Beardsley said of this document, "At no time in the history of American slavery has the recognition of human beings as chattels been more complete than it was in this old document, in which 'the Indian woman Dinah,' and 'the feather bed' are classed together in so unceremonious a way.
    There can be no doubt that Ebenezer Johnson had a great influence upon the old Town of Derby, and it may be noted that he married Elizabeth Wooster, daughter of Edward Wooster, who was one of the prominent men of Derby. Also worthy of mention is Rockey's notation that Johnson was licensed as an ordinary in 1687, becoming the first tavern keeper in that town. He was also at one time Selectman of Derby.

Chapter 2

THE LEXINGTON ALARM MARKS THE  COMING OF THE REVOLUTION

    The Battle at Lexington and Concord began on April 19, 1775 marking the opening skirmishes of the American Revolution.
    On that date, a detachment of British troops marched from Boston to seize military stoves alleged to have been collected at Concord for use of the colonists. The British were met upon the road by the Americans and a bloody encounter took place, precipitating the Revolutionary War.
    An alarm was immediately spread to all neighboring areas, including points as far as Charleston, South Carolina and throughout New England by horsemen riding from town to town. The message was taken to Connecticut by the Massachusetts Committee of Safety at Watertown, during the progress of the fighting, at about ten o'clock on the morning of Wednesday, April 19, 1775. The message which he carried included a written document which read, "The bearer, Israel Bessel, is charged to alarm the country quite to Connecticut, and all persons are desired to furnish him with fresh horses as they may be needed."