Jonathan and
Nathaniel Wade, sons of
Jonathan Wade of
Ipswich, were the fathers of town government in
Medford.
Jonathan was the first recorded town clerk.
The first entry in the town records shows that Nathaniel was chosen constable in 1674.
The office in those days was one of the most important in the gift of the town.
In 1676, both brothers were on the board of selectmen, and held the positions for long terms.
On the first county tax list, their names are at the head; the entire amount assessed was £ 1, 13s. 9d., of which
[p. 71] amount, Jonathan paid 6s. 4d., and Nathaniel, 4s. 3d.
Both bore the title of
Major.
Jonathan was captain of the ‘Three county troop.’
Jonathan Wade married first,
Deborah Dudley, daughter of
Hon. Thomas Dudley, by whom he had children,
Dudley, Prudence, Katharine,
Deborah and Susanna, who outlived him.
1 He married second,
Elizabeth, daughter of
Henry Dunster, president of Harvard College.
She had two children,
Dorothy and Elizabeth, both of whom died unmarried.
Jonathan Wade died November 24, 1689, and his widow married
Col. Nathaniel Thomas of
Marshfield, who was judge of the Superior Court about 1714.
He died in 1718; his widow returned to
Medford, where she died in 1729.
She is often referred to in old records and deeds as
Madam Thomas.
Her brother Jonathan married
Jonathan Wade's daughter
Deborah.
Nathaniel Wade married Mercy
Bradstreet, October 31, 1672, and died November 28, 1707.
His wife survived him seven years. She was the daughter of
Gov. Simon and Anne (
Dudley)
Bradstreet, the poetess, one of the most famous American women of her day. She was a half sister of
Deborah, wife of
Jonathan Wade, the former born about 1612, the latter in 1645.
The births of seven children of Nathaniel and Mercy are recorded; Nathaniel, Mercy, Jonathan, Samuel, Anne,
Dorothy and
Dudley.
The only son of
Jonathan Wade died leaving no issue; the sons and grandsons of Nathaniel form a long line of prominent citizens of
Medford.
