Canfield Family Genealogy & History

Mary Grace Canfield was a prominent American actress known for her work in theatre, film, and television. Her most notable role came as Ralph Monroe on the hit comedy series "Green Acres," where she appeared in over 40 episodes. Canfield's career spanned decades, with performances in Broadway plays like "The Waltz of the Toreadors" and "The Frogs of Spring." Her television debut was in 1954 on "Goodyear Playhouse," and she later appeared in popular shows such as "Bewitched" and "General Hospital." Her film appearances include roles in "Pollyanna" and "The St. Valentine's Day Massacre."

Mary Grace Canfield was born in Rochester, New York, to Hildegard (née Jacobson) and Hubert Canfield. She was the second of two children, with an older sister named Constance. The family lived in Pittsford, New York, where Mary Grace spent her early years.

Jack Canfield, born August 19, 1944, in Fort Worth, Texas, is a renowned American author and motivational speaker, best known for co-authoring the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series, which boasts over 500 million copies in print worldwide. A graduate of Harvard University and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Canfield holds a Guinness World Record for having seven books simultaneously on the New York Times bestseller list. He is the founder of The Canfield Training Group and The Foundation for Self-Esteem, and a founding member of the Transformational Leadership Council. His notable works include "The Success Principles," "The Power of Focus," and "The Aladdin Factor."

Matthew Canfield, also known as Matthew Campfield, was a prominent founding settler of Norwalk, Connecticut, and Newark, New Jersey, born in 1604 in Harleston, Northamptonshire, England. A significant figure in early American colonial history, Canfield served as a deputy of the General Court of the Connecticut Colony for multiple sessions between 1654 and 1666, representing Norwalk. He was also a magistrate and judge for the court in Fairfield in 1662 and one of the signers of the Petition to King Charles II for the Charter of the Colony. Canfield's influential roles included being a collector for Yale College in 1645 and an officer in the Connecticut Cavalry Troop from 1650 to 1666.

Matthew Canfield was the son of Gregory and Joan Camfield, born and baptized in Saint Andrews Church in England. He emigrated from England to the New Haven Colony before 1637, marking the beginning of his notable contributions to the early settlements in America.

Cass Canfield was a prominent American publishing executive, best known for his leadership roles at Harper & Brothers, later Harper & Row. Serving as president, board chairman, and House Senior Editor, Canfield played a pivotal role in the publishing world from 1931 to 1986, championing authors like John Updike and E. B. White. His career was marked by significant contributions during World War II, where he served in various government agencies. Canfield was also a founder of the journal Foreign Affairs and actively supported Planned Parenthood, reflecting his diverse interests and influence in both publishing and social advocacy.

Born to Augustus Cass Canfield, a wealthy engineer, and Josephine Houghteling, Cass Canfield was a great-grandson of Presidential candidate Lewis Cass. He had two sisters, Mary Cass Canfield, a playwright, and Laura Cass Canfield. Canfield's family connections extended to notable figures such as his stepfather, Frank Gray Griswold, a relative of Bishop Frank Griswold, and through marriage, to Lee Radziwill and the Duke of Marlborough.