The Founders of Hartford
Clement Chaplin (Chaplain), b. ab. 1587 ; son of William Chaplin, of Semer, Co. Essex; was a chandler in Bury
St. Edmunds, Co. Suffolk; embarked in the “Elizabeth & Ann,” from London, April, 1635, aged 48;
freeman, Mass., March 3, 1635-6 ; deputy, May, 1636. An original proprietor at Hartford, and his home-lot, in 1639-40,
was on the east aide of the main street, south of the Meeting-House Yard, now Central Row. He did not settle here, and
his allotment of land was declared forfeited, Jan. 10, 1639-40, and Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Wells, Mr. Talcott, and Wm.
Spencer were desired to deal with Mr. Chaplin about his lands. He had been treasurer of the colony in 1638, settled
in Wethersfield; deputy from there, 1643-4. His wife was Sarah Hinds, dau. of a goldsmith in Bury St. Edmunds. He
returned to England after 1646, and his will is in the Registry of Probate, London. There, he is called of Thetford,
Co. Norfolk, clerk ; gives to his wife, Sarah, “Houses and lards lying and being in Harford and Wethersfield,
in New England;” mentions his brother, “Mr. William Chaplains, of Bury St. Edmunds, and his kinsman, Mr.
William Clarke, of Rocksbury, in New England;” proved 1656. His widow sold land in Hartford to Mr. Henry Wolcott.
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