John Belding facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Belding
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| Deputy of the General Assembly of the Colony of Connecticut from Norwalk |
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| In office October 1691 – May 1692 Serving with James Olmsted
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| Preceded by | John Platt, Samuel Smith, Andrew Messenger |
| Succeeded by | Samuel Hayes, Thomas Betts |
| Member of the House of Representatives of the Colony of Connecticut from Norwalk |
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| In office May 1705 – October 1705 Serving with Joseph Platt
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| Preceded by | Thomas Betts, Samuel Keeler |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Betts, Samuel Hanford |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 9, 1650 Wethersfield, Connecticut Colony |
| Died | November 26, 1713 (aged 63) Wethersfield, Connecticut Colony |
| Spouse | Ruth Hayes (daughter of Samuel Hayes, |
| Children | John, Jr., Samuel, Ruth (d. 1704, buried in East Norwalk Historical Cemetery) , Ann Belding Bush |
| Residences | Norwalk, Connecticut Colony |
| Occupation | merchant |
| Military service | |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Battles/wars | King Philip's War |
John Belding (January 9, 1650 – November 26, 1713) was an important early settler in Norwalk, Connecticut. He was also known as John Beldon or John Belden. A settler was someone who helped start a new town or community. He served as a representative for Norwalk in the General Assembly of the Connecticut Colony in 1691 and 1705. The General Assembly was like the government or law-making body for the Connecticut Colony.
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Who Was John Belding?
John Belding was born on January 9, 1650, in Wethersfield, Connecticut Colony. He was likely the son of William Belding and Thomasine Sherwood. His brother, Daniel Belden, was an early settler in Deerfield, Massachusetts.
John Belding moved to Norwalk, Connecticut, by 1673. He became a merchant, which means he bought and sold goods. He also held the military rank of Lieutenant and participated in King Philip's War, a major conflict between Native Americans and English colonists.
Serving His Community
John Belding was a very active member of the Norwalk community. He helped make important decisions for the town.
Helping Norwalk Grow
- In 1690, he was part of a group chosen to help make the town's meeting house stronger, possibly to protect it.
- In 1694, he joined a committee to find a new minister for the town after the previous one, Reverend Thomas Hanford, passed away.
- In 1708, John Belding was one of the people who bought land to help create the new town of Ridgefield. Other buyers included Matthew Seymour, Matthias St. John, and Samuel Keeler.
A Voice in Government
John Belding represented Norwalk in the Connecticut General Assembly. This was the main governing body of the Connecticut Colony. He served as a Deputy (or representative) for Norwalk in two different sessions:
- From October 1691 to May 1692.
- From May 1705 to October 1705.
Family and Legacy
John Belding passed away on November 26, 1713. After his death, his wife, Ruth Hayes, married John Copp, who was the town clerk.
John Belding's family continued to be involved in public service. His grandson, Thomas Belden, also became a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives, following in John's footsteps.
