"John Wilford, a merchant, came from London. He was in New Haven, 1641, when lands were allotted to him in 'ye Great Plaine'; he took the oath of fidelity, 1644, and was named in the seating of the church, 1646. He evidently went to Branford in that year, as he was elected town clerk at that place, 1648, succeeding John Plum. He was a member of the General Assembly for twenty sessions, from 1665 to 1676. While prominent in affairs of state he was enterprising in business. He was connected with the iron works at Furnace Pond, and their supplies were stored at his house. He died 1678, without children, leaving his entire estate to his nephew, John Wilford, of London, after the death of bis wife. His widow married Thomas Topping, who was for a number of years a member of the Governor’s Council of State. She contested the will, declaring that the property belonged to herself before marriage. Her claim was disputed by Richard Wilford, agent of John, of London, who settled permanently in Branford as early as 1698."
