USA > Connecticut > Representative citizens of Connecticut, biographical memorial > Part 43
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other employees, railroad riots; National Guard, executive power, insurance companies, savings banks, State finances, State tax, State debt, State capitol, salaries, retrenchment, Northampton company, common schools, the insane poor soldiers of the late war, State prison, State boundaries, and national affairs.
His fame as an orator was widespread, and in addition to great natural powers in this direction he displayed abilities which had been acquired by careful and well chosen study along special lines of thought. His addresses at memorial meetings of the Bar Association were specially notable in this respect, and the one upon William Hungerford, who had been beyond any other man the representative of the ancient school of English lawyers in the State, and who died in extreme old age in 1873, is one of the finest pieces of composition that the English language has ever known. Governor Hub- bard might have been still better known in public life had he so desired, but the quiet of his well-stocked library, the charms of the home circle where were gathered a select circle of friends, appealed to him more strongly than public office and honor. His wife, Mary (Morgan) Hubbard, was a woman of considerable amiability and charm of manner, whose gracious personality rendered her popular with all.
Governor Hubbard passed away at his late residence in Hartford, Con- necticut, February 28, 1884, and the expressions of public and private sor- row were universal. The press was of one accord, sounding the same note, and awakening the same echoes. The Legislature was in session, and both houses paused to do him honor. The City Council took appropriate action, and the bar of Hartford county emphasized the degree of its loss, as follows :
The bar of Hartford county, called together by the death of Richard D. Hubbard, place upon record this tribute to their honored leader and loved associate:
Mr. Hubbard had won the first place in his profession ; but while others have done this, he took a step beyond and created a place which no one but himself could fill. It was not mere professional ability that distinguished him above his fellows-it was pro- fessional ability permeated by a personality so rare that there could be no question of equality where there was no possibility of comparison. He laid the foundations of suc- cess by grappling with the toughest drudgery of the profession, with a persistence that nothing could shake. Yet all this groundwork was enlivened by a spirit so fresh, a humor so sparkling, an ease so natural, that the result of his severest labors seemed rather the inspiration of the moment, and we lost sight of the fact that he was really one of the hardest of workers.
He was eloquent ; but his eloquence was entirely his own. His quiver was filled with every arrow that could legitimately be used. Logic, solid and compact; rhetoric, fresh and natural; humor, sarcasm, invective, pathos-all were used, and in his own peculiar way, not for the mere sake of use. hut as occasion required, to accomplish some specific object, with an unerring instinct as to the fitness of time and place. And run- ning through all his eloquence, distinguishing his illustrations, the fitting of words, the turning of phrases, and even the putting of syllogisms, was that masterful wit which consists in pleasing surprises and holds the hearer, not only by the force of what is said, but by the witchery of constant expectation.
He looked upon the law as an arena for professional struggle, and was, in the best sense, a stalwart fighter. Indeed, a certain healthy and vigorous combativeness that squarely met every obstacle, asking no quarter, was one of his most marked characteris- tics and largely contributed to his success. In the trial of a cause, he was like a soldier armed at every point, fighting for his client with an utter fearlessness and an energy nın- tiring to the end. But his combats had no tinge of bitterness. They never left a sting ; and
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were marked by a generosity that received with hearty admiration well-directed blows fairly given.
In counsel, the rare suggestiveness of his mind was conspicuous, and in argument of questions of law he exhibited the highest qualities of the jurist. A broad and yet clear conception of legal principles, the power of keen analysis, often subtle, but rarely unsound, a nice discrimination in the application of law to facts, made his arguments a valuable and lasting contribution to the jurisprudence of the State. He never forgot the lawyer in the advocate. In the performance of every professional duty he "exercised his office with fidelity as well to the court as to his client."
As a public man Mr. Hubbard illustrated anew the truth that the most unselfish patriotism and purest execution of public trusts is found in those drawn from the ranks of our profession. He carried into public life the same industry, eloquence, fearless advocacy, broad and vigorous thoughtfulness and sterling integrity that marked him as a lawyer. But his life was mainly given to his profession. He held office long enough to accomplish some lasting good and to prove how much the State has lost.
The records of the court will bear witness to Mr. Hubbard's rare professional ability -the records of the State will testify to his public service; but the virtues of the man, just, generous, loving, true-binding to him through a long life by unbroken links of firmest friendship all who have really known him-these can have no permanent record ; they live only in the hearts and lives of his friends.
On the day of his funeral the city was in mourning. From the Capitol, the City Hall, and many public buildings the State and National colors floated at half-mast, and there was a partial suspension of business in the afternoon. The service at his late residence was conducted by the Rev. Mr. Watson of the Church of the Good Shepherd, of which Governor Hubbard was a communicant. The remains were then taken to the South Congrega- tional Church, which proved inadequate to hold all who gathered to pay homage to his memory. The service there was conducted by the Rev. Dr. Parker, who spoke, in part, as follows:
The public press has fitly voiced the feeling of tender sorrow that pervades our afflicted city ; honorable members of the State Legislature have recalled Mr. Hubbard's distinguished services to our Commonwealth, and have testified of the high esteem in which his name and memory are held by the people of Connecticut ; his brethren of the legal profession have justly and eloquently eulogized their illustrious and beloved chief, delineating his character, remarking his solid and shining intellectual endowments, reviewing his signal success in his chosen profession, and his no less brilliant success as a statesman and orator. It is, therefore, unnecessary that, on this occasion, I should speak of him in his professional or political relations. Let me simply indicate the vital relation of the man's character to the singular success which he has achieved, and to the admiration, pride and honor, in which he is justly held. * loving, truth-seeking, truth-speaking, truth-acting, truth-exacting man. * * Not
* * He was a truth- * only in matters of business and politics, but in the affairs of society, and in the personal and intimate relations of life, this splendid sincerity, this absolute truthfulness of nature, was evident. Men knew that he was incapable of falsity and could be trusted utterly. He was a singularly honorable man. His standard of honor was a lofty one, his sense of honor was keen. * *
blow. *
*
* He never took unfair advantage. He never dealt a foul
* There was a great, warm, generous heart in Mr. Hubbard, overflowing with human kindness, for with him justice was not that literal and legal skeleton which does duty in the dissecting rooms of scholastic philosophy, but a living and spiritual virtne in whose heart are fountains of mercy and tenderness. How kind, how gentle, how generous he was-except to himself. *
* * He was unfathomable and un- accountable on the spiritual side of his nature. There was something awful in the greatness of his secrets, in his will and power to carry alone burdens and sorrows and doubts. He looked out into the unseen things, as it seemed to me, with the calm, sad eyes of the Sphynx. *
* * Fellow citizens, as we review the names of our illustrious dead in Connecticut, behold how numerous they are and how they make our annals shine. Among these bright historic names is now enrolled the name of Richard Dudley Hubbard.
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William Dudley Hubbard, son of Hon. Richard Dudley Hubbard, was born in Hartford, Connecticut, December 6, 1850, and died in a private sanitarium in Enfield, Connecticut, March 12, 1914, after an illness of ten years' duration, which he bore with an uncomplaining cheerfulness and an amount of patience as inexhaustible as it was admirable. He acquired a sound and practical education in the public schools of his native city, being graduated with a creditable record from the high school. While his father was Governor of the State, Mr. Hubbard served as executive secretary, and displayed great ability while the incumbent of that office. For a time he was a member of the firm of Hubbard & Farmer, bankers and brokers, with offices in Central Row. He was a member of the New York Stock Exchange, and he was also at one time president and treasurer of the Side-Weight Horse Shoe Company. It is sad to relate that during the last ten years of his life he was almost bedridden as a result of paralysis.
Mr. Hubbard married, September 15, 1875, Alice B. Fiege, a daughter of the late Augustus F. Fiege, of Hartford. They had children: Dudley W., assistant cashier of "Hartford Aetna," and James P., who died at the age of three years. A sister, Mrs. Arthur K. Brocklesby, also survived her brother.
Thus, in a brief way, has been outlined the career of William Dudley Hubbard. The cause of humanity never had a truer friend than this valued gentleman who has passed to the higher life. The stereotyped words cus- tomary on such occasions seem but mockery in writing of such a man when we remember all the grand traits of which his character was composed. In all the relations of life-family, church, State and society-he displayed that consistent gentlemanly spirit, that innate refinement and unswerving integ- rity that endeared him alike to man, woman and child.
James Smith Burton
W 'E ARE PRONE to think that the fate of those who must start out upon the sea of life in these strenuous latter days with- out influence as peculiarly difficult, in view of the tre- mendous struggle for existence, the competition, keener now, perhaps, than ever before, with which he must contend from the outset. And it is natural that we should feel so and forget in viewing the difficulties that beset us those with which our forefathers had to deal in years gone by. Yet, though they may have been of a very different kind, they were great enough, and it is very much to be questioned whether they did not require as great courage, per- severance and self-sacrifice in the overcoming as do those that have replaced them. Nature seems to have a way of balancing up fairly equally the pleas- ures and hardships of life, and those difficulties that we encounter to-day springing from the control that the great established powers have upon trade are in a measure compensated for by a thousand improvements, such as secure homes, easy transportation and the ample protection of the laws of a highly developed society. However this may be, we may regard it as certain that the obstacles to those who, starting from the bottom of the ladder, seek to ascend to the position of success, seem great enough in all ages, and equally certain that all ages have their multitudes of strong men who have disregarded them and pushed one to achievement and fortune. One of these men, who during the last generation in New England has set an example to posterity for courage and ability was James Smith Burton, of Hartford, Connecticut, whose death at Portland, Maine, August 4, 1905, deprived it of one of its leading inhabitants. He was not a native of Hart- ford or of Connecticut, but came of an old and well known Massachusetts family, and his youthful associations are with that State.
James Smith Burton was born April 24, 1839, in South Boston, Massa- chusetts, and there passed his childhood and youth in pursuance of his educa- tion which he obtained in the excellent local schools. He was of an extremely enterprising nature and was, even in boyhood always impatient to be out in the world and shifting for himself. Accordingly he left school somewhat early and shortly afterwards established himself in the cracker business which, under his able direction, prospered from the outset. He was one of the pioneers in this particular line and the trade methods at that time were crude enough, but perseverance accomplished wonders and in course of time he built up a large business. Mr. Burton's headquarters were, for a period of years, situated at Lyme, Massachusetts, and from that as a center he used to travel all over the New England States carrying his wares in large stages, like a ship with its cargoes for trade and exchange, and sell them to the keepers of stores and inns in town and country. This somewhat arduous but by no means unremunerative business was continued for up- wards of eighteen years by Mr. Burton, during the course of which time he amassed a very comfortable fortune and came to be regarded in the community as one of its substantial citizens. It was the desire of Mr. Bur-
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ton, notwithstanding the success he had met with, to alter the nature of his occupation and it was in pursuance of this intention that he applied himself to the study of veterinary surgery during the latter years of his commercial career. This was no easy task in consideration of the fact that he was obliged to fill the obligations of his other calling at the same time, yet he was eminently successful, and about the year 1875 saw him embarked in his new profession, first in Middletown, Connecticut, and eventually in Hartford, where he continued to make his home during the remainder of his life. His success as veterinarian was not less than as merchant and he rose to the position of one of the leading citizens of his adopted community with an enviable reputation for conscientious dealing and ability not surpassed by anyone in the entire district. He followed this profession between thirty- five and forty years.
Dr. Burton took an active part in many other departments of the city's life than his professional one, and was a distinguished figure in each and every one. He was a strong supporter of the principles and policies of the Republican party, and though his other duties of course prevented him from entering local politics or considering as a possibility the holding of any public office, nevertheless his allegiance was one of considerable value to the party as his influence was strong among his associates. He attended the Congregational church.
Dr. Burton was united in marriage with Elmira Perkins, a native of Bridgton, Maine, and a daughter of James Perkins, of that place. They became the parents of three children, as follows: Charles E., died April 29, 1866; James Everett, died March 26, 1871; Minnetta Eva, who was twice married, the first time to John Frisbie Bolles to whom she bore two chil- dren, Helen Sylvia and Burton Watson, and who died June 28, 1892. Her second marriage was with Theodore Babcock Dickerson, their residence being at No. 727 Farmington avenue, Hartford. Mrs. Elmira (Perkins) Burton died August 29, 1876, at the age of forty-one years. In 1893 Mr. Burton was married to Ella Berry, a daughter of Andrew and Caroline (Peabody) Berry, of Gardiner, Maine. Mrs. Burton survives her hsuband and is now a resident in Hartford.
James Smith Burton was a splendid example of the best type of New Englander. Energetic and uncompromising in seeking the ends that he proposed to himself, tenacious of his beliefs and opinions, he was, notwith- standing, scrupulous in his regard for others' rights and tolerant of their opinions, arrogating nothing to himself that he was not prepared to accord to his fellow-men. Just and generous, ready always to respond to an appeal for aid, yet so modest that but few ever realized the extent of his benevo- lence. Dr. Burton united in himself a group of characteristics that rarely fail to win their possessor devoted friendship on the part of many. Those who associated with him were inevitably drawn to him if they possessed natures responsive to generous virtue with the result that he had a great host of well-wishers and friends, whose devotion he returned in like kind. His tastes were of the open-air, manly variety which are apt to make men popular with their fellows, driving being an especial favorite. Altogether he was a personality calculated to influence powerfully the circles in which he revolved, and the emotions of sincere affection and regret awakened by his death prove well enough how beneficent that influence was.
George Andrew Stoughton
C FTEN IN THE personal annals of the New England States we meet with the accounts of men who seem in an extra- ordinary degree identified with the growth and development of the particular towns or cities where they have made their homes. Identified to such an extent, indeed, that they seem almost to play the part of good fairies, who have been given an especial mission to cause the fortunate communities to flourish, and who, accordingly, take a part in running all their affairs, the government, the finances, the mercantile and industrial enterprises, the education of the children, the aid of the helpless, everything, in short, with which a community must busy itself, and that in so masterly a manner that the prosperity of the places are insured from the outset. Such a part was played for the town of Thomaston, Litchfield county, Connecticut, during the past generation by George Andrew Stoughton, the distinguished gentle- man whose name heads this brief sketch, and whose death there, September 4, 1914, was a loss quite irreparable to the town.
Born on Town Hill, Plymouth, Connecticut, before Thomaston had been separated from the mother community, on November 19, 1834, he was related to many of the most prominent families in that neighborhood. His parents were Andrew and Julia (Hooker) Stoughton, the mother being a descendant of the Rev. Thomas Hooker of Colonial fame who, with a de- voted band of fellow worshippers, settled on the bank of the Connecticut river in 1638 and there founded Hartford. The early life of Mr. Stoughton was spent like that of most boys of his day and generation in New England, that is, in little play and much work, most of the latter being directed to the task of gaining an education. This occupation he pursued in the local public school until the completion of his sixteenth year, when conditions were of such a nature that it became necessary for him to seek some calling in which he could earn his livelihood. His appearance at this age was much in his advantage and rendered it a task of no especial difficulty, the face sug- gesting convincingly the bright, alert mind behind. He was not long in his search before he secured a clerical position with Henry Terry of Plymouth in the latter's store there. With Mr. Terry he remained for upwards of two years, and then found a better position in the similar establishment of Burr Hemingway at Terryville, Connecticut. Thrifty and industrious, it was not long before Mr. Stoughton was able to gratify an ambition he had long held, that of embarking upon an independent venture and engaging in business on his own account. Not more than a year from his entering the employ of Burr Hemingway, and when he was still under twenty years of age, Mr. Stoughton began his new enterprise, his establishment being in the form of a general store and situated in Terryville. In the spring of 1856, when he was about twenty-two years of age, Mr. Stoughton removed with his whole establishment to Thomaston, Connecticut, which was to remain
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thereafter his home and the scene of his activity until the time of his death. Thomaston was then known as Plymouth Hollow and had not yet been made a separate town, and here Mr. Stoughton began a number of mer- cantile ventures one after another, and selling out his interest therein shortly after, making a successful transaction in each case. Finally, about 1857, he formed a partnership with D. A. Burr, the firm being known as Burr & Stoughton, and engaged in a general mercantile trade. The venture was a success from the outset. Day by day and year by year it grew, until the concern was doing the second largest general store business in the State of Connecticut. For twenty-five years this partnership continued, during which time the members of the firm made handsome fortunes, and Mr. Stoughton became interested in many other concerns in that locality. One of the most important of these was the organization of the Thomaston Savings Bank in 1874, which was due in a large measure to the enterprise and indefatigable energy of Mr. Stoughton. He was the head and front of the group of men who organized the institution, and besides supplying the necessary courage to his associates, he personally secured the charter and even went so far as to advance the money for the purchase of the fixtures and equipment for the offices, which were located in the building now occupied by the Thomaston National Bank. He was elected treasurer of the concern, upon its foundation and held that office for fourteen years, giving the utmost attention and effort to its affairs, so that there can be no doubt that he contributed more than any other man to the great prosperity enjoyed by the institution, and to the high standing among the banking houses of the State which it holds to this day. He was eventually succeeded by his eldest son, George H. Stoughton, in the office of treasurer, but con- tinued a director until the time of his death. The true disinterestedness of his services to the savings bank, and through that to the people of Thomas- ton, is well shown in the fact that he served through the long period as treasurer at merely a nominal salary. Another of the concerns, this time an industrial one, with which Mr. Stoughton was connected was the American Knife Company of Thomaston, of which, also, he was the treasurer and a director for many years, and with the success of which he had much to do. He came to be regarded as one of the leading figures of the business world in that part of the State and his advice and judgment were so highly prized that towards the latter part of his life, he was asked to administer a great many estates, which he did with the greatest impartiality and success.
One of Mr. Stoughton's greatest interests was the matter of education for the young, and to this absorbing subject he gave a large proportion of his time and energy. He became a member of the Thomaston Board of Educa- tion in 1875, and held that office continuously until the time of his death, a period of about twenty-nine years, and only resigned from his post a few weeks before his death and when suffering from his last illness. For the final ten years of that long term, he acted as the secretary for the board. One of the best achievements, in his own view, accomplished by him in con- nection with the educational affairs of the town, was the inauguration of the school savings bank in which the school children are encouraged to deposit their savings. The first such deposit was made in January, 1913,
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and the bank now contains some sixteen hundred dollars, an average of one hundred dollars for each of the one hundred and sixty pupils of the school.
The sum of Mr. Stoughton's services to the community are even yet far from complete in the brief survey of his career. Not less than in any other department of activity, has he done good work for the town in politics, in which, from his youth upwards, he was keenly interested. A Republican in his beliefs, he allied himself with the local organization of his party and before long was recognized by his confreres as a leader. He was elected to a number of town offices such as tax collector, town agent and member of the Board of Relief, and many others. In the year 1873, while yet Plymouth and Thomaston were one community, Mr. Stoughton was elected to the State Legislature, as a representative of that place, and again, in 1899, after the separation, he was reelected from Thomaston. In this, as in all the other public offices he held, Mr. Stoughton displayed the greatest devotion to the cause of his constituents and the community at large, the esteem and regard felt for him by his fellow townsmen, ever increasing. Mr. Stoughton was a man of strong religious feelings and beliefs, and a member for many years of the First Congregational Church of Thomaston. He was a supporter of the work of the church and served it in many capacities, having at one time been superintendent of the Sunday school, and later senior deacon, holding that office until his death.
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