Samuel Keeler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Samuel Keeler
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| Member of the House of Representatives of the Colony of Connecticut from Norwalk |
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| In office October 1701 – May 1702 Serving with Andrew Messenger
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| Preceded by | Samuel Hayes |
| Succeeded by | Andrew Messenger |
| In office October 1703 – October 1704 Serving with Samuel Hayes
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| Succeeded by | Thomas Betts |
| In office May 1706 – October 1706 Serving with John Copp
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| Preceded by | Thomas Betts, Samuel Hanford |
| Succeeded by | Joseph Platt |
| In office May 1709 – May 1710 Serving with John Betts,
Joseph Platt |
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| Preceded by | Joseph Platt, John Betts |
| Succeeded by | Samuel Betts, Joseph Platt |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1656 Norwalk, Connecticut Colony |
| Died | May 19, 1713 Ridgefield, Connecticut Colony |
| Resting place | Ye Burying Yard, Ridgefield, Connecticut |
| Spouse | Sarah St. John Keeler (m. March 10, 1682) |
| Children | Timothy Keeler, Samuel Keeler, Joseph Keeler, Jonah Keeler |
| Residences | Norwalk, Connecticut Colony |
| Military service | |
| Battles/wars | King Philip's War, |
Samuel Keeler (born 1656, died May 19, 1713) was an important person in the early history of the Connecticut Colony. He served as a representative for Norwalk in the House of Representatives several times. He is also remembered as one of the first people to settle the town of Ridgefield. You can find his name on the founders' monument in Ridgefield's Ye Burying Ground cemetery.
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Who Was Samuel Keeler?
Samuel Keeler was born in 1656 in Norwalk, Connecticut. His father was Ralph Keeler, and his brother was John Keeler. Samuel lived during a time when the American colonies were still quite new. He played a part in both military events and the founding of new towns.
A Soldier in King Philip's War
When he was about 19 years old, Samuel Keeler joined a major conflict called King Philip's War. This war was fought between English colonists and Native American tribes. On December 19, 1675, Samuel took part in a big battle known as the Narragansett Swamp Fight. This battle happened in Rhode Island. Because of his brave service in the war, the town of Norwalk gave him a piece of land on Clapboard Hill. This happened at a town meeting on January 12, 1676.
Helping to Found Ridgefield
Samuel Keeler was also one of the original founders of the town of Ridgefield, Connecticut. In 1708, he worked with his father-in-law, Matthias Sention, Sr., and Matthew St. John. Together, they bought the land for Ridgefield from the local Native American tribes. They paid 100 pounds for the land. This purchase was a big step in creating the new town.
Serving in Government
Samuel Keeler was a public servant for Norwalk. He was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives. This group was like a parliament or congress for the Connecticut Colony. He represented Norwalk in several sessions:
- October 1701 to May 1702
- October 1703 to October 1704
- May 1706 to October 1706
- May 1709 to May 1710
In this role, he helped make important decisions for the colony.
His Legacy
Samuel Keeler passed away on May 19, 1713, in Ridgefield, Connecticut. His family continued to be important in Connecticut. One of his notable descendants was Edwin O. Keeler (1846–1923). Edwin was Samuel's great-great-great-grandson. He became the Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut and was also the first mayor of Norwalk after it officially became a city.
