Thomas Stanton facts for kids

Thomas Stanton (born around 1616, died 1677) was an important person in the early days of the Connecticut Colony. He was a trader and very skilled at talking with Native American groups, helping to make agreements. He was one of the first people to settle in Hartford. Later, he also helped start the town of Stonington, Connecticut, along with William Chesebrough, Thomas Miner, and Walter Palmer.

Thomas Stanton first shows up in history in 1636. He worked as an interpreter for John Winthrop, Jr., who was a leader in the colony. Stanton also fought in the Pequot War. He almost lost his life in a big battle called the Fairfield Swamp Fight in 1637. In 1638, he was part of the group that signed the Treaty of Hartford, which ended the war. In 1643, a group called the United Colonies of New England officially made him their Indian Interpreter.

Life as a Trader and Settler

After the war, Stanton went back to Hartford. There, he got married and became a successful trader. In 1649, he settled on a piece of land next to the Pawcatuck River. This area is now part of Stonington.

Building a Trading Post

Around 1649 or 1650, Thomas Stanton received permission to build a trading post on the river. He was also given a special right to be the only person allowed to trade with Native Americans in that area for three years. The trading house was built in 1651. During this time, Stanton's family stayed in Hartford or New London. They joined him in Stonington around 1657, after his trading business was doing well and a good house had been built.

Stanton's Homes and Burial Place

Thomas Stanton's first house in Stonington was taken down in the 1800s. Today, a large stone with writing on it marks the spot where it once stood. Another house, which Stanton started building around 1670, is the oldest house still standing in Stonington. It is now kept safe as the Stanton-Davis Homestead Museum.

Thomas Stanton and his wife, Anna, are buried in Stonington. Their graves are in the Wequetequock Cemetery.

Notable Family Members

Many of Thomas Stanton's family members became well-known people. Some of them include:

• Henry Brewster Stanton
• Harriot Eaton Stanton Blatch
• Lewis E. Stanton
• Theodore Stanton
• Nora Stanton Barney