6. Founders of Wethersfield

Founded in 1634 by a group of ten Puritans hailing from Watertown, Massachusetts led by John Oldham and Nathaniel Foote, Wethersfield is recognized as the second-oldest town in Connecticut. John Oldham is thought to be the first Englishman to travel along the Old Connecticut Path from the Massachusetts Bay to Connecticut in 1633. The "First Adventurers" and the later settlers from Watertown would likely have traveled along the Old Connecticut Path in 1634 and following years.Along with Windsor and Hartford, Wethersfield is thought by some to be represented by one of the three grapevines on the Connecticut state flag signifying the state's three oldest settlements. Together, the three towns formed a colonial government under the Fundamental Orders. This was the first colony to receive its authority by consent of the people rather than from the King.Wethersfield's long and proud history is preserved and promoted by the Wethersfield Historical Society. The Wethersfield Historical Society web site provides additional information about the society's programs and resources.

For additional information, visit the Wethersfield, CT - Wikipedia site

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Founders of Wethersfield

Newton/Dimick ancestors among the Founders of Wethersfield include Robert Burrows and his wife, Mary Ireland, who was widow of Sammuel Ireland. More information about these Founders may be found in the Newton & Dimick Allied Families located in the 1. Genealogy : Newton & Dimick Families section of this web site.

Three lists of early settlers by 1640 are copied below from The history of ancient Wethersfield, Connecticut : comprising the present towns of Wethersfield, Rocky Hill, and Newington, and of Glastonbury prior to its incorporation in 1693 : from date of earliest settlement until the present time - Vol. 1 .

Pages 24-29 - First Adventurers with narrative for each.

John Oldham

Abraham Finch

Sergeant Robert Seeley

Nathaniel Foote

Sergeant John Strickland

John Clarke

Andrew Ward

Robert Rose

Leonard Chester

William Swayne

Page 29 - list from Bond's History of Watertown

Pages 30-31

Additional genealogical information is contained within part 2 The history of ancient Wethersfield, Connecticut : comprising the present towns of Wethersfield, Rocky Hill, and Newington, and of Glastonbury prior to its incorporation in 1693 : from date of earliest settlement until the present time (Vol 2)

A very useful index of The History of Ancient Wethersfield is available as a Word document that is searchable. Ancient Wethersfield Index