Notes for: William Park

William Park embarked with the Rev. Roger Williams, in ship Lion, in December 1630, arriving at Boston in February 1631. He became one of the founders of the first church of Roxbury, Massachusetts, and was its Deacon for many years. He was Deputy to the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony for 33 years, having the longest term of service in that capacity under the old Charter. Johnson, in his "Wonder-working Providence," calls him "a man of a pregnant understanding."

His will was dated Jul 20 1684, with codicil dated Apr 4 1685. He died on May 11 1685, age 79, with burial at the Roxbury burying ground. His will, probated on Jul 30 1685, made provision for schools and the poor of Roxbury, and "that every child and grandchild or grandchildren shall have, each of them, a new Bible bought and given unto them, out of what I have given unto my beloved wife." He left a daughter, but no surviving son to perpetuate his name.