Capt. William CLARK Sr. (1656 – 1725) was Alex’s 8th Great Grandfather; one of 512 in this generation of the Miller line.

Capt. William Clark Sr. was born 3 July 1656 at Dorchester, Mass. His parents were Lt. William CLARK and Sarah STRONG.   He married Hannah STRONG, his second cousin on 15 Jul 1680 in Northampton, Mass.   After Hannah died, he married Mary Smith on 31 Jan 1694/95 in Lebanon, New London, CT.  William died 9 May 1725 in Lebanon, CT.

Hannah Strong was born 30 May 1659 in Northampton, Mass.  Alternatively, she was born 20 May 1657,  in Windsor, CT.  Her parents were Elder John STRONG and Abigail FORD.  Hannah died 31 Jan 1693/94 in  Lebanon, Connecticut.

Mary Smith was born 14 Mar 1662 Milford, New Haven, Connecticut. Her parents were Benjamin Smith and Mary Baldwin.  Mary died 23 Apr 1748 in Lebanon, New London, Connecticut.

Children of William and Hannah:

	Name	Born	Married	Departed
1.	Hannah Clark	5 May 1681 Northampton Mass	Ebenezer Hunt 27 May 1698 . Thomas Bissell 20 Dec 1743	10 Jun 1758
2.	Abigail Clark	25 Jan 1683/84		2 May 1687
3.	William CLARK Jr.	5 Feb 1685 Northampton Hampshire, Mass	Bethiah WILLIAMS 5 Jan 1709/10 Lebanon, CT	28 Aug 1753 Lebanon, CT
4.	Jonathan Clark	13 May 1688	Hannah Smalley 6 Jan 1713/14	12 Jan 1743/44 Lebanon, CT
5.	Thomas Clark	14 Apr 1690 Lebanon, CT	Sarah Strong 27 Jun 1717 . Mary Hine 30 Jul 1760 in Lebanon, New London, CT	12 Nov 1765 Waterbury, New Haven,  CT
6.	Joseph Clark	31 Dec 1691	Rebecca Huntington 20 Jun 1717	10 Sep 1769 Columbia, Tolland, CT
7.	Benoni Clark	1 Feb 1693/94 Lebanon, CT	Hannnah Root 6 Nov 1718

Children of William and Mary Smith::

	Name	Born	Married	Departed
8.	Timothy Clark	12 Oct 1695, Lebanon, Connecticut;	Deborah Beard 19 May 1722	12 Jul 1752 Lebanon, CT
9.	Gershom Clark	12 Oct 1695, Lebanon, Connecticut;	Esther Strong	18 Aug  1747 Lebanon, New London, CT
10.	Mary Clark	c. 1699
11.	David Clark	c. 1701

As a small child William moved from Dorchester to Northampton carried in a pannier [a basket, especially a large one, for carrying goods, provisions, etc.]  on his mother’s horse.   He took the Oath of Allegiance from Major Pynchon on February 8, 1676 in Northampton, MA.

At age 20, in May 1676, he was one of 22 soldiers of Northampton who took part in the Falls Fight under Capt. William Turner.  Today, Turners Falls is an unincorporated village and census-designated place in the town of Montague in Franklin County, Massachusetts.

Of the men, directly connected with Northfield history, in this fight, were Nathaniel Alexander, James Bennett, Philip Mattoon, Joseph Kellogg, Samuel Boltwood, Stephen Belding, William CLARKE, John Lyman, Cornelius Merry, and  Joseph WARRINER.

THE TURNERS FALLS, MASSACHUSETTS FIGHT – Excerpt abridged from The History of Deerfield, Vol. I, George Sheldon, 1895, pp. 155-157.

After sunset, Thursday, May 18th [1676], this little army set out on a memorable march…. The cavalcade passed out from Hatfield street with high hopes and determined hearts. Crossing the meadows to the north, vowing vengeance for stolen cattle, they wended their way slowly up the Pocumtuck path. Over the Weequioannuck and through the hushed woods as darkness was closing down, to Bloody Brook. Guided by Hinsdell, the troops floundered through the black morass, which drank the blood of his father and three brothers, eight months before; they passed with bated breath and clinched fire-lock, the mound under which slept Lothrop and his three score men. As they left this gloomy spot, and marched up the road, down which the heedless Lothrop had led his men into the fatal snare, the stoutest must have quailed at the uncertainty beyond. Was their own leader wise? Did he consider the danger? Was it prudent to neglect precautions against surprise?

Leaving his horses under a small guard, Turner led his men through Fall river, up a steep ascent, and came out on a slope in the rear of the Indian camp. He had reached his objective point undiscovered. Silence like that of death brooded over the encampment by the river, save for the sullen roar of the cataract beyond. With ears strained to catch any note of alarm, the English waited impatiently the laggard light, and with the dawn, stole silently down among the sleeping foe; even putting their guns into the wigwams undiscovered. At a given signal the crash of a hundred shots aroused the stupefied sleepers. Many were killed at the first fire. The astonished survivors, supposing their old enemy to be upon them, cried out “Mohawks! Mohawks!” rushed to the river, and jumped pell-mell into the canoes which lay along the shore. Many pushed off without paddles; in other cases the paddlers were shot, and falling overboard, upset the canoe; many in the confusion plunged into the torrent, attempting to escape by swimming. Nearly all of these were swept over the cataract and drowned. Others, hiding about the banks of the river, were hunted out and cut down, “Captain Holyoke killing five, young and old, with his own Hands from under a bank.” A very slight resistance was made, and but one of the assailants wounded; another “was killed in the action by his friends, who, taking him for an Indian as he came out of the wigwam shot him dead.” The wigwams were burned, and the camp dismantled.

In 1736, the General court granted to the survivors of this fight, and their descendants, a township,which in commemoration of the event was named Fall-town, since incorporated under the name of Bernardston.  Bernardston was first settled in 1738 as a part of “Fall Town,” which also included Colrain and Leyden.

After King Philip’s War, William assisted his father in the resettlement of Northfield from 1682-1690 and served as administrator of his father’s estate in 1690. He was Selectman for Northampton in 1694 and 1696. Northampton vital records show William was a freeman in 1690 and removed to Lebanon about 1698.

In 1705, he was one of the first representatives from the town to the general court. serving for 13 years. He was a selectman for 16 years, and town clerk 25 years. He was captain of militia, serving in the Indian Wars.

In 1698, except for his oldest daughter, who had married, William and his family moved to Lebanon where he was one of 51 original proprietors.  Two of our ancestors Maj. John MASON and Rev. James FITCH were the founders of Lebanon.  See Rev. Fitch’s page for the story.   On May 2, 1700, he and Josiah Dewey of Northampton bought a large tract of wilderness in what is now Lebanon and the surrounding towns from Owanecho, Sachem of the Mohegans, commonly called the Clark-Dewey purchase. William immediately became prominent in the new settlement. William was chosen as the first Deputy to the General Assembly from Lebanon in May 1705 and represented the town again in 1706 through 1713,1715, 17, 18 and 1719.

The Clarke and Dewey Purchase

On September 25, 1699, two Massachusetts men, William CLARKE of Northampton and Josiah Dewey, Snr., originally of Northampton and later of Westfield, purchased a large tract of land from Thomas Buckingham and John Clarke of Saybrook, who were acting on behalf of Abimelech, the young son and heir of Joshua. The tract adjoined the Five Mile Square on its northern boundary, across the Ten Mile River

On May 2, 1700, this tract was conveyed again to Clarke and Dewey (who had already settled in Lebanon) by Oweneco, who also claimed the land that his brother Joshua had bequeathed to Abimelech. This section of Lebanon was known as the North Society or Lebanon Crank. It is now the town of Columbia.

Oweneco died in 1715, aged, it is probable, about seventy or seventy-five years. The brave warrior who, in his youth and early manhood, fought gallantly against the Pocomtocks, the Pokanokets and Narragansetts, became in his old age a mere vagabond. With his blanket, his gun, his squaw, and a pack on his back, he used often to wander about the settlements adjacent to Mohegan. At his old friends and acquaintances he was generally made welcome, and established himself, during his stay, in the kitchen or some of the out-houses. To strangers, who were unable to understand his imperfect English, he sometimes presented a doggerel petition which had been written for him by a settler named Bushnell.

“Oneco, king, his queen doth bring,
To beg a little food;
As they go along his friends among
To try how kind, how good.
“Some pork, some beef, for their relief,
And if yon can’t spare bread,
She’ll thank yon for pudding, as they go a gooding,
And carry it on her head.”

The last line refers to an Indian mode of carrying burdens, by a metomp, or bag, hanging down the back, and supported by a strap passing over the forehead.-)

Oweneco had three sons, Josiah, Mamohet, (or, as the English settlers usually called it, Mahomet,) and Cesar. Josiah and Mamohet died before their father, and Mamohet, the son of Mamohet, being still a child, his uncle Cesar, on the death of Oweneco, assumed the sachemship

These large tracts with the later addition of several gores and town boundary adjustments made up the town of Lebanon. The town was incorporated by the General Assembly on October 10, 1700.

William Clarke was a member of the Governor’s Council in 1719 and 1721 and Deputy again in 1723 and 1724. He was Speaker of the House in 1723. In October 1708, he served as Justice of the Peace for New London County from 1708 – 1724. In May 1717, he was appointed Justice of the Peace and Quorum from June 1717 – June 1724, his name appears regularly as one of the Justices in the records of the New London County Court. He was Judge of the Probate Court, District of Windham, from May 1723 until his death.

Children

1. Hannah Clark

Hannah’s first husband Ebenezer Hunt was born 6 Feb 1676 in Northampton, Hampshire, Mass. His parents were Jonathan Hunt (1637 – 1691) and Clemence Hosmer. Ebenezer died 23 Feb 1743 in Lebanon, New London, CT.

Hannah’s second husband Thomas Bissell was also her first cousin.  He was born  03 Dec 1683 in Windsor, Hartford, CT.  His parents were Thomas Bissell and Hester Strong.  His maternal grandparents were Elder John STRONG and Abigail FORD. He first married 16 Feb 1710 to Martha Loomis.    Thomas died 11 Jun 1771 in East Windsor, Hartford, CT,

Children of Hannah and Ebenezer

i. Hannah Hunt b. 4 Oct 1699 Northampton, Hampshire, Mass.; d. 1769 New London, CT; m. 24 Jun 1731 Lebanon, New London, CT to Saxton Bailey (b. 1708 in Lebanon – d. 1743 in Lebanon)  His parents were Isaac Bailey (1681 – 1711) and Mercy Saxton (1686 – 1759) Hannah and Saxton had at least one child:  Saxton (b, 1743)

ii. Stephen Hunt b. 24 Jul 1701 Lebanon New London, CT; d. 7 Apr 1784 Columbia, Tolland, CT; m. 18 Jun 1730 in Lebanon to Esther Janes (b. 1695 in Northampton, Hampshire, Mass. – d. 17 Feb 1779 in Lebanon) Her parents were Abel Janes (1644 – 1718) and Mary Judd (1658 – 1735). Stephen and Esther had nine children born between 1731 and 1749.

1758/59 – Stephen served in the French and Indian War.

Stephen Hunt Gravestone –Old Yard Cemetery
Columbi, Tolland, CT Find A Grave Memorial# 62466785

iii. Deacon Ebenezer Hunt b. 28 Aug 1703 Lebanon, New London, CT; d. 21 Feb 1788 Northampton, Hampshire, Mass; m. 9 Dec 1730 in Northampton to Elizabeth King (b. 15 Jun 1707 Northampton – d.  5 Jun 1777 Northampton) Her parents were William King (1660 – 1728) and Elizabeth Denslow (1666 – 1746). Ebenezer and Elizabeth had six children born between 1732 and 1750.

19 Jan 1734 –  Ebenezer Hunt’s hat shop burns

19 Sep 1738 – Ebenezer Hunt’s Northampton hatshop burglarized by Samuel West, who is caught and branded

Inscription:
HERE LIES ThE Body
oF Deacon
EbENEZER Hunt
who died FEbRy 21
1788 in the 85th yEAR
oF his AGE
The Moments seize; a moment you may wish when worlds want
wealth to buy.

iv. William Hunt b. 12 Oct 1705 Northampton, Hampshire, Mass.; d. 6 Jan 1783 Lebanon, New London, CT; m. 19 Dec 1734 in Lebanon to Sarah Lyman (b. 24 Jan 1713 in Lebanon – d. Feb 1746 in Lebanon) Sarah’s sister Hannah married William’s brother Simeon. Their parents were Jonathan Lyman (1684 – 1753) and Lydia Loomis (1686 -1776). William and Sarah had seven children born between 1735 and 1745.

v. Abigail Hunt b. 16 Jul 1708 Northampton, Hampshire, Mass.; d. 1778; m. 16 Apr 1730 in Lebanon, New London, CT to Isaac Bailey (b. 1707 in Stonington, New London, CT – d. 1767) His parents were Isaac Bailey (1681 – 1711) and Mercy Saxton (1686 – 1791).

vi. Daniel Hunt b. 17 Aug 1711 Northampton, Hampshire, Mass.; d. 1 Oct 1807 Turnbridge, Orange, Vermont; m. 15 Feb 1740 in Lebanon, New London, CT to Hannah Burnham (bapt. 2 Aug 1723 in East Hartford, Hartford, CT – d.  Apr 1808 in Tunbridge) Her parents were Josiah Burnham (1696 – 1763) and Hannah Stedman (1699 – 1726).  Daniel and Hannah had at least four children born between 1749 and 1762.

vii. Lt. Simeon Hunt b. 3 Nov 1713 Coventry, Tolland, CT; d. 26 Apr 1793 Lebanon, New London, CT; m. 29 Jul 1736 in Lebanon to Hannah Lyman (b. 15 Feb 1715 – d. 2 Jan 1758 Burial: South Street Cemetery, Coventry). Hannah’s sister Sarah married Simeon’s brother William. Their parents were Jonathan Lyman (1684 – 1753) and Lydia Loomis (1686 -1776) Simeon and Hannah had eight children born between 1739 and 1761.

Simeon served in the French Indian War Capt. Abner Barker’s 2nd Company, Col Shubel Connant’s 5th Connecticut Regiment, Muster Roll of company of militia at Ft.Edward, Ft.William Henry and parts adjacent.  Company in service during alarm and for relief of Ft.William Henry and parts adjacent.

Lt Simeon Hunt Gravestone — North Coventry Cemetery, Coventry, Tolland CT, Find A Grave Memorial# 15422901

viii. Phineas Hunt b. 24 May 1716 Northampton, Hampshire, Mass.; d. 22 Aug 1787 Sharon,Litchfield, CT; m. 17 Aug 1756 at Sharon, CT to Mary Brown (b. 29 Jan 1729 in Kent, Litchfield, CT – d. 10 Dec 1812 Burial: Hillside Cemetery, Sharon)

ix. Esther Hunt b. 27 Oct 1718 Lebanon, New London, CT; d. 16 Feb 1743 Lebanon; m. 15 Dec 1737 in Lebanon to Capt. Israel Loomis (b. 29 Sep 1715 in Lebanon – d. 2 Oct 1801 in Lebanon) His parents were John Loomis (1681 – 1755) and Martha Osborn (1687 – 1725). Esther and Israel had three children born between 1738 and 1742. He married second  27 Sep 1743 in Lebanon to Mary Holbrook (b. 1715 in Lebanon – d. 3 Apr 1744) who soon died. Finally, he married 8 Apr 1747 in Lebanon to Mercy Marsh (b. 1725 in Lebanon – d. 18 Oct 1795 in Lebanon) and had seven more children between 1748 and 1760.

1762 – Pay Role Capt. Robert Durkee’s Ninth Company, Major General Phineas Lyman’s First Connecticut Regiment

Campaign of 1762 – 1st Regiment – Rolls of Connecticut Men in the French and Indian War, 1755-1762, Volume 2
By Connecticut Historical Society

Rolls of Connecticut Men in the French and Indian War, 1755-1762, Volume 2 By Connecticut Historical Society

The Battle of Havana – 1762 (See my post)  had by far the most America deaths of any battle up until that time, especially for Connecticut, but until I found family casualties in this genealogy project, I had never heard of it.  As you can see on this page, the casualty rate was almost 50%, mostly from malaria and yellow fever.

x. Sybil Hunt b. 7 Nov 1720 Lebanon, New London, CT; d. 11 Aug 1748 Lebanon, New London, CT; m. 12 Dec 1744 in Lebanon to Moses Spear (b. 3 Jul 1720 in Braintree, Norfolk, Mass. – d. 8 Jan 1782 in West Suffield, Hartford, CT). His paarents were Nathaniel Spear (1692 – 1732) and Thankful Woodward (1693 – 1749) Sybil and Moses had two children Elijah (b. 1746) and Nathaniel (b. 1748)  After Sybil died, Moses married 9 Mar 1749 to Submit Hastings (1727 – 1782) and had nine more children born between 1749 and 1769.

Moses’ gravestone inscribed: And as a flash of summer comes and calls me to my lasting home, come children and view where I lie and learn how sudden you may die.

The will of Moses Spear dated Jan 18, 1872 left on third to his wife Submit, the balance of all real estate to his son Moses II, 5 pounds to Nathaniel, 10 shillings to Elijah, 35 pounds to Elihu, 35 pounds to Joshua, 35 pounds to Ashel, 5 shillings to Sibble, 5 shillings to Submit, 4 pounds to Elizabeth, and 35 pounds Thankful, appraisers were John Sheldon and John Hastings.

Among those of the name who fought as officers of War of the Revolution were Lieutenants Edward and John Spear, of Pennsylvania : Lieutenants Moses, Jacob , David, William, and Zebdiah Spear of Massachusetts.

xi. Beulah Hunt b. 16 Mar 1723 Lebanon, New London, CT; d. 23 Jan 1810 Northampton, Hampshire, Mass.; 25 Feb 1746 in Northampton to Jacob Parsons (b. 22 Oct 1719 in Northampton – d. 19 Jan 1795 in Northampton). His parents were Josiah Parsons (1682 – 1768) and Sarah Sheldon (1688 – 1738). Beulah and Jacob had eleven children born between 1747 and 1763.

Jacob Parsons Gravestone — Bridge Street Cemetery
Northampton, Find A Grave Memorial# 19943066

3. William CLARK Jr.  (See his page)

4. Jonathan Clark

Jonathan’s wife Hannah Snow Smalley was born 25 Nov 1695 in Eastham, Barnstable, Mass. Her parents were Benjamin Smalley (1665 – 1721) and Rebecca Snow (1676 – 1753).  Hannah died in 1753 in Lebanon, New London, CT.

Jonathan was a farmer at Lebanon, CT.

Children of Jonathan and Hannah:

i. Jonathan Smalley Clark b. 1 Nov 1715 Lebanon, New London, CT; d. 1802; m. 16 Jan 1735 in Lebanon to Mercy Saxton Dewey (b. 1 Apr 1714 in Lebanon – d. 1783 in Lebanon). Her parents were William Dewey (1692 – 1759) and Mercy Saxton (1686 – 1791) Jonathan and Mercy had eight children born between 1735 and 1755.

ii. Hannah Clark b. 1715 Lebanon, New London, CT

iii. Samuel Clark b. 1719 Lebanon, New London, CT

iv. Daniel Smalley Clark b. 1721 Lebanon, New London, CT

v. David Clark b. 1727 Lebanon, New London, CT

vi. Terriah Clark b. 1729 Lebanon, New London, CT

vii. Lemmuel Smalley Clark b. 1731 Lebanon, New London, CT

viii. Mary Clark b. 19 Jun 1743 Lebanon, New London, CT; d. 3 Mar 1843 Dixmont, Maine; m. 20 May 1773 in Townsend, Mass to Jacob Upton (b. 10 Dec 1739 in North Reading, Mass. – d. 4 Jul 1804 in Goffstown, New Hampshire) Mary and Jacob had five children.

5. Thomas Clarke

Thomas’ first wife Sarah Strong was born 1696 in Lebanon, New London, CT. Her parents were John Strong (1665 – 1749) and Hannah Trumbull (1673 – 1747). Sarah died 18 Sep 1749 in Waterbury, New Haven, CT.

Thomas’ second wife Mary Hine was born 1690 in Hampshire, Mass.

According to The History of Waterbury, Connecticut, published in 1858, The Congregational Church’s Deacon Thomas Clark  was adopted as a young child by his uncle, Timothy Stanley, one of Waterbury’s first settlers, who had no children of his own.  The timing seems off as Thomas’ father Capt. William Clark lived until 1725 when Thomas was 35 years old.  On the other hand, William remarried when Thomas was five, married Mary Smith on 31 Jan 1694/95.

In March 1798,  two agreements were made by the heirs of Thomas’ uncle John Strong, the first relating to the dower of  John’s second wife, the widow Hannah Strong, who is called mother-in-law [stepmother] of the sons; the second, relating to distribution to the children, signed by John, Jacob and Josiah Strong, Return Strong, as the guardian of Josiah, and Timothy Stanley and John Hopkins. (See Elder John STRONG’s  page)

Back to the history of Waterbury, Clark learned his uncle’s trade as a cloth weaver and managed the family farm. He was also a storekeeper and served as Town Clerk and Treasurer. He inherited his uncle’s home on the south side of the Green, and occasionally took in boarders and fed soldiers passing through town. Clark’s store sold items such as pepper, salt, wine, almanacs, cloth, rum and tobacco. He bought supplies for his store from Derby and New Haven.

 Clark may have been Waterbury’s first slave owner. He brought a boy named Mingo to Waterbury sometime around 1730. Mingo helped work Clark’s farm and was at times hired out to other Waterbury residents. Clark’s three sons and four daughters were also hired out to work in other households.

Following Deacon Clark’s death in 1767, Mingo had chosen to remain in the family home, but when it became a tavern, he moved to the Town Plot section of Waterbury, to live with the Deacon’s other son, Timothy. By the time the 1790 census was taken, Mingo was a free man living in the Clark household. He may have been given his freedom after Deacon Clark died. Mingo was a member of the First Congregational church in 1795 and died in 1800.

Children of Thomas and Sarah:

i. Sarah Clark b. 13 Dec 1723 Waterbury, New Haven, CT; d. 29 Sep 1813 Waterbury; m. 14 Jan 1749 in Waterbury to Stephen Upson (b. 9 Dec 1717 in Waterbury – d. 27 Mar 1769 in Waterbury) His parents were Stephen Upson (1686 – 1777) and Sarah Bronson (1691 – 1748). Sarah and Stephen had eight children born between 1750 and 1769.

ii. Hannah Clark b. 30 Jun 1726 Waterbury, New Haven, CT;  d. 24 Jul 1800; m. 7 Jan 1765 to Rev. Solomon Mead (b. 25 Dec 1725 in Greenwich, Fairfield, CT – d. 5 Sep 1812 in South Salem, New York) His parents were Ebenezer Mead (1692 – 1775) and Hannah Brown (1697 – 1710)  He first married Hannah Strong ( b. 1737 – d. 20 Oct 1761, South Salem, Westchester, New York)  Hannah and Solomon had two children: Clark (b. 1769) and Martin (b. 1771).

Inscription:

” Memory of the
Rev, Solomon Mead
First Pastor of the Presbyterian
Church in this place, JE 86.
He had the charge of this people
48 years,
Ob. September, 1812.
While marble monuments decay,
The Righteous live in endless day,
And earthly temples turn to dust.
Blest is the memory of the just.”

iii. Hephzibah Clark b. 17 Oct 1729 Waterbury, New Haven, CT; d. 29 Jul 1800 New Haven, New Haven, CT; m. 28 Nov 1754 in Waterbury to Joseph Hopkins (b. 6 Jun 1730 in Waterbury – d. 27 Mar 1801 in New Haven) His parents were Stephen Hopkins (1689 – 1769) and Susannah Peck (1697 – 1755). Hephzibah and Joseph had nine children born between 1755 and 1772.

Joseph Hopkins Silver Mark

Joseph learned silversmith trade and opened shop in Waterbury. Made plated knee buckles, shoe buckles, silver sleeve buttons and other silver and plated ware. First of his trade to seek business beyond local markets.

Originally from a section of Waterbury that is now in the nearby town of Naugatuck, Joseph Hopkins started out as a silversmith and watchmaker. His shop was on West Main Street in Waterbury, near St. James’ church, which was at the corner of Willow Street.

Hopkins pursued a legal career, becoming Justice of the Peace in 1762. He was elected to the General Assembly 45 times, beginning in 1764; and he was the first judge of probate for Waterbury. By the Revolutionary War, Hopkins was considered to be the most prominent citizen in Waterbury and dined with George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette when they passed through Waterbury during the war.

Hopkins owned one slave, a woman named Silence Will whom he purchased in Middletown, possibly in the 1760s. He was also the executor of Cuff Capeny’s will. Cuff Capeny was a free African American who served during the Revolutionary War. In his will, dated 1777, Capeny left money for Silence, “servant” of Joseph Hopkins. Hopkins freed Silence in 1798.

Hopkins died in 1801 while in New Haven as senior assistant judge of the county court. He was buried “within the land of his friend and neighbor, Mrs. Sarah Leavenworth,” in a cemetery plot that later became part of the Grand Street Cemetery.

1764 to 1796 – Joseph was representative in the Connecticut General Assembly

1766 – Advertised in the Connecticut Courant, 1766, that shop had been broken open; silver buckles, silver spoons, etc. stolen. Offered reward of five dollars.

31 Aug 1767 – Advertised in the Connecticut Courant, with Martin Bull of Farmington, in response to notice relative to silver prices, their determination to serve customers at rates “lower than the wages of most other tradesmen.”

24 Nov 1772 – Advertised in the Connecticut Courant, , a notice with lengthy description of Giles Richards, his apprentice, who had run away, and who had had the care of his shop for some time. Offered reward of ten dollars.

22 Jan 1773 – Advertised in the Connecticut Journal & New Haven Post-Boy, , as a goldsmith.

~ 1780 Appointed Judge of the Probate Court

18 Oct 1785 – Samuel Bishop, James Hill-house, Joseph Hopkins, and John Goodrich petitioned the General Assembly of Connecticut to authorize the production of copper coins. It was stated in the petition that there was a great scarcity of small circulating coins in the state, and those that were seen were apt to be counterfeits. The petitioners were granted the right to establish a mint under the direction and superintendence of the General Assembly, with a royalty of one twentieth part of all copper coins to be paid into the treasury of the state.

The authorization was given to coin no more than 10,000 pounds lawful money in value of the standard of British halfpennies, to weigh six pennyweight each, and to bear a design of a man’s head on one side with the letters AUCTORI: CONNEC: (“by the authority of Connecticut”). The reverse side was to depict the emblem of Liberty with an olive branch in her hand and with the inscription INDE: ET. LIB: 1785. Yet another condition was specifically stated:

Nothing in this act shall be construed to make such coppers a legal tender in payment of any debt, except for the purpose of making even change, for any sum not exceeding three shillings.

iv. Capt. Timothy Clark b. 19 May 1732 Waterbury, New Haven, CT; d. 18 Sep 1824 Waterbury; m1. 4 Nov 1756 in Waterbury to Sarah Hopkins (b. 25 May 1730 in Waterbury – d. 21 Oct 1757 in Waterbury) Her parents were Timothy Hopkins (1691 – 1748) and Mary Judd (1701 – 1744) Timothy and Sarah had one child: Sarah (b. 1757);

m2. 13 Jun 1759 in Waterbury to Hannah Bronson ( – 15 Sep 1783) Her parents were Isaac Bronson (1707 – 1799) and Eunice Richards (1716 – 1749). Timothy and Hannah had four more children born between 1760 and 1766; m3. 1784 to Elizabeth Porter (b. 9 May 1742 in Waterbury – d. 1 Feb 1815)

m3. 1783 to Elizabeth Porter (b. 09 May 1742 in Waterbury, New Haven, CT – d. 01 Feb 1815)

v. Esther Clark b. 22 Jun 1735 Waterbury, New Haven, CT; d. 18 Mar 1772 in Waterbury, Litchfield, CT; m. Col. Phineas Porter (b. 1 Dec 1739 in Waterbury – d. 9 Mar 1804 in Waterbury) His parents were Capt. Thomas Porter (1702 – 1797) and Mary Welton (1704 – ) Esther and Phineas had one child: Esther (b. 1772). After Esther died in child birth, Phineas married 23 Dec 1778 in Waterbury to Milliscent Baldwin Lewis and had six more children born between 1779 and 1790.

“Waterbury, Connecticut men enlisted in six of the eight companies forming Col. Douglas’s regiment, of which Phineas Porter was major.

The militia regiment of Col. Baldwin reached New York about two weeks before the battle of Long Island. In that battle, Major Porter’s regiment ‘was in the thickest of the fight.’ In the retreat from Long Island to New York, Major Porter is said to have been in the last boat which put off in the fog from the Brooklyn shore. This was about two months after his entrance into the Continental army as major of the 5th battalion of foot under Col. William Douglas.

About two weeks later, Sep 15, 1776, an attack was made at Kip’s Bay (Kip’s Bay was a cove on the eastern shore of the island, extending roughly from present-day 32nd to 38th Streets, and as far west as Second Avenue.) where the 5th battalion, under Col. Douglas, to which Major Porter belonged, was stationed. The main body of the army was then at Harlem Heights. The British ships ascended the North and the East rivers, and their fires swept across the whole island, under cover of which, Howe landed near Kip’s Bay.

Heavy advance fire from British naval forces in the East River caused the inexperienced militia guarding the landing area to flee, making it possible for the British to land unopposed at Kip’s Bay. A first wave of more than eighty flatboats carried 4,000 British and Hessian soldiers. Skirmishes in the aftermath of the landing resulted in the British capture of some of those militia. British maneuvers following the landing very nearly cut off the escape route of over a third of Washington’s Continental Army forces stationed further southeast on the island. The flight of American troops was so rapid that George Washington, who was attempting to rally them, was left exposed dangerously close to British lines.

By late afternoon another 9,000 British troops had landed at Kip’s Bay, and Howe had sent a brigade toward New York City, officially taking possession.

Washington is said to have become so excited that he threw his hat to the ground, exclaiming, ‘Are these the men with whom I am to defend America?’ At this moment, Washington, when ‘within eighty paces of the enemy and exposed to capture, was saved by his attendant who turned the head of his horse and hurried him from the field.’ It is pleasant to know that one Waterbury man–Major Phineas Porter–was between the enemy and the general, for in this retreat he was taken prisoner. He suffered nearly three months of hunger and imprisonment, during which time he parted with his knee buckles and other articles of value for food.

The operation was a decisive British success, and resulted in the withdrawal of the Continental Army to Harlem Heights, ceding control of New York City on the lower half of the island. The following day, however, the British and American troops fought the Battle of Harlem Heights, which resulted in an American victory.

Washington was extremely angry with his troops’ conduct, calling their actions “shameful” and “scandalous”. The Connecticut militia, who already had a poor reputation, were labeled cowards and held to blame for the rout. However, others were more circumspect, such as General William Heath, who said, “The wounds received on Long Island were yet bleeding; and the officers, if not the men, knew that the city was not to be defended.” If the Connecticut men would have stayed to defend York Island under the withering cannon fire and in the face of overwhelming force, they would have been annihilated.

vi. Thomas Clark b. 26 Jan 1737 Waterbury, New Haven, CT; d. 25 Oct 1779 Waterbury

Thomas inherited the home on the Green, which he operated as a tavern until his death.

vii. David Clark b. 25 Apr 1740 Waterbury, New Haven, CT; d. 24 Nov 1815 Watertown, Litchfield, CT; m. 27 Oct 1772 in Lebanon to Hannah Nichols (b. 17 Apr 1739 in Willington, Tolland, CT – d. 9 Aug 1827 in Watertown, CT ) Hannah’s parents were Samuel Nichols and [__?__]  David and Hannah had at least one child:  Hannah (b. 1774)

6. Joseph Clark

Joseph’s wife Rebecca Huntington was born Feb 1699 in Norwich, New London, CT. Her parents were Samuel Huntington (1665 – 1717) and Mary Clark (1669 – 1743). Rebecca died 1 Jun 1759 in Columbia, Tolland, CT.

Children of Joseph and Rebecca:

i. Mary Clark b. 11 Jul 1720 Lebanon, New London, CT; d. 13 Apr 1810 Tolland, CT; m. 7 Jul 1741 in Hartford, Hartford, CT to Aaron Gaylord (b. 1718 in W Hartford, CT – d. 28 Aug 1750 in W Hartford, CT) His parents were William Gaylord (1678 – 1770) and Hope Butler (1680-1793). Mary and Aaron had five children born between 1742 and 1750.

ii. Abigail Clark b. 26 Nov 1721 Lebanon, New London, CT; d. 30 Oct 1796; m. 9 Nov 1738 in Lebanon to Lt. Joseph Loomis IV (b. 10 Oct 1710 in Windsor, Hartford, CT – d. 11 Apr 1759 in Lebanon) His parents were Joseph Loomis III (1684 – 1733) and Sarah Bissell (1690 – ) Abigail and Joseph had ten children born between 1741 and 1759.

Joseph Loomis Gravestone — Old Yard Cemetery , Columbia, Tolland CT, Find A Grave Memorial# 36444826

Some sources say Abigail married 3 Feb 1735 to Jacob Burnap (b. 1721 – d. 30 Apr 1771 in Windham, CT) his parents were John Burnap (1655 – 1725) and Mary Rice (1661 – 1741); Abigail and John had eleven children born between 1737 and 1761. However, Jacob’s Abigail Clarke died 3 Oct 1790 “in ye 82d year of her age” (b. 1709) Burial: Palmertown Cemetery , Scotland, Windham, CT

iii. Joseph Clark b. 8 Dec 1723 Lebanon, New London, CT; d. 1748 Lebanon;

iv. Rebecca Clark b. 27 Feb 1727 Lebanon, New London, CT; d. 19 Apr 1834; m. 22 May 1746 Lebanon to William Buckingham (b. 1727 in Connecticut) His parents were Richard Buckingham (1673 – 1735) and Abigail Prickett (1674 – 1739)

v. Lydia Clark b. 13 Feb 1729 Lebanon, New London, CT; d. 16 Jan 1787 Choconut, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania; m1. 1751 to Seth Wright (b. 1726 in Northampton, Hampshire, Mass. – d. 20 Dec 1775 in Windsor, CT.) His parents were Jonathan Wright (1681 – 1743) and Experience Edwards (1689 – 1721). Lydia and Seth had five children born between 1752 and 1761.

Aug 1757 – Seth served in Capt. John Baldwin’s Company, Col. Christopher Avery’s Regiment at the time of alarm for relief of Fort William Henry and parts adjacent.

Seth Wright Gravestone — Old Yard Cemetery,
Columbia, Tolland CT, Find A Grave Memorial# 36444984

m2. 11 Feb 1768 in Lebanon to Edward Simms (b. 19 Jun 1745 in Lebanon – d. 20 Mar 1824 in Andover, Tolland, CT) His parents were William Sims (1707 – 1796) and Mary Fairbanks (1720 – 1800) Lydia and Edward had seven children born between 1770 and 1785.

vi. Simon Clark b. 1735 Lebanon, New London, CT; d. 2 May 1819 Columbia, Tolland, CT; m1. 25 May 1758 to Elizabeth Moseley (b. 15 Nov 1737 in Windham, Windham, CT – d. 19 Jul 1769 in Lebanon) Her parents were Samuel Moseley (1708 – 1791) and Bethiah Otis (1703 – 1750); m2. 1770 to Elizabeth Huntington.

vii. Asahel Clark b. 25 Mar 1738 Lebanon, New London, CT; d. 1 Apr 1827 Columbia, CT; m. 13 Dec 1758 in Lebanon to Lydia Brewster (b. 7 Aug 1739 in Pembroke, Plymouth, Mass. – d. 13 Dec 1758 in Granville, Mass.) Her parents were Ichabod Brewster (1711 – 1797) and Lydia Barstow ( 1717 – 1815) Asahel and Lydia had four children born between 1761 and 1769.

viii. Irene Clark b. 17 Sep 1742 Lebanon, New London, CT; d. 1 Jun 1813 Canaan, Columbia, New York; m. 16 Feb 1781 in Chatham, Columbia, New York to Benjamin Hutchinson (b. 27 Feb 1760 in Preston, New London, CT – d. 28 Mar 1813 in Canaan, Columbia, New York) His parents were Israel Hutchinson (1713 – 1776) and Phebe Guile (1725 – 1756)

7. Benoni Clark

Benoni’s wife Hannnah Root was born 12 May 1699 in Lebanon, New London, CT. Her parents were Thomas Root and Sarah Clark. Hannah died 10 May 1748 in Lebanon, New London, CT.

Benoni was named for Benoni Jones who was indentured to his grandfather. Lt William Clark until he came of age. It was stipulated that Clarke should “learn him to read and write and give him five pounds at the end of his term with sufficient clothing such as servants usually have and at the end of his time two suits of apparel”. He and four others resided in Pascommuck, now Easthampton, settled about 1699. His farm was about four miles from Northampton center and was the garrison house during Indian hostilities.

On May 13, 1704, the French and Indians made a descent upon Pascommuck and killed Benoni Jones and his two youngest children.

Benoni Clark was a farmer at Lebanon, CT.  Benoni’s son Benoni Jr. served in French & Indian War-Capt Joseph Fitch’s company, Col Jonathan Trumble’s Regiment-company at service at time of alarm for relief of Fort William Henry and parts adjacent. In 1758 Benoni Clark served in the 1st Connecticut Regiment under Phineas Lyman, Phineas Colonel & Captain, 9th Company under Capt Gideon Wolcott.

Children of Benoni and Hannah:

i. Sarah Clark b. 22 Aug 1720 Lebanon, New London, CT; d. 23 Sep 1811 East Hartford, CT; m. 12 Feb 1740 in Lebanon to Hezekiah Lanphere (b. 15 Nov 1714 in Stonington, New London, CT – d. Feb 1732 in Lebanon) His parents were Shadrach Lanphere (1674 – 1728) and Experience Read (1675 – 1732). Sarah and Hezekiah had seven children born between 1744 and 1762.

ii. Zerviah Clark b. 27 Jun 1722 Lebanon, New London, CT; d. 1 Nov 1739 Lebanon

iii. Ensign Eleazar Clark b. 25 Aug 1724 Lebanon, New London, CT; d. 29 Aug 1787 Claremont, New Hampshire; m. 23 Apr 1747 in Lebanon to Esther Gibbs (b. 5 Sep 1730 in Lebanon – d. 1769) Her parents were John Gibbs (1699 – 1767) and Sarah Cushman (1709 – 1771). Eleazer and Esther had ten children born between 1752 and 1770.

Eleazar Clark Gravestone — Union Cemetery
Claremont, Sullivan, New Hampshire,
Find A Grave Memorial# 30301196

iv. Hannah Clark b. 1 Oct 1726 Lebanon, New London, CT; d. 26 Jul 1747; m. 2 Jul 1747 in Lebanon to Rufus Collins (b. 21 Nov 1726 Dighton, Bristol, Mass. – d. 25 Nov 1790 Columbia, Tolland, CT) . His parents were Benjamin Collins (1691 – 1759) and Elizabeth Weare (1700 – 1778). Hannah died less than a month after her marriage. Alternatively, Hannah and Rufus had twelve children born between 1748 and 1770.

Rufus was a Revolutionary Soldier in Captian Pineo’s Company.

v. Miriam Clark b. 1 Sep 1728 Lebanon, New London, CT; m. John Allen (b. 2 Aug 1706 in Groton, New London, CT – d. 1788 Oak Hill, Sanford, Maine Alternatively, John died in Henrico, Virginia) His parents were John Allen (1682 – 1725) and Mary Fargo (1680 – 1756) Miriam and John had at least one child Lydia (b. 1748)

vi. Benoni Clark b. 7 Sep 1730 Lebanon, New London, CT; m. 12 Nov 1750 in Lebanon to Ruth Carpenter (b. 1732 in Lebanon – ) Benoni and Ruth had three children born between 1751 and 1755.

vii. Experience Clark b. 8 Jul 1732 Lebanon, New London, CT; m. William Downer (b. 1722 in Connecticut)

viii. Martha Clark b. 8 Jul 1732 Lebanon, New London, CT; d. 20 May 1821 Columbia, Tolland, CT; m. Jedediah Buckingham (b. 20 Jan 1727 in Saybrook, CT – d. 9 Jul 1809 in Columbia) His parents were Thomas Buckingham (1693 – 1760) and Mary Parker (1693 – 1771) Martha and Jedediah had ten children born between 1753 and 1767.

ix. Sybil Clark b. 3 Jun 1734 Lebanon, New London, CT; d. 1800 Stephentown, Rensselaer, New York; m. 1753 in Norwich, New London, CT to Ebenezer Waterman (b. 10 Mar 1734 in Norwich – d. 1800 in Stephentown) His parents were Ebenezer Waterman (1699 – 1782) and Sarah Griswold (1701 – 1749). Sybil and Ebenezer had seven children born in Norwich between 1755 and 1770.

Ebenezer enlisted May 8, 1775 in Norwich in the 3rd Company of Col John Durkee’s 3rd Connecticut Regiment under General Putnam. His company was at Bunker Hill. Ebenezer was discharged 10 Dec 1775

Ebenezer enlisted again at Norwich May 3, 1777 for the duration of the war in the company of Capt. Christopher Ely. He was transferred to the corps of invalids (disabled) capable of limited service. He was discharged Apr 23, 1783.

One of Sybil and Ebenezer’s sons, Luther age 21, was killed at the Siege of Fort Mifflin Nov 14, 1777. The siege from Sep 26 to Nov 16, 1777 saw British land batteries and a British naval squadron attempt to capture an American fort in the Delaware River commanded by Lt Col. Samuel Smith. The operation finally succeeded when the wounded Smith’s successor, Maj. Simeon Thayer, evacuated the fort on the night of November 15 and the British occupied the place the following morning. Owing to a shift of the river, Fort Mifflin is currently located on the north bank of the Delaware adjacent to Philadelphia International Airport.

x. John Clark b. 27 Aug 1736 Lebanon, New London, CT; d. 1758; m. 16 Jul 1755 in New London to Sarah Loomis (b. 22 Feb 1734 in Windsor, Hartford, CT – d.: 14 Aug 1758 in New London) Her parents were Isaac Loomis (1694 – 1752) and Hannah Eggleston (1692 – 1752). John and Sarah had one child: Josiah (b. 1757)

xi. Rhoda Clark b. 5 Nov 1738 Lebanon, New London, CT

xii. Thomas Clark b. 11 Jan 1741 Lebanon, New London, CT; d. 1742 Lebanon

8. Timothy Clark

Timothy’s wife Deborah Beard was born 14 Oct 1699 in Milford, New Haven, CT. Her parents were Samuel Beard and Sarah Clark. Deborah died 1742 in Lebanon, New London, CT.

Timothy’s epitaph in the old cemetery at Lebanon reads:

‘Here lies ye body of Lieutenant Timothy Clark, a man prudent peaceable, charitable, pious and useful in his life. beloved while he lived, lamented when he died. He departed this life ye calm and peaceful hope of life eternal July 12, 1752, in the fifty-seventh year of his age.’

He was a farmer at Lebanon, and received large tracts of land by deed from his father. He was ensign of the North Company, or train-band, in 1737 and was commissioned lieutenant of the same company in May 1741. He held many of the town offices and was one of the prominent citizens of Lebanon, justice of the peace 1728-29. He married May 10, 1722, Deborah Beard. He had several children. Samuel, second son of Timothy Clark was born at Lebanon, November 13, 1729, and always lived in his native town in the part called ‘The Crank’…..”

Timothy worked as a leather scaler, surveyor of highways, fence viewer, and brander of horses.

In the land records of Lebanon William Clarke grants his son Timothy 1021 acres dated 23 January 1722. Then on 22 February 1722 William grants to his sons William and Timothy one hundred and ninety acres. Lands which William had purchased from Major Clark and Mr. Buckingham of Saybrook.

Children of Timothy and Deborah:

i.  Capt. Timothy Clark b. 21 Oct 1725 Lebanon, New London, CT; d. 1 Jul 1798 Chaplin, Windham, CT ; m. 26 Feb 1750 Lebanon to Submit Williams (b. 1731 Lebanon – d. 19 Mar 1813 Chaplin).  Her parents were Samuel Williams and Deborah Throok.  Timothy and Submit had nine children born between 1752 and 1773.

They lived in Lebanon until about 1768, when they moved to that part of Mansfield, which was afterwards included in Hampton, and later in Chaplin. He endorsed a note for someone, and that person failing to pay, he was liable and lost nearly all he had. With what he had left, he bought land in Chaplin where it was cheap and poor and the Clarks were never wealthy after that, though always honest.

ii. Samuel Clark b. 13 Nov 1729 Lebanon, New London , CT; d. 27 Sep 1807 Lebanon; m. 26 Jun 1755 to Sarah Cushman ( b. 12 Nov 1736 Plymouth, Plymouth, Mass.- d. 8 Apr 1812 Lebanon)  They had eleven children: Samuel, Asaph, Sarah, Parthena, Deborah, Eliphas, Elijah, William, Samuel (2nd),  Lora,  and Asaph (2nd).”

Samuel always lived in his native town in the part called “The Crank.” He was a farmer. He served in the Revolutionary War as a private in Captain John Watson’s company, Colonel Benjamin Hinman’s regiment, in 1775; also as private in Captain Jonathan Johnson’s company, Colonel Phillip B. Bradley’s regiment, in 1776, and was taken prisoner at Fort Washington.

He was also in Captain William Belcher’s company, Colonel Jedediah Huntington’s regiment, enlisting May 12, 1777, for three years, discharged May 12, 1780.

Sarah was a lineal descendant of Robert CUSHMAN, who obtained the patent for the Plymouth colony, hired the “Mayflower” to transport the pioneers.

9. Gershom Clark

Gershom’s wife Esther Strong was born 12 Apr 1699 in Waterbury, New Haven, CT. Her parents were John Strong (1665 – 1749) and Mary Pinney (1667 – 1747). Esther died 1760 in Lebanon, New London, CT.

Children of Gershom and Esther:

i.  David Clark b. ~ 1735; d. 16 Jul 1735 aged 1 year Burial: Old Cemetery, Lebanon

ii. Esther Clark. b. ; d. 4 Jan 1818 Burial South Street Cemetery, Coventry, Tolland; CT; m. Dr. Elijah Lyman (b. 1728 – d. 5 Apr 1782 Coventry)

Inscription:
In memory of Mrs. Esther Lyman relict of
Doct. Elijah Lyman who died Jan 4th, 1818 in
the 88th year of her age
Lord I commit my soul to thee
Accept the sacred trust
Receive this nobler part of me
And watch my sleeping dust

Sources:

Capt William Clarke – Bio – Extracted from “Ancestry of General Emmons Clark of New York City” 1891

http://strongfamilyofamerica.org/strong/hannah.html

http://www.familytreesite.org/clarke.htm

http://home.earthlink.net/~cyberkiwi/soldiers/scenario6.html

http://trees.ancestry.com/owt/person.aspx?pid=201302&st=1