Richard Risley facts for kids

Richard Risley (born before 1615 – died October 1648) was an early English settler. He was one of the first people to help create the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He also helped found the city of Hartford, Connecticut.

Early Life and Journey to America

Richard Risley was born in England before 1615. Not much is known about his early life there.

In 1633, Richard Risley left England. He sailed across the Atlantic Ocean on a ship called the Griffen. On board with him were other important leaders like Thomas Hooker and John Cotton. They were all looking for a new life in America. The ship arrived in Boston on September 4, 1633.

Moving to Connecticut

After living in Massachusetts for a few years, Risley and his group decided to move. In May 1636, they left Massachusetts. They felt that the leader there, John Winthrop, was too bossy.

The group traveled west through the wild lands. After about a month, they stopped in an area. This place is now the city of Hartford, Connecticut.

Founding Hartford

Once settled, the group quickly started to organize themselves. They formed a shared government to help protect their new community. This was especially important because of the Pequot War, a conflict with Native American tribes.

By the next year, 1639, they created an important document. It was called the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut. Many people believe this was the first written constitution in Western history. A constitution is a set of rules for how a government works. The group also made a peace agreement with the local Native Americans. This agreement gave them land to live on.

Today, the main government building for Connecticut, the state capitol building, stands in Hartford. It is built on land that was originally given to Richard Risley. This land was part of the first grants given to the settlers.

Later Life and Death

Richard Risley died in October 1648. He passed away in Hockanum, Connecticut. He died from typhoid, which is a serious illness. At the time of his death, he left behind his wife, Mary Arnold, and their three young children. His children were between two months and eight years old.