Background
Wakefield, Cyrus was born on February 14, 1811 in Roxbury, New Hampshire, United States. Son of James and Hannah (Hemingway) Wakefield.
Wakefield, Cyrus was born on February 14, 1811 in Roxbury, New Hampshire, United States. Son of James and Hannah (Hemingway) Wakefield.
Wakefield, Massachusetts is named for him. About 1827 he went to Boston, where he engaged in trade. He originated the rattan business in the United States, and discovered several methods of utilizing the rattan waste, while of the split rattans he made furniture and carriage bodies.
He established a large factory for these manufactures in South Reading, Massachusetts, where his rattan works covered seven acres of ground. In 1868 South Reading voted to change its name to Wakefield, in recognition of his benefactions, particularly the gift of a town-hall that cost $100,000. He also gave $100,000 to Harvard University, and left other large philanthropic bequests.
Married Eliza Bancroft, October 31, 1841.