Colburn arrived in Dedham shortly after it was incorporated in 1636. Colburn married Priscilla Clarke on July 25, 1639, and together they had 11 children. He signed the
Dedham Covenant and was an original proprietor. In addition to being selectman for five years, he held a number of roles and positions of responsibility within the new town including
tithingman. He had 11 children, the youngest of whom was Joseph. Colburn was admitted to the
First Church and Parish in Dedham on January 29, 1641, "after long and much inquisition into his case," nearly a year after his wife was. They lived nearby, on the west side of what is today Wigwam Creek. Part of
Mother Brook ran through his land. He owned considerable property. Ten years after
King Phillip's War, question arose as to whether or not the town of
Wrentham, Massachusetts was on land legally purchased from the
Wampanoag people. In March 1667, Colburn testified that he personally witnessed
Metacomet sign the deed to the lands. ==Death and legacy==