Wethersfield Connecticut Genealogy

History of Glastonbury Connecticut, 1653-1853

The history of Glastonbury, Connecticut, from 1653 to 1853 chronicles an account of its schools, commerce, mills, and ecclesiastical societies. The author, Alonzo Bowen Chapin, balances the general history with personal narratives, making the reading engaging for individuals tracing their ancestry. The work provides valuable insights into the town’s development, the contributions of its early ministers, and the influences of religion and learning that shaped the community. Unfortunately, the work is limited in the depths of the genealogy presented.

Online Connecticut Newspapers by Town

Connecticut has a rich newspaper history, with over 2,000 distinct publications since 1755, beginning with the Connecticut Gazette. While they serve genealogists through vital announcements, newspapers also document local events, legal matters, and business updates. A comprehensive list of 258 historical and current newspapers is available online, organized by town and publication date. Some papers, like the Norwich Bulletin, are especially valuable for family history research. For towns without digitized newspapers, exploring nearby options is advised.

Genealogy of the Hitchcock family

This genealogy traces the Hitchcock family from the 1600s, beginning with Matthias Hitchcock’s arrival in Boston in 1635. It follows the family’s growth through generations in Connecticut and Massachusetts, drawing from original records and family sources. More than a list of names, it preserves the story of a family that helped shape early New England.

Descendants of Samuel Wright of Lenox, Massachusetts

History of the Wright family, who are descendants of Samuel Wright (1722-1789) of Lenox, Mass., with lineage back to Thomas Wright (1610-1670) of Wethersfield, Conn., (emigrated 1640), showing a direct line to John Wright, Lord of Kelvedon Hall, Essex, England

The “History of the Wright Family” by William Henry Wright and Gertrude Wright Ketchum provides a detailed genealogical account of the descendants of Samuel Wright of Lenox, Massachusetts, tracing their lineage back to Thomas Wright of Wethersfield, Connecticut, and further to John Wright of Kelvedon Hall, Essex, England. This book is a meticulous endeavor to document the lives and movements of a family whose roots reach deep into both American and English soil, showcasing their significant transitions from the early 17th century to the late 19th century. Through painstaking research involving local records, pension applications, and family memorabilia, the authors piece together the lives of their ancestors, revealing a rich tapestry of historical and personal significance that bridges continents and centuries.

Ancestors of John Richardson Bronson of Attleboro, MA

John Richardson Bronson, M.D., born June 5, 1829, in Middlebury, Connecticut, was a distinguished physician in southern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, residing in Attleboro for over fifty years. The Bronson lineage traces back to early New England settlers, including John Bronson, a soldier in the Pequot War. Dr. Bronson, who graduated from Berkshire Medical College in 1852, served as a field surgeon during the Civil War and remained engaged in community affairs until his death on May 9, 1900. He married Catherine Wheelock and had five children.

Descendants of Isaac Benjamin of New Bedford, MA

The Benjamin family of New Bedford traces its lineage back to John Benjamin, who arrived in Massachusetts in 1632. His descendant, Isaac W. Benjamin, became a significant figure in New Bedford, serving for over three decades at the New Bedford Cordage Company and holding various public offices, including a long tenure on the school committee. His dedication to education led to a school being named in his honor. Isaac W. married Olive Lane Moulton and had one child, Lucy E., ensuring the family’s legacy continued.

Hubbard Genealogy

George Hubbard, an early settler of Watertown, Massachusetts, moved to Guilford, Connecticut, where he became a prominent political figure and deputy magistrate, dying in 1683. His son, George Hubbard Jr., settled in Wethersfield and later Hadley, Massachusetts. Jonathan Hubbard, born in 1658, married Hannah Rice and lived in Concord, where he passed away in 1720. His descendants continued to play notable roles in local governance, with Jonathan Hubbard Jr. serving as selectman in Townsend, Massachusetts, and moving on to Rindge, New Hampshire.

Biography of Rev. Linville J. Hall

Rev. Linville J. Hall, born in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1822, dedicated over fifty years to his ministry, providing spiritual solace and tackling societal evils with unwavering courage. A graduate of the Concord Biblical Institute, he served in various New England churches before ministering in Colorado and Connecticut prisons. Hall’s gentle spirit and commitment to his faith earned him deep affection from his community. He authored “Around the Horn in ’49” and passed away in 1910, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and service.

Mattabesec Tribe

The Mattabesec Indians, an influential Algonquian tribe in Connecticut, occupied both banks of the Connecticut River, extending from Wethersfield to Middletown. Including subgroups like the Wongunk, Pyquaug, and Montowese, they were associated with the Wappinger and likely inhabited a territory that contributed to further colonial expansion. Their jurisdiction encompassed much of southwestern Connecticut, incorporating various tribes such as the Mahackeno, Uncowa, Paugusset, and Quinnipiac.