Richard Webb (settler) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Webb
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| Deputy of the General Court of the Colony of Connecticut from Norwalk |
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| In office May 1656 – October 1656 |
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| Preceded by | Matthew Canfield |
| Succeeded by | Matthew Canfield |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 5, 1580 Warwickshire, England |
| Died | July 1665 Norwalk, Connecticut Colony |
| Resting place | East Norwalk Historical Cemetery, East Norwalk, Connecticut |
| Spouses | Grace Wilson (m. May 1610), Elizabeth Gregory |
| Children | Richard Webb, Jr. |
| Residences | Cambridge, Massachusetts Bay Colony Hartford, Connecticut Colony Norwalk, Connecticut Colony |
| Occupation | Surveyor |
Richard Webb I (born May 5, 1580 – died July 1665) was an important early settler in the Connecticut Colony. He helped found two major towns: Hartford and Norwalk. He also served as a representative, called a "deputy," for Norwalk in the government of the Connecticut Colony.
Contents
Richard Webb's Early Life
Richard Webb was born in Warwickshire, England, on May 5, 1580. He was a surveyor, which means he measured land. This skill was very useful for settlers in new lands.
Journey to America
Richard Webb came to America from England in 1626. He first settled in a place called Cambridge, which was part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Settling in Hartford
In 1636, Richard Webb moved to Hartford. He traveled with a group led by a famous religious leader named Thomas Hooker. This group was looking for new places to live and build communities.
Life in Hartford
Richard Webb's home in Hartford was on the west side of Main Street. It was near where Church Street is today. He took on several important jobs in the Hartford community:
- In 1643, he served as a grand-juror. This meant he helped decide if there was enough evidence for a case to go to trial.
- In 1649, he was a townsman. This role involved helping to manage the town's daily business and decisions.
- In 1650, he worked as a surveyor of highways. He helped plan and build roads for the growing town.
Founding Norwalk
Richard Webb was one of the people who signed an agreement on June 19, 1650, to start a new town called Norwalk. He moved there soon after. This shows he was a key person in the early development of the Connecticut Colony.
Public Service in Norwalk
In May 1656, Richard Webb served as a deputy for Norwalk. He represented the town in the General Court of the Connecticut Colony. This was like being a member of the state legislature today.
Honoring a Founder
Richard Webb is remembered as a founder of both Hartford and Norwalk. His name is carved on special "Founders Stones" in both towns.
- In Hartford, his name is on the Founders Stone at the Ancient Burying Ground.
- In Norwalk, his name is on the Founders Stone at the East Norwalk Historical Cemetery.
Richard Webb passed away in July 1665 in Norwalk, Connecticut. He was buried in the East Norwalk Historical Cemetery.
