Cornet Robert Stetson

Robert was born on June 18th, 1615 in Modbury - England.¹ Robert's father was Mr Thomas Stitson and his mother was Mrs Argent Lukesmore. His paternal grandparents were Mr John Stedson and Mrs Agnes. He died at the age of 87 on February 1st, 1703 in Scituate.¹

General Notes
- First mentioned in the Scituate records in 1634. He was one of the earliest settlers and built the first mill in the southern part of the town, now known as Norwell. When a "troop of horse" was ordered raised by the colony court, he was commissioned Cornet, an office he continued to hold for twenty years and, as was the custom, was addressed as "Cornet Robert Stetson" thereafter. In 1661 he was chosen a member of the council of war and held the office for many years. in 1665 he received a grant of two hundred acres of land from the colony for his services in settling the difficulties with the Indians at the "Kennebeck Plantation." It was said, "In those trying days the fate of the entire section of Plymouth was literally in his hands." He represented Scituate at the Plymouth Colony Court for seventeen years. He was chosen first selectman at the first town meeting which was held in 1666. He continued to be active intown and military affairs until he was well over sixty years of age.