Thomas Chittenden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Chittenden
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Governor Thomas Chittenden (presumed likeness)
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| 1st Governor of Vermont | |
| In office March 5, 1791 – August 25, 1797 |
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| Lieutenant | Paul Brigham |
| Preceded by | Himself (as Governor of the Vermont Republic) |
| Succeeded by | Paul Brigham |
| 1st & 3rd Governor of the Vermont Republic | |
| In office October 20, 1790 – March 4, 1791 |
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| Lieutenant | Peter Olcott |
| Preceded by | Moses Robinson |
| Succeeded by | Himself (as Governor of the State of Vermont) |
| In office March 13, 1778 – October 13, 1789 |
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| Lieutenant | Joseph Marsh |
| Preceded by | None |
| Succeeded by | Moses Robinson |
| Member of the Connecticut Colonial Assembly | |
| In office 1765–1769 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | January 6, 1730 East Guilford, Colony of Connecticut, British America |
| Died | August 25, 1797 (aged 67) Williston, Vermont, U.S. |
| Resting place | Thomas Chittenden Cemetery, Williston, Vermont |
| Political party | None |
| Spouse | Elizabeth Meigs Chittenden (m. 1749–1797, his death) |
| Children | 10, including Martin |
| Signature |  |
Thomas Chittenden (January 6, 1730 – August 25, 1797) was an important American politician from Vermont. He led the area for almost twenty years. He was the first and third governor of Vermont. He served from 1778 to 1789 when Vermont was an independent state called the Vermont Republic. He served again from 1790 until he passed away. Vermont became the 14th state to join the United States in 1791.
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Who Was Thomas Chittenden?
Thomas Chittenden was born in East Guilford, Connecticut Colony, on January 6, 1730. He was known for losing one of his eyes. Some people called him "one eye Tom."
His Family Life
Thomas Chittenden married Elizabeth Meigs on October 4, 1749. They were married in Salisbury, Connecticut. They had ten children together. All four of their sons and six of their daughters grew up to be adults.
Thomas Chittenden's Career in Politics
Chittenden started his public service in Connecticut. From 1765 to 1769, he worked as a justice of the peace. He also served in the Connecticut Colonial Assembly during these years.
Military Service
From 1767 to 1773, Chittenden served in Connecticut's 14th Regiment of Militia. He rose through the ranks during this time. He eventually became a colonel.
Moving to Vermont
Chittenden was one of the people who bought land from the Onion River Land Company. This company was run by famous figures like Ethan Allen and Ira Allen. In 1774, Chittenden moved to what was then called the New Hampshire Grants. This area is now known as Vermont. He was the very first settler in the town of Williston.
Leading the Vermont Republic
In 1777, Chittenden was a delegate at an important meeting. This meeting created Vermont's first constitution. It also wrote Vermont's Declaration of Independence. On March 12, 1778, the legislature chose Chittenden as the governor of the Vermont Republic. Joseph Marsh became the lieutenant governor.
During the American Revolution, Chittenden worked to help Vermont join the United States. He was part of a committee that talked with the Continental Congress. However, the Congress put off the decision. They did not want to upset New York and New Hampshire. These states also claimed land in Vermont.
Chittenden served as governor of the Vermont Republic for many years. He was governor from 1778 to 1789, and again from 1790 to 1791. During this time, he was involved in secret talks with British leaders in Quebec. They discussed the idea of Vermont becoming a British province.
Governor of Vermont State
Vermont officially joined the United States in 1791. It became the 14th state. Chittenden continued to serve as governor after Vermont became a state. He remained in office until he passed away in 1797.
When Did Thomas Chittenden Die?
Thomas Chittenden died in Williston on August 25, 1797. He is buried at the Thomas Chittenden Cemetery in Williston, Chittenden County, Vermont. His gravestone has a special message. It talks about Vermont's difficult beginning. It says: "Out of storm and manifold perils rose an enduring state, the home of freedom and unity."
Thomas Chittenden's Legacy and Honors
Thomas Chittenden is remembered in many ways in Vermont.
Monuments and Statues
In 1894, work began on a monument for Chittenden. It is at the entrance to the cemetery named after him in Williston. The monument was officially opened in 1896.
You can find an engraved picture of Chittenden at the Vermont State House in Montpelier. It is near the governor's office. This picture is based on one of Chittenden's grandsons. People believed the grandson looked like Thomas Chittenden.
In the late 1990s, a bronze statue of Chittenden was placed outside the State House. It was created by artist Frank Gaylord. Another statue by Gaylord stands in front of the Williston Central School.
Places Named After Him
Chittenden County is named in his honor. The town of Chittenden in Rutland County is also named after him.
See also
- Vermont Republic
- Constitution of Vermont
- List of governors of Vermont
