Connecticut Colonial Records: Difference between revisions

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==Online Records==
''Many records from the colonial era in New England were kept at the town or county level. Search the catalog at the town or county level to locate those records.''
*{{FSC|84462|item|disp='''1640-1846'''- Colonial land records of Connecticut, 1640-1846 : including patents, deeds and surveys of land}}. Images only. +++


== History ==
== Sources ==
The Dutch were the first to establish a settlement in Connecticut at Hartford (Suckiaug) in 1633. British Massachusetts settlers began migrating into Connecticut in the 1630s. Settlers from Watertown, MA moved to Wethersfield (Pyquag) in 1634. Settlers from Plymouth and Dorchester, MA moved into Windsor (Mattaneaug) in 1635. In 1635, Puritans from Newtown, Cambridge, England emigrated to Hartford. In 1646, settlers independently founded New London (Nameaug).
* '''General Court Records (1636-1818)''': Known as the General Assembly, the highest state court during the colonial era with civil and criminal jurisdiction. These records have been transcribed from ''The Public Records of the Colony of Connecticut''.
* '''Particular Court (1638-1666)''': All types of cases including appeals from town courts. These include ''The Public Records'' and abstracted in ''Collections of the Connecticut Historical Society.'' Vol. 22. ''Records of the Particular Court of Connecticut, 1639-1663'' (Hartford: Connecticut Historical Society, 1928, film 0897077). See probate districts for more information.
* '''Court of Assistants and Superior Court (1669-1715, 1715-)''': The Court of Assistants handled major civil and criminal cases. It was called the Court of Assistants, Superior Court, from 1687-1715 and was replaced by the country superior courts in 1715.
* '''County Courts of Quarter Courts (1666-1855)''': This court handled civil, criminal, chancery, and divorce proceedings.
* '''Town courts (1630s-)''': Justice of the Peace courts handled cases without a town court.<ref>Christina K. Schaefer, ''Genealogical encyclopedia of the colonial Americas : a complete digest of the records of all the counties of the Western Hemisphere'' (Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c1998), 201-202. [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/39622039 WorldCat (Other Libraries)]; {{FHL|822639|item|disp=FHL book 929.11812 D26 1998}}</ref><br>
 
''[https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/010488165 The Public Records of the Colony of Connecticut, 1636-1776, Transcribed and Published in Accordance with a Resolution of the General Assembly]''. 15 Vols. (Hartford: Case, Lockwood, and Brainard Co., 1850-90, fiche 6051120). This series contains the following:
* Vol. 1 General and Particular courts, 1636-49; General Court, 1650-65; wills and inventories, 1640-49; code of laws, General Court, 1650
* Vol. 2 Charter of Connecticut; General Court, 1665-77; journal and correspondence of the Council, 1675-77
* Vol. 3 Records of the colony of Connecticut, 1678-89; extracts from the records of the United Colonies of New England, 1652-84
* Vol. 4 Colony records, 1689-1706; Council journal, 1696-98
* Vol. 5 Colony records, 1706-16; Council Journal, 1710-17
* Vol. 6 Colony records, 1717-25; Council Journal, 1717-26
* Vol. 7 Colony records, 1726-35; Council Journal, 1726-28
* Vol. 8 Colony records, 1735-43
* Vol. 9 Colony records, 1744-50
* Vol. 10 Colony records, 1751-57
* Vol. 11 Colony records, 1757-62
* Vol. 12 Colony records, 1762-67
* Vol. 13 Colony records, 1768-72; Council Journal, 1770-72
* Vol. 14 Colony records, 1772-75; Susquehannah case (1774): respecting the boundaries of this colony and the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania; Norwich, 1774; inhabitants in the colony, 1774; Hartford, 1774; New London, 1775
* Vol. 15 Colony records, 1775-76; journal of the Council of Safety, 1775-76; some council proceedings, 1663-1710<ref>Christina K. Schaefer, ''Genealogical encyclopedia of the colonial Americas : a complete digest of the records of all the counties of the Western Hemisphere'' (Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c1998), 202. [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/39622039 WorldCat (Other Libraries)]; {{FHL|822639|item|disp=FHL book 929.11812 D26 1998}}</ref>
 
Before the New Haven Colony joined the Connecticut Colony, the administration records were kept separately.
* ''Records of the Colony and Plantation of New Haven, from 1638 to 1649'' by Charles J. Hoadly. (Hartford: Case, Tiffany, and Co., 1857, film 0944116).
* ''Records of the Colony or Jurisdiction of New Haven, from May 1653, to the Union: Together with the New Haven Code of 1656'' by Charles J. Hoadly. (Hartford: Case, Lockwood, and Brainard Co., 1858, film 0944116).


Quinnipiac (New Haven) was founded in 1638. The New Haven Colony included several shoreline towns:
The Connecticut Archives, ca. 1629-1820 are a series of indexed, original manuscripts. The volumes and slip indexes are available at the State Library in Hartford.
* Guilford (Menunketuck, 1639)
* Civil officers' records 1669-1756 (series 1), with index (film 0003619 ff.). Series 2, 1673-1820, has not been filmed.
* Milford (Wepawaug, 1639)
* Colleges and schools, 1657-1789 (series 1), 1718-1820 (series 2).
* Southold, Long Island (1640)
* Colonial boundaries, 1662-1827 (series 1), 1664-1820 (series 2).
* Stamford (Rippowam, 1641)
* Court papers, 1649-1709.
* Branford (Totoket, 1644)
* Crimes and misdemeanors, 1662-1789 (series 1), 1671-1820 (series 2).
* Estates of deceased persons, 1640-1820; estates of incompetent persons, 1711-1820; estates of minors, 1715-1820.
* Papers concerning transactions between Connecticut and the Indians, 1647-1789 (series 1) (film 0003624). Series 2, 1666-1820, has not been filmed.
* Land lotteries and divorces, 1755-89 (series 1), with index (film 0003617 ff.). Series 2, 1718-1820, has not been filmed.
* Militia records selected papers, 1678-1820 (series 1-3) (film 0003599 ff.). Includes tables of contents, calendar of the legislation on militia for the period covered, digest of the subject matter, and index to the three series. Many of these records have been published: ''Roll and Journal of Connecticut Service in Queen Anne's War, 1710-1711'' (New Haven: Tuttle, Morehouse, and Taylor Press, 1916, fiche 6019415); ''Collections of the Connecticut Historical Society.'' Vol. 7. ''Rolls of Connecticut Men in the French and Indian War, 1755-1762.'' 2 Vols. (1928. Reprint. Bowie, MD: Heritage Books, 1993, film 0897070).
* Selected papers of colonial wars, 1675-1775 (series 1) (film 0003590 ff.). Covers the following conflicts: King Philip's War, 1675-76; King William's War, 1689-97; Queen Anne's War, 1702-12; Eastern Indian War, 1722-25; War with Spain, 1740-42; King George's War, 1744-48; French and Indian War with Spain, 1755-63; and also colonial agents in England, 1751-74. Series 2, 1689-1806, has not been filmed.
* Towns and lands, 1629-1789 (series 1), 1649-1820 (series 2). Town charters, patents, deeds, proprietors' records, grants, etc.
* Trade and maritime affairs, 1668-1789 (series 1), 1685-1820 (series 2).
* Travel, highways, ferries, bridges, taverns, 1700-38 (series 1), 1737-1820 (series 2).
* Susquehannah Settlers, 1755-96 (series 1), 1771-97 (series 2).
* Colonial land records, 1640-1846: including patents, deeds and surveys of land (film 0003656 ff.). Land grants were issued by the Connecticut General Court to proprietors of the individual towns. The record of land distribution by proprietors can be found in town records.
* Revolutionary War papers, 1756-1856 (series 1-3), begin with records prior to the Revolution (filme 0003530 ff.). Series 1 and 3 are indexed on microfilm; series 2 is indexed by a card file available only at the State Library in Hartford.<ref>Christina K. Schaefer, ''Genealogical encyclopedia of the colonial Americas : a complete digest of the records of all the counties of the Western Hemisphere'' (Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c1998), 203-204. [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/39622039 WorldCat (Other Libraries)]; {{FHL|822639|item|disp=FHL book 929.11812 D26 1998}}</ref>


In 1662, an English Royal charter established Connecticut as a separate colony from Massachusetts and the New Haven Colony was absorbed into Connecticut. Long Island towns became part of New York.<ref>Christina K. Schaefer, ''Genealogical encyclopedia of the colonial Americas : a complete digest of the records of all the countries of the Western Hemisphere'' (Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c1998), 201. [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/39622039 WorldCat (Other Libraries)]; {{FSC|822639|item|disp=FS Catalog book 929.11812 D26 1998}}</ref>
Other records at the State Library in Hartford:
* Indian deeds to Aquidneck (Rhode Island), 1638, Massapeage (Connecticut), 1658, Marlborough, Massachusetts, 1604, and Springfield, Massachusetts, 1636 (film 0002085).
* Miscellaneous French and Indian War records (film 0003626 ff.). Journals, orderly books, diaries, receipts for wages, orders, Pequot Indian papers, muster rolls, receipts of arms, pay orders, company accounts, etc.
* Robert C. Winthrop manuscript collection, 1631-1716, Indian, military and foreign affairs, 1651-1712; council, churches, shipping, etc., 1650-1784, and index.
* Samuel Wyllys papers: depositions on cases of witchcraft, assault, theft, drunkenness, and other crimes, tried in Connecticut, 1663-1728, supplement, 1662-93 (film 0003645). The supplement is copied from the Rhode Island State Archives in Providence, Rhode Island.<ref>Christina K. Schaefer, ''Genealogical encyclopedia of the colonial Americas : a complete digest of the records of all the counties of the Western Hemisphere'' (Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c1998), 204. [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/39622039 WorldCat (Other Libraries)]; {{FHL|822639|item|disp=FHL book 929.11812 D26 1998}}</ref>


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<ref>Christina K. Schaefer, ''Genealogical encyclopedia of the colonial Americas : a complete digest of the records of all the countries of the Western Hemisphere'' (Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c1998), 183, 192. [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/39622039 WorldCat (Other Libraries)]; {{FSC|822639|item|disp=FS Catalog book 929.11812 D26 1998}}</ref>
<ref>Christina K. Schaefer, ''Genealogical encyclopedia of the colonial Americas : a complete digest of the records of all the counties of the Western Hemisphere'' (Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c1998), 183, 192. [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/39622039 WorldCat (Other Libraries)]; {{FHL|822639|item|disp=FHL book 929.11812 D26 1998}}</ref>


== Resources ==
== History ==
===Church Records===
The Dutch were the first to establish a settlement in Connecticut at Hartford (Suckiaug) in 1633. British Massachusetts settlers began migrating into Connecticut in the 1630s. Settlers from Watertown, MA moved to Wethersfield (Pyquag) in 1634. Settlers from Plymouth and Dorchester, MA moved into Windsor (Mattaneaug) in 1635. In 1635, Puritans from Newtown, Cambridge, England emigrated to Hartford. In 1646, settlers independently founded New London (Nameaug).
*{{FSC|577144|item|disp=''The Church of England in pre-Revolutionary Connecticut : new documents and letters concerning the loyalist clergy and the plight of their surviving church''}} edited by Kenneth Walter Cameron. (Hartford, Connecticut : Transcendental Books, 1976).


=== Court Records ===
Quinnipiac (New Haven) was founded in 1638. The New Haven Colony included several shoreline towns:
* '''General Court Records (1636-1818)''': Known as the General Assembly, the highest state court during the colonial era with civil and criminal jurisdiction. Records from these courts have been transcribed from ''The Public Records of the Colony of Connecticut''.
* Guilford (Menunketuck, 1639)
* '''Particular Court (1638-1666)''': All types of cases, including appeals from town courts. These include ''The Public Records'' and abstracted in ''Collections of the Connecticut Historical Society.'' Vol. 22. ''Records of the Particular Court of Connecticut, 1639-1663'' (Hartford: Connecticut Historical Society, 1928, film 0897077). See probate districts for more information.
* Milford (Wepawaug, 1639)
* '''Court of Assistants and Superior Court (1669-1715, 1715-)''': The Court of Assistants handled major civil and criminal cases. It was called the Court of Assistants, Superior Court, from 1687-1715 and was replaced by the country superior courts in 1715.
* Southold, Long Island (1640)
* '''County Courts of Quarter Courts (1666-1855)''': This court handled civil, criminal, chancery, and divorce proceedings.
* Stamford (Rippowam, 1641)
* '''Town courts (1630s-)''': Justice of the Peace courts handled cases without a town court.<ref>Christina K. Schaefer, ''Genealogical encyclopedia of the colonial Americas : a complete digest of the records of all the countries of the Western Hemisphere'' (Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c1998), 201-202. [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/39622039 WorldCat (Other Libraries)]; {{FSC|822639|item|disp=FS Catalog book 929.11812 D26 1998}}</ref><br>
* Branford (Totoket, 1644)
'''{{FSC|779695|item|disp=The Public Records of the Colony of Connecticut, 1636-1776, Transcribed and Published in Accordance with a Resolution of the General Assembly}}'''. 15 Vols. (Hartford: Case, Lockwood, and Brainard Co., 1850-90, fiche 6051120). This series contains the following:
* Vol. 1 General and Particular courts, 1636-49; General Court, 1650-65; wills and inventories, 1640-49; code of laws, General Court, 1650
* Vol. 2 Charter of Connecticut; General Court, 1665-77; journal and correspondence of the Council, 1675-77
* Vol. 3 Records of the colony of Connecticut, 1678-89; extracts from the records of the United Colonies of New England, 1652-84
* Vol. 4 Colony records, 1689-1706; Council journal, 1696-98
* Vol. 5 Colony records, 1706-16; Council Journal, 1710-17
* Vol. 6 Colony records, 1717-25; Council Journal, 1717-26
* Vol. 7 Colony records, 1726-35; Council Journal, 1726-28
* Vol. 8 Colony records, 1735-43
* Vol. 9 Colony records, 1744-50
* Vol. 10 Colony records, 1751-57
* Vol. 11 Colony records, 1757-62
* Vol. 12 Colony records, 1762-67
* Vol. 13 Colony records, 1768-72; Council Journal, 1770-72
* Vol. 14 Colony records, 1772-75; Susquehannah case (1774): respecting the boundaries of this colony and the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania; Norwich, 1774; inhabitants in the colony, 1774; Hartford, 1774; New London, 1775
* Vol. 15 Colony records, 1775-76; journal of the Council of Safety, 1775-76; some council proceedings, 1663-1710<ref>Christina K. Schaefer, ''Genealogical encyclopedia of the colonial Americas : a complete digest of the records of all the countries of the Western Hemisphere'' (Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c1998), 202. [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/39622039 WorldCat (Other Libraries)]; {{FSC|822639|item|disp=FS Catalog book 929.11812 D26 1998}}</ref>


==== New Haven Colony ====
In 1662, an English Royal charter established Connecticut as a separate colony from Massachusetts and the New Haven Colony was absorbed into Connecticut. Long Island towns became part of New York.<ref>Christina K. Schaefer, ''Genealogical encyclopedia of the colonial Americas : a complete digest of the records of all the counties of the Western Hemisphere'' (Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c1998), 201. [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/39622039 WorldCat (Other Libraries)]; {{FHL|822639|item|disp=FHL book 929.11812 D26 1998}}</ref>
Before the New Haven Colony joined the Connecticut Colony, the administration records were kept separately.
* ''{{FSC|2650968|item|disp=Records of the Colony and Plantation of New Haven, from 1638 to 1649}}'' by Charles J. Hoadly. (Hartford: Case, Tiffany, and Co., 1857, film 0944116).
* ''{{FSC|221227|item|disp=Records of the Colony or Jurisdiction of New Haven, from May 1653, to the Union: Together with the New Haven Code of 1656}}'' by Charles J. Hoadly. (Hartford: Case, Lockwood, and Brainard Co., 1858, film 0944116).


=== Connecticut Archives ===
== Additional Readings ==
[https://libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/hg/ctarchives The Connecticut Archives], ca 1629-1829, is a collection of records from the General Assembly, the Governor and Council, and other colony or state officials. These records are mostly arranged chronologically and in 27 different broad topics. [https://libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/hg/ctarchives Indexes] are available online, and Microfilm copies of the original records are available through inter-library loan. The collections are the following:
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/86 Civil officers, 1669-1756 : three volumes and index : index.]
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/231 Civil officers second series 1673-1820 : twenty-four volumes and index : index.]
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/95 College and schools, 1657-1789 : two volumes and index : index.]
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/96 College and schools, second series, October 1718-1820 ; three volumes and index : index.]
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/97 Colonial and state boundaries, series I 1662-1827, series II 1664-1820, index.]
*[https://cslib.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/15356 Colonial wars, 1st series, 1675-1775 : ten volumes and index : index in three volumes.]
*[https://cslib.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/15356 Colonial wars, 2nd series, 1689-1806.]
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/98 Corporations, December 1790-May 1820 ; two volumes and index : index.]
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/100 Court papers, 1649-1709 : one volume and index : index.]
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/101 Crimes and misdemeanors, 1st series, 1662-1789.]
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/99 Crimes and misdemeanors, 2nd series, 1671-1820.]
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/104 Ecclesiastical affairs, 1st series, 1658-1789.]
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/102 Ecclesiastical affairs, 2nd series, 1666-1820.]
*[https://cslib.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/11989 Estates of deceased persons, 1640-1820.]
*[https://cslib.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/12108 Estates of incompetent persons, 1711-1820.]
*[https://cslib.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/12520 Estates of minors, 1711-1820.]
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/103 Finance and currency, 1677-1789 : five volumes and index : index.]
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/3404 Finances, 1709-1752 : two volumes and index : index.]
*[https://cdm15019.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/12267 Foreign correspondence, 1st series, 1661-1748 : index.]
*[https://cslib.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/12267 Foreign correspondence, 2nd series, 1666-1748 : index.]
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/87 Indians, 1st series, 1647-1789 : index.]
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/88 Indians, 2nd series, 1666-1820 : index.]
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/3402 Industry, 1st series, 1708-1789 : index.]
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/3403 Industry, second series, October 1747-May 1820 : three volumes and index : index.]
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/3405 Insolvent debtors, 1st series, 1762-1787 : index.]
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/3408 Insolvent debtors, 2nd series, 1750-1820 : index.]
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/226 Lotteries & divorces, 1st series, 1755-1789 : index.]
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/227 Lotteries and divorces, 2nd series, 1718-1820 : index.]
*[https://cslib.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/13232 Militia, first series, 1678-1757 : five volumes and index : index.]
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/11223 Militia, second series, 1747-1788 : sixteen volumes and index : index.]
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/15172 Militia, third series, October 1728-May 1820 : eighten volumes and index : index.]
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/3409 Miscellaneous, 1st series, 1635-1789 : index.]
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/3410 Miscellaneous papers, second series, 1686-1820, index.]
*[https://cslib.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/13655 Private controversies, 1st series, 1642-1717 : six volumes and index : index.]
*[https://cslib.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/14122 Private controversies. Second series, 1636-1811 : 31 index volumes.]
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/11232 Revolutionary war, 1763-1789 : 37 volumes and index : index in eight volumes.]
*[https://cslib.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/14451 Revolutionary war, June 1765-May 1820 : six volumes and index : index.]
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/106 Susquehannah settlers 1775-1796, western lands 1783-1789 : one volume and index : index.]
*[http://cslib.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/89 Susquehannah settlers second series, 1771-1797, western lands second series 1783-1819 : one volume and index : index.]
*[https://cslib.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/14928 Towns and lands, 1629-1789 : ten volumes and index : index.]
*[https://cslib.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/15169 Towns and lands. Second series : May 1649-May 1820 : five volumes and index : index.]
*[https://cslib.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/15680 Trade and maritime affairs, 1668-1789 : two volumes and index : index.]
*[https://cslib.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/15779 Trade and maritime affairs, second series, 1685-1820 : two volumes and index : index.]
*[https://cslib.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/15352 Travel, highway, ferries, bridges and taverns, 1700-1788 : three volumes and index : index.]
*[https://cslib.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/15175 Travel, highway, ferries, bridges and taverns. second series : November 1737-May 1820 : seventeen volumes and index : index.]
*[https://cslib.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p128501coll3/id/15495 War of 1812, February 1812-May 1819 : three volumes and index : index.]


=== Earliest Newspapers: ===
== References ==
* ''Connecticut Gazette'' (1755-1812)
* ''Connecticut Journal'' (1767-1835)
* ''Hartford Courant'' (1764-1865)
* ''New London Gazette'' (1765-1836)
* ''New London Summary, or Weekly Advertiser'' (1758-1763)
* ''Norwich Packet'' (1773-1812)<ref>Christina K. Schaefer, ''Genealogical encyclopedia of the colonial Americas : a complete digest of the records of all the countries of the Western Hemisphere'' (Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c1998), 204. [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/39622039 WorldCat (Other Libraries)]; {{FSC|822639|item|disp=FS Catalog book 929.11812 D26 1998}}</ref>


=== Probate Districts ===
Probate districts comprised several towns and often crossed county boundaries. These were the only districts created before 1775:
*'''Colchester District.''' ''Probate records, 1741-1922'' ({{FSC|20067|item|disp=FS Library films 7626285–7629948}}). Contains the records of East Haddam District, 1741-1832, and Colchester District, 1832-1922. The original records are at the Colchester Town Hall.
*'''Danbury District.''' ''Probate records, 1744-1916'' ({{FSC|358963|item|disp=FS Library films 7627321–7628421}}). The original records are at the Danbury Town Hall.
*'''Fairfield District.''' ''Probate records, 1648-1916'' ({{FSC|359148|item|disp=FS Library films 7627300–7629992}}). The original records are at the Fairfield Town Hall and State Library in Hartford.
*'''Farmington District.''' ''Probate records, 1769-1926'' ({{FSC|359104|item|disp=FS Library films 7627285–7628612}}). The original records are at the Farmington Town Hall.
*'''Guilford District.''' ''Probate records, 1720-1920'' ({{FSC|359183|item|disp=FS Library films 7627265–7629656}}). The original records are at the Guilford Town Hall.
*'''Hartford District.''' ''Probate records, 1649-1917'' ({{FSC|247486|item|disp=FS Library films 7627329–7628600}}). The first six volumes also contain records of the county courts in Hartford County, sometimes called quarter courts, court of magistrates, particular courts, special courts, etc. The original records are at the Court of Probate in Hartford and the State Library in Hartford.
*'''Litchfield District.''' ''Probate records, 1743-1917'' ({{FSC|413105|item|disp=FS Library films 7627345–7626478}}). The original records are at the Litchfield Town Hall.
*'''Middletown District.''' ''Probate records, 1752-1917'' ({{FSC|329762|item|disp=FS Library films 7627333–7627560}}). The original records are at the Middletown Town Hall.
*'''New Haven District.''' ''Probate records, 1647-1916'' ({{FSC|347594|item|disp=FS Library films 7626738–7627540}}). The original records are at the Court of Probate in New Haven.
*'''New London District.''' ''Probate records, 1675-1916'' ({{FSC|421297|item|disp=FS Library films 7629909–7627387}}). The original records are at the New London Town Hall.
*'''Norwich District.''' ''Probate records,  1748-1917'' ({{FSC|108716|item|disp=FS Library films 7627366–7629900}}). ''Records of court proceedings, 1748-1852'' ({{FSC|83640|item|disp=FS Library films 7629900–7629911}}). The original records are at the Norwich Town Hall.
*'''Plainfield District.''' ''Probate records, 1747-1918'' ({{FSC|341353|item|disp=FS Library films 7626785–7627470}}). The original records are at the Plainfield Town Hall.
*'''Pomfret District.''' ''Probate records, 1754-1919'' ({{FSC|341363|item|disp=FS Library films 7626776–7627434}}). The original records are at the Pomfret Town Hall.
*'''Sharon District.''' ''Probate records, 1757-1922'' ({{FSC|297555|item|disp=FS Library films 7626830–7626457}}). The original records are at the Sharon Town Hall.
*'''Simsbury District.''' ''Probate records, 1769-1917'' ({{FSC|332484|item|disp=FS Library films 7626821–7628606}}). The original records are at the Simsbury Town Hall.
*'''Stafford District.''' ''Probate records, 1759-1931'' ({{FSC|341307|item|disp=FS Library films 7627122–7629607}}). The original records are at the Stafford Town Hall.
*'''Stamford District.''' ''Probate records, 1728-1916'' ({{FSC|207874|item|disp=FS Library films 7626803–7630023}}). The original records are at the Stamford Town Hall.
*'''Stonington District.''' ''Probate records, 1767-1933'' ({{FSC|386396|item|disp=FS Library films 7626811–7629766}}). The original records are at the Stonington Town Hall.
*'''Windham District.''' ''Probate records, 1719-1918'' ({{FSC|610804|item|disp=FS Library films 7627148–7627459}}). probate records, special 1734-1917 ({{FSC|256404|item|disp=FS Library films 7627143–7627463}}). The original records are at the Willimantic Town Hall.
*'''Woodbury District.''' ''Probate records, 1719-1916'' ({{FSC|308596|item|disp=FS Library films 7627179–7627213}}). The original records are at the Woodbury Town Hall.


=== County Records and Resources ===
The following are the only county court records that have been filmed:
* '''Fairfield County''' (1666) Fairfield County Superior Court. {{FSC|611841|item|disp=Divorce papers, 1720-1799}}.
* '''Hartford County''' (1666) Hartford County Superior Court. {{FSC|614982|item|disp=Divorce papers, 1725-1849}}.
* '''Litchfield County''' (1751) Litchfield County Superior Court. {{FSC|578335|item|disp=Divorce papers, 1752-1922}}.
* '''New Haven County''' (1666) New Haven County Superior Court. {{FSC|577900|item|disp=Divorce papers, 1712-1899}}.
* '''New London County''' (1666) New London County Court. {{FSC|38470|item|disp=Records of trials, 1661-1700}}]. New London County Superior Court. {{FSC|578513|item|disp=Divorce papers, 1719-1875}}.
* '''Windham County''' (1726) Windham County Superior Court. {{FSC|599011|item|disp=Divorce papers, 1726-1907}}.
* {{FSC|615996|item|disp=''Connecticut Divorces: Superior Court Records for the Counties of New London, Tolland, and Windham, 1719-1910''}} by Grace Louise Knox and Barbara B. Ferris. (Bowie, MD: Heritage Books, 1987).
*{{FSC|269096|item|disp=''History of the Colony of New Haven: To Its Absorption into Connecticut; With Supplementary History and Personnel of the Towns of Branford, Guilford, Milford, Stratford, Norwalk, Southold, Etc.''}} by Edward E. Atwater. (Meridian, CT: Journal Publishing Co., 1902, film 0833384).


== References ==
== References ==


[[Category:Connecticut,_United_States]]
[[Category:Connecticut,_United_States]]

Revision as of 15:30, 22 August 2019

Connecticut Wiki Topics
Connecticut flag.png
Beginning Research
Record Types
Connecticut Background
Cultural Groups
Local Research Resources

Sources[edit | edit source]

  • General Court Records (1636-1818): Known as the General Assembly, the highest state court during the colonial era with civil and criminal jurisdiction. These records have been transcribed from The Public Records of the Colony of Connecticut.
  • Particular Court (1638-1666): All types of cases including appeals from town courts. These include The Public Records and abstracted in Collections of the Connecticut Historical Society. Vol. 22. Records of the Particular Court of Connecticut, 1639-1663 (Hartford: Connecticut Historical Society, 1928, film 0897077). See probate districts for more information.
  • Court of Assistants and Superior Court (1669-1715, 1715-): The Court of Assistants handled major civil and criminal cases. It was called the Court of Assistants, Superior Court, from 1687-1715 and was replaced by the country superior courts in 1715.
  • County Courts of Quarter Courts (1666-1855): This court handled civil, criminal, chancery, and divorce proceedings.
  • Town courts (1630s-): Justice of the Peace courts handled cases without a town court.[1]

The Public Records of the Colony of Connecticut, 1636-1776, Transcribed and Published in Accordance with a Resolution of the General Assembly. 15 Vols. (Hartford: Case, Lockwood, and Brainard Co., 1850-90, fiche 6051120). This series contains the following:

  • Vol. 1 General and Particular courts, 1636-49; General Court, 1650-65; wills and inventories, 1640-49; code of laws, General Court, 1650
  • Vol. 2 Charter of Connecticut; General Court, 1665-77; journal and correspondence of the Council, 1675-77
  • Vol. 3 Records of the colony of Connecticut, 1678-89; extracts from the records of the United Colonies of New England, 1652-84
  • Vol. 4 Colony records, 1689-1706; Council journal, 1696-98
  • Vol. 5 Colony records, 1706-16; Council Journal, 1710-17
  • Vol. 6 Colony records, 1717-25; Council Journal, 1717-26
  • Vol. 7 Colony records, 1726-35; Council Journal, 1726-28
  • Vol. 8 Colony records, 1735-43
  • Vol. 9 Colony records, 1744-50
  • Vol. 10 Colony records, 1751-57
  • Vol. 11 Colony records, 1757-62
  • Vol. 12 Colony records, 1762-67
  • Vol. 13 Colony records, 1768-72; Council Journal, 1770-72
  • Vol. 14 Colony records, 1772-75; Susquehannah case (1774): respecting the boundaries of this colony and the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania; Norwich, 1774; inhabitants in the colony, 1774; Hartford, 1774; New London, 1775
  • Vol. 15 Colony records, 1775-76; journal of the Council of Safety, 1775-76; some council proceedings, 1663-1710[2]

Before the New Haven Colony joined the Connecticut Colony, the administration records were kept separately.

  • Records of the Colony and Plantation of New Haven, from 1638 to 1649 by Charles J. Hoadly. (Hartford: Case, Tiffany, and Co., 1857, film 0944116).
  • Records of the Colony or Jurisdiction of New Haven, from May 1653, to the Union: Together with the New Haven Code of 1656 by Charles J. Hoadly. (Hartford: Case, Lockwood, and Brainard Co., 1858, film 0944116).

The Connecticut Archives, ca. 1629-1820 are a series of indexed, original manuscripts. The volumes and slip indexes are available at the State Library in Hartford.

  • Civil officers' records 1669-1756 (series 1), with index (film 0003619 ff.). Series 2, 1673-1820, has not been filmed.
  • Colleges and schools, 1657-1789 (series 1), 1718-1820 (series 2).
  • Colonial boundaries, 1662-1827 (series 1), 1664-1820 (series 2).
  • Court papers, 1649-1709.
  • Crimes and misdemeanors, 1662-1789 (series 1), 1671-1820 (series 2).
  • Estates of deceased persons, 1640-1820; estates of incompetent persons, 1711-1820; estates of minors, 1715-1820.
  • Papers concerning transactions between Connecticut and the Indians, 1647-1789 (series 1) (film 0003624). Series 2, 1666-1820, has not been filmed.
  • Land lotteries and divorces, 1755-89 (series 1), with index (film 0003617 ff.). Series 2, 1718-1820, has not been filmed.
  • Militia records selected papers, 1678-1820 (series 1-3) (film 0003599 ff.). Includes tables of contents, calendar of the legislation on militia for the period covered, digest of the subject matter, and index to the three series. Many of these records have been published: Roll and Journal of Connecticut Service in Queen Anne's War, 1710-1711 (New Haven: Tuttle, Morehouse, and Taylor Press, 1916, fiche 6019415); Collections of the Connecticut Historical Society. Vol. 7. Rolls of Connecticut Men in the French and Indian War, 1755-1762. 2 Vols. (1928. Reprint. Bowie, MD: Heritage Books, 1993, film 0897070).
  • Selected papers of colonial wars, 1675-1775 (series 1) (film 0003590 ff.). Covers the following conflicts: King Philip's War, 1675-76; King William's War, 1689-97; Queen Anne's War, 1702-12; Eastern Indian War, 1722-25; War with Spain, 1740-42; King George's War, 1744-48; French and Indian War with Spain, 1755-63; and also colonial agents in England, 1751-74. Series 2, 1689-1806, has not been filmed.
  • Towns and lands, 1629-1789 (series 1), 1649-1820 (series 2). Town charters, patents, deeds, proprietors' records, grants, etc.
  • Trade and maritime affairs, 1668-1789 (series 1), 1685-1820 (series 2).
  • Travel, highways, ferries, bridges, taverns, 1700-38 (series 1), 1737-1820 (series 2).
  • Susquehannah Settlers, 1755-96 (series 1), 1771-97 (series 2).
  • Colonial land records, 1640-1846: including patents, deeds and surveys of land (film 0003656 ff.). Land grants were issued by the Connecticut General Court to proprietors of the individual towns. The record of land distribution by proprietors can be found in town records.
  • Revolutionary War papers, 1756-1856 (series 1-3), begin with records prior to the Revolution (filme 0003530 ff.). Series 1 and 3 are indexed on microfilm; series 2 is indexed by a card file available only at the State Library in Hartford.[3]

Other records at the State Library in Hartford:

  • Indian deeds to Aquidneck (Rhode Island), 1638, Massapeage (Connecticut), 1658, Marlborough, Massachusetts, 1604, and Springfield, Massachusetts, 1636 (film 0002085).
  • Miscellaneous French and Indian War records (film 0003626 ff.). Journals, orderly books, diaries, receipts for wages, orders, Pequot Indian papers, muster rolls, receipts of arms, pay orders, company accounts, etc.
  • Robert C. Winthrop manuscript collection, 1631-1716, Indian, military and foreign affairs, 1651-1712; council, churches, shipping, etc., 1650-1784, and index.
  • Samuel Wyllys papers: depositions on cases of witchcraft, assault, theft, drunkenness, and other crimes, tried in Connecticut, 1663-1728, supplement, 1662-93 (film 0003645). The supplement is copied from the Rhode Island State Archives in Providence, Rhode Island.[4]
Earliest Church Records Earliest Land Records Earliest Court Records Earliest Newspapers
1636 1635 1636 1755

[5]

History[edit | edit source]

The Dutch were the first to establish a settlement in Connecticut at Hartford (Suckiaug) in 1633. British Massachusetts settlers began migrating into Connecticut in the 1630s. Settlers from Watertown, MA moved to Wethersfield (Pyquag) in 1634. Settlers from Plymouth and Dorchester, MA moved into Windsor (Mattaneaug) in 1635. In 1635, Puritans from Newtown, Cambridge, England emigrated to Hartford. In 1646, settlers independently founded New London (Nameaug).

Quinnipiac (New Haven) was founded in 1638. The New Haven Colony included several shoreline towns:

  • Guilford (Menunketuck, 1639)
  • Milford (Wepawaug, 1639)
  • Southold, Long Island (1640)
  • Stamford (Rippowam, 1641)
  • Branford (Totoket, 1644)

In 1662, an English Royal charter established Connecticut as a separate colony from Massachusetts and the New Haven Colony was absorbed into Connecticut. Long Island towns became part of New York.[6]

Additional Readings[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Christina K. Schaefer, Genealogical encyclopedia of the colonial Americas : a complete digest of the records of all the counties of the Western Hemisphere (Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c1998), 201-202. WorldCat (Other Libraries); FHL book 929.11812 D26 1998
  2. ↑ Christina K. Schaefer, Genealogical encyclopedia of the colonial Americas : a complete digest of the records of all the counties of the Western Hemisphere (Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c1998), 202. WorldCat (Other Libraries); FHL book 929.11812 D26 1998
  3. ↑ Christina K. Schaefer, Genealogical encyclopedia of the colonial Americas : a complete digest of the records of all the counties of the Western Hemisphere (Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c1998), 203-204. WorldCat (Other Libraries); FHL book 929.11812 D26 1998
  4. ↑ Christina K. Schaefer, Genealogical encyclopedia of the colonial Americas : a complete digest of the records of all the counties of the Western Hemisphere (Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c1998), 204. WorldCat (Other Libraries); FHL book 929.11812 D26 1998
  5. ↑ Christina K. Schaefer, Genealogical encyclopedia of the colonial Americas : a complete digest of the records of all the counties of the Western Hemisphere (Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c1998), 183, 192. WorldCat (Other Libraries); FHL book 929.11812 D26 1998
  6. ↑ Christina K. Schaefer, Genealogical encyclopedia of the colonial Americas : a complete digest of the records of all the counties of the Western Hemisphere (Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c1998), 201. WorldCat (Other Libraries); FHL book 929.11812 D26 1998
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