🪶 Barkhamsted Light House Village: A True American Story

Posted on November 7, 2025November 7, 2025 by Coni Dubois

I have decided to write a children’s book—because some stories are too important to wait until we’re grown to hear them. This one has lived in my heart for years, passed down through generations, whispered in family stories, and rooted in the soil of a forgotten village that shaped who I am.

Now FREE to Read Online—Because This History Belongs to All of Us.

Some stories are too important to keep behind closed doors.

Barkhamsted Light House Village: A True American Story is one of those stories—a legacy of resilience, erasure, and reclamation that shaped my family, and echoes through the roots of this country.

That’s why I’ve made the full book available to read online, free of charge. Because this isn’t just my history. It’s ours.

🌿 What Is the Barkhamsted Light House Village?

Hidden deep in the woods of Connecticut, the Barkhamsted Light House Village was home to a multiracial, multicultural community of Native, African, and European descent.

These families—Chagum (Chaugum/Chaugham), Barber, Freeman, Wilson, and others—lived together in defiance of the rigid racial and social boundaries of their time.

They were labeled “outcasts.” But they were builders, farmers, protectors, and storytellers. They were my ancestors.

📖 Why I Wrote This Book

As a genealogist and historical researcher, I’ve spent decades tracing the truth of my lineage. What I found in the Light House Village wasn’t just a forgotten settlement—it was a foundation. A place where dignity, identity, and community thrived despite systemic erasure. But their story had been distorted, dismissed, or buried.

So I wrote this book to set the record straight—not just for my family, but for every family whose truth has been silenced.This is a true American story. And it deserves to be known.

💻 Read It Now, Share It Freely

You can read the full book online, right now, for free:

👉 https://bit.ly/4oRdUDw

Whether you’re a descendant, a history lover, or someone seeking deeper understanding of America’s hidden past, I invite you to explore this story—and share it. Because healing begins with truth. And truth belongs to everyone.

🔍 What You’ll Discover – Meticulous research drawn from land deeds, court records, oral traditions, and archaeology – Personal reflections on legacy, identity, and reclamation – Illustrations that bring the village to life – A call to action to honor erased histories and uplift living descendants.

💔 Why It Still Matters

In a time when history is contested and truth is politicized, this story reminds us: the past is not gone. It lives in us. And we have a responsibility to carry it forward with clarity, compassion, and courage.

The Barkhamsted Light House Village may have been erased from maps—but not from memory. And now, through this book, it stands again.

🌿 In honor of those who came before, and for those still finding their way— To my ancestors: I see you.

📌 A Note About Access

At this time, Barkhamsted Light House Village: A True American Story is available to read online only. I haven’t yet figured out how to make personal copies available for purchase—and truthfully, this isn’t about money for me. It’s about truth. Legacy. And love.

I wrote this book to honor my ancestors and share their story freely with anyone who needs it. When the time comes to offer printed copies, I’ll make sure they’re accessible to all. Until then, I invite you to read, reflect, and share the online version with anyone who might find healing or connection in its pages.

Thank you for walking this journey with me.

🪶 Coni Dubois

Descendant of the Light House Village – Keeper of Stories

Genealogist • Author • Legacy Advocate

100th Anniversary of People’s State Forest Oct 6th, 2024

Posted on October 6, 2024October 7, 2024 by Coni Dubois

Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of People’s State Forest in Barkhamsted, Connecticut is home to three of the state’s designated State Archaeological Preserves. Ken Feder directed the excavation of two: the metaphorically named Lighthouse community and the 2,850-year-old Walter Landgraf Soapstone Quarry.

On Sunday, October 6th, at Matthies Grove in Peoples State Forest, East River Road, Barkhamsted, FALPS and the State of Connecticut celebrated the true essence of the “Peoples” State Forest. Attendees delved into its founding, participated in forest-related activities, watched oxen pull logs to a portable sawmill and observed the loggers milling the wood. They enjoyed a chain carving contest and witnessed dignitaries plant a ceremonial tree, among many other engaging events.

Both Robert Starr and Ken Feder remarked that it was a splendid day filled with beauty and history.

FALPS : FALPS is a group that works diligently and tirelessly to improve our forests, keep the trails clear, build bog bridges and boardwalks and fun year-round hikes and events to benefit those who visit the area.

Note: I’ll add any newspaper article links or photos of the event as they come in. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it to the event, but I can’t wait to see all the photos taken.

CT Visit & ct.org

L2R: Sites Archeologist Ken Feder &
Light House Descendant Robert Starr

L2R: Ginny Apple & Robert Starr – Photo credit: Robert Starr

Display by: Ginny Apple (based off archeological places of site)
Photo credit: Robert Starr

Coni Dubois, Coni's Stuff

Interested in checking out my YouTube channel? I’d love for you to take a look!

Posted on August 9, 2024August 9, 2024 by Coni Dubois

To view:

Coni Dubois YouTube Channel

As I prepare for the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Gathering, which marks its 10th year since its inception, I am also revamping and modernizing my various social media channels. My goal is to streamline all of my content and make it easily accessible. Additionally, I am working on creating new research materials for the upcoming occasion.

With that said, I have tons to share and more stories to tell and looking forward to catching up with everyone.

🤗 Coni

Coni Dubois

🚨 Calling all Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village People

Posted on July 30, 2024July 30, 2024 by Coni Dubois

Mark your calendars for October 5th and 6th, 2024 because it’s going to be a celebration like no other! We are thrilled to announce that it will be the 100th anniversary of Peoples Forest and we want all descendants to be a part of it. Whether you can make it or not, you are welcome to join in on the festivities. It’s going to be an unforgettable event!

Note: Map Date 6/18/2009 (need newer version)

Peoples State Forest 100^th Anniversary Celebration

Sunday, October 6^th, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Matthies Grove, Peoples State Forest, East River Road, Barkhamsted. Come join FALPS and the State of Connecticut in celebrating what truly is the “Peoples” State Forest. Learn about its founding, watch and participate in various forest-related activities, see Oxen pull logs up to a portable saw mill and watch the loggers mill the wood, watch a chain carving contest, join dignitaries in planting a ceremonial tree and much more. Free and open to all.

Hi everyone 👋

The Barkhamsted Light House Village has been experiencing a lot of great things lately and I am excited to announce an upcoming event that everyone should know about. Although I am not certain if I can attend (it is marked on my calendar as a possibility), I am considering organizing a virtual alternative for event if not going to make it. I hope many will plan to attend this amazing event.

Help Us Celebrate 100 Years!

Barkhamsted forest group receives funding for film, study – By Emily M. Olson, Staff Writer – Oct 31, 2023

_________________________________________

Couple messages sent to family on event:

1. Via Facebook Messenger from Ginny Apple to Coni Dubois

Hi Coni. Hope you’re doing well. I don’t know if you know it or not, but the Friends of American Legion and Peoples State Forests are, in concert with DEEP, planning the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Peoples State Forest on October 6th from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Matthies Grove in Peoples State Forest.

We believe a presence of the Lighthouse Community family would be an important addition to the event.

We have planted around 60 trees already, in Celebration, and will be joined by the Governor and the DEEP Commissioner for a ceremonial tree planting.

We hope that you’ll be able to come and, as such an important part of the history of the Forest, it would be a major presence for us.

Hope all is well.

Thanks,

Ginny

________________________________________________

2. Via email from Paul Hart to Coni Dubois

Hi Coni-

Hope all is well with you. I just wanted to let you know that we are planning for a big celebration for the 100^th anniversary of Peoples Forest. Peoples was dedicated on October 4, 1924. They had a huge event with thousands of people attending back then. Our plans are coming together for a two day celebration: on Saturday evening, October 5 we will have a kickoff gathering, and then on Sunday October 6 during the day, we are going to have a bunch of programs, exhibits and displays recognizing this important birthday of Peoples Forest, which is a resource much appreciated by the community here. This will all take place in the Matthies Area (more or less across from Squire’s Tavern).

Let me know your thoughts and wish you the best.

Paul Hart

Barkhamsted Historical Society

_______________________________________

Hope many that live close will be able to attend 🤗

Coni Dubois

Barkhamsted Lighth ouse Threw It’s Beams Afar

Posted on July 12, 2024July 12, 2024 by Coni Dubois

Hello everyone! With the 2nd Barkhamsted Lighthouse Gathering of July 2025 on the horizon, I wanted to take this opportunity to provide some information and historical context, so in the coming year I will be posting some of the Barkhamsted Light House Village story for you via research/documents/photos/newspaper articles… Etc.

The Springfield Daily Republican

**Springfield, Massachusetts · Sunday, June 24, 1923**

Newspapers.com

Sherry Lyn Carsten

Reclaiming our Native American Culture…

Posted on April 26, 2024April 26, 2024 by Sherry Lyn

I have known my whole life that my maternal grandmother had Native American ancestry. When I was a teenager my US History teacher gave us some extra credit work of creating a family tree. So I went to my grandmother and asked her to share what she knew.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 6319a286-b77f-4bc8-b83d-35ea76fb264a.jpg — Ruth Ann, Edith and Sherry (unknown date)

Her grandfather was Frederick Roy Webster. And he claimed to be the grandson of an Indian Chief in a newspaper article about their wedding anniversary as well as his obituary. He was the son of Solomon “Ol Sol” Webster and Mary Wilson (Though his death certificate states his mother was Sarah Charugn, which is completely wrong). As stated in a previous blog, Solomon was the son of Montgumery “Gum” Webster of Mehegan descent. Mary Wilson was the daughter of William P. Wilson Jr and Harriet Wilson. William was the grandson of James Chagum (of Narragansett descent) and Molly/Mary Barber, of the Lighthouse Village in Barkhamsted, Connecticut.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 38092bbf-7f73-495c-a8c5-07bafe80d6c6.jpg — *Fred Webster Family*
(I got the photo from my grandmother Edith Webster Lash (daughter of Bert), she told me that this was her father’s family on the day of her mother’s funeral (July 1921) it was with other photos of Berts girls with their cousins, Nora’s daughters. Grandma had all the names right except for Almo & Bryon Judson Price, I sent this photo to Onalee Ordiway Potter (Byron’s granddaughter) & she named the people. Also the date on the photo says “OCT 56” this can’t be, since both Mary & Fred Webster died in 1942)

…Some in Michigan are Living…

Calling me back “home,” beckoning me is a little piece of land. Ironically it is called Barkhamsted Lighthouse. I ponder the inhabitants of the Lighthouse “Tribe” even thought what it’s name would mean to those coming after them. To me it is a beacon deep in my heart. A passion that was my mother’s and my grandmother’s to stand where the Websters & Chagum’s once stood. To see the old cemetery & foundations of the homes, that are barely noticed today. To somehow feel their presence from the past. To visit the town’s Historical Society and Records vault, to find my ancestors name in some forgotten record.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is lighthousevillage.jpg — *Photo from The Legend of Barkhamsted Light House, by Lewis Sprauge Mills, (Lewis Sprauge Mill, publisher. Barkhamsted, CT).*

In Lewis S. Mills book, “The Legend of the Barkhamsted Light House” page 93 he writes…

“Molly Barber and James Chaugham
Dead and Buried-gone forever:
Scattered now are their descendants.
Some are in the Town of Woodbury
Busy digging graves and hunting;
Some in Riverton and Colebrook
Some in Harwinton and Winsted,
Some in Michigan are living.

… Generations speeding onward
In an ever widening circle,
Carry far the blood of Chaugham
And his spouse, brave Molly Barber…”

My family are part of that “…SOME IN MICHIGAN ARE LIVING….”

During my childhood my mom and my grandma always tried to find out more about our ancestors and our culture. We went to a couple of Pow-Wow’s here in Saginaw area of Michigan and I was mesmerized by the drums and dancers. When I was older some Native American singers called Rain Song came to the church we were attending and played. That is where I came up with the name to my blog “Echo’s of Lost Footprints.”

Fred & Mary’s marriage record below…

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 41326_342407-00387.jpg

I found a quote somewhere on the web that I wrote down, “We will be known forever by the tracks we leave!” I believe this is a call to arms for me. I believe it’s the echo’s of my ancestors that are calling out for me to find them & learn about the “tracks” they left for me to find. Also, it’s a challenge for us, to leave a legacy for our children, grandchildren & beyond… a legacy of purity, wholesomeness of heart & bravery.

In March our local library was part of the One Book Shiawassee, is a Community Read effort with the goal to invite Shiawassee County residents to collectively read the same book at the same time. We read FIREKEEPERS DAUGHTER by Angeline Boulley, and I got to see/hear her at an authors event hosted by One Book Shiawassee.

Some other events were the Deer Hide bracelet craft with Reg Pettibone, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, he shared with those attending about deer and the cultural significance to village life and Native American culture. And later Reg, along with his wife Marca, from the Paiute Nation, & their daughters presented a unique and engaging cultural performance that amazes, entertains and educates. Reg, draws on his traditional upbringing to provide the audience with a better understanding of true native culture through dance, song, stories and audience participation. Here are some photos I took during these events.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 433001183_10161338254044507_1841892462981541788_n-2-edited.jpg

Here is my daughter, Shelbi with Reg Pettibone after the Deer Hide Bracelet Craft event (I didn’t realize his eyes were shut). She was so proud to learn about the Native culture. My ancestors were Mohegan and Narragansett, so things would be different with some similarities.

Logos above are the Narragansett & Mohegan Tribes logos.

Much Love from Michigan, Sherry Lyn

Coni Dubois

Connecticut Public Radio: Series on Connecticut Slavery

Posted on March 22, 2024March 23, 2024 by Coni Dubois

Got an email from Liz Lightfoot I wanted to share:

Via Liz: (Witness Stones Project)
On that note, I wanted to mention that all this week Connecticut Public Radio has been doing a series on Connecticut slavery. Today’s final episode of the series, Unforgotten: Connecticut’s Hidden History of Slavery, focuses specifically on how students have responded to doing Il Witness Stones Project. As you will see, Dennis Culliton (WS founder/executive director), Joy Burns (WS director of outreach), and Jumoke McDuffie-Thurmond (poet, my former teaching colleague/WS collaborator) are featured, as are several remarkable students. Hopefully you’ll get a sense of what this experience meant to the students and how deeply they engaged…

If you’re interested, here is the full CT Public series: https://www.ctpublic.org/2024-03-15/slavery-north-connecticut-new-england-students-history.

All best,
Liz

(Note) Here are 2 link for you if above link doesn’t work:

1. https://www.pbs.org/video/historical-examination

2. https://www.pbs.org/show/unforgotten-connecticuts-hidden-history-of-slavery/

Coni Dubois

2025 Barkhamsted Lighthouse Gathering

Posted on February 23, 2024February 24, 2024 by Coni Dubois

Hello everyone!
I am pleased to announce that I am back to conducting research after a long hiatus. Due to a year of illness, I took a break from the internet and my research. My main focus has been on recovering, and I am happy to report that I am finally feeling like myself again and in good health.

With that being said, it’s time to start planning our 2025 Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village Gathering! I hope to see many of you there, and now is the time to request your time off from work. The gathering will take place on the weekend of July 4th, 2025 at the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Archaeological Preserve in Barkhamsted, Connecticut. The event is set on Facebook (make sure to let us know if planning on attending via event page in link)

If you are not on the descent list, please contact me to be included. I will be confirming all descendants and issuing descendant cards at a cost of $30 each. This fee covers the production costs, and the remaining funds will be used for the gathering in 2025.

I am in need of a team in Connecticut to assist with organizing and setting up the event, as I currently reside in Louisiana. Additionally, my cousin Veronica Lee Hawkins and I are looking for an Airbnb to rent for the weekend in 2025. If anyone knows of one that will be available, please let me know so we can secure it.

Furthermore, I will be creating a Barkhamsted Lighthouse Newsletter to keep everyone informed of all the events and activities planned for the gathering. For now, you can find info on BLVD Association & download the descendant’s packet at: https://conidubois.com/111-2/association/

Links for 2025 Event

Facebook Group: Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village

Facebook Messenger: Barkhamsted Lighthouse Gathering Chat Room

Stay tuned for more updates and I am excited to get to see all of you in 2025!

**2015 Barkhamsted Lighthouse Gathering**

Coni Dubois

“Love Beyond Boundaries: The Inspiring Tale of Molly Barbour and James Chagum in Barkhamsted Lighthouse House Village”

Posted on October 15, 2023 by Coni Dubois

In Barkhamsted Lighthouse House Village, nestled in the picturesque countryside of Connecticut in the 1800s, lived a remarkable couple named Molly Barbour and James Chagum. Molly, a spirited white woman, defied societal norms of the time and married James, a proud Indian man. Together, they embarked on a journey that would shape their lives and touch the hearts of the entire village.

Molly and James were blessed with seven children, each embodying the unique blend of cultures that their parents represented. The family’s home, a symbol of their love and unity, stood tall amidst the rolling hills, its light shining brightly as a beacon of acceptance and understanding.

Despite the challenges they faced, Molly and James persevered, teaching their children the values of compassion, tolerance, and the importance of embracing one’s heritage. The village, initially skeptical of this unconventional union, gradually came to admire the couple’s unwavering love and the beautiful family they had created.

Molly, with her gentle nature and nurturing spirit, became an advocate for harmony between different communities. She organized cultural exchanges, inviting people from all walks of life to the village to share stories, traditions, and experiences. Through these gatherings, prejudices were shattered, and friendships were forged, fostering a sense of unity and respect among the villagers.

James, on the other hand, shared his deep connection to nature and taught his children the wisdom of the land. They would spend hours exploring the nearby forests, learning about medicinal herbs, and understanding the delicate balance of the ecosystem. The family’s bond with nature became a source of inspiration for the entire village, instilling a profound appreciation for the environment.

As the years passed, the Barkhamsted Lighthouse House Village flourished, becoming a symbol of hope and harmony in a world often divided by ignorance and fear. Molly and James’s children grew into compassionate individuals, each contributing to their community in their unique ways.

Their eldest son, Solomon, became a respected storyteller, preserving the rich history and traditions of both cultures. Their daughter, Hannah, followed in Molly’s footsteps, working tirelessly to promote education and equality for all. The other children, too, found their callings, from art to agriculture, each leaving a lasting impact on the village and all who knew them.

Molly and James lived their lives with grace and dignity, their love for each other and their children serving as a testament to the power of acceptance and understanding. Their legacy echoed through the generations, reminding the villagers of the transformative power of unity and the beauty that lies in embracing diversity.

In the embrace of Barkhamsted Lighthouse House Village, the barriers of race and culture were transcended, allowing the human spirit to thrive. Molly and James, forever remembered as pioneers of love and acceptance, left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew them, forever illuminating the path towards a more inclusive and compassionate world.

Coni Dubois, Ken Feder

Got my copy of “The Barkhamsted Lighthouse: The Archaeology of the Lighthouse Family.” book in the mail from Ken Feder!

Posted on September 12, 2023September 12, 2023 by Coni Dubois

Ken Feder,

I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the dedication & chapter you included in your book. It was an incredibly touching gesture that truly touched my heart and the words you penned were incredibly moving, to the point where they brought tears to my eyes.

To see my name immortalized within the pages of your work is an honor beyond words. Your dedication has not only made me feel seen and appreciated, but it has also given me a sense of validation and encouragement in my endeavors. It is a reminder that the support and recognition of others can have a profound impact on one’s journey.

Your words and the sentiment behind them have touched me deeply. They serve as a reminder of the connection we have forged through our work and the impact it has had on my life. Your book has been a source of inspiration, knowledge, and solace, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of its creation in some small way.

Thank you for your dedication, not only to your craft but also to your readers. Your commitment to your work and the care you put into every word is evident in the pages of your book. It is a testament to your talent and passion as an author.

Please know that your dedication has left an indelible mark on me, and I will cherish it always. I am honored to have been a part of your journey, and I look forward to continuing to support and follow your work in the future.

I am deeply honored by the recognition you have given to my work and the invaluable assistance you have provided me with throughout my research journey. Your support has meant the world to me, and I am truly grateful for the impact you have had on my work.

You, Jenn, and your children hold a special place in my heart, and I consider you all as part of my extended family. Our bond is one that I cherish deeply, and it will always remain strong and meaningful to me.

With heartfelt appreciation & much love,

❤️ Coni Dubois

Personally signed and autographed for me.

I feel deeply honored that he chose to write a chapter about me in his book.

Kinny, In the course of my research, my dear friend, I have made a remarkable revelation: you are the truly extraordinary discovery. As I journeyed along, I cannot express enough gratitude for having crossed paths with someone like you, who selflessly dedicated time to help me unravel the mysteries of my ancestors, the Barkhamsted Lighthouse People.

On behalf of all the descendants, I extend our heartfelt appreciation to you and your invaluable work.

Thank you from the depths of our hearts.