William Beardsley (settler) facts for kids
William Beardsley (1605–1661) was one of the first settlers of Stratford, Connecticut. He helped start this new town around 1635.
Early Life and Journey to America
William Beardsley was born in England around 1605. For a long time, people thought he was from Stratford-upon-Avon. However, newer discoveries suggest he was actually from Ilkeston, Derbyshire, England. Many people with the Beardsley name still live in that area today.
In 1635, William Beardsley, his wife, and their three children began a big adventure. They boarded a ship called the "Planter" with 116 other passengers. They sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to Massachusetts, in America.
After arriving, William Beardsley became a "freeman" of Massachusetts in December 1636. This meant he had the right to vote and take part in the government of the colony.
Settling in Connecticut
In 1639, William Beardsley and his family moved from Boston. They became one of the first families to settle in a new area called the Pequonnocke Plantation. This place later became known as Stratford, Connecticut.
William Beardsley was very involved in building the new settlement. He helped found the First Congregational Church of Stratford. He also served as a "Deputy" to the General Court in Hartford from 1645 to 1659. This meant he was a representative for Stratford in the colony's main government. He also served as a Judge.
After coming to America, William and his wife had six more children between 1636 and 1646. William Beardsley passed away in Stratford, Connecticut, in 1661. He is buried in Union Cemetery with his wife.
