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The First Captain Commanding
of the Ancient and Honorable Artilery Company
As Robert Keayne was born in Windsor, England, 1595. His
father John Keayne, was a butcher, but Robert's interest moved
him toward a career in merchant tailoring. He moved to London
and served his apprenticeship until admitted to membership
of the Merchant Tailor Corporation of 1615. He joined the
Honourable Artillery Company of London in 1623.
He emigrated to Boston, via the ship "Defence", in
1635, at which time he was 40 years of age. He established his
home and his workrooms at the southeast corner of today's State
and Washington Streets and began to prosper far beyond the average
of his fellow colonist, In consequence, he engendered the spiteful
resentment of the ruling clergy in town, a thoroughly common
experience at time. Such was the tyranny of the churches in
Boston and in the environs that hundreds of spirited settlers
fled to establish homesteads and farms in remote parts of New
England. There might well be hostile Indians and dangerous animals
as well, but these considerations were enormously outweighed
by the fact that the harsh and dictatorial " Seven Ministers"
were not out there in the wilderness. As Robert Keayne's worldly
estate grew, so did the Ministerial envy, finally culminating
in an investigation by the General Court. First, it was felt
that, inasmuch as "he was a professor of religion"
he should not strive to make money. Secondly, inasmuch as "he
was a man eminent ability" he should not strive to make
money. Thirdly, inasmuch as "he was already wealthy and
had but one childe" he should not strive to make money.
Fourthly, inasmuch as "he came over for conscience' sake"
he should not strive to make money. Fifthly, inasmuch as "he
had already been warned by church-elders against money making
and promised with tears no to do so" he should earnestly
lock his till against the shillings.Wherefore, since he still
grew richer, he should be fined 200 Pounds, an enormous penalty
for the times. He actually paid fines of 80 Pounds. The church
summoned the culprit and after lengthy debate finally decided
to merely admonish Captain Keayne. Keayne was a most popular
man in Boston and had been lavishly generous with his wealth,
giving money to young Harvard College, to Boston Public School,
toward a public market and a "granere", toward a Towne
House, toward waterworks, to the Church, to the ministers, to
refresh the elderly, to aid his military Company, toward a library,
to his servants and workmen, the list grows tedious.
His was undoubtedly Boston's greatest philanthropist in
his time. Many tales are told of his shrewd business acumen.
His lengthy (53 page, 51,000 words) will made further donations
to many of his earlier beneficiaries and in addition, the
land for the Towne House plus 300 Pounds towards this construction.
His will also specified that a room should be set aside, in
the Town House, to shelter the Ancient and Honorable Artillery
Company, and, moreover, contained wise, far-seeing counsel
to the Company and its posterity.
Captain died in 1655 and is buried in King's
Chapel Burying Ground.
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