Suffield

SUFFIELD In 1670 through a grant to John Pynchon, Suffield, formerly Southfield, originated as a township of Massachusetts because of a surveying error. Mindwell Old, the first child, was born in 1674, the year the town was incorporated. The town meeting has been the single form of government since 1682. By 1704 a church and a school had been built on the common. In 1749 Suffield became part of Connecticut. The American cigar industry was started here by Simeon Viets in 1810, and tobacco continues to be a major crop. Early emigrants went to Vermont and Ohio, where several were elected to high offices. The Connecticut Baptist Literary Institution of 1833 is now Suffield Academy. The school and the town have produced many leaders in religion, education, politics, insurance, agriculture, and business as well as the arts. In 1976, the Bicentennial year, Suffield has 9700 residents and 43.1 square miles. SUFFIELD These are among the many of Suffield who have given of themselves for others: PHINEHAS LYMAN 1716-1774 Commander of colonial troops 1754-1760 EBENEZER GAY 1718-1796 Congregational Church Pastor 1742-1793 TIMOTHY SWAN 1758-1843 Composer of sacred music, including "China" SETH PEASE 1764-1819 Surveyor of the Connecticut Western Reserve GIDEON GRANGER, JR. 1767-1822 United States Postmaster General 1801-1814 ASAHEL MORSE 1772-1838 Author of religious freedom in Connecticut SYLVESTER GRAHAM 1794-1851 Inventor of graham crackers and bread HENRY SYKES 1810-1860 Architect and builder WILLIS ADAMS 1844-1921 Painter of American landscapes OLIN WARNER 1844-1896 Artist and sculptor