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Waterbury's Slave Owners
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Joseph Hopkins

Originally from a section of Waterbury that is now in the nearby town of Naugatuck, Joseph Hopkins (1730-1801) started out as a silversmith and watchmaker. His shop was on West Main Street in Waterbury, near St. James’ church, which was at the corner of Willow Street.

Hopkins married Hepzibah Clark, a daughter of the Congregational Church’s Deacon Thomas Clark. Clark, also a slave owner, served as Town Clerk and Town Treasurer until his death in 1767.

Hopkins pursued a legal career, becoming Justice of the Peace in 1762. He was elected to the General Assembly 45 times, beginning in 1764; and he was the first judge of probate for Waterbury. By the Revolutionary War, Hopkins was considered to be the most prominent citizen in Waterbury and dined with George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette when they passed through Waterbury during the war.

Hopkins owned one slave, a woman named Silence Will whom he purchased in Middletown, possibly in the 1760s. He was also the executor of Cuff Capeny’s will. Cuff Capeny was a free African American who served during the Revolutionary War. In his will, dated 1777, Capeny left money for Silence, “servant” of Joseph Hopkins. Hopkins freed Silence in 1798.

Hopkins died in 1801 while in New Haven as senior assistant judge of the county court. He was buried “within the land of his friend and neighbor, Mrs. Sarah Leavenworth,” in a cemetery plot that later became part of the Grand Street Cemetery.


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Joseph Hopkins' Will, 1801
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Joseph Hopkins' Will, 1801
The first of two pages. Collection of the Connecticut State Library, State Archives.


Joseph Hopkins' Will, 1801
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Joseph Hopkins' Will, 1801
The second page of Hopkins' will, in which he discusses Silence. Collection of the Connecticut State Library, State Archives.


 
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