Gen. Fitz-John Winthrop (1638-1707)
Commander-in-Chief of Massachusetts, etc. & 24th Governor of Connecticut
He was born at Ipswich, Massachusetts, and known as "John" came to New London, Connecticut, in 1646. He went to England and was commissioned as a Captain in the English Army helping to restore Charles II to the throne. In 1663, he returned to New London and served as a Captain in the New London County militia (1672) leading a successful expedition against Long Island in the Third Dutch War (1673-74). From 1671 to 1678, he represented New London in the Connecticut General Court and was Representative to the Council of Sir Edmond Andros’ Dominion of New England (1686-89). In 1690, as Major-General and Commander-in-Chief of the Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Narragansett Militia he led an unsuccessful expedition against Montreal in King William’s War (1689-97). In 1693, he was sent to England to petition for the reinstatement of Connecticut’s Charter. After his successful return in 1697, he was elected Governor of Connecticut (1698), holding that position until his death in Boston.
