The Chatfields moved from Middlefield to Kankakee in 1858, the land affordable and the growing season nearly 30 days longer than Middlefield's: more sunshine, less snow, and ample rain. Kankakee--Potawatomi for "Beautiful River"--remained Ed's home until his  1879 move to Littleton, Colorado. It was here that Chatfield enlisted at the Kankakee fairgrounds on August 5, 1862, training there until he was transferred to Camp Hancock.

Located about eight miles west of Kankakee on Highway 17, this is how the Chatfield home looked in February, 1951. Constructed by father and sons between 1858 and 1860, the Chatfield House remains one of Kankakee's historic homes. Photo Courtesy of Kankakee Daily Journal and Kankakee Public Library Archives.