Hezekiah Usher
Hezekiah Usher | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1616 Bethnal Green, England |
| Died | 1676-05-14 |
| Occupation(s) | Bookseller, trader, publisher |
| Years active | 1639–1676 |
| Known for | Earliest recorded bookseller in the British Colonies; publisher of early American books including the first children's book in America |
Hezekiah Usher (1616 – 14 May 1676) was an English trader based in the Massachusetts Bay Colony and is recognized as the earliest recorded bookseller in the British Colonies.
Early life and career
Usher was born in England in 1616, probably in Bethnal Green, before relocating to Cambridge within the Massachusetts Bay Colony. By 1639, he had established a bookstore operating out of his residence located at the intersection of Dunster and Winthrop streets.
By 1648, Usher had expanded his role to include both bookselling and publishing. A book of laws printed in Cambridge indicated they were "to be solde at the shop of Hezekiah Usher in Boston." That year also saw a fresh edition of the Psalms printed with the notation "Printed for Hezekiah Usher, of Boston." Throughout the 1650s and beyond, his name appeared on multiple publications, among them John Cotton's Spiritual Milk for Boston Babes (1656), which is regarded as the first children’s book produced in America.
Around 1645, Usher relocated to Boston, settling on King Street opposite the Market Place—later known as the location of the Old State House. His store was situated on the ground floor of his home. Besides his commercial pursuits, he also held a position as a selectman in mid-17th century Boston.
Personal life
Usher entered into matrimony three times: first with Frances, then Elizabeth Symmes, and finally Mary Alford. With Frances, he fathered five children—three sons and two daughters—including Hezekiah Jr. (born 1639) and John (born 1648). His second marriage to Elizabeth Symmes produced two children before her death shortly after their wedding in 1652. He was affiliated with Boston’s Old South Meetinghouse.
Death
Hezekiah Usher passed away on 14 May 1676 at approximately 59 or 60 years old; his son Hezekiah Jr. died three years afterward. Usher was laid to rest in the Francis Tomb at Boston’s King's Chapel Burying Ground. Following his death, his widow Mary remarried Samuel Nowell of Charlestown.