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Ancestors to the
Most Governors
in America

Henry and
Elizabeth (Saunders)
Wolcott
(11th generation - G1114)

HENRY WOLCOTT was born about 1578 in Lydiard, St. Lawrence, County Somerset, England, the son of John and Agnes (Grosse) Wolcott. He married Elizabeth Saunders there on January 19, 1605/06.

Elizabeth was born in England on December 20, 1584, the daughter of Thomas Saunders. They were the parents of seven children; five sons and two daughters, all born in England.

Henry was a gentleman of wealth and distinction. They came to America about 1630 to avoid ecclesiastical hierarchy of the English church. See Relocation to America for their life in America.

Henry Wolcott and his wife, Elizabeth Saunders, were the ancestors to more Governors in America than any other family (five):

  1. Roger Wolcott - Governor of Connecticut (1750 - 1754)
    Grandson (Son of Simon Wolcott)
  2. Oliver Wolcott - Governor of Connecticut (1796 - 1797)
    Great-grandson (Son of Roger Wolcott)
  3. Oliver Wolcott - Governor of Connecticut (1817 - 1827)
    Great-great-grandson (Son of Oliver Wolcott)

    4. Thru the marriage of their daughter, Anna Wolcott, to
    Matthew Griswold, the following Griswolds were also governors:

  4. Matthew Griswold - Governor of Connecticut (1784 - 1786)
    Great-great-grandson (Son of John Griswold who was a grandson of Anna (Wolcott) Griswold)
  5. Roger Griswold - Governor of Connecticut (1811 - 1812)
    Great (3) grandson (Son of Matthew Griswold)

Henry Wolcott died May 30, 1655, about 77 years old while his wife, Elizabeth Saunders, died two months later on July 7, 1655, at the age of 70.