These records were copied from the family Bible of Chauncey Case, by his son, Nelson, who was the great uncle of Phebe Case Strawbridge in 1970. Also notes from "Genealogical Notes of  the Settlers of CT and MA, by Nathan Goodwin.

The Case family is one of the ancient and honorable families of New England. They were noted as far back as Oliver Cromwell (1599-1659) and accumulated a fortune furnishing leather for the Army, being tanners and farniers. The records show they came from York, England to Aylesham, England in the year 1200. They held all the land around Aylesham so the town was said to be Cased in and were a clan by themselves. Many of them still reside there. Their land surrounded possessions of Anna Boleyn, who became the second wife of Henry VIII of England, and was beheaded "for treason" in 1536. The Cases were closely related by intermarriage to the Boleyns.

CASE is but the more reasonable derivation is from the Latin word Casa, meaning a house or cottage. The name is found in the Hundred Rolls in the 13th century. There is a brief accounts of the life of John Casse - which evidently he used that spelling until he settled in Simsbury, CT.

John war reportedly baptized in the parish of Aylesham in Kent, ENG on 25 Jul 1616 but this date never has been confirmed, nor did the record state his parents. The CASE family was of considerable prominence in the time of Oliver Cromwell and accumulated large fortunes by furnishing leather tothe army. They hold lands around Aylesham to the present day, to such an extent that the town is said to be "Cased in." The  descendants of John Case have figured in the life and affairs of CT for two and a half centuries.

John Case, the immigrant ancestor & progenitor,  sailed from Gravesend, ENG on 3 Sep 1635 in the "Dorset" at the age of 19.  He landed at Newport, RI, settled in Hartford but soon left to make his home in Maspeth Kills, now Newtown, L.I., NY. He sold six pieces of land in Feb 1640, to William Gibbons, and evidently all his property in Hartford and vicinity. He gave a power of attorney dated 13 Aug 1656, to "my father William Edwards" of Hartford to collect various debts and bequests to himself and his wife. This document showed that he was the same man that lived at Hartford and now of Maspeth Kills. [Edwards was his 2nd f-i-l]

John became one of the most influential men in Hartford Co. although he was a native of ENG and emigrated to America in the early years of the settlement of the Colonies, coming to Connecticut from the old home of the Case family at Aylesburgy, ENG. [From the "American Biography",  Vol. 7 via the American Historical Company in NY.]

The Newtown, L.I., NY records show that John had two brothers there - Thomas and William. Thomas was said to have come from Fairfield, Ct and died in 1692, leaving property to William, son of William. He was a Quaker, well known and thoroughly hated by the Puritans.

The village of Simsbury was burned  March 26, 1676  during King Philip's War.

John Case returned to CT and settled at Windsor about 8-9 miles above Hartford ca 1656. In 1667 the first grand of land was made at what is now Simbsbury, CT to John Case and 20 others. In the spring of 1669 13 of these grantees removed to their lots.

In 1670 John was appointed deputy to the general court and Massacoe was given town privileges. Case was appointed constable in Oct 1669, he represented the town in the general assembly in 1674-75-91. During King Philip's War, the settlers left Simsbury and it is thought that Case took refuge with his brothers at Newtown. His will, made in 1700, is a lengthy document of eight pages, written in a fine hand. He then owned seventeen parcels of land, a corn mill and a saw mill, and his inventory shows that he was a man of wealth for this day.

Some items in his inventory appended to the will shows him possessed of a broadcloth coat, table linen, napkins, blue trucking cloth, sheets, linen sheets, tow sheets, Bibles and divinity books, a short gun, a musket, 3 pounds of powder, with eight and 1/2 pounds of lead, a rapier, a back sword, a cutlass, six  & 1/2 barrels of cider, two stocks of beer, o60 pounds of tobacco, two pairs breeches, bedding, bolsters, pillows, coverlids, shag rug, green rug, wainscot bedstead, 21 &1/2 linsey woolsey, 26 yards tow cloth.


John took the oath of freeman in Hartford on 10 May 1666. Whether he was granted this status as a result of the King's order or was eligible under the old law is not known but he  lived in New London in 1656 and moved to Windsor in 1657 where he married Sarah Spencer.

 In 1667 he settled in Windsor and then moved to Simsbury in 1669 and settled in Weatogue, where he received the first grant of land along with 20 others. He was a farmer and owner of large acreages of land. He was recognized for his moral influence as well as his business integrity. He was listed among the names in Windsor as being a land owner by the Town Clerk. He was appointed constable for Simsbury, the first in the area and also represented the town at the General Court in 1670 and several times afterwards.

Earliest family history recorded shows that John Case married Sarah Spencer in 1656.  He settled in Long Island a short time, then moved to Windsor, CT, where they lived after their marriage until ca 1669.  He was one of the first settlers there, &  Massaco was changed to the name of Simsbury. By 1667 John and family was living in a  house which he owned on the corner of Mill Highway and Bloomfield Ave. to the west of the Farmington River. This lot contained  about two acres and extended 33 rods on Bloomfield and 14 rods on Mill. There is some confusion about this property because it is said there is no record of any house structure there before 1665, although the house John occupied is known to have been built by a previous owner. It is not known how John supported himself and his family during his stay in Windsor but 2 acres in town is not sufficient to enable him to provide a livelihood. No other land is known to have belonged to him. The fact that this house lot included a shop suggests that John possessed some craft or trade to supplement his farming income, as did many early settlers

When 13 of the original grantees began to occupy their land in the spring of 1669, John seems to have been one of them to move to Simsbury. Sarah was pregnant at the time he was fulfilling the requirements of his grant and she probably remained behind in Windsor until he had a house up and the farm started. The fact that he had 10 children meant that a great deal of crowding in the house was constantly present. In 1667  he lived about one mile south of the Pettibone Tavern, the second house south. He was a shoemaker and harness maker as well as a farmer. He and six of his sons went from Weatogue to what is now (1900) West Simbsbury and cultivated the land there. Hence it was first called Case's Farms, afterwards Farms Village and then West Simsbury. They had to carry their gunes with them as a protection from the Indians as well as to shoot game which was very plentiful there.

Shortly after the settlement of the town, John Case was appointed to the office of town constable by the General Court at Hartford in 14 Oct 1669. As such, he was the first person ever to hold an official position in Simsbury in which he had  the responsibility for maintaining peace within the community, enforcing the orders from higher colonial officials, and for conducting town meetings. In 1670 he was elected deputy to the General Court of CT, and held it through 1675 and then in 1690. That position is equivalent to a state representative. 

John's name appears repeatedly on various documents throughout the early history of Simsbury and seemed to have had considerable ability, influence, and standing throughout his life.

Later in the year trouble with the Indians increased but the settlers were prepared. A friendship pact was signed with the local Indians, but it was King Philip and his confederacy in MA that were the great danger. On 19 Dec 1675, a heavily armed colonial army of 1,000 took advantage of extrmemly cold weather to cross a frozen swamp and surprise the Narragansett Indians in their own town. The Great Swamp Battle  occurred near Kingston, RI and  they defeated the Indians. But this did not end the war. On 3 Mar 1676, the inhabitants of Simsbury were ordered by the Hartford General Court to seek safety in other town. No sooner had they left their homes, then the Indians struck on 25 Mar  and burned it to the ground. Over 40 houses, outbuilding were destroyed. Simsbury was the most completely destroyed of any colonial town during those early settlements.

After they returned to Simsbury, they recognized the need for a mill. In 1678.  John Case and several others petitioned to build a mill on  Hop Brook, which was completed in 1678. In 1685, he received the right of way and he received a parcel on the SE side of the hill of 20 acres.He received custody of the original Indian Deed after it had been recorded in Hartford - the deed has since disappeared. John kept acquiring land and the court noted that many persons in the colony were unable to read English, therefor having limited knowledge of the Bible and the law.  All parents were held responsible for seeing that their children and servants learned to  read English proficiently. Also members of the grand jury would visit every home to see that the order was bring carried out. They would be fined 20 shillings if their education was being neglected.

Sarah died at the age of 55 and there were still several young children at home.  John remarried and must have made frequent trips to Windsor to have known Elizabeth and secured her hand in marriage. John had by now acquired considerable property and even wealth at this time but there were still little protection against the hardships of life in early Connecticut weather.

On 10 Nov 1697, John Case and many others signed a church covenant, which was another attempt by the community to create harmony among the citizens. This covenant was merely an agreement to support the church and its concepts. Indian troubles were brewing again  so they organized another Simsbury militia.

In an early history of Simsbury, CT it relates that the 1st grants of land issued in the Indian territory of Massaco were made in 1667, and among those named was John Case. The conditions of the grant required the grantees to improve and live upon the land for a period of two years. Aft first the grantees families did not move here but it is believed that by 1669, all of them had become inhabitants of the new plantation.

In Oct of 1669 John Case was appointed by the General Court, constable for Massaco (Simsbury). He was the 1st person belonging to the place, to be invested with office, and represent his town at the General Court in 1670 and several times afterwards..
    "In 1675, the inhabitants petitioned for town priviledges and appointed two delegates, John Case being one of them, to present the application to the May session of the General Court. This request was readily granted and the delegated received as members of the assembly. The record of incorporation of Massaco be called Simsbury".

This early history also relates that John Case was a representative, several years thereafter. Five generations, beginning with John, rest in the Simsbury Burying Ground.
SOURCE: "History of Simsbury and Canton" by Noah A. Phelps, published in 1845.

Early American historical records indicate a John Case of Hartford, CT as one of the earliest settlers bearing this name, arrived in America in 1635. He and his two brothers, William and Thomas, who settled in Long Island are considered to be the forefathers of the Case family in America. He settled in Windsor, CT and moved to Simsbury before his death.

We can see that there were two distinct Case lineages  - one from Richard in East Hartford and one from John in Simsbury. They are not connected.  A Thomas Case was proved to be the brother of William Case in Thomas' will.
John Case appeared in  court for his known brother Henry in 1655, who had to be over 21 to act as a witness before the court. Henry was probably NOT 21, otherwise he would not have needed John to testify for him.

John died in 1703 in Meadow Plains or the southern part of Simsbury. His place of burial is unknown but it is supposed to be by the side of his wife Sarah in Simsbury Cemetery, although no stone was erected as it was for Sarah. Her stone is said to be the oldest grave/burial in Simsbury Cemetery. He had an estate of £562, making him a man of wealth at that time. John's will, dated 21 Nov 1700 named his 2nd wife/widow,Elizabeth, six sons, and four daughters. Samuel Spencer of Hartford (Sarah's brother), and John Case Jr. (John's son) were executors of the estate.

His will  was a lengthy document of eight pages and he made a fair division of his property. On the 15th of Jan 1703, John became concerned about the agreement he had drawn with son Joseph to provide his life care. He had originally stipulated that the home lot go to Joseph for the care and management of his estate but he became dissatisfied with the way Joseph was fulfillling his end of the agreement and changed his will to read "to the son who cared for him" rather than stipulate the particular son. He wrote:
     "In consideration of his living with me during his natural life and to manage my husbandry assayes and other of my occassions necessady in the consideration of this care and labor in my annual affairs, during my natural life for his incouragement I did give him my homestead and other lands and also his full portion out of my estate. . . my son has declined from my service and occasions and has withdrawn  from me and my business near this 12 months leaving me in my old age and in my weakness to great inconveniences and difficulties . . . I take my house and lands unto my own custody. . . 15 Jan 1703-4."

While English law generally favored the eldest son in cases of inheritance, John Case was meticulous and scrupulous in ensuring that all his children shared fairly n his estate. During his lifetime, much of his struggle to acquire and develop property, came from his strong desire to provide each of his children a good but equal start in life. He did not appear to favor sons over daughters in the division of property and took into consideration the future obligations each child would incure. He attempted to provide each son with sufficient real property to support a family. In compensation he gave each of his daughters money and personal property.

John detailed in a systematic, orderly and legalistic manner in his will his desires and concerns. This indicates he had a strong sense of family responsibility and recognized the importance of family solidarity. He was well aware of the potential for family discord and phrased his will in such a way as to reduce the possibilities for minunderstanding, although several hearings were necessary after his death to resolve certain matters. He had considerable personal property including a Bible and divinity books and was well-armed with a short gun/pistol, a musket, a rapier, a back sword and a cutlass. He also had 3 pds. of gun powder and 8½ pounds of lead for shot.
He bequeathed as follows:

To his "well beloved wife Elizabeth - 5 £ in current pay annually paid by my sons. 15 shillings from each son annual to pay it. Except Joseph, who was to pay 2£ annually. If they were deceased, their heirs forever would pay this sum.
    Son John Case, Jr. to be his executor and administrator of his property in Simsbury
    Son William, whatever he has been given already but several other properties.
    Son Samuel the 5 acres given to John by the town, plus his whole share of the 2 mill rights and all belonging to the mills, corn mill and saw mill.
    Son Richard several of the house lots and share in the outlands with the rest of childen.
    Son Bartholomew, the allotment of the common lands.
    Son Joseph the deeds, he already has, carrying on of John's businesses. Equal share of the outlands with the rest of the children.
    Dau. Elizabeth Tulor her share of the outland plus 10  £ of money from moveable estate.
    Dau. Mary - 15£ out of moveable estate and 12 acres land plus equal share outlands.
    Dau. Sarah Phelps 20 £ as well as equal share of outlands.
    Dau. Abigail 30£ out of moveable estate plus equal share of outlands.
All his debts should be paid as well as his funeral charges. + 82 £ to those above state.
Samuel Spencer and son John Case to administrated his will.  His wife's dowry of 5£ be paid out of his said homestead during her life."

Two days before John's death, his sons John and Joseph met and reconciled which pleased their father.  He also rectofied his relationship with his son Joseph and the other sons drew up an agreement "and verbally and declared our agreement to our father which was great to his satisfaction and peace of mind, and he charged to us to be faithfully true to each other as also charged our  brother to use fielity." They agreed that the house lot was to be divided between Richard and Joseph, that Samuel and Bartholomew were to receive 40£ and all sone were to contribute money for the support of their mother throughout her natural life."

Court Record, Pg. 53-9 March 1703-4: Will exhibited by Mr. Samuel Spencer and John Case. Proven and ordered to be recorded.
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Pg.67 (Vol. IX) 4 Jun 1718: "Upon the motion of the heirs of John Case, Senior, decd. for a dist. to be made of the remaining part of the estate, this Court appoints John Humphries, Samuel Petterbone and John Sexton, of Simsbury, to dist. that part of the estate of the sd. John Case, decd. not yet dist., according to the direction given in the last will and testament."
    File: "Now, whereas, the heirs of John Case of Simsbury, deceased, did. 9th Jun 1718, obtain an order from this Court of Probates for a distribution of the remaining part of the estate of ad. decd: Therefore we, the subscribers hereunto, being appointed have made this following distribution: Impreimis: Set out to John Case, Samunell Case, Marcy Hely, and Abigail Westover, the marsh under the west mountains, they having agreed to take that for their parts of the sd. estate, and to be equally divided amongst them. 2nd. Set out to Richard Case, son to the deceased, one-third part of that lot that lies on Calve's Tongue Brook. 3ly, Set out to Barthelme Case, son to the deceased, one- third part of that lot that lies on Calve's Tongue Brook. 4th, Set out to Joseph Case and the heirs of Sarah Case that lot at the West River, up the river, on the norwesterly side of Majr. Talcott's, land. 5ly. Set out to the heirs of Elizabeth Tuller the other lot at the West River. 6th. Set out to the heirs of William Case, whowas son to sd. deceased, one-third part of that lot at Calve's Tongue Brook."
    28 Nov 1718            John Humphries,
                    Samll Pettebone,
                    John Saxton.
4 May 1719: Accepted in Court.                     Test: Has. Wyllys, Clerk.
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    John Case, Sr. is the first person in the lineage who can be traced with certainty. He established the basic pattern of life that was to have a powerful and continuous impact on this decendants for generations. The descendants of John Case have been particularly numerous  in Simsbury, Barkhamstead, and in Heartland, and it was in the latter town that the late Joel Tiffany Case, one of the foremost business men of Bristol, CA in the latter half of the 19th century, was born.
Joel invented many mechanical machines, for which he received their patents. He invented the "National" water wheel which was used throughout the country. Another invention was a portable grain mill, and later the automatic high speed engine, which was a major invention. He was working on a rotary engine at the time of his death.  For 40 years, Mr. Joel Case was one of Bristol's most successful and most respected citizens.

    John is supposed to have been buried besides Sarah, his first wife, in the old cemetery in Simsbury. But there is a stone to mark Sarah's grave with her record on it, but no stone for John. It seems strange that with 10 surviving children, all mature age, that his grave was left unmarked.

The old homestead was held in succession by direct descendants until 1869, when it was sold to a E.C. Stacy. Evidently no part of the old house remained. The house finally came into the possession of F. P. Dodge of NY City and was converted into an elegant summer residence.

Gen. Dictionary of the First Settlers of New England Showing Three Generations" Vol.1 by James Savage, GPC, 1990, pg 345.

Bette