Brief Life History of Robert
When Robert Colfax was born on 26 December 1761, in New London, New London, Connecticut, United States, his father, George Colfax Sr., was 34 and his mother, Lucy Avery, was 33. He married Sarah Wilson in 1781, in New London, Connecticut, United States. They were the parents of at least 3 sons and 2 daughters. He lived in Connecticut, United States in 1777. He died on 25 October 1825, in Hartford, Hartford, Connecticut, United States, at the age of 63, and was buried in Morris, New Jersey, United States.
Photos and Memories (1)
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Family Time Line
Sources (19)
- Robert, "Connecticut Births and Christenings, 1649-1906"
- Robert Colfax, "Connecticut Deaths and Burials, 1772-1934"
- Robert Colfax in entry for Sarah Willson, "Connecticut, Vital Records, Prior to 1850"
Spouse and Children
Parents and Siblings
Siblings (10)
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World Events (8)
1775
During the six-year Revolutionary war, more of the fights took place in New Jersey than any other colony. Over 296 engagements between opposing forces were recorded. One of the largest conflicts of the entire war took place between Morristown and Middlebrook, referred to as the "Ten Crucial Days" and remembered by the famous phrase "the times that try men's souls". The revolution won some of their most desperately needed victories during this time.
1776
Thomas Jefferson's American Declaration of Independence endorsed by Congress. Colonies declare independence.
1780
Sometimes referred to as the "forgotten victory", the Battle of Springfield was one of the last major battles fought in the north during the Revolutionary War. The British defeat effectively ended their ambitions to reclaim New Jersey. Washington praised the New Jersey Militia for their universal effort and great spirit
Name Meaning
English: nickname from Middle English colfox ‘coalfox’ (Old English col ‘coal, charcoal’ + fox ‘fox’), used to denote a sly or cunning person, as in Chaucer’s description of ‘a collfox, ful of sly iniquitee’ in the Nun's Priest's Tale (about 1390).
Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland © University of the West of England 2016
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