Wenham, Massachusetts, was first settled by English Puritans. The church was formed in 1644 with John Fiske as pastor.
The town clerk was one of the first offices in colonial American towns. The clerk recorded births, marriages, and deaths.
William Fiske was born about 1613 in England. His parents were John Fiske and Anne Lantersee.
He emigrated to America in 1637 with his brother, Rev. John Fiske. He first settled at Salem where he received a grant of land. He became a member of the Salem church on July 2, 1641.
He was admitted freeman on May 18, 1643 and was the first chosen town clerk in 1644. He was elected Representative to the General Court of the Commonwealth from 1647 to 1652.
He died in 1654.
Any man entering a colony or becoming a a member the church, was not free. He was not forced to work, but his movements were carefully observed to see if they followed the Puritanical ideal. After this probationary period, he became a "freeman." Men then took the Oath of a Freeman where they vowed to defend the Commonwealth and not to overthrow the government.
Wenham, Essex County, Massachusetts was settled in 1636. The first settlers called it Enon or Salem Village. It was officially set off from the Town of Salem on May 10, 1643.
