Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography, genealogical-memorial ...

ness of mind, qualities which, backed as
they were by great wealth for those days,
gave him a dominating influence in the
community in which he lived, as well as
in the other portions of the State.
Brought up in the rigid school of Puritan
doctrines and manner of life, his iron will
governed his domestic affairs with a
sternness which permitted of no infrac-
tions either of economy, or relaxation of
industry." He represented Wethersfield
in the General Assembly in May and Oc-
tober, 1780, May, 1872, October, 1783,
and May, 1789. He was a man of quick
wit and possessed a keen sense of humor.
He had the courage of his convictions
and was a forceful orator, recognized as
one of the leaders of the Legislature. He,
like most men of prominence in those
days, extended hospitality to passing
travellers, which probably explains the
statement that "he kept a tavern." He
owned negro slaves, and "was one of the
wealthiest men in the State." Captain
Robbins married (first) Martha, the
daughter of Captain Jacob Williams, Sr.
She died June 10, 1770, in her fifty-fifth
year. Captain Robbins, whose military
title was gained by meritorious service
during the Revolutionary War, died May
31, 1798.
His father, Richard Robbins, was born
in 1687, and
He married,
died February 7, 1738-39.
January 11, 1710-11, Martha,
the daughter of Sergeant John and
Elizabeth (Wright) Curtis. She died on
August 21, 1753, in her sixty-third year.
His father, Sergeant John Robbins,
was born in 1649, died July 10, 1689;
married, April 24, 1675, Mary, who was
born February 4, 1644, and died May 19,
1721, daughter of Samuel and Mary
(Belts) Boardman. John Robbins was
deputy to the General Court in May,
1687.
His father, "John Robins, gentleman,"
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
127
appears on the records of the Wethersfield
settlement as early as 1638, though it was
quite possible that he was a resident of
the town prior to that. He is recorded
as a townsman in 1652
; was member of
the General Court in 1653, 1656, 1657 and
1659; died June 27, 1660. He was a
man of means and high social position,
and tradition has it that his wife Mary
was the daughter of Governor Thomas
and Elizabeth Welles, but it would seem
more probable that she was a sister of
Governor Welles.
(The Goodrich Line).
Caroline Louisa (Goodrich) Griswold,
wife of Albert Griswold, was born on November
1, 1831. Her father, William Good-
rich, was born July 4, 1791
Whitmore in 1813; died April 28, 1864.
His father, William Goodrich, was
; married Sally
born October 23, 1760; died July 4, 1837.
He married, January 1, 1790, Mehitable
Wilkeson, and resided in Rocky Hill.
His father, Ephraim Goodrich, was
born September 29, 1722, and died March
13, 1771. He married, November 17,
1748, Rebecca Goodrich, taking up residence
in Wethersfield. She died April
23, 1805, in her seventy-seventh year.
Ephraim Goodrich lived to exceed the
century, his death not coming until April
25, 1826.
His father, Ephraim Goodrich, was
born December 21, 1693, an ^ died August
12, 1771. Resided in Glastonbury, and
married, on July 10, 1715, Hannah, born
March 18, 1697, daughter of James and
Hannah (Welles) Steele.
His father, Captain Ephraim Goodrich,
was born June 12, 1663. His first wife,
whom he married on May 20, 1684, and
who died on January 26, 1712, in her fortieth
year, was Sarah, daughter of Major
Richard and Sarah (Coleman) Treat.
His father, Ensign William Goodrich,