Samuel Stone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Samuel Stone
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The statue of Samuel Stone in Hertford, England.
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| Born | July 18, 1602 Hertford, Hertfordshire, England
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| Died | July 20, 1663 (aged 61) Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
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| Nationality | English-American |
| Known for | Co-founder of Hartford, Connecticut |
Samuel Stone (born July 18, 1602 – died July 20, 1663) was an important Puritan minister. He is famous for helping to start the city of Hartford, Connecticut, in America.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Education
Samuel Stone was born in a town called Hertford in Hertfordshire, England. In 1620, when he was about 18 years old, he left Hertford. He went to study at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, a famous university. He finished his studies and graduated in 1624.
After college, Stone became a minister. He was officially made a minister on July 8, 1626, in a place called Peterborough. About a year later, he started working as a curate (a type of assistant minister) in Stisted, Essex.
Journey to America
In 1633, Samuel Stone decided to move to America. He traveled across the Atlantic Ocean on a ship named the Griffin. Another important minister, Thomas Hooker, was also on this ship.
They arrived in Boston on September 4, 1633. A few weeks later, Samuel Stone became a "Teacher" at the Cambridge Church. Thomas Hooker was the main preacher there. In 1644, Stone became a Freeman. This meant he had full rights as a citizen in the colony.
Founding Hartford
In 1636, Samuel Stone and Thomas Hooker led their church group on a journey. They moved from New Towne (which is now Cambridge, Massachusetts). They wanted to start a new settlement.
They found a place near a Dutch trading post called House of Hope. They made peace with the local Native American tribes. They renamed the area, which the Native Americans called Saukiog, to Hartford. They named it after Stone's hometown in England. Because of their leadership, Stone and Hooker are known as the founding fathers of Hartford.
Personal Life
Family and Legacy
Samuel Stone was married twice in his life. His second wife was Elizabeth Allyn, and they got married in 1641. They had five children who lived to adulthood. Their son was named Samuel. Their four daughters were Elizabeth, Rebecca, Mary, and Sarah.
Samuel Stone also wrote some books and papers. One of his published works was called "A Congregational Church, a Catholike Visible Church." He also left behind some writings that were never published.
Today, you can find a statue of Samuel Stone in the center of Hertford, England. This statue honors his life and his role in history.
