Governor Joseph Talcott

Governor Joseph Talcott was born in November 1669 in Hartford, Connecticut. He was the fourth son of Lieutenant-Colonel John Talcott and his first wife, Helena Wakeman Talcott (d. 1674). Governor Talcott's grandfather, John Talcott, emigrated to Boston in 1632 and was one of the founders of Hartford.

Joseph Talcott was chosen as a selectman of Hartford when he was only 23 years old. He began his military career in 1697; he was commissioned major of the First Regiment of Connecticut troops in 1710 and retained that rank until he became Governor. Joseph Talcott was Deputy-Governor of Connecticut from 1723-1724 and was Governor from 1724-1741. He was the first Connecticut-born Governor of the state.

Govenor Talcott married twice. He married his first wife, Abigail Clark (d. 1705), of Milford, in 1693. They had three sons. In June 1706, Governor Talcott married a widow, Eunice Howell Wakeman (d. 1738), of Southampton, Long Island. They had six children, including Samuel Talcott (1711-1797). Governor Joseph Talcott died on 11 November 1741.