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

Bristow

Rededication 2023

— Witness Stone —

Photographed by Conrad Ward, March 12, 2025

1. Bristow (Rededication) Witness Stone

Inscription. 1731 - 1814
Born in Africa
Enslaved
Served in French and Indian War
Bought freedom 1775
Farmer
Land and Mill Owner

Erected 2023 by Witness Stones Project. (Marker Number CT10.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • War, French and Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1731.

Location. 41° 45.86′ N, 72° 44.514′ 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 Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At

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least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Boston Nichols, Jr. (here, next to this marker); Jemima Nichols (here, next to this marker); Rose Nichols (here, next to this marker); Thomas Boston (here, next to this marker); Rebeckah (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Boston Nichols (here, next to this marker); Lydia Boston (here, next to this marker); Richard (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Hartford.

Also see . . . Bristow (Witness Stones Project).

Bristow was born in Africa in 1731. He was transported to America and enslaved by Thomas Hart Hooker. In 1775, Bristow purchased his freedom. In 1788, he purchased three acres of land and a gristmill in Bristol from Elijah Gridley of Farmington. He died of pneumonia in 1814 and was buried at Old Center Cemetery.

(Submitted on January 25, 2026.)

Bristow Witness Stone image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Conrad Ward, March 12, 2025

2. Bristow Witness Stone

(top row, seventh section)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 25, 2026, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 24 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 25, 2026, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.