Dudley, Thomas, 1576 - 1653

Thomas Dudley was the son of Captain Roger Dudley of Yardley Hastings, Northampton, England.  He worked as a page in the household of the Earl of Northampton and fought under Henry of Navarre in the French Wars.  Recommended by Lord Say and Sele, he became a steward to the Earl of Lincoln for many years.  Dudley was encouraged to emigrate to America by his Puritan associates who were members of the New England Company.  In Massachusetts, he was elected as the colony’s deputy governor and rose to the governorship in 1634, 1640, 1645, and 1650.  In that position and as president of the United Colonies of New England (1649-1650), Dudley was instrumental in shaping the colonies’ Indian policies.  ANB