USA > Connecticut > Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography, genealogical-memorial; representative citizens, v. 1 > Part 45
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country on the sea, going on two priva- teering voyages with his brother Jacob. He married Marcia Bronson, a member of another prominent family of Waterbury, and was the father of Charles Denison, of whom further.
Charles Denison Kingsbury, eldest son of Judge John and Marcia (Bronson) Kingsbury, was born December 7, 1795, in Waterbury, in which place he passed practically his entire life. The record of his early life is most intimately associated with the good old times in Waterbury, and his memory was stocked up to the time of his death with a great mass of facts of inestimable value and interest to the historian and antiquarian. He first attended the local schools and there re- ceived the elementary portion of his edu- cation under some of the well known early teachers of Waterbury, among whom may be mentioned Miss Hotchkiss, a sister of Deacon Elijah Hotchkiss, and the Rev. Virgil H. Barber. Later he went away from home to attend the Rev. Daniel Parker's school at Ellsworth, in Sharon. Among his schoolfellows were Henry G. Ludlow, the well-known New York clergyman, and Charles A. Goodyear, the inventor.
In 1812 Mr. Kingsbury, then seventeen years of age, began his mercantile career, in the capacity of clerk for the firm of Benedict & Burton in the old store on the corner of Exchange Place and Harrison Alley. Here he remained for upwards of two years, when he was seized with a serious malady of the lungs, which for a time threatened to end his life. He finally recovered, but was obliged to stop work for a time. For a time he studied medi- cine under the direction of Dr. Edward Field, his friends giving him the name of doctor, which clung to him during the re- mainder of his life. In the latter part of 1814 he once more began active work,
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securing a position with the firm of Bur- ton & Leavenworth. His alert mind quickly won the favorable regard of his employers, and the following winter the junior member of the firm, Mr. Leaven- worth, took him on a trip to the South, for the purpose of introducing their clocks in the southern markets. The family still preserve a portion of the journal kept by him of his travels. Returning, he spent considerable time in settling up the busi- ness affairs of Burton & Leavenworth, the partners of which were dissolving the firm. This work completed, he returned once more to the south, making arrange. ments with the publishing house of Mit- chell, Ames & White, of Philadelphia, to 1epresent them as agent in Virginia. He spent about a year in that State, princi- pally in Richmond and vicinity, selling law and medical books, and works of the class of Jefferson's "Notes" and Wirt's "Life of Patrick Henry." Mr. Kingsbury always referred to this year as a most de- lightful and profitable experience, as it brought him into contact with the cul- tured people of the section, often on the friendliest and most agreeable terms. He visited the legal and medical men of the neighborhood and often spent a number of days with them at their homes. He made one more stay in the south after this, spending the winter of 1820-21 in Philadelphia as the agent of the firm of Lewis, Grilley & Lewis, manufacturers of buttons in Naugatuck.
Mr. Kingsbury had been successful in his various enterprises, and by this time had saved sufficiently to enable him to embark upon an enterprise of his own. In the spring of 1821 he leased in his na- tive city of Waterbury the store in which he had been employed as a clerk, and there established a general mercantile business. He eventually purchased the property, and carried on his enterprise for
nearly twenty years. He had but one rival in the same business in Waterbury, the old establishment of Leavenworth, Hayden & Scovill, and from the first his venture prospered well. The drug store of Dr. Johnson was closed about that time, and Mr. Kingsbury added drugs to his already wide line of stock. As his business increased and his resources grew larger, Mr. Kingsbury engaged in a num- ber of industrial operations, in all of which he was successful. He manufactured shoes and harnesses, and was owner of a factory situated on Mad river, where he manufactured pearl buttons. This was on the site now occupied by the large plant of the American Mills Company. In 1827 Mr. Kingsbury took into partnership with him Mr. William Brown, a gentleman who had been his clerk, and who later married his employer's sister. Three years later Mr. Brown left Waterbury and went to South Carolina, and Mr. Kingsbury took Dr. Frederick Leaven- worth into the business to occupy the place left vacant by Mr. Brown. The partners now operated separate stores, Dr. Leavenworth taking charge of the drug and grocery departments, and Mr. Kingsbury of the general dry goods. In 1835 the two branches were consolidated beneath the same roof.
Mr. Kingsbury's health, never the most robust, began to fail in the year 1838, and he gradually withdrew entirely from his mercantile and industrial interests, and retired to the rural estate left him by his father. Both that gentleman and his grandfather had been large property holders in the neighborhood, and it now became the purpose of Mr. Kingsbury to operate with some degree of adequacy this large tract by cultivating it and put- ting it to farm uses. He developed a great interest in agriculture, and for sev- eral years carried on extensive farming
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operations, which under his skillful direc- tion were a great success. The growth of the city was tending in the direction of his property, so that after some years he began to build houses and divide his prop- erty into lots, which he disposed of to great advantage. He was an authority on the matter of old property divisions and ownerships, and his mind was indeed a repository of most of the old lore of Waterbury. He held a number of public offices in the city, always to the great satisfaction of his fellow townsmen, al- though he did not actively enter politics. For years he was affiliated with the First Congregational Church, and at his death was the oldest member. The first four ministers of this church were the ances- tors of his children. Despite his rather delicate health, he lived to the venerable age of ninety-five years, retaining his fac- ulties and strength to a wonderful degree. His carriage was upright and firm, and he continued to keep his own accounts to within five days of his death. This oc- curred on January 16, 1890, in his resi- dence on North Main street, which had been built by his great-great-grandfather, Thomas Bronson, in 1760, and occupied by himself for nearly sixty years.
Mr. Kingsbury married Eliza Leaven- worth, of Waterbury, a member of the distinguished Leavenworth family of that city and New Haven, and a daughter of his partner, Dr. Frederick Leavenworth and Fanny (Johnson) Leavenworth, his wife. To Mr. and Mrs. Kingsbury were born two children, the elder of whom was Frederick John, of whom further.
Frederick John Kingsbury, the elder of the two children of Charles Denison and Eliza (Leavenworth) Kingsbury, was born January 1, 1823, in Waterbury, and has there made his home during his en- tire life. The fondness for intellectual pursuits which marked his character dur-
ing his life, made its appearance early in his childhood, and was doubtless fostered by the circumstances which surrounded him and the careful training which he re- ceived at his mother's own hand as a child. He was not a robust boy, and his mother, who took much interest in botany and chemistry, constituted herself his teacher and took his training into her own hands for a number of years, during which the influence of her charming and beauty- loving personality had a great effect in moulding the lad's into a similar form. She read to him fairy tales and poetry along with his other lessons, subjects which the average lad reared in a rural district had but little opportunity for in those days. He spent his time on his father's large farm and as a child will, used to play at work with the hands. until growing older, jest was gradually changed to earnest, and by the time he had re- covered his health sufficiently and was of an age to leave home to complete his edu- cation, he was possessed of a good prac- tical knowledge of farming. After study- ing for some years under the gentle dis- cipline of his mother, it was thought wise to send him from home to a school where he would rub with other boys and learn a little of life, as well as prepare himself for college. At this juncture, a maternal uncle, the Rev. Abner J. Leavenworth, invited the lad to visit him in Virginia, an invitation which was accepted, the excellent clergyman undertaking to super- intend his nephew's studies personally. Here in a very congenial atmosphere of books and learning. Mr. Kingsbury spent the better part of eighteen months. On his return to the North, he was sent to the Waterbury Academy, and there prepared himself for college and the professional course which he proposed taking. The Rev. Mr. Seth Fuller was principal of the Waterbury Academy at that time, a man
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of strong personality and much erudition, who influenced not a little the forming mind of his talented pupil. After com- pleting his studies here, he matriculated at Yale College and there, after distin- guishing himself and drawing upon him- self the favorable regard of his professors and instructors, he was graduated with the class of 1846. He had long before determined to take up the law as a pro- fession, and with this purpose in view he studied the subject in the Yale Law School. Here he came in contact with a number of interesting legal minds, among which were Chief Justice William L. Storrs and Isaac H. Townsend. He then entered the office of the Hon. Thomas C. Perkins, of Hartford, and later that of the Hon. Charles G. Loring, of Boston, to complete his reading of law. In 1848, two years after his graduation from Yale, he was admitted to the Connecticut bar at Boston, and the following year opened a law office in his native city. He was successful from the start, and would doubtless have made a name for himself in his profession, had it not been for a distracting cause which eventually led him into an entirely different career. It was in the year 1850, when he had been en- gaged in the practice but a twelve-month, that Mr. Kingsbury had his attention di- rected to the subject of banking in such a manner as to induce him to engage in that business. He did not at once give up his legal practice, following both occu- pations for three years. He then finally closed his law office and devoted his en- tire attention to banking, in which con- nection and as a man of scholarly attain- ments, he was best known in Waterbury. His success as a lawyer had been such as to attract general attention, and the recog- nition of his ability and integrity was such that his fellow citizens elected him to represent them in the Connecticut
State Legislature. This was in the year 1850, but two years after his admission to the bar, and it was during the term of his service in that body that his attention be- came directed to the subject of banks and banking, and the plan of establishing a savings bank took shape in his mind. He procured a charter for the Waterbury Savings Bank, and his plan was realized. Mr. Kingsbury was himself made treas- urer of the institution and managed its affairs until his death. After finally giv- ing up the law, he devoted his entire at- tention to banking problems and the di- rection of the Waterbury Savings Bank, which owed its existence so largely to his efforts. In the same year that he with- drew from legal practice, Mr. Kingsbury and Mr. Abram Ives in association founded the Citizens' Bank of Waterbury, and the former was chosen president. This was in 1853, and he held the post until his death, his capable and just man- agement contributing in a large measure to the success of the institution. Mr. Kingsbury's position in the financial and business circles grew rapidly to one of importance, and in the year 1858 he was elected to the directorate of the Scovill Manufacturing Company. He took such interest in the affairs of the company and gave so much of his attention thereto, that in 1862 his fellow directors deter- mined to put him on the active official staff and elected him secretary. Two years later he was made treasurer, and in 1868 he succeeded S. W. Hall as presi- dent. For thirty-two years he held that office and at length in 1900 refused re- election, taking instead the office of vice- president, which enabled him to relax somewhat his active management of affairs. Nor was this the only important business concern, with which he was offi- cially connected. As time went on he be- came one of the most prominent figures in
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the business world thereabouts, and was associated with railroad and steamboat companies and other concerns.
It has already been stated that Mr. Kingsbury served his fellow townsmen as representative in the State Legislature. This he did on a number of occasions. The first was in 1850, at the time his attention was directed to banking. Later in 1858, and in 1865 he was again a mem- ber of that body and was appointed chair- man of the banking committee, a position for which his experience amply qualified him. During the latter session he was also a member of the committee on the revision of the statutes of Connecticut. At one time Mr. Kingsbury was urged by the Republican party organization in the State to accept the candidacy for Gov- ernor of Connecticut, an offer which his prominence in many directions and his personal popularity rendered most appro- priate. He was, however, unable to ac- cept it owing to the many interests for which responsibility was already resting upon him, and which he could not shift and would not neglect. He allowed his name to be used as candidate for Lieuten- ant-Governor, however. The Republican ticket was that year defeated so that it was unnecessary for Mr. Kingsbury to change any of his private obligations for public ones. In political belief Mr. Kings- bury was a staunch supporter of the prin- ciples and the policies of the Republican party, but was far too independent in thought and action to allow partisan con- siderations to affect his conduct, either as a voter or a legislator.
The list of Mr. Kingsbury's achieve- ments is by no means exhausted in re- counting those in the business and politi- cal worlds. His success in the realm of scholarship was quite as conspicuous, and perhaps even dearer to his heart, in view of his strong mental tendency in that di- rection. Mr. Kingsbury's work as a busi-
ness man, as a man of affairs was fine, but he may be said to have pursued his literary work con amore. His intellectual attainments were exceptional and marked by the greatest versatility. He was an en- thusiast in the cause of general education, and worked hard for its spread in many ways. He was treasurer of the Bronson Library Fund from its foundation for over thirty years and by careful investments he greatly increased the original bequest ; was chairman of the book committee and a member of the board of agents. In 1881 he was elected a member of the corpora- tion of Yale College, and served on that most honorable body until 1899. In 1893 he received the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from Williams College, and six years later the same degree from Yale. He was appointed in 1876, to represent the State of Connecticut in the national committee at the centennial exposition in Philadelphia. He was a member of many literary and scientific clubs and associ- ations, among which were the American Antiquarian Society, the American Histor- ical Association, the Connecticut Acade- my of Arts and Sciences, the New Haven County Historical Society, the Society of Colonial Wars and the University and Century clubs. He was also a member of the American Social Science Association, a department of knowledge in which he specialized to a considerable extent dur- ing the latter years of his life. He was president of this association for a number of years. History and genealogy were subjects which exercised a strong fascina- tion for him, and he was regarded as an authority in all matters pertaining to the records of his home locality. He was the author of an excellent history of Water- bury, and with the collaboration of Mary Kingsbury Talcott compiled the "Kings- bury Genealogy." Mr. Kingsbury was a devoted member of the Episcopal church.
Mr. Kingsbury was married, April 29,
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1851, to Alathea Ruth Scovill, of Water- bury, Connecticut, a daughter of William Henry and Eunice Ruth (Davies) Scovill, of that place. To Mr. and Mrs. Kings- bury five children were born, as follows: I. William Charles, born in July, 1853, died March 2, 1864. 2. Mary Eunice, born June 9. 1856, married Dr. Charles Steadman Bull, of New York City, and became the mother of three children: Frederick Kingsbury, Ludlow Seguino and Dorothy. 3. Alice Eliza, born May 4. 1858. 4. Edith Davies, born February 6, 1860. 5. Frederick John, Jr., born July 7, 1863, married Adele Townsend, of Oyster Bay, Long Island, by whom he has had two children: Ruth, who mar- ried Richard Collier Sargent and has one son, Richard Collier, Jr., and Frederick John; he is now the president of the Bridgeport Brass Company, of Bridge- port, Connecticut.
MARSH, Edward Williams, Financier, Philanthropist.
The long sequence of cities that one passes in traveling on the north shore of Long Island Sound, and which, though separated one from another by stretches of the charming rural scenery for which that region is famous, are yet sufficiently continuous to form a sort of living chain of prosperous human industry and en- deavor, are certainly a wonderful monu- ment to the enterprise of the sturdy New Englanders whose efforts have converted what was, historically speaking, but a few years ago an untracked wilderness, into a community where all the activities of civilization are to be found at work in the most concentrated form and at the highest level of efficiency. Of all these cities there is not one that has not its full list of names, of the men, idealists and practical men of affairs, whose efforts for their own
success and the betterment of their fel- lows have been responsible for the strik- ing results that we view. Bridgeport, for example, may boast of any number of talented persons identified with its prog- ress to whom the general gratitude and honor of the community is due. Among these men no name stands out of recent years more worthy of respect because of the sterling morality for which it stands than that of Edward Williams Marsh, soldier, financier, churchman and philan- thropist, in whose death not only Bridge- port, but the whole of the surrounding region, lost a prominent citizen and a con- spicuous figure in its life.
Edward Williams Marsh was descended of sturdy New England stock and was born in New Milford, Connecticut, Janu- ary 24, 1836, a son of Daniel and Charlotte (Bliss) Marsh, old and highly regarded residents of that town. Of natural ability and varied talents, the training that he received as a lad and youth was of a kind very well fitted to give his abilities that firm basis of self-control and reserved strength so important to the carrying out of any serious project in life. His school- ing was rather superior to that enjoyed by the majority of his companions, and consisted, besides the regular courses to be had at the local public institutions, of a course at the New Milford Academy, and two years attendance at the excellent Al- ger School at South Cornwall, Connecti- cut. He began his active career as an employee of the Housatonic Railroad Company. After a short period he was given a position in the freight office at New Haven, where his alert mind and in- dustrious habits recommended him to his superiors. In 1854 he was transferred to a similar position in Bridgeport, which thereafter became his home. He quickly interested himself in the affairs of his new home and formed associations which were
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later of great value to him. He did not remain in the employ of the railroad com- pany above a year in Bridgeport, but left to accept a much better place with the T. Hawley Hardware Company. He had been with this company for a few years when the outbreak of the Civil War inter- vened to alter the course of his life tempo- rarily. In 1862, shortly after the opening of hostilities, he enlisted as a private in the Nineteenth Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, recruited from his native Litchfield county, and afterward converted into the Second Connecticut Heavy Artillery. The regiment was quickly sent to the front and saw hard service throughout the war. The quick- ness and ability of Mr. Marsh to grasp a situation singled him out from among his companions and by the time active service was encountered he had been made quar- termaster-sergeant. Shortly afterwards he was promoted to a second lieutenantcy for gallantry on the field of battle. With this rank he continued actively engaged for some time, and was then sent back to Connecticut to do recruiting work. Upon his return to the front he was given a commission as captain by Governor W. A. Buckingham, and placed in command of Company M, which he commanded for the remainder of the war. With his regi- ment he was in Grant's army through some of the most difficult campaigns, tak- ing part in the action at Cold Harbor and in the fighting around Petersburg. He was also with Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. In spite of all the engagements in which he took part, Captain Marsh was not wounded, the only injury he sustained being inflicted upon him accidently by a brother officer while at target practice, though even from this nothing of serious- ness resulted.
When the war was brought to a close by the surrender of General Lee at Appo-
mattox, Captain Marsh returned to the north and resumed employment once more with the T. Hawley Hardware Company. His position was a respon- sible one, and he soon became well known in the business circles of Bridgeport. He associated himself with the banking in- terests, and in 1887 was elected treasurer of the People's Savings Bank of Bridge- port, holding that office for a term of twenty-six years, until his death. Having severed his connection with the Hawley company, he later became a partner of F. B. Hawley in the Spring Perch Company, in which he continued until the end of his life, holding the office of secretary for a long period. He was also connected close- ly with a number of other important con- cerns, having been president of the State Savings Bank Association, and a director of the First National Bank of Bridgeport.
Besides his business interests Mr Marsh was conspicuously engaged in the general life of the community, being a participant in many movements of importance and a liberal supporter of charitable institutions of all kinds. He was especially interested in the proper care of the sick, and was one of the leading and most active directors of the Bridgeport Hospital, and was presi- dent for a number of years. He was also greatly interested in the Young Men's Christian Association, and founded the local branch thereof, retaining his zeal for its welfare to the end, being its vice-presi- dent at the time of his death. At the time of the erection of the present handsome home of the association in Bridgeport, he was treasurer of the building committee.
Mr. Marsh was a strong Republican in his belief, and took an active part in poli- tics, although the other duties that have been enumerated might well have taxed the powers of the average man. He was soon a leader of his party in his State. He was elected to several offices, and in
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1895 was sent as Bridgeport's representa- tive to the General Assembly of Connec- ticut. In 1900 he was one of the presiden- tial electors of his State. Mr. Marsh was a man of very strong religious beliefs and gave his allegiance to the Congregational church. As early as 1858 he joined the Second (South) Congregational Church of Bridgeport, and until his death was active in its affairs. He served as superin- tendent of the Sunday school for twenty- five years and in 1870 was chosen a life deacon. Among the multitudinous activ- ities engaged in by Mr. Marsh, those in connection with the city's social life should not be forgotten. He was particu- larly conspicuous in fraternal circles and was a member of Elias Howe Post, Grand Army of the Republic; the New York Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, and other organizations. The memberships of several important clubs included him, such as the Army and Navy Club of Con- necticut and the Sea Side Club.
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