Jeremy Adams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jeremy Adams
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| Born |
Jeremiah Adams
1604/5 |
| Died | August 11, 1683 |
| Monuments | Founders Monument of Hartford at the First Church of Christ and the Ancient Burying Ground |
| Occupation | Puritan minister, Innskeeper |
| Known for | Proprietor and founder of Hartford, Connecticut |
Jeremy Adams, also known as Jeremiah Adams (c.1604/5—August 11, 1683), was an important early settler in America. He helped found Hartford, Connecticut, and was also the first owner of land that became Colchester, Connecticut. This land was even known as "Jeremiah's Farme."
Journey to America
Jeremy Adams arrived in America in 1633. He first landed in Braintree, Massachusetts. He traveled with a group led by Reverend Thomas Hooker. In 1635, Adams became a freeman in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This meant he had the right to vote and take part in the colony's government.
In 1636, he moved with Reverend Hooker to what is now Hartford, Connecticut. Jeremy Adams was one of the first people to own land and help start the settlement there.
A Busy Public Servant
Jeremy Adams was a very busy person in the new colony. In 1639, he became the "cunstable," which was like being the main police officer for the town. He was also the official innkeeper for the entire colony.
His inn in Hartford was a very important place. It was used for:
- Meetings of the colony's government
- Court sessions
- Other public events
Many important leaders of the colony often visited his inn. It is believed that the famous Fundamental Orders of Connecticut were created there in 1639. This document was one of the first written constitutions in the world! It was later hidden in the Charter Oak tree to keep it safe.
On April 5, 1638, Adams went on an important trip with Captain Mason. They traveled to the Warranocke Indians to trade for corn. Because of this service, his family members today can join the General Society of Colonial Wars.
Adams held many other jobs for the colony, such as:
- An officer of the court
- A tax assessor (someone who decides how much tax people should pay)
- A tax collector for the town
- A juror (someone who helps decide court cases)
- A customs collector (someone who collects taxes on goods coming into the colony)
- A trader with Native Americans for the colony's government
In 1660, Jeremy Adams was the only person in the colony allowed to sell wine or other alcoholic drinks. Some of the land he once owned is now part of Harvard University and Trinity College, Hartford.
Places Named After Jeremy Adams
Jeremy Adams is remembered in Connecticut today. A ridge called Jeremy's Back and a river named Jeremy's River are both near Colchester, Connecticut. They are named after him. His name is also carved on the Founders Monument of Hartford. This monument is located at the First Church of Christ and the Ancient Burying Ground.
