Bulkley (Bulkeley), Peter (1583-01-31 - 1659-03-09)

Peter Bulkley was the son of Rev. Edward Bulkley D.D., the rector of Odell, and Ofyff Irby, descendent of an ennobled Lincolnshire family. He matriculated at St John's at the age of 16 and graduated MA in 1608. Some sources suggest that he proceeded B.D. but this is doubtful. He later became a fellow of St. John's. InJanuary 1620, following the death of his father, he succeeded to the living of Odell, as well as gaining a considerable estate. He held this post for 15 years, under the liberal protection of Bishop Williams of Lincoln, despite his nonconformist stance. When Laud came to power, Bulkley was informed against and emigrated to New England with his family. He stayed briefly at Cambridge then founded Concord with a party of followers in 1636. On the 5 July he formed the twelfth church of the colony in Concord. In 1637 he was appointed as a moderator of the synod. He married twice, first to Jane Allen (d. 1626) with whom he had 12 children. In 1634 he married again to Grace Chetwood, having four more children. He died at Concord on 9 March 1659, leaving a very unusual will. He published a volume of several sermons preached at Concord upon Zechariah 4:11: 'The Gospel-Covenant, or the Covenant of Grace Opened' (1646) which was popular and went through several editions.