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East Haddam Revolutionary Heroes
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Few if any towns in Connecticut have a brighter Revolutionary record [than East Haddam]. Nothing in the history of the town is more worthy of mention; nothing, probably, will be more highly appreciated than...
the sublime patriotism of its early settlers.
History of Middlesex County, Connecticut
with Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men
(J.B. Beers & Company, 1884)
About This Project...
Before this project became official, I met a wonderful man by the name of Forrest Anderson, the Commander of our local VFW. Forrest has a mission to recognize and honor all veterans from East Haddam. He calls his project The Wall of Honor. In the Fall of 2022, I began helping Forrest with his research. I became so interested in the Revolutionary War era and its patriots, I was inspired to create this Girl Scout Gold Award Project. My mission is to create a comprehensive list of Patriots who served representing my hometown of East Haddam. I'm also collecting stories of prominent individuals, historical data, and general information about the American Revolution. The more I research, the larger this project and website gets! I hope to inspire others to learn more about this important period in our country's history and their own hometown heroes of the American Revolution.
My Database...
This database of Patriot names is the core of my project. There has never been a truly comprehensive list of Revolutionary Patriots for any town in Connecticut. Even in the small town of East Haddam which has many records from colonial times and well-preserved cemeteries, there are Patriots missing the honor and recognition they deserve. After spending over 300 hours combing through town records, family genealogies, and local histories and stomping through over 16 cemeteries, I’ve compiled a list of about 600 Patriots and their service records. Despite my efforts, this list is still not complete!
To qualify for my list, individuals must have a documentable Connecticut military service record and have an association with the town of East Haddam (familial roots, residency, or some other relationship with citizens of East Haddam). Many who qualify were born in East Haddam and spent their entire lives here. Others were in town just temporarily for work or visiting relatives when the call came to join ranks and serve the cause. If they were associated with East Haddam in any documentable way, they’ve earned recognition.
A Brief History of East Haddam
1734
East Haddam is incorporated.
1743
The first dwelling in East Haddam Lower Landing was built by Capt. James Green.
1758 - 1760
Militiamen from the five local trainbands were organized into a single company to fight in the French and Indian Wars.
1766
The East Haddam militia companies became part of the 12th State Regiment, commanded by Lt. Col. Joseph Spencer.
1770 - 1783
The citizens of East Haddam took up the cause of the colonies against the tyranny of England. Almost everyone contributed in some way and served throughout the Revolution.
1785
Middlesex County was formed, removing East Haddam from Hartford County. Middlesex County Court was established that same year, with Brig. Gen. Dyar Throop of East Haddam as its first judge.
1662
The Wangunk tribe sold all the land that is now Haddam and East Haddam to Matthew Allyn and Samuel Willys who represented the original 28 proprietors (all from Hartford) of the Thirty Mile Plantation. The purchase was made for thirty coats (worth approximately $100).
1670 - 1671
Two roads were built: Creek Row, about a quarter mile east of the river; and Town Street, or “Great Highway,” about a quarter mile east of Creek Row. The town was laid out in nine parcels of three-quarter mile squares with the north/south roads as boundaries.
1685
The original founding families settle permanently in East Haddam - Bates, Cone, Brainerd, Gates, Chapman, Booge, Ackley, and Spencer families.
1693
The first burial yard was created: Old Cove Burying Ground along the Salmon River. The place was originally known as “Grave Yard Point." The first soul buried there in the winter of 1693 was Mrs. Arnold. Prior to this time, the settlers of East Haddam carried their dead back across the river to the Haddam cemetery. Mrs. Arnold had to be buried here because the river was iced over.
1701
George Gates was appointed first Captain of the East Haddam trainband or militia.
The name comes from a “trained band” of men who were trained in military practices but were not yet used in battle.
Features
About Me
My name is Mathilda Burke and I am an Ambassador Girl Scout in 12th grade. East Haddam is my hometown. History has always been my favorite subject (aside from music) and I feel so lucky to live in a town with so much history that is in need of sharing.
Local history is the best history.
Please download my free
If you have any questions, comments, requests, or ideas, please feel free to contact me here
This forum is an open space for knowledge sharing. Please feel free to make comments, ask questions, share resources, and help grow this knowledge base of information about East Haddam's role in the American Revolution!
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The depth of knowledge you make accessible here is well written and presented. This is a wonderful template for others to follow suit to proudly publish their town's history in the present context. Love that you included the rolls that women played during the Revolution! I also enjoyed the founding families information. I will remember them with greater appreciation when driving through town and see their names. I have carriage driven on the Cone Farm, they were great supporters of carriage driving and our CT Valley Driving Club. Great article and picture in the East Haddam News (May 2, 2024). Just in time for Memorial Day! Congratulations! Carrie
What a phenomenal project! The scope and breadth of your research is truly an inspiration. I couldn't agree more that the early history of our Connecticut towns, and our hometown heroes, are deserving of recognition. This page is a wonderful way to honor those legacies. Well done!!