Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts

CAPTAIN COMMANDING ROBERT KEAYNE

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.