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HISTORY OF WESTFIELD The entire area occupied by Westfield was once heavily timbered, only the Indians and animals could penetrate the deep undergrowth. The large abundance of game included Elk, Deer, Squirrel, Fox, Bear, Porcupine and Raccoon. Streams were filled with Trout and other fish. Indians build their wigwams along the rivers and creeks. This area was occupied by the Seneca Indians who were part of the Iroquois Nation. The borough of Westfield is part of two original warrants distributed by lottery on May 18, 1785. John Nixon won state lots 409 and 433. The land lottery was held in Philadelphia. At this same time Connecticut claimed the northern part of Pennsylvania as part of their land grant from England so the land was in dispute for many years until the courts finally ruled in Pennsylvania’s favor in 1782. The first white settler in the borough was Reuben Cook, Sr., although he didn’t remain long. A group of Quakers from Rhode Island soon followed. Among them were the Laphams and Bowens. Jesse Lapham was the first carpenter and surveyor. The first settlement was named Priestville, and was the central point for missionary activities. The name was later changed to Westfield because it was as far west as settlers in the Cowanesque Valley went. The borough organized in 1867 and a borough Council was elected at this time. The first Burgess was B.B. Strang. The first mail was brought from Williamsport on horseback. The Post Office was opened in 1820’s and Henry Trowbridge was the first Postmaster. On December 22, 1881 Westfield’s first firehouse was completed. The sign in front read “Westfield Engine House.” On July 5, 1893, the Borough obtained an option on a spring owned by John Seamans. This spring, about one and one half miles west of the borough, was the beginning of the “Westfield Water Works.” The Potter Gas Company put gas lines in Westfield in 1898. Gas lights were used until the town was wired for electricity in 1925.
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