Edward Alleyn (Massachusetts politician)

Edward Alleyn (died 1642^[1]) was a businessman and early American politician. He served on the first board of selectmen in Dedham in 1639 and was a frequent representative to the Great and General Court beginning in 1638.^[1] He was town clerk for two years, having first been elected in 1639.^[2] As a businessman, he was involved with establishing an iron foundry.^[1]

Alleyn was a "pillar of the church" at the First Church and Parish in Dedham.^[1] In early records he was given the title of "mister," which typically indicated that he had a university degree.^[1] For his service to the community, he was later given the title of "gent." ^[1]

Although several men initially complained that he had offended them, Alleyn's answers were sufficient to make him a founding member of the church.^[3]

He was killed in 1642 in Boston^[1] and buried in the Old Village Cemetery.^[4] His descendant, Dorothy Alleyne, married Jabez Chickering.^[5]