Statewide Archives – Connecticut Genealogy

Family Bible of Elias Wells, Jr. of Stratford

The Family Bible of Elias Wells, Jr. documents the births, deaths, and marriages of the Wells family from Thomas Wells, born in 1718, through several generations, including Elias Wells, born in 1783. It lists significant family events and lineage details, such as births of children and grandchildren, alongside their corresponding dates. Key family members, including Seymour Wells, Jr. and various descendants, are noted, reflecting the family’s history in Stratford, Connecticut. The Bible serves as a historical record of the Wells family’s ancestry and milestones.

Connecticut in the Civil War

IT IS quite unnecessary to record the events which led to the war of the great Rebellion. During the interval between the election of Abraham Lincoln to the presidency, in 1860, and the bombardment of Fort Sumter, in 1861, the position of Connecticut was not equivocal. The declaration and acts of her governor, her Legislature, and her representatives in Congress, were all in favor of a firm maintenance of the national honor, and against any concession to those who sought to compromise that honor, or to humiliate the nation. There were, however, in Connecticut, as in the other loyal States, … Read more

How Connecticut Boldly Resisted British Rule in Early America

Connecticut played a pivotal role in resisting British rule prior to the American Revolution, notably protesting the Stamp Act and actively opposing its enforcement. The citizens organized for armed conflict after the battles of Lexington and Ticonderoga, demonstrating their commitment to liberty. During the Revolution, Connecticut troops contributed significantly in battles, while the state faced invasions, including a notable betrayal by native Arnold. In the War of 1812, Connecticut’s forces again engaged the British, most notably resisting the bombardment of Stonington. The state’s self-governance fostered a spirit of resistance throughout these conflicts.

Progress of the Colony

In 1698, Connecticut’s General Assembly established a two-house Legislature, requiring concurrence for law enactment. The colony faced military expenses due to the war with France, issuing paper money for a Canadian expedition. By 1713, Connecticut had 17,000 residents, 38 towns, and a growing economy based on trade with New York, Boston, and the West Indies. The colony actively participated in the French and Indian Wars, significantly contributing to military efforts. Post-war, Connecticut saw rapid growth and eventually ceded lands to the U.S. while retaining some for local indemnity and education funds, laying the groundwork for future prosperity.

Connecticut’s Fight Against Tyranny

After Charles II’s death in 1685, James II intensified the oppressive governance of the American colonies. He issued writs to revoke colonial charters, culminating in Sir Edmund Andross’s appointment as governor-general, which led to tyrannical rule in Connecticut. However, after James II fled in 1688, Connecticut’s original government was reinstated. Tensions continued with Governor Fletcher of New York in 1692, who demanded control over Connecticut’s militia. The Assembly firmly rejected his demands, asserting their rights. Legal opinions later favored Connecticut, affirming the colony’s governance and preserving its rights against external authority.

Connecticut Boundaries Established

In 1661, Connecticut sought a royal patent from King Charles II, leading to the 1662 charter that united it with New Haven despite local opposition to governance. By 1664, boundaries were established with the Dutch-controlled New Netherland, and later, conflicts arose when the Duke of York claimed lands conflicting with Connecticut’s rights. The tension escalated into King Philip’s War, where a brutal campaign against the Narragansetts resulted in significant casualties. This conflict highlighted the moral dilemmas of warfare and the overlooked rights of Indigenous peoples amidst colonial expansion.

Colonial Governments of Connecticut

The pursuit of the Pequot tribe by early colonists led to the establishment of New Haven in 1638, by leaders like Mr. Eaton and Mr. Davenport. In 1639, free planters in Hartford adopted the first constitution in the New World, emphasizing civil and religious governance. This decade saw various other towns founded, and Connecticut’s government evolved, including the adoption of “blue laws” prescribing severe punishments for certain offenses. The colonies eventually formed the “United Colonies of New England” for mutual defense, as tensions with the Dutch in New Netherland grew.

First Settlements in Connecticut

Connecticut’s early European exploration began around 1615, with both Dutch and Plymouth settlers claiming discovery of the Connecticut River. In 1633, William Holmes erected what is believed to be the first house in the region amidst Dutch threats. By 1635, settlers established Windsor, Hartford, and Wethersfield, led by John Winthrop. They faced challenges, including a harsh winter and conflicts with the hostile Pequot tribe. As tensions rose, a military response was organized, culminating in a campaign against the Pequots, which resulted in significant casualties and marked a pivotal moment in the colony’s early history.

Earliest Inhabitants of Connecticut

Before European settlement, Connecticut was home to various Indigenous tribes, notably the powerful Pequots and Mohegans. The Pequots, led by chief Sassacus, inhabited the coastal areas, while the Mohegans, under Uncas, occupied northern regions. Uncas, initially a follower of Sassacus, later allied with the English to secure his tribe’s independence. Smaller tribes also existed along the Connecticut River, contributing to a diverse Indigenous population that historians estimate to have ranged from 7,000 to 20,000, with a likely count around 16,000.

Chapter sketches, Connecticut Daughters of the American revolution; patriots’ daughters

Just a word is needed in volume second of Chapter Sketches in explanation of its title, — Patriots’ Daughters — also called Real Daughters and True Daughters. (See the first volume, Patron Saints).The women whose biographies are here presented are the daughters of men who served in the American Revolution and they are honorary members of Connecticut chapters and of the National Society, D. A. R. As a testimonial of this membership the National Society presents to each Real Daughter, all over the country, the highly-prized souvenir gold spoon.