Farmhouses of Richfield is a series of geocaches intended to highlight several old farmhouses still standing in Richfield. These farmhouses were all built between 1852 and 1918 by settlers who migrated to MN because land was affordable and fertile. Please take time to look at these impressive houses that have stood for over a century.
Joseph H. Pound was born in 1829, in Kent County, England, of a family of knightly origin. His father, the Reverend Jesse Pound, came to America to become the rector of St. Mather's Church in New York City, at that time one of the most important charges in the country. Young Joseph was a good student at Trinity School, but was unable to continue there because of the limited finances of his family. In 1854, Joseph Pound married Jennet Leggat in New York City. The Pounds came to Minnesota in 1856 and settled on a large farm south of Wood Lake in Richfield. A small cabin was built, but soon a substantial structure was added that became a Hennepin County landmark for its beauty. Look to the left side of the front door to find a plaque with the date the house was built.
Mr. Pound apparently inspired the confidence of his neighbors. He was repeatedly elected to office, serving as Justice of the Peace, Town Supervisor, Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners and a member of the 1870 legislature. He was an active member of the Gethsemane Church. At the time of his death in 1889, Mr. Pound was respected and loved by all who knew him.
By the 1940's the surrounding acreage had been divided up into lots and became known at the Wood Lake Shores Additions. This is a beautiful area of Richfield because of the many old oak trees. http://www.placeography.org/index.php/Project:Farm_Houses_of_Richfield