Claims to fame
A bit of housekeeping before we begin. I quoted the Encyclopedia Brittanica's speculation that Groton, Mass., was named to honor the governor of the Massachusetts Bay colony, John Winthrop, because he had been born in the English town of Groton in Suffolk County. The history of the town, as published on Groton's website, states that the town's name was intended to honor Dean Winthrop, who was one of the original selectmen for the town, also born in Groton, Suffolk County, England. A brief look at the Internet shows that John Winthrop had a bunch of children, including a Deane by his third wife. By the way, Groton, Connecticut's website mentions that it was named in honor of the Winthrop estate. Don't want to accuse the encyclopedia of anything, but maybe its researchers made a mistake? Groton began as a trading post to conduct business with the Nashaway Indians. By 1655 it had become the Plantation of Groton, encompassing a larger area than it does now. Some 21 y...