The Hitchcock Family of Cheshire, Connecticut: Revolutionary Service, Civic Leadership, and an Enduring Local Legacy
Richard Reggie Smith Research/Editor Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) 4.0
The Hitchcock family stands among the earliest and most influential lineages in Cheshire, Connecticut, with roots extending back to the 17th century. Prior to Cheshire’s incorporation in 1780, the area formed part of Wallingford, Connecticut, where early Hitchcock settlers established farms, trades, and civic roles that would shape the community for generations. Most present-day Hitchcock families in the 06410 area trace their ancestry to Matthias Hitchcock, who immigrated to the New Haven Colony in 1639 during the Puritan Great Migration. By the time of the American Revolution, the family had become firmly embedded in the social, economic, and political fabric of the region.
Revolutionary War Service and Military Contributions
The Revolutionary War marked a period of significant involvement for the Hitchcock family, with multiple members serving in both the Continental Army and local militia units. Their service reflects the broader participation of Connecticut families in sustaining the Patriot cause.
Captain David Hitchcock (1751–1829) is among the most prominent figures. He served as a First Lieutenant in the 10th Continental Regiment under Colonel Samuel Parsons in 1776, taking part in the defense of New York, including the Battle of Long Island. This campaign, though strategically difficult for the Continental Army, was critical in preserving the army’s continuity. David Hitchcock later rose to the rank of Captain in the Connecticut militia. His name is preserved on the Revolutionary Soldiers Memorial Plaque at Hillside Cemetery, where several members of the family are buried.
Amasa Hitchcock (1739–1827) served as a Second Lieutenant in the Cheshire militia in 1777. His role was primarily focused on local defense and readiness, a crucial function in a region that supported Continental operations through supply and reinforcement. His service is well documented in genealogical and lineage records, including those recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Other members contributed through enlistment and reserve service. Valentine Hitchcock (1758–1809) served as a private in Captain Bunnell’s Company, part of the 5th Battalion under Colonel William Douglas. His unit was mobilized in June 1776 to reinforce General George Washington’s army in New York, participating in engagements such as Kip’s Bay and White Plains. Benjamin Hitchcock II (1724–1792), though older during the conflict, registered for military duty in 1778, likely serving in a home defense capacity through Connecticut’s “Alarm List,” which ensured rapid local mobilization in times of threat.
Taken together, these records illustrate that the Hitchcock family’s military contributions were both direct and supportive, spanning front-line engagements and essential local defense roles.
Civic Leadership and Wartime Governance
Beyond military service, the Hitchcock family played a significant role in sustaining the civil infrastructure necessary for wartime operations. In 18th-century New England towns, governance and military readiness were closely intertwined, and the Hitchcocks were active participants in both spheres.
Captain Amos Hitchcock (1724–1791), a veteran of the French and Indian War, served as Town Clerk and as an appraiser during the Revolutionary period. His administrative work included maintaining records, managing property assessments, and supporting the logistical needs of a town contributing supplies and manpower to the war effort.
Eliakim Hitchcock (1726–1788), a respected silversmith, was a charter member of the Second Company of the Governor’s Foot Guard in 1774. His membership in this elite unit reflects both social standing and political alignment with the Patriot cause in the years leading up to open conflict.
Following the war, Rufus Hitchcock (1760–1832) emerged as a central figure in Cheshire’s civic life. He served as a merchant, militia officer, justice of the peace, and town representative, contributing to the stabilization and growth of the community in the postwar period. His detailed personal records, including construction accounts and civic documents, provide valuable insight into the economic and social conditions of early Cheshire.
The Hitchcock-Phillips House: A Living Historical Resource
One of the most tangible connections to the Hitchcock family’s legacy is the Hitchcock-Phillips House, constructed by Rufus Hitchcock in 1785. Built shortly after the conclusion of the Revolutionary War, the house is a well-preserved example of Georgian-style architecture and reflects both the aspirations and resources of its builder.
Rufus constructed the home at the age of 25, meticulously recording the cost and materials used, including thousands of clapboards, shingles, and hand-forged nails. The structure originally featured a symmetrical façade, multiple fireplaces, and finely crafted interior woodwork, elements characteristic of late 18th-century New England homes.
Over time, the house evolved along with the family. Additions in the early 19th century accommodated Rufus’s growing household, including a west wing built around 1820. The property passed through several generations of the Hitchcock family and their descendants, including connections to the Clark and Phillips families, before eventually leaving direct family ownership in the early 20th century.
Today, the house serves as the headquarters of the Cheshire Historical Society, which has occupied the building since the 1970s. The Society maintains the structure as both a музей space and an educational resource. Visitors can view period furnishings, archival documents, and artifacts that illustrate not only the history of the Hitchcock family but also the broader development of Cheshire.
The house functions as more than a static exhibit. It hosts lectures, community events, and rotating exhibits that explore themes such as colonial life, Revolutionary War history, and local genealogy. Docent-led tours provide detailed interpretations of the building’s architectural features, including its fireplaces, original doors with “bull’s-eye” glass, and evolving floor plan.
In addition, the site serves as a research hub for those interested in local history. The Society’s collections include manuscripts, photographs, and genealogical records that help contextualize families like the Hitchcock's within the broader narrative of New England settlement and development.
Hillside Cemetery and Community Memory
Continuity and Modern Relevance
The Hitchcock family’s legacy continues into the present through both descendants and institutions that preserve their history. The continued operation of the Cheshire Historical Society within the Hitchcock-Phillips House ensures that the family’s contributions remain accessible to the public.
Modern historical interpretation has expanded beyond simple commemoration to include deeper analysis of daily life, economic networks, and community relationships in early Cheshire. The Hitchcock story, when viewed through surviving records and structures, offers insight into how families navigated the transition from colonial settlement to independent nationhood.
Conclusion
From their origins in the New Haven Colony to their active roles in the American Revolution and beyond, the Hitchcock family exemplifies the interconnected roles of military service, civic responsibility, and community development in early American history. Their contributions are preserved not only in written records but also in the physical landscape of Cheshire itself.
Through sites like the Hitchcock-Phillips House and Hillside Cemetery, the family’s legacy remains visible and relevant, providing a direct link between the town’s 18th-century origins and its present-day identity.
A video made with Mary Ellen Kania and Richard "Reggie" Smith
Richard Reggie Smith Research/Editor Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) 4.0
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