Thomas Hale (settler) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Hale
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| Born | June 24, 1610 |
| Died | February 19, 1679 (aged 68) |
| Spouse(s) | Jane Lord (m. February 1639, Roxbury, Massachusetts), and Mary Nash (m. 14 December 1659, Charlestown, Massachusetts Bay Colony) |
| Children | Thomas Hale (b. 1651), John Hale (b. 1665), Mary Hale (b. 1674) |
| Military career | |
| Battles/wars | Pequot War |
Thomas Hale (born June 24, 1610 – died February 19, 1679) was an important early settler in Connecticut. He helped start two towns: Hartford and Norwalk. Thomas was born in England, in a place called Watton-on-Stone, Hertfordshire. His parents were John Hale and Martha MNU.
Thomas probably came to America with his brother, Samuel Hale, and his sister, Martha. Martha later married Paul Peck Sr., who also helped found Hartford.
Contents
How Do We Know About Thomas Hale's Family?
We know about Thomas Hale's family from an old medical journal. This journal belonged to Governor John Winthrop, who was also a doctor.
- On March 25, 1666, Governor Winthrop treated Martha Peck.
- He wrote that Martha was 45 years old and the wife of Paul Peck.
- He also noted that she was the sister of Samuel Hale of Wethersfield.
- The journal mentioned that Martha had a brother named Thomas Hale in Charlestown.
- This record helps us confirm that Thomas, Samuel, and Martha were siblings.
Becoming a Freeman and Moving to Connecticut
On May 14, 1634, Thomas Hale became a "freeman" in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. This meant he had certain rights, like being able to vote. In 1636, he moved to Hartford, Connecticut, with a group led by Thomas Hooker. This group was looking for a new place to live and worship.
Thomas Hale's Role in the Pequot War
Thomas Hale served as a soldier in the Pequot War. This was a conflict between English colonists and the Pequot Native American tribe. His brother, Samuel, also fought in this war. For his service, Thomas was given 50 acres of land on October 12, 1671.
Family Life and New Settlements
Thomas Hale married Jane Lord in 1639 in Boston. They had one son named Thomas. Later, in June 1650, Thomas Hale signed an agreement. This agreement was to help settle the new town of Norwalk.
In 1659, Thomas married Mary Nash in Boston. They had two more children: a son named John and a daughter named Mary.
Honoring the Founders
Thomas Hale's name is remembered in both Hartford and Norwalk.
- In Hartford, his name is on the Founders Stone. This stone lists the names of the people who helped start Hartford. It is located in the Ancient Burying Ground.
- In Norwalk, his name is also on a Founders Stone. This stone is in the East Norwalk Historical Cemetery. It honors the people who founded Norwalk.
