John Bacon Dedham

John Bacon (died 1683) was a prominent early settler and selectman in Dedham, Massachusetts. Born in England, he emigrated to Dedham with his father, Michael Bacon, in 1640. Michael had previously moved to Ireland before relocating to the Massachusetts Bay Colony. John inherited land from his father, including properties in Dorchester and most of Michael's holdings in Dedham.

Bacon held several positions and served on multiple committees, notably serving as selectman for four years beginning in 1661. He was among those who signed a petition by the town of Dedham against the Indians of Natick, sent to colonial authorities in May 1662. Earlier, he had surveyed and laid out 2,000 acres granted to the Natick Indians but later revoked.

In 1671, Bacon faced legal issues for attempting to sell land to a non-Dedhamite without permission. During King Philip's War, he served in Captain Timothy Dwight's company at the Wrentham garrison in 1676. He married Rebecca Hall on December 17, 1651, and they had nine children: John, Rebecca, Daniel, Sarah, Samuel, Thomas, Susanna, Mary, and Stephen.

Bacon lived in Dedham until his death on June 17, 1683. At the time of his passing, he owned a herd of 24 cattle, which was typical for residents of Dedham during that era.