West Hartford in Capitol Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)

Lew

Witness Stone

Photographed by Conrad Ward, March 12, 2025

1. Lew Witness Stone

Inscription. 1754 baptized,
member in full communion
Farmer
Father of Caesar
Spouse of Kate
Enslaved here
by Capt. Stephen Hosmer
George Hosmer

Erected 2020 by Witness Stones Project. (Marker Number CT28.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Agriculture • Civil Rights • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1754.

Location. 41° 45.864′ N, 72° 44.517′ W. Marker is in West Hartford in Capitol Region, Connecticut. It is on North Main Street north of Loomis Drive, on the right when traveling north. Located in Old Center Burying Yard. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: West Hartford CT 06107, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Connecticut River Valley,

in Greater Hartford,

and in the Knowledge Corridor.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in New England.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Hartford County

and also one of the original Thirteen

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Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Kate (here, next to this marker); Caesar (here, next to this marker); York (here, next to this marker); Bristow (here, next to this marker); Hannibal (here, next to this marker); Rachel Nott (here, next to this marker); Peleg Nott (here, next to this marker); Prut (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Hartford.

Also see . . .
1. Lew (Witness Stones Project).

Lew was born c. 1720. He was enslaved by Stephen Hosmer on North Main Street near Trout Brook. He was probably in a relationship with Kate, who was also enslaved by Hosner.

(Submitted on January 18, 2026.)

2. Students Find and Share an Untold History of the Enslaved People of West Hartford- WeHa News. (Submitted on January 20, 2026, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
3. In the wake of George Floyd’s death, a Connecticut town marks Juneteenth and recalls its own legacy.

Ned, Greenville, Lew, Kate and Caesar will have Witness Stones placed in their memory at Old Center Cemetery on June 26 at 10:30 a.m.
Photographed by Conrad Ward, March 12, 2025

2. Fourth column of Witness Stones
Other enslaved West Hartford residents, about whom much less is known — York, Rubin, Sarah Coffee and Coffy — also will be honored at the third annual ceremony.

(Submitted on January 18, 2026.)

Photographed by Conrad Ward, March 12, 2025

3. Lew Witness Stone

(top row, fourth section, upper left)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 18, 2026, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 29 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 18, 2026, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.