Draft:Thomas Gaffield

Thomas Gaffield (January 14, 1825 – December 6, 1900) was an American glass manufacturer and merchant, who was also known for his active involvement in development, education, urban planning and philanthropy projects in Boston area.

Early life
Thomas Gaffield was born on January 14, 1825 in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the son of Thomas Gaffield and Betsey Gaffield (born Chester). As a child, he attended to Boston Public Schools, and later to Lawrence Scientific School.

Glass manufacturing
In 1840, fifteen-year-old Gaffield was engaged in the store of Caleb G. Loring Company, in Boston (10 Merchants Row), dealers in hardware and window glass. He worked as clerk until in 1847, he and his partner James Tuttle took over the business as Tuttle, Gaffield & Co. The firm started diversifying and commercializing a wider range of products, including French and Belgian imported plate, photographic glass, picture glass, car and coach glass, greenhouse and hotbed glass, glaziers’ diamonds, points, and rules.