General Court allowed him to become an assistant, which was another important position.
Role in the Pequot War
In 1636, a war began between the Pequot tribe and the three New England colonies. The colonists had Native American allies helping them. Stoughton was made the commander of the Massachusetts Colony's soldiers.
After the war, in 1637, Stoughton brought Pequot prisoners to Massachusetts. They were made to serve as servants. He also had African American servants, including a woman named Dorcas. She became well-known in the local church and tried to gain her freedom.
Other Public Duties
In 1639, Stoughton and another leader named John Endecott helped settle a border disagreement. They acted as representatives for Massachusetts Colony to resolve a dispute with Plymouth Colony.
Stoughton also leased land to the people of Dedham, Massachusetts. This land was used for their cattle to graze.
Return to England
Towards the end of 1643, Stoughton made a quick trip back to England. He returned to Massachusetts by early 1644. However, in late 1644, he went to England again and never came back to Massachusetts.
Around this time, the First English Civil War began in England. The English Parliament appointed Stoughton as a lieutenant colonel in their army. Sadly, Stoughton died very soon after this, in Lincoln.
Israel Stoughton had children, including a son named William Stoughton. William later became famous as the chief judge during the Salem Witch Trials in Massachusetts.
