Robert Sedgwick

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Robert Sedgwick (c. 1590-1656) was an American colonist, born in Woburn, Bedfordshire, England. He settled at Charlestown, Mass., in 1635, where he became a successful merchant and for many years represented the town in the General Court. He was active in organizing the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, of which he became captain in 1640. In 1652 he was appointed commander of all the Massachusetts militia. With John Winthrop, Jr., and others he established in 1643-44 the first ironworks in the United States. Under authority from Cromwell he drove the French from the Penobscot region in 1654 and in 1655 accompanied the expedition which captured Jamaica. Just before his death there Cromwell promoted him major general and gave him sole command.

• This article incorporates text from an edition of the New International Encyclopedia that is in the public domain.