Matthew Canfield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Matthew Campfield
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| Deputy of the General Court of the Colony of Connecticut from Norwalk |
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| In office May 1654, May 1655, May 1656, May 1657, May 1658, May 1659, May 1660, May 1661, May and October 1662, October 1663, May and October 1664, May and October 1665, and May and October 1666 – May 1667 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | February 27, 1604 Harleston, Northamptonshire, England |
| Died | after March 19, 1673 and before June 11, 1673 (aged 69) Newark, Province of New Jersey |
| Resting place | Old Burying Ground, near the site of present day Newark City Hall Newark Province of New Jersey |
| Spouses | Sarah Treat (m. before 1643, New Haven Colony), sister of Robert Treat |
| Children | Samuel Canfield, Sarah Canfield, Ebenezer Canfield, Matthew Canfield, Hannah Canfield, Rachel Canfield, Jonathan Canfield, Ruth Canfield, Mary Canfield |
| Residences | Norwalk, Connecticut Colony Newark, Province of New Jersey |
| Occupation | Carpenter, builder and grazier-farmer |
Matthew Canfield (also known as Matthew Campfield) was an important figure in the early history of America. Born in 1604, he helped establish two major towns: Norwalk, Connecticut, and Newark, New Jersey. He was a leader who served in the government of the Connecticut Colony.
Contents
Early Life and Moving to America
Matthew Canfield was born in Harleston, Northamptonshire, England. He was baptized on February 27, 1604, at Saint Andrews Church. His parents were Gregory and Joan Camfield.
Before 1637, Matthew Canfield traveled from England to the New Haven Colony in America. This was a new settlement at the time.
Public Service in Connecticut
Matthew Canfield was very active in the community. In 1645, he helped collect money for Yale College. This shows his support for education.
From 1650 to 1666, he served as an officer in the Cavalry Troop of Connecticut. This was a military group that protected the colony.
In 1652, Matthew Canfield sold his home in New Haven. He then moved to Norwalk, Connecticut. He became one of the first people to settle there. He lived in Norwalk for 14 years. During this time, he became a very important citizen.
Serving as a Deputy
Matthew Canfield was chosen to be a "deputy" for Norwalk. A deputy was like a representative or a lawmaker. They helped make decisions for the colony. He served in the General Court (the colony's government) many times.
He was a deputy for Norwalk in:
- May 1654
- May 1655
- May 1656
- May 1657
- May 1658
- May 1659
- May 1660
- May 1661
- May and October 1662
- October 1663
- May and October 1664
- May and October 1665
- May and October 1666
Judge and Petition Signer
In 1662, Matthew Canfield also worked as a magistrate and judge. He served in the court in Fairfield. This meant he helped settle disagreements and make sure laws were followed.
He was one of 19 people who signed a special request to King Charles II. This request asked for a formal document called the Charter of the Colony. This charter gave the colony important rights and rules.
Founding Newark, New Jersey
In 1666, Matthew Canfield moved again. This time, he went to Newark, in the Province of New Jersey. He moved with his brother-in-law, Robert Treat. They were among the founders of Newark.
His home lot in Newark was located where Washington and Market Streets are today. It seems he left Norwalk because he was not happy with how the New Haven Colony and Hartford Colony had joined together.
Legacy
Matthew Canfield's name lives on in Connecticut. Canfield Island in East Norwalk is named after him.
He is also remembered on the Founders Stone. This stone is in the East Norwalk Historical Cemetery. It lists the names of the first people who settled Norwalk.
