William Chesebrough

A settlement disputed by its neighbours

When William Chesebrough settled at Wequetequock, now part of Stonington in southeastern Connecticut, in 1649, his choice of a home created a jurisdictional dispute. Connecticut summoned him to explain his position and answer concerns about trading with Native people. According to Richard Anson Wheeler's history, Chesebrough initially resisted the summons because he believed the place lay under Massachusetts authority. His eventual appearance in March 1651 turned a household's relocation into a negotiation over settlement, trade and government.

Born in England in 1594, Chesebrough married Anna Stevenson at St Botolph's in Boston, Lincolnshire, England, in December 1620. They emigrated in 1630. His early New England years included Boston in Massachusetts, where he became a freeman and served as constable, followed by Braintree and Rehoboth, also in present-day Massachusetts. Four sons—Samuel, Nathaniel, John and Elisha—belong to the family's surviving migration history.

Wheeler's account describes a visit to the Pequot country before the final move. Chesebrough chose Wequetequock rather than remaining close to New London's centre. At the Connecticut hearing, he denied unlawful trading and promised to attract additional settlers. The resulting arrangements involved a bond and a commitment to provide names of prospective neighbours. His right to stay was tied to the formation of a larger English settlement.

A further problem concerned New London's authority to grant him land. Its existing bounds did not reach far enough. Connecticut extended the jurisdiction toward the Pawcatuck River, and the grant was confirmed in January 1652. These steps show why a simple statement that Chesebrough “founded Stonington” leaves out much of the work and disagreement involved.

The settlers subsequently sought a separate town organization. New London opposed their 1654 petition. Distance also affected worship: Wheeler describes a journey of about twelve miles and two river crossings to attend the existing church. The effort to organize a local community was therefore connected to practical travel as well as political control.

Chesebrough died on June 9, 1667. His settlement took place in an already inhabited Native landscape, and the colonial negotiations concerned English claims to authority over it.

The family history gives the wedding day as December 15, 1620 and identifies the Arbella as the ship on which he migrated. It dates his freemanship to 1631 and records Connecticut legislative service during the 1650s.

The burial listing places William Chesebrough at Wequetequock Burial Ground, Stonington, New London County, Connecticut, United States.