John Staniford

John Staniford was a New Fields (now West End) land owner and decon who lived from 1678 to 1752. He built Staniford Street and Lynde Street, and is the namesake of the former.

Staniford was born to his father of the same name in 1678 in Ipswich, Massachusetts. He owned and developed lands in West Boston and was active in town matters. 

Staniford led a real estate project at Barton’s point that resulted in the construction of Lynde and Staniford Streets. Additionally, in 1739 and 1741 Staniford proposed bridges from West Boston to East Cambridge, but his efforts were not successful. 

Today both Lynde and Staniford Streets remain despite urban renewal programs, but neither match their original extents. Lynde Street is shortened and Staniford Street has been extended. 

Staniford was deacon of the First Church, which was adjacent to his properties at the time, but was relocated to Back Bay more recently. He held the offices of “Collector of Taxes” and “Assessor”, was responsible for monitoring visiting business people to the city, and that had a number of bondsmen.