Son of Eliakim and Joannah (Curtiss) Stoddard of Woodbury, Connecticut
Grandson of Rev. Anthony and Prudence (Welles) Stoddard of Woodbury, Connecticut
Great-grandson of Rev. Solomon and Esther (Warham) Stoddard of Northampton, Massachusetts
John Stoddard was born in Woodbury, Connecticut on September 26, 1730. He was likely born in the house owned by his grandfather, Reverend Anthony Stoddard, located at the north end of his parsonage home lot that he called, “ye mansion.” This was the second home built on Reverend Anthony Stoddard’s home lot. The first, the original parsonage house, located at the south end of the home lot, was built in 1701. The “ye mansion” was likely built after the death of his wife Prudence in 1715 and before the death of his second wife, Mary Sherman, in 1721. He deeded this house and one acre of land to his eldest son, and John’s father, Eliakim Stoddard, on March 22, 1736. This house then became under the ownership of John’s brother, Israel Stoddard, in the division and distribution of the estate of their father, Eliakim Stoddard, on March 31, 1752. John Stoddard is not mentioned in the real property division and distribution. He was included in his father’s Will to receive an equal share of the real property with his brothers. Each other son received £580 in value of real property in the division and distribution. It can only be assumed that John Stoddard received an equal amount of consideration in “old tender” before the distribution was made on March 31, 1752 and about the time he married and relocated to Watertown (Harwinton).
John Stoddard was the eldest son of Eliakim and Joanna (Curtiss) Stoddard. He was 19 years old at the time of his father's death on October 30, 1849. He married Mary Atwood at Woodbury on April 15, 1851 before the estate of his father was settled on March 31, 1852. He removed himself and his wife to Watertown (Harwinton) where their first child, Samson, was born in October 1852. Therefore, he never stayed living at his father's house in Woodbury with his brothers for very long after his father died and when his mother remarried and relocated to Kent in 1850.
John Stoddard was involved in military affairs and the defense of the Colony of Connecticut as early as October 11, 1764 when he was appointed by the General Assembly to be an "Ensign in the first company or trainband in the town of Woodbury." This was a pre-Revolutionary War military role.
In 1776, records show a John Stoddard served in the Connecticut militia, Capt. Jonathan Hale's Company, Col. Erastus Wolcott's Regiment, which guarded various points around Boston. The company must have seen action because Capt. Hale died during service near Boston on March 7, 1776. This record is often attributed as being the service record of our Lieut. John Stoddard. While it is certain that there was a John Stoddard who did serve from January until March 1776 at Boston with Capt. Hale, he was not our Lieut. John Stoddard. The reason was his age and health in 1776. For evidence of John Stoddard’s health in 1776, one only needs to read the testimony of Major Amos Stoddard from his autobiography manuscript (excerpt found below) for an explanation.
Records also show that a Private John Stoddard, who was born in Woodbury, Connecticut, served in Waterbury's Brigade in the Connecticut militia under Capt. Nathaniel Edwards and saw service at the defense of Horseneck in the spring of 1781. This War service record is also often confused with being that of our subject Lieut. John Stoddard. However, this service record belongs to another John Stoddard (1767-1849) who enlisted when he was just was fifteen years old in 1781. This John Stoddard was the son of Gideon Stoddard Jr. (1740 – 1820) and Rebecca Hunt and was the grandson of Deacon Gideon Stoddard (1714-1782) and the great-grandson of Rev. Anthony Stoddard. There are likely many accepted DAR amd SAR applications that reference the wrong John Stoddard service record from the American Revolution.
Chauncey Stoddard, Jr. (1829-1912), the grandson of John Stoddard (1767-1849), applied for and was admitted to the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York in 1895 after submitting his grandfather's (John Stoddard, 1767-1849) service record in his application. See Find-a-Grave Memorial 78303824
Our subject, John Stoddard (1730-1795), son of Eliakim and Joannah (Curtiss) Stoddard, was a 46 year old man in 1776 and would have been 51 years old in 1781. He was not a young man. As you will read below, John returned to his home in Watertown (Harwinton) from London circa 1775 in extremely poor health. He never fully recovered according to Amos Stoddard. He would not have been well enough to endure and survive military camp life or even to make long marches. He would not have been capable of participating in the defense of Boston in 1776.
It would be easy to confuse the Revolutionary War service record of Lieut. John Stoddard with that of yet another John Stoddard. But to quote John Adams, “facts are a stubborn thing.” I have no interest in understating my direct ancestor’s military service record...but I am not interested in embellishing it either.
Having said all of this, I have no doubt John Stoddard served as best he could as a member of the local militia during the American Revolution. Frankly, he had already given the ultimate sacrifice: his son Abiram died of dysentery at Fort Ticonderoga on October 25, 1776.
John Stoddard undoubtedly served in the American Revolution in the home guard and as a member of the Watertown (Harwinton), Connecticut militia supporting the regular service men with food, clothing and supplies. He was most certainly promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in the Connecticut militia. He probably became well-known around Litchfield County during the War and was no doubt proud of his rank — so much so that it was added to his headstone. So, as a proud direct descendant, I honor Lieut. John Stoddard and his service, contributions and sacrifice for the ideals of our independence and the establishment of our republic.
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Children of John and Mary (Atwood) Stoddard:
1. Samson (Oct 25, 1752-Oct. 31, 1809). Born Watertown, CT
2. Abriam (Oct. 25, 1756-Oct. 25, 1776) Died during the American Revolution at or near Fort Ticonderoga on October 25, 1776.
3. Wells (July 1, 1758-Nov. 11, 1838). Served in the American Revolution
4. Phebe (Feb. 19, 1761-Sept. 25, 1827). Married Josiah Hickcox
5. John (July 1, 1763-Feb. 24, 1821). Born Watertown, CT and Died Coventryville, Chenango County, New York. Father of John Stoddard, Grandfather of Wells Stoddard, Great-grandfather of Elijah Willard Stoddard, Great-great-grandfather of Albert I. Stoddard
6. Submit (March 17, 1766-Sept. 7, 1775). Born Watertown, CT
7. Joanna (aka Anna) (Feb. 19, 1767-June 5, 1847). Married Eri Parker 1787
8. Mary (June 11, 1771-1845). Married 1st Randall Judd 1794 & 2nd Nathaniel Curtis 1806
9. Sarah (May 13, 1773-May 20, 1831). Married James Williams 1796
10. Judge Israel (Feb.15, 1776-April 4, 1859). Born Watertown, CT and Died Camden, Oneida County, New York
11. Reverend Eliakim (Aug. 10, 1779-Feb. 28, 1860). Born Watertown, CT and Died Camden, Oneida County, New York.
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The following is a first-hand account and story about Lieut. John Stoddard from the book, "The Autobiography Manuscript of Major Amos Stoddard." It is an excerpt from the handwritten autobiography of Amos Stoddard, the nephew of Lieut. John Stoddard, and published in the aforementioned book in 2016:
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"While engaged in my studies, I was induced to take a trip to England in pursuit of a family estate. This estate is situated in the hamlet of Mottingham in Kent, near Eltham, and about seven miles from London Bridge. It was the residence of one of my ancestors in 1490 —and was successively occupied by his descendants till 1765, when that branch of the family became extinct with the death of Nicholas Stoddard. This gentleman died a bachelor and intestate. —He left his estate in possession of a dissipated and illegitimate son, directing him to enjoy it till his heirs, (belonging, as he alleged, to a collateral branch of his family that settled in Boston in America) should come and make good their claims to it. This natural son did not long survive his reputed father; the tenants were then in quiet possession, and knew not to whom their rents were due. By some means or other, my eldest Uncle [this refers to John Stoddard, of Watertown, CT, the eldest son of Eliakim Stoddard], who was in the eldest line of male decent from the Boston family, found out in what manner the estate was left, and resolved to prosecute his claims to it. He therefore went to England just before the commencement of the American war. He had letters to an eminent legal character —but before his arrival this character was removed to the House of Lords, and therefore did not present them. My Uncle now in London, like a man in the wilderness, knew not what course to pursue — he was known to no one —nor was he calculated in all respects to proceed without a judicious friend. He first sent about for a Lawyer, and chance threw him into the hands of a Mr. Life, who was disposed to do more for himself then his client. He [John Stoddard] visited the Estate he claimed, and resided on it some months; He satisfied the tenants, that he was the legal heir; the account he gave of himself and family comported with the declarations of Nicholas Stoddard —and they offered to attorn, and pay to pay him the rents. But he did not think it prudent to take a simple step without consulting Mr. Life, who, Jesuit-like, told him, that if he got in possession, pretended heirs might start up, and he would be obliged successively to defend himself against their suits, the expenses of which would operate to his ruin —even if he succeeded at last; that his best way was to return home, suffer the Estate to fall into the hands of some claimant, and then he would have one only to contend with. My Uncle did not understand the advantages derived from actual and peaceable possession, which is said to be eleven points in the law, and therefore he too easily fell into the snare laid for him. Another circumstance had its weight. The trouble in America began to assume a serious aspect —and he was not disposed to be absent from his Country and friends in the time of hostilities. He therefore unfortunately concluded to follow the advice of Mr. Life. The evening before he sailed, Mr. Life invited him to supper, and he was introduced to a Mr. Bowman, who was at that time an articles Clerk in his law office. He pretended, that Colonel Bowman of the Isle of Wight, one of his ancestors, married Mary, the daughter of William Stoddard of Mottingham, about the year 1662; That the estate in question was gavelkind —of course descended to the female branch in preference to a younger male branch; and indeed the title of Bowman, if correctly deduced in the manner stated by him, was certainly preferred by the laws of England to that of my Uncle. The day my Uncle went on board of ship, he was taken extremely ill, and never fully recovered, tho’ he lived upwards of 20 years afterwards. The physicians were of opinion, that his disorder was the effect of poison; perhaps they were mistaken."
There is more to this story and the statement, "While engaged in my studies, I was induced to take a trip to England in pursuit of a family estate." Amos made a trip from Boston to Watertown (Harwinton) to visit his uncle John in 1790. His uncle could not afford a trip to London and his health would not allow it — his health had never fully been restored since his return from England circa 1775. So his uncle agreed to share the inheritance of the estate with Amos if Amos were to agree to go to London and secure the estate on his behalf. Amos Stoddard had a power of attorney drawn up by the Honorable William Cushing, appointed the first associate justice of the Supreme Court by President George Washington. His Honor Judge Cushing was the bother of Amos’ former employer, Charles Cushing, clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts. Amos Stoddard, having what he called “a roving disposition,” put his law studies on-hold and agreed to go. The complete story of Amos Stoddard's trip to London in December 1790 is included in the autobiography section of the aforementioned book.
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Grandson of Rev. Anthony and Prudence (Welles) Stoddard of Woodbury, Connecticut
Great-grandson of Rev. Solomon and Esther (Warham) Stoddard of Northampton, Massachusetts
John Stoddard was born in Woodbury, Connecticut on September 26, 1730. He was likely born in the house owned by his grandfather, Reverend Anthony Stoddard, located at the north end of his parsonage home lot that he called, “ye mansion.” This was the second home built on Reverend Anthony Stoddard’s home lot. The first, the original parsonage house, located at the south end of the home lot, was built in 1701. The “ye mansion” was likely built after the death of his wife Prudence in 1715 and before the death of his second wife, Mary Sherman, in 1721. He deeded this house and one acre of land to his eldest son, and John’s father, Eliakim Stoddard, on March 22, 1736. This house then became under the ownership of John’s brother, Israel Stoddard, in the division and distribution of the estate of their father, Eliakim Stoddard, on March 31, 1752. John Stoddard is not mentioned in the real property division and distribution. He was included in his father’s Will to receive an equal share of the real property with his brothers. Each other son received £580 in value of real property in the division and distribution. It can only be assumed that John Stoddard received an equal amount of consideration in “old tender” before the distribution was made on March 31, 1752 and about the time he married and relocated to Watertown (Harwinton).
John Stoddard was the eldest son of Eliakim and Joanna (Curtiss) Stoddard. He was 19 years old at the time of his father's death on October 30, 1849. He married Mary Atwood at Woodbury on April 15, 1851 before the estate of his father was settled on March 31, 1852. He removed himself and his wife to Watertown (Harwinton) where their first child, Samson, was born in October 1852. Therefore, he never stayed living at his father's house in Woodbury with his brothers for very long after his father died and when his mother remarried and relocated to Kent in 1850.
John Stoddard was involved in military affairs and the defense of the Colony of Connecticut as early as October 11, 1764 when he was appointed by the General Assembly to be an "Ensign in the first company or trainband in the town of Woodbury." This was a pre-Revolutionary War military role.
In 1776, records show a John Stoddard served in the Connecticut militia, Capt. Jonathan Hale's Company, Col. Erastus Wolcott's Regiment, which guarded various points around Boston. The company must have seen action because Capt. Hale died during service near Boston on March 7, 1776. This record is often attributed as being the service record of our Lieut. John Stoddard. While it is certain that there was a John Stoddard who did serve from January until March 1776 at Boston with Capt. Hale, he was not our Lieut. John Stoddard. The reason was his age and health in 1776. For evidence of John Stoddard’s health in 1776, one only needs to read the testimony of Major Amos Stoddard from his autobiography manuscript (excerpt found below) for an explanation.
Records also show that a Private John Stoddard, who was born in Woodbury, Connecticut, served in Waterbury's Brigade in the Connecticut militia under Capt. Nathaniel Edwards and saw service at the defense of Horseneck in the spring of 1781. This War service record is also often confused with being that of our subject Lieut. John Stoddard. However, this service record belongs to another John Stoddard (1767-1849) who enlisted when he was just was fifteen years old in 1781. This John Stoddard was the son of Gideon Stoddard Jr. (1740 – 1820) and Rebecca Hunt and was the grandson of Deacon Gideon Stoddard (1714-1782) and the great-grandson of Rev. Anthony Stoddard. There are likely many accepted DAR amd SAR applications that reference the wrong John Stoddard service record from the American Revolution.
Chauncey Stoddard, Jr. (1829-1912), the grandson of John Stoddard (1767-1849), applied for and was admitted to the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York in 1895 after submitting his grandfather's (John Stoddard, 1767-1849) service record in his application. See Find-a-Grave Memorial 78303824
Our subject, John Stoddard (1730-1795), son of Eliakim and Joannah (Curtiss) Stoddard, was a 46 year old man in 1776 and would have been 51 years old in 1781. He was not a young man. As you will read below, John returned to his home in Watertown (Harwinton) from London circa 1775 in extremely poor health. He never fully recovered according to Amos Stoddard. He would not have been well enough to endure and survive military camp life or even to make long marches. He would not have been capable of participating in the defense of Boston in 1776.
It would be easy to confuse the Revolutionary War service record of Lieut. John Stoddard with that of yet another John Stoddard. But to quote John Adams, “facts are a stubborn thing.” I have no interest in understating my direct ancestor’s military service record...but I am not interested in embellishing it either.
Having said all of this, I have no doubt John Stoddard served as best he could as a member of the local militia during the American Revolution. Frankly, he had already given the ultimate sacrifice: his son Abiram died of dysentery at Fort Ticonderoga on October 25, 1776.
John Stoddard undoubtedly served in the American Revolution in the home guard and as a member of the Watertown (Harwinton), Connecticut militia supporting the regular service men with food, clothing and supplies. He was most certainly promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in the Connecticut militia. He probably became well-known around Litchfield County during the War and was no doubt proud of his rank — so much so that it was added to his headstone. So, as a proud direct descendant, I honor Lieut. John Stoddard and his service, contributions and sacrifice for the ideals of our independence and the establishment of our republic.
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Children of John and Mary (Atwood) Stoddard:
1. Samson (Oct 25, 1752-Oct. 31, 1809). Born Watertown, CT
2. Abriam (Oct. 25, 1756-Oct. 25, 1776) Died during the American Revolution at or near Fort Ticonderoga on October 25, 1776.
3. Wells (July 1, 1758-Nov. 11, 1838). Served in the American Revolution
4. Phebe (Feb. 19, 1761-Sept. 25, 1827). Married Josiah Hickcox
5. John (July 1, 1763-Feb. 24, 1821). Born Watertown, CT and Died Coventryville, Chenango County, New York. Father of John Stoddard, Grandfather of Wells Stoddard, Great-grandfather of Elijah Willard Stoddard, Great-great-grandfather of Albert I. Stoddard
6. Submit (March 17, 1766-Sept. 7, 1775). Born Watertown, CT
7. Joanna (aka Anna) (Feb. 19, 1767-June 5, 1847). Married Eri Parker 1787
8. Mary (June 11, 1771-1845). Married 1st Randall Judd 1794 & 2nd Nathaniel Curtis 1806
9. Sarah (May 13, 1773-May 20, 1831). Married James Williams 1796
10. Judge Israel (Feb.15, 1776-April 4, 1859). Born Watertown, CT and Died Camden, Oneida County, New York
11. Reverend Eliakim (Aug. 10, 1779-Feb. 28, 1860). Born Watertown, CT and Died Camden, Oneida County, New York.
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The following is a first-hand account and story about Lieut. John Stoddard from the book, "The Autobiography Manuscript of Major Amos Stoddard." It is an excerpt from the handwritten autobiography of Amos Stoddard, the nephew of Lieut. John Stoddard, and published in the aforementioned book in 2016:
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"While engaged in my studies, I was induced to take a trip to England in pursuit of a family estate. This estate is situated in the hamlet of Mottingham in Kent, near Eltham, and about seven miles from London Bridge. It was the residence of one of my ancestors in 1490 —and was successively occupied by his descendants till 1765, when that branch of the family became extinct with the death of Nicholas Stoddard. This gentleman died a bachelor and intestate. —He left his estate in possession of a dissipated and illegitimate son, directing him to enjoy it till his heirs, (belonging, as he alleged, to a collateral branch of his family that settled in Boston in America) should come and make good their claims to it. This natural son did not long survive his reputed father; the tenants were then in quiet possession, and knew not to whom their rents were due. By some means or other, my eldest Uncle [this refers to John Stoddard, of Watertown, CT, the eldest son of Eliakim Stoddard], who was in the eldest line of male decent from the Boston family, found out in what manner the estate was left, and resolved to prosecute his claims to it. He therefore went to England just before the commencement of the American war. He had letters to an eminent legal character —but before his arrival this character was removed to the House of Lords, and therefore did not present them. My Uncle now in London, like a man in the wilderness, knew not what course to pursue — he was known to no one —nor was he calculated in all respects to proceed without a judicious friend. He first sent about for a Lawyer, and chance threw him into the hands of a Mr. Life, who was disposed to do more for himself then his client. He [John Stoddard] visited the Estate he claimed, and resided on it some months; He satisfied the tenants, that he was the legal heir; the account he gave of himself and family comported with the declarations of Nicholas Stoddard —and they offered to attorn, and pay to pay him the rents. But he did not think it prudent to take a simple step without consulting Mr. Life, who, Jesuit-like, told him, that if he got in possession, pretended heirs might start up, and he would be obliged successively to defend himself against their suits, the expenses of which would operate to his ruin —even if he succeeded at last; that his best way was to return home, suffer the Estate to fall into the hands of some claimant, and then he would have one only to contend with. My Uncle did not understand the advantages derived from actual and peaceable possession, which is said to be eleven points in the law, and therefore he too easily fell into the snare laid for him. Another circumstance had its weight. The trouble in America began to assume a serious aspect —and he was not disposed to be absent from his Country and friends in the time of hostilities. He therefore unfortunately concluded to follow the advice of Mr. Life. The evening before he sailed, Mr. Life invited him to supper, and he was introduced to a Mr. Bowman, who was at that time an articles Clerk in his law office. He pretended, that Colonel Bowman of the Isle of Wight, one of his ancestors, married Mary, the daughter of William Stoddard of Mottingham, about the year 1662; That the estate in question was gavelkind —of course descended to the female branch in preference to a younger male branch; and indeed the title of Bowman, if correctly deduced in the manner stated by him, was certainly preferred by the laws of England to that of my Uncle. The day my Uncle went on board of ship, he was taken extremely ill, and never fully recovered, tho’ he lived upwards of 20 years afterwards. The physicians were of opinion, that his disorder was the effect of poison; perhaps they were mistaken."
There is more to this story and the statement, "While engaged in my studies, I was induced to take a trip to England in pursuit of a family estate." Amos made a trip from Boston to Watertown (Harwinton) to visit his uncle John in 1790. His uncle could not afford a trip to London and his health would not allow it — his health had never fully been restored since his return from England circa 1775. So his uncle agreed to share the inheritance of the estate with Amos if Amos were to agree to go to London and secure the estate on his behalf. Amos Stoddard had a power of attorney drawn up by the Honorable William Cushing, appointed the first associate justice of the Supreme Court by President George Washington. His Honor Judge Cushing was the bother of Amos’ former employer, Charles Cushing, clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts. Amos Stoddard, having what he called “a roving disposition,” put his law studies on-hold and agreed to go. The complete story of Amos Stoddard's trip to London in December 1790 is included in the autobiography section of the aforementioned book.
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Son of Eliakim and Joannah (Curtiss) Stoddard of Woodbury, Connecticut
Grandson of Rev. Anthony and Prudence (Welles) Stoddard of Woodbury, Connecticut
Great-grandson of Rev. Solomon and Esther (Warham) Stoddard of Northampton, Massachusetts
John Stoddard was born in Woodbury, Connecticut on September 26, 1730. He was likely born in the house owned by his grandfather, Reverend Anthony Stoddard, located at the north end of his parsonage home lot that he called, “ye mansion.” This was the second home built on Reverend Anthony Stoddard’s home lot. The first, the original parsonage house, located at the south end of the home lot, was built in 1701. The “ye mansion” was likely built after the death of his wife Prudence in 1715 and before the death of his second wife, Mary Sherman, in 1721. He deeded this house and one acre of land to his eldest son, and John’s father, Eliakim Stoddard, on March 22, 1736. This house then became under the ownership of John’s brother, Israel Stoddard, in the division and distribution of the estate of their father, Eliakim Stoddard, on March 31, 1752. John Stoddard is not mentioned in the real property division and distribution. He was included in his father’s Will to receive an equal share of the real property with his brothers. Each other son received £580 in value of real property in the division and distribution. It can only be assumed that John Stoddard received an equal amount of consideration in “old tender” before the distribution was made on March 31, 1752 and about the time he married and relocated to Watertown (Harwinton).
John Stoddard was the eldest son of Eliakim and Joanna (Curtiss) Stoddard. He was 19 years old at the time of his father's death on October 30, 1849. He married Mary Atwood at Woodbury on April 15, 1851 before the estate of his father was settled on March 31, 1852. He removed himself and his wife to Watertown (Harwinton) where their first child, Samson, was born in October 1852. Therefore, he never stayed living at his father's house in Woodbury with his brothers for very long after his father died and when his mother remarried and relocated to Kent in 1850.
John Stoddard was involved in military affairs and the defense of the Colony of Connecticut as early as October 11, 1764 when he was appointed by the General Assembly to be an "Ensign in the first company or trainband in the town of Woodbury." This was a pre-Revolutionary War military role.
In 1776, records show a John Stoddard served in the Connecticut militia, Capt. Jonathan Hale's Company, Col. Erastus Wolcott's Regiment, which guarded various points around Boston. The company must have seen action because Capt. Hale died during service near Boston on March 7, 1776. This record is often attributed as being the service record of our Lieut. John Stoddard. While it is certain that there was a John Stoddard who did serve from January until March 1776 at Boston with Capt. Hale, he was not our Lieut. John Stoddard. The reason was his age and health in 1776. For evidence of John Stoddard’s health in 1776, one only needs to read the testimony of Major Amos Stoddard from his autobiography manuscript (excerpt found below) for an explanation.
Records also show that a Private John Stoddard, who was born in Woodbury, Connecticut, served in Waterbury's Brigade in the Connecticut militia under Capt. Nathaniel Edwards and saw service at the defense of Horseneck in the spring of 1781. This War service record is also often confused with being that of our subject Lieut. John Stoddard. However, this service record belongs to another John Stoddard (1767-1849) who enlisted when he was just was fifteen years old in 1781. This John Stoddard was the son of Gideon Stoddard Jr. (1740 – 1820) and Rebecca Hunt and was the grandson of Deacon Gideon Stoddard (1714-1782) and the great-grandson of Rev. Anthony Stoddard. There are likely many accepted DAR amd SAR applications that reference the wrong John Stoddard service record from the American Revolution.
Chauncey Stoddard, Jr. (1829-1912), the grandson of John Stoddard (1767-1849), applied for and was admitted to the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York in 1895 after submitting his grandfather's (John Stoddard, 1767-1849) service record in his application. See Find-a-Grave Memorial 78303824
Our subject, John Stoddard (1730-1795), son of Eliakim and Joannah (Curtiss) Stoddard, was a 46 year old man in 1776 and would have been 51 years old in 1781. He was not a young man. As you will read below, John returned to his home in Watertown (Harwinton) from London circa 1775 in extremely poor health. He never fully recovered according to Amos Stoddard. He would not have been well enough to endure and survive military camp life or even to make long marches. He would not have been capable of participating in the defense of Boston in 1776.
It would be easy to confuse the Revolutionary War service record of Lieut. John Stoddard with that of yet another John Stoddard. But to quote John Adams, “facts are a stubborn thing.” I have no interest in understating my direct ancestor’s military service record...but I am not interested in embellishing it either.
Having said all of this, I have no doubt John Stoddard served as best he could as a member of the local militia during the American Revolution. Frankly, he had already given the ultimate sacrifice: his son Abiram died of dysentery at Fort Ticonderoga on October 25, 1776.
John Stoddard undoubtedly served in the American Revolution in the home guard and as a member of the Watertown (Harwinton), Connecticut militia supporting the regular service men with food, clothing and supplies. He was most certainly promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in the Connecticut militia. He probably became well-known around Litchfield County during the War and was no doubt proud of his rank — so much so that it was added to his headstone. So, as a proud direct descendant, I honor Lieut. John Stoddard and his service, contributions and sacrifice for the ideals of our independence and the establishment of our republic.
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Children of John and Mary (Atwood) Stoddard:
1. Samson (Oct 25, 1752-Oct. 31, 1809). Born Watertown, CT
2. Abriam (Oct. 25, 1756-Oct. 25, 1776) Died during the American Revolution at or near Fort Ticonderoga on October 25, 1776.
3. Wells (July 1, 1758-Nov. 11, 1838). Served in the American Revolution
4. Phebe (Feb. 19, 1761-Sept. 25, 1827). Married Josiah Hickcox
5. John (July 1, 1763-Feb. 24, 1821). Born Watertown, CT and Died Coventryville, Chenango County, New York. Father of John Stoddard, Grandfather of Wells Stoddard, Great-grandfather of Elijah Willard Stoddard, Great-great-grandfather of Albert I. Stoddard
6. Submit (March 17, 1766-Sept. 7, 1775). Born Watertown, CT
7. Joanna (aka Anna) (Feb. 19, 1767-June 5, 1847). Married Eri Parker 1787
8. Mary (June 11, 1771-1845). Married 1st Randall Judd 1794 & 2nd Nathaniel Curtis 1806
9. Sarah (May 13, 1773-May 20, 1831). Married James Williams 1796
10. Judge Israel (Feb.15, 1776-April 4, 1859). Born Watertown, CT and Died Camden, Oneida County, New York
11. Reverend Eliakim (Aug. 10, 1779-Feb. 28, 1860). Born Watertown, CT and Died Camden, Oneida County, New York.
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The following is a first-hand account and story about Lieut. John Stoddard from the book, "The Autobiography Manuscript of Major Amos Stoddard." It is an excerpt from the handwritten autobiography of Amos Stoddard, the nephew of Lieut. John Stoddard, and published in the aforementioned book in 2016:
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"While engaged in my studies, I was induced to take a trip to England in pursuit of a family estate. This estate is situated in the hamlet of Mottingham in Kent, near Eltham, and about seven miles from London Bridge. It was the residence of one of my ancestors in 1490 —and was successively occupied by his descendants till 1765, when that branch of the family became extinct with the death of Nicholas Stoddard. This gentleman died a bachelor and intestate. —He left his estate in possession of a dissipated and illegitimate son, directing him to enjoy it till his heirs, (belonging, as he alleged, to a collateral branch of his family that settled in Boston in America) should come and make good their claims to it. This natural son did not long survive his reputed father; the tenants were then in quiet possession, and knew not to whom their rents were due. By some means or other, my eldest Uncle [this refers to John Stoddard, of Watertown, CT, the eldest son of Eliakim Stoddard], who was in the eldest line of male decent from the Boston family, found out in what manner the estate was left, and resolved to prosecute his claims to it. He therefore went to England just before the commencement of the American war. He had letters to an eminent legal character —but before his arrival this character was removed to the House of Lords, and therefore did not present them. My Uncle now in London, like a man in the wilderness, knew not what course to pursue — he was known to no one —nor was he calculated in all respects to proceed without a judicious friend. He first sent about for a Lawyer, and chance threw him into the hands of a Mr. Life, who was disposed to do more for himself then his client. He [John Stoddard] visited the Estate he claimed, and resided on it some months; He satisfied the tenants, that he was the legal heir; the account he gave of himself and family comported with the declarations of Nicholas Stoddard —and they offered to attorn, and pay to pay him the rents. But he did not think it prudent to take a simple step without consulting Mr. Life, who, Jesuit-like, told him, that if he got in possession, pretended heirs might start up, and he would be obliged successively to defend himself against their suits, the expenses of which would operate to his ruin —even if he succeeded at last; that his best way was to return home, suffer the Estate to fall into the hands of some claimant, and then he would have one only to contend with. My Uncle did not understand the advantages derived from actual and peaceable possession, which is said to be eleven points in the law, and therefore he too easily fell into the snare laid for him. Another circumstance had its weight. The trouble in America began to assume a serious aspect —and he was not disposed to be absent from his Country and friends in the time of hostilities. He therefore unfortunately concluded to follow the advice of Mr. Life. The evening before he sailed, Mr. Life invited him to supper, and he was introduced to a Mr. Bowman, who was at that time an articles Clerk in his law office. He pretended, that Colonel Bowman of the Isle of Wight, one of his ancestors, married Mary, the daughter of William Stoddard of Mottingham, about the year 1662; That the estate in question was gavelkind —of course descended to the female branch in preference to a younger male branch; and indeed the title of Bowman, if correctly deduced in the manner stated by him, was certainly preferred by the laws of England to that of my Uncle. The day my Uncle went on board of ship, he was taken extremely ill, and never fully recovered, tho’ he lived upwards of 20 years afterwards. The physicians were of opinion, that his disorder was the effect of poison; perhaps they were mistaken."
There is more to this story and the statement, "While engaged in my studies, I was induced to take a trip to England in pursuit of a family estate." Amos made a trip from Boston to Watertown (Harwinton) to visit his uncle John in 1790. His uncle could not afford a trip to London and his health would not allow it — his health had never fully been restored since his return from England circa 1775. So his uncle agreed to share the inheritance of the estate with Amos if Amos were to agree to go to London and secure the estate on his behalf. Amos Stoddard had a power of attorney drawn up by the Honorable William Cushing, appointed the first associate justice of the Supreme Court by President George Washington. His Honor Judge Cushing was the bother of Amos’ former employer, Charles Cushing, clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts. Amos Stoddard, having what he called “a roving disposition,” put his law studies on-hold and agreed to go. The complete story of Amos Stoddard's trip to London in December 1790 is included in the autobiography section of the aforementioned book.
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Grandson of Rev. Anthony and Prudence (Welles) Stoddard of Woodbury, Connecticut
Great-grandson of Rev. Solomon and Esther (Warham) Stoddard of Northampton, Massachusetts
John Stoddard was born in Woodbury, Connecticut on September 26, 1730. He was likely born in the house owned by his grandfather, Reverend Anthony Stoddard, located at the north end of his parsonage home lot that he called, “ye mansion.” This was the second home built on Reverend Anthony Stoddard’s home lot. The first, the original parsonage house, located at the south end of the home lot, was built in 1701. The “ye mansion” was likely built after the death of his wife Prudence in 1715 and before the death of his second wife, Mary Sherman, in 1721. He deeded this house and one acre of land to his eldest son, and John’s father, Eliakim Stoddard, on March 22, 1736. This house then became under the ownership of John’s brother, Israel Stoddard, in the division and distribution of the estate of their father, Eliakim Stoddard, on March 31, 1752. John Stoddard is not mentioned in the real property division and distribution. He was included in his father’s Will to receive an equal share of the real property with his brothers. Each other son received £580 in value of real property in the division and distribution. It can only be assumed that John Stoddard received an equal amount of consideration in “old tender” before the distribution was made on March 31, 1752 and about the time he married and relocated to Watertown (Harwinton).
John Stoddard was the eldest son of Eliakim and Joanna (Curtiss) Stoddard. He was 19 years old at the time of his father's death on October 30, 1849. He married Mary Atwood at Woodbury on April 15, 1851 before the estate of his father was settled on March 31, 1852. He removed himself and his wife to Watertown (Harwinton) where their first child, Samson, was born in October 1852. Therefore, he never stayed living at his father's house in Woodbury with his brothers for very long after his father died and when his mother remarried and relocated to Kent in 1850.
John Stoddard was involved in military affairs and the defense of the Colony of Connecticut as early as October 11, 1764 when he was appointed by the General Assembly to be an "Ensign in the first company or trainband in the town of Woodbury." This was a pre-Revolutionary War military role.
In 1776, records show a John Stoddard served in the Connecticut militia, Capt. Jonathan Hale's Company, Col. Erastus Wolcott's Regiment, which guarded various points around Boston. The company must have seen action because Capt. Hale died during service near Boston on March 7, 1776. This record is often attributed as being the service record of our Lieut. John Stoddard. While it is certain that there was a John Stoddard who did serve from January until March 1776 at Boston with Capt. Hale, he was not our Lieut. John Stoddard. The reason was his age and health in 1776. For evidence of John Stoddard’s health in 1776, one only needs to read the testimony of Major Amos Stoddard from his autobiography manuscript (excerpt found below) for an explanation.
Records also show that a Private John Stoddard, who was born in Woodbury, Connecticut, served in Waterbury's Brigade in the Connecticut militia under Capt. Nathaniel Edwards and saw service at the defense of Horseneck in the spring of 1781. This War service record is also often confused with being that of our subject Lieut. John Stoddard. However, this service record belongs to another John Stoddard (1767-1849) who enlisted when he was just was fifteen years old in 1781. This John Stoddard was the son of Gideon Stoddard Jr. (1740 – 1820) and Rebecca Hunt and was the grandson of Deacon Gideon Stoddard (1714-1782) and the great-grandson of Rev. Anthony Stoddard. There are likely many accepted DAR amd SAR applications that reference the wrong John Stoddard service record from the American Revolution.
Chauncey Stoddard, Jr. (1829-1912), the grandson of John Stoddard (1767-1849), applied for and was admitted to the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York in 1895 after submitting his grandfather's (John Stoddard, 1767-1849) service record in his application. See Find-a-Grave Memorial 78303824
Our subject, John Stoddard (1730-1795), son of Eliakim and Joannah (Curtiss) Stoddard, was a 46 year old man in 1776 and would have been 51 years old in 1781. He was not a young man. As you will read below, John returned to his home in Watertown (Harwinton) from London circa 1775 in extremely poor health. He never fully recovered according to Amos Stoddard. He would not have been well enough to endure and survive military camp life or even to make long marches. He would not have been capable of participating in the defense of Boston in 1776.
It would be easy to confuse the Revolutionary War service record of Lieut. John Stoddard with that of yet another John Stoddard. But to quote John Adams, “facts are a stubborn thing.” I have no interest in understating my direct ancestor’s military service record...but I am not interested in embellishing it either.
Having said all of this, I have no doubt John Stoddard served as best he could as a member of the local militia during the American Revolution. Frankly, he had already given the ultimate sacrifice: his son Abiram died of dysentery at Fort Ticonderoga on October 25, 1776.
John Stoddard undoubtedly served in the American Revolution in the home guard and as a member of the Watertown (Harwinton), Connecticut militia supporting the regular service men with food, clothing and supplies. He was most certainly promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in the Connecticut militia. He probably became well-known around Litchfield County during the War and was no doubt proud of his rank — so much so that it was added to his headstone. So, as a proud direct descendant, I honor Lieut. John Stoddard and his service, contributions and sacrifice for the ideals of our independence and the establishment of our republic.
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Children of John and Mary (Atwood) Stoddard:
1. Samson (Oct 25, 1752-Oct. 31, 1809). Born Watertown, CT
2. Abriam (Oct. 25, 1756-Oct. 25, 1776) Died during the American Revolution at or near Fort Ticonderoga on October 25, 1776.
3. Wells (July 1, 1758-Nov. 11, 1838). Served in the American Revolution
4. Phebe (Feb. 19, 1761-Sept. 25, 1827). Married Josiah Hickcox
5. John (July 1, 1763-Feb. 24, 1821). Born Watertown, CT and Died Coventryville, Chenango County, New York. Father of John Stoddard, Grandfather of Wells Stoddard, Great-grandfather of Elijah Willard Stoddard, Great-great-grandfather of Albert I. Stoddard
6. Submit (March 17, 1766-Sept. 7, 1775). Born Watertown, CT
7. Joanna (aka Anna) (Feb. 19, 1767-June 5, 1847). Married Eri Parker 1787
8. Mary (June 11, 1771-1845). Married 1st Randall Judd 1794 & 2nd Nathaniel Curtis 1806
9. Sarah (May 13, 1773-May 20, 1831). Married James Williams 1796
10. Judge Israel (Feb.15, 1776-April 4, 1859). Born Watertown, CT and Died Camden, Oneida County, New York
11. Reverend Eliakim (Aug. 10, 1779-Feb. 28, 1860). Born Watertown, CT and Died Camden, Oneida County, New York.
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The following is a first-hand account and story about Lieut. John Stoddard from the book, "The Autobiography Manuscript of Major Amos Stoddard." It is an excerpt from the handwritten autobiography of Amos Stoddard, the nephew of Lieut. John Stoddard, and published in the aforementioned book in 2016:
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"While engaged in my studies, I was induced to take a trip to England in pursuit of a family estate. This estate is situated in the hamlet of Mottingham in Kent, near Eltham, and about seven miles from London Bridge. It was the residence of one of my ancestors in 1490 —and was successively occupied by his descendants till 1765, when that branch of the family became extinct with the death of Nicholas Stoddard. This gentleman died a bachelor and intestate. —He left his estate in possession of a dissipated and illegitimate son, directing him to enjoy it till his heirs, (belonging, as he alleged, to a collateral branch of his family that settled in Boston in America) should come and make good their claims to it. This natural son did not long survive his reputed father; the tenants were then in quiet possession, and knew not to whom their rents were due. By some means or other, my eldest Uncle [this refers to John Stoddard, of Watertown, CT, the eldest son of Eliakim Stoddard], who was in the eldest line of male decent from the Boston family, found out in what manner the estate was left, and resolved to prosecute his claims to it. He therefore went to England just before the commencement of the American war. He had letters to an eminent legal character —but before his arrival this character was removed to the House of Lords, and therefore did not present them. My Uncle now in London, like a man in the wilderness, knew not what course to pursue — he was known to no one —nor was he calculated in all respects to proceed without a judicious friend. He first sent about for a Lawyer, and chance threw him into the hands of a Mr. Life, who was disposed to do more for himself then his client. He [John Stoddard] visited the Estate he claimed, and resided on it some months; He satisfied the tenants, that he was the legal heir; the account he gave of himself and family comported with the declarations of Nicholas Stoddard —and they offered to attorn, and pay to pay him the rents. But he did not think it prudent to take a simple step without consulting Mr. Life, who, Jesuit-like, told him, that if he got in possession, pretended heirs might start up, and he would be obliged successively to defend himself against their suits, the expenses of which would operate to his ruin —even if he succeeded at last; that his best way was to return home, suffer the Estate to fall into the hands of some claimant, and then he would have one only to contend with. My Uncle did not understand the advantages derived from actual and peaceable possession, which is said to be eleven points in the law, and therefore he too easily fell into the snare laid for him. Another circumstance had its weight. The trouble in America began to assume a serious aspect —and he was not disposed to be absent from his Country and friends in the time of hostilities. He therefore unfortunately concluded to follow the advice of Mr. Life. The evening before he sailed, Mr. Life invited him to supper, and he was introduced to a Mr. Bowman, who was at that time an articles Clerk in his law office. He pretended, that Colonel Bowman of the Isle of Wight, one of his ancestors, married Mary, the daughter of William Stoddard of Mottingham, about the year 1662; That the estate in question was gavelkind —of course descended to the female branch in preference to a younger male branch; and indeed the title of Bowman, if correctly deduced in the manner stated by him, was certainly preferred by the laws of England to that of my Uncle. The day my Uncle went on board of ship, he was taken extremely ill, and never fully recovered, tho’ he lived upwards of 20 years afterwards. The physicians were of opinion, that his disorder was the effect of poison; perhaps they were mistaken."
There is more to this story and the statement, "While engaged in my studies, I was induced to take a trip to England in pursuit of a family estate." Amos made a trip from Boston to Watertown (Harwinton) to visit his uncle John in 1790. His uncle could not afford a trip to London and his health would not allow it — his health had never fully been restored since his return from England circa 1775. So his uncle agreed to share the inheritance of the estate with Amos if Amos were to agree to go to London and secure the estate on his behalf. Amos Stoddard had a power of attorney drawn up by the Honorable William Cushing, appointed the first associate justice of the Supreme Court by President George Washington. His Honor Judge Cushing was the bother of Amos’ former employer, Charles Cushing, clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts. Amos Stoddard, having what he called “a roving disposition,” put his law studies on-hold and agreed to go. The complete story of Amos Stoddard's trip to London in December 1790 is included in the autobiography section of the aforementioned book.
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In Memory of Lieut. John Stoddard Who Departed This Life the -- day of January AD 1795 in the 65th year of his age
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