USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > History of Fairfield County, Connecticut, 1639-1928 > Part 13
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Mr. Lounsbury's father was a farmer in Ridgefield, who held various town offices and was once a member of the house of repre-
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sentatives. He was a man of strong convictions and earnest Christian character; a man who was never afraid to express his views and to live up to them. Two of his sons rose to the highest office in the gift of the commonwealth-first Phineas C. and later George E. occupied the governor's chair with honor to their name and with wide reaching benefit to the state.
Descending from a long line of high-minded, public-spirited ancestors, and personally gifted with those qualities of mind and heart which command spontaneous respect, Phineas C. Louns- bury was a man peculiarly fitted to handle large interests. His childhood and youth were spent on the farm, where was laid the foundation for the splendid health which he enjoyed during his later years. He received a thorough academic education and entered a business career with the organization of the firm of Lounsbury Brothers. They manufactured shoes, the factory being first located in New Haven, Connecticut, then in South Norwalk, the same state, when the firm name was changed to Lounsbury, Mathewson & Company. Here the business was more broadly developed, the facilities and equipment being much more advantageous. The firm became widely known for the excellence of its product and for the honorable dealings which were the basis of its business policy. As the head of the firm Mr. Lounsbury soon became a man of more than local note and was sought by business men in many sections for advice on monetary affairs. He became a member of the Merchants Exchange National Bank of New York city, and won so high a place in the esteem of that important institution that in 1885 he was elected its president by unanimous vote. This bank was organized in 1829 with a capital of one million dollars, then an enormous sum of money, and his position at the head of the institution gave Mr. Lounsbury a lead- ing place among the great financiers of the country. It was not long after his first connection with the Merchants Exchange National that the name was changed to the Atlantic National Bank, and subsequently to its present name, the Bank of America. He was a director of the American Banknote Company of New York for more than forty-five years, and was the last surviving corporator of the Washington Trust Company of that city. For many years he was actively interested in other enterprises and was a valued adviser, to which he added a sane appraisal of a critical situation, and he possessed a fearless courage in going
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forward along any line which he approved. Although this multi- plicity of interests in New York demanded much of his time, he was during all of his business career closely identified with his manufacturing interests in this state, upon which he ever kept an oversight. One of his most cherished mementoes of his active business life was presented to him upon his completion, in 1919, of forty years' service as a member of the board of directors of the Atlantic National Bank. It was the finest example of the watchmaker's art which could be obtained and was presented by his associates as a token of their esteem, accompanied by the fol- lowing resolutions :
"At the completion of forty years of service in the manage- ment of the bank by our Chairman, Phineas C. Lounsbury, having in mind the many benefits which have accrued to this institution through his long and faithful services, and the success that has attended his watchful care of the interests of the stockholders, during the vicissitudes of more than a generation,
"Be it Resolved, That Kimball C. Atwood, David L. Luke and Lorenzo Benedict be, and hereby are appointed a committee authorized to present to Governor Lounsbury, on behalf of the bank, a token suitably inscribed to show its appreciation of his valuable services, with the congratulations of the board on his achievements, and the hope that he may long continue to partici- pate in the active management of the bank."
But to the people of Connecticut, ex-Governor Lounsbury's political career holds a deeper significance than his long and honorable career in the business world. He exercised the fran- chise at the first election after he reached his majority, and then, as always afterward, he supported the republican party. He was one of the first to enlist at the breaking out of hostilities be- tween the north and south and served as a private in the Seven- teenth Connecticut Volunteers. He was honorably discharged after several months on account of serious illness. Later he was recommended for a pension. While he deeply appreciated this recognition of his services, he declined the emolument, since he had no need of it.
During the period following the war he labored with unflag- ging zeal in the reconstruction of the old order, which was as real and vital a problem in the north as it was in the south. His
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party was not slow to recognize in the young man the possibilities of leadership. In 1874 the republicans of the town of Ridgefield elected him to represent the town in the state house of repre- sentatives. The temperance question was one of the live issues of the campaign, and it was largely his attitude in regard to it that won him success. In this broader field the talents which had been recognized in the home environment were at once acclaimed by the assembled republicans, and they placed in his hands the more weighty and important issues which held their interest. In short, he speedily became a leader. His business experience, to- gether with the sane and practical way in which he applied it to the proceedings of a committee or the handling of a debate, contributed largely to the success of the measures for which he labored. He was a member of the committee which framed the rigid local option laws of the state.
As an orator ex-Governor Lounsbury made a lasting impres- sion on the people of the state, as well as on his colleagues at the capitol. During the presidential campaign of 1884 he addressed great gatherings in the interests of James G. Blaine. His elo- quence evoked the most laudatory comment on the occasion of the dedication at Woodstock, in 1886, of the monument to the sons of Connecticut who lost their lives on the field of Gettysburg. The personal magnetism which had been a part of his success in the political field made him readily suggestable for the highest office in the gift of the state. In 1882 his name was enthusiastically mentioned for governor, but for party reasons it was withdrawn and the nomination was given to the Hon. William H. Bulkeley, brother of ex-Governor Morgan G. Bulkeley. In 1884 many friends again desired Mr. Lounsbury's nomination, but it was finally given to Henry B. Harrison. In 1886 the sentiment was overwhelming for Mr. Lounsbury, who had worked loyally for the success of the previous candidates. At the convention in Hartford in 1886 he was unanimously nominated for governor on the first ballot. His popularity with the people was substan- tially demonstrated at the polls, and on January 6, 1887, Phineas Chapman Lounsbury was inaugurated governor of the state of Connecticut. During the two years which his term of office covered he fulfilled the most confident prophecies of his friends and administered wisely the trust placed in his hands by the
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people of the state. A law which has been called one of the most important of his administration is the "Incorrigible Criminals Act." This law provides for the detention for a long period of any criminal convicted twice of any offense for which the penalty is not less than two years. The justification of the severity of such measures is that primarily the state prison is for the protec- tion of society. The Governor's own argument for the bill was that as a mad dog or a tiger must be confined for the safety of the public, so the man who has shown himself to be devoid of honor must be imprisoned permanently, not allowed to prey upon the community. The vote upon this act was unanimous. His entire administration was marked by a frank and consistent deference to the highest standards of right and a never failing consideration of the welfare of the people. The rare tribute of praise from an opponent was paid him by the "Hartford Times," the leading democratic paper of the state, at the close of his term of office, as follows:
"Governor Lounsbury retires from the executive office to- morrow, with a record alike creditable to him as a man and as an official. While our political preference did not favor his elec- tion to the chief magistracy of the state, and while we had, in the outset, some doubts as to the probable methods of his official course, we may frankly say at this time that we are satisfied that he has been one of the best governors Connecticut has ever had. We have found in Governor Lounsbury a gentleman of sterling integrity, of unfailing courtesy, gifted with excellent business tact, and inclined to administer the affairs of the state on business principles and with a view to economy and efficiency in every matter requiring his official consideration and action. Governor Lounsbury unquestionably retires from office with the respect and hearty good feeling of every one, irrespective of party, with whom he has been brought into official or personal relations."
In the rapidly thinning ranks of the Grand Army of the Re- public, ex-Governor Lounsbury was a prominent figure. He was a member of the Edwin D. Pickett Post, of Stamford, and was one of the last two survivors of the one hundred and sixty-two volunteers in the Civil war who enlisted from Ridgefield. He was a member of the Union League and Republican Clubs of New York city, and a member of Jerusalem Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; and Eureka Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. He
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was always a devoted and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and an active and influential layman in the deliberations of the church gatherings. He served as a lay delegate to the general conference in 1888, and later served in many similar capacities. For many years he was a trustee of Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, from which in- stitution he received the degree of Doctor of Laws in 1887.
Ex-Governor Lounsbury married, in 1867, Jennie Wright, daughter of Neziah Wright, one of the founders of the American Bank Note Company. Their home in Ridgefield, "Grovelawn," was one of the most beautiful estates in Connecticut, comprising seventy-five acres in rolling lawns adorned with many varieties of flowers and fine trees. The Lounsbury home was always the center of the most genial hospitality, and here ex-Governor Lounsbury was at his best, for added to the dignity with which he met the public was the wholesouled charm of the man as a host. He died in June, 1925.
JOHN STIRLING EDWARDS
John Stirling Edwards, city clerk of Shelton, where he was born November 9, 1881, is a son of Daniel E. and Katie C. (Beecher) Edwards. He acquired a public school education and then obtained employment in the Shelton piano factory, where he remained for a period of twenty years, working his way steadily upward as his experience gave him greater ability. He severed his connection therewith in 1917, having been appointed city clerk. With the exception of two years when he was employed as a clerk with the Shelton Trust Company, he has continued in the office to the present time. No higher testimonial of his efficient service in office could be given than the fact that he has been retained as the incumbent of the position for twelve years. While in the factory he was very active in the affairs of the Piano Work- ers' Union and was a first vice president of the association. His public activity has also covered twenty-six years' service as a member of the volunteer fire company of Shelton, serving four terms as secretary of the company and nine years as treasurer, and he is still holding the latter office.
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On the 25th of October, 1905, Mr. Edwards was married to Miss Lucy M. Degnan. He belongs to the Shelton Chamber of Commerce, to the Elks lodge of Derby, to the Foresters of Amer- ica, Court Housatonic, of Derby and to the Sons of Veterans, and in the last two he has filled all the chairs. His many sterling qualities have made him widely and favorably known and all with whom he has become associated attest his character worth and his loyalty in citizenship.
JOHN ALLEN O'CONNOR, D. D. S."
Among the skilled, up-to-date and successful dentists of South Norwalk, Dr. John A. O'Connor holds a prominent place, his care- ful, painstaking and efficient work having enabled him to build up a large and representative practice. He was born in Stam- ford, Connecticut, in 1888, and is a son of Michael and Margaret (Harrison) O'Connor, of that city. He received his early educa- tion in the public schools of his native city; after which he was a student at the College of the City of New York. He next entered the dental school of the University of Pennsylvania at Philadel- phia, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery, in 1913. He was associated with Dr. Williams at Greenwich for about eight months, after which he came to South Norwalk and opened an office on Washington street. In 1918 he moved to South Main street but, increasing business demanding larger quarters, in 1924, he came to his present location at 68 South Main street, where he has a suite of nicely furnished and well equipped offices.
In 1920 Dr. O'Connor was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle Francis Sculley, a daughter of John W. and Elizabeth (Tam- many) Sculley, the former of whom is secretary of the Benevo- lent Protective Order of Elks lodge in Norwalk and is mentioned in an individual sketch elsewhere in this work. To Dr. and Mrs. O'Connor have been born three children, John Allen, Jr., Patricia M. and Noreen E. During the World war the Doctor enlisted in August, 1918, in the dental corps at Camp Devens and remained in the service until February, 1919, when he was hon- orably discharged with the rank of first lieutenant. He is a
DR. JOHN A. O'CONNOR
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fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus and is also connected with the Shorehaven Golf Club. He is a member of the Psi Omega Dental Society; the Southwestern Fairfield County Society, of which he has been president, and the Connecticut Den- tal Association, serving as a member of the oral hygiene com- mittee. Courteous and gentle in his professional relations, and cordial and friendly in his social intercourse, the Doctor makes a favorable impression on all who come in contact with him, and throughout the city in which he lives he is held in high regard.
GEORGE HUGO
At the outset of his career George Hugo chose a definite objec- tive, of which he has never lost sight, and his ability and even- paced energy have carried him onward and upward until he is now classed with Bridgeport's leading financiers and influential citizens. He was born in this city, July 3, 1877, a son of Adam and Augusta (Rose) Hugo, the former a native of Germany, while the latter was born in New York city. The father crossed the Atlantic when a boy of eleven, completing his education in the United States, and he was married in New York. By occupation he was a baker and for a number of years was foreman with the firm of Wallace Brothers. He passed away at the age of eighty- seven years and the mother at the age of seventy-five.
George Hugo was reared and educated in his native city, graduating from grammar school in 1891, and he gained his start in life in the private bank of James Staples & Company. For twenty-seven years he remained with the company, mastering the intricate details of modern finance and gradually assuming heavier responsibilities. At the time of its organization he became a stockholder in the Newfield Bank & Trust Company at 1194 Stratford avenue, of which he was elected secretary and treasurer, and has since held these offices. Mr. Hugo is the virtual head of the institution, which has prospered under his wise guidance and is now one of the largest and strongest subur- ban banks in this part of the state. Many difficulties were encountered at first but through perseverance and good manage- ment these were overcome and the bank has steadily grown in
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power and usefulness. Its original home was a small structure eighteen by thirty-six feet in dimensions, adjoining the present building, which was erected in 1922. This edifice of stone and cement construction is sixty by twenty-five feet in extent and two stories in height. The building is thoroughly modern and its equipment includes every appliance found in the up-to-date bank. The progress made by the institution is shown by the record of its deposits, which were eight thousand dollars on the opening day, March 17, 1919, and they have now reached two million, one hundred thousand dollars, while the assets total over two and one-half million dollars.
Mr. Hugo was married November 18, 1903, in Bridgeport, to Miss Theresa Macnerny, and their two children are: Esther T., a high school pupil; and George Ray. Mr. Hugo is identified with the Masonic order, the Algonquin Club, the Reciprocity Club, Pootatuck Yacht Club and several business corporations. He is a consistent member of the United Congregational church and turns to aquatic sports for recreation. His well known conserva- tism and integrity constitute valuable assets of the institution which he represents, and his worth to the community is uniformly acknowledged.
3/1/21 CARLTON SAMUEL RAYMOND
Carlton Samuel Raymond, filling the position of assistant town clerk, with offices in the city hall of New Canaan, has by the prompt and efficient discharge of his duties made a creditable record that has gained for him high endorsement of the public. Mr. Raymond is a native of Massachusetts, his birth having occurred in Montague on the 18th of August, 1883. He was but three years of age, however, when brought to New Canaan, where he attended the public schools, supplementing his preliminary educational training by a course in the Eastman School of Bus- iness at Poughkeepsie, New York. He then went to Greenwich, Connecticut, where he was employed by the Postal Telegraph Company for a year. He afterward spent a year in Stamford and then returned to New Canaan, where he was with the French Cable Company for a year. He next became associated with the
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Yale & Towne Manufacturing Company of Stamford, continuing in the employ of that corporation until 1910. Again coming to New Canaan, he engaged in the automobile, garage and livery business until 1926, when he was appointed assistant town clerk. He has since been associated with municipal affairs here and has been most loyal to the interests entrusted to him, so that his record as a public official is a most commendable one.
On the 20th of October, 1915, Mr. Raymond was married at Wilton, Connecticut, to Miss Harriett I. Green, and they have one son, Carlton Samuel, Jr., who was born August 22, 1916.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Raymond is a Mason, belonging to Harmony Lodge, No. 67, F. & A. M., and he is a loyal adherent of the teachings of the craft. He has always resided in New England and the best tenets of its citizenship find expression in his life.
HENRY GEORGE CARLSON
Henry George Carlson, who is conducting a Ford sales agency and garage in Newtown, was born at this place February 15, 1895, a son of John Albert and Emily (King) Carlson. The father was a native of Stockholm, Sweden, and on coming to America settled at Newtown, where he lived for about ten years, passing away in 1896. His widow yet survives.
Henry G. Carlson was only in his second year at the time of his father's death, but he was carefully reared by his mother and in the local schools of Newtown pursued his education, passing through consecutive grades to the high school. Since 1920, at which time he was twenty-five years of age, he has continuously engaged in the garage business and for some time he was also secretary to Dwight Wheeler, of Bridgeport, who died in June, 1928. Since that time Mr. Carlson has devoted his attention exclusively to his business at Newtown, where he handles the Ford car in sales and in repairs. He has built up a business of substantial proportions and is meeting with a gratifying measure of success. He annually disposes of a considerable number of Ford cars and in the repair department expert work is done, fully meeting the requirements of the public.
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In 1915 Mr. Carlson was married to Miss Esther M. Fontaine, and they have two children, Henry George, Jr., and Dwight William.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Carl- son has voted with the republican party and is now filling the office of justice of the peace in Newtown, in which connection his decisions are strictly fair and impartial. Fraternally he is associated with Hiram Lodge, No. 18, F. & A. M., and is a loyal follower of the teachings of the craft.
C. LEGRAND BENEDICT
C. LeGrand Benedict, who fought for his country in the World war, is now one of the officers of the Bethel Beaver & Velour Company and an aggressive, capable young business man who has already advanced far on the highroad which leads to success. He was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and is a son of Frank T. and Maria Louisa (Hopkins) Benedict. His maternal grand- father, Lewis LeGrand Hopkins, was the last warden for the old borough of Danbury and held office two months beyond the legal time in order to conform to the date set in the city charter for the opening of the new city, of which he was chosen mayor in 1889, being the first to hold that office. Judge Hopkins made a fine record as a public servant and was a man of sterling worth.
C. LeGrand Benedict attended the public schools of Danbury and afterward was employed in various hat factories of Norwalk, Connecticut, acquiring a detailed knowledge of the business. In 1917 he responded to the call to arms and went overseas with the Fifty-sixth Artillery. While at the front he participated in the Argonne offensive and other notable battles and endured great hardships and privations but never faltered in the performance of duty. In 1918 he was honorably discharged and resumed his work as a hat maker in Danbury. Since 1928 he has been associated with William G. Staib in the manufacture of a fine quality of ladies' hats and is now secretary of the Bethel Beaver & Velour Company. To the discharge of his daily tasks he brings the energy and zeal of youth, combined with mature judgment and broad experience, and his well directed labors have become
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a vital element in the conduct of the business, which is one of extent and importance.
In 1921 Mr. Benedict was married in Danbury to Miss Margaret Mock, a daughter of Jacob Mock, and they have become the parents of three children: LeGrand Jr., Barbara and Margaret. Mr. Benedict is a young man of earnest purpose, endowed with marked strength of character, and his personality is one that inspires esteem and friendship.
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WILLIAM BRADFORD BOARDMAN
For many years Bridgeport has been the scene of the pro- fessional activities of William Bradford Boardman, who is classed with the foremost attorneys of this part of the state. He is of English lineage and traces his ancestry in a direct line to William Bradford, who came to America in 1620 as a passenger on the Mayflower and was the first governor of Plymouth colony. Thomas Boardman, of whom William Bradford Boardman is a direct descendant, came to the new world by 1632 and also settled in the colony of Massachusetts.
It was in Brimfield, Massachusetts, that William B. Board- man was born August 22, 1871, and in childhood he came to Con- necticut with his parents, Rev. M. Bradford and Ellen E. (Barber) Boardman. They settled in New Britain, and the father was assistant pastor of the Congregational church of that city for a number of years.
Following the completion of his course in the New Britain high school William B. Boardman entered the academic depart- ment of Yale University, from which he was graduated in 1893, and afterward became an instructor in the University School at Bridgeport, devoting three years to educational work. Mean- while he studied law and in 1898 received the degree of LL. B. from Yale University. In the same year he was admitted to the bar of Fairfield county and located in Bridgeport. He became associated with Goodwin Stoddard and practiced with his firm until September, 1906, when Mr. Boardman became assistant attorney for the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company, in charge of the steam and trolley litigation in Con-
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