Who was Scholfield Pond named after?

Brothers Arthur and John Scholfield arrived in Boston from Saddleworth, England in 1789 by some accounts, however others place them on American shores in 1793.  Regardless, these two gentlemen revolutionized the manner our country manufactured woolen cloth.  Due to the English laws at the time, no one with manufacturing knowledge could immigrate to the United States, so John and Arthur brought with them only their families and superb memories of working in textile trade in England.

The brothers moved from Boston to Byfield, MA within several years after their arrival.  In Byfield, using only their memories created the first wool-carding machine in this country.  Their process was successful as well as innovative, altering the method of commonly used for manufacturing wool cloth.  Because of their achievement, the brothers had the funds available to expand their enterprises.

While on a trip seeking a new location for their manufacturing mill, John learned of a water source available in Montville.  The 1799 editions of Connecticut Gazette featured an advertisement for Arthur and John announcing their newly located business:

“The subscriber respectfully inform the public, that they are now carrying on the business of Carding, Spinning and Weaving Woollen, about one mile from Haughton’s Tavern in Montville, on the road to New-London; they hope to give satisfaction to those who may employ them.  Persons may have their wool carded into rolls, spun into yarn, or wove into cloth, as shall best suit them.  The subscribers return thanks for past favors, and hop to merit the approbation of all who may in future employ them. – The smallest favors will be gratefully acknowledged by the public’s most obedient humble servants.”

According to Henry Baker’s History of Montville, John Scholfield remained in Montville to run the mill, but Arthur moved in 1803 to Pittsfield, Ma.  It is in Pittsfield that Arthur met Col. David Humphreys, the former ambassador to Spain.  Humphreys has the distinction of being the first American to import Merino sheep from Spain, introducing a wool that was finer in texture and more easily woven.  Between Arthur Scholfield’s technology and Humphreys’ merino wool, the first American broadcloth was produced. 

The significance of the collaboration culminated in1809. National news reports of James Madison’s inauguration in 1809 stated, “Mr. Madison was dressed in a full suit of American manufacture, made of the wool of Merinos, raised in this country; his coat from the manufacturory of Col. Humphreys.”  Arthur Scholfield reached the peak of success from his humble beginnings.

Today, the Scholfield legacy still exists in Montville.  When you get a chance, drive by Scholfield Pond across from Camp Oakdale Pavilion.  For those of who remember, it used to be the old Town beach. For more information about the Scholfield Wool-Carding Machines, see Grace L. Roger’s pamphlet through Project Gutenberg.  This book has pictures of old Scholfield machines in addition to a wonderful history of the textile process.