George Wyllys facts for kids

George Wyllys was an important leader in early America. He was one of the first governors of the Connecticut Colony. He served as governor for one year, from 1642 to 1643.

From England to the New World

George Wyllys was born in 1590 in Fenny Compton, England. His family was old and wealthy. He went to several universities. It is thought he became a Puritan during his time there.

He married Bridget Yonge/Young in 1609. They had three children together. After Bridget passed away in 1629, George married Mary Brisbey in 1631. They had one son.

In the early 1630s, George Wyllys and his family moved to New England. By 1634, he was chosen as an Assistant to the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Building a Home in Hartford

In 1636, George Wyllys sent his helper, William Gibbons, to Hartford. William went with 20 other people. Their job was to buy land and build a house for the Wyllys family.

This house became the biggest home for any of Hartford's first settlers. It was one of the largest houses in all of Connecticut. The famous Charter Oak tree stood on the property.

Other future governors lived on the same street. These included John Webster, Thomas Welles, and Edward Hopkins. The street was called Governor Street for a long time.

A Leader in Connecticut

The Wyllys family finally arrived in Hartford in 1638. Soon after, George was elected as an Assistant to the General Court. He served in this role from 1639 to 1641.

In 1641, he became the deputy governor of the colony. The next year, in 1642, he served as governor for one year. After his term as governor, he again served as an Assistant in 1643 and 1644.

Working Together for Safety

There were rumors that the Narragansett tribe might join with other tribes. People worried they would try to harm the English settlers. Because of this, Governor Wyllys and the General Court sent two people to a meeting in Boston.

This meeting led to an agreement called the Articles of Confederation. It was signed by the colonies of Massachusetts Bay, New Haven, and Connecticut. This agreement helped the colonies work together to protect themselves.

In December 1642, the General Court created the colony's first set of laws. These laws listed serious offenses that could lead to severe penalties.

After his time as governor, Wyllys was chosen for another important role. He became a Commissioner from Connecticut to The United Colonies of New England in 1643.

Legacy

George Wyllys passed away in Hartford on March 9, 1645. His property was the largest in the colony until 1680. No pictures of him are known to exist today.

His home in Hartford was taken down in 1827. George Wyllys is buried in Hartford's Ancient Burying Ground. His name is also on the Founders Monument there. Wyllys Street in Hartford is named after him. A famous person, Frank Lloyd Wright, was one of his direct descendants.