Born in New Milford, Connecticut, Canfield graduated from Yale College in 1782,[1] and was admitted to the bar in 1785.

He entered into private practice in Sharon, Connecticut.

[1][2] Canfield "was one of the purchasers of the school lands in Ohio",[2] and the village of Canfield, Ohio, county seat of Mahoning County, Ohio, was named after him, commemorating his role as a land agent.

[2][3] Canfield died in New York City,[2] at the age of 81.

This biography of a state judge in Connecticut is a stub.