Thomas Minor facts for kids

Thomas Minor (born April 23, 1608 – died October 23, 1690) was an important person in early American history. He helped start two towns in the United States: New London and Stonington, Connecticut. Thomas Minor also kept a diary, which is like a journal, about his life in colonial New England. This diary helps us understand what life was like back then.

Thomas Minor's Early Life and Family

Thomas Minor was born in a place called Chew Magna in England on April 23, 1608. His father was Clement Miner. In 1629, when Thomas was about 21, he sailed to America. He arrived in Salem, Massachusetts, on a ship called the Lyon's Whelp. Some records say the ship was named the Arabella and arrived on June 14, 1630.

Soon after arriving, Thomas moved to Watertown. He then moved to Charlestown because a sickness called typhus fever spread in Salem.

Meeting Grace Palmer and Starting a Family

In Charlestown, Thomas Minor met Grace Palmer. They got married in 1634. Grace was the daughter of Walter Palmer. Thomas and Grace had a large family with seven sons and three daughters.

Their children were:

• John Minor (1635-1719)
• Clement Minor (1639-1700)
• Thomas Miner (1640-1662)
• Ephraim Miner (1642-1724)
• Joseph Miner (1644-1712)
• Manassah Minor (1647-1728)
• Ann Minor (1648-?)
• Marie Minor (1651-1660)
• Samuel Minor (1652-1682)
• Hannah Minor (1655-1721)

In 1636, the Minor family moved again, this time to Hingham.

Helping to Settle Stonington

After living in Hingham for several years, the Minor family moved south. They settled in an area called Wequetequock, which is now part of Stonington, Connecticut. Thomas and his son Ephraim helped establish a church there, known as the Road Church.

Around 1653, Thomas Minor bought land west of Stonington. This land was near what is now Mystic. He built a house for his family there. It was also around this time that he started writing in his diary.

Thomas Minor's Diary

Thomas Minor's diary is very special because it is one of the few journals from the 17th century New England that still exists today. It covers the years from 1653 to 1684. The diary was later published as a book in 1899. It gives us a look into daily life during that time.

Public Service and Military Role

Thomas Minor was very involved in public life in both New London and Stonington. In 1665, he became the captain of the Stonington militia company. A militia is a group of citizens who can act as soldiers.

Both Thomas and his sons served during King Philip's War. This was a major conflict between Native Americans and English colonists. His son, Lieutenant Thomas Minor, was among the Connecticut men who volunteered for this war. These volunteers later became the first landowners in Voluntown, Connecticut.

Thomas Minor's Legacy

Thomas Minor and his wife, Grace, both passed away in 1690, just three months apart. They are buried together in the Wequetequock Cemetery in Stonington. A monument in Stonington honors the town's founders, and one side of it is dedicated to Thomas Minor.

Notable Descendants

Many famous people are descendants of Thomas Minor. Some of these include:

• Ned Lamont
• Ulysses S. Grant
• William T. Minor
• Thomas T. Minor
• William Chester Minor
• Michael D. Miner
• John D. Rockefeller
• Lydia M. Miner
• Jason A. Miner
• Dave Minor
• Henry Q. Miner
• Alonzo Ames Miner

Images for kids

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  This "Minor coat of arms" was proven to be incorrect in 1984.