ELIHU BRETT (William1) was born in Bridgewater, probably before 1650. He was the second son, and early became prominent in town and colony. Married before 1679 Ann, sometimes written Hannah, daughter of George and Mary (Robbins) Turner.
He was Justice of the Peace and solemnized marriages in Bridgewater and surrounding towns for many years. He was Representative to the General Court from 1691 to 1700. Was the next Magistrate after Hayward, and appointed Judge of the Court of Common Pleas and Sessions, 1700.
He died January 13, 1712, “very suddenly, while sitting in his chair.” Judge Sewall in his Diary thus notices the event: “February 8; I read of the death of Pious Mr. Brett, Bridgewater Jan’y 14, 1711-12. Last Sabbath, yesterday, we had a solemn breach made upon us here. Our Justice Brett got up well, by what apear’d, early in the morning, and having been at his barn, came into his dwelling house, sat down in a chair, being about to take some repast, fell down dead, dead in an instant.”
