Springfield Art and Historical Society presents: Shem Kentfield and his gun

Eric Bye will present “Shem Kentfield and his Gun” on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. at the Springfield Art and Historical Society at 65 Route 106 in North Springfield.


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Springfield Art and Historical Society presents: Shem Kentfield and his gun February 3, 2018 Kentfield Eric Bye holds Shem Kentfield’s fowler. Photo provided. SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – Eric Bye will present “Shem Kentfield and his Gun” on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. at the Springfield Art and Historical Society at 65 Route 106 in North Springfield. Bye tells us that, in 1780, “there was an unsavory tavern frequenter in Charlestown named Shem Kentfield.” This fascinating piece of local history reads like a thriller, with a vow of arson, threats of death, hideouts in a cave, and a hanging approved by George Washington. Through it all, Kentfield’s fowler remains, as it was given as a reward to Lemuel Whitney, who played an important role in the story. It has remained in Springfield’s Whitney family until its recent donation to SAHS. Bye is a muzzle-loading rifle expert and has contributed to MuzzleBlasts magazine. The infamous gun will be on display at the program for audience viewing. This program is free and open to all. For more information, call 802-886-7935 or email sahs@vermontel.net.