Interesting History Written on Tolland County’s First Governor by Hebron Woman

Susan Pendleton published in the Rockville Leader January 22, 1937

“A story is told of the governor (John S. Peters) by Mrs. Annis Welles, a niece, now deceased.  At the time he was serving his state the stage coach and mail wagon were the only public conveyances.  He was in Hartford and coming home by way of stage.

 A colored woman asked for a passage.  “I cannot take you.  I have got to take the governor, “said the driver.  “Let me see the governor, “said the woman.

 “Get right in, Liddie, get in!” said the governor as soon as he saw her.  She knew very well that she had only to see him.  Her husband was Henry (or Harry) Peters a descendant of one of the Rev. Samuel Peters slaves, whom the governor used to call “his colored cousins”.

“The birthplace of Governor Peters is remembered by an older generation of Hebron people, as a long, low story and half high house, painted red.” And stood next to Burnt Hill Park.