Lieut. John Catlin, Sr.

Photo Ref. findagrave.com, John Catlin, West Cemetery, Litchfield CT

The following is info provided by Gary R. Catlin based on research he conducted for the book, "The Catlins Remembered" New York (2011):

John Catlin born on October 20, 1703 in Hartford. While still a relatively young man of 23, he left Hartford to become one of the earliest settlers of Litchfield, Connecticut. The town of Litchfield was founded in 1723. John Catlin's earliest land purchase of 60 acres dates to 1726. From his land records, it is clear he became a considerable land owner and bought and sold many acres of land. Among one of his more interesting land sales is a one acre lot sold for eight pounds to Hatchatouset, and Indian. John, having established himself along the Connecticut frontier, started a family.

On August 25, 1731, John Catlin and Margaret Seymour were married by Nathaniel Stanley in Litchfield, Connecticut. The couple was fruitful and they had a total of nine children: John Jr. (born July 30, 1732), Eli (born Jan. 22, 1733(34), Theodore (born Oct. 16, 1735), Alexander (born Jan. 6, 1738/39), Margaret (born Nov. 4, 1741, Ann (born Oct. 12, 1743), Ashbel (born Sep. 10, 1745), David (born Apr. 21, 1747), and Roswell (born July 30, 1752).

Even before his death, he had given a total of 220 acres of land to three of his sons (John Jr., Theodore, and Eli). He appears to have benefited and grown rich from land speculation during his years at Litchfield. A review of his land purchases and sales between 1726 to the 1750's reveals that his land, either bought or sold, fluctuated between less than a pound an acre to 43 pounds an acre. While it would take this chronicler more time than he cares to determine if John Catlin actually made a healthy profit from his land sales and purchases, a review of his 1768 will leaves little doubt of his prosperity. John Catlin was also an active member of his community.

John Catlin started his civic duties as a grand juror in 1731 serving for four years. Then in 1744 he was chosen a selectman for the town, a post he held for five years. In 1749, he was chosen as constable for five years, and during this same year, he was appointed ensign of the 2nd Company of Trainband in Litchfield. John Catlin, a man who could clearly carry out simultaneous duties, also performed the role of Lister in 1752, a post he held for the next three years. In his role as Lister, John Catlin performed duties similar to a modern day tax assessor. In the same year he was chosen as Lister, at the age of 49, he was promoted to the commissioned rank of lieutenant of Second Company of Trainband in Litchfield.

On Christmas day 1768, John Catlin died and was buried in the West Burying Ground in Litchfield.

The following is a transcription of the Last Will and Testament of John Catlin of Litchfield Conn. The transcription was done by Gary R. Catlin in 2007 from a copy of an original provided by the Huguenot Historical Society Library Archives, 88 Huguenot Street, New Paltz, New York 12561 and a copy of the original will is recorded in the Town of Litchfield, Connecticut in their probate records. (The copies are written in the English of the Day.

At a Court of Probate (holden?) at Litchfield in and for the District of Litchfield March 7th Day AD 1769.

Present Ebenezer March - Judge

At this Court was exhibited the last Will and Testament of Mr. John Catlin late of Litchfield in said district deceased by the Executor named (?) will who before this court accepted the trust thereof said will being proved by the witnesses there to is by this Court approved and ordered to be recorded and kept on file.

John Catlin's Will

In the name of God, Amen. I John Catling of Litchfield in Litchfield County in the Colony of Connecticut in New England being of sound mind and perfect memory do institute and appoint this my last will and testament hereby revoking and disannulling all former wills whatever as made by me.

Imprimus, I bequeath my soul into the hands of God who gave it humbly recommending it to mesne(looks like mezey in both documents) through the atoning blood of Christ and my body to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executors thereafter mentioned. And as to my worldly estate with which God hath been graciously pleased to bless me I dispose thereof in the following manner viz:

First, to my beloved wife Margaret, I give the improvement of one third part of my house, barn, orchard, and home lot during her natural life. I also give her two cows, one yoke of oxen and all my household goods to be hers forever.

Second, to my beloved sons, John, Eli, and Theodore in addition to what I have heretofore given them I hereby give them five shillings lawful money to each to be paid in three months after my decease.

Third, to my beloved son Alexander, I give him a certain piece of land bounded North and East upon land belonging to Lynde Lord west upon land belonging to the heirs of Joel Bissell south upon Alexander's land.

Fourth, as to my beloved son Ashbel I give to him my house, barn, and home lot excepting ten acres at the North End, the improvement of two thirds thereof during the life of my wife and after her death the whole excepting (?) above excepted and the one half of my lot called Colver Lot, and also one half of my lot, called Seymour Lot, I give to my son Ashbel. Also I give to my son Ashbel and acre and an half of land lying south of my house only across the highway, my cart, plough, harrow, crow bar, all my plough irons, chains and yokes, I give to my son Ashbel.

Fifth, to my beloved son David I give my house and barn and land in Goshen which I bought of Sam Shelly lying in the south part of Goshen one piece bounded south upon land belonging to Capt. Jonathon Buell and the other piece bounded south upon land belonging to Isaac Pratt (?).

Sixth, to my beloved son Roswell I give ten acres of land off from the north end of my home lot, his mother improving one third part during her life. I also give him the one half of the before mentioned Seymour and Colver lots.

To my beloved daughter Margaret Buell and Anne Washams, I give one hundred acre lot of land being the 12th lot in the west (Tire or Town?) in Litchfield.

And I have about twelve acres of land bounded north and west upon land belonging to Roswell Kilborn south upon highway and (?) which land I give to my beloved sons Ashbel and Roswell to be equally divided between them. I further give to my son Asbel all my remaining livestock of cattle horses and c. be paying all my just debts.

And I do hereby appoint my beloved wife, Margaret and my son Ashbel executors of this my last will and testament. Dated at Litchfield this 17th day of December in the year of our Lord 1768.

Signed, sealed and Delivered in the presence of Judah Champion John Catlin (Seal) Uriah Catlin Gideon Rudd

Recorded March 7, 1769 Recorded by (?) Baldwin - Clerk

(Notorized or Month?) 7th Day AD 1776 ___A true Copy Lest___Sam Lyman - Clerk _______________________________________________________________________________