Thomas Hanchett, Immigrant

Thomas is another mystery ancestor.  We know nothing of his ancestry although there are various theories. He was probably born about 1620, and probably in England, but right now that is as close as we can come to an origin for him, We know nothing of him until we find him being granted a house lot in Wethersfield, Connecticut on February 28, 1647.  This was shortly before he married Deliverance Langton, daughter of George Langton on September 22, 1647.  The marriage may have occurred in Springfield, Massachusetts Bay Colony, but there seems to be no record available. 

Thomas and Deliverance had four children, probably all born in Wethersfield, Thomas, John, Deliverance and Hannah.  The granting of the house lot may indicate that Thomas was already a settler there, since the town was founded about 1637, or it may indicate that the town wanted him there for some reason, such as a skill or trade he might have had.  I've found no record that indicates an occupation for Thomas. 

In 1660, the family moved to Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts Boy Colony, where they lived on land granted them by Deliverance's father.  Thomas took the oath of fidelity there, and was made a freeman in 1661, giving him the right to vote and hold office.  The Hanchetts stayed in Northampton until about 1679, when they moved to Suffield, where Thomas was a founder.  One source says that Hanchett also lived at New London, Connecticut and Westfield, Massachusetts.  If this is accurate, then we have to wonder about Thomas.  Was he difficult to get along with, did he have religious misgivings, or did he simply have a trade, such as millwright or home builder, that encouraged him to go where the new villages were forming?  I hope to find more information about this.

Thomas is given the title of deacon in his death record.  He served in that capacity at both Northampton and at Suffield.  His Wikitree profile shows Thomas's signature, which is the only indication we have of a possible educational level. 

Thomas died June 11, 1686 but so far I have not located a will or estate papers.  Deliverance married Jonathan  Burt that same year, and lived until 1711. 

I'm hoping that a book about Thomas Hanchett will appear under the Christmas tree and perhaps after I read it I will have a better understanding of his life.  We know, however, that he was one of those who chose to come to America, that he lived in frontier towns in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and that whatever he did for a living, he helped build our country. 

The line of descent is: 

Thomas Hanchett-Deliverance Langton
John Hanchett-Esther Pritchard
John Hanchett-Lydia Hayward
Hannah Hanchett-John Stannard
Libbeus Stannard-Eunice Pomeroy
Libbeus Stanard-Luceba Fay
Hiram Stanard-Susan Eddy
Louis Stanard-Mary Alice Hetrick
Etta Stanard-Loren Holbrook
Gladys Holbrook-Richard Allen
Their descendants