'From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Focus on Rev. Mansfield

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" is an image of Rev. Richard Mansfield.

He was born in New Haven in 1724, his father a deacon for the Congregational Church.

However, during Mansfield's schooling at Yale he was converted to the Episcopal faith.

He became a Reverend and was assigned to the St. James Episcopal Church in Derby in 1748. He served there for 72 years - with only a brief interruption during the Revolutionary War, after he fled due to his loyalist views.

After the war, however, he was allowed to return and continued his duties at St. James until his death in 1820. He was buried in Elm Street Cemetery in Ansonia.

(Note: the bonus photo above of St. James is circa 1900.)

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

Derby Historical Society to mark Rev. Mansfield's 300th birthday Oct. 1.

ANSONIA - A celebration of the Rev. Richard Mansfield's 300th birthday will be held from 2-4 p.m. Oct. 1 at the newly acquired Mansfield House, 37 Jewett St.

Derby Historical Society to celebrate Rev. Mansfield's 299th birthday

 

'Turnback Tuesday' features Mansfield House in Ansonia

Turnback Tuesday visits the home of the Rev. Richard Mansfield. 
The house, built in 1700 in Derby, is a Colonial Saltbox at 35 Jewett St. in Ansonia. 
This home has four rooms located on the first floor: two rooms on the right as you walk in, one on the left and the kitchen (keeping room) in the back. 
The top floor boasts two bedrooms (sleeping chambers) in the front with two small half rooms in the back. 
There are two staircases: one in the front entry and one in the back off the sleeping chambers. 
The home was originally located where St. Joseph’s Church is now. It was moved in 1926 and restored.


Thanks go out to the Derby Public Library for sharing interesting local history each week!