John Dwight (died 1661)

[6][5] As a high ranking family man with strong religious convictions, Dwight was awarded 12 acres of land when he first settled in Dedham, the maximum allowed.

[7] He was able to acquire the wealth due his high standing in the community, marked by service to the town and church.

[8] His estate grew to be quite sizable by the time he died, giving his heirs more than they possibly could have imagined had the family remained in England.

[11] Though service on the board was not always continuous, with men taking the occasional year or two off, they were always asked to contribute to important projects or committees during those times.

[12] Dwight was a part owner of a mill on Mother Brook, the first man made canal in America.

[18][13] In 1652, Whiting sold his mill and all his town rights to Dwight, Francis Chickering, Joshua Fisher, and John Morse for £250, but purchased it back the following year.