USA > Connecticut > The governors of Connecticut : biographies of the chief executives of the commonwealth that gave to the world the first written constitution known to history > Part 12
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Becoming a partner of Hubbard, he conducted the practice of the firm with much success during the succeeding four years, and handled some of the most important cases that came before the bar of the county. Andrews soon grew to be one of the leading lawyers of that section and naturally became prominent in politics. He was elected a member of the State Senate in 1868 and re-elected in 1869.
Andrews came into prominence during the second session, when he occupied the position of chairman of the Judiciary Com- mittee. In the early seventies several of the old-time lawyers of the Litchfield bar, who enjoyed large practices, were removed from' the field of action from one cause or another. Hubbard died; Origin S. Seymour and Edward W. Seymour, two other able law- yers, removed to Bridgeport; so that Andrews at the age of forty, found himself in possession of the largest and best practice in that portion of the state. During the next few years his time was wholly absorbed in attending to the duties of his profession, and he did not enter into politics. In 1878, however, he accepted the nomination for representative from Litchfield. At the following election Andrews was elected and enjoyed the distinction of being the first Republican to hold that office since the Civil War. In this session Andrews was chairman of the Judiciary Committee and leader of the House, where he made a strong impression as an able, earnest, painstaking legislator. It has been said by a writer that 302
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the wisdom as a leader displayed by Andrews at this session was what led to his nomination for governor later on.
In 1878 Andrews was nominated for governor of the state, and as the state government had been in the hands of the Demo- crats for almost a decade, his chances were thought to be very slight. In the election he received a plurality, but was elected by the Legislature. In commenting on Governor Andrews' adminis- tration, the " Medico-Legal Magazine " says: "During Governor Andrews' two years' term of office, several important measures were before the Legislature. The boundary line between Connecticut and New York, which had remained uncertain for a century and a half, in fact, since the foundation of their governments, was at last settled by a joint commission, whose report was accepted by the legislatures of both states. But by far the most important legisla- tion of Governor Andrews' term was the passage of the Connecti- cut Practice Act-a measure framed by some of the most eminent lawyers in the state to serve the purpose of the codes framed in other states for simplifying and reforming the common law plead- ings and practice in civil actions. Having the benefit of thirty years' experience elsewhere, this act was a model of simplicity and practical usefulness, reforming what was cumbersome and intricate in the old practice, while it retained the advantage of the sound principles and innumerable precedents underlying it.
" Its success has fully justified the expectations of those who
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procured its passage, and it formed a most important epoch in the history of Connecticut legislation." Returning to his practice, Governor Andrews was appointed a judge of the Superior Court in 1881 by Governor Bigelow. His ability on the bench was demonstrated to such a degree that in 1889, on the retirement of Chief Justice Park, Governor Bulkeley appointed Judge Andrews to that position. Succeeding Chief Justice Park in the chief judicial office of the state, Governor Andrews occupied the position during a period when some of the most important cases in the history of the state were before the court. The celebrated quo warranto suit growing out of the deadlock of 1891, the legal contest growing out of the legislation regarding the East Hartford bridge affair, and the suit of the state against the Aetna Insurance Company, were some of the most important matters before the court. He was untiring in his work, had a wide range of vision which broadened with experience, possessed much sagacity, was uncommonly well versed in the law and had the gift of Yankee common sense developed to a noticeable degree. It is said that many of the more important decisions of the Supreme Court, while Judge Andrews was on the bench, were written by him, and although occasionally some of his learned colleagues differed from his opinion, they all recognized in him ability of a high order, great power of analysis, and conceded his thorough knowledge of law and the principles of its application. Judge Andrews
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tendered his resignation as chief justice to Governor McLean on June 10, 1901, to go into effect October 1st. It was reluctantly accepted by the governor. The General Assembly at the next session appointed Judge Andrews a state referee from Decem- ber 1, 1901. The ex-governor then retired to his home in Litchfield where he lived in partial retirement. In November, 1901, Governor Andrews was unanimously chosen the delegate from Litchfield to the late Constitutional Convention at Hartford, held in 1902. He was made presiding officer of the convention by practically unanimous agreement, as was Governor Oliver Wolcott of Litchfield eighty years before. He attended the session very faithfully and spoke occasionally on the floor of the convention.
Governor Andrews' wide accomplishments were recognized by the leading universities, as he was made Doctor of Laws by Yale, Amherst and Wesleyan universities.
He died very suddenly at his home on South street in Litch- field on September 12, 1902. The funeral services were held on Monday, September 15th, in the Episcopal Church at Litchfield, many state officers being present.
Of Governor Andrews' career the best estimate was written by Charles Hopkins Clark in the "Hartford Courant" as follows
"Judge Andrews has often and fitly been cited as a fine illustration for the younger men of what chances there are for
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those who have the sense and ability to improve their opportun- ities. He started as a poor and unknown boy and he reached our highest and most honored offices by doing as well as he could what came upon him to be done, and by avoiding nothing that did come. When others declined the empty nomination for governor, he accepted, ready alike for defeat or victory; and, when he was elected, he filled the office so well that other things naturally followed. He proved equal to whatever came and so honors kept coming.
" His name has become a part of the history of the state and he has had no small part in guiding its development and shaping its laws. Just running over the places he has held suggests what a large figure he has cut in our affairs, but one cannot know the whole who has not followed closely the details of his useful work during his long life."
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The FORTY-SEVENTH GOVERNOR of
CONNECTICUT was HOBART B. BIGELOW
Born in North Haven and apprenticed to learn the machinist trade at the age of seventeen years- He purchased the machine shop where he was employed and developed the business until it stood in the foremost rank of Connecticut's manu- facturing establishments-Business qualities and personal integrity devoted to public affairs resulted in his being honored with the highest political trusts in his state, the duties of which he fulfilled with business promptness and accuracy
Hobart Bigelow
HOBART
BIGELOW
T HE career of Hobart B. Bigelow was another brilliant exam- ple of the self-made man. By great perseverance and un- flagging industry he became one of the first citizens of this state and a leading business man. He was born in North Haven on May 16, 1834. His father was a prominent man in the town, and his mother a lineal descendant of James Pierpont, second minister of the New Haven Church and one of the founders of Yale College.
The family removed to Great Barrington, Massachusetts, when the boy Bigelow was ten years of age. He attended the public school in that town, and was afterwards a student in an academy at South Egremont. At the age of seventeen the young man left school and was apprenticed to William Faulkner of Guil- ford, president of the Guilford Manufacturing Company in that town. It was his desire to learn the machinist trade but he made little progress in Guilford, for eight months after taking up his residence there the company failed. Going to New Haven, he found employment and continued learning the trade with the old New Haven Manufacturing Company.
When his years of apprenticeship were over Bigelow com-
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menced work with Ives and Smith, where he remained until 1861. Then he purchased the machine shop, later on adding the foundry, and by his able management so enlarged the business that in 1870 they transferred the whole plant to Grapevine Point. He began the manufacture of steam boilers and made such a pronounced success of the enterprise that at the time of his death a few years ago his business was in the foremost rank of Connecticut's great manufacturing establishments. It is still one of the representative plants of the state.
Early in his career in New Haven, Bigelow became interested in public affairs, and was soon asked to hold positions of trust. In 1875 he was elected a Republican representative from New Haven to the General Assembly. His popularity in New Haven was pronounced, and whenever he was a nominee for office he was always successful. Bigelow was elected mayor of New Haven in 1878 by an overwhelming majority, and his administration was acceptable to all. In 1880 he was elected governor of Connecticut on the Republican ticket, and he served in this office for two years. After retiring from this position Governor Bigelow never held public office again, and devoted his time to his business. He died at the New Haven House on October 12, 1891, after a short illness. Governor Bigelow showed "by his benevolence, high- minded Christian purpose, and unblemished personal character," what an influence such a career can have on his fellowmen. He
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left an unperishable record in New Haven which time cannot efface, and few men have lived and died in that city who were more respected by the community. His son, Frank L. Bigelow, was an aide-de-camp on his father's staff and is a graduate of the Sheffield Scientific School.
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I be FORTY - EIGHTH GOVERNOR of
CONNECTICUT was THOMAS M. WALLER
Left an orphan at nine years of age, with abso- lutely no means of support, he began earning his own livelihood as a newsboy on the streets of New York-He later became a cabin boy and made several long voyages to sea-His native ability attracted attention and he was adopted by a New London family and educated, be- coming one of the ablest barristers and orators in this country, honored by political trusts, and appointed by President Cleveland as United States consul-general at London, England
Thomas Zu, Waller
THOMAS
McDONALD
WALLER
N the life of Thomas M. Waller there is much romance. It is a matter of note that the majority of the governors of Con- necticut have been the architects of their own fortunes, and it is especially true of Governor Waller. He was born in New York about the year 1839 and was the son of Thomas Armstrong. His parents died when he was nine years old. Left an orphan at this tender age, with absolutely no means of support, in a great city, he began at once to lead the life of a newsboy. From that time on he sold newspapers about the crowded streets in the lower portion of the city, and every day was filled with hard work. He started his successful career at this age by extraordinary devotion to duty and submission to the circumstances in which he was placed. His best customers were found about the old Tammany Hall of those days, and it is said that more than one night he " pillowed his head on the steps of the old Tribune building."
After a while he took to the sea and made several long voy- ages as cabin boy and cook-mate. This life agreed with him and he probably would have passed his days on the ocean had not a
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circumstance occurred which changed his whole career. In 1849 he made arrangements to ship to California on the "Mt. Vernon," sailing from New London. About the time the ship was to sail the late Robert K. Waller, of that city, found the boy on the wharf, took a fancy to him at once, and adopted him. Recognizing the ability the young man possessed, Waller had him take his own name, and the boy was given every advantage by his benefac- tor. He attended the schools in New London, and was graduated from the Bartlett High School with honors. He then studied law and was admitted to the New London County bar in 1861. Soon after, however, he enlisted as a private in the Second Regiment, Connecticut Volunteers, and was appointed fourth sergeant in Company E.
After going to the front with his regiment Waller was com- pelled to resign because of an eye difficulty. Although very young he developed unusual oratorical powers and throughout the war helped the Federal cause by delivering many patriotic addresses during those dark days. His magnetic words gave renewed cour- age to many faltering men. Returning to New London, he entered. the practice of his profession and soon gained an envious reputation as an able advocate. At the same time Waller entered politics as a Democrat and was an acknowledged leader almost from the start.
He was elected a representative from New London to the General Assembly in 1867, 1868, 1872 and 1876. During the 316
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last session he was speaker of the House. Waller was elected secretary of state on the Democratic ticket with James E. English in 1870, and in 1873 was honored by being chosen mayor of his adopted city. He was chosen state attorney for New London County in 1875, a position which he held until 1883. In 1882 Waller was nominated for governor and after a memorable campaign in which he visited all portions of the state, making speeches in his own behalf he was elected by a majority of 2,390 over W. H. Bulkeley. He served as chief executive from 1883 to 1835. His charming personality, courtly manners and pronounced ability made his name famous throughout the country. Soon after retiring from the governor's chair in 1885, President Cleveland appointed Governor Waller as United States consul-general at London, England. He held this position until 1889, when he returned to the United States and resumed the practice of his profession. His famous speech at St. Louis in 1888, when he placed in nomination Grover Cleveland, for president proved remarkable as oratory. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1901.
Governor Waller has held no political office of late years but has attained great eminence at both the Connecticut and New York bar. A writer in commenting on his career says: "Gov- ernor Waller has consistently been a Democrat in politics. He has been frankly independent on many occasions in convention of his party, and in other places of partisan debate. As an orator
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he is impressive to a degree which, on occasion of party strife in important gatherings, had given him a magnetic hold of men, and no man of his party in the state has so often carried conviction by the power of eloquence or any other influence."
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The FORTY-NINTH GOVERNOR of
CONNECTICUT was HENRY B. HARRISON
An instructor in a private school who attained scholarship at Yale and was graduated with the highest honors the college could bestow- He studied law, became an anti-slavery leader, and was prominent in the organization of the Republican party in this state-His first politi- cal service began in his native city of New Haven and led to the governorship, grac- ing the office with his scholarly dignity
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Henry, B. Harrison
HENRY
B ALDWIN
HARRISON
H ENRY Baldwin Harrison, one of the first members of the Republican party in Connecticut, and a distinguished law- yer of the state, was born in New Haven on September 11, 1821. He was the son of one of the thrifty, honorable old Connecticut families. As a youth he was a student, and he became an assistant teacher in the famous old-time school at New Haven, of which John E. Lovell was principal. He was fitted for college by Rev. George A. Thatcher, afterwards president of Iowa College, and a distinguished scholar. Entering Yale in 1842 the young collegian attained scholarship, at the same time con- tinuing his duties as an assistant in Lovell's school. He was grad- uated in 1846 as valedictorian of his class and with the highest honors the college could bestow.
In the fall of 1846 he commenced the study of law with Lucius A. Peck, Esq., and after being admitted to the bar began practice in partnership with Peck. Harrison became interest- ed in politics, and recognized as an anti-slavery leader in Con- necticut. In 1854 he was elected a member of the State Senate as
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a Whig. While a member of that body he was the author of the Personal Liberty Bill, and as an active Whig in 1855 was success- ful in bringing about the nullification of the fugitive slave law. During the years 1855-6 he was one of the men who were prom- inent in organizing the Republican party in this state. He was the nominee of the party for lieutenant governor in 1857, but was defeated.
In 1865 Harrison again represented New Haven in the General Assembly and his name was frequently mentioned for United States senator and governor. During this session he became chairman of the House Committee on railroads and in Federal relations. He constantly and eloquently advocated the bill giving negroes the electoral franchise. In 1873 he again repre- sented New Haven in the lower house of the General Assembly and was a member of the Judiciary Committee. In 1874 he was the Republican candidate for governor but was defeated by Charles Robert Ingersoll. He was again returned to the General Assem- bly as a representative from New Haven in 1883, and was made speaker. Harrison was nominated for governor in 1884, and after a closely contested canvass was elected. Governor Harrison served the state in an able manner for two years, retiring in 1887.
Devoting himself absolutely to his large legal practice, Gov- ernor Harrison lived quietly at his home in New Haven where he was esteemed as one of the most honored residents of the city. A
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Yale biographer has said of Governor Harrison: "Probably his unwillingness to be drawn away from the profession of his choice has more than anything else hindered his receiving political honor."
Governor Harrison died at his home in New Haven on Octo- ber 29, 1901, and his funeral was attended by the state's leading citizens.
Charles Hopkins Clark in "The Hartford Courant" paid glow- ing tribute to the brilliant governor and friend: "Connecticut born, Connecticut bred, the first scholar of his year in Connecticut's oldest college, he passed his whole life in his native state and will sleep in a Connecticut grave. From his youth he took a good American's interest in politics, scorning the selfishness that devotes a clear brain and eloquent voice to the unremitting pursuit of private gain.
"As we write his name the later years vanish like a mist and we see again the Harrison of Capitol Hill-the noble head, the keen intellectual face, the unfailing dignity, the unfailing cour- tesy. We hear again the voice that never lacked the fitting word, always had political conscience behind it and often rose to true eloquence. It seems a strange thing that Henry B. Harrison should be dead. We bid farewell, in this parting, to a loyal and scholarly gentleman who gave his state faithful service in public and private stations all his life long, and who now enriches her with another inspiring memory."
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The FIFTIETH GOVERNOR of
CONNECTICUT was PHINEAS C. LOUNSBURY
The son of a Ridgefield farmer who during his youth tilled the soil with his father, and then became a clerk in a shoe store, later confidential clerk, then traveling salesman, and finally a prosperous manufacturer of boots and shoes - Elected to the General Assembly, he became one of the leading members of that body, a presidential elector and governor-After retiring from politics he devoted his closing years to the development of his financial interests
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Phineas Co Loums bury
حمار
P HINEAS
CHAPMAN
LOUNSBURY
P HINEAS C. Lounsbury was born in the town of Ridgefield, January 10, 1841, and is descended from sturdy New Eng- land stock. The father of Governor Lounsbury was a farmer in Ridgefield with an irreproachable reputation. As a boy the future governor helped his father on the farm, laboring early and late. He found time to attend school and obtain a good education. Leaving the little farm, Lounsbury went to New York City and secured employment as a clerk in a shoe store. In a short time the young man was made confidential clerk to the proprietor of the store. He afterwards became a traveling salesman for the concern, and intimately acquainted with every department of the business. As a "drummer" he was successful, and at the early age of twenty-one years decided to engage in the manufacture of boots and shoes. He began this industry in New Haven under the firm name of Lounsbury Brothers, his brother being a partner in the business. The business pros- pered from the first and in a short time they had a very lucrative trade. They afterwards removed the factory to South Norwalk, where it has been operated for a long time as Lounsbury, Math-
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ewson & Company. His younger brother has been for a long time senior member of the firm.
Governor Lounsbury demonstrated his patriotism when the Civil War commenced by enlisting as a private in the Seventeenth Connecticut Volunteers. His army experience was necessarily brief, for soon after reaching the front he was taken sick with typhoid fever; and after being in the service four months he was honor- ably discharged. Devoting himself to his business, Lounsbury took part in the political discussions of the day and became a prominent man in the Republican party. In 1874 he was elected a representative to the General Assembly from the town of Ridge- field, and became one of the leading members of that body. In 1880 he was a presidential elector, and did a great amount of hard campaign work in support of Garfield and Arthur. Friends of Lounsbury put his name forward for gubernatorial honors as early as 1882, and his candidacy met with favor in his home county.
In the Republican State Convention of 1884 there was a strong faction in favor of nominating him for governor, but he was de- feated. Instead of taking the situation as many men might, he set to work to elect the ticket. It has been said that his manly course at this time was a great factor in making his name strong at the next convention. In the convention of 1886 he was nomina- ted for governor and was elected by a good majority.
Governor Lounsbury served from 1887 to 1889, and left a 328
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favorable record after him. Since that time he has held no political office, but he has devoted his time to the management of the Preferred Accident Insurance Company of New York, of which he is president, and also the Merchants Exchange National Bank. He is distinctly a business man, a friend of the day laborer, a soldier, a speaker who can grace any occasion, and withal a thoroughly conscientious Christian gentleman.
A writer has called Governor Lounsbury the second Bucking- ham for, says he : "He has the virtues of our well-beloved war governor, and like him coming from the ranks of the manufacturer and the church and home, to make more conspicuous in public station the integrity and personal purity, that are the surest foun- dation of Republican institutions."
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The FIFTY- FIRST GOVERNOR of
CONNECTICUT was MORGAN G. BULKELEY
Born in East Haddam, son of one of Amer- ica's pioneer families-He began his career as an errand boy in a mercantile house, be- came confidential clerk and then a partner -He went to the front in the Civil War, and in years following entered finance and poli- tics, becoming president of an insurance company which has developed into one of the soundestfinancial institutions in the country, rising through many political honors to the governorship and United States Senate
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MORGAN
GARDNER
BULKELEY
G OVERNOR Bulkeley is a member of one of Connecti- cut's most distinguished families, and his ancestors have taken an important part in the affairs of this common-
wealth. Peter Bulkeley was born in England in 1583 and suc- ceeded his father in the ministry at Woodhull, but was after- wards removed for non-conformity. In 1635, in company with a number of friends, he founded the settlement at Concord and was its first minister. He died in 1659 after a life of great usefulness.
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