Thomas Hanford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Hanford
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|---|---|
| Born | July 22, 1621 |
| Died | 1693 |
| Resting place | Plot 210, East Norwalk Historical Cemetery, Norwalk, Connecticut |
| Occupation | clergy |
| Spouse(s) | Eglin Hatherly
, Mary Miles Ince (m. October 22, 1661, New Haven Colony) |
| Children | Theophilus Hanford, Mary Hanford, Hannah Hanford Platt, Elizabeth Hanford Burr, Thomas Hanford, Jr. Eleazer Hanford, Elnathan Hanford, Samuel Hanford, Eunice Hanford Bulkley, Sarah Hanford Comstock |
Thomas Hanford (born July 22, 1621 – died 1693) was an important person in the early history of Norwalk, Connecticut. He was one of the first people to settle there. He became Norwalk's first minister, leading the church for 41 years until he passed away in 1693. He was also a community leader and a teacher.
Early Life in England
Thomas Hanford was born on July 22, 1621, in a place called Fremington, England. His parents were Theophilus Jeffrey Hanford and Eglin Hatherly.
Moving to America
Thomas's mother, Eglin, and his sisters, Margaret and Elizabeth, traveled from London, England, to America. They sailed on a ship called the Planter and arrived in Boston in June 1635.
Thomas came to America later. He wanted to finish his studies in England, but it seems he completed them in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He studied with Charles Chauncy, who later became the second president of Harvard University.
By 1643, Thomas was living in Scituate, Massachusetts. This town was started by his mother's brother, Timothy Hatherly.
In 1650, Thomas became a "freeman" in Massachusetts. This meant he had the right to vote and own land. In 1651, he went to Roxbury to teach at a school. He taught for about four months but decided to quit in June 1652 because he wasn't feeling well and found the students challenging.
Life as Norwalk's First Minister
In 1652, the people of Norwalk invited Thomas Hanford to be their first minister for the First Congregational Church. They saw him as a good and respected leader. He officially became a minister in Hartford on May 18, 1654.
The town gave him a four-acre piece of land and built him a house. He also received an island from a local Native American leader named Sagamore. Today, this island is known as Sheffield Island.
Thomas Hanford's name is carved on the Founders Stone in the East Norwalk Historical Cemetery. This stone lists the names of the first people who settled Norwalk.
