Nathaniel Dickinson (pioneer) facts for kids

Nathaniel Dickinson (born May 3, 1601 – died June 16, 1676) was an important early English settler in America. He was born in a place called Billingborough, Lincolnshire in England.

Nathaniel married a woman named Anna Gull in the mid-1620s. They had a large family with at least twelve children! Their first five children were born in England. Nathaniel and his family moved to America sometime between 1636 and 1638. They first settled in Wethersfield, Connecticut.

Nathaniel's Public Service

Nathaniel Dickinson was a very active member of his community. He held several important jobs in the towns where he lived.

In Wethersfield

In Wethersfield, Connecticut, Nathaniel worked as the town clerk, which is like a secretary for the town government. He officially held this job from 1645 until 1659. He was also a representative, called a "deputy," to the Connecticut General Court from 1646 to 1659. This was like being a lawmaker for the colony.

He also served as a jury member in court and was a "selectman" for Wethersfield in 1646. A selectman was a person chosen to manage town affairs. He was also a deacon in the Wethersfield church.

Founding Hadley

In the late 1650s, Nathaniel and some other people from the Wethersfield church decided to start a new town. They moved and founded Hadley, Massachusetts.

In 1660, Nathaniel was again chosen as the town clerk, this time for Hadley. He was one of the very first permanent settlers there. He also helped explore and map out the lands for nearby towns like Amherst, Belchertown, and Hatfield. Back in the 1600s, these lands also included what are now Granby and South Hadley.

Later Life and Family Legacy

Nathaniel Dickinson lived through a difficult time in American history.

King Philip's War

In 1675 and 1676, a big conflict called King Philip's War took place. Sadly, three of Nathaniel's sons – John, Joseph, and Azariah – were killed during this war. Nathaniel himself died shortly after, on June 16, 1676. He was likely not killed in the war, but passed away from old age. He was buried in the Old Hadley Cemetery, where there is a special memorial for him. Nathaniel Dickinson was one of the first people with the Dickinson name to settle in America.

Grandson's Memorial

In Northfield, Massachusetts, there is a statue along a road that remembers a sad event. This statue marks the spot where Nathaniel's grandson, also named Nathaniel Dickinson, and another man were killed in 1747.

Family History on TV

Nathaniel's family history was even featured on a TV show! His ancestry was shown on the American version of Genealogy Roadshow, during season two.

Notable descendants

Many famous people are related to Nathaniel Dickinson! Here are a few:

• Warren Buffett - A very successful American investor and businessman.
• Levi Dickenson - A farmer who also made brooms.
• John Dean Dickinson - A U.S. Senator from New York.
• Jonathan Dickinson - A Presbyterian minister who helped start Princeton University.
• Edward Dickinson - An American politician from Massachusetts.
• Emily Dickinson - A famous American poet and writer.
• Samuel Dickinson - One of the people who helped found Amherst College.
• William Austin Dickinson - An American lawyer.
• Amelia Earhart - A brave pioneer pilot who flew airplanes.
• Louis Upton - The person who founded the Whirlpool Corporation, a company that makes home appliances.
• Paul Dickinson - A scientist who studies polymers and is interested in health.