Chapter 1: Early Life and Family (1682–1700)

A Puritan Beginning

Ann Palmer was born in 1682 in Stonington, New London, Connecticut, into a world shaped by Puritan values and colonial struggles. Her parents, Gershom Palmer and Ann Denison, were prominent figures in the community, with her mother often referred to as "Lady Ann" due to her stately demeanor and gracious manners.

Ann's early years were spent in a household that valued hard work, religious devotion, and family ties.

The Palmer Family Legacy

Ann was the seventh child in a family of eleven siblings: Mercy, Gershom, Ichabod, William, George, Rebecca, Walter, Elihu, Mary, and another Rebecca. Her father, Gershom Palmer, was a deacon and a respected landowner, while her mother, Ann Denison, came from a distinguished English family.

The Palmers were deeply rooted in the Stonington community, and their lives were intertwined with the town's growth and development.

Childhood in Stonington

Growing up in Stonington, Ann would have been familiar with the challenges of colonial life. The town was a small, close-knit community where everyone knew each other, and survival depended on cooperation and hard work. Ann's childhood was likely filled with chores, religious instruction, and the occasional social gathering.

Her family's status would have afforded her some privileges, but life in the late 17th century was still harsh and demanding.

Chapter 2: Marriage and Family Life (1700–1761)

A Union with Benjamin Hewitt Jr.

Ann Palmer married Benjamin Hewitt Jr., a union that would shape the rest of her life. The exact date and place of their marriage remain unknown, but it is clear that their partnership was a significant one.

Together, they raised a large family, with records indicating they had at least ten children: Kesiah, Walter, Nathaniel, Japthah, Benjamin, Abiah, Emund, Jabish, and Content.

Life in Stonington

Ann and Benjamin settled in Stonington, where they continued the traditions of hard work and community involvement. Benjamin likely worked as a farmer or tradesman, while Ann managed the household and cared for their children.

Life in colonial Connecticut was demanding, and Ann would have been responsible for a wide range of tasks, from cooking and cleaning to tending the garden and making clothing.

The Challenges of Colonial Life

The early 18th century was a time of both growth and hardship in New England. The Palmers and Hewitts would have faced challenges such as disease, harsh winters, and the constant threat of conflict with Native American tribes. Despite these difficulties, Ann and Benjamin managed to build a stable and prosperous life for their family.

Chapter 3: Legacy and Death (1761)

A Life Well-Lived

Ann Palmer Hewitt passed away on May 12, 1761, in Stonington, the town where she had spent her entire life. Her death marked the end of an era for the Palmer and Hewitt families, but her legacy lived on through her numerous descendants.

Ann's life was a testament to the resilience and determination of colonial women, who played a crucial role in the survival and success of their communities.

Remembering Ann Palmer

Ann's life was deeply intertwined with the history of Stonington and the broader colonial experience. Her story is one of faith, family, and perseverance, reflecting the values and challenges of her time. Today, Ann Palmer Hewitt is remembered as a matriarch who helped shape the future of her community and her family.

Chapter 4: Historical Context

The World of Colonial Connecticut

Ann Palmer's life unfolded against the backdrop of colonial Connecticut, a time when the region was still being settled and developed. The Puritans who founded Stonington brought with them a strong sense of religious purpose and community, values that would have been central to Ann's upbringing.

The Role of Women in Colonial Society

Women like Ann Palmer played a vital role in colonial society. They were responsible for managing households, raising children, and often contributing to the family's economic well-being. Despite the many challenges they faced, colonial women were resilient and resourceful, qualities that Ann undoubtedly possessed.

The Palmer Family's Impact

The Palmer family's influence extended beyond their immediate household. Gershom Palmer's landholdings and community involvement helped shape the development of Stonington, and his descendants continued to play important roles in the town's history. Ann's marriage to Benjamin Hewitt Jr.

further strengthened these ties, creating a legacy that would endure for generations.

Chapter 5: Reflections on Ann Palmer's Life

A Life of Faith and Family

Ann Palmer's life was defined by her faith and her commitment to her family. In a time when survival was uncertain, she managed to build a stable and loving home for her children, ensuring that the values she held dear would be passed on to future generations.

The Enduring Legacy of Ann Palmer

Today, Ann Palmer Hewitt is remembered not just as a colonial woman, but as a symbol of the strength and resilience of her time. Her story is a reminder of the challenges faced by early settlers and the enduring impact of their lives on the communities they helped to build.