USA > Connecticut > The governors of Connecticut : biographies of the chief executives of the commonwealth that gave to the world the first written constitution known to history > Part 5
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Trumbull's advice to the great commander-in-chief, and the latter's implicit confidence in the governor's uncommonly sound judgment, has been treated at length by historians. When Wash- ington implored the governors of the New England States in 1781
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The Governors of Connecticut
to raise more men, Trumbull sent back word that he should have all he needed. Jared Sparks, the biographer of Trumbull, wrote that Washington relied on Connecticut's governor as one of his main pillars of support, and often consulted him in emergencies. The epithet " Brother Jonathan," applied to Governor Trumbull, originated with Washington, who according to a learned writer, when perplexed or in any emergency used to exclaim, "Let us hear what Brother Jonathan says."
Governor Trumbull was elected every year for fifteen con- secutive years, and his term of office covered the whole Rev- olutionary period. When the war with Great Britain had reached an end Governor Trumbull, who had been in continuous public service for fifty-one years, asked the General Assembly to allow him to retire. His speech before that body in October, 1783, was a memorable one, and referring to his proposed retirement he said : " I have to request the favor of you, gentlemen, and through you of all freemen of the state, that after May next I may be excused from any further service in public life, and from this time I may no longer be considered as an object for your suffrages for any public employment. The reasonableness of this request, I am persuaded, will be questioned by no one. The length of time I have devoted to their service, with my declining state of vigor and activity, will, I please myself, form for me a sufficient and unfailing excuse with my fellow citizens."
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At the next election Governor Trumbull was retired, and he never again entered public life. His services were recognized by both Yale College and the University of Edinburgh, both of which conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. Governor Trumbull died at his home in Lebanon on August 17, 1785, in the seventy-fifth year of his age.
During his life the governor made a large and valuable collec- tion of historical papers and manuscripts which was presented to the Massachusetts Historical Society after his death. He had four sons, Joseph, Jonathan, David and John. Joseph, born in 1737, was a member of the Continental Congress and commissary general in the Revolutionary War. He died at Lebanon in 1778. Another son. Jonathan, born in 1740, was a distinguished soldier and aide-de- camp to Washington. He was afterward governor of Connecticut, The family has been one of the most distinguished in the history of this state. John Trumbull, another son, was the renowned painter whose "Battle of Bunker Hill," and "Death of Montgomery" brought him unceasing fame. His nephew, Joseph, was a congress- man and afterward governor of Connecticut. The family also in- cludes John Trumbull, the poet and author of "McFingal;" Rev. Benjamin Trumbull, author of the " History of Connecticut; " James Hammond Trumbull, the philologist; Henry Clay Trumbull, the leader in Sunday school work; ex-Senator Lyman Trumbull of Illinois, and Jonathan Trumbull, the prominent librarian of Norwich.
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The SEVENTEENTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT
was
MATTHEW GRISWOLD
A boy from the village of Lyme who with- out instructor or teacher developed his natural abilities and became one of the most prominent lawyers in Connecticut; be- ing elected its chief executive; elected presi- dent of a convention which ratified the Constitution of the United States; and honored by a degree from Yale College
MATT H E W
GRISWOLD
M ATTHEW Griswold was born in the town of Lyme on March 25, 1714. His ancestors were members of an old and reputable family who had lived in that part of Connecticut for many years. Griswold's education was about as meager as it was possible to make it, and the statement is made on good authority that the governor never received any public instruc- tion whatever. The natural abilities of the young man attracted attention, and his remarkably mature judgment at a tender age was the wonder of those who knew him. When he had reached the age of twenty-five years he began the study of law. He never had an instructor or teacher, but by very close and persistent application to the studies, he soon acquired a sufficient knowledge of the law to gain prompt admission to the bar. Entering upon the practice of his profession, he became an indefatigable worker, and soon rose to the prominence of an advocate, which he always enjoyed after- ward. Griswold was one of the most prominent lawyers of Con- necticut for many years, and his reputation as an able, faithful, and conscientious advocate was possibly never excelled by a man who educated himself.
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His first public office was that of king's attorney, which he held for some years, but his public career really commenced in 1751 when he was elected as a representative from Lyme to the General Assembly. He was returned every year until 1759, when he became a member of the council. In 1776 Griswold was chosen a judge of the Supreme Court, a position for which he was especially adapted as was demonstrated by his subsequent career on the bench. Three years later, in 1769, he was elected lieutenant governor of the colony and chief justice of the state.
Occupying the office of lieutenant governor for fifteen years, covering the entire period of the Revolutionary War, and being in close touch with Governor Trumbull, it is doubtful if a better suc- cessor to the famous "war governor " could have been found. He succeeded Trumbull as governor in 1784 and held the office for two years. In 1786, when he ceased to be governor, Griswold practically retired from public life. He only appeared in a public capacity once thereafter, and this was in 1788, when he acted as president of the convention which met at Hartford in January of that year for the purpose of ratifying the Constitution of the United States. Yale conferred the degree of LL. D. on Governor Griswold in 1779, and his distinguished ability was abundantly recognized in various ways. He died at his home in Lyme on April 28, 1799, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. One son, the Hon. Roger Griswold, was governor of Connecticut.
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An authority in commenting on the life and character of Governor Griswold writes as follows:
" But if we descend to the more private walks of life, and view his character as a private citizen, we shall find the social sweetly blended with the Christian virtues. He possessed a benevolent disposition which rendered his deportment truly engaging in all the domestic relations. Having a frank and an open heart he was sincere in all his professions of friendship, and consequently enjoyed the confidence and esteem of a numerous and extensive acquaintance. He was truly hospitable and abounded in acts of charity. The children of want he never sent hungry from his door, but, guided by a real sympathy, he fed the hungry, clothed the naked, and relieved the distressed."
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The
EIGHTEENTH GOVERNOR of
CONNECTICUT
was
SAMUEL HUNTINGTON
The son of a Windham farmer who first learned the cooper's trade and by industry became proficient in law, receiving distinc- tion at the bar, becoming a signer of the Declaration of Independence and passing through various political trusts to the gov- ernorship and finally to Congress where he was elected to the presidency of that body
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SAMUEL
HUNTINGTON
1 N many ways the career of Samuel Huntington, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was one of the most remarkable of any of our governors. The story of his life is that of a plow-boy, who, by his own exertions, became a great lawyer, president of Congress, chief justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court, and finally governor of his native state. It affords a brilliant example of what a man can do in attaining great honors through self-education.
Samuel Huntington was the son of a poor farmer living in Windham, but whose ancestors were from the town of Saybrook, where they were early settlers. He was born on July 2, 1731, and his early life was characterized by industrious habits, a great desire to work and to obtain knowledge. His father, a hard working farmer struggled to give his son the education he desired, but apprenticed him early in life to learn the cooper's trade. He also worked on the farm at odd times, and attended the district school irregularly. All his youthful energies were bent in one direction, and that object was the advancement of his mind. The numberless obstacles which present themselves to every poor boy were bravely
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brushed aside in his case. By unremitting study during his spare hours Huntington acquired a fairly good knowledge of Latin and several other studies, so that at the age of twenty-two he decided to study law.
With only borrowed books and no instructors whatever he set about the task with a grim determination that meant success. He was indefatigable in his labor, and in due time mastered the law sufficiently, so that he commenced the practice of his chosen pro- fession. Clients were plentiful, and he soon acquired so good a reputation that he decided to move to Norwich-a much larger field. This was in 1760, and his public career commenced soon afterward; for his uncommon ability was recognized at once, and honors heaped upon him.
In 1764 he was elected a representative from the town of Nor- wich to the General Assembly, and the following year was chosen a member of the governor's council. As king's attorney in 1765 he served with distinction; in 1774 he was appointed an associate judge of the Superior Court, and in 1775 a delegate from Con- necticut to the Continental Congress.
In Congress Huntington displayed his fine talents and his great learning to good effect. He was a zealous supporter and signer of the Declaration of Independence, and a man whose loyalty and patriotism was of the most sturdy type. Continued in Congress for about five consecutive terms, Huntington was a valued member,
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The Governors of Connecticut
highly esteemed by his colleagues. In 1779 he was honored by being elected president of Congress, then the highest office in the land. He held this position from September 28, 1779, to July 6, 1781, succeeding John Jay who had been appointed minister to Spain. In 1781 his health failed to such an extent that he retired from Congress, and his resignation was accepted with reluctance on July 6th of that year. In parting he received the unanimous thanks of Congress "in testimony of appreciation of his conduct in the chair and in the execution of public business."
Returning to Connecticut he resumed his duties in the governor's council and on the bench, having been continued in both offices during his congressional career. Two years later he returned to Congress and soon became actively engaged in its deliberations. He again retired during the same year and went to Norwich; but he was not destined to remain out of office long, for in 1784 he received the appointment as chief justice of the Supreme Court. During the same year he was elected lieutenant governor, and in 1786 was advanced to the office of governor. He held the position until his death, which occurred on January 5, 1796, at his home in Norwich. As governor of his native state, he displayed that superior judgment for which he was famous throughout his life.
As an instance of the repute in which Governor Huntington was held as a statesman may be noted the fact that each of the corporations of Yale and Dartmouth colleges, in 1787 and 1785
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The Governors of Connecticut
respectively, conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. A biographer has written: " He was a thoughtful man and talked but little-the expression of his mind and heart was put forth in his actions. He seemed to have a natural timidity, or modesty, which some mistook for the reserve of haughtiness; yet with those with whom he was familiar he was free and winning in his manner. As a devoted Christian and a true patriot he never swerved from his duty or looked back after he had placed his hand to the work." A nephew of the governor, adopted and educated by him, was governor of Ohio from 1808 to 1810, and one of the most prominent citizens of that state.
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The NINETEENTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT
was
OLIVER WOLCOTT
Born in Windsor and graduated from Yale College, he entered the army and became a military officer, marching his men to the northern frontier in the French and Indian War, thwarting the British by his heroic soldiery in the Revolution, serving his com- monwealth in Congress, becoming a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and the second member of the distinguished Wolcott family to occupy the office of governor
Oliver Wolcott
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OLIVER
WOLCOTT
O LIVER Wolcott, the second member of that famous family to occupy the office of governor, was a distinguished soldier, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and a member of Congress. He was the son of Governor Roger Wolcott, and was born in Windsor on November 20, 1726. Entering Yale
College in 1743 he was graduated in the class of 1747. Almost immediately after graduation the young man entered the army, received a captain's commission, and recruited a company at once. Marching his men to the northern frontier he took an active part in the French and Indian War which was then raging. The following year, 1748, the treaty of Aix-La-Chapelle was concluded, and as that put an end to further hostilities, Wolcott's services were no longer needed, so he returned to Connecticut.
As a proof of his great ability as a military officer may be instanced the fact that he left this state as a captain and returned a major general. He retired to private life at this time and began the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. Alexander Wolcott, a brother, and one of the celebrated practitioners of the day. Upon the completion of his studies Wolcott began to practice in Goshen, but soon received the appointment as sheriff of the recently organ-
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ized Litchfield County. In 1774 he was elected a member of the council and continued holding the office until 1786, notwithstand- ing the fact that he was, during the same period, a delegate to the Continental Congress, judge of the Litchfield County Court, and judge of probate for the district. He did excellent service also as a member of the commission on Indian affairs, appointed by the first Congress. Much of his time was devoted toward bringing about a satisfactory settlement between Pennsylvania and Connec- ticut over the Wyoming controversy.
General Wolcott first took his seat in the second Congress in January, 1776, and was in attendance throughout the famous debates over the Declaration of Independence. During this critical period he distinguished himself by upholding the cause of the col- onies with a spirit of lofty patriotism. He signed the Declaration of Independence and then returned to Connecticut, where his val- uable services were needed in the field. The governor placed him in command of a detachment of Connecticut militia embracing fourteen regiments raised for the defense of New York. He thoroughly organized these troops, divided them into brigades, and participated in the actions about New York; but returned to his home in Litchfield after the battle of Long Island had been fought. In November of that year he resumed his seat in Congress and was with that body when in December, 1776, Congress fled to Baltimore from Philadelphia on account of the occupation of the latter place by the British.
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The Governors of Connecticut
Having raised several thousand recruits during the summer of 1777, General Wolcott reinforced General Putnam on Hudson's river, and rendered valuable assistance to the latter officer. Dur- ing this period he was corresponding with leaders throughout the colonies on matters of military importance. In the fall he joined General Horatio Gates, in the northern department, and took an active part in the capture of Burgoyne's army in October of that year. During these operations General Wolcott was in command of a brigade.
Returning to Congress, which was then assembled at York, Pennsylvania, Wolcott resumed his seat in that body and remained until July, 1778.
When General Tryon began his expedition of plunder and devastation of Connecticut towns during the summer of 1779 Gen- eral Wolcott took command of a division of state militia and defended the southwestern coast in a successful manner. Fairfield and Norwalk were laid in ashes, and other towns plundered in a barbarous manner, but the heroic work of General Wolcott's com- mand thwarted many plans of the British.
In 1780 Wolcott was again elected a member of Congress, which office he held for the next four years, although he did not attend the sessions regularly. During these years his time was divided, attending to civil and military affairs in Connecticut. He also acted as an Indian agent during a portion of this period.
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The Governors of Connecticut
General Wolcott was one of the commissioners who settled terms of peace with the famous Six Nations, a tribe of Indians who lived in the western portion of New York, and had spread terror and desolation among the white inhabitants for years. In 1786 General Wolcott was chosen lieutenant governor of Connecticut, and was re-elected to this office every year until 1796, when he was chosen governor of his native state. He served one year and was then re-elected, but did not complete the term, as he died while in office on December 1, 1797, in the seventy-second year of his age.
Governor Wolcott's patriotism was of the highest type, and he was always looked upon by the leaders of the Revolution as a brave defender of the cause.
In 1776 Governor Wolcott's home in Litchfield was the scene of a famous episode which has been rehearsed many times. For a time one of the principal ornaments of lower New York, was an equestrian statue of George III. This was cast in lead and stood on Bowling Green where it attracted much attention. Exactly one week after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence this statue of King George was taken down and carried by night to the home of General Wolcott in Litchfield. Here a sort of celebra- tion was held and then the statue was cast into bullets, making 42,088 cartridges, which were used by the Continental soldiers.
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The historian of Litchfield pays this tribute to his public career : "He was singularly modest and even diffident in his inter-
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The Governors of Connecticut
course with men in the common walks of life. Those who best knew this gentlemen well knew that the highest trust was never improperly placed in him. He possessed a benevolent heart and was warm in his friendship; a firm friend to order; a promoter of peace; a lover of religion; and a tried, unshaken friend to the institution of the gospel. He was an indefatigable student, and neither wasted his time nor his words. His mind was clear and penetrating; his views of political subjects just and comprehensive ; his discernment of the wisest means to promote the best ends, ready and exact; and his acquaintance with science, particularly with theology, extensive. He had remarkable talent at investigation. He has left a name which is a sweet savor to his surviving friends; and a lively hope that he is enjoying the rewards of the faithful in immortal bliss."
Lossing says of Governor Wolcott: "As a patriot and states- man, a Christian and a man, Governor Wolcott presented a bright example; for inflexibility, virtue, piety, and integrity were his prominent characteristics."
A son, Oliver Wolcott, Jr., became secretary of the United States Treasury, and the first governor of Connecticut under the Constitution.
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The
TWENTIETH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT was the second JONATHAN TRUMBULL
A son of the famous " war governor" born in Lebanon, graduated from Harvard Col- lege, and a member of the General Assem- bly at the outbreak of the Revolution-He entered the conflict and was chosen private secretary and first aid to General Washing- ton, becoming second speaker of the House of Representatives, a member of the United States Senate, and governor of Connecticut for eleven consecutive years
Jona Trumbull
٠
JONATHAN
TRUMBULL, 2ND
T HE second Jonathan Trumbull was one of the governors of this commonwealth that acquired a national reputation. Born at Lebanon, on March 26, 1740, he was the second son of Jonathan Trumbull, the famous "war governor." He prepared for and entered Harvard College in 1755 at the age of fifteen years. While a college student he had a reputation for scholarly ability that followed him throughout his career.
When he was graduated with honors in 1759, a useful and patri- otic career was predicted by his friends. Settling in Lebanon, Trum- bull was soon elected a member of the General Assembly, and was in that body when the Revolutionary War opened. He immediately entered into the conflict with the same strong spirit of determination which characterized his life afterward. The Continental Congress appointed Trumbull paymaster-general of the northern department of the Colonial army under General Washington. This position he filled with such thorough satisfaction to the commander-in-chief, that in 1781 Trumbull was selected to succeed Alexander Hamilton as private secretary and first aid to Major General Washington. He held this honorable position until the close of the Revolution, when
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The Governors of Connecticut
he returned to Connecticut. Shortly after his return he was again elected to the General Assembly, and was twice made speaker of the House of Representatives. In 1789 he was elected as a Federalist to represent his district in Congress, and in that capacity he won distinction of a high order. Two years after his first election to Congress, Trumbull was chosen second speaker of the House of Representatives, succeeding the Honorable F. A. Muhlenburg of Pennsylvania. Trumbull continued in this office four years when he succeeded the Honorable Stephen Mix Mitchell of Wethersfield as United States Senator from Connecticut.
He was a member of the Senate only a short time as he resigned in 1796 to accept the office of lieutenant governor of Connecticut.
Trumbull left a reputation in Congress as an honorable and talented legislator. He was lieutenant governor two years and in 1798 succeeded General Wolcott as governor of Connecticut. Governor Trumbull was also chief judge of the Supreme Court of Errors, while holding the office of governor. He was governor of Connecticut for eleven consecutive years, the longest since his father's administration-a record that has not been equalled by any chief executive since that date.
Governor Trumbull died at his home in Lebanon on August 7, 1809, having reached the age of sixty-nine years. In Dr. Stanley Griswold's "Miscellaneous Sermons" is this tribute to Governor I28
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The Governors of Connecticut
Trumbull's accomplishments : "Genius, docility, and love of learn- ing appeared in early years. At fifteen admitted to Harvard, receiving its honors in 1759, he left the University with his charac- ter unblemished, respectable for science, and peculiarly amiable in manners."
Another writer says of him: "Governor Trumbull was a man of handsome talents, of very respectable acquirements, of amiable manner, and was distinguished for his social virtues. The confi- dence of his fellow citizens, which he so long enjoyed in a very eminent degree, affords the most satisfactory evidence of his talents and virtues."
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The TWENTY-FIRST GOVERNOR of
CONNECTICUT was JOHN TREADWELL
The son of a well-to-do mechanic in Farming- ton, he was graduated from Yale College, studied law, engaged in the mercantile busi- ness and later became a manufacturer-He became active in the struggle for freedom, entered politics and was elected to many executive honors, becoming the last of the Puritan governors of Connecticut and later a writer on theological subjects
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JOHN
TREADWELL
I OHN Treadwell was the last of the Puritan governors of Con- necticut, and in him we see blended for the last time the theologian and statesman. He was born at Farmington, November 23, 1745, and lived there all his life. His father was a well-to-do mechanic, and a stern Puritan, who told his son when he reached the age of sixteen that he could have one week in which to decide whether he would receive a college education. The future governor accepted the offer before the week had expired, and Rev. Timothy Pitkin, a son of Governor Pitkin, set about preparing the young man for college. In 1763, at the age of eighteen, Treadwell entered Yale where he gave particular attention to the classics. It is said that John Locke's "Essay on the Human Understanding," and Jonathan Edward's "Inquiry into the Freedom of the Will," were his favorite works. He was graduated from Yale in the class of 1767, and being heir to a considerable fortune he rejected the idea of pursuing a professional career, although he studied law with Judge Hosmer of Middletown. Soon after, Treadwell engaged in a mercantile business, hoping to increase his income but the result was an embarrassing failure.
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