Lechford, Thomas, approximately 1590-1644?

Thomas Lechford (1590?-1644?), the first lawyer in the colony of Massachusetts Bay, arrived in Boston, Mass., on 27 June 1638. In England, he had been a member of Clement's Inn. As an opponent of the episcopacy, he was punished for supporting the cause of William Prynne. He declined a position at the court of Prince Rakoczy of Transylvania and emigrated to New England.

In Massachusetts Bay, Lechford became a controversial figure. The leaders of the colony considered his political and religious views to be heretical; thus, he was not received into church membership and could not vote or hold office in the colony. He was forced to earn a meager living as a copyist and by drafting petty legal documents. In a court case in 1639, Lechford attempted to influence the jury outside of court. For this, he was censured and prohibited from the courts of Massachusetts Bay.

In August 1641, Lechford returned to England and supported the episcopacy and monarchy. He regained his association with Clement's Inn and, in 1642, published _Plain Dealings; or, Newes from New England_.

From the description of Notebook, 1638-1641. (American Antiquarian Society). WorldCat record id: 191259489