Old Lyme in Lower Connecticut River Valley Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)

Jack Howard

Witness Stone

Photographed by Conrad Ward, October 19, 2024

1. Jack Howard Witness Stone

Inscription. Born here enslaved 1795
by Samuel Mather Jr.
Willed 1809 age 14
to James Mather

Erected 2021 by Witness Stones Project. (Marker Number OL5 CT61.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights. A significant historical year for this entry is 1809.

Location. 41° 18.794′ N, 72° 19.863′ W. Marker is in Old Lyme in Lower Connecticut River Valley Region, Connecticut. It is on Lyme Street north of McCurdy Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5 Lyme Street, Old Lyme CT 06371, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Connecticut Shoreline,

in Greater New London, in Mystic and the Eastern Shore,

and in the Thames River Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in New England,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New London County

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At

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least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Caesar (within shouting distance of this marker); Humphrey (within shouting distance of this marker); Lewis Lewia (within shouting distance of this marker); Cato (within shouting distance of this marker); Margaret Crosley Lewia (within shouting distance of this marker); Basil (within shouting distance of this marker); Boxwood (within shouting distance of this marker); Votes For Women (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Old Lyme.

Also see . . . Witness Stones Old Lyme - Jack Howard.

Lyme’s vital records note that Jack Howard son of Janny servant of Samuel Mather Junr was born 12 Jany 1795. The enslaved youth was 14 when his “service” passed by will to Samuel Mather Jr.’s unmarried son James Mather, age 24, who inherited his father’s mansion house.

(Submitted on March 15, 2025.)

Photographed by Conrad Ward, October 19, 2024

2. Jack Howard Witness Stone

Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 15, 2025, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 91 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 15, 2025, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.