DAVID HUDSON   &   REBECCA FOWLER

1726-1798                                            1718-1778

David was born in Newark, New Jersey, the youngest son of David Hudson. His mother’s name is not currently known. Rebecca was born in Guilford, Connecticut, the daughter of Abraham Fowler and Grace Barron.  After David and Rebecca were married in Guilford, they moved to Goshen, Connecticut, where they lived the reamainder of their lives.

David had lived in Brandford for twelve years, an attractive town in southern Connecticut. His home prior to that time is not yet known, but wherever it was, from some as yet undisclosed wellspring, he had come into plenty of money, and with his move to Goshen he was prepared to spend it.

On their arrival in Goshen in 1764, David proceeded to buy up choice and extensive farmland. Beside a scenic little lake then called Naushapaug Pond, he built a three-storied “dwelling” place for his young family.  Villagers referred to the house deferentially as ‘The Hudson House’ and called it a ‘mansion’. And well they might. Photographs taken in 1934 show it situated on a rise with a view of the lake and the pasture beyond. Definitely a well designed, commodious house.

He purchased Sibbie Hill property which was evidently in a desirable section of town.  David was made a Freeman of the town, which conveyed a certain social prestige and gave him the right to vote. He was now “associating with the best people in town”.

Little is known of Rebecca. She was several years older than David and the daughter of a successful shoemaker and tanner. An interesting note is that when Rebecca gave birth to their first child, David named her ‘Kezia’, after his first wife, Kezia Rose, who apparently died in childbirth.

Porch was added by later owners. Photo taken around 1935.

Rebecca was mentioned in her father’s will in 1769, indicating that she was living at that date and therefore would have accompanied the family on the move in 1764 to Goshen. She died sometime before 1777, since that year her father’s will was probated and Rebecca’s share went to her heirs. She probably was buried in Goshen, but if so her grave is not marked.  David married a second time to Sarah, who outlived David. But she also is buried in an unmarked grave in Goshen. Yet, David’s first love, Kezia, lies in a North Branford cemetery, her baby David beside her, both interments clearly marked.

In 1794, David wrote out his will. His “dear and well beloved wife Sarah” was to have one-third of his real estate and his ‘household stuff’ during her lifetime. The “remaining part of the lot at the mouth of Naushapaug Pond” was designated “for my son Timothy along with ten pounds lawful money which my son David is to pay to the said Timothy.” His daughter Kezia Parmele (she had married Theodore Parmele of Goshen) was to receive “ten acres lying at the southeast corner of my home lot, leaving the head of the spring of water two rods to the north of it, and also my household stuff after my wife’s decease. Finally I give to my son David all the rest of my land wherever it may be with my wife’s third portion after her decease, and also my dwelling house and barn.”