Simon Larned, Sr

• Reference: FamilySearch Family Tree - SmartCopy: Feb 8 2017, 16:02:12 UTC

Simon Larned Sr. was a deacon, magistrate, and surveyor. He was also a storekeeper clerk of Larned's Store which was a well-known business center of Thompson located at the site of the "Revolutionary Elm" tree. Simon also served as Justice of the Peace and as an older man is said to have served with the Connecticut Militia during the Revolutionary War. Simon inherited the homestead of his father-in-law, Simon Bryant.

Simon married on March 13, 1746, Rebekah Merills, born Jan. 31, 1718, dau. of Nathaniel and Mary (Belknap)Merrils, of Killingly, formerly of Haverhill. She died Dec. 1, 1802. Simon inherited the homestead of his grandfather, Simon Bryant, the first farm occupied in Killingly, laid out by Richard Evans in 1693, on land purchased from Rev. James Pierpont, of New Haven. It passed from Simon Larned to his son, Thaddeus.

Simon was admitted to full communion, Jan. 4. 1747; was chosen deacon of the church, Oct. 8, 1754 ; was clerk from 1769 to 1789, and was several years a magistrate in Killingly; greatly respected and beloved by his fellow citizens. He presided at the meeting held to organize the town of Thompson, June 21. 1785. Thompson held its first town meeting "at the Rev. Mr. Russel's meeting house," on Thompson hill. Deacon Simon Larned, oldest justice and most honored citizen of the new town, was appointed by assembly to preside at the meeting and lead its inhabitants to the choice of moderator and clerk. (Miss Larned's History of Windham, vol. ii, p. 343.) Simon died Sept, 1, 1807.

1807 Obituary; At Thompson (Con.) in the 87th year of his age, Simon Larned, Esq, venerable from age, but much more for his unaffected piety, and truly Christian deportment in every station, whether as a civil officer, a Christian, a husband or a parent. Firmly attached to the liberties of his Country; he was a zealous supporter of the principles of Washington, and the steady habits of his native State. His exit bore a striking resemblance in that calm serenity which so strongly characterized his whole life. He retired to bed in apparent health, and was found dead the next morning.* Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Mar 15 2022, 20:21:23 UTC