Nicholas Street - 1603

Nicholas Street came to the US from Bridgwater, England. He originally came to Taunton, MA. He fled England due to religious persecution. He was born in England in 1603. He came to the US sometime between 1630 and 1638. He died in 1674 and is buried in New Haven, CT. His mother died when he was only about a month old, and his father died when he was 13. As the eldest son, his father left him "myne antient estate of Rowberton neare Taunton, and also my lease of Huntesbell in the Marsh". The estate of Rowbarton belonged to the Manor of Canon Street Priory of Taunton.The matriculation papers of Oxford University show that "Street, Nicholas, of Somerset, gentleman, entered college November 2,1621, aged 18". He was first at Broadgate Hall, later (in 1624) Pembroke College. He received the degree of BA at Oxford February 21, 1624/25, and an MA degree from Emanuel College, Cambridge, in 1636. 

He was the son of a gentleman, one whose right to the name has been established by pedigree and allowed by the Crown. He lived in an old and once royal city (Taunton) with its castle built in the 8th century, and ancient churches and priories, while beyond the city were the beautiful meadows of the Deane or valley, shut in north and south by the high Quantox and Blackdown hills, certain peaks of these hills taking in the range of vision several entire counties.

The unfortunate burning of the Taunton, MA town records in 1838, shroud the early facts of his life in MA. The first records indicate that Master Hooke and Master Parker joined in ordaining Master Street the teacher of the church. Inasmuch as Hooke had already been ordained in England, it is probable that Street had also been ordained in England and that this rite was merely the installation of these men in that particular church. Their joint work continued for seven years, when Mr Hooke was called to New Haven as colleague of Mr. Davenport. Mr. Street continued as sole pastor for 15 years, apparently with significant pulpit power and administrative ability. Mr. Street followed Hooke to New Haven, where he took the latter's place as colleague of Rev. John Davenport on September 26, 1659. Mr. Davenport was called to Boston, September 27, 1667, and Mr. Street took sole charge of the First Church until his death April 22,1674.

It is generally accepted that his first wife was Ann Poole and that they were married in England. With the doubt as to the exact date of emigration, it is not certain which children were born in England. After Ann's death, he married Mary Newman, widow of Gov. Francis Newman of New Haven. After Nichlos' death she became the third wife of Gov. Leete, whom she survived.