(I) James Allen, immigrant ancestor, very likely came to Dedham with his uncle, Rev. John Allen, about 1637. He was a grandson of Reginald Allen, of Colby, Norfolk, England. the first mention of him in the records is dates April 6, 1638, when "Jeames Allen accepted to haue sixe acres layd out for him in yt corner by Jeffery Myngey yf ther if may be fownd fitt." He received other grants at various times. He was admitted to the church October 2, 1646, and made a freeman May 26, 1647.
In 1648 his estate was valued at two pounds, and his tax was rated at three shillings five pence. In 1649 some of the inhabitants of Dedham made a company in order to form a settlement at Boggestow, upon the Charles River, now known as Medfield, and he was one of the first thirteen proprietors and the fifth to be granted land in the new town. The committee which carried on the affairs of the town at first granted him land, June 19, 1650, when it laid out the thirteen house lots. His lot was on South Street, near the present residence of Mr. Rhodes. In 1650 his estate was valued at 139 pounds. He was again granted land in 1653, near that of his son Joseph. He received other grants, and owned tracts on both sides of the river. His will was dated September 23, 1676. He left his home, barn, etc., to his son-in-law, Joseph Clark, and as he had given his house on South Street to his son Nathaniel, he must have owned two places. He married, in Dedham, March 16, 1638, Ann Guild, who died in Medfield, March 29, 1673, and he died there, September 27, 1676. Children, all born in Dedham, except the youngest: 1. John, December 4, 1639. 2. Martha, December 11, 1641. 3. Mary, twin with Martha. 4. Sarah, May 4, 1644. 5. James, April 28, 1646. 6. Nathaniel, August 29, 1648. 7. Joseph...