Garfield, John Metcalf, 1790-1872.

JOHN METCALF GARFIELD, eldest son of Timothy and Eunice (Pond) Garfield, was born 21 July, 1790, in Grafton, Mass.

After graduation from Yale in 1816 he began the study of law with Seth P. Staples of New Haven. At the close of his second year, he became a teacher in the Lansingburgh (N. Y.) Academy, and after a year spent there, took charge of the Grammar School in Troy, N. Y.

In 1819 he established a Female Seminary in New Haven, which he conducted successfully until 1831, where he was appointed Principal of the Albany Female Seminary. During this time he pursued theological studies, and was ordained deacon in the Prot. Episc. Church by Bishop Brownell, in Hamden, Conn., 11 Aug., 1822, and was admitted to the priesthood, by the same prelate, in Meriden, 4 June, 1823. From this time he regularly officiated in neighboring towns until his removal from the State.

Mr. Garfield continued in his position in Albany until 1849, when he returned to New Haven. Here he resided until his death, and for the greater part of the time had charge of a church of colored people in the city.

He married, 22 Nov., 1816, Ann, eldest daughter of Nathaniel Lyon, of New Haven, and had two sons and six daughters. He died 10 March, 1872, and his wife two days later.

( Yale University Obituary Record, 1860-1879, page 49)

From the guide to the John Metcalf Garfield papers, 1812-1872, (Manuscripts and Archives)