Richfield, New York

The Town of Richfield is located in northern Otsego County, New York. As of the 2000 census, the town had a population of 2,423.

Contents

1 History 2 Geography 3 Demographics 4 Communities and locations in Richfield

History

From the Gazetteer of the State of New York by J. H. French, Published by R. Pearsall Smith, Syracuse, N. Y. 1860:

Richfield was formed from Otsego, New York on April 10, 1792. Exeter and Plainfield were taken off in 1799. It is the extreme northern town of the county. Its surface is rolling and moderately hilly, with a mean elevation of 150 to 200 ft. above Schuyler Lake [Canadarago Lake], which lies in the southeast corner of the town and occupies a deep valley, into which flow several small streams from the north and west. The soil is of a diversified character, consisting of gravel, slate, clay, and sandy loam, well cultivated and productive. About 500,000 pounds of cheese are made in the town annually, — being more than double that made in any other town in the county. Richfield Springs (p.v.), near the head of Schuyler Lake, in the northeast corner of the town, contains 3 churches, a flouring mill, and 368 inhabitants.¹ Monticello, (Richfield p.o.,) near the center, contains a church and 139 inhabitants. Mayflower is a p.o. Brighton contains about 15 houses. Settlements were made prior to the Revolution; but they were broken up during the war. The first settlers after the war were John Kimball, Richard and Wm. Pray, John Beardsley, Joseph Coats, and Seth Allen, in 1787.² The first church (Prot. E.) was formed at Monticello, May 20, 1799; Rev. Daniel Nash was the first preacher.³

¹ Richfield Springs — from which the village derives its name — are celebrated for their medicinal properties in the cure of cutaneous disorders and large numbers of invalids are annually attracted here. Professor Reid has given the following as the result of an analysis of a wine gallon of the water of these springs:

• Grains. Bicarbonate of magnesia 20
• Bicarbonate of lime 10
• Chloride of sodium and magnesia 1.05
• Sulphate of magnesia 30
• Hydrosulphate of magnesia and lime 2
• Sulphate of lime 20
• Solid matter 153.05
• Total Grains 236.10
• Sulphurated hydrogen gas, 26.9 inches.

² Willam Tunnicliff, Dan'l Hawks, John Hatch, Ebenezor Eaton, and Jos. Rockwell settled at or near Richfield Springs in 1789; Obadiah Beardsley and his son Obadiah, jr., the father and grandfather of the late Levi Beardsley, and Hon. Samuel Beardsley, of Utica settled near Schuylers Lake in 1790. The first birth was that of Jos. Beardsley; and the first marriage, that of Ebenezer Russell and Mrs. Moore. James S. Palmer taught the first school at Richfield Springs; Israel Rawson kept the first inn, and Cyrus Robinson the first store, at the Springs; William Tunnicliff erected the first mill, at the same place.

³ The census reports 7 churches; 3 M. E., 2 Prot. E., Presb., and Univ.

Geography

The north town line is the border of Herkimer County, New York. Canadarago Lake is in the eastern part of the town.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 84.0 km² (32.4 mi²). 80.1 km² (30.9 mi²) of it is land and 4.0 km² (1.5 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 4.72% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 2,423 people, 968 households, and 641 families residing in the town. The population density is 30.3/km² (78.4/mi²). There are 1,296 housing units at an average density of 16.2/km² (41.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 97.48% White, 0.37% African American, 0.41% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 0.33% Pacific Islander, 0.04% from other races, and 0.91% from two or more races. 0.37% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 968 households out of which 26.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.6% are married couples living together, 8.5% have a female householder with no husband present, and 33.7% are non-families. 27.4% of all households are made up of individuals and 14.9% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.47 and the average family size is 3.02.

In the town the population is spread out with 23.1% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 23.9% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 20.9% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 42 years. For every 100 females there are 92.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 89.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town is $32,784, and the median income for a family is $41,050. Males have a median income of $29,479 versus $21,518 for females. The per capita income for the town is $16,723. 13.4% of the population and 9.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 22.0% of those under the age of 18 and 9.6% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Communities and locations in Richfield

• Brighton (or Brighton Corners) -- A hamlet in the northern part of the town, located on Route 20.
• Dogtown -- A hamlet south of Richfield
• Federal Corners -- A location east of Richfield Springs.
• Richfield (formerly Monticello) -- A hamlet in the center of the town.
• Richfield Springs -- The Village of Richfield Springs is in the northeast corner of the town.