Seymour Library welcomes Valley local Matt Yanarella. Mr. Yanarella will relate the Valley story of Chauncey Judd. The well known tale is of a local youth who was kidnapped during a raid by the British.

On March 15, 1780 robbers led by a British officer raided Ebenezer Dayton's Bethany Connecticut home while he was away on business. Dayton's wife and children, however, were at home. The robbers after the raid traveled west across the Naugatuck River, hiding out on their way.

Encountering Chauncey Judd, a newly turned 16 year old, the robbers took Judd hostage and at times considering killing him. Rescued, miles from home, it is said that Chauncey Judd never fully recovered from the trauma of his experience.

The events relating to Chauncey Judd took place in what has since become parts of Oxford, possibly Derby, Naugatuck and Middlebury. Come and hear the full details and all the speculations about this daring kidnapping.

Call the Library at 203-888-3903 for more information on this program. Registration is not necessary for this program.