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Original Hart Records

This information is from "One Bassett Family in America"

The book, "One Bassett Family in America with All connections in America and many in Great Britain and France," by Buell Burdett Bassette (1926) is subtitled "Principally an Outline of What the Ancestors did to help make America, mainly from original records heretofore unpublished." It contains quotes from many original records that mention Deacon Stephen Hart, his son Capt. Thomas, and his grandson, Deacon Thomas, and great grandson Dea. and Capt. Elijah. I have reproduced some of this information here.

The following information is found beginning on page 384. The records where each note was found are abbreviated and I do not have a key to these abbreviations. Many of them can be guessed though, for example: "L R" = land records, "M B C" = Massachussetts Bay Colony records, etc.

Dea. Stephen Hart

1632/3, Jan'y 7. Vol. I, p 1 P R, Newtown, Mass. (First name for Cambridge): "Comon Pales devided, as ffollo-." Such is the heading of the paling agreement made and signed by 42 original settlers of Newtown. In the agreement Steben Hart is assigned 8 Rod, the total assigned being 577 rods. This is the first known record we have of Stephen Hart. It is claimed by authorities that he was deacon of Thomas Hooker's Church while here, same as he was later in Hartford; but, while this is probable, he is not so recorded in either town so far as I can find. Later in Farmington he rates as first deacon.

1633, Aug. 5. Vol. I, p 1 T V: Here twenty eight citizens are listed under the head, "Lotts Granted for Cowyards." The entries read this way: "Steph Hart ½ akr; William lewis ½ akr."

1633/4,Feb'y 2. P 2 Do: "It is Agreed that the planting ground in the necke of land shalbe thuse devided: Stephen Hart 2 Ackrs; George Steele 2 acres for wch ground they are to make paleinge for every Ackr . . . . rayld six foote above ground . . . . before the 1 of Aprill next or pay" . . . .

1634, May 14. Vol. I, p 79 M B C: Stephen Hart was today made a freeman of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

1635, Aug. 20. Vol. I, p 14 T V: "Att a Gennerall Meeting of the whole Towne," a division of Fresh Pond meadow was ordered "accordinge to every mans severall proportion". Among others are: "Stephen Hart 2; Tho scott 4; John Steele 2."

1635, 5th of O. Vol. I, p 18 L R: "Steven hart, In the Towne, one house with back side aboute one roode, Nathaniel Richards South East, Joseph Reading one North east, Crooked street North West, Longe street South west . . . . Moore In ould field about two ackers and halfe . . . . Moore In the necke aboute seven ackers one roode . . . . Moore In the Great marsh aboute six ackers . . . ." The house lot above described is lot No. 46 on the first map of the town as shown in the Cambridge History. The Hart family had occupied this house probably for two and one half years, but only now make record of it to give better title to the contemplated sale which, according to the following record, is made just three days later. Though the sale was made they continued no doubt to occupy the premises until the caravan was ready to start for Hartford the next summer.

1635, Oct. 8. P 42 Do: "Knowen unto all me by theis prsents that I Steven Hearte of Newtown for & inconsidderacon of a some of monie . . . . have sold unto Joseph and George Cooke my dwelling house in Newtowne with the yardes & all the sev'l p'cells of lande and meadows . . . . for ever . . . . In witness wherof the sd Steven Hearte and his wife have set their handes . . . ."

1635/6, Feb’y 8. VoL I, p 6 T V: "It Is further ordered that the ground lyeinge between Charls Towne path and the Comon Pales foremerly aponted to be measurd as also the Remaynder by Watertowne shalbee thuse devided." Our ancestors in this division are as follows: "To William lewIs 2 Ackrs; to Stephen Hart 2 Ackrs; to Tho Scott 3 Ackrs."

1636, June 1. P 25 Stanley Cen (1887): On the first of June the Hooker Company, about one hundred strong, is ready to shake the dust of Massachusetts and try life over again in the freer air of the Connecticut wilderness. Stephen Hart, with wife and four or five children, are in all probability members of this party. It is unfortunate that no list of the hundred members of the party has come down to us to clear up all doubt in the matter.

1637, May 10. VoL 1, p199 Dist, Hartford: That Stephen Hart was one of the 90 white men and 70 Indians who sail forth today to attack the mischievous and murderous Pequots is evidenced by the fact that he was given a lot in "soldier’s field". No roster of the 90 men exists and only by the means of the soldier lots can a few of the men be established. Stephen Hart sold his lot to Wm. Wadsworth as per this reference.

1639/40, Jan’y 3. VoL I, p A, L R, Hartford: One hundred and twenty one people are here listed under the head "The Names of such Inhabitants as have right In undivided Lands." The 23rd name is Stephen Hart with 40 acres apportioned to him out of a total of 3,281 acres. This proportion remained in his title as an original proprietor for a generation or more. The highest proportion, held by Gov. John Haynes, was 160 acres. The following item gives a condensed statement of Stephen Hart’s land holdings in Hartford at this time. The house lot as described in the first paragraph was on the river bank on the West side of the road to the Neck, now Front street, near where Morgan street crosses it. Location may be seen on the early map of the town in the Hartford History. These original holdings entitle him to his place of honor on the Founders Monument back of the First Church, this monument being erected about 1846.

1639/40, Feb’y. P 201 Do: "Severall parcells of land in Hertford upon the river of Conecticott belongings to Stephen Hart & to his Heires forever, viz: One parcell on which his dwellinge house now standeth wth other outhouses, yards & gardens therein being contayninge by estimacon two acres (more or lease) abuting upon Willm Kelsyes land on the East & on Zachary fields, & on Thom: Roots, Samuel Hales, Benj: Muns & Benj: Bur land on the South & on Mathew Marvens land on the West & toward the North." Each of the following parcels are described by a special paragraph similar to above in style: "One parcell of 2 acres on which a dwelling now stands . . . . one parcell of 2 acres on which dwelling. oncestood. . . . one parcell of 3 roods in little meadow. . . one parcell of 3 acres in North meadow . . . . one parcell of 3 acres on East Side Great River . . . . one parcell of 16 acres in old oxpasture . . . . one parcell of 11 acres in the Cowpasture . . . . one parcell of 20 acres in North Meadow. . . . one parcell of 4 acres in the Neck. . . . one parcell of 1 acres in the neck . . . . one parcell of 3 acres in North Meadow . . . ."

1640, June 15. VoL I, p 45 C C: "The prtlculer Courte is to conclude the conditions for the planting of Tunxis." The committee sent to investigate in January had reported favorably and before this summer was over settlers began to take up land there and before another year some had settled there. Rev. W. S. Porter names Stephen Hart as one of the twenty original proprietors and settlers of Farmington. The Harts had been from three to four years in both Cambridge and Hartford, but now they settle for a lifetime in the rich valley of the Tunxis. Camp says Stephen Hart was one of the leading pioneers of the place if not the inspirer of the project. His homestead plot was four or five times larger than any other house lot, being 15 acres. It was on the west side of Main street, near the centre; and directly opposite his homestead the plot for the meeting house was reserved. It extended from what was known as Mill Lane on the North to the present stone store on the South and from Main street West to the river. Miss Porter’s school stands now on the south end thereof. These lots and lands have continued to be in some respects the most desirable and valuable of any in the old town of Farmington.
  In consideration of holding so large a house-lot he was to erect and maintain a mill. He also owned large tracts of land in other parts of the town, one of these being in "Great Swamp," Kensington. "He was one of the foremost men in the new settlement, one of the first representatives to the General Court at Hartford in 1647, was active in securing the organization of the Church in 1652, was one of the seven pillars, his name standing next to that of the pastor, Mr. Newton, and he was appointed first deacon. His influence both in civil and religious matters was quite extensive for the times. No family name seems to have been borne by a greater number of the early inhabitants of the original parishes of Kensington, New Britain, and Worthington than that of Hart. All or nearly all of the early families having that surname were descendants of Stephen Hart." It is unfortunate that the town minute record of elections at Farmington up to about 1680 have been burned or lost. We can never know therefor what town offices Steven Hart held. As Church pillar and head deacon, head miller, and leading promoter, he no doubt had and carried well his share of offices and duties.

1647, May 20. VoL I, p 162 C C: Steven Hart was elected deputy to the General Court for Farmington, and was re-elected each year up to May 17, 1655, attending in person during the interval 31 sessions of the Court held at Hartford. He was again elected deputy on May 17, 1660.

1647, May 24. P 161 Do: Steven Hart served on the General Court jury of twelve men. They apparently settled but one case as follows, but note that it was a big one: "In the ac. of Mria Willis pl. agt. Francis Styles deft, (Mr. Roceter appeared for Mr. Styles), the Jury find for the pL £340 damages & costs of Court."

1650, ApL 9. VoL I, p 3 L R: "A discovery in Righting of sutch agrements as were made by the majistrates with the Indians of tunckses concerning the Lands & sutch things In Reference therunto as tend to setle peace In a way of truth and Righteousness betwixt the Inglish & them." Then follow six paragraphs on peace. Jo: Haynes signs for the Colony and Pethus and Ahamo for the Indians. Signed in the presence of Stephen Hart, Thomas Judd, Thomas Thomson, Isack Moore, Thomas Stanton, Roger Newton. This was an effective treaty, for war was never declared by or against the Tunxis Indians.

1650/1, Feb’y 20. VoL II, p 17 C C: "At a Particular Courte in Hartford upon the Tryall of John Carrington and his wife," Steph: Hart was one of the jury, as also our Will: Lewis and Edw: Griswold. Our Mr. Welles was a majistrate. Under the Welles’ history we discuss the subject of witchcraft, which should be consulted to understand our country’s small share in this world delusion. Here is the record:
  "Indightment: John Carrington, thou art indighted by the name of John Carrington of Wethersfleld, Carpenter, that not having the Fear of God before thine eyes, thou hast Intertained familiarity with Sattan, the Great Enemy of God and Mankind, and by his help has done works above the Course of nature, for wch, both according to the Laws of God and the Established Laws of This Commonwealth, thou deservest to Dye.
  "The Jury finds this Inditem against John Carrington the 6th of March 1650/1. Att the same Court, Time and Place was found an Indightment also against Joanne Carrington, wife of John Carrington, with the same Verdict"

1650/1, febu. Vol. II, p52 L. R: "Land in fermingtun belonging to Stephen Hartt & to his haiers for ever, viz: one p’sell for a house lott on which his dwelling house now standeth with other out houses, yeardes, gardens & other inclosers thearein being Contain by estama fifteene acres Abutting on the River on the west & on the highway on the East & on Thomas Porters Land on the South & on Thomas Upsuns Land on the North." Two other parcells were: "One p’seIl Lying in the Lower meadow of 120 acres which he bought of William pantre on the River on the East," and "one p’sell on which a mill standeth with a swamp a Joyning to it in which the mill watter cometh & Containeth all the Land yt the Contre gave to John Bronson theare, exsept his house Lott, & a butteth on the Common Land & on the highway Leadding to the Mill"

1652, May 18. VoL II, p 33 C C: Stephen Hart and Thomas Judd testifled to the last will of David Carpenter of Farmington, it having been spoken to them by the deceased upon his death bed.

1652, Oct. 13. Vol. I, p 1 C R: The first Church of Farmington was formally organized today. Rev. Roger Newton was the first pastor at Farmington and next to him among the seven pillars stood Steven Hart. Steven Hart is recorded also as the first Deacon. "About one month after," says the record, "Steven Hart’s wife joined." Here is the beginning of the Church Record: "On the 13th of October, 1652, Mr. Rodger Newton, Stephen Hart, Thomas Judd, John Bronson, John Cole, Thomas Thompson and Robert Porter, joined In Church Covenant, In Farmington."

1653, May 21. Vol. II, p 36 G C: Good:Harte and Mr. Steele were appointed Commissioners for the town of Farmington to aid in impressing men for an army of sixty four men - Connecticut’s part in a possible war, "if," as the Commissioners of the United Colonies say, "God call the Collonyes to make warr against the Dutch."

1654, Dec., 1st Thurs. Vol. 11, p 57 C C: Stephen Hart serves on the Grand Jury at Hartford.

1655, Sept 6. P 76 Do: Stephen Hart is an appraiser of the estate of William Adams of Farmington, Our Thomas Newell helping as appraiser also. On the same day they both appraise the estate of Thomas Upson of Farmington. The widow who was administrator "desired Thomas Judd and Stephen Hart Sen’r as assistants."

1660, May 17. Vol. II, p 125 C C: For the ninth time Steven Hart is elected deputy to the General Court at Hartford. Serving with him in the same Court are our Edward Griswold of Windsor, John Deming Sen’r of Wethersfleld, Wm Goodrich of Wethersfield, and Anthony Hawkins of Farmington.

1661, Sept. 5. Vol. II, p 160 C C: Stephen Hart serves on the County Court Jury. In this Court he had at least five tours of jury duty in the years 1647, 1661, 1665 and 1673.

1665/6, Feb’y 16. Vol. I, p 62 T V, Hartford: "It was testified by the Committee that the names of the persons mentioned and the number of acres there set to them is the true division of the uppland on the east side the great river. . . . it being allso testified that the Length of the said Lotts was to bee three miles and that thereby the number of acres above said are trebled." In this division Steven Hart is set down with his old proportion of 40 which means under the above vote that he received three times that acreage or 120 acres.

1666, June 12. Vol. I, p 545 Dist, Hartford: Under the heading "Lotts drawn beginning next Windsor bounds", we find this entry: "Steven Hart & John Pantry 375 acres."

1666/7, Jan’y 7. VoL I, p 30 T. V, Farmington: "Att a town Meeting it was granted and Confirmed to Stephen Heart Senr two home lotts contayning by estimation tenn acors which lyeth from the barn at his farm down to thee brook."

1668, Nov. 4. P 165 Middletown Hist (1853): Deacon Hart of Farmington was a delegate to the Church of Middletown organized this day with "ten Middletown men standing up and owning a confession of faith and entering into covenant with God and with one another."

1668/9, Jan’y 6. VoL I, p 37 C R, Farmington: "It was voted by the Church assembled at Deacon Hart’s, that with respect to the Sacrament, each brother of the Church should send into the Deacon’s a peck of Wheat, or the worth of a shilling in current pay, for the defraying of the next Sacrament, as - also, for the clearing off that little which according to the Deacon’s report, was yet due for the Sacrament already past, as also, that for the future, every brother of the Church should for each Sacrament allow 6d, — except such of the brethren whose wives come not to the supper, because not members of the Church; and to them It was permitted to put in 3d or six-pence, whichever they pleased, for each Sacrament."

1669, Oct 12. VoL II, p 521 G C, Ptd: Steven Hart Sen’r with sons Steven and Thomas are on the freemen’s census of 42 men in Farmington. This census of the Colony had been ordered by the General Court in the Spring and it appears to be the first one taken in Connecticut. Steven Hart Sen’r is one of the three to sign the report and attest to its correctness. This means that he was a constable in Farmington thIs year.

1670/71, Jan’y 18. Vol. I, p 15 T V: "Land in the Swamp lyinge one the branches of Mattebesit River" is here given to "severall pertikaler persons." Among them are: "Stephen Hart senr 20 acres; Thomas Hart 20 acres."

1671/2, Feb’y. Vol. I, p 581 L. R, Hartford: "The Proprietors of the Undivided Lands in Hartford with each theire proportions In one devision as followeth according to which proportions they payd for the purchase of sayd lands: Feb:1671." Here again Stephen Hart is listed at 40 acres, the total now residing in 89 people with 3,109 acres.

1673, May 8. Vol. III, p 32 C C: The General Court grants to Deacon Stephen Hart 150 Acres of land "provided he take it up where It may not prejudice any former grant." This was laid out in 1706 by order of son Thomas Hart to David Russell in Killingly. The title came later into dispute and new grant was made in 1737.

1673/4, Jan’y 8. Vol. III, p 366 L R: Here is a standard list of the eighty four proprietors of Farmington which remains the standard for fifty years so far as general land distributions are concerned. In this list Stephen Hart Sen’r is 23rd in order and is recorded as having proportional estate of £132, which is fourteenth in size.

1676/7, Mch. 10. Vol. I, p 51 T V: Fifty six proprietors are here apportioned the fencing "on the west side of the Great Meadow as followeth: begining by the River at John Warners farme until you come to John Nortons bridge." The fortieth name is: "Deacon Hart Nineteen Rod."

1678, Aug. Vol. IV, p 7 C C: Sargent Joseph Nash of Farmington died close to the month of August, 1678. He had had first wife Mary and second wife Margaret who in turn had had first husband Arthur Smith. Nash left an estate of £420-5-l0. It was not long after this before Deacon Stephen Hart and widow Margaret — Smith Nash made a marriage contract and became man and wife. He did not live but three or four years, but Margaret lived on till Mch. 1, 1693/4. In Feb’y, 1691/2 she made will mentioning children John Smith, Arthur Smith, Elizabeth Thompson and Thomas Thompson, the last named being executor. Her inventory now was £54-14-06.

1679, Oct. 9. Vol. II, p 107 C C: "Captn Wm Lewes and Tho:Jud are appoynted to layout to Deacon Heart or his assigne his grant of land formerly granted to him, according to his grant, at a place upon Mattatock River to the northward of the towne there."

1679/80, Mch. 1. VoL I, p 16 C R: Here we find a very valuable list of church members "in full communion." It is numbered up to 42 but man and wife, when both members, count as one. Eight "men only" are listed without wives. The roll would seem to be graded according to rank and Andrews suggests that the basis for ranking were, age, list, titles and whatever else makes a man honorable." Whatever it was, Deacon Hart is first. He stands alone, his wife Margaret not being a member apparently.

1682/3, Mch. 16. VoL IV, p 118 C C: "I Steven Heart of Farmington not knowing the shortness of my time yet being in perfect Memorie desire to resign up my selfe unto God and submit to his will & accordingly to set my house in order that the estate that God hath given me may be dissposed of as my desire Is according to his will that soe those that my will is shall enjoy it may Injoy a blessing with it & for the settling of this my estate my will Is as foloweth: That my Farme which I formerly have given to my three sons John Heart, Steven Heart & Thomas Heart, the ½ of my Farme to John, to Steven, the other quarter to Thomas.
  "I give to my gr son Thomas Porter & to my son-in-law John Cole my plowing Land & Meadow & Swamp which was sometime part of Andrew Warner’s Farme, & abutts on my son Steven Heart's Land on the North. I do give it to them to be equally (divided) betwixt them, the ingagement of my wife being fulfilled.
  "I give to my sons Steven and Thomas Heart that ten acres of Land which I bought of Andrew Warner, that lyes In the Farrne Meadow, & be equally divided betwixt them.
  "I give to my sons Steven and Thomas Heart and tomy daughters Sarah Porter and Mary Lee, my Swamp Lott In the Great Swamp and all the rest of my Upland Divisions, divided or undivided, to be equally divided betwixt them.
  "I give to my gr. child Dorothy Porter £10. I give tomy gr. child John Heart, my eldest son’s son, £3.
  "I do give to my beloved wife a little Kettle that holds about a peck, as also a colt which I gave her, which was recorded to her.
  "And as to all the rest of my Estate, within dores and without, all dues & Debts (except part of all my Linen, & a Cow, & £10 given to my wife, as also £5 of Annuity during her natural life in case she survive me, as may appear by a former Instrument).
  "And as for the rest as abovesd., I give to my sons, Steven and Thomas Heart, and my beloved daughters, Sarah Porter and Mary Lee, and my son-in-law, John Coale, whom I make my Executors.
  Witness: JOHN WADSWORTH SENR              STEVEN HART.
                ROBERT PORTER

1682/3, Mch. The deacon died between the sixteenth and the 31st. If born in 1606 he was 77. No record of the date is made and no stone marks his grave at Farmington.

1683, Mch. 31. P 119 Do: "An Inventory of the estate of Deacon Steven Heart, senr, deceased taken March 31, 1682/3.
Viz a house & Homestead
Land at Nod on the East side of the river
Twelve acres of Land in the great meadow
Ten acres of Land in the farme Meadow
fower cowes & a yearling & Two sucking calves
Two horses 5£, sheepe & Two Lambes 40s
Corn in the Chamber
Brass ware & Iron in the house
Books 5£, Two hatts eighteen shillings
Three payre of shoes & reed makeing Tooles
Lining
By provisions & wooden ware in the seller
By augurs Cob Irons with other tooles old Iron
wearing cloathes
beds beding & bed stedes
chests, boxes, Tables, Seats & other weare
Great swamp lott & Upland belonging to it
other lands not yet layd out the worth not known
pewter & tin & earthen ware
arms & amunition & a small pann
three more lines, including corn, seed, hay, &c

apprized by us: ISACK MORE
                      BENJAMIN JUDD
                          By yarn & cloath at the weavers.
                          The estate credited as by sundry persons                           The Estate Dr
£70-00-00
40-00-00
25-00-00
30-00-00
19-04-00
07-00-00
03-10-00
14-03-06
05-18-00
04-11-00
20-04-00
07-05-00
07-19-00
10-12-00
15-12-00
04-11-06
15-00-00
00-00-00
12-17-00
02-02-00
03-13-00
__________
£319-02-00

04-10-00
16-12-00
16-12-00
"Mrs. Margaret Heart, Ens. Tho Heart, Sarah porter & Mary Lee personally appeared & made oath that they have made a True presentment of the deceased estate to the apprizers."

1683, Apl 4. P 69 Do: "The Last Will & Testament of deacon Steven heart together with an Inventory of his estate was exhibited In Court proved & ordered to be recorded."

1695, Oct. 10. Vol. III, p 264 C C: "This Court appoynt Mr. John Bowcher and Lnt Tho. Leffingwell to lay out to Captn Thomas Heart or the heirs of Mr. Anthony Howkins and Deacon Steven Heart their severall grants of land granted to them by this Court according to their grant"

1698, May 12. P 308 Do: "Upon the motion of Captn Thomas Hart .of Farmington, this Court doth appoint Captn John Higley and Mr. Samll Wilcockson, both of Symsbury, to lay out to the heirs of Mr. Stephen Hart a tract of land granted to him by this Court May 8th, 1673."

1705, Oct. 11-19. P 495 Do: "Acts passed at a Generall Assembly holden at New Haven: Whereas the Generall Court holden May the 8th, 1673, granted unto Mr Stephen Hart one hundred and fiftie acres of land In such place where It might be conveniently found, and the said tract of land was taken up at or near Waterbury which afterward was granted to be a township, and therefore said tract of land so taken up was relinquished, and sometime after said 150 acres of land was taken up near the meeting of the bounds of Farmington, Symsbury and Windzor, which tract of land is found to be interfering upon some of said bounds, and if It is held is like to be matter of Controversye, and therefore the heirs of said Stephen Hart doe relinquish both the tracts of land, above mentioned: in consideration whereof this Court doe grant unto the heirs of said Stephen Hart one hundred and fiftie acres of land in some convenient place where it may be taken up without prejudice to any former grant."

1722, June 22. P 389 S’th’n Hist: Steven Hart Senior, though now dead for some 39 years, draws Lot. 22, In the “South Division” in Southington as surveyed in 1672, but only now distributed to the 84 proprietors of Farmington then listed. This lot was 412 Rods in length E and W, 93½ Rods wide, “with c’nt’s of 239 Acres."

1728; Dec. 15. P 391 Do: The 84 proprietors above now each draw their share of the Shuttle Meadow Division in Southington. Steven Hart Sen’r draws lot 76 which was 46 rods broad with contents of 100½ acres.

1737, Oct. 13. VoL VI, p 322 G A: Sixty four years after the 150 acre grant was first made the Gen’l Assembly is still concerned with it. On the petition of Stephen Hart, Joseph Hart, &c., heirs of Stephen Hart, formerly of Farmington, deceased, it is ordered that the grant of 1673 be now laid out to the heirs on the West bank of Ousatunnuck River not within the bounds of any of the townships there already laid out. At this Assembly there are 43 towns listed with their grand lists. Farmington stands at £24,216-06-06. New Haven is the highest with £39,942-10-00½.


DEA. STEPHEN HART's First Wife

1635, Oct. 8, Vol. I, p 42 L R, Newtown: "Steven Heart and his wife" sign deed to the sale of their Cambridge, Mass. [then called Newtown], property, preparatory to their removal to Connecticut, in the following spring. She was born in England but nobody knows where yet, nor yet do we have the first inkling of her name. At Newtown she lived for some four years and then trecked to Hartford where the family lived for some four years more. They then moved to beautiful Farmington where she ended her days.

1652, Oct. 13. Vol 1, p 1 C R: The farmington Church was organized this date - 11 or 12 years after the first settlers arrived. Prior to this they held their membership in the Hartford Church and made the ten mile journey thither on Sunday for devine worship. "About one month after" the church was organized, says the record, "Steven Hart's wife joined."

1652/3, Mch., 1st Thurs. Vol II, p 39 C C: "In the actyon Betweene Thomas Demone plt ctra wife of Steph: Harte defendt the Jury findes for the plt: 5s & cost of Courte." What it was all about is not told. She lived for some twenty five years after this probably, but there is no record of her death at Farmington. It is curious that none of the three public mentions of her above divulge her first name. This may have appeared in the first town records as also her death, but the burning of the earliest records in the house of her son John Hart in 1666 destroyed any such evidence. This fire was a great calamity to farmington and to all the regions where'er her children dwell. [ Editor: Note that some records say that the first Farmington record book was not burned in the fire at John Hart's house, but was instead simply worn out. Information from some of the tattered pages was copied to later volumes of the town records and the rest is gone. ]