USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Leading business men of Fairfield County : and a historical review of the principal cities > Part 30
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This is one of the most liberally patronized and ably managed banks in the county. From the outset it has retained the public confidence. A general banking business is transacted, includ-
ing the receiving of deposits, the discounting of approved commercial paper, the collection of Drafts, buying and selling of Foreign Ex- change, etc.
The officers aud directors are all men of in- fluence and standing in business circles, and their worth and integrity gives assurance of the con- tinued prosperity and usefulness of the institu- tion.
Bigelow & Stevens, Fire and Life Insurance, Room 6, Library Building .- The laws of man are constantly being changed and are not infre- quently violated with impunity by those whom they should bind, but not so the laws of nature. Natural law is unchanging and inviolable, if one goes against it the consequences are sure and oft- times terrible, and as nature is no respecter of persons all are equally forced to obey her behests. Gradually but surely the fundamental principles of existence are being discovered and acted upon and it is owing to the great law of average that powerful companies can be formed to insure the community against loss by fire, accident or disease. Few people realize the enormous sums contained in the assets of some of these companies as, for instance, the New York Life which has the tidy little amount of $75,000,000 to its credit!
The resident agents of this company are Messrs. Bigelow & Stevens, who may be found in room 6, Library Building. The firm, which consists of Messrs C. H. Bigelow and G. C. Ste- vens, both natives of this city, has been estab- lished some fifteen years, and has worked up a very large business during that time. Beside the company mentioned they are also resident agents for the following fire insurance companies : Ætna, of Hartford; the Continental and the Phoenix, of New York; the American and the Fire Association, of Philadelphia; the Meriden, of Meriden, and the N. British and Mercantile, London, England. Insurance will be placed at the most reasonable rates, and all losses promptly paid.
177
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF DANBURY.
Foster Bros., Builders and Architects .- The great demand for architectural skill and building materials occasioned by the remarkable growth of Danbury has been fully met by the builders and contractors of this place, and in no city in the State are there found more competent master artisans in this line of industry.
The leading concern in this field of enterprise is the firm of Foster Bros., who for nearly a ·quarter of a century have been interested in most of the important building operations in this city and section.
The business was inaugurated by Messrs. Barnum & Starr, in 1854, the present firm be- coming their successors in 1864.
The Messrs. Foster are both practical and expert master architects and builders, and have the best possible facilities and the requisite skill to plan and complete all kinds of buildings with despatch and in the best style of architectural art. Elevations, plans and specifications are made, and estimates given for all descriptions of buildings, and contracts made with this reliable house are well and faithfully per- formed.
The firm operate the largest Steam Wood Working establishment in Danbury, aud manu- facture and carry in stock all kinds of Doors, Sash, Blinds and Mouldings, as well as Plaster Ornaments and other building materials. Plan- ing and Wood Turning is executed in the most satisfactory manner, and the extensive operations of the house necessitate the employment of fifty skilled workmen.
Messrs. J. G. & T. H. Foster are the indi- vidual members of this well known firm. They are natives of Ridgefield, Conn., and possess in full measure the business qualities which inspire confidence and insure success.
Quinn & Scott, Dealers in Dry and Fancy Goods, Pahquioque Block, 161 Main Street .- Among the prominent merchants engaged in this important branch of industry, we are pleased to call the attention of our readers to Messrs. Quinn & Scott, whose elegant and complete establishment ranks as one of the leading houses of its kind in Danbury.
This house was established by the above- named gentlemen in April, 1887, and although of such very recent inception has already gained a large share of public favor. They occupy the handsome business structure located at 161 Main street, covering an area of 22×90 feet in dimen- sions.
They carry without doubt the largest and best selected stock of Dry and Fancy goods in the city, consisting of the newest domestic and most popular foreign importations in the Dry Goods line.
The extensive retail trade already acquired by this house requires the services of nine thor- oughly experienced assistants, and the details of the business are most ably managed under the direct personal supervision of the proprietors.
Mr. John A. Quinn and Mr. Frank M. Scott are natives of Danbury, and both are well and favorably known in social as well as business circles. They are men of rare natural ability, and enjoy in a pre-eminent degree the respect, and confidence of all who do business with them.
Danbury National Bank .- This is the oldest banking institution in Danbury, having been started in 1824, under the name of Fairfield County Branch Bank of Norwalk. Dissolution first took place, July 1, 1844, when it was organ- ized and incorporated as a State Bank, and in the wonderful growth of the town and section during the past sixty-three years, it has taken a most prominent and important part.
Under the present name it was reorganized under the provisions of the Federal Banking Laws in 1865. The capital stock is $327,000, giving ample facilities for aiding mercantile and industrial enterprise. The large surplus attests the able management of affairs, and the worth and standing of the officers and directors inspires the fullest confidence of customers and corre- spondents.
The officers of the Bank at this time are as follows: President, Lucius P. Hoyt; Cashier, Jabez Amsbury; Teller, George Williams; Directors-Lucius P. Hoyt, Wm. R. White, Henry Crofut, Lyman D. Brewster, Samuel H. Rundle, Henry T. Hoyt, Samuel C. Wildman, Geo. G. Durant and Jabez Amsbury.
Mr. Lucius P. Hoyt has been the president of the bank since 1864, one year before it became a National Bank, and has been also President of the Danbury & Norwalk R. R. since its organiza- tion in 1852.
Mr. Jabez Amsbury, the Cashier of the Bank, has held that same responsible position since October, 1855. He is a wide awake business man and able financier. He was born in New- ton, Mass.
The Board of Directors comprise many of the leading manufacturers and merchants of the town, and under past and present management, the Danbury National Bank ranks as one of the best conducted solid financial institutions in the State.
Hawley Bradley, Carriage Repository, Sales, Boarding and Livery Stables, 314 Main Street .- For the past quarter of a century Mr. Hawley Bradley has maintained leadership in his line of trade in Danbury, and at present writing he occupies a most prominent position among the business men of this place.
Hisextensive Sales, Boarding and Livery Stables are 35x300 feet in dimensions, with first-class accommodations for seventy-five head of horses, as well for the storage of carriages. He keeps for livery purposes about forty teams, and liis turnouts are stylish, serviceable and reliable. The accommodations for boarding horses are all that could be desired, and terms are uniformly reasonable and satisfaction guaranteed.
Mr. Bradley is one of the largest dealers in horses in New England, and one of the most reliable. He brings car loads of the finest Cana- dian and Western horses to this place, for which he has a constant demand, and his operations require the employment of ten workmen.
Mr. Bradley is a progressive, public-spirited business man and most estimable citizen, and possesses the fullest confidence of all with whom he is brought into business relations.
He carries in stock a fine and large assortment of carriages, and is able to meet every require- ment of customers.
178
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF DANBURY.
J. N. Robertson, Carpenter and Builder, 8 Crosby Street .- No persons have striven with greater zeal during the time since his establish- ment to bring to the front that branch of indus- try in which they labor than has Mr. J. N. Rob- ertson, and he has been rewarded, for to-day he occupies a leading position in the building trade of Danbury, and has acquired a fame for the re- liable and substantial manner in which he fulfills his contracts, excelled by none of his contempo- raries.
This business was established by its present proprietor, Mr. J. N. Robertson, in 1877, who is a thoroughly experienced and practical builder, and all work undertaken by him is accomplished under his personal supervision.
The premises occupied by him are convenient- ly located at 8 Crosby street, and comprise a building 40x70 feet in dimensions, which is equipped with all the improved machinery and steam power necessary for Wood Working of all kinds, such as Moulding, Turning, etc.
Mr. Robertson gives employment to twelve skilled workmen, and his business operations consist of the erection of buildings and all kinds of carpenter work. He has erected many of the private residences and business blocks which grace our city, as well as many pretentious edi- fices throughout the adjoining towns.
It is a matter of the greatest importance that buildings should be erected with care and of good materials, and those contemplating build- ing of any description will promote their own interests by consulting with Mr. Robertson be- fore entering into contracts with other parties.
Mr. Robertson is a native of Canada, and his long residence and business career in this city have gained him the reputation of being one of the leading and most reliable builders of Danbury.
F. E. Hartwell & Co., Dealers in Clothing and Gents' Furnishing Goods, 199 Main Street .- Among the prosperous business industries con- ducted in Danbury, the Clothing and Gents' Fur- nishing Goods line of trade occupies a prominent position, and popular among those houses de- voted to this line of business is the one conduct- ed by Mr. F. E. Hartwell.
This house was established by Mr. Hartwell (who is the sole proprietor, the company being nominal) in 1877, and during the ten years since its inception he has been very successful in build- ing up an extensive retail trade.
The premises occupied cover an area of 20x98 feet in dimensions, and have excellent facilities for displaying the very fine stock of goods car- ried, which consist of a full and complete assort- ment of gentlemen's clothing and furnishing goods of every description, also a large variety of Trunks, Valises, Umbrellas, etc., and in addition to the above-named line of goods, Mr. Hartwell deals extensively in horse clothing, of which he carries a complete stock.
The extensive retail trade of this house gives constant employment to five very efficient clerks and the details of the business, which are under the direct supervision of the proprietor, are handled in an able and energetic manner.
Mr. Hartwell is a native of Massachusetts, an excellent business manager of long experience, and a highly esteemed citizen of Danbury.
D. S. Cosier, Undertaker. Coffins, Caskets and Shrouds, the Best in Market, Kept on Hand. 309 Main Street .- In a work of this kind, which treats of the resources of the city of Danbury, and which is destined to be read by the entire community, it is of course not out of place for us to speak of an establishment where, when our citizens are in bereavement, they will be able to. find everything requisite for a funeral. The es- tablishment we have reference to is the one con- ducted by Mr. D. S. Cosier, undertaker, located at No. 309 Main Street. He established his business in 1869, and during the eighteen years since that date has so conducted it that to-day he possesses the esteem and confidence of a large portion of this community as one of the most re- liable parties to consult in times of need. Mr. Cosier deals extensively in coffins, caskets and shrouds, and constantly keeps on hand as fine an assortment as can be found in this city. His fine wareroom and private morgue is located at the above named address, where all orders are re- ceived and promptly executed, funerals attended to on short notice, hearses furnished, and coaches to meet the cars at all hours. Bodies laid out and prepared for burial night or day. Mr. Cosier and his very capable assistants are considerate and thoughtful in their attention to all patrons.
Mr. Cosier is a native of New Fairfield, Ct., but has been a resident of Danbury for many years, where he has gained a highly honorable. record. He is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity.
Joseph T. Bates & Co., Dealers in Western Lumber and Timber. Southern Yellow Pine, Walnut, White Wood, Oak and Spruce Flooring. Yard near N. Y. & N. E. R. R. depot, on Canal Street .- A leading house in the lumber trade of Danbury, and one of the principal concerns in this section is that of Messrs Joseph T. Bates & Co. The extensive business carried by these representative merchants was established in 1873 by the senior partner, the firm as now constituted succeeding him in 1883.
The office and large yards of Messrs Bates &. Co. are eligibly located with reference to ship- ment and receipt of merchandise, on Canal street, near the Housatonic railroad depot, the premises being admirably arranged for dry storage, etc., and the stock of merchandise is as large and complete as that of any other lumber- dealer in Fairfield Connty. Messrs Bates & Co., have a large city and out town Western Lumber and Timber trade in Southern Yellow Pine, Wal- nut, White wood, Oak and Spruce flooring, be- sides seasoned clapboards, shingles, pickets, fence railing, posts, sheathing and flooring, and supply merchandise of standard excellence at lowest wholesale prices, and the great facilities for trade, honorable business methods and punc- tuality of the firm make their house a most desir- able and popular source of supply.
Messrs J. T Bates and Wm. A. Burkett are the individual members of the firm. The former is a native of Danbury and the latter was born in Falls Village, Ct. Both are energetic, liberal, pro- gressive business men, and enjoy the fullest confi- dence of their customers and correspondents.
In Lepeer, Michigan, the firm have in stock 2,000,000 feet, and 1,000,000 feet on hand here.
119
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF DANBURY.
Turner House, Commercial rates $2.50 per day. Free Carriage to and from all Trains. W. M. Butler, Manager; J. S. Bliss, Proprietor .- The Turner House, by far the finest hotel build- ing in Daubury, and one of the most imposing structures of any kind in the town, is one of the eminently popular and well conducted hostel- ries and pleasant summer resorts in New En- gland. It was built about thirty-five years ago by Mr. Turner, a famous showman in his day, and for five years has been conducted by Col. J. S. Bliss as proprietor, and Mr. W. M. Butler as the popular and efficient manager.
Extensive additions were made to the building in 1883, at which time every modern improvement was introduced and the capacity of the house was doubled. The building is a handsome, four story briek structure, fronting on the Park, with spacious piazzas extending along three sides of the building, and all the surroundings are de- lightful. The rooms, sixty in number, are mod- els of elegance and comfort in their arrangements and appointments, and there is not in New En- gland a more desirable place as a summer resi- dence, or as an elegant home at all seasons.
The menu is unsurpassed, and the service all that could be desired by the most exacting, and an air of refinement and comfort pervades every department.
Col. Bliss, the proprietor, is a New York man by birth, and won his military title by faithful service in the war of the Rebellion as an aid on the staff of Gen. Newton, afterwards chief en- gineer of the United States Army. He is a cul- tured, courteous gentleman of fine social and business qualities, and is also one of the proprie- tors of the Wooster House in Danbury.
Mr. Butler, the competent and obliging mana- ger, is a New Haven man by birth, and is one of the most popular hotel men in the State.
The rates are from $2.50 to $3.00 per day, with special rates to commercial travelers and those remaining for a length of time.
C. H. Wilcox, Eureka Feed Mill, 310 Main Street. - It would be an almost impossible task to compute the vast amount of Flour, Feed, Grain and Hay, etc., that are annually sold through the medium of the merchants of Dan- bury.
One of the oldest and best known houses in the city devoted to the sale of these and kindred products was founded in 1869 by Mr. G. S. Dis- brow.
In 1880, Mr. Disbrow, the founder of the concern, and father in-law of the present proprietor, died. Since then Mr. Wilcox has been the sole pro- prietor.
The premises utilized for the trans- action of this business are located at 310 Main street, and occupy two floors of the building, each 40x60 feet in dimensions, which are well stocked with Flour, Grain, Feed, etc.
All goods are received direct from producers and manufacturers, and as every facility for doing a large business is at command, combining ample cap- ital with energy, enterprise and expe- rience it is not surprising that Mr. Wilcox should enjoy the confidence of a wide circle of patrons, and control a large wholesale and retail business trade in Danbury and the surrounding towns. The extent to which this trade has reached re- quires the employment of six assistants, and the large stock constantly carried will always be found uniform in general good qualities and color, which are unsurpassed in this market. Mr. Wilcox is a native of Danbury, and in conclusion we may be permitted to say that the reputation enjoyed by him from the inception of his business for reliable goods and low prices has been main- tained to the present day, and those in quest of any of these goods will conserve their own inter- ests by trading at this establishment.
Folsom's Photograph Studio, 197 Main Street. -It is wonderful to contemplate the degree of perfection which has been attained in the art of photography within late years, and this is mainly due to the improvements that have been attained in the process of its operations, and in no branch of the arts have more marked improvements been made than in that of photography, and the studio located in Danbury that we are particularly de- sirous of calling the attention of our readers to is the one now conducted by Mrs. J. H. Folsom. This business was established in 1872 by Mr. J. H. Folsom, and ably managed by him until his death, which occurred in 1883, since which date the business has been conducted by Mrs. Folsom.
The premises occupied are located in the sec- ond and third floors of the building, and com- prise several large reception and operating rooms. The reception rooms are handsomly furnished and decorated with pictures of all descriptions, and the operating rooms are well supplied with all the new and modern improvements, and the various facilities required in the conduct of the business.
Employment is given to four very capable assistants, whose talent and artistic tastes are displayed in the many fine productions of this establishment, which has gained the just reputa- tion of being the largest in town, and producing the best and most reliable work. Perfect satis- faction is guaranteed in all descriptions of work undertaken by this house.
180
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF DANBURY.
W. O. HOYT,
PUBLISHER, IMPORTER AND DEALER IN
Lianos, * Organs. *
And musical *
Sheet Music,
Merchandise.
DANBURY, CONN.
Weber. Shoninger.
A most desirable place in Danbury for the | tablished some years ago by Benedict Brothers, purchase of Pianos, Organs and musical merchan- and under the present management one year, and which occupies two floors 18x100 feet, in a build- ing located on Main street, opposite town clock. These premises are stocked with every variety of the most desirable Boots, Shoes and Rubbers for men, women, boys, youths, misses and children, of all the various grades suited to the market. dise generally, is that of Mr. W. O. Hoyt. This representative dealer established himself in business here in 1879, and has from the begin- ning met with decided and deserved success. His large and handsomely appointed store room is filled to its utmost capacity with an elegant assortment of Weber and Shoninger Pianos and The facilities enjoyed by the house embrace the- most desirable relations with reliable manufac- turers for supplying that class of goods they can with confidence commend to the trade. Mason & Hamlin's Organs, besides a full line of Sheet Music, Music Books and publications, and musical merchandise of every description. Mr. Hoyt supplies everything in his line at lowest prices for cash, and instruments are warranted and satisfaction guaranteed in every instance.
Being a publisher and importer of sheet music he is able to furnish either at wholesale or retail. Four polite and attentive assistants are employed and all are treated in a courteous manner.
Mr. Hoyt is a native of Danbury and is highly esteemed. He enjoys unsurpassed facilities for successfully conducting a large trade. He is reliable and responsible in business and has won success in trade here through his sterling worth and ability.
Holbrook & Taylor, Wholesale and Retail Dealers in Boots, Shoes, Rubbers, Etc. Opposite Town Clock, Main Street .- There is nothing which contributes more directly to the metropol- itan character of a city than the establishment of enterprising and reliable houses, thereby aug- menting the facilities of supply, and inducing trade to the given eentre.
Whatever may have been the advantages of Danbury in this respect heretofore it must be admitted by all who give the subject considera- tion, that the past few years have demonstrated its ability to cope successfully with any city of its size in the inducements presented to the gen- eral trade.
Among the important accessions to this branch of trade (namely Boots, Shoes and Rubbers), is the house of Holbrook & Taylor, which was es-
Hlason & Hamlin.
The individual members of the firm are Messrs. Elijah Holbrook and Hewell Taylor, both natives of Massachusetts, and gentlemen well known as being closely allied to the commercial prosperity of the city.
Their trade is very extensive and is both whole- sale and retail. Several find employment with this house in their various departments.
In conclusion we would say that with experience in the business, and possessing those essential qual- ities of progression which keep pace with the spirit of the times, the house of Messrs. Holbrook & Taylor presents to the public unsurpassed ad- vantages as one with which to establish business relations.
George R. Stevens, Artists' Materials Pic- tures, Frames and Mouldings and Fine Station- ery, 89 White Street .- In a volume such as this, which treats of the manifold industries of Dan- bury, it is evident that those branches of trade and manufacture which are dependent on the work of the artist, must necessarily occupy a. prominent place.
Of these not the least important is the manu- facture of Picture Frames and the dealing in Artists' Materials; and to obtain those of the best quality is an important point for the artist to con- sider, to the end that his work shall be properly executed and finished.
Mr. George R. Stevens, who is engaged in the- above named business, established his house in
181
LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF DANBURY.
April, 1887, and although of such very recent in- ception has already become known to the trade as a prominent, substantial and trustworthy house for the sale of art goods, etc.
The premises are located at 89 White street, and consist of a store and basement each 20x50 feet in dimensions, where will be found a full and complete assortment of Artists' Materials, Pic- tures, Frames, Mouldings and Fine Stationery. Frames for Folsom's Solars a specialty.
Mr. Stevens is a native of Danbury, and we may say that he is in the possession of facilities that enable him to offer to the trade as fine a quality of Artists' Materials as can be found in the market, and in all departments of his business he has inducements to offer not elsewhere to be duplicated.
The R. A. Belden Co., Sole Manufacturers of Hat Machinery .- In a field of usefulness as wide as the range of iron manufactures, The R. A. Belden Co. have for years occupied a promi- nent place among the leaders of industrial enterprise in Southwestern Connecticut, and in the line of its specialties the concern maintains acknowledged leadership in this section.
The works of the company at Danbury are a model of completeness in arrangement and ap. pointments, and consist of a substantial two- story building, 30x100 feet in dimensions, with large extensions, su plied with every appliance for intended purposes, the valuable machinery being driven by steam.
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