Nathaniel Ely facts for kids

Nathaniel Ely (also known as Nathaniel Eli) was an important early settler in colonial America. He was born in 1605 and passed away on December 25, 1675. He helped start new towns like Hartford and Norwalk in what is now Connecticut. He also served in government, representing Norwalk in the General Court of the Connecticut Colony in 1656.

Nathaniel Ely was born in 1605 in Tenterden, Kent, England. His parents were Reverend Nathaniel Ely and Susan Dowle. In 1634, he sailed to America from Ipswich, England, aboard a ship called the Elizabeth. He first settled in Cambridge, which was part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony at the time.

Helping Start Hartford

In June 1636, a leader named Reverend Thomas Hooker guided about 100 people, including Nathaniel Ely, to a new settlement. This settlement became known as Hartford. In Hartford, Ely took on important roles in the community.

He was a constable in 1639. A constable was like a local police officer, helping to keep order and enforce rules. He also served as a selectman in 1643 and 1649. Selectmen were elected officials who managed the town's daily affairs and made decisions for the community.

Founding Norwalk

In 1640, a man named Roger Ludlow bought the land that would later become the town of Norwalk. Ludlow made an agreement with fourteen men to begin settling Norwalk. In 1649, Nathaniel Ely and Richard Olmsted became the first two settlers to live there.

Ely represented Norwalk in the General Court of the Colony of Connecticut in 1656. This meant he was a deputy, helping to make laws and decisions for the entire colony. He lived in Norwalk until 1659.

Life in Springfield

After leaving Norwalk in 1659, Nathaniel Ely moved to Springfield, which was also in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He continued to be involved in local government there. He served as a selectman in Springfield multiple times: in 1661, 1663, 1666, 1668, 1671, and 1673.

After 1665, he also worked as a tavern keeper. This meant he owned and managed a place where people could gather, eat, and drink.

Nathaniel Ely is remembered as a founder of both Hartford and Norwalk. His name is listed on the Founders Stone in the Ancient Burying Ground in Hartford. He is also listed on the Founders Stone in the East Norwalk Historical Cemetery, honoring the founding settlers of Norwalk.