Samuel Wyllys and the First Company Governor's Foot Guard
Samuel Wyllys was the creator of Connecticut’s First Company Governor’s Foot Guard.
Wyllys also served as a Colonel in the Continental Army and a longtime Secretary of State for Connecticut.
From Hartford to New Haven
During the years leading up to the Revolutionary War, Connecticut had two capitals...New Haven and Hartford.
For several years, the militia was called in to escort the Governor on the long, lonely, dangerous road between these two cities.
Finally, in 1771, a petition was submitted to the Colonial Assembly requesting a new unit be formed specifically to protect the Governor on these trips.
At the head of these activities was a young man named Samuel Wyllys.
Samuel Wyllys
Samuel Wyllys was still in his early 30’s when he began calling for a special guard for the Governor.
His family was well connected (between his father and grandfather, they had control over the position of Secretary of State for the previous several decades), which gave Samuel the opportunity to have his case heard.
In 1771, the leaders of Connecticut approved this measure and the Governor’s Guard was created. A few years later another guard was added, followed by two horseback units which led to this company receiving the title of First Company Governor’s Foot Guard.
The First Company Governor’s Foot Guard is still around and is understood to be the longest continuously serving militia unit in the United States.
Continental Colonel
When the Revolutionary War broke out, Wyllys joined the fight as a Lieutenant Colonel under Joseph Spencer in the 2nd Connecticut Regiment.
When George Washington arrived and Spencer was promoted to Brigadier General, Samuel was also promoted and took over as the 2nd’s Colonel.
Fought with the Continental Army throughout most of the war, serving entirely in the Northern Department. The only major change to his duties was during a reorganization where he was moved to take over the 3rd Continental Regiment under the command of Samuel Holden Parsons.
A Century as Secretary of State
After the Revolutionary War concluded, Wyllys was named Major General in the Connecticut Militia.
He was also elected to the General Assembly before becoming Connecticut’s Secretary of State in 1796.
Samuel took this position over from his father (who held it for 61 years) who had taken over for his father (who held it for 23 years).
By the time Samuel retired in 1810, one of the three Wyllys men had held that office consecutively for 98 years.
Do you want to learn about another interesting change in Connecticut Institutions during the Founding?
Enjoy this article:
Pierpont Edwards Organizes the Toleration Party
Want to learn more about the Connecticut Foot Guard?
‘An Honor to the State’ is the only modern review of this illustrious body. It is out of print but several used copies are available.
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