The Founders of Hartford
Elder William Goodwin sailed from London in the ship “Lion,” June 22, 1632, with Olmstead,
Talcott, etc. ; arrived in New England, Sept. 16, 1632; freeman, Mass., Nov. 6, 1632; deputy from Newtown, May 14,
1634; came to Hartford prob. in 1636, and was au original proprietor; his home-lot was on Main St., extending from
the present Wadsworth St. to Arch St. He was a man of great influence in Church and State, and prominent in all the
early transactions of the Hartford Settlement; he purchased large tracts of land up the river, and was one of the
agents of the town employed to purchase Farmington from the Indians. Gov. Hopkins appointed him one of the trustees of
his will, and he therefore was one of those who bad charge of establishing the Hopkins Grammar School. He was an
ardent friend of Hooker, but after his death was deeply involved in the great dissension in the church at Hartford,
and after Several years of controversy “the Withdrawers,” as they were called, under the leadership of
Goodwin and Gov. John Webster, removed to Hadley in 1659. He was Ruling Elder of the church there, and remained there
about ten years, then removed to Farmington, where be d. March 11, 1673. His widow, Susanna d. in Farmington, May 17,
1676. - Ch.: i. Elizabeth, m. John Crow, of Hartford and Hadley (q. v.).
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