USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Leading business men of Fairfield County : and a historical review of the principal cities > Part 22
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In view of the facts enumerated, it is not sur- prising that the house to which we refer has achieved such marked prominence in the busi- ness. Mr. Ayers is to-day a representative deal- er in his vocation, not only in view of his long experience and systematic management, but he is also equally conspicuous for enterprise and liberality in all his dealings. As a result the very best class of customers have become perma- nent patrons.
Merwin House, Fairfield, Lyman Merwin, Prop .- One of the most charming of summer resorts in Connecticut is the Merwin House.
The house is situated in the charming and his- torical town of Fairfield, celebrated for its mag- nificent drives, beautiful residences, shaded | and can be had on application.
streets, good churches and the best boating and bathing facilities on the coast.
A finer beach cannot be found. An excellent livery is another feature not to be despised in the country. Its contiguity to New York City. reached by either the New Haven and Hartford railroad, or by Norwalk or Bridgeport steam- boats, renders this famous resort of especial value to business men and their families, while the salubrity of its climate and absolute freedom from malaria or any contagious diseases ensures conditions of health of the greatest value.
The Merwin House is one of the best as well as the oldest house in town, and is under the able and efficient management of Mr. Lyman Mer- win, who is a genial and clever gentleman. The building occupied for hotel purposes is a large wooden structure of three stories, finely located at the junction of two of the principal streets in town. It is kept in thorough repair both inside and out, and presents a beautiful and homelike appearance. It has sixty-five rooms all finely furnished and neatly kept, and no pains are spared to add to the pleasure and comfort of the guests. The house is a favorite one among pleasure seekers as well as business men, and our readers who visit Fairfield can rest assured of being well cared for, and at as low rates as first class accommodations can be had.
Bountiful fare is provided, the cuisine being first class in all its appointments. Polite and at- tentive service is rendered to all, and everything possible is done to make it as homelike as possi- ble to guests.
Mr. Merwin, the proprietor, has long been con- nected with the enterprise, and is a gentleman of long and thorough experience in the business.
Carriages meet all the trains at the depot, con- vey guests to and from the house, and trunks are delivered free of charge. Terms are reasonable
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF NORWALK.
Like many other New England cities, Norwalk owes its existence to the wise forethought and action of a few able men. Before any of the various settlements in the present State of Connecticut had become firmly established, while the foundation stones were being laid in Hartford and New Haven, Roger Ludlow, an English settler, about whom very little is now known, in 1640 made negotiations for the pur- chase from the Indians of territory, including part of the City of Norwalk.
A few years later these purchases were followed up by another of Captain Daniel Patrick's, of whom the name is about all that has survived in history. These two pieces of land included Norwalk, and also the towns of New Canaan and Wilton. The name of Norwalk is derived from its situation, for, according to the original bargain of 1640, "the northern bounds of the lands purchased were to extend from the sea one day's 'north walk' into the country."
In 1649, Nathan Ely and Richard Olmstead were given permission by the General Court to settle here, and the town came to be definitely known as Norwalk. At this time there were about twenty families in the settlement. Four years later it was vested with town privileges by the Court.
The town now began to steadily increase, many of the best settlers in other parts of the State being attracted hither by its beautiful and advantageous situation. In the formation of the Colonial Constitution, at the union of Connecticut and New Haven in 1665, and also in the government of the Colony from that time on, many of Norwalk's citizens took an important part. In the war with King Philip, the in- habitants were, for the first time, called upon to bear arms for the Colony, on which occasion a large proportion of the fifty able-bodied men in the place volunteered and did excellent service.
Norwalk sustained its duty with honor in all the colonial wars with the Indians and French up to the time of the Revolution. The office of Governor of the Colony was held by a citizen of Norwalk, Thomas Fitch, from 1754 to 1766. Governor Fitch also rendered valuable service to the Colony as Lieutenant-Governor, from 1750 to 1754, as Chief Judge for four years, and as a member of the committee appointed by the legislature to revise the laws of the Colony. He died in 1774, and there are few names in the early history of Connecticut which represent more important services or redound more to the honor of the State than that of Governor Fitch, of Norwalk.
The Revolutionary War made a heavy draft upon the men and resources of Nor- walk, which it was not slow to respond to generously. On the 11th of July, 1779, the town was taken and burnt during an invasion of the British. Tryon, the nominal British Governor of Connecticut, and General Garth made a sudden descent upon
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Norwalk, after having laid Fairfield in ashes. The attack was not so sudden or un- expected, however, but that most of the inhabitants had had time to flee during the night. Tryon, on landing, marched to Grumman Hill, where he made his head- quarters. About fifty minute-men, under Captain Stephen Betts, offered brave but unavailing resistance to the overpowering forces of the British. These suffered con- siderable loss at the hands of the Continentals, for according to Tryon's report, he lost twenty men killed, ninety-six wounded, and thirty-two missing.
The usual heartless brutality attended this destructive visit of the enemy. All but six houses were burnt to the ground, these exceptions being granted to the houses of Tories. Not even the two churches were spared. In all, one hundred and ninety buildings and five vessels were consumed. The loss of property was estimated by a committee appointed for that purpose by the legislature to have been $116,238.66.
Alarmed by the gathering numbers of the patriots, the British had to make a hurried retreat about noon, taking all the Tories along with them. Out of the ashes of self-sacrifice soon arose a larger and more beautiful town. Hardly a decade had passed since the Revolution, under the beneficent government of the Union, before a considerable manufacturing interest had been established in Norwalk, which has continued to grow ever since. Soon after their introduction on the Sound, a steamboat line was inaugurated connecting Norwalk with New York, thus adding a decided impetus to her prosperity.
Several large hat factories and one of the finest carpet manufactories in the State had already developed into large proportions by 1834. In 1840, the population had increased to 3,863. A decade later it was 4,651.
As is the case in the history of most communities, the records of this period of peaceful progress are very meagre, and the current of events during the years preceding the civil war can only be determined by occasional important occurrences. That, simultaneously with the growth of its material prosperity, the uplifting of thought and judgment concerning the great questions of the times was going on here steadily, cannot be doubted. The progress of the slavery question aroused increasing interest as it continued to grow upon the country, until, when the day of trial came, the citizens of Norwalk were found ready.
Old and middle-aged residents can vividly picture in memory, the tremendous excitement during the days subsequent to the fall of Fort Sumter. In no State was the war-spirit more enthusiastic, the war meetings more frequent and general, the war preparations more devoted than in sturdy old Connecticut, and none of its cities surpassed Norwalk in this respect. Volunteers were numerons and prompt. In the Third Conn. Vol. Regt., sent out early in 1861, and among the first to arrive at Washington, went Capt. Douglass Fowler, Co. A, with one hundred brave men from Norwalk. A fund was at once generously raised by the citizens, by which each volunteer was paid ten dollars bounty on enlistment and five dollars extra pay each month of service.
O. S. Ferry, of Norwalk, was appointed colonel of the Fifth Connecticut which went out in the fall of 1861. Leaving a large law practice for the sake of the coun- try, Col. Ferry led his troops to the field, and rendered such gallant services during the war that by sheer merit alone, he won a brigadier-generalship. Company E, Capt. W. Wyant, of the same regiment, the Fifth, was composed mostly of Norwalk
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men, who did honor to their city in many a hard fought battle. A large part of Company A, Fourteenth Conn. Regiment, were citizens of Norwalk, and the city was represented in many companies of almost all the State regiments which went out.
The same anxious waiting for news from loved ones on the field of battle, the same mingled joy and sadness at a great victory gained but a friend or relative. lost, the same unwearying toil for the soldiers and their country, which was the universal experience of the time, marked the four dread years of civil conflict in Norwalk. On almost every great battle-ground some of her sons yielded up their lives, and throughout the South, on the sunny hillside or in the dismal swamp, many of them in unmarked graves are sleeping to-day.
Beside General Ferry, Norwalk was represented by Brigadier-General Wm. T. Clark, whose zeal and ability, displayed in many an important engagement, won merited reward, also by Lieut. Col. Cunningham of the Eighth Conn. Volunteers, a talented officer and chivalrous soldier. Many other commissioned officers, among whom Lieut. Thos. Norton, whose untimely. fate created unmitigated sorrow, should be mentioned, as well as no less devoted and patriotic private soldiers, sustained the reputation of the commonwealth and city for intrepid bravery, with heroic self-sac- rifice. More than three hundred volunteers went out from Norwalk, and as many score never returned.
At the time of the war, the grand list of Norwalk showed the total valuation of the property in the city to be $4,676,978. The contribution by the citizens of $82,- 938 to the general expenses of the war-government, demonstrates the unselfish patriotism which animated the minds of the people, and upon which the security and even the existence of our country must ever depend. In this account of Nor- walk's part in the war, one name deserves honorable mention, that of Mr. A. H. By- ington, of Norwalk, the war-correspondent of the New York Tribune. The services of men like Mr. Byington are not so widely known or appreciated as those of men in more conspicuous positions during the war, but the indomitable spirit and unrest- ing activity he displayed surprised and delighted Horace Greeley and are worthy of the most honorable recognition.
During the battle of Gettysburg, all telegraphic communications with the field were destroyed. By risking his life in scouring the region around, Mr. Byington succeeded in getting men to help him restore one of the broken lines through miles of rough desolated land, and when it had been set in operation, after the most ยท heroic exertions, not only did the Tribune receive the first and only accurate news of the battle, but the line was placed by its restorer at the service of . Gen. Meade and the War Department, for which important service Mr. Byington received the per- sonal recognition and thanks of President Lincoln. Such quietly performed deeds of exemplary talent and devotion are most pleasant to learn of and to read.
The close of the war found Norwalk somewhat poorer in numbers and riches, but unspeakably enriched by noble traditions and the memory of the sainted dead. Dur- ing the last few years of the war the manufacturing interests received a marked im. petus, which continued to increase for several years. Through all the unhealthy ex- citement and business fluctuations of the subsequent years in all parts of the country there has been a steady advance in all the various departments of mercantile and mechanical activity in the city.
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NORWALK, PAST AND PRESENT.
At the present time the town of Norwalk consists of the borough of Norwalk proper and the city of South Norwalk. The borough contains between eight and nine thousand inhabitants, and in everything but name is a representative and enter- prising city. It is situated upon the Norwalk River about one-and-a-half miles to the north of South Norwalk in a valley, with peculiar natural advantages and beautiful in every respect.
On the direct line of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad and also the Danbury & Norwalk Railroad, with regular steamboat connections with New York city beside, nothing more could be desired in the way of transportation facili- ties. It has for many years been a favorite home for the city merchants, and its fame as a summer resort is widely known. The prospect from the borough toward the river and Sound presents a most varied and attractive outlook. The wide and stately avenues are lined by the magnificent elms and maples, which add another charm to the beauties of the place. The healthful location of the borough is not the least of its attractions, the natural advantages of atmosphere, river and dry soil, being supplemented by the most assiduous care on the part of the officers of the borough.
In addition to the railroads there is an excellent horse-railway connecting the borough with South Norwalk. There are several large and beautiful churches, three banks, and private educational institutions of the highest character, which in addi- tion to the admirable public schools, render the borough of Norwalk an ideal resi- dence to those seeking to combine the advantages of the city with the pleasures and repose of country life.
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWALK.
National Bank of Norwalk .- For thirty years the National Bank of Norwalk has taken promi- nent part in promoting the growth and prosperi- ty of the town and seetiou, and its influence has been felt and gratefully recognized by the leaders of successful manufacturing and mercantile indus- try throughout Fairfield County.
Under the name of The Bank of Norwalk, the institution was organized and incorporated under the State laws, and was reorganized under the National Banking Laws, with its present corpo- rate name, in 1865. With a capital stock of $240,- 000, the bank has ever extended substantial aid to deserving enterprise, and its long career has been one of great usefulness. The condition of this institution as shown by its statement, attests the sagacity and prudence of the management past and present, and the intelligence and finan- cial ability of the officers and their policy has es- tablished the institution in universal confidence.
In order to meet the requirements of its in- creasing business as well as for better protection against the modern burglar, it has very recently purchased a massive burglar proof safe, also a new vault door aud entrance to vault. This work is of the most modern, and manufactured by special order, combining several new features of safe work.
The officers are: President, E. Hill; Vice- President, E. J. Hill; Cashier, H. P. Price, and the two first named, with the following, consti- tute the Board of Directors: Edward Beard, E. K. Lockwood, J. A. Osborn, O. E. Wilson, D. W. Fitch, and William G. Thomas, all of whom are prominent, influential manufact- urers and merchants of this section, whose com- mercial standing emphasizes the faith of the gen- eral public in the solidity of the institution.
O. E. Wilson, General Insurance and Real Es- tate Agent, Room No. 3, Gazette Building .- The enterprising Insurance and Real Estate firm of O. E. Wilson, organized in 1872, has built up a surprising amount of trade within the period during which it has been operation, and the amount of its annual business shows how impor- tant are its transactions as related to the business interests of the city.
It is the vast amount of business done by the leading firms of the city which effectually pre- vents stagnation in trade and creates and fosters a business vitality which permeates all the small- er industries.
The business of this energetic house is mostly local, the bulk of it being confined to the city
and especially the suburbs, but it also reaches out into all quarters of the State. Those who have had occasion to deal with Mr. Wilson cau testify to his gentlemanly and business qualities and the uniform courtesy and consideration ex- tended to all his patrons. Mr. Wilson is promi- nently interested in all that pertains to the growth and improvement of Norwalk, and he labors zealously not only to meet the public wants in the way of sales and private transactions in the line of Real Estate, but also to aid and en- courage all those public expedients which are from time to time devised and put into execution to forward the material prosperity of this city.
His office, located in Room No. 3, Gazette Building, is a model of neatness and convenience, well calculated to facilitate in the best manner possible the despatch of business connected with the numerous transactions in Real Estate in which this enterprising house is at all times engaged.
Mr. Oliver E. Wilson is a native of Harwinton, Litchfield County, Connecticut, and is well known and highly respected in business and social circles. Mr. Wilson is also agent for the following list of Fire, Life, Accident, Tornado and Plate Glass Insurance Companies :
New York Life Insurance Co., assets $74.000,- 000; Girard of Philadelphia, started in business in 1853, assets $1,357,468; The Pacific of New York, assets $753,854, chartered 1878; Agricul- tural of Watertown, assets $1,782,720; American Philadelphia, assets $1,768,092; Hanover of New York, assets $2,547,326; Howard of New York, assets $879,468; New Hampshire of Manchester, $1,014,579; Niagara of New York, $1,851,597; Orient of Hartford, $1,474,443; Phoenix of New York, assets $4,342,430; Phoenix of London, assets $5,619,408; Scottish Union and National of Lon- don, $14,031,409; Sun of London, $40,000,000; State Mutual of Hartford, $48,819; Union of Phil- adelphia, assets $866,429; Williamsburg City of New York, $1,191,180; Continental Life of Hart- ford, $3,000,000; Travelers' Life and Accident of Hartford, $6,000,000; Fidelity and Casualty Plate Glass of New York, $521,000.
The stability of these companies has been dem- onstrated by their long standing and by the con- fidence put in them by their friends. They are the chief insurance companies in the world, and Mr. Wilson was fortunate in obtaining the agency for them.
Mr. Wilson has been a member of the grand jury, is a director of the National Bank of Nor- walk, constable, and justice of the peace, all of which positions he fills in a creditable manner.
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LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF NORWALK.
Fairfield County National Bank, 44 Wall Street .- This, the oldest and leading Bank of Fairfield County, was incorporated as the Fair- field County Bank in 1824, and was reorganized under the National Banking Laws in 1865, and keeping equal pace with the growth of the town, its influence has greatly expanded, and the field of its operations has been widely extended.
With a paid up capital stock of $300,000, and a large surplus, the facilities of the Bank for extending aid to deserving enterprise and for a large, general banking business are all that could be desired, and the excellent condition of the affairs of the institution is a monument to the financial ability of the management past and present.
The prudence and sagacity which character- izes the policy of the officers has steadily strengthened this time-honored institution in public confidence, and the sterling worth and high standing of all concerned or entrusted with the important interests of the Bank accentuates the general verdict as to the solidity of the cor- poration, its usefulness and success.
The officers of the Bank are as follows: Presi- dent, F. St. John Lockwood, Cashier, Lester S. Cole; Directors-F. St. John Lockwood, Chas. E. St. John, Winfield S. Moody, John H. Perry, Ira Cole, Wm. B. E. Lockwood, Geo. R. Cowles, David H. Miller, men whose financial ability and commercial integrity in fullest measure justifies the confidence of the stockholders, patrons and correspondents of the Bank and the general public.
F. J. Curtis & Co., Dealers in Stoves, Ranges, Wooden, Tin and Agate Ware, Crockery and Glass, Cutlery and Silver Plated Ware, 23 Main Street .- This well known house, one of the old trade land-marks of Norwalk was founded in 1840, by Mr. L. J. Curtis, and for three years past the large trade has been successfully con- ducted by the firm above named, who succeeded the founder in April, 1884.
The large store and workshop of Messrs. Cur- tis & Co. is located at 23 Main street, and com- prise three floors and basement of their large building, 20x80 feet in dimensions, and the fa- cilities for display and storage of merchandise and for all kinds of tin and stove work, are all that could be desired.
The stock comprises a very large and complete assortment of Stoves, Ranges, Wooden, Tin and Agate Ware, Crockery, Glass, Lamps, Cutlery and Silver Plated Ware, and at lowest possible margins. This firm supplies the best merchandise in the market, and guarantees satisfaction.
By steadily adhering to their fixed purpose to give the best value to patrons, and by their promptitude and honorable methods, Messrs. Curtis & Co. have more than maintained the prestige and patronage of this old house, and their worth has firmly established them in a large and growing trade and in general confidence.
Messrs. F. J. and A. B. Curtis are the individ- mal members of this live firm. They are natives of Connecticut, and in a wide range of business and personal acquaintance they are held in high esteem and regard.
G. H. Raymond, Furniture Dealer, Furnish- ing Undertaker and Embalmer, No. 36 Main Strect. - This is one of the old business land- marks of Norwalk, the house having been estab- lished by the father of the present proprietor over forty years ago. To the large trade devel- oped Mr. G. H. Raymond succeeded in 1872, and under his sagacious management the reputation and patronage of the old concern has been more than maintained.
Mr. Raymond occupies large warerooms at No. 36 Main street, with work shop in the rear, and employs several competent assistants in the man- agement of his business. He carries in stock a large and desirable assortment of furniture, suf- ficiently varied to meet all requirements, and at lowest margins above actual cost of production, this reliable dealer supplies every demand in his line and guarantees the fullest satisfaction.
He is an experienced Undertaker and skillful embalmer, and conducts funeral ceremonies with the most considerate care, supplying everything required for the rites of burial. His terms are uniformly reasonable and fullest confidence in his professional worth and ability is always war- ranted.
Mr. Raymond is a native of Norwalk and is one of the representative and successful business men and influential citizens of the place.
George S. Gregory, Livery, Boarding, Sale,. Feed and Exchange Stable, No. 14 Knight Street .- There are few towns in New England, and indeed few cities in this section that can boast a more complete and ably conducted Livery Stable than that of Mr. Geo. S. Gregory, No. 14 Knight street, Norwalk.
This model stable was erected by Mr. Gregory to accommodate his large trade, inaugurated eight years ago, and it is a model of convenience in its appointments and arrangements. The building is three stories in height and 60x103. feet in dimensions, and is furnished with box stalls, steam heat, and every modern conven- ience for the care of horses and carriages, with a capacity for eighty head of stock and as many vehicles. It is divided into several departments for stabling, harness, feed and wash rooms, the third floor being used as a carriage repository, with a large elevator for raising and lowering vehicles, and system, order and cleanliness per- vades the establishment throughout.
Mr. Gregory keeps a large number of horses and elegant carriages, hacks, landaus, etc., for livery purposes, and furnishes the most stylish and serviceable turnouts at reasonable prices,. special rates being made for funerals, weddings, etc., and satisfaction being fully guaranteed.
Horses are boarded by the day, week or month and have the best of care and attention at satis- factory prices, and the fullest confidence in Mr. Gregory's methods is always justified.
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