William Manning (1614-1691)

Biography
1638 English Immigrant to America with his Parents -

Colonist, born in England about 1616; died in Cambridge, Massachusetts, 14 March, 1692. He was descended from an ancient family who had their early origin in Germany and went over, in the 4th century, from Saxony to England. His father, of the same name, came to Massachusetts with his family and settled at Cambridge, where, in 1638, he purchased an estate, and became the founder of a large American posterity. He was one of the chief men of Cambridge, a merchant, largely engaged in navigation, and a member of the first church, as messenger of which he was sent to England in 1669 to invite the Reverend Urian Oakes to become its pastor. Mr. Manning was one of the select-men of Cambridge, and with Deacon John Cooper, by appointment of the Colonial government, directed the erection of Harvard hall, and collected and disbursed the moneys that were raised for its construction.

Gravestone
Old Burying Ground, Cambridge MA. Inscription: "Here lyes the body of William Manning aged 76 years Deceased the 14 of March 1690" That translates to 14 Mar 1691 on today's common calendar.

Marriage & Family
Married about 1643 in Cambridge MA to Dorothy Adams (1612-1692).


 * 1) Samuel Manning (1644-1711) - prominent settler of Billerica MA.  Home attacked twice in 1675 King Phillip's War.
 * 2) Sarah Manning (1681-1709) - md (1) Mr Bull and (2) Mr Chadwick.
 * 3) Hannah Manning
 * 4) John Manning
 * 5) Mary Manning