Richard Holmes (Connecticut settler) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Holmes
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| Born | c. 1633 |
| Died | 1704 |
| Occupation | blacksmith |
| Spouse(s) | Sarah Grant |
Richard Holmes (sometimes spelled Richard Homes) was an important person who helped start the town of Norwalk, Connecticut. He was born around 1633 and lived until 1704. He was known for being a skilled blacksmith and for building the first saw mill in Norwalk.
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Who Was Richard Holmes?
Richard Holmes was a founding settler of Norwalk, Connecticut. This means he was one of the very first people to help create and build the town. He played a key role in the early days of the settlement.
Early Life and Family
Richard Holmes was born in York, England, around the year 1633. His father was Francis Holmes. Richard's mother's name is not known. His father, Francis, later married a woman named Ann.
Moving to America
Richard's father, Francis, and his stepmother, Ann, moved to America before 1634. They first settled in a place called Watertown, Massachusetts. In 1636, they moved again to Wethersfield, which was also in the Connecticut Colony. Later, in 1657, Francis and Ann, along with their four children, moved to Stamford, Connecticut. Francis Holmes was one of the very first people to settle in Stamford.
Settling in Norwalk
Richard Holmes decided to make Norwalk his home. On October 12, 1657, he bought his land lot in Norwalk from a person named Alexander Bryan. Richard was a very important person in the new settlement because he was the town's blacksmith. A blacksmith makes and repairs things out of metal, like tools and horseshoes. This was a vital job in a new town. Richard also built the very first saw mill in Norwalk, located on the Five Mile River. A saw mill helps cut logs into lumber, which was needed to build houses and other structures in the growing town.
A Founder's Legacy
Richard Holmes is remembered as one of the original founders of Norwalk. His name is carved on the Founders Stone. This special stone is located in the East Norwalk Historical Cemetery. It lists the names of all the brave people who helped establish Norwalk from the very beginning.
