"John Endicott (1588 - 1665), sometimes Endecott or Endicot, was a colonial magistrate, soldier, and governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony. Endicott lived in Boston for only a few years near the close of his life. Salem Massachusetts was his place of residence from 1628, when he first came to New England, which was two years before the large company with Winthrop.

Endicott was one of the original patentees of the Massachusetts grant, and acted as Governor until John Winthrop arrived. Endicott was once chosen Governor while Winthrop lived, and after his death he was elected chief magistrate for fourteen out of fifteen years, and died in 1665.

He had much energy of character, and was resolute and brave, and of a good education, though less liberal than that of Winthrop, Bellingham, and Bradstreet. In his religious views, he was bigoted, but no doubt conscientious and sincere. The spirit of bigotry raged, in a most unhappy measure, at that period, in Europe, as well as New England. It is most favorable that we live at a time today when a more tolerant spirit in religion prevails.

Governor Endicott was more of a military character than Winthrop and Bellingham. If he had not their substantial wisdom, he had great energy of character, and was willing to be advised. His election as Governor for so many years near the close of his life, is proof of his popularity. Endicott was a zealous defender of civil rights of the Colony."

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