George Wyllys

Background

George Wyllys was born on October 6, 1710, in Hartford, Connecticut, the eldest surviving son of Hezekiah and Elizabeth (Hobart) Wyllys.

Education

Wyllys attended Yale College, graduating with honors in the class of 1729.

Career

The year following, because of the illness of his father who had held the office in the colonial government since 1712, he was chosen secretary of the colony of Connecticut, pro tempore. After four years, his father's health not having improved, he was inducted into the office of secretary and continued to serve in this position. His record of continuous service in the same office for sixty-six years is without equal in the history of Connecticut, for during this time he was never absent from a session of the General Assembly. He also succeeded his father as town clerk of Hartford, in December 1732, and held that office until his death. In 1738 he became captain of the militia, and in 1757 served as lieutenant-colonel in the war against the French. At the time of the Revolution he was thought by many to sympathize with the British, but three of his sons served with distinction on the American side, and while their father may not have felt the separation from Great Britain to have been necessary, he quickly became reconciled to the new order when the fact was accomplished. He continued in office throughout the war and for many years thereafter.

George Wyllys died on April 24, 1796, in Hartford, Connecticut.

Achievements

• George Wyllys was the longtime Secretary of State for Connecticut, serving for 66 years.

Connections

George Wyllys was married to Mary Woodbridge, and had 7 children.

Father:

Hezekiah Wyllys

Mother:

Elizabeth Wyllys (Hobart)

Sister:

Mehitabel Talcott (Wyllys)

Sister:

Elizabeth Wyllis

Sister:

Ruth Belden (Wyllis)

Wife:

Mary Wyllys (Woodbridge)

Daughter:

Mary Pomeroy (Wyllys)

Daughter:

Susannah Strong (Wyllys)

Son:

William Wyllys

Son:

Samuel Wyllis

Son:

Hezekiah Wyllys

Son:

John Palsgrave Wyllys

Son:

George Wyllys

Brother:

George Wyllis

Brother:

Samuel Wyllys