Timothy Hinman facts for kids

Timothy Hinman (born July 21, 1762 – died April 29, 1850) was an important early settler and road builder from Woodbury, Connecticut. He is famous for building the Hinman Settler Road in Orleans County, Vermont. Timothy Hinman was married to Phebe Stoddard (born November 5, 1769 – died July 15, 1858).

A special marker in the town of Derby, Vermont, near where Hinman lived, calls him the town's founder. It also says he fought in the American Revolutionary War. He first came to Derby in 1790 and built the very first house there in 1794. Over his life, he became a judge, a lawmaker, and helped start a church. He also ran a store and a place where people could gather in Derby.

Who Was Timothy Hinman?

Timothy Hinman was a true pioneer, meaning he was one of the first people to settle in a new area. He helped shape the early history of Vermont. His work building roads was very important because it helped new settlers travel and connect different parts of the state.

Early Life and Family

Timothy Hinman was born in Woodbury, Connecticut, in 1762. Not much is known about his very early childhood. He grew up during a time when America was becoming its own country. He later married Phebe Stoddard, and they built a life together in Vermont.

A Founder of Derby, Vermont

In 1790, Timothy Hinman arrived in the area that would become Derby, Vermont. Just four years later, in 1794, he built the first house there. This made him a key figure in the town's beginnings. He helped create a new community from scratch in the wilderness.

Hinman's Important Roles

Timothy Hinman took on many different jobs and roles throughout his life. He was not just a settler but also a leader in his community.

Building Roads and Connecting Places

One of Hinman's biggest achievements was building the Hinman Settler Road. This road was vital for people moving into Vermont. It helped new families reach their land and made it easier to transport goods. Roads like these were the highways of their time, connecting towns and helping communities grow.

Public Service and Leadership

Timothy Hinman served his community in many ways. He was a lawmaker, which means he helped create rules and laws for the area. He also became the Chief Judge of Orleans County, making important decisions in court. These roles show that people trusted him to lead and make fair choices.

Business and Community Builder

Beyond his public roles, Hinman was also involved in business. He operated a dry goods store, which sold everyday items, and a tavern, a place where people could meet. He also helped start a church, showing his commitment to building a strong community.

A Look at Hinman's Legacy

Timothy Hinman's life was full of achievements and challenges. He was known for being a hardworking and important person in early Vermont. His story reminds us that building new communities in the past required a lot of courage and effort.

Different Views of His Life

Some stories about Timothy Hinman describe him as a hero who was "faithful, honest, just, and good." He certainly did many great things, like building roads and founding a town. However, like many people in history, his life also had its ups and downs. He took many financial risks, which sometimes led to difficulties. His life shows how challenging it could be to build wealth and new towns in the early 1800s.