Robert Beacham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Beacham
|
|
|---|---|
| Born |
England
|
| Died | prior to 1695 |
| Spouse(s) | First wife's name unknown, Elizabeth (widow of Edward Jessup) |
| Children | Isabelle (child of Beacham's first marriage) |
Robert Beacham (sometimes spelled Beauchamp) was one of the first people to settle in Norwalk, a town in Connecticut. He helped establish this new community.
Contents
Robert Beacham: An Early American Settler
Robert Beacham was born in England. We don't know his exact birth date, but he lived in the 1600s. He was an important figure in the early days of the American colonies.
Moving to the New World
Robert Beacham first arrived in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1648. He settled in a town called Ipswich. Later, he moved south to Connecticut.
Life in Norwalk
Robert Beacham became one of the original settlers of Norwalk. His land was located just south of where the East Norwalk Historical Cemetery is today. A bridge in that area used to be called Beacham's Bridge.
Because his land was between the main settlement and an area called The Neck (where cattle grazed), he had an important job. He acted like a "gate-keeper." This meant he helped control who and what went in and out of the main settlement area.
Becoming a Freeman
Around 1657 or 1658, Robert Beacham left Norwalk. He moved to an area near Green's Farms, which is now part of Westport. In 1664, he was made a freeman of Fairfield. Being a freeman meant he had the right to vote and take part in local government decisions. It was a special status for male colonists.
Remembering a Founder
Robert Beacham's name is listed on the Founders Stone. This stone is in the East Norwalk Historical Cemetery. It honors the names of the people who first founded Norwalk.
