The Founders of Hartford

John Crow was born in 1606; came to New England in 1634. He became possessed, by vote of the town, of the original right of Bartholomew Greene, forfeited by death. He m. Elizabeth, only child of Elder William Goodwin. Chosen surveyor of highways, 1656. He was one of the first settlers on the east aide of the river, and the largest landholder in Hartford. "He owned a tract of land [in East Hartford] extending from near the present Hockanum bridge, north to the neighborhood of ' Smith's Lane, and running eastward to the end of the three-mile lots. (Bolton.) Crow Hill in the river swamp still retains his name."1 He went with his father-in-law to Hadley in 1659 ; freeman, Mass., 1666 ; he returned to Hartford about 1675, and be and his wife were admitted to the South Church, March 31, 1678 ; d. Jan. 16, 1686. -Ch.: i. Esther, b. 1628; m. 1655, Giles Hamlin, Esq., of Middletown; d. Aug. 25, 1700, aged 72. ii. John, lived in Fairfield; was a merchant in the West India trade; d. at sea, 1667, s. p. iii. Mary, m. (1) Dec. 27, 1666, Noah Coleman, of Hatfield; (2) Sept. 16, 1680, Peter Montague, of Hadley ; she d. Oct. 12, 1720. iv. Nathaniel, lived in East Hartford ; m. Deborah -; d. July 30, 1695; his widow m. Audrew Warner, of Hartford, afterward of Windham. v. Elizabeth, b. 1644; m. (1) William Warren, of Hartford; (2) Phineas Wilson, of Hartford, a wealthy merchant from Dublin ; he d. May 22, 1692, and after his death she continued his business, and became the most extensive banker in the Colony. She was accustomed to loan money on mortgage not only to citizens of Hartford, but in the adjacent towns, and she managed her affairs with wisdom and judgment. She d. July 9 or 19, 1727, aged 86(1), leaving a large property and many legacies.

Detail, John Crowe, Founders Monument Ancient Burial Ground, Hartford, CT, 2005

Ancient Burial Ground, Founders Monument Ancient Burial Ground, Hartford, CT, 2005