Thomas Fitch
Thomas Fitch was a prominent figure in colonial Connecticut, born around 1700 in Norwalk. He was the eldest son of a family with noble British ancestry, tracing their roots back to early colonial settlers. Fitch received his education at Yale University, where he studied law and later earned a Master of Arts degree. In 1724, he married Hannah Hall, and they had ten children together. Fitch began his political career in 1726, serving as a deputy in the general assembly and later holding various positions, including local judge and assistant. His significant contributions to Connecticut's legal framework include the revision of state laws in 1749. He rose to the role of chief judge of the Superior Court in 1751 and became the governor of Connecticut in 1754, serving until 1766 when he was voted out of office due to his support for the Stamp Act. Thomas Fitch passed away in 1774, and his legacy includes a collection of correspondence and political documents known as The Fitch Papers, which provides insight into his life and political thoughts.
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Subject Terms
Thomas Fitch
Writer
- Born: c. 1700
- Birthplace: Norwalk, Connecticut
- Died: July 18, 1774
- Place of death: Connecticut
Biography
Thomas Fitch was born around 1700 in Norwalk, Connecticut. Fitch was the eldest son in his family and was descended from a noble British family that emigrated from England four generations earlier. Fitch’s great-grandfather, Thomas Fitch I, helped settle Norwalk in the early 1600’s. After attending local schools, Fitch went to Yale University, where he studied law. After his graduation from Yale, he earned a M.A. In 1724 Fitch married Hannah Hall. The couple would ultimate have ten children, the first of whom was born in 1725.
In 1726 Fitch worked part time as a minister, and in the summer of 1726 he sought political office. He was elected deputy of Norwalk in the general assembly. He served this position until 1731. Later, he held a position as an elected assistant from 1734 through 1736, and again from 1740 until 1750. During those years he also held a position as local judge. In 1749 Fitch helped revise the laws of Connecticut, and he saw them passed though the general assembly. In 1751 Fitch was elected the chief judge of the Superior Court of Connecticut, and in 1754 he was elected governor. Fitch served as governor until 1766, when he was voted out of office due to his open support for the Stamp Act. He died in1774 in Connecticut. Contemporary scholars would agree that Fitch’s literary contribution consists of two volumes of letters and papers known as The Fitch Papers. These papers contain personal correspondence as well as papers drafted in conjunction with his political positions.