'This edition is limited to one thousand copes of which this is No. X.Jt.Q.... Cbe JIutbor Hffcctionauiy Dedicates Cbi$ Book Co Oeorge merrintan of Bristol, Connecticut "Cbe Cruest, noblest and Best Triend 1 €»er Bad" Copyrighted, 1905, by Frederick Calvin Norton Printed by Dorman Lithographing Company at New Haven Governors Of Connecticuf Biographies of the Chief Execitives of THE Commonwealth that gave to the World the First Written Constitution known to History By FREDERICK CALVIN NORTON Illustrated zvlth reproductions from oil paintings at the State Capitol and facsimile sig- natures from official documents MDCCCCV Patron's Edition published by THE CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE Company at Hartford, Connecticut LIBRARY of CONGRESS TwoCoDies Received 'JAJV 29 I90H CcDyrlffht Entry P^-c, / 9 / 9d6 CLASS a, XXc, No, COPY B? By IV a y of Introduction WHILE I was living in the home of that sturdy Puritan governor, WilHam Leete, — my native town of Guil- ford, — the idea suggested itself to me that inasmuch as a collection of the biographies of the chief executives of Connecticut had never been made, the work would afford an interesting and agreeable undertaking. This was in the year 1895. 1 began the task, but before it had far progressed it offered what seemed to me insurmountable obstacles, so that for a time the collection of data concerning the early rulers of the state was entirely abandoned. A few years later the work was again resumed and carried to completion. The manuscript was requested by a magazine editor for publication and appeared serially in " The Connecticut Magazine." To Rev. Samuel Hart, D.D., president of the Connecticut Historical Society, I express my gratitude for his assistance in deciding some matters which were subject to controversy. Many current but unreliable anecdotes I have omitted after careful con- sideration, and much care has been taken to record entertainingly only facts that are of essential interest and worth to the public-at- large. Knowing the inclination of both dates and data to become distorted, I secured the services of Mr. Frederick E. Norton, of the editorial staff of the "Hartford Courant," — a name-sake by chance, — to edit my original manuscript by verifying every fact and date herein given by his own original research. B y IV a y of i u t r o d u c t i o n I am under obligation to several persons for many favors shown and valuable assistance cheerfully given in securing the material for these sketches. My thanks are especially due to the late Charles Jeremy Hoadly, LL.D., long time librarian of the Connecticut State Library. One of the ripest historians of this or any other generation, his vast storehouse of historical information was always open to investigators. Dr. Hoadly furnished many facts for the compilation of the following sketches which the author desires to publicly acknowledge. Professor Franklin Bowditch Dexter, assistant librarian of Yale University, placed at my disposal much valuable information in the shape of rare books, pamphlets, etc., not elsewhere to be found, which assisted materially in the preparation of these sketches. Few scholars of this or any other state are as ready and willing to assist students of history in their investigation as Professor Dexter. Among the volumes consulted may be specially mentioned the " History of Hartford County," edited by Dr. J. Hammond Trumbull and Mr. Charles Hopkins Clark. This work contains some valuable articles by Miss Mary K. Talcott on the original proprietors of Hartford, and from these articles were obtained many facts of interest regarding the early governors of Connecticut colony. The " Civil and Judicial History of Connecticut," edited by the late Judge Dwight Loomis, contributed many important details regarding the lives of the chief executives who were mem- bers of the legal profession. Trumbull's, HoUister's and Barber's By Way of I n t r o d v c t i o n general histories of Connecticut, were freely consulted, as well as that unique and brilliant volume, " Connecticut : A Study of a CommoTiu:ealth Democracy^'' by the late lamented Professor Alexander Johnston of Princeton University. All that I have attempted in this the first collected account of the governors of Connecticut is to place in a concise and per- manent form the principal events in the life of each governor from John Haynes of Coddicot to Henry Roberts of Hartford. Fifty-eight men have been chosen governors of Connecticut in the last two hundred and sixty-seven years. Including the royal governor, popularly known as a usurper, there are therefore fifty-nine biographies in this book, appearing in the consecutive order in which each one was first called to the governorship. The subject has been more and more fascinating during the years that I have worked at it; and now that 1 am about to dis- miss the last page of my book it is with the hope that the work will fill a place in the biographical history of our Commonwealth. It is indeed my own fond intention to make, at some time in years to come, when time permits, a still further study of the lives of the founders of Connecticut. Frederick Calvin Norton Bristol, Connecticut First Day of December Nineteen Hundred and Five Digest of t h Governors of Connecticut] Biography I II III IV V VI VII VIII Royal IX X XI XII XIII XIV XV XVI XVII XVIII XIX XX XXI XXII XXIII XXIV Full Name of Governor I 7 13 19 25 28 35 41 47 57 63 69 75 81 87 93 99 107 "3 119 127 133 139 145 151 John Haynes Edward Hopkins George Wyllys Thomas Welles John Webster John Winthrop William Leete Robert Treat Sir Edmund Andros Fitz-John Winthrop Gurdon Saltonstall Joseph Talcott Jonathan Law Roger Wolcott Thomas Fitch William Pitkin Jonathan Trumbull Matthew Griswold Samuel Huntington Oliver Wolcott Jonathan Trumbull, 2ud John Treadwell Roger Griswold John Cotton Smith Oliver Wolcott Born 1594 1600 1570 1598 1606 1612 1622 1637 1639 1666 1669 1674 1679 1700 1694 1710 1714 1731 1726 1740 1745 1762 1765 1760 Birthplace Coddicot, Eng. Shrewsbury, Eng. Fenny Compton, Eng. * London, Eng. *Warwickshire, Eng. Groton Manor, Eng. Dodington, Eng. *Pitminster, Eng. London, Eng. Ipswich, Mass. Haverhill, Mass. Hartford, Conn. Milford, Conn. Windsor, Conn. Norwalk, Conn. East Hartford, Conn. Lebanon, Conn. Lyme, Conn. Windham, Conn. Windsor, Conn. Lebanon, Conn. Farmington, Conn. Lyme, Conn. Sharon, Conn. Litchfield, Conn. Education University Trinity College (Dublin, Ire.) For the Bar Royal Court Harvard College Harvard College Harvard College Self-Educated Yale College Harvard College Self-Educated Self-Educated Yale College Harvard College Yale College Yale College Yale College Yale College *Not fully authenticated. T^ a b u I a t c d Contents of this V o I v m Early Occupation Residence Date of Years of Occupation When Chosen When Chosen Service Service Died M Biography Governor Governor < < Wealthy Land Owner Hartford 45 1639,41,43,45, 8 1653-4 59 I Emigrant (planter) 47.49.51.53 Merchant Trading Hartford 40 1640,44,46,48, 7 1657 57 n Emigrant Merchant 50,52,54 Wealthy Land Owner Hartford 72 1642-43 I 1645 75 HI Emigrant (planter) Wealthy Land Owner Hartford 57 1655, 58 2 1660 62 IV Emigrant (planter) Land Owner Hartford 1656-57 I 1661 V (planter) Barrister Adventurer and Scholar New London 51 1657, 59-76 iS 1676 70 VI Barrister Magistrate Guilford 64 1676-83 7 1683 71 VII Planter Military Leader Milford 61 1683-98 15 1710 89 VIII Military Military New York 50 1687-89 lyr. 6 mos. 1714 77 Royal Military Military New London 60 1698-1707 9 1707 69 IX Theology Clergyman New London 42 1708-25 17 1724 58 X Planter Military Hartford 56 1725-42 17 1741 72 XI Lawyer Judiciary Milford 68, 1742-51 9 1750 76 XII Weaver Military Windsor 72 1751-54 3 1767 89 XIII Clergyman Lawyer Norwalk 54 1754-66 12 1774 74 XIV Military Judiciary Hartford 72 1766-69 3 1769 75 XV Clergj'man Merchant- Lawyer Lebanon 59 1769-84 15 1785 75 XVI Farmer Lawyer Lyme 70 1784-86 2 1799 85 XVII Cooper Lawyer Norwich 55 1786-96 9 yrs. 8 mos. 1796 65 XVIII Military Physician Litchfield 70 1796-97 I yr. II mos. 1797 71 XIX Military Statesman Lebanon 57 1797-1809 II yrs. 8 mos. i8c9 69 XX Merchant Judiciary Farmington 64 1809-II I yr. 9 mos. 1823 78 XXI Lawyer Statesman Lyme 49 181I-12 I yr. 5 mos. 1812 50 XXII Lawyer Judiciary Sharon 47 1812-17 4 yrs. 7 mos. 1845 80 XXIII Military Manufacturer (Statesman) Litchfield 57 1817-27 10 1833 73 XXIV t Ages are given in full years, but in some cases lacke: ' a fe^ V weeks of the age recorded. D / g e S t of the Gove /■ n r s of Co 11 11 e c t i c u t Biography u XI S 3 P4 Full Name of Governor Born Birthplace Education XXV i6i Gideon Tomlinson 1780 Stratford, Conn. Yale College XXVI 167 John Samuel Peters 1772 Hebron, Conn. Self-Educated XXVII 173 Henry Waggaman Edwards 1779 New Haven, Conn. College of New Jersey XXVIII 177 Samuel Augustus Foote 1780 Cheshire, Conn. Yale College XXIX 183 William Wolcott Ellsworth 1791 Windsor, Conn. Yale College XXX 189 Chauncey Fitch Cleveland 1799 Canterbury, Conn. Self-Educated XXXI 195 Roger Sherman Baldwin 1793 New Haven, Conn. Yale College XXXII 203 Isaac Toucey 1796 Newtown, Conn. Self-Educated XXXIII 209 Clark Bissell 1782 Lebanon, Conn. Yale College XXXIV 215 Joseph Trumbull 1782 Lebanon, Conn. Yale College XXXV 219 Thomas Hart Seymour i8o3 Hartford, Conn. Military Institute — Middletown XXXVI 225 Charles Hobby Pond 1781 Milford, Conn. Yale College XXXVII 229 Henry Button 1796 Waterbury, Conn. Yale College XXXVIII 237 William Thomas Minor 1815 Stamford, Conn. Yale College XXXIX 243 Alexander Hamilton HoUey 1804 Lakeville, Conn. Private Seminary XL 249 William Alfred Buckingham 1804 Lebanon, Conn. Bacon Academv (Colchester) XLI 259 Joseph Roswell Hawley 1826 Stewartsville, N. C. Hamilton College XLII 269 James Edward English 1812 New Haven, Conn. Public School XLIII 277 Marshall Jewell 1825 Winchester, N. H. Self-Educated XLIV 2S5 Charles Roberts Ingersoll 1821 New Haven, Conn. Yale College XLV 293 Richard Dudley Hubbard 1818 Berlin, Conn. Yale College XL VI 30 r Charles Bartlett Andrews 1834 Sunderland, Mass. Amherst College XLVII 309 Hobart Baldwin Bigelow 1834 North Haven, Conn. Private Academy XLVIII 315 Thomas McDonald Waller 1840 New York, N. Y. Bartlett High School, New London XLIX 321 Henry Baldwin Harrison 1821 New Haven, Conn. Yale College L 327 Phineas Chapman Lounsbury 1S41 Ridgefield, Conn. Public School LI 333 Morgan Gardner Bulkeley 1837 East Haddam, Conn. Hartford High School LII 341 Luzon Bunett Morris 1827 Newtown, Conn. Yale College LIII 347 Owen Vincent Coffin 1836 Mansfield, N. Y. Private Seminary LIV 353 Lorrin Alanson Cooke 1831 New Marlboro, Mass. Norfolk Academy Yale College LV 359 George Edward Lounsbury 1838 Pound Ridge, N. Y. LVI 365 George Payne McLean 1857 Simsbury, Conn. Hartford High School LVII 337 Abiram Chamberlain 1837 Colebrook, Conn. Williston Seminary LVIII ^81 Henry Roberts i8!;3 Brooklyn, N. Y. Yale University ^ a b u I a t c d C ^ n t e /; / S f / h i s V / u m e Early Occupation Residence c D C ^ o 4)J3 MO < Date "of Vears of •d Occupation When Chosen Governor Lawyer When Chosen Governor Service Service Died < Biography Tutor Fairfield 47 1827-31 4 1854 74 XXV School Teacher Physician Hebron 59 1831-33 2 1858 85 XXVI Lawyer Lawyer New Haven 54 1833-34. 35-38 4 1S47 68 XXVII Shipping Farmer Cheshire 54 1834-35 I 1846 66 XXVIII Merchant Lawyer Lawyer Hartford 47 1838-42 4 1868 77 XXIX Lawyer Lawyer Hampton 43 1842-44 2 1887 88 XXX Lawyer Lawyer New Haven 51 1844-46 2 1863 70 XXXI Lawyer Lawyer Hartford 50 1846-47 I 1869 73 XXXII School Teacher Lawyer Norwalk 65 1847-49 2 1857 75 XXXIII Lawyer Lawyer Hartford 67 1849-50 I 1861 79 XXXIV Lawyer Lawyer Hartford 42 1850-53 3 yrs. I mo. 1868 60 XXXV Lawyer Lawyer Milford 72 1853-54 II mos. 1861 80 XXXVI School Teacher Lawyer New Haven 58 1854-55 I 1869 73 XXXVII School Teacher Lawyer Stamford 40 1855-57 2 i88q 74 XXXVIII Store Clerk Manufacturer Salisbury 53 1857-58 I 1887 83 XXXIX Surveyor Manufacturer Norwich 54 1858-66 8 1875 72 XL Lawyer Editor Hartford 40 1866-67 I 1905 78 XLI Carpenter Manufacturer New Haven 55 1867-69, 70-71 3 l8go 78 XLII Tanner Manufacturer Hartford 44 1869-70, 71-73 3 1883 58 XLIII Lawyer Lawyer New Haven 52 1873-77 3 yrs. 9 mos. 1903 82 XLIV Lawyer Lawyer Hartford 59 1877-79 •2 1884 66 XLV Lawyer Lawyer Litchfield 45 1879-81 2 1902 67 XLVI Machinist Manufacturer New Haven 46 1881-83 2 1891 57 XLVII Newsboy Lawyer New London 42 1883-85 2 XLVIII School Teacher Lawyer New Haven 63 1885-87 2 1901 80 XLIX Store Clerk Manufacturer Ridgefield 45 1887-89 2 — L Office Boy Insurance President Hartford 51 1889-93 4 — LI Blacksmith Lawyer New Haven 65 1893-95 2 1895 68 LII School Teacher Banker Middletown 58 1895-97 2 — LIII School Teacher Manufacturer Wmsted 65 1897-99 2 1903 72 LIV School Teacher Manufacturer Ridgefield 61 1899-1901 2 1904 66 LV Newspaper Lawyer Simsbury 44 1901-03 2 — LVI Reporter Civil Engineer Banker Meriden 66 1903-05 2 — LVII Lawyer Manufacturer Hartford 52 1905 — LVIII Portraits of the Governors of Connecticut Reproductions from Official Oil Paintings in the State Library in the State Capitol at Hartford, Connecticut — Collected under the supervision of Edward Bailey Eaton and reproduced by the Randall studio at Hartford — Facsimile signatures from official documents in the archives of the State Library — Acknowledgment is here made of courtesies extended by George S. Godard, State Librarian Portrait Number Opposite I— JOHN WINTHROP from portrait at State Library by George F. Wright of Hartford from the original, by an unknown artist, in possession of the New York branch of the Winthrop family 28' 2_FITZ JOHN WINTHROP from portrait at State Library painted by an unknown artist 56 3— GURDON SALTONSTALL from portrait at State Library painted by George F. Wright from a portrait in possession of Yale University 62 4_jONATHAN TRUMBULL from portrait at State Library painted by George F. Wright from portrait by the Governor's son, Col. John Trum- bull 98 5— SAxMUEL HUNTINGTON from portrait at State Library painted by George F. Wright from the painting in Independence Hall, Philadelphia. 112 6— OLIVER WOLCOTT from portrait at State Library painted by Ralph Earle about 1784, and presented to the State by Oliver Wolcott's grandson in 1830 118 7_JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Jr., from portrait at State Library painted by George F. Wright after the original by Sully 126 8— JOHN TREADWELL from portrait at State Library painted bv George F. Wright after a portrait iu the possession of the Connecticut Historical Society by an unknown artist 132 9— JOHN COTTON SMITH from portrait at State Library painted by Albert H Emmons of Hartford, from a miniature 144 10— OLIVER WOLCOTT, Jr., from portrait at State Library painted by George F. Wright after an original by Stuari i So- il— GIDEON TOMLINSON from portrait at State Library painted by George F. Wright after a portrait by an unknown artist 160 12— JOHN S. PETERS from portrait at State Library painted by George F. Wrieht 166 ' Portraits of the Governors of C o n n e c t i c u t Number Opposite 13— HENRY W. EDWARDS from portrait at State Library painted by George F. Wright from a daguerreotype 172 14— SAMUEL A. FOOTE from portrait at Stare Library painted by George F. Wright from an unsign ed portrai t 176 15— WILLIAM W. ELLSWORTH from portrait at State Library supposed to have been painted by George F. Wright, but unsigned 182 - 16— CHAUNCEY F. CLEVELAND from portrait at State Library painted by George F. Wright 188 I7_R0GER S. BALDWIN from portrait at State Library painted by George F. Wright 194 , 18 — ISAAC TOUCEY from portrait at State Library painted by unknown artist 202 ig — CLARK BISSELL from portrait at Slate Library painted by George F. Wright 208 20— JOSEPH TRUMBULL from portrait at State Library painted by George F. Wright 214 21— THOMAS H. SEYMOUR from portrait at State Library painted by George F. Wright 218 22— CHARLES H. POND from portrait at State Library painted by George F. Wright 224 23— HENRY DUTTON from portrait at State Library painted by George F. Wright 228 24— WILLIAM T. MINOR from portrait at State Library painted by unknown artist 236 25— ALEXANDER H. HOLLEY from portrait at State Library painted by Henry Wilson 242 26— WILLIAM A. BUCKINGHAM from portrait at State Library painted by Albert H. Emmons 248 27— JOSEPH R. HAWLEY from portrait at State Library painted by Jared B. Flagg, N.A., of New Haven 258 28— JAMES E. ENGLISH from portrait at State Library painted by Jared B. Flagg, N. A. , of New Haven 268 . 29— MARSHALL JEWELL from portrait at State Library painted by William R. Wheeler of Hartford , 276 30— CHARLES R. INGERSOLL from portrait at State Library painted by Jared B. Flagg, N. A., of New Haven 284 31— RICHARD D. HUBBARD from portrait at State Library painted by Wil- liam Lazarus of New York 292 32— CHARLES B. ANDREWS from portrait at State Library painted by George F. Wright '. 300 ' Portraits of the Governors of C o n n e c t i c ii t Nomber Opposite 33— HOBART B. BIGELOW from portrait at State Library painted by Harry I. Thompson of New Haven 308 34— THOMAS M. WALLER from portrait at State Library painted by Harry L Thompson of New Haven 314 35— HENRY B. HARRISON from portrait at State Library painted by Harry I. Thompson of New Haven 320 36— PHINEAS C. LOUNSBURY from portrait at State Library painted by Harry L Thompson of New Haven 326 37— MORGAN G. BULKELEY from portrait at State Library painted by Charles Noel Flagg of Hartford 332 38— LUZON B. MORRIS from portrait at State Library painted by Harry I. Thompson of New Haven 340 3g_0. VINCENT COFFIN from portrait at State Library painted by Charles Noel Flagg of Hartford 346 40— LORRIN A. COOKE from portrait at State Library painted by Charles Noel Flagg of Hartford 352 41— GEORGE E. LOUNSBURY from late photograph by Randall— There has since been placed a portrait at State Library by Charles Noel Flagg of Hartford 358 42— GEORGE P. McLEAN from portrait at State Library painted by Charles Noel Flagg of Hartford 364 43— ABIRAM CHAMBERLAIN from late photograph by Randall— There has since been placed a portrait at State Library by Harry I. Thompson of New Haven 372 44— HENRY ROBERTS from late photograph by Randall— A portrait is now being painted for the collection at the_ State Library 380 SIR EDMUND ANDROS from portrait at State Library painted by Charles Noel Flagg of Hartford from a colored photograph of a miniature in posses- sion of his collateral descendants in London and an engraving prefixed to the Andros Tracts of the Prince Society is now in the collection at the state capitol, but could not be conveniently reproduced at the time of this book publication It is believed that there are no portraits nor likenesses of any kind extant of the following Governors, as thus far the State has been unable to secure portraits of any of them: JOHN HAYNES (1594-1653-4), EDWARD HOPKINS (1600-1657), GEORGE WYLLYS (about 1570-1645), THOMAS WELLES (1598-1660), JOHN WEBSTER ( -1661), WILLIAM LEETE (about 1612-1683), ROBERT TREAT (1622- 1710), JOSEPH TALCOTT (1669-1741), JONATHAN LAW (1674-1750), ROGER WOLCOTT (1679-1767), THOMAS FITCH (1700-1774), WILLIAM PITKIN (1694- 1769), MATTHEW GRISWOLD (1714-1799), ROGER GRISWOLD (1762-1812). THE GOVERNORS OF CONNECTICUT 1639 1906 The FIRST GOVERNOR of CONNECTl CUT was JOHN H AYNES A wealthy English Emigrant who came to the New World in the ship "Griffin" with Thomas Hooker, the father of American Democracy, and spent much of his family fortune in estab- lishing the government JOHN H A Y N THE first governor of Connecticut was John Haynes, who had previously held the same office in the neighboring colony of Massachusetts. He was the oldest son of John Haynes of Coddicot, County of Hertford, England, and was born in 1594. The Haynes family was old and wealthy, and besides other valua- ble property they owned Copford Hall, a fine country-seat which furnished a large income. The father of Governor Haynes, in his will dated October 20, 1605, describes lands owned by him in the counties of Hertford and Essex. Governor John Haynes became an admirer of Thomas Hooker and emigrated with him to America. They sailed from England in the Griffin in 1633, and in the party, besides Haynes and Hooker, were John Cotton, the eminent divine, and Samuel Stone, who was destined to take so important a part in the early history of Hartford. They landed in Massachusetts, September 3, 1633. Haynes was made a freeman May 14, 1634. He was chosen an assistant, and finally governor, in 163^. The next year he was made an assistant again; but in May 1637, he, with others, removed to Hartford where he was to be one of the 1' h e Governors of Connecticut foremost men in the infant colony. Hartford, at that time, had a population of eight hundred persons, of which two hundred and fifty were adult men. Haynes was an original proprietor and owned a lot on the main street, ''opposite the meeting-house yard," but previous to February, 1639, he purchased from Richard Webb the lot on the comer of Front and Arch Streets. In November, 1637, Haynes presided over the session of the General Court and continued in that position two years. The first election of officers of the Connecticut colony, under the Constitution, was held April 1 1, 1639. John Haynes was elected governor and Roger Ludlow deputy governor. He was so satisfactory as chief magistrate of the colony that he was elected to that high office every alternate year until his death. Haynes was deputy governor in 1640, '44, '46, '50 and '52, interchanging with Edward Hopkins. Originally no one was to be chosen governor two years in succession; but in 1660 this restriction was abolished by the freemen. Governor Haynes' career in Hartford was emi- nently distinguished. He was one of the five who prepared the first Constitution of Connecticut, which embodies the main part of all subsequent state constitutions, and of the Federal Constitution. In 1646 Governor Haynes made a voyage to England. He died at Hartford, on March 1, 1653-4.* His will, dated 1646, brought to light the fact that his residence in Connecticut caused a T' h e Governors of Connecticut serious shrinkage in his property, the estate inventorying only 1540 pounds. General Hezekiah Haynes, his son, wrote in 1675 of his father. " It is sufficiently knowne how chargeable the government was to the magistrates in that first planting wherein my father bore a considerable part to the almost ruin of his family .... for he has transmitted into these parts between 7000 and 8000 pounds." Governor Haynes is described as "of large estate and larger affec- tions, and dear to the people by his benevolent virtues and disinter- ested conduct." He was probably the best representative of the republicanism of the period which Coleridge termed "the religious and moral aristocracy." His second wife was Mabel Harlakenden of prominent family and royal descent. *NoTE: Genealogists in recording the death of Governor Haynes use both 1653 and 1654.; therefore in such cases both dates are used throughout these biog- raphies. The apparent conflict of dates arises many times from a misuse of the years as computed old style and the reformed system. The old style was in use previous to 1752. In instances where the two methods are combined in this book the old style will be given first, followed by the new — Aitt/ior SECOND GOVERNOR of CO NN E CT I CUT ZVCIS EDWARD HOPKINS A rich British Merchant and trader who emigrated to America in the ship "Hector," and upon returning to England be- came "Keeper of the Fleet Prison," famous in reigns of Mary and Elizabeth EDWARD HOPKINS EDWARD Hopkins, the second governor of the colony, was, Hke his predecessor, John Haynes, a wealthy English land- holder. He was born at Shrewsbury in 1600, and early in life became a merchant. While his headquarters were in London he carried on an extensive business with many foreign countries. While yet a young man Hopkins had made a comfortable fortune, and when in 1637 he concluded to emigrate to America he was classed as a rich man. For a long period he had worshipped at St. Stephen's parish, in Coleman street, London, where the Rev. John Davenport was the preacher and Theophilus Eaton a member. These three friends, Hopkins, Davenport, and Eaton, sailed for America in the ship Hector in 1637. Hopkins landed in Boston and proceeded to Hartford which he made his future home. Eaton and Davenport remained in Boston a few months and then went to Quinnipiac where they laid the foundation of the present New Haven in 1638. Soon after arriving in Hartford, Hopkins became a prominent citizen, and in 1639 was chosen the first secre- tary of the colony. The next year he was elected governor, 'the Governors of Connecticut and continued in office every other year from 1640 to 1654. In the alternate years he was usually deputy governor and very often a delegate from the colony. His mercantile habits followed Governor Hopkins to his new home, for we are told he carried on a trading business in Hartford and established trading-posts far up the Connecticut river. Although a man of extensive business affairs and very active all his life, the governor never enjoyed good health and constantly suffered from disease. His wife also suffered from mental derangement, which was a source of constant anxiety to the governor. In 1654 Governor Hopkins sailed for England on a business trip and with the full intention of returning to his adopted coun- try; but circumstances prevented him from following out his plan. Soon after his arrival in England he inherited from his brother the position of " Keeper of the Fleet Prison," on Farringdon street, London, and his title was Warden of the Fleet. This was the King's prison as far back as the twelfth century, and obtained a high historical interest from its having been the place of confine- ment of religious martyrs during the reigns of Mary and Elizabeth. Hopkins afterward became a commissioner of the admiralty and navy and a member of Parliament. Governor Hopkins died in London in either March or April, 1657. ^^ ^^^ characterized afterward by a writer as being "eminent for piety, kindly nature and patient endurance of suffering and affliction." 8 T' h e Governors of Connecticut About a year previous to his death Governor Hopkins received a letter from his friend Davenport, of New Haven, sug- gesting the pressing need of a collegiate school in that town. He was requested to aid the enterprise ; and in replying the governor wrote, April 30, 1656: "It 1 understand that a college is begun and like to be carried on at New Haven for the good of posterity, I shall give some encouragement thereunto." When he died one year later and the contents of his will became known, it was found that " New England was his chief heir," as Dr. Bacon aptly remarked in recent years. This will, dated March 7, 1657, set aside one thousand pounds of his estate for grammar schools in Hartford, New Haven, and Hadley, divided as follows: Hartford 400 pounds. New Haven 312 pounds, Hadley 308 pounds, and Harvard College 100 pounds. He also lett five hundred pounds to be given "for upholding and promoting the Kingdom of the Lord in those parts of the earth." This sum was, somewhat peculiarly, given to Har- vard by a decree of chancery in 1710, and the trustees invested it in a township purchased from the "praying Indians," and called the place Hopkinton, in honor of the donor. The school founded by the bequest in Hadley opened in 1667, and afterward became the Hopkins Academy. In 1889 the property was valued at $57,325. The 400 pounds for Hartford were invested in local real estate, and a school erected in 1665. In 1778 it was named '^ h e Governors of Connecticut the Hartford Grammar School. For the last fifty years this school and the Hartford High School have been practically the same thing. The Hopkins Grammar School at New Haven has always been in a flourishing condition. It was founded in 1660 and the building is on the corner of High and Wall streets. It has long been a prominent preparatory school for Yale University. Governor Hopkins was thus one of our earliest American philanthropists and his gifts to education set a precedent that has since become one of the greatest factors in American progress. "The THIRD GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT 'IV as GEORGE WYLLYS A distinguished Englishman of rank and means who received a university education and left the life of a country gentleman to assist in founding a government of civil and religious liberty GEORGE W Y L L Y S GEORGE Wyllys was an Englishman of means and rank who became an ardent advocate of the Puritan movement and decided to live among the men and women who held opinions similar to his own. He was born about 1570 in the town of Fenny Compton, County of Warwick, England. His father was a man of wealth and position, who gave his son as good an education as could be obtained at an English university of that period. Settling on a fine estate in Warwickshire, he lived the life of a country gentleman, and had plenty of time to watch the course of events in England. Becoming interested in the cause of the Puritans, Wyllys, rather late in life, found his native land uncongenial to him and planned to settle in this country. In 1636 he sent his steward, William Gibbons, to America, accompanied by twenty men, to purchase for him in Hartford, "an estate suitable to his rank." Gibbons was also instructed to have a dwelling-house erected on the estate, and to put everything in readiness for the advent of the Wyllys family. Considerable time was spent in pre- paration for the reception, for Wyllys did not arrive until 1638 — two years after his steward. 13 'The Governors 'of Connecticut His estate embraced the square now between Main, Charter Oak, Governor, and Wyllys streets in Hartford, and was apparently a pretentious establishment for the sparsely settled colony. Wyllys was one of the original planters of Hartford. On his farm stood the famous Charter Oak, in which the Connecticut charter was secreted. There was a legend current for many years that Governor Wyllys' steward, Gibbons, gave orders to have the ancient oak cut down, but that a party of Indians dissuaded him from his plan to remove it from the estate. After settling in Hartford, Wyllys took a leading part in the transacting of public business, and was one ot the tramers of the Constitution of 1639. On April 11, 1639, he was chosen as one of the six magistrates of Connecticut, and held the office until his death. In 1641 he was elected deputy governor, and the next year governor of the colony. He was also commissioner of the United Colonies. Holding the office of governor one year, Wyllys did not appear prominently after his retirement from office, and he died in Hartford, March 9, 1644-45. He left four children, one of whom, Samuel Wyllys, was graduated at Harvard College in 1653 and was magistrate in Connecticut for thirty years. A grandson of Governor Wyllys was secretary of the colony from 1712 to 1735; his son and successor, from 1735 to 1796; and 14 T h t' (j V c r 11 r s of C o ii n c c t / r ii t his son and successor from 1796 to 1810; so that the office remained in the Wyllys family for the unusually long period of ninety-eight years. This record was never outdone in Connecticut. The next best record was the Whiting family, members of which held the office of treasurer for seventy years. Governor Wyllys was not a great man, like some of his con- temporaries, but, as a biographer has said, "• He was famed for his social and domestic virtues, his simplicity of manners and his love^ for civil and religious liberty." Tie FOURTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT zvas THOMAS WELLES An Englishman believed to have been connected with nobility but whose antecedents across the water still remain a mystery and even his burial place is unknown but is said by genealogists to be either in Wethersfield or Hartford Governor Thomas 'dies 4th '^3lonial '-overnor of ^onneotioat By Lemael ikea '.CI lea proved by Colonel Oharlea E. Banks Robert vgiles (old spelling v/^llys) Taxed in v.hiohford x&rish, Jounty fiarwlok .n-Tlaal, 15S3 -Jon. Thomas .>eile3 m (1) .lisaboth of Jtowerton {5ur. there) .ng. 1552 )anty arwiok m (2) ^Jlisjaboth Bryan, Car. 1558 ;>on vDbert "^iies^r.p. 1540 m ilioe - d about 1615 -honffiis ¥i?€lles a (1) Alice agonies 1615 J. in jif^land in .n^jland, daa d 1659-60 in /onneoticat John Tomes n,s. r-lected r-overnor 1655 m (Z) Mrs ix Children C. in ring, l.lir*abeth {.3emin^) ) John €11 Q3 Foote in ^onn. ) rhoRjas '' amael ^ !''ary " Ana " Sarah ' 9 xevot) • nxicC at Ow. riJ^ '>j 1 ••■."!: J THOMAS WELLES THOMAS Welles, the fourth governor of Connecticut colony, was born in England in 1598, but where he came from has not yet been determined. Absolutely nothing is known ot his antecedents across the water. One of Governor Welles' descendants, Hon. Gideon Welles of Hartford, wrote of his ancestor, the governor, in 1843 • " ^Y Either, who died in 1834, aged eighty years, used to tell me that our English ancestors were once of the nobility; that amongst his earli- est recollections were the strong injunctions of his grandfather and his great uncle, Samuel Welles of Boston, never to omit the letter "e" in his name ; that the family had once great estates of which they were wrongfully deprived and that in due time they would return. These were the remarks of the old men to him, born about thirty years after the death of Governor Welles, and who in childhood imbibed impressions brought from the parent land." A tradition, long believed to be true, connected Welles with the service of Lord Say-and-Sele, and made him one of the first settlers of Saybrook in 1636. This has been quite thoroughly disproven in the light of more recent investigation, and all state- 19 ^ h e Governors of Connecticut ments ot this sort concerning the governor's early career in America are purely conjectural. There is absolutely nothing to show that Governor Welles was ever secretary to Lord Say-and-Sele, but on the other hand it is more than probable that Governor Welles came to Hartford in 1636 from Boston. A copy of a grant in which he figures tends to confirm this statement. The first appearance of Governor Welles in Hartford was on March 28, 1637, according to the Colonial Records. He was one of the magistrates in 1637 and he held the office for many years. He rose rapidly in the councils ot state, for at the election in 1639 he was chosen the first treasurer of the infant colony, holding the office until 1641 when he asked to be relieved. He was next secretary of the commissioners of the United Colonies. In 1649 he became one of the commissioners and served for some years. He was chosen governor in 1655 and 1656; the next year he was deputy governor and in 1658 was re-elected governor of the colony. The following year he was deputy governor again, and that ended his eminently successful and honorable public career. Governor Welles went to Wethersfield to live in 1643 and he died in that town on January 14, 1660, (1657, o. s.). Concerning the exact spot where the governor's remains lie buried, there has been considerable controversy among the historians. T' h e G V e r n o r s o f C o n n e c t i c ii t Albert Welles, a biographer of the governor, says that his remains were buried "on the top of the hill near the fence on the south side of the old yard, in the rear of the meeting-house, where the remains of the Welles family for many generations now lie grouped." Benjamin Trumbull, the eminent historian, wrote regarding this: "Though Governor Welles was first buried at Wethersfield his remains were afterward removed to Hartford. Four of the first governors of Connecticut, Haynes, Wyllys, Welles and Webster, lie buried at Hartford without a monument. Considering their many and important public services this is remarkable. But their virtues have embalmed their names and will render their names venerable to the latest posterity." One of the very best authorities on this question contends that the governor was buried at Wethersfield and was never removed from that town. This seems to be the general belief. A writer says of the governor : " Governor Welles possessed the full confidence of the people, and many ot the most important of the early laws and papers pertaining to the founding of the colony were drafted by him. The successful issue of Connecticut from her difficulty concerning the fort erected at Saybrook on one side and the Dutch encroachments on the other was largely due to his skill and wisdom." FIFTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT zvas JOHN WEBSTER His early life is shrouded in mystery but family tradition locates his boyhood in Warwick, England, and he emigrated to America with the first settlers, becoming prominent in the early controversies in the colony JOHN WEBSTER V> I ^HE early lite of John Webster is shrouded in mystery. I Family tradition said that he was from the County of Warwick, England, but even this is indefinite. The date ot his birth is unknown and there is nothing handed down to us regarding his ancestry. His name first appears in history when he became one of the original proprietors of Hartford. Webster must have been one of the first settlers, for it is recorded in 1639 that he owned a lot on the east side of the thoroughfare now called Governor street. His prominence in the town is demonstrated by the fact that in 1637-8 he sat with the Court of Magistrates, and was a magistrate himself from the year 1639 to 1655. In the latter year Webster was chosen to the office of deputy governor of the colony, and in 1656 was advanced to governor. He held the office one year. During the year 1642 Governor Webster was a member of the commission that framed the code of criminal laws for the colony. In 1654 he was one of the commissioners of tlie United Colonies. Governor Webster took a prominent part in the famous church controversy at Hartford. Professor Johnston, in his scholarly book, " Connecticut," says the 25 The Go V t' /• // r s o f C o n n c c t i r it t nominal beginning of this trouble was atter the death of Rev. Thomas Hooker in 1647. ''Goodwin, the ruling elder," writes Johnston, "wanted Michael Wigglesworth as Hooker's successor; and Stone the surviving minister, refused to allow the proposition to be put to a vote. The Goodwin party — twenty-one in number, including Deputy Governor Webster — withdrew from the church ; the Stone party undertook to discipline them; a council of Connecticut and New Haven churches failed to reconcile the parties; the General Court kindly assumed the office of mediator and succeeded in making both parties furious ; and finally a coun- cil at Boston in 1659 induced the Goodwin minority, now some sixty in number, to remove to Hadley, Massachusetts." The year following his removal to Hadley, Governor Webster was admitted as a freeman in that colony. His career in .Hadley was destined to be brief, however, tor he died on April 5, 1661 — nearly two years after his arrival. He was survived by his widow and seven children. The historian, Hollister, speaks of Webster as an "honored name," and "whose virtues are still perpetuated in those who inherit his blood." Probably the most distinguished descendant of Governor Webster was Noah Webster, the famous lexicographer, who was born in Hartford in 1758 and died at New Haven, May 28, 1843. 26 the SIXTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT zcas JOHN WINTHROP An English scholar who was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, and studied law in the Inner Temple, later enter- ing the English naval service and finally coming to the New World where he became the first brilliant diplomat ^^if^K -^^mi^^ JOHN W 1 N T H R O THE brilliant career of John Winthrop, as governor of Connecticut, led the historian, ^^ncroft, to write that "the New World was full of his praises." He is generally con- ceded to have been the most distinguished and scholarly of the early governors of the colony. His father, John Winthrop, commonly called the older, was governor of Massachusetts, and the founder of the famous Winthrop family in America — a family that has produced many able men and women. John Winthrop, the younger, was born in Groton Manor, England, February 12, 1606. He received a careful education at Trinity College, Dublin, and afterward entered the Inner Temple, where he studied law. Finding this distasteful, he entered the English naval service, sailing with George Villiers, the Duke of Buckingham. He took part in the unsuccessful expedition for the relief of the Protestants at La Rochelle. After a tour on the Continent, Winthrop returned to England in 1629 and found that his father and closest friends were preparing to sail for Massachu- setts. - In 1631 he followed his father to New England and was soon elected an assistant in Massachusetts colony. He was one of the 29 1' b e Governors of Connecticut settlers of the town of Ipswich, where he owned a large estate. Winthrop returned to England in 1634. On July 7, 1635, articles of agreement were drawn up between Winthrop and Lord Say-and- Sele, with several others, empowering Winthrop to erect a fort at the mouth of the Connecticut river and creating him governor of the territory for one year. His commission was sealed and de- livered on July 15, 1635, and he arrived at the mouth of the river about November 24th of the same year. After his term of office expired Winthrop went to Massachusetts where he busied himself with scientific investigation. He is spoken of as one of the best " chymists" of his age. In 1640 he procured a grant of Fisher's Island, and on Au- gust 3, 1641, left for England where he spent the next two years. Returning to Massachusetts in 1643, he undertook to develop the iron industry in the vicinity of Braintree. Soon after he acquired considerable property where New Lon- don now stands, and removed to that place, which he made his future home. Miss Caulkins, the historian of New London, calls him the founder of the town, and adds that Winthrop's home on Fisher's Island was the first English residence in that territory. He brought thither the first company of settlers, planned the town, founded tlie government, fixed the bounds, and conciliated the Indians. In 1650 he transferred his residence to New London, and from then on took a leading part in the government of the 30 'T h € (j v e r n r s of C o n n e c t i c u t town and colony. Rising rapidly from a magistrate in 1650, Winthrop was elected governor of the colony in 1657. He was re-elected to the same office in 1659. Originally no man was to be chosen to the office ot governor two years in succession ; but in 1660 the General Court, in their anxiety to retain Winthrop as governor, requested the freemen of the colony to abolish the the restriction of re-election. This was done immediately and then John Winthrop began his career as governor, which covered a longer period than was ever reached by any chief executive in Connecticut. Gurdon Saltonstall and Joseph Talcott in the next century, however, were each governor for seventeen years. Governor Winthrop was in England for a year and a half, from 1661 to 1663, when he was elected a member of the Royal Society. Possessing much tact and having a thorough knowledge of court procedure, as well as considerable influence with Charles the Second, Winthrop obtained from the king the famous charter which consolidated the colonies of Connecticut and New Haven. In this charter of 1662 Winthrop was named the first governor of the United Colonies, and in this office he passed the remaining por- tion of his life. Governor Winthrop died at Boston, April 5, 1676, while attending a meeting of the commissioners of the colonies. Winthrop endeared himself to the people of Connecticut, and historial writers all agree that his Puritanism was of the finest type; that he hyd the good will of even those who differed widely from 3^ T' b e Governors of C o n n e c t 7 c v t him. In the kindred sciences of chemistry and medicine he was one of the best authorities of his time. Trumbull called him "one of the most distinguished characters in New England." Hollister wrote: " It is difficult to consider him as an individual character so inseparably is his bright image blended with that of the colony herself during the most doubtful, and at the same time, most glori- ous period of her existence." Bancroft paid him a glowing tribute when he wrote: " Puri- tans and Quakers and the freemen of Rhode Island were alike his eulogists. The Dutch at New York had confidence in his integ- rity, and it is the beautiful testimony of his father that ' God gave him favor in the eyes of all with whom he had to do.'" Such careers shine as a brilliant light in the hazy horizon of the past. 32 fJbe SEVENTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT was WILLIAM LEETE A sturdy English lawyer who as a clerk in the Bishop's Court at Cambridge witnessed the oppression and cruelties imposed on unoffend- ing Puritans and became their counselor and guide in the New Land of Liberty and Justice WILLIAM L E E T E WILLIAM Leete is generally known in history as the sturdy governor who sheltered and defended the regicides when they were in Guilford. This was one of the unim- portant incidents of a particularly busy life, yet it has found a place in various local histories and in more pretentious biographical works. His ancestors were members of an ancient family. Gerard Letie, or Leete, owned lands in 1209, during the reign of King John, in Morden, Cambridgeshire. Matthew Lety, John Leet, Henry Leete, were all Englishmen of prominence and their names appear in the public records previous to the year 1550. William Leete was the son of John Leete, of Dodington, and Anna Shute, daughter of one of the justices of the King's Court. He was born in Dodington, Huntingdonshire, England, in 1612 or 1613. Educated as a lawyer, Leete was for a time clerk of a Bishop's Court at Cambridge, where he witnessed the oppression and cruelties imposed on the unoffending Puritans. In 1643 Leete and Samuel Desborough met the Court at New Haven, when New Haven colony was planned and organ- ized. He was one of the deputies from Guilford to the General Court of New Haven colony until i65'o; and from 1651 to 1658 35 1" h e Governors of Connecticut was magistrate of the town. During the latter year he was elected deputy governor of the colony, and continued in the office until he was chosen governor in 1661. He held this position until the union of the colony with Connecticut in 1664. After the consoli- dation of the colonies Leete was an assistant until 1669 when he was chosen deputy governor of Connecticut colony. He was re- elected to this office annually until 1676, when he became governor of the colony. Shortly after his election as governor, Leete moved to Hart- ford from Guilford, and he resided in that town until his death in 1683. His remains were buried in the old cemetery at Hart- ford ; and Treasurer John Talcott made an entry in his account book that it cost the colony eleven pounds of powder for firing the " Great Gun at Gov'r leetes funerall." Governor Leete was a popular official; his administration abounded with good results through a particularly difficult period, and his great integrity won the approbation of friends and enemies. Dr. Trumbull wrote of him: "He died full of years and good works." Palfrey summed up his public life in these words : " Leete was an intelligent and virtuous ruler and Connecticut prospered under his care." The story of Governor Leete's experience with the regicides — Goffe and Whalley — when they fled to New England, upon the restoration of Charles L, is as follows: 36 The Governors of Connecticut Ezra Stiles in that curious little volume, " The Judges," states that GofFe and Whalley were in Guilford twice. The first time was when they were flying from Boston to New Haven. The second visit has been the foundation of a story, which, according to Dr. Bernard C, Steiner, the brilliant historian of Guilford, is much disputed as some of the details are clearly wrong. GofFe and Whalley probably went to Governor Leete's home and were secreted there several days and nights. Finally the judges returned to their place of concealment in New Haven. There is a tradition given credence in several histories that the governor's daughter, Anna, who afterward became the wife of John Trowbridge of New Haven, fed the regicides from the governor's table. Dr. Steiner, an eminent authority, says these men were hidden in Guilford, if at all, in June, 1661. President Stiles relates the story thus: "It is an anecdote still preserved in that family that she ( the governor's daughter Anna) used often to say that when she was a little girl these good men lay concealed some time in the cellar of her father's store, but she did not know it until afterward ; that she well remembered that at the time of it she and the rest of the child- ren were strictly prohibited from going near that store for some days, arid that she and the children wondered at it and could not perceive the reason of it at that time, though they knew afterward." " Tradition says that they were, however, constantly supplied with victuals from the governor's table, sent to them by the maid 37 T" b e Governors of Connecticut who long after was wont to glory in it — that she had fed those heavenly men." As the governor's daughter, Anna, referred to in this anecdote, was born on March lo, 1661, and the regicides were there in June of the same year, the error is obvious. 38 "The EIGHTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT was ROBERT TREAT An English planter who at the age of eighteen years began his official services in the New World and dur- ing a critical period led the state to victory through legislative coun- cil and battle, dying honored and beloved at the age of eighty-nine ROBERT T R E A THE priceless services of Robert Treat rendered to the colony during a critical period, have always been appreciatively recorded by the historians of the state. Born in England in 1622, Treat came to America with his father, Richard Treat, early in the century and settled in Wethersfield. The elder Treat owned a farm of nine hundred acres, which is now comprised in the town of Glastonbury ; was a patentee of the charter, a man of high character and great worth. Robert Treat lived in Wethersfield only a short time, as he removed to the town of Milfbrd in 1639. At the first meeting of the planters Treat, then a lad of eighteen, was appointed as one of a commission of nine to aid in surveying and laying out the lands of the town. He was elected a deputy in 1653, and served until 1659. He also held the office again in 1665. Treat served as an assistant from 1659 to 1664, and was strongly opposed to the union of New Haven and Connecticut colonies. When the consolidation was finally effected he was one of a party who remov- ed to New Jersey and founded the present city of Newark. The settlers elected him the first town clerk of the settlement and granted him a lot of eight acres. In 1673 Treat was appointed a major of Connecticut troops and he returned to this state two years later. Three years after his return Connecticut thought enough of Treat's 41 1' b e Governors of Connecticut military ability to choose him commander-in-chief of the forces then engaged in war against King Philip. By his gallantry and bravery he was chiefly instrumental in ridding Northfield and Springfield of the Indians who infested that locality. When the Indians made their assault upon Hadley, Treat drove them from the village ; and in the celebrated fight with the Narragansetts on December 19, 1675, near what is now South Kingston, Rhode Island, his courage rivaled Captain Mason, before him and General Putnam in the following century. With the Connecticut troops he led the forlorn hope against the block-house where Philip's sharp-shooters had more than once driven back the men of Massachusetts. He was one of the last to leave the fort when the Indian power was broken. His prowess was fully recognized and in 1676 the freemen chose Treat as deputy governor. In 1683 ^^ ^^^ elected governor of the colony, serving in that office for fifteen years. Then he declined to act longer and was chosen deputy governor. In 1683 Governor Treat was a member of the commission to settle the controversy between Connecticut and the governor of New York. New York claimed that three towns — Rye, Greenwich, and Stamford — belonged to that colony, but a compromise was agreed upon whereby New York retained the town of Rye, and Greenwich and Stamford were conceded to Connecticut. 42 The Go V e r n r s o f C o u ti e c t i c u t During the period of the Andros usurpation Governor Treat steered the destinies of Connecticut in what is generally conceded to be a masterly manner. When Sir Edmund Andros became governor of New York and chief magistrate of English America, Governor Treat feared that the colony would be divided and he decided upon a pacific course. The people of this colony acted loyally toward Andros when he went to Hartford, October i, 1687, and Treat was made a member o^i his council a month later. Connecticut suffered but little from Andros, which is undoubtedly due to Treat's great tact. The English Revolution came in due time and when the news of it reached Boston, in April, 1689, Andros was thrust into custody. Treat was quietly awaiting his chance, and on the 9th of May he resumed the office of governor. The assembly was ordered to meet in June, and William and Mary were proclaimed with enthusiasm. The old time government swung into motion again and the story of Andros entered into history. Governor Treat died at his home in Milford on July 12, lyio, having reached the great age of eighty-nine years. His son, Samuel Treat, was a distinguished clergyman in Massachusetts and grandfather of Robert Treat Paine, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. In summing up the life of Robert Treat, Hollister's opinion of him seems the best. He says : " Governor Treat was not only a 43 T' b e Governors of Connecticut man of high courage, but was one of the most cautious mihtary leaders, and possessed a quick sagacity united with a breadth of understanding that enabled him to see at a glance the most complex relations that surrounded the field of battle. He was a planter of that hospitable order that adorned New England in an age when hospitality was accounted a virtue, and when the term gentleman was something more than an empty title. His deep piety has still a traditionary fame in the neighborhood where he spent the brief por- tion of his time that he was allowed to devote to the culture of the domestic and social virtues. There existed between Robert Treat and John Winthrop the most cordial friendship, growing out of the admiration that each felt for the character and abilities of the other, and also on account of the part they took — the one procuring the charter, the other in vindicating its jurisdiction and in preserving it from the violence of its enemies." 44 'The ROYAL GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT was SIR EDMUND ANDROS An English aristocrat of the king's court who temporarily usurped the power of government and demanded the surrender of the colony's charter during a crisis in the early history of the commonwealth but was deposed after brief authority SIR EDMUND A N D R O S STUDENTS of Connecticut history have hesitated whether or no they should consider Sir Edmund Andros a rightful governor of this commonwealth, but it has been generally held that he was a usurper during the time the government was in his hands. Good authorities in our constitutional history dijffer as to the legality of his title, but as good historian as the late Charles Jeremy Hoadly remarked one day, in scornful allusion to some who objected to having Sir Edmund's portrait in the state library : " He was as really governor of Connecticut as any of the rest of them." In either case, it would appear that a sketch of this able royal governor should be included in the volume of the lives of Con- necticut's executives. Sir Edmund Andros was an English aristocrat, reared in the lap of English society, and his early life was passed among the lords and nobles that composed the court of the English king. He was born in London, December 6, 1637, where his father was an officer of the royal household. The boy decided upon a military career and at an early age became a soldier in Rupert's dragoons; two years later he succeeded the elder Andros as bailiff of Guernsey, 47 The Governors of Connecticut In 1674 he was appointed by James, Duke ot York, to the office of governor of the province of New York, and he remained in that capacity for seven years. Because of his Hberal claims of jurisdiction Andros became involved during this period in some warm disputes with the neighboring colonies. His trouble with Connecticut authorities commenced at Saybrook in July, 1675, the year after he received his appointment. During the month which saw the opening of King Philip's war at Plymouth, Sir Edmund sailed eastward through the Sound, and the voyage threw the Con- necticut authorities into consternation. Captain Thomas Bull, commanding at Saybrook, was notified by the officials at Hartford that the royalist governor was going through the Sound with the avowed intention of aiding the colony against the ravages of the Indians. He was instructed, in case the representative of the Duke of York should call at his station, to assure his excellency that Con- necticut had made its own necessary precautions against the Indians, and was allowed to infer that the colony had more to fear from an invasion by the governor of New York than from an onslaught of Indians. Captain Bull was also ordered not to permit the landing of troops from New York, who accompanied Andros. Royal governors were never popular in Connecticut, and the people did not take kindly to what they thought was to be an invasion of their territory. The orders sent to Bull were terse but suggestive : " And you are to keep the King's colors standing there, under His Majesty's 48 T" h e Governors of Connecticut lieutenant, the Governor of Connecticut; and if any other colors be set up there, you are not to suffer them to stand .... But you are in His Majesty's name required to avoid striking the first blow; but if they begin, then you are to defend yourselves, and do your best to secure His Majesty's interest and the peace of the whole colony of Connecticut, in our possession." But there were no blows struck, and Sir Edmund contented himself with simply landing and reading the duke's patent, which proceeding was duly protested against by Captain Bull and other accredited officials. This ended the matter for the time being, but during the years that followed he was closely watched by the Con- necticut authorities. In 1680 Andros seized the government of New Jersey and dethroned Philip Carteret, but the year following he was recalled by the king and accused of maladministration. After successfully clearing himself of such charges as the home government was able to bring against him, Andros retired to Guernsey. When James, the Second, became king, Sir Edmund was appointed in 1686 governor of all New England, which comprised the American settlements between Maryland on the south and Canada on the north, with the exception of Pennsylvania. This was an almost unlimited field for operations, and he proceeded to exercise his authority. The first step, so far as Connecticut was concerned, was when Governor Treat received in July 1686, two writs of quo 49 l' b e Governors of Connecticut warranto against the colony of Connecticut, which had been issued the previous year. These called upon the officers of the colony to show proper authority for the exercise of their political powers or else abandon them altogether. Andros landed at Boston on December 21, 1686, armed with his far reaching commission, and the people ot Connecticut looked on with alarm; for they soon learned that the new royal governor meant completely to abrogate, if possible, their charter of 1662. After putting into operation at Boston some obnoxious laws that turned the people of that colony against him, he proceeded to rule with a high hand. As one writer has said: "Although proclaiming religious freedom, he restrained the liberty of the press, arbitrarily levied enormous taxes, and compelled landowners to procure new titles to their property, for which exorbitant charges were made. These and similar actions performed in accordance with instructions received in England, gave great offense," And well they might. Next, Andros turned his attention to Connecticut, on which he had looked with anxious eyes since the day eleven years before when he attempted to read his patent to Captain Bull. Late in December he wrote to Governor Treat that as he supposed the trial of the quo warranto writs had gone against the colony, he hoped the officials of Connecticut would make them- selves popular with King James by immediately surrendering their 50 T' h e Governors of Connecticut charter, and thus save any unpleasant experiences in the future. The advice of Andros was not accepted, but matters drifted along, although the records of the colony show that the leaders spent many anxious days considering the situation. But when the General Assembly met in the fall of 1687, Sir Edmund Andros was present accompanied by an armed force of sixty members of the king's troops. He had expected to enforce the surrender of the charter at that time, it is said, and the members of the assembly were in a state of extreme perturbation. The story of the drama enacted at Hartford is familiar to all. The assembly was holding its session in the meeting-house; Sir Edmund had made his formal demand for the charter ; the members had exhausted their well-known powers of parleying for its continuance in their hands , and the royal governor was well nigh desperate. For years he had hoped to get possession of that instrument and now that he was clothed with the royal power to ask for its surrender he did not propose to concede to the requests of Connecticut men. Professor Johnston tells the story : " Toward evening the case had become desperate. The little democracy was at last driven into a corner, where its old policy seemed no longer available ; it must resist openly, or make a formal surrender of its charter. Just as the lights were lighted, the legal authorities yielded so far as to order the precious document to be brought in and laid on the table before the eyes of Andros. Then came a little more debate. 51 T he Governors o f Connects c u t Suddenly the lights were blown out, Captain Wadsworth of Hart- ford carried off the charter, and hid it in a hollow oak tree on the estate of the Wyllyses, just across the "riverett;" and when the lights were relighted, the colony was no longer able to comply with Andros' demand for a surrender." Some historians have attempted to disprove this story and Professor Johnston says that it is traditional, but he adds that it is "difficult to see any good grounds for impeaching it on that account." The Connecticut officials had done all they could do to pre- serve the Connecticut government under their charter, but they had to bow to an overpowering force, with the king back of it all. Governor Treat listened to the reading of the royal commission held by Andros and the royal governor ruled over Connecticut from October 31, 1687, until April, 1689. While Connecticut did not suffer greatly from Andros and his claims of royal authority, his administration certainly provoked the ill favor of the people. On April 18, 1689, Andros was finally deposed and with fifty | of his followers was arrested at Boston and thrown into prison. William and Mary were proclaimed, and Governor Treat and the other state officials resumed their places. In 1690 Andros was sent to England to answer to charges preferred against him by a committee of colonists; but the home authorities did not press them, and the man who had harassed New 52 T" b e G V e r fi r s of Connecticut England, escaped without a trial. He returned to America as governor of Virginia in 1692, remaining there until 1698. His best work as a colonial governor was accomplished in that colony. His efforts for the promotion of agriculture and the development of trade and the part he took in establishing the college of William and Mary, the second oldest college in the United States, won for him high praise from the people whom he ruled. He, however, became involved in a quarrel with the com- missary of the Bishop of London, Dr. Blair, and this led to his recall. Sir Edmund closed his stormy public career by being governor of the Island of Jersey from 1704 to 1706. The last eight years of his life were spent in London, where he died on February 24, 1714. 53 'The NINTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT was FITZ-JOHN WINTHROP A New Englander by birth and the first American-born to be chosen a political leader by the colonists in recognition of his bravery as a soldier, his unimpeachable integrity, and his lofty patriotism and fidelity to principle F I T Z - J O H N W I N T H R O P JOHN Winthrop, commonly known in history as Fitz-John, and son of Governor John Winthrop, was born at Ipswich. Massachusetts; record of baptisms, Boston, 1638, Fitz-John, son of John and EHzabeth Winthrop, born March 14, 1637-8. He entered Harvard College, but did not take a degree as he left to accept a commission in the parliamentary army. Winthrop saw much service in Scotland, where he commanded at Cardross, and afterward accompanied General George Monk on his famous march to London. When his regiment was disbanded on account of the Restoration, Winthrop returned to New England in 1 663, settled in Connecticut and there passed the remaining por- tion of his career. During that trying period, when the discourag- ing Indian wars were in progress, Winthrop rendered considerable service to the colony in the field. When Connecticut joined with the other New England colonies in sending an army up the Hudson river to co-operate with Governor Philip's sea expedition, Fitz-John Winthrop was named as commander of the whole force, with Milborn as commissary. The army suffered greatly from the latter's inability to perform his duty, and both the matters of furnishing food and providing transportation for the forces were 57 1" h e Governors of Connecticut hopelessly muddled. In the face of these gross irregularities, and also on account of the weak support of New York, Winthrop had no alternative but to retreat and the expedition proved an utter failure. Jacob Leisler, the self-appointed governor of New York, branded Winthrop as an incompetent, and heaped considerable abuse upon him for the failure of the expedition, although histor- ians generally agree that the blame rested largely upon Milborn, a son-in-law of the governor. When he returned to Connecticut, Winthrop received the thanks of the General Court for his services. In 1693 he was made an agent of the colony and sent to England to obtain if possible a confirmation of the charter, as there was a belief that it had been superseded. Winthrop remained in England for four years an agent of Connecticut colony to the court of William III., and succeeded in obtaining from Lord John Somers, attorney general, a strong opinion that the charter of 1662 was valid. The opinion of the attorney general was concurred in by such able lawyers as Treby and Ward, and Lord Somers declared : " I am of the same opinion, and as this matter is stated, there is no ground of doubt." King William ratified this opinion in April, 1694, and when Winthrop returned to Connecticut he received the thanks of the people for having rendered such valuable service to the charter obtained by his father a generation before. In 1698 Winthrop was 58 T" h e Governors of C o n 71 e c t i c it t chosen governor of the colony and continued in the office until his death in 1707. In the fall of 1707 Governor Winthrop journeyed to Boston in an enfeebled condition to obtain medical assistance and visit his brother, Wait Still Winthrop. The Boston News Letter of Novem- ber 27, 1707, announced his death in this manner: "About four o'clock this morning, the Honorable John Winthrop, Esq.. Gov- ernor of His Majesty's Colony of Connecticut, departed this life in the sixty-ninth year of his age ; being born at Ipswich, in New England, March 14, Anno, 1638; whose body is to be interred here on Thursday next, the 4th of December." His body was interred in the same tomb with his father and grandfather in the burying-ground at King's Chapel. Governor Winthrop lived in New London, and his home was long famous for its unbounded hospitality. Miss Caulkins says of him : "His death was an important event to the town. As a mem- ber of the commonwealth it had lost its head, and as a community it was bereaved of a true friend and influential citizen," While Fitz-John Winthrop lacked the qualities of a states- man like his grandfather, or a scholar like his father, yet he is known in history as a brave soldier and an administrator of public affairs who won the absolute trust of his constituents. His integ- rity and lofty patriotism were unimpeachable. 59 TENTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT ivas GURDON SALTONSTALL colony and hri '° ^he to t'he .te °^ spirituality "« temporal office'' G U R D O N SALTONSTALL THE name of Saltonstall carries with it a long line of men distinguished in theology, at the bar, in the army and navy, and as statesmen. Richard Saltonstall, the first of note to bear the name, was a nephew of a lord mayor of London, and a patentee of Connecticut. He returned to England and was one of the judges that sentenced Lords Holland, Norwich, and Capel, the Duke of Hamilton, and Sir John Owen to death for treason. His great-grandson, Gurdon Saltonstall, was born in Haverhill, Mass- achusetts, March 27, 1666. He was graduated from Harvard College in 1684, studied theology and was ordained the 19th of November, 1691, as the minister at New London. His career as a preacher was not only eminently satisfactory, but he was regarded as a scholar of finished qualities. It is said that his thorough knowledge of men and affairs, his polished majestic bearing and his strong loyalty to the colonies made him one of the most valuable men in Connecticut. He was one of the originators of the plan to establish a college in Connecticut, and it is recorded by writers on the subject that he did much to have the institution situated in New Haven instead of Hartford. He is credited with having made the plans and estimates for the buildings. 63 T' h e Governors of Connecticut. Among the clergymen of the colony he enjoyed great popu- larity. In 1698 Saltonstall was a member of a committee appointed to welcome the Earl of Bellomont when he visited this country. Governor Fitz-John Winthrop and Saltonstall were close friends; in fact, during a long illness through which the governor passed, the minister acted as his chief adviser. Through this agency Saltonstall became intimately acquainted with the routine business of the colony, so that he was as familiar with the questions of state as the governor himself When, therefore. Governor Winthrop died in 1707 a special session of the General Assembly, called a month later, elected the Reverend Saltonstall as his successor. He began the duties of the office January 1, 1708, and in the May following was regularly elected by the people. Then began his long career as governor, which was terminated only by his death. His sudden transition from the preacher's desk to the governor's chair was too sudden for the parishioners at New London. They were filled with grief and amazement, we are told, and Trumbull adds that the Assembly sent a letter to his people explaining that "their minister was called to engage in another important course of service and using arguments to induce them to acquiesce in the result." He was criticised and even censured for having given up the work of the ministry for a " temporal office," and the Rev, Isaac Backus, a Baptist preacher and author of repute, wrote : " He 64 I' h e Governors of Connecticut readily quitted the solemn charge of souls for worldly promotion." The governor always retained his interest in the church at New London. One of his first acts as governor was to suggest the appoint- ment of a synod of ministers and laymen for a more thorough system of ecclesiastical discipline. The outcome of this was the assemblage of Congregational clergymen at Saybrook, which framed the famous "Saybrook. Platform." In 1709 he was an agent of the colony to convey an address to Queen Anne, urging the conquest of Canada. In 1711, when Connecticut placed four hundred men in the field against Quebec, Governor Saltonstall personally conducted them as far north as Albany. The disaster which befell stupid Sir Hovenden Walker, commander of the expedition, in Canadian waters, is well known. Governor Saltonstall practically introduced the printing press in Connecticut, as he put one into his house as early as 1 709. He died suddenly of apoplexy on September 20, 1724, at his home in New London, and was buried two days later with high military and civic honors. "The horse and foot 'marched in four files; the drums, colors, trumpets, halberts, and hilts of swords cov- ered with black, and twenty cannon firing at half a minute's dis- tance." Rev. Eliphalet Adams, in his funeral sermon, referring to his work for the college said: " Under his wing and care our 65 'the Governors of Connecticut little nursery of learning hath sprung up to that consistence, obser- vation and strength that it is this day; and now it heartily bemoans the loss of its best friend under God. " After the remains of the governor had been deposited in the tomb, two volleys belched from the fort, and then the military com- panies marching in single file, as each respectively came against the tomb, discharged, and so drew up orderly into a body as before and dismissed." Governor Saltonstall was a great man and an able executive. Pro- fessor Dexter has truly said : " Yale College, in common with the whole colony, and indeed with all New England, suffered a great loss in his sudden death." 66 "the ELEVENTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT zcas JOSEPH TALCOTT A son of Connecticut by birth and the first scion of the common- wealth to enter its politics in youth and through years of faithful service to receive steady promotion until he became governor of the colony ;* JOSEPH T A L C O T T JOSEPH TALCOTT was the first person to occupy the office of governor who was born in Connecticut. John Talcott, his grandfather, was a member of the com- mittee that sat for the first time with the Court of Magistrates in 1637, and he was deputy every year following until 1659. ^^ was also an assistant and treasurer of the colony. His son, the governor's father, was treasurer of the colony and resigned in order to take command of the troops raised by Connecticut to participate in King Philip's War. He was one of the patentees named in the charter, and died full of honors July 23, 1 688. Joseph Talcott was born in Hartford, November 11, or 16, 1669, and was the fourth son of Colonel John Talcott and Helena Wakeman. His first appearance in public was when he petitioned the General Assembly in 1691 against the division of his father's property in Hartford. He claimed possession of all the real estate by right of primogeniture. At the age of twenty-three years, in 1692, Talcott was chosen selectman of Hartford, and in 1697 he was re-elected. From that time he held many offices in the colony. When the alarm of the Indian war flashed through Hartford and the colony in 1 704, Lieutenant Joseph Talcott was appointed on a 69 'T' h e Governors of C o n n e c t i c v t committee "to proportion and lay out to each person how much they shall make of the fortifications agreed on to be done on the north side of the river." He was also for twenty years a member of the committee which managed the affairs of the Hopkins Grammar School in Hartford. In October, 1697, Talcott was appointed ensign of the Train Band in Hartford, "on the north side of the riverette," and also held various military offices until he was elected governor. In fact, he spent so much time in looking after military affairs of the colony that the General Assembly in 1724 voted him the sum of fifteen pounds "to be paid to his Honor out of the public treasury for his good services in that affair." First chosen as a deputy from Hart- ford in 1708, he was then elected speaker of the lower house in the May session of 1710, and was made an assistant May, 1711. This latter office he held until elected deputy governor in October, 1723. In 1725 he was chosen governor and held the office during the next seventeen years, until 1742. Governor Talcott's service to the courts of the colony was extensive and able. In May, 1721, he was appointed judge of the Supreme Court, and was also chief judge of the County Court and judge of the Probate Court for Hartford county for a long course of years. During the long administration of Governor Talcott the chief thing which attracts attention in the history of the colony was its 70 T' h e Governors of Connecticut constant growth by the estabh'shment of new towns. The town of WilHngton, destined to become the birthplace of one of the most famous of early American writers, started with twenty-seven inhabitants. The settlement of Somers, Cornwall, Salisbury, Canaan, Kent, Goshen, Torrington, Winchester, New Hartford, Hartland, Colebrook, Union, Barkhamsted, East Haddam, and New Fairfield, followed in rapid succession, and demonstrated the thriving condition of the community they enlarged. Governor Talcott died October 1 1, 1741, and was buried in the old cemetery in the rear of the Center Church at Hartford. In commenting on Governor Talcott's career a writer has said : "In summing up Governor Talcott's character we may say that while not in any way a brilliant man he displayed sterling good sense, great faithfulness in performing the duties of his station, excellent judgment in managing the affairs entrusted to him, and a disinclination to follow extreme measures in any direction." He left a large family, and many distinguished descendants have not allowed the luster of the name to grow dim. 71 The TWELFTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT zvas JONATHAN LAW A Harvard graduate who became a mem. ber of the Connecticut judiciary, and by force of his own exertions attained the highest political honor in the colony, the expedition against Louisburg, for which Connecticut furnished a thousand men, occuning during his administration JONATHAN LAW JONATHAN LAW, twelfth governor of Connecticut, was born in Milford, August 6, 1674. Richard Law, his grandfather, was king's attorney and emigrated to this country in 1635. Jonathan Law studied at Harvard College and was graduated in the class of 1695. After studying law he commenced practice in his native town in 1698, and with such success that he was soon made chief judge of the New Haven County Court. He held this office five years, when, in May, 17x5, he was chosen as an associate judge of the Superior Court. In this capacity Jonathan Law demonstrated his thorough knowledge of the law, so that his ability was rewarded two years later when he was chosen as a governor's assistant. He held this office eight years, until 1725, when he resigned, having been elected lieutenant governor of the colony. During the same year Law was made chief justice of the Superior Court, an office he held for seventeen years. Upon the death of Governor Talcott, in 1741, Jonathan Law succeeded as acting-governor until the time of the regular election in the spring, and he succeeded himself annually until his death in 1751. 75 T' h e Governors of Connecticut After the election of Governor Law it was the rule in Con- necticut that a governor hold office until he died or refused to serve longer, when the deputy governor took his place for a like term. The administration of Governor Law was uneventful, except for the expedition against Louisburg, commanded by Roger Wol- cott, and for which Connecticut furnished a thousand men. Governor Law was a strong opponent of the preaching of Rev. George Whitefield and the other revivalists, and signed an act " prohibiting any itinerating clergymen or exhorter from preaching in a parish without the express desire of the pastor or people." Under the provision of this law such preachers as the Rev. Samuel Finley were driven from Connecticut as vagrants. The governor had an extensive farm near Cheshire, and he was one of the first to plant mulberry trees and introduce the raising of silk-worms. This industry Governor Law advocated and advertised in a public manner by appearing in 1747 wearing the first coat and stockings made of New England silk. Dr. Aspin- wall of Mansfield and President Stiles of Yale College were both deeply interested in the industry and the latter wore a gown made of Connecticut silk at the next commencement. From this humble beginning developed the extensive silk industry in Connecticut. Governor Law died on November 6, 1 750, and at his funeral Dr. Ezra Stiles pronounced a eulogy in Latin which is still in print. 76 T" h e Governors of Connecticut He referred to the dead governor as "a most illustrious man and the great patron of Yale College." A biographer wrote : " He was unquestionably a man of high talents and accomplishments, both natural and acquired. He was well acquainted with civil and ecclesiastical subjects, and gradually rose by the force of his own exertions to the highest honor in the state. He was of a mild and placid temper, amiable in all the relations of domestic life, and seems to have v/ell discharged the duties imposed upon him." A son, Richard Law, LL.D. (1733-1806), was graduated at Yale in 1751, and practiced law in New London. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1777-78, and 1781-84, and mayor of New London for twenty years. The leading lawyer of that section of Connecticut, Richard Law was made chief justice of the Supreme Court, and Washington appointed him judge of the United States District Court. Richard Law and Roger Sherman revised the laws of Connecticut. 77 "The THIRTEENTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT was ROGER WOLCOTT A Windsor weaver who served in the Connec- ticut troops in an expedition against Canada, became a major-general, and by self-educa- tion rose to the judgeship of the Supreme Court bench and to the governorship, ac- quiring vast knowledge without even the foundation of a common school education ROGER W O L C O T T ON the fourth of January, 1679, in Windsor, Connecticut, was born Roger Wolcott, the progenitor of a famous fam- ily. In the section of Windsor where the Wolcotts Hved, onslaughts from the Indians were so frequent that it was impossible for the inhabitants to support either a minister or a schoolmaster. It is said by one writer that Roger Wolcott did not attend a com- mon school a day in his life. As a boy he learned the weaver's trade, and at the age of twenty-one went into that business for himself He says he was apprenticed to a "cloathier," in 1694, and went into business for himself January 2, 1699. By great industry he acquired in a moderate length of time, what was considered a competence. In 1709 he was chosen as a representative from Windsor, and a justice of the peace the following year. Wolcott was selected as commissary of the Connecticut troops in the expedition against Canada in 1711. In 1714 he became a member of the governor's council, which position he held when chosen judge of the County Court in 1721. His ability as a judge was so generally recognized that in 1732 he was raised to the bench of the Supreme Court of the colony. In 1741 Wolcott served as deputy governor of the 'T' b e Governors of Connecticut colony, and chief justice of the Supreme Court. When Connecti- cut, in 1 745, furnished one thousand men for the famous expedition against Louisburg, Wolcott was made a major general and placed in command of the Connecticut troops. During the famous siege. General Wolcott was second in command, Sir William Pepperell being the chief officer. Wolcott succeeded Jonathan Law as governor when the latter died in November, 1750, and was continued in office for three years. His administration, on the whole, was satisfactory, but near the end of its last year an unfortunate affair occurred which injured his popularity. A Spanish vessel, while in distress, put into New London harbor for protection. While at anchor she was robbed of a portion of her valuable cargo. Complaint was made to the Crown by the Spanish ambassador at London. There was a good deal of agitation over the matter, and for a time it looked as if the Connecticut colony would be held responsible for the loss. Gov- ernor Wolcott was blamed and severely censured on account of existing conditions in that part of the colony which made such a robbery possible. Public resentment of what they called " official negligence," was widespread. The episode cost Governor Wol- cott a re-election, and he " was dismissed by great majority of voices." From his retirement in 1754, Governor Wolcott did not again enter public life, but lived quietly at his old home in Windsor. He devoted the remainder of his life to religious meditation and liter- 82 T' h e Governors of Co n n e r t i rut ary pursuits. Although he had no education whatever, Governor Wolcott, by hard and extensive reading, fitted himself for his career in life. To literature he devoted much time, and a small volume entitled, " Poetical Meditations," was written by him and pub- lished at New London in 1725. It was a collection of six short poems, and a long narrative poem entitled, " A Brief Account of the Agency of Hon. John Winthrop in the Court of King Charles the Second, Anno Domini, 1662, when he obtained a Charter for the Colony of Connecticut." This poem has been printed in the Massachusetts Historical Society collection. A letter written to the Rev. Peter Hobart in 1761, entitled, "The New England Con- gregational Churches, etc.," is reprinted in Everest's " Poets of Connecticut." Governor Wolcott died on May 17, 1767, at Windsor, in the eighty-ninth year of his age. On his tomb is the following inscrip- tion : "Earth's highest station ends in ' Here he lies,' And 'dust to dust' conchides her noblest song." Governor Wolcott's son, Oliver, was afterward governor of the state ; and another one, Erastus, was a judge of the Supreme Court. 83 "The FOURTEENTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT was THOMAS FITCH A learned lawyer who was graduated from Yale College and began his career as a preacher at "thirty shillings per Sabbath," and gained distinction as a legal authority by revising the laws of the colony and gaining commendation in both England and America THOMAS C H PRESIDENT Dwight, the first, said Governor Thomas Fitch was "probably the most learned lawyer who had ever become an inhabitant of the colony." For a long period he held a foremost position among Connecticut lawyers, and won a distinguished place in the profession. Born in Norwalk, in 1700, Thomas Fitch was a son of one of the first settlers of the town. He studied at Yale College, and was graduated in a class of thirteen, in 1721. Five years later he was licensed to preach as a supply in the Norwalk church, at "thirty shillings per Sabbath." In May of the same year, he began his long public career by serving as a deputy to the General Assembly, Afterward he was elected a justice of the peace and served from 1726 to 1730 in the Assembly, when he was nominated as a governor's assistant. He had pre- viously studied law, and was so successful in the practice of his profession, that in 1742 he was appointed on a committee to revise the laws of the colony. The work dragged along for two years, when in May, 1744, Fitch was asked to revise the laws himself without the aid of the committee. He accomplished the gigantic task in six years, and the result of his labors was published at New 87 ^ h e Governors of Connecticut London. The revision called forth praise in both America and England. Serving as an assistant in 1734 and 1735, and from 1740 to 1750, Fitch was then chosen deputy governor by the Assembly, in special session, on account of the death of Governor Law, to take the place of Roger Wolcott, who had been advanced to the office of governor. At the same time he was selected as chief judge of the Superior Court of the colony. He was elected to the office of deputy governor every year until 1754, when he became governor of the colony. The French war began at the commencement of Governor Fitch's term of office, and the long, dreary struggle occu- pied much of his attention. The clouds of the revolution were gathering during the last year of his administration and his course at this time resulted in his being practically forced to retire from office. Governor Fitch reported to the Lords of Trade on September 7, 1762, that the population of the colony amounted to "a hundred and forty-one thousand whites, and four thousand five hundred and ninety blacks, or thereabouts." Connecticut experienced a share of the excitement resulting from the passage of the Stamp Act. In March, 1764, George Grenville, Prime Minister of England, introduced his budget of " Declaratory Resolves " in the House of Commons, and one year was to elapse before the Stamp Act was to go into effect. The 88 T' h e Governors of Connecticvt following May, the Connecticut Assembly appointed a committee, including Governor Fitch, "to collect and set in the most advan- tageous light, all such arguments and objections as might justly and reasonably be advanced against creating and collecting a revenue in America, especially against effecting the same by stamp duties." The outcome of the work of the committee was set forth in a pam- phlet, written by Governor Fitch, entitled, " Reasons why the British Colonies in America, should not be charged with internal taxes, by Authority of the Parliament, humbly offered, for consider- ation, in behalf of the Colony of Connecticut." This was for- warded by order of the Assembly to the colony's agent in London. Lord Halifax addressed a circular to Governor Fitch in 1 764, asking him to prepare for the use of the British ministry, a schedule of particulars as a guide for framing the proposed act. The gov- ernor took advantage of the opportunity to enter further remon- strance against the Stamp Act. The Act was assented to by George III., March 22, 1765, and according to its terms, every colonial governor was obliged to take an oath before November 1st, to insure the Crown of their loyalty in its support. The penalty for refusal to take this oath on the part of a governor, was removal from office and a fine of 5,000 pounds. Excitement ran high in the colony as the time approached for the obnoxious act to go into effect. Evidently fearing the royal mandate. Governor Fitch threw the inhabitants of Connecticut into an uncontrollable rage, when, 89. I' h e Governors of Connecticut on October 29, 1 765, he took the oath to sustain the law he had so ably opposed. The wrath against his course grew apace as the time for re-election approached. Two months before the election, in March, 1766, the governor published an anonymous pamphlet, which is still preserved in the library of Yale University. It was entitled, " Some Reasons that influenced the Governor to take, and the Councilors to administer, the Oath." This able defense of his actions did not ward off the impending blow, and he was succeeded by William Pitkin. After his defeat. Governor Fitch lived in retirement until his death, which occurred at Norwalk, on July 18, 1774, in the seventy- fourth year of his age. In the sermon delivered at the funeral of Governor Fitch, the Rev. Moses Dickinson (Y. C, 1717), his pas- tor, spoke of the dead governor's life-work in glowing terms. Referring to his revision of the laws of the colony, he said the work was "justly esteemed by gentlemen in Great Britain, who are acquainted with them, to be the best code of plantation laws that were ever published." The governor's descendants have been leading citizens in the southwestern portion of Connecticut. 90 FIFTEENTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT was WILLIAM PITKIN An East Hartford boy who was chosen town collector at the age of nineteen years, and becoming interested in mili- tary affairs in the stormy period preced- ing the Revolution, boldly denounced the tyranny of the mother country WILLIAM PITKIN WILLIAM Pitkin, the governor who distinguished him- self during the excitement attending the passage of the Stamp Act, by his bold uncompromising advocacy of the cause of the colonies, was born April 30, 1694, in the town of East Hartford. Of his early life and education we know very little. He was a member of the Pitkin family that furnished a number of brilliant men to the commonwealth at different periods. At the age of nineteen William Pitkin was chosen town collector. He was afterward a representative in the General Assembly from 1728 to 1734. During these years he took a deep interest in military affairs, becoming a captain of the Train Band in 1 730 and a colonel in 1734. In 1734 he became a member of the governor's council, and the year following was appointed a judge of the County Court. He occupied this position until 1752. Governor Pitkin was also a judge of the Superior Court, and served as chief justice of the Supreme Court for twelve years. In all matters that pertained to the future welfare of Connecti- cut, and in the days when the colony was rearing the structure of its future freedom, Governor Pitkin was an important figure. 93 'T b e Governors of Connecticut He was a member of the famous Albany convention of 1754, when Franklin offered a plan for the union of the colonies. Gov- ernor Pitkin also served on the committee, of which Franklin was chairman, appointed by the convention to draft a constitution. Always a strong exponent of colonial rights, Pitkin was one of the first in Connecticut to resist the Stamp Act, when the British ministry undertook to foist that measure on the colonies. He was thoroughly uncompromising in his denunciation of the act, and when on October 29, 1765, Governor Fitch took the oath to uphold it, William Pitkin, then lieutenant governor, showed his courage in a forcible manner. Pitkin, together with several other prominent men, including Jonathan Trumbull, were in the room where Governor Fitch and members of the council were to take the oath to support the Act. Pitkin indignantly rebelled against the action of the governor, and in company with the sturdy Trumbull, deliberately left the room while the oath was being administered. This patriotic act was thoroughly commended by the majority of the people of Connecticut, and they manifested their approbation in a substantial way when, in the following May, 1 766, he was elected governor of the colony by an overwhelming majority. A newspaper of that day rather facetiously remarked, in com- menting on the election, that Pitkin's majority over Fitch — who had fallen into popular disfavor — " was so great that the votes were not counted." Governor Pitkin's course through the stormy period 94 T' h e Governors of Connecticut preceding the Revolution was uniformly consistent and courageously- patriotic, which called forth the plaudits of his constituents. He died while in office, in October, 1769, His biographer tells us that the governor was " of commanding appearance, highly affable and pleasing in manner." The follow- ing inscription is on his monument : " Here lieth interred the body of William Pitkin, Esq. — late Governor of the Colony of Connecti- cut. To the God of Nature indebted for all his talents, he aimed to employ them in Religion, without affectation, chearful. Humble, and Temperate, zealous and bold for the Truth, Faithful in distrib- uting Justice, Scattering away Evil with his Eye, an Example of Christian Virtue, a Patron of his Country, a Benefactor to the Poor, a Tender Parent, and Faithful Friend. Twelve years he presided in the Superior Court, and three and a half Governor in chief After serving his generation by the will of God, with calmness and serenity, fell on sleep, the 1st day of October, A. D., 1769 — in the 76th year of his age." 95 i:he SIXTEENTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT was JONATHAN TRUMBULL The son of a country storekeeper in Lebanon who studied theology, and then while a clerk in his father's store acquired law and was elected to the legislature twenty- three times, and became the distinguished war governor of Connecticut and friend and adviser of General Washington JONATHAN TRUMBULL JONATHAN Trumbull, the first war governor of Con- necticut, is pre-eminently known in history as the brave patriot who presided over the destinies of his native state during its most critical period. His other brilliant qualities fade away before that magnificent patriotism which made Connecticut worship her noble son. He was born in the town of Lebanon on October 12, 1710, and was the son of Joseph Trumbull, a well-to-do merchant and farmer who had moved to the little town ten years previous. At thirteen years of age Trumbull entered Harvard College and was graduated in the class of 1727. Early in life his family and friends discovered the young man's fine talents, and a professional life was planned for him. He studied theology, which was thoroughly agreeable to his tastes, and in a few years was licensed to preach. His career in the ministry was brief, but it is pointed out by good authorities that if he had continued in the profession Jonathan Trumbull would have become, without doubt, a conspicuous figure in the church. His plans in life were changed abruptly in 1731 when an older brother left his father's store in Lebanon and Trumbull 99 T' h e Governors of Connecticut resigned from the ministry to carry on the business. While attend- ing to his duties in the store Trumbull studied law, and two years later, in 1733, was elected a member of the General Assembly, which marked the opening of his long public career. In this body he became such a leading spirit that in 1739 he was elected speaker and occupied the office with such success that during the following year he was chosen as assistant. Trumbull was re-elected to this position twenty-two times, and was looked upon as one of the soundest men in the colony. He afterward became judge of the County Court, and assistant judge of the Superior Court, and chief judge of the latter body from 1766 to 1769. In the year 1767 Trumbull was elected deputy governor and held the office for a year, when he succeeded William Pitkin as governor, upon the latter's death in 1769. His utter abhorrence of the Stamp Act was abundantly demon- strated in 1 765 when he absolutely refused to take the oath required of every official to support the obnoxious act. Bancroft remarks concerning this period that Trumbull "was the model of the virtues of a rural magistrate ; profoundly religious, grave in man- ner, discriminating in judgment, fixed in his principles." Professor Johnston says that for several years Trumbull had been at the head of the popular volunteer organization known as the " Sons of Liberty," which patrolled the country, "overawed those who were inclined to support the British government, and making ready to 100 l' b e Governors of Connecticut resist the execution of the law." When Jared Ingersoll rode from Hartford to New Haven to put the Stamp Act into operation he found fully a thousand of these "Sons of Liberty " ready to resist to the last degree. When Trumbull became governor the people of Connecticut were convinced that in him the colony had found the man the people needed at that time. Before Trumbull doubt and hesitation fled in the twinkling of an eye. He threw his whole soul into the impending struggle, and while the war clouds were not as black in Connecticut as in the neighboring colony of Massachusetts where Trumbull's classmate, Hutchinson, was governor, yet the crisis called for a man in whom craven frailty was an unknown quantity. Trumbull, with many other worthy men, was committed to the idea that extreme measures in dealing with existing difficulties were unnecessary ; that it was neither wise nor expedient to sepa- rate from Great Britain, and he personally thought the troubles between the colonies and the mother country ought to be settled " ^y gentle and insensible methods rather than by power and force." His private opinions were quickly set aside, however, when the declaration of war came ; and from that time Trumbull was laboring day and night for the cause for which the colonies were making such a sacrifice. A correspondence soon ensued between Governor Trum- bull and General George Washington. It gradually assumed lOI 1' h e Governors of Connecticut a close personal cast, which was continued after the Revolu- tion. In August, 1776, when Washington wrote Governor Trum- bull concerning the weakness of the Continental army, the latter immediately called together the council of safety and supplemented the five Connecticut regiments already in the field by nine more, which proved to be of incalculable benefit to the cause. The governor's pertinent injunctions to those who had not left the fields for the war have come down to us ringing with his magnificent patriotism. He said: "Join yourself to one of the companies now ordered to New York, or form yourselves into distinct companies and choose captains forthwith. March on ; this shall be your warrant : May the God of the Armies of Israel be your leader." It is no wonder such words as these inspired many a Connecticut farmer to leave the harvest fields unfinished, and begin the weary tramp to New York where they arrived in the nick of time. Washington wrote to Trumbull that he had " full confidence in his most ready assistance on every occasion, and that such measures as appear to you most likely to advance the public good, in this and every instance, will be most cheerfully adopted." Trumbull's advice to the great commander-in-chief, and the latter's implicit confidence in the governor's uncommonly sound judgment, has been treated at length by historians. When Wash- ington implored the governors of the New England States in 1781 T' h e Governors of Connecticut to raise more men, Trumbull sent back word that he should have all he needed. Jared Sparks, the biographer of Trumbull, wrote that Washington relied on Connecticut's governor as one of his main pillars of support, and often consulted him in emergencies. The epithet " Brother Jonathan," applied to Governor Trumbull, originated with Washington, who according to a learned writer, when perplexed or in any emergency used to exclaim, " Let us hear what Brother Jonathan says." Governor Trumbull was elected every year for fifteen con- secutive years, and his term of office covered the whole Rev- olutionary period. When the war with Great Britain had reached an end Governor Trumbull, who had been in continuous public service for fifty-one years, asked the General Assembly to allow him to retire. His speech before that body in October, 1783, was a memorable one, and referring to his proposed retirement he said : "• I have to request the favor of you, gentlemen, and through you of all freemen of the state, that after May next I may be excused from any further service in public life, and from this time I may no longer be considered as an object for your suffrages for any public employment. The reasonableness of this request, I am persuaded, will be questioned by no one. The length of time I have devoted to their service, with my declining state of vigor and activity, will, I please myself, form for me a sufficient and unfailing excuse with my fellow citizens." 103 l' h e Governors of Connecticut At the next election Governor Trumbull was retired, and he never again entered public life. His services were recognized by both Yale College and the University of Edinburgh, both of which conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. Governor Trumbull died at his home in Lebanon on August 17, 1785, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. During his life the governor made a large and valuable collec- tion of historical papers and manuscripts which was presented to the Massachusetts Historical Society after his death. He had four sons, Joseph, Jonathan, David and John. Joseph, born in 1737, was a member of the Continental Congress and commissary general in the Revolutionary War. He died at Lebanon in 1778. Another son. Jonathan, born in 1740, was a distinguished soldier and aide-de- camp to Washington. He was afterward governor of Connecticut, The family has been one of the most distinguished in the history of this state. John Trumbull, another son, was the renowned painter whose "Battle of Bunker Hill," and "Death of Montgomery" brought him unceasing fame. His nephew, Joseph, was a congress- man and afterward governor of Connecticut, The family also in- cludes John Trumbull, the poet and author of " McFingal;" Rev. Benjamin Trumbull, author of the " History of Connecticut; " James Hammond Trumbull, the philologist ; Henry Clay Trumbull, the leader in Sunday school work ; ex-Senator Lyman Trumbull of Illinois, and Jonathan Trumbull, the prominent librarian of Norwich. 104 SEVENTEENTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT was MATTHEW GRISWOLD A boy from the village of Lj'me who with- out instructor or teacher developed his natural abilities and became one of the most prominent lawyers in Connecticut; be- ing elected its chief executive; elected presi- dent of a convention which ratified the Constitution of the United States; and honored by a degree from Yale College MATTHEW G R I S W O L D MATTHEW Griswold was born in the town of Lyme on March 25, 1714. His ancestors were members of an old and reputable family who had lived in that part of Connecticut for many years. Griswold's education was about as meager as it was possible to make it, and the statement is made on good authority that the governor never received any public instruc- tion whatever. The natural abilities of the young man attracted attention, and his remarkably mature judgment at a tender age was the wonder of those who knew him. When he had reached the age of twenty-five years he began the study of law. He never had an instructor or teacher, but by very close and persistent application to the studies, he soon acquired a sufficient knowledge of the law to gain prompt admission to the bar. Entering upon the practice of his profession, he became an indefatigable worker, and soon rose to the prominence of an advocate, which he always enjoyed after- ward. Griswold was one of the most prominent lawyers of Con- necticut for many years, and his reputation as an able, faithful, and conscientious advocate was possibly never excelled by a man who educated himself 107 T' h e Governors of Connecticut His first public office was that of king's attorney, which he held for some years, but his pubHc career really commenced in 1751 when he was elected as a representative from Lyme to the General Assembly, He was returned every year until 1759, when he became a member of the council. In 1776 Griswold was chosen a judge of the Supreme Court, a position for which he was especially adapted as was demonstrated by his subsequent career on the bench. Three years later, in 1 769, he was elected lieutenant governor of the colony and chief justice of the state. Occupying the office of lieutenant governor for fifteen years, covering the entire period of the Revolutionary War, and being in close touch with Governor Trumbull, it is doubtful if a better suc- cessor to the famous " war governor " could have been found. He succeeded Trumbull as governor in 1784 and held the office for two years. In 1786, when he ceased to be governor, Griswold practically retired from public life. He only appeared in a public capacity once thereafter, and this was in 1788, when he acted as president of the convention which met at Hartford in January of that year for the purpose of ratifying the Constitution of the United States. Yale conferred the degree of LL. D. on Governor Griswold in 1779, and his distinguished ability was abundantly recognized in various ways. He died at his home in Lyme on April 28, 1799, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. One son, the Hon. Roger Griswold, was governor of Connecticut. 108 ^ b e Governors of Connecticut An authority in commenting on the Hfe and character of Governor Griswold writes as follows: " But if we descend to the more private walks of life, and view his character as a private citizen, we shall find the social sweetly blended with the Christian virtues. He possessed a benevolent disposition which rendered his deportment truly engaging in all the domestic relations. Having a frank and an open heart he was sincere in all his professions of friendship, and consequently enjoyed the confidence and esteem of a numerous and extensive acquaintance. He was truly hospitable and abounded in acts of charity. The children of want he never sent hungry from his door, but, guided by a real sympathy, he fed the hungry, clothed the naked, and relieved the distressed." 109 "The EIGHTEENTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT ivas SAMUEL HUNTINGTON The son of a Windham farmer who first learned the cooper's trade and by industry- became proficient in law, receiving distinc- tion at the bar, becoming a signer of the Declaration of Independence and passing through various political trusts to the gov- ernorship and finally to Congress where he was elected to the presidency of that body SAMUEL HUNTINGTON IN many ways the career of Samuel Huntington, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was one of the most remarkable of any of our governors. The story of his life is that of a plow-boy, who, by his own exertions, became a great lawyer, president of Congress, chief justice ot the Connecticut Supreme Court, and finally governor of his native state. It affords a brilliant example of what a man can do in attaining great honors through self-education. Samuel Huntington was the son of a poor farmer living in Windham, but whose ancestors were from the town of Saybrook, where they were early settlers. He was born on July 2, 1731, and his early life was characterized by industrious habits, a great desire to work and to obtain knowledge. His father, a hard working farmer struggled to give his son the education he desired, but apprenticed him early in life to learn the cooper's trade. He also worked on the farm at odd times, and attended the district school irregularly. All his youthful energies were bent in one direction, and that object was the advancement of his mind. The numberless obstacles which present themselves to every poor boy were bravely 1^3 'T' h e G V e r 72 r s of Connecticut brushed aside in his case. By unremitting study during his spare hours Huntington acquired a fairly good knowledge of Latin and several other studies, so that at the age of twenty-two he decided to study law. With only borrowed books and no instructors whatever he set about the task with a grim determination that meant success. He was indefatigable in his labor, and in due time mastered the law sufficiently, so that he commenced the practice of his chosen pro- fession. Clients were plentiful, and he soon acquired so good a reputation that he decided to move to Norwich — a much larger field. This was in 1760, and his public career commenced soon afterward ; for his uncommon ability was recognized at once, and honors heaped upon him. In 1764 he was elected a representative from the town of Nor- wich to the General Assembly, and the following year was chosen a member of the governor's council. As king's attorney in 1765 he served with distinction; in 1774 he was appointed an associate judge of the Superior Court, and in 1775 a delegate from Con- necticut to the Continental Congress. In Congress Huntington displayed his fine talents and his great learning to good effect. He was a zealous supporter and signer of the Declaration of Independence, and a man whose loyalty and patriotism was of the most sturdy type. Continued in Congress for about five consecutive terms, Huntington was a valued member, 114 T' b e Governors of Connecticut highly esteemed by his colleagues. In 1779 he was honored by being elected president of Congress, then the highest office in the land. He held this position from September 28, 1779, to July 6, 1781, succeeding John Jay who had been appointed minister to Spain. In 1781 his health failed to such an extent that he retired from Congress, and his resignation was accepted with reluctance on July 6th of that year. In parting he received the unanimous thanks of Congress " in testimony of appreciation of his conduct in the chair and in the execution of public business." Returning to Connecticut he resumed his duties in the governor's council and on the bench, having been continued in both offices during his congressional career. Two years later he returned to Congress and soon became actively engaged in its deliberations. He again retired during the same year and went to Norwich ; but he was not destined to remain out of office long, for in 1 784 he received the appointment as chief justice of the Supreme Court. During the same year he was elected lieutenant governor, and in 1786 was advanced to the office of governor. He held the position until his death, which occurred on January 5, 1796, at his home in Norwich. As governor of his native state, he displayed that superior judgment for which he was famous throughout his life. As an instance of the repute in which Governor Huntington was held as a statesman may be noted the fact that each of the corporations of Yale and Dartmouth colleges, in 1787 and 1785 115 T^ h e Governors of Connecticut respectively, conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. A biographer has written : " He was a thoughtful man and talked but little — the expression of his mind and heart was put forth in his actions. He seemed to have a natural timidity, or modesty, which some mistook for the reserve of haughtiness; yet with those with whom he was familiar he was free and winning in his manner. As a devoted Christian and a true patriot he never swerved from his duty or looked back after he had placed his hand to the work." A nephew of the governor, adopted and educated by him, was governor of Ohio from 1808 to 1810, and one of the most prominent citizens of that state. "The NINETEENTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT was OLIVER WOLCOTT Born in Windsor and graduated from Yale College, he entered the army and became a military ofScer, marching his men to the northern frontier in the French and Indian War, thwarting the British by his heroic soldiery in the Revolution, serving his com- monwealth in Congress, becoming a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and the second member of the distinguished Wolcott family to occupy the office of governor 01ij^.£^^l^ OLIVER W O L C O T T OLIVER Wolcott, the second member of that famous family to occupy the office of governor, was a distinguished soldier, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and a member of Congress. He was the son of Governor Roger Wolcott, and was born in Windsor on November 2o, 1726. Entering Yale College in 1743 he was graduated in the class of 1747. Almost immediately after graduation the young man entered the army, received a captain's commission, and recruited a company at once. Marching his men to the northern frontier he took an active part in the French and Indian War which was then raging. The following year, 1748, the treaty of Aix-La-Chapelle was concluded, and as that put an end to further hostilities, Wolcott's services were no longer needed, so he returned to Connecticut. As a proof of his great ability as a military officer may be instanced the fact that he left this state as a captain and returned a major general. He retired to private life at this time and began the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. Alexander Wolcott, a brother, and one of the celebrated practitioners of the day. Upon the completion of his studies Wolcott began to practice in Goshen, but soon received the appointment as sheriff of the recently organ- 119 ^ h e Governors of Connecticut ized Litchfield County. In 1774 he was elected a member of the council and continued holding the office until 1786, notwithstand- ing the fact that he was, during the same period, a delegate to the Continental Congress, judge of the Litchfield County Court, and judge of probate for the district. He did excellent service also as a member of the commission on Indian affairs, appointed by the first Congress. Much of his time was devoted toward bringing about a satisfactory settlement between Pennsylvania and Connec- ticut over the Wyoming controversy. General Wolcott first took his seat in the second Congress in January, 1776, and was in attendance throughout the famous debates over the Declaration of Independence. During this critical period he distinguished himself by upholding the cause of the col- onies with a spirit of lofty patriotism. He signed the Declaration of Independence and then returned to Connecticut, where his val- uable services were needed in the field. The governor placed him in command of a detachment of Connecticut militia embracing fourteen regiments raised for the defense ot New York. He thoroughly organized these troops, divided them into brigades, and participated in the actions about New York; but returned to his home in Litchfield after the battle of Long Island had been fought. In November of that year he resumed his seat in Congress and was with that body when in December, 1776, Congress fied to Baltimore from Philadelphia on account of the occupation of the latter place by the British. ''The Governors of Connecticut Having raised several thousand recruits during the summer of 1777, General Wolcott reinforced General Putnam on Hudson's river, and rendered valuable assistance to the latter officer. Dur- ing this period he was corresponding with leaders throughout the colonies on matters of military importance. In the fall he joined General Horatio Gates, in the northern department, and took an active part in the capture of Burgoyne's army in October of that year. During these operations General Wolcott was in command of a brigade. Returning to Congress, which was then assembled at York, Pennsylvania, Wolcott resumed his seat in that body and remained until July, 1778. When General Tryon began his expedition of plunder and devastation of Connecticut towns during the summer of 1779 Gen- eral Wolcott took command of a division of state militia and defended the southwestern coast in a successful manner. Fairfield and Norwalk were laid in ashes, and other towns plundered in a barbarous manner, but the heroic work of General Wolcott's com- mand thwarted many plans of the British. Iw 1780 Wolcott was again elected a member of Congress, which office he held for the next four years, although he did not attend the sessions regularly. During these years his time was divided, attending to civil and military affairs in Connecticut. He also acted as an Indian agent during a portion of this period. T h Governors of Connecticut General Wolcott was one of the commissioners who settled terms of peace with the famous Six Nations, a tribe of Indians who lived in the western portion of New York, and had spread terror and desolation among the white inhabitants for years. In 1786 General Wolcott was chosen lieutenant governor of Connecticut, and was re-elected to this office every year until 1796, when he was chosen governor of his native state. He served one year and was then re-elected, but did not complete the term, as he died while in office on December 1, 1797, in the seventy-second year of his age. Governor Wolcott's patriotism was of the highest type, and he was always looked upon by the leaders of the Revolution as a brave defender of the cause. In 1776 Governor Wolcott's home in Litchfield was the scene of a famous episode which has been rehearsed many times. For a time one of the principal ornaments of lower New York, was an equestrian statue of George III. This was cast in lead and stood on Bowling Green where it attracted much attention. Exactly one week after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence this statue of King George was taken down and carried by night to the home of General Wolcott in Litchfield. Here a sort of celebra- tion was held and then the statue was cast into bullets, making 42,088 cartridges, which were used by the Continental soldiers. The historian of Litchfield pays this tribute to his public career: "He was singularly modest and even diffident in his inter- 1" h e Governors of Connects' c u t course with men in the common walks of hfe. Those who best knew this gentlemen well knew that the highest trust was never improperly placed in him. He possessed a benevolent heart and was warm in his friendship ; a firm friend to order ; a promoter of peace; a lover of religion; and a tried, unshaken friend to the institution of the gospel. He was an indefatigable student, and neither wasted his time nor his words. His mind was clear and penetrating; his views of political subjects just and comprehensive; his discernment of the wisest means to promote the best ends, ready and exact; and his acquaintance with science, particularly with theology, extensive. He had remarkable talent at investigation. He has left a name which is a sweet savor to his surviving friends; and a lively hope that he is enjoying the rewards of the faithful in immortal bliss." Lossing says of Governor Wolcott : "As a patriot and states- man, a Christian and a man, Governor Wolcott presented a bright example; for inflexibility, virtue, piety, and integrity were his prominent characteristics." A son, Oliver Wolcott, Jr., became secretary of the United States Treasury, and the first governor of Connecticut under the Constitution. 123 TWENTIETH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT ivas the second JONATHAN TRUMBULL A son of the famous " war governor" born in Lebanon, graduated from Harvard Col- lege, and a member of the General Assem- bly at the outbreak of the Revolution— He entered the conflict and was chosen private secretary and first aid to General Washing- ton, becoming second speaker of the House of Representatives, a member of the United States Senate, and governor of Connecticut for eleven consecutive years JONATHAN TRUMBULL, 2nd THE second Jonathan Trumbull was one of the governors of this commonwealth that acquired a national reputation. Born at Lebanon, on March 26, 1740, he was the second son of Jonathan Trumbull, the famous "war governor." He prepared for and entered Harvard College in 1755 at the age of fifteen years. While a college student he had a reputation for scholarly ability that followed him throughout his career. When he was graduated with honors in 1759, a useful and patri- otic career was predicted by his friends. Settling in Lebanon,Trum- bull was soon elected a member of the General Assembly, and was in that body when the Revolutionary War opened. He immediately entered into the conflict with the same strong spirit of determination which characterized his life afterward. The Continental Congress appointed Trumbull paymaster-general of the northern department of the Colonial army under General Washington. This position he filled with such thorough satisfaction to the commander-in-chief, that in 1781 Trumbull was selected to succeed Alexander Hamilton as private secretary and first aid to Major General Washington. He held this honorable position until the close of the Revolution, when 127 T' h : e G e r n r s f C n n e c t i c 21 t he returned to Connecticut. Shortly after his return he was again elected to the General Assembly, and was twice made speaker of the House of Representatives. In 1789 he was elected as a Federalist to represent his district in Congress, and in that capacity he won distinction of a high order. Two years after his first election to Congress, Trumbull was chosen second speaker of the House of Representatives, succeeding the Honorable F, A. Muhlenburg of Pennsylvania. Trumbull continued in this office four years when he succeeded the Honorable Stephen Mix Mitchell of Wethersfield as United States Senator from Connecticut. He was a member of the Senate only a short time as he resigned in 1796 to accept the office of lieutenant governor of Connecticut. Trumbull left a reputation in Congress as an honorable and talented legislator. He was lieutenant governor two years and in 1798 succeeded General Wolcott as governor of Connecticut. Governor Trumbull was also chief judge of the Supreme Court of Errors, while holding the office of governor. He was governor of Connecticut for eleven consecutive years, the longest since his father's administration — a record that has not been equalled by any chief executive since that date. Governor Trumbull died at his home in Lebanon on August 7, 1809, having reached the age of sixty-nine years. In Dr. Stanley Griswold's "Miscellaneous Sermons" is this tribute to Governor 128 T" b e Governors of C o n ?i e c t i c u t Trumbull's accomplishments: "Genius, docility, and love of learn- ing appeared in early years. At fifteen admitted to Harvard, receiving its honors in 1759, he left the University with his charac- ter unblemished, respectable for science, and peculiarly amiable in manners." Another writer says of him : "Governor Trumbull was a man of handsome talents, of very respectable acquirements, of amiable manner, and was distinguished for his social virtues. The confi- dence of his fellow citizens, which he so long enjoyed in a very eminent degree, affords the most satisfactory evidence of his talents and virtues." TWENTY-FIRST GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT ivas JOHN TREADWELL The son of a well-to-do mechanic in Farming- ton, he was graduated from Yale College, studied law, engaged in the mercantile busi- ness and later became a manufacturer— He became active in the struggle for freedom, entered politics and was elected to many executive honors, becoming the last of the Puritan governors of Connecticut and later a writer on theological subjects JOHN TREAD WELL JOHN Tread well was the last of the Puritan governors of Con- necticut, and in him we see blended for the last time the theologian and statesman. He was born at Farmington, November 23, 1745, and lived there all his life. His father was a well-to-do mechanic, and a stern Puritan, who told his son when he reached the age of sixteen that he could have one week in which to decide whether he would receive a college education. The future governor accepted the offer before the week had expired, and Rev. Timothy Pitkin, a son of Governor Pitkin, set about preparing the young man for college. In 1763, at the age of eighteen, Treadwell entered Yale where he gave particular attention to the classics. It is said that John Locke's "Essay on the Human Understanding," and Jonathan Edward's "Inquiry into the Freedom of the Will," were his favorite works. He was graduated from Yale in the class of 1767, and being heir to a considerable fortune he rejected the idea of pursuing a professional career, although he studied law with Judge Hosmer of Middletown. Soon after, Treadwell engaged in a mercantile business, hoping to increase his income but the result was an embarrassing failure. ^33 l' b e Governors of Connecticut He began the manufacture of nitre later on, however, and extri- cated himself from the financial loss he had previously sustained. During the Revolutionary period Treadvvell engaged in the struggle for freedom. In 1754 and 1755 he was active as a mem- ber of the "Committee of Inspection and Correspondence," and in 1776 his townsmen elected him as their representative in the General Assembly. This office he held for the next seven years, when in 1783, he was elevated to the governor's council. He continued as a member of this body by successive elections until 1 798. Treadwell was a member of the Continental Congress in 1785 and 1786. In 1789 he was elected judge of probate of the Farmington district and also a judge of the Supreme Court of Errors. These offices he held until 1809, and he was afterward a judge of the Court of Common Pleas for several years. He was elected lieutenant governor in 1798 and continued in this office until 1 809, when he succeeded Trumbull as governor. Governor Treadwell held the office almost two years. In 1795 Govemor Treadwell took an important part in negotiating the sale of lands in Ohio the proceeds of which consti- tuted the Connecticut School Fund. He was one of the delegates to the convention at Hartford that ratified the Constitution of the United States in 1788. Thirty years later Governor Treadwell was also an important member of the convention which formed our present constitution. In 1800 Yale College conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Laws. 134 l' h e Governors of Connecticut Retiring from public life in 1811 Governor Treadwell spent a large portion of his time in writing on religious subjects. He was attentive to the scriptures from his youth up, and was assisted in the acquisition of religious knowledge by the study of the New Testament in the original Greek. The outcome was a series of essays on theological subjects, which are preserved, but were never pub- lished. Governor Treadwell was active in founding the "Connecti- cut Missionary Society," the first organization of its kind in North America. Governor Treadwell was one of the rich men of the section, his estate inventorying $74,000. He died at his home in Farmington on August 18, 1823. His death was a serious loss to the people of Farmington. Rev. Dr. Noah Porter, pastor of the Congregational church in Farming- ton, preached the governor's funeral sermon. Among other things he said, "He was never suspected of partiality, duplicity, or a time- serving policy. He was known to act uprightly, and with a sincere desire to promote the public good. Probably no man was better acquainted with the internal policy of the state. And it is a sin- gular proof of his fidelity, if not his disinterestedness, that after this long and arduous course of public service he had only about the same amount of property that he had possessed when he began it. The emoluments of all his offices, together with the income of his farm, but little exceeded the expenses of his family." 135 'T' b e Governors of Connecticut Professor Olmstead writing of his ability as a scholar says: "It may be safely asserted that few, if any, of our chief magistrates have retained more fully the acquisition of their youth, or distin- guished the latter periods of life by more solid learning. What was his comparative ability or usefulness, as a theologian or as a magis- trate and civilian, it would be difficult to decide. This is much more evident, that few men have combined in themselves in so eminent a degree the most important qualifications for all three and that in him they reflected on each other a lustre, and together formed an excellence of character such as we are not often in this world to behold." 1^6 TWENTY-SECOND GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT ZVcJS ROGER GRISWOLD The son and grandson of governors, he studied law with his father at his birthplace in Lyme, graduated from Yale College, and began his brilliant career at the bar in Norwich— Later he returned to Lyme and was elected as a Federalist to represent his district in the House of Representa- tives where he ranked as a leader of his party in the administration of Washington and John Adams and was invited by the latter to be- come a member or his cabinet but declined ROGER G R I S W O L D THE second Governor Griswold was descended from two governors of Connecticut, he being the son of Matthew Griswold, and grandson of Roger Wolcott, He inherited many of the distinguished traits of his able ancestors. Roger Griswold was born in Lyme on May 21, 1762, and entered Yale College at the age of fourteen. He was graduated in 1780, and immediately began the study of law in his father's office. In 1783 Griswold was admitted to the bar and commenced his brilliant career in the town of Norwich. Great success was his from the first, and few men in this state have ever acquired a greater reputation at the bar than Roger Griswold. He returned to his native town of Lyme in 1794 and was elected as a Federalist to represent his district in the national House of Representatives. He was re-elected five consecutive times, serving from 1795 to 1805. During the time he served as a congressman his ability and profound judgment placed him in the front ranks. The period covered a portion of Washington's administration, the whole of John Adam's, and a part of Jefferson's. He ranked with the first of his party, was distinguished "for his powerful talents in debate, and the independence and decision of his conduct." 139 The Governors of Connecticut In 1798 Griswold had a "violent personal encounter" with Matthew Lyon, the famous Vermont politician. Lyon appeared to be the aggressor, although an attempt to expel him from the House was unsuccessful. In 1801 President Adams offered Griswold the position of secretary of war in his cabinet, but he declined the office, having previously requested the president to withdraw the nomination. Returning to Connecticut, Griswold was in 1807 chosen a judge of the Supreme Court, and remained on the bench two years, when the Legislature elected him lieutenant governor. The same year, 1809, he was also a presidential elector on the Pinckney and King ticket. Harvard College honored him in 1811 by conferring the degree of Doctor of Laws, and Yale followed in 1812 with the same degree. Griswold served as lieutenant governor two years, when in 1811 he was elected governor of Connecticut. During his adminis- tration the president made a requisition on Connecticut for four companies of troops for garrison duty, but Governor Griswold refused to furnish them on the ground, that they were not needed to "repel invasion." Governor Griswold had been in office nearly a year and a half when he died on Sunday, October 25, 1812. Taken away in the prime of life, his death was generally lamented. The Honorable David Daggett delivered an eloquent eulogy upon his character before both houses of the legislature at New Haven. Leading public men at the time agreed that Governor 140 i 1' h e Governors of Connecticut Griswold had few equals in his day. The late Chief Justice Waite wrote of him, "In all positions he proved himself a born master of men." A writer in the New England Reviezv said : "Few have been more universally esteemed and loved. He lived in a critical and eventful time in our existence; and pre-emi- nently acted well his part, deserving and receiving the highest hon- ors his native state could bestow upon him." In personal appearance Governor Griswold was "a very hand- some man, with large flashing eyes, a commanding figure, and majestic mien — he seemed by outward presence born to rule." Of his executive ability it has been said that "the secret of his power lay in the wonderful promptness of his mind, which penetrated every subject presented to it and saw it clearly in all its connections." The following is on the family monument near Black Hall : "He was respected in the university as an elegant classical scholar. Quick discernment, sound reasoning, legal science, manly eloquence, raised him to the first eminence at the bar. Distin- guished in the national council among the illustrious statesmen of his age — revered for his inflexible integrity and pre-eminent talents, his political course was highly honorable .... His fame and honor were the first rewards of noble action, and of a life devoted to his country. ... His memory is embalmed in the hearts of surviving relatives and of a grateful people. When this monument shall have decayed his name will be enrolled with honor among the great, the wise, and the good." 141 'The TWENTY-THIRD GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT was JOHN COTTON SMITH The last governor of the old regime and an embod- iment of many of the traits of the early statesmen of the republic— He was born in Sharon, the son of a clergyman, and reared in the typical New England Household where the law of God is uppermost — His early education was conducted by his mother and after graduation from Yale Col- lege he became a brilliant lawyer and statesman ^^>^ <> . C^'?^^^^^^ JOHN COTTON SMITH THE last governor of the old regime was John Cotton Smith. It has been said that he exhibited many of the striking traits of the founders of this republic. He was born in Sharon on February 12, 1765, and was the son of a clergyman of considerable power. His mother was the daughter of Rev. William Worthington of Saybrook. Governor Smith inherited the blood of those famous Massachusetts divines — John Cotton and Richard Mather. The home where John Cotton was reared was a typical New England household where the law of God was uppermost. His early education was conducted by his talented mother; then he prepared for Yale College under the direction of the Reverend Brinsmade of Washington. Entering college in 1779 at the age of fourteen, he was graduated with h .lor in 1783. Immedi- ately after leaving Yale, Smith entered the office of John Canfield, an attorney at Sharon, and commenced the study ot the law. In 1787 145 'T' h e Governors of Connecticvt he was admitted to the bar of Litchfield County. When the young man commenced to practice he found himself in the midst of the best legal talent of the state, as the Litchfield County Bar was then famous for its brilliant array of able lawyers. Success attended his efforts for advancement, and in 1793 he was elected a representative from his native town. He also served as a member of the House of Representatives from 1796 to 1800. In October, 1799, Smith was chosen clerk, and during both sessions of the following year he occupied the speaker's chair. During his term of service Smith was a strong supporter of the old Federal party, and through the stormy period from then to 1818 he steadfastly opposed the increasing demand for a new constitution. Elected as a member of Congress in the fall of 1 800 he repre- sented his district in the House of Representatives until 1806. While in Congress he was widely known as an accomplished scholar and a man of sound judgment. He was often called upon to pre- side when such statesmen as Pinckney, John Randolph, Otis, Lee, and Griswold were at the height of their fame. Smith resigned his seat in Congress in order "that he might the better administer to the comfort of an aged father." Returning to Sharon he took charge of the ancestral farm, at the same time engaging in literary pursuits, which his early training and hereditary tastes made very con- genial. His townsmen soon returned him to the Legislature where he was made speaker of the House, representing the town in 146 1' h e Governors of Connecticut that body until 1809. In that year Smith was chosen judge of the Superior Court, and his opinions were, to quote Hollister, "among the best in our reports, and are distinguished for their clear- ness of thought and finish of diction." In 1809 he was elected lieutenant governor of the state, hold- ing the office one year and seven months. During a large portion of the time that he held this office Governor Griswold was ill and unable to attend to the duties of state. The responsibilities of the chief executive at a critical juncture, fell upon the shoulders of Lieutenant Governor Smith. Governor Griswold died in 1812. and the same year John Cotton Smith was elected to take his place. He was governor of the state for over four years, during a period that the commonwealth was convulsed by the strained relations existing between the two dom- inant political parties — the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists. Governor Smith was not in favor of changing the old form of gov- ernment for a new one, so when his party was defeated in 1817, and Wolcott, the Anti-Federalist champion, elected governor, he retired from the political arena. Settling once more on his farm of over a thousand acres, at the age of fifty-two years. Governor Smith passed the remaining twenty-eight years of his life. Many honors came to him in his retirement; Yale College conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Laws, the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions elected him its presi- 147 l' h e Governors of Connecticut dent, in 1826; he was the first president of the Connecticut Bible Society and in 1836 the Royal College of Northern Antiquarians of Copenhagen elected him a member of that body. Governor Smith was also an active member of both the Massachusetts and Con- necticut Historical Societies. " Dividing his time," says a writer, " between the scholastic studies that had coupled so large a portion of his youth, and the pur- suit of agriculture, he lived the life, then almost obsolete, of the Connecticut planters of the seventeenth century. His hospitable mansion was always thronged with the most refined and cultured guests, who, on whatever points they might differ, all agreed that their entertainer was an unrivalled gentleman in the highest and best sense of the word." Governor Smith died in his home in Sharon on December 7, 1845, at the age of eighty years. "His character can be likened to nothing that better illustrates it," says a historian, "than the warm smiling Sharon valley on a summer's morning, when the grass sparkles with dew and the bright lakes gleam in the sunshine." 148 TWENTY-FOURTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT was OLIVER WOLCOTT The third member of that famous family to occupy the office, and the first governor of this state under the present Constitution — He was born in Litchfield and at an early age joined the militia and while his father was absent in Congress the coura- geous son shouldered the responsibility of obtaining fuel and provisions for the family and keeping the roads open for transportation of army stores under his charge — Young Wolcott left his home with three dollars in his pocket and began a career which carried him into the president's cabinet OLIVER W O L C O T T THE first governor of this state under the present constitution was Oliver Wolcott, the third member of that famous family to occupy the office. The political power of the Wolcott's was exercised from the early days of the colony far into the century just closed. They were men of great mental power, excellent executive ability, and it could truthfully be said of them as it was of the famous Mather family in Massachusetts, that the prominent traits which were pronounced in the father were stronger in the son, and yet stronger in the grandson. Oliver Wolcott was born in Litchfield on January ii, 1760, and was a son of Governor Oliver Wolcott and Loraine Collins of Guilford, a sister of General Augustus Collins, a distinguished officer in the Revolution. He entered Yale College in 1774, but two years later he volunteered in the militia and left his studies. Wolcott was in the force that went to Danbury to repel the inva- sion of General Tryon, and he took part in a skirmish at Wilton. He returned to college and after graduation began the study of law at the famous school conducted by Tapping Reeve and Judge Gould at Litchfield. During the summer of 1779 he was with his 151 T^ h e Governors of Connecticut father as aide-de-camp, who was then commanding on the western borders of the state. After accompanying his father to the coast he accepted a quartermaster's position. This was a period of great privation for his family at Litchfield. The elder Wolcott was absent in Congress, and on the son's shoulders fell the responsibility of obtaining fuel and provisions for the family. He was also obliged to keep open the roads for the necessary transportation of army stores under his charge. On July 29th General Parsons wrote to General Wolcott: "In arranging our line a number of ensigns are vacant. If your son is willing to accept one of these vacancies, I shall be happy to have it in my power to gratify the inclination of the son of so worthy a father. I am determined to have these offi- ces filled by young gentlemen of spirit and learning, to make the army respectable, or leave them vacant." He declined the offer as he was desirous of continuing his legal studies. In 1781 Wolcott left his home in Litchfield with three dollars in his pocket, and went to Hartford, where he soon afterward accepted a clerkship in the office of the commissioner of the pay table. The salary connected with this position was fifty cents per day specie value. During the year he received the degree of Master of Arts from Yale College, his thesis being, "An Agricultura in Republica Americana sit magis colenda quam commercium." His great diligence in discharging the duties ot the office led the General Assembly in 1782, entirely unsolicited, to appoint Wolcott 152 'The Governors of Connecticut one of the commissioners of the pay table. As junior member of the commission he was obhged to make frequent visits to the Council of Safety, and receive directions. Through this agency he became intimately acquainted with not only the officials of the state,, but the workings of the state government. In May, 1784, Wolcott received the appointment as commis- sioner to adjust the claims for Connecticut against the United States. His colleagues in the work were two eminent men, Oliver Ellsworth and William Samuel Johnson. During the early part of 1788 the Board of Pay Table was abolished and in its place was created the office of Comptroller of Public Accounts. Wolcott was made the first comptroller and held the office until September, 1789, when the national treasury was established. Honors came to him rapidly in these days, for his great ability was being gen- erally recognized by the leading statesmen. In 1789 he was appointed auditor of the United States Treasury Department, and comptroller of the treasury in the spring of 1791. He had been previously offered the presidency of the United States bank. Alexander Hamilton resigned as secretary of the treasury in 1795, and in February Wolcott succeeded him. He held the office through the remainder of Washington's administration and on the accession of President Adams in 1797 he tendered his resigna- tion. The president continued him in office until Wolcott finally resigned November 8, 1800. Previous to this Wolcott had 153 The Governors of Connecticut been subjected to slanderous accusations by his political opponents, and the Federalist officials were openly accused of having burned the treasury building in order to cover up their defalcations, Wolcott called for an investigation, but a hostile committee appointed by Congress, failing to obtain the slightest evidence, con- tinued the malicious stories with the characteristic venom of politi- cal antagonists of that day. President Adams forthwith appointed Wolcott, under the pro- visions of the new judiciary act, judge of the Second Circuit of tKe United States, This district embraced the states of Connecticut, New York and Vermont, and the United States Senate took every precaution to vindicate Wolcott by immediately confirming the nomination. In 1802 the judiciary act was repealed and Wolcott then removed to New York City, where he became a merchant. He was very successful, gathered a fortune in a short time, and was first president of the bank of North America. Soon after the close of the second war with Great Britain, Wolcott retired to his former home in Litchfield, where he, in com- pany with a brother, founded large woolen factories near Torring- ton. The place where the factories were located was named Wolcottville and for a long time was the principal village of that town, Torrington owes its growth to a great degree to the success of these establishments. 154 l' h e Governors of Connecticut Friends urged Wolcott in 1816 to accept the nomination for governor. The Anti-FederaKst, or Democratic, convention con- vened at New Haven in January, 1816, and OHver Wolcott was placed in nomination for governor, with Jared IngersoU for Heuten- ant governor. Opposition newspapers now brought into the cam- paign all the rancor which was common in the early part of the last century. He was freely accused of arson to cover his peculations in the treasury department, and everything possible was done to assail his private character. Wolcott was defeated and IngersoU elected. This result had been anticipated by his friends as "an unfortunate culmination of circumstances." The same ticket was nominated the following year and both Wolcott and IngersoU were elected by a two-thirds majority of the Assembly. In 1817 Wolcott took his seat asgovernor of Connecticut, and became at once engaged in considering the various issues so long fought over by his constituents. His administration was destined to be one of reform, and members of the General Assembly of that year were elected on that basis. The most important question to demand the attention of the Assembly was that of calling a state convention to frame a new constitution. This had been the bone of contention between the two parties for the past twenty years. The convention was called and Governor Wolcott was chosen president. He presided over the sessions of the convention with 155 The Governors of Connecticut dignity and ability, and the original draft ot the constitution is said to have been his work. The new constitution was framed and adopted ; so that this was probably the most important act of his administration. For ten years Governor Wolcott was continued in office with no decided opposition. His career as governor sustained his great reputation for executive ability which he had gained as a member of Washington's cabinet. After retiring from the office of governor, Wolcott returned to New York City, where he lived with his children for the remainder of his life. Governor Wolcott devoted his fortune to fostering agricultural pursuits, and developing the great factories he had founded. He also paid considerable attention to letters, and he received the degree of Doctor of Laws from the corporations of Brown University, the College of New Jersey, and Yale College. He died at his home in New York, June i, 1833, and the death of no public man of the period was mourned more than Governor Wolcott. From the fact that he was the last survivor of Washington's cabinet, and a conspicuous figure that represented the principles of the founders of the republic, Wolcott's death was looked upon as a national loss. "His character," said one who knew Governor Wolcott intimately, "was strongly marked, strong, inflex- ible, and devoted to all that duty, honor and patriotism enjoined ; he was in private life of the utmost gentleness, kindness and simplicity. With strong original powers, early developed by the stirring events 156 T' h e Governors of Connecticut of the Revolutionary days, in which he was born, he had acquired a habit of self-reHance which better fitted him for the sort of poHti- cal co-operation which results from expediency rather than right." Of his personal appearance the same writer says: "In personal appearance Oliver Wolcott was of the ordinary size, but as he advanced in life he inclined towards corpulency. His head was large and countenance strongly delineated and expressive. He pos- sessed much dignity of manner; his disposition was sedate but cheerful, and with some causticity of humor." In his old age Governor Wolcott was honored as being the last of a coterie of public men who composed Washington's official family. It has been said that the departure of few public men ever occasioned so great public sorrow as the death of Governor Wolcott. "All felt alike," says a writer, "the irreparable loss, and they could not but feel that an important link, in the chain that united the present generation with the one of the Father of his Country, was broken." 157 "The TWENTY-FIFTH GOVERNOR - of CONNECTICUT was GIDEON TOMLINSON The grandson of an officer who took part in the capture of Ticonderoga, and born in the town of Stratford — After graduation from Yale College he became a tutor and later studied law, entering politics and becoming a prominent agitator in the Constitutional controversy, preceding and during the State Convention of 1818, and finally becom- ing a member of the United States Senate and one of the first railroad presidents in this country <^^^2^ 7^ GIDEON TOMLINSON GIDEON Tomlinson was born in the town of Stratford on the last day of the year 1780, and was the grandson of an officer who took part in the capture of Ticonderoga. His father, Jabez H. TomUnson, was a man of importance in the community where he had resided all his life. After attending the schools of his native town, Tomlinson was sent to Huntington, where Rev. David Ely, D.D., prepared him for college. Entering Yale in 1798, he was graduated four years later in a class which contained several men who were afterwards college presidents, a future governor of Connecticut, Rev. David Dudley Field, and Rev. Jeremiah Evarts. Immediately after leav- ing college, Tomlinson secured employment as a tutor to Alexander Upshus of Northampton County, Virginia, who was afterwards secretary of the navy. While teaching he studied law, and when he returned to Connecticut in 1803, he entered the law office of Judge Chauncey at New Haven. Tomlinson was admitted to the bar in 1807 and removed to that portion of Fairfield called Greenfield Hill, made famous by the pastoral labor of Dr. Dwight. 161 T" b e Governors of C o 7i n c c t i c u t He entered politics and in May, 1817, was elected by the Toleration party as a representative to the General Assembly. The following October he was chosen clerk of the House and became a prominent agitator in the all important discussion over a new constitution. In May, 1818, Tomlinson was again elected and this time chosen speaker of the House. The same year he was a delegate to the state convention called for the purpose of framing a new consti- tution, and during the session his voice was often heard on the floor of the old State House at Hartford. With Pierpont Edwards, the leading lawyer of the state, Tomlinson was appointed to represent Fairfield County on the committee of twenty-four to frame the constitution. After two years' service in the state legislature he was elected to Congress, and was a member of the House from 1819 to 1827. While in Congress Tomlinson had a high reputation and was often called upon to preside in the absence of the speaker. In 1827, at the age of forty-seven years, he was elected gov- ernor ot Connecticut by a good majority. He continued in office until 1831, and his record as chief executive of the state was an honorable one. In March, 1831, Governor Tomlinson resigned in order to accept the position of United States Senator, to which he was elected as a successor to Calvin Willey of Tolland. Serving one term as senator, Governor Tomlinson maintained 162 ^ b e Governors of Connecticut at all times a high standard of statesmanship, and attracted attention in a body which contained at the time some very distinguished men. While in the Senate Governor Tomlinson was elected first presi- dent of the old Housatonic Railroad Company, and for many years he was one of the trustees of the Staples Free Academy. Returning to Connecticut he passed the remainder of his life in a quiet manner practicing his profession. His later years were saddened by the death of a son of great promise. He never entered public life again after his retirement from the United States Senate. Governor Tomlinson died on October 8, 1854, aged seventy- four years. 163 TWENTY-SIXTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT zvas JOHN S. PETERS The nephew of the originator of the so-called Blue Laws of Connecticut and born in Hebron where from the age of seven years he worked for neighboring farmers and attended the dis- trict school during winter— While a country school teacher he studied medicine and became a successful old school physician, entering poli- tics and becoming chief executive of the state JOHN PETERS THE paternal ancestors of Governor Peters were Englishmen of note, and the family was distinguished in many ways. One member of the family was the famous Hugh Peters, who was beheaded, he having been charged with complicity in the King's death. An uncle of Governor Peters, Rev. Dr. Samuel A. Peters, a native of Hebron, was the inventor of the famous so-called "blue laws" of Connecticut. Being a strong sympathizer with the Royalist cause during the Revolution, Dr. Peters was obliged to flee to England, where he published his unique "History of Connecticut," and, according to John Fiske, "took delight in horrifying our British cousins with tales of wholesale tarring and feathering done by the patriots of the Revolution." In the minds of most historians the doctor's history reminds one of the late Baron Munchausen. John S. Peters was born in Hebron on September 21, 1772, being the fifth child of Bemslee Peters, a brother of the Tory cler- gyman. The family were so poor that when the future governor had reached the age of seven years it became necessary for him to work for a neighboring farmer. During the next four years he worked 167 1' h e G V e r ti r s of Connecticut on the farm in summer and attended the district school during winter. When eighteen years of age the young man decided to be a school teacher, and accordingly had charge of a district school in Hebron for several years. While he was teaching he took up the study of medicine, and during the summer he was twenty years of age he studied with Dr. Benjamin Peters of Marbletown, New York. Succeeding sum- mers were also passed in the study of his chosen profession, with Dr. Abner Mosely of Glastonbury. Late in the year of 1796 Peters went to Philadelphia to complete his medical education. In that city he attended the anatomical lectures of Doctors Shippen and Wistar, the chemical lectures by the famous Dr. James Wood- house, and the medical school of Dr. Rush. Returning to Con- necticut in 1797, Dr. Peters looked around for a place to settle and commence practice. He went up the Connecticut river as far as Canada without finding a town in need of a medical practitioner. He returned to his home thoroughly disheartened, and exclaimed in a moment of abject despair that he had spent twenty-four years of his life and all his money without avail. Settling in Hebron for want of a more promising place, he was agreeably surprised by finding his services in demand within a short space of time. His ability was recog- nized from the first, and it was not long before he had all the business he could attend to. Dr. Peters was a prominent member 168 T" h e Governors of Connecticut of the Tolland County Medical Society, and in 1804 was chosen a fellow of the State Medical Society. He was widely known as a skilful practitioner of uncommon ability. Early in his professional career Dr. Peters remained true to the spirit of his ancestors, and took a keen interest in the political questions of the day. The citizens of Hebron showed their confi- dence in him in various ways, he seldom being defeated for an office. For twenty years Dr. Peters was town clerk of Hebron ; he was also judge of probate for the district for many years, and represented the town in the House of Representatives several sessions. After serving in the state Senate for a number of years he was elected lieutenant governor and held the office from 1827 to 1831. When Governor Tomlinson resigned in 1831 Dr. Peters succeeded him in office. His party placed him in nomination at the next election and he was elected governor by a large majority. He occupied the office with satisfaction from 1831 to 1835, when he retired from public life. With the exception of being a presidential elector. Governor Peters never held office after retiring as chief executive of the state. He never practiced his profession after becoming governor, and spent the remaining years in taking advantage of the competency he had acquired. Governor Peters enjoyed almost perfect health all his life until within a short time before his death, and he enter- 169 T' h e Governors of Connecticut tained quite extensively at his old-fashioned residence in Hebron. He died at his home in Hebron on March 30, 1858, aged 85 years. A friend of Governor Peters said of him : "He was a most agreeable companion and a warm and true friend. His conver- sational powers were superior, and all who have had the pleasure of his acquaintance will long remember his lively and keen wit, his inexhaustible fund of anecdotes and stories, and his inimitable manner of relating them." 170 TWENTY-SEVENTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT zvas HENRY WAGGAMAN EDWARDS The grandson of Jonathan Edwards, one of the most subtle reasoners the country has produced-He was born m New Haven and graduated at the College of New Jersey, later studying law at Litchfield and ris- ing rapidly in public estimation-He was elected to Congress, elected to the United States Senate and served for several terms as governor of the state dur- ing the era in which New Haven and Hartford and Springfield were connected by railroad, thus provid- ing for the commercial development of Connecticut ^'{fe^^/y /y^ f'4r/i^c^>iy-r/<^ HENRY WAGGAMAN EDWARDS HENRY Waggaman Edwards was the grandson of Jonathan Edwards, one of the most subtle reasoners the country has produced, and the son of Pierrepont Edwards, for many years the most distinguished member of the Connecticut bar. Pierrepont Edwards had the most lucrative law practice in the state, was a member of the Continental Congress, and a man of great power. He died in Bridgeport, April 5, 1826. His son was born in New Haven in October, 1779, the year that General Tryon pillaged the town and spread desolation. Henry Waggaman Edwards prepared for college at New Haven and entered the College of New Jersey, at Princeton, ^ where he was graduated in the class of 1797. Having decided to adopt his father's profession, Edwards entered the famous Litchfield Law School (now the Yale Law School), and, after the completion of the course, returned to New Haven, where he commenced to practice. In 1819 he was elected as a democratic member of Congress and represented the district in the House of Representatives until March 3, 1823. 173 T' h e Governors of Connecticut At that time Governor Tomlinson appointed him United States senator to succeed the Hon. EHjah Boardman. This term lasted but a few months, when he was elected for a full term. He served in the Senate from December i, 1823, to March 4, 1827, when he was elected a member of the State Senate, and was a member of that body from 1827 to 1829. In 1830 Edwards was elected a member of the House of Representa- tives from New Haven, and became speaker. His rise in the esteem of his party was rapid, and in 1833 he was elected governor of the state, holding the office one year. The following year he was nominated, but defeated by Samuel A. Foote. Governor Edwards was re-elected, however, in 1835, and served for the next three terms, retiring in 1838. Governor Edwards' administration was known as the "railroad era," as those years saw the building of the Hartford and New Haven railroad, the Hartford and Springfield, the Housatonic, and the Providence and Stonington. While governor, he suggested a geological survey of the state, which was done in accordance with his desire. Yale College conferred the degree of Doctor of Laws upon Governor Edwards in 1833. He had the distinction of being the first governor of Connecticut born in New Haven. Governor Edwards died at New Haven on July 22, 1847. ^ ^°'^' Pierrepont Edwards, was a prominent lawyer, and a judge of the New York Supreme Court for seven years. 174 "The TWENTY- EIGHTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTI CUT •was SAMUEL AUGUSTUS FOOTE Born in Cheshire, and although of delicate health entered Yale College at thirteen years of age and was graduated with honors— He began the study of law as an invalid wearing a bandage about his head in the class room, and, finally driven out of doors, sailed to the West Indies as a supercargo— He later settled on a farm and was elected to the United States Senate where he provoked the great Webster-Hayne debate (^W^/ e/(^^^ SAMUEL AUGUSTUS F O O T E THE father of Governor Foote was the Rev. John Foote, a native of North Branford, who afterward removed to Cheshire and succeeded the Rev. John Hall as pastor of the Congregational church in that town. His wife was grand- daughter of Governor Jonathan Law. After a life of great useful- ness the Rev. John Foote died in Cheshire, August 31, 1831. His son, Samuel Augustus Foote, the subject of this sketch, was born in Cheshire on November 8, 1780. As a child he was precocious to such a degree that he entered Yale College at the age of thirteen years. Constitutionally delicate, in his early years the boy showed signs of premature decay ; but in the face of all this he succeeded in completing his college course, graduating from Yale in 1797, before he had reached the age of seventeen. He then resided for a few months in Washington, Connecticut, reading law in the office of Daniel N. Burnside, Esq. Deciding upon law as a profession, he entered the Litchfield Law School for a course of study. In his class were Baldwin, Benedict, Day, Griffin, Seymour and Sill — all of whom became famous men. T" h c Governors of Connecticut He remained at Judge Reeve's school probably less than a year, for he began to be troubled with severe pains in his head, which did not yield to treatment. Invariably the young man attended lectures wearing a bandage about his head. As the trouble increased Foote was obliged to relinquish his desire to become a lawyer, and resolved to follow some business which would provide a more active occupation. After leaving the law school he went to New Haven and engaged in the shipping trade, having an office on Long Wharf. It is said that he went to the West Indies three times in the capacity of a supercargo. When the war with Great Britain commenced in 1812, Foote, as well as many other merchants of his class, saw his prosperous business entirely wiped out. He took his losses in as good humor as possible, and decided to turn his attention to agricultural pursuits. Going to Cheshire, he settled on a farm and became very successful. This occupation gave him ample time and opportunity to take an active part in the political discussion of the day. He entered into politics to such an extent that it was not long before he was known as one of the most zealous anti-Federalists of the state. A majority of the people of Cheshire shared his opinion and sent him to the Legislature in 1817 and 1818, as their repre- sentative. While in the House, Foote exerted great power and 178 The Governors of Connecticut was easily its leading member. He was next elected a member of Congress and represented his district for two years from March, 1819. Returning to Connecticut, he was again elected a member of the Legislature and represented Cheshire in the House for two years. In 1823 he was re-elected to Congress and served until May, 1825, when he was again chosen by the people of Cheshire to represent the town in the General Assembly. That body elected him speaker and during the same session he was chosen United States senator to succeed Henry W. Edwards. His term in the Senate commenced on March 4, 1827, and the latter portion of it was made famous by a debate over one of his resolutions. It was Senator Foote who introduced the resolution in Decem- ber, 1829, which provoked the great debate between Senators Webster of Massachusetts and Hayne of South Carolina, lasting the greater portion of three days. This resolution was for the pur- pose of " inquiring into the expediency of limiting the sales of the public lands to those already in the market, besides suspending the surveys of the public lands and abolishing the office of surveyor- general." On January 26 and 27, 1830, Daniel Webster delivered his famous "Reply to Hayne," which is considered by John Fiske to be the "greatest speech that has been delivered since the oration of Demosthenes against the crown. " 179 l' h e Governors of Connecticut Foote was defeated by Nathan Smith for a second term in the Senate, but was elected a member of the National House of Rep- resentatives in April, 1833. In 1834 he was nominated for governor by the Whigs of this state, who were opposed to the administration of President Jackson. He obtained a plurality but not a majority; so the choice went to the General Assembly. That body elected him governor, and he resigned his seat in Congress. He served as chief magistrate for one year, during an unevent- ful period. Yale College conferred upon him, while governor, the degree of Doctor of Laws. The next year Governor Foote was defeated by Henry W. Edwards, and after that he was never actively engaged in politics. His domestic and private affairs engrossed his attention the remaining years of his life, and he died in Cheshire, September 15, 1846. "That which specially strikes us," says one writer, "as char- acteristic of Governor Foote was his integrity, industry, decision and perseverence." His son, Andrew Hull Foote, was a famous naval officer, who, on June 16, 1862, received the thanks of Con- gress for gallant services in the Civil War and was made a rear- admiral. i:he TWENTY-NINTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT was WILLIAM W. ELLSWORTH A member of the distinguished Ellsworth family of Windsor and born in that town — He was graduated at Yale College in the class with Morse, the inventor of telegraphy — He studied law and married the eldest daughter of Noah Webster, later becoming one of the most successful practitioners in the state, and then a member of the faculty at Trinity College, and chosen to many political honors >^^^c£^C^^(^^>cc^t:>r^^^^ WILLIAM W O L C O T T ELLSWORTH THE Ellsworth family of Windsor was one of the most dis- tinguished in Connecticut. Oliver Ellsworth, LL.D., was a famous lawyer and statesman, of whom John Adams said : " He was the finest pillar of Washington's whole administration." He was a member of the Continental Congress, a delegate to the Federal Convention of 1787, and in 1796 was appointed chief justice of the United States Supreme Court. He died at Wind- sor, November 26, 1807. His son, William Wolcott Ellsworth, the twin brother of Henry Leavitt Ellsworth, was born at Wind- sor, November 10, 1791, and entered Yale College in 1806, where he graduated with honors in 1810. Among his classmates at Yale was Professor S. F. B. Morse, the inventor of telegraphy. Immediately after graduation, he entered the Litchfield Law School where he pursued his legal studies. Removing to Hart- ford, Ellsworth entered the office of Judge Williams, his brother- in-law, at that time the most prominent lawyer at the Hartford bar. He was a close student and aimed from the first to thoroughly master the profession. 183 'The Governors of Connecticut In 1813 he was admitted to the Hartford bar, and during the same year became united in marriage to Emily, the eldest daughter of Noah Webster. It was a period when a young lawyer found it hard to build up a practice; yet in 1817, four years after being admitted to the bar, when Judge Williams was elected to Con- gress, Ellsworth was made his partner. The law practice of Judge Williams was one of the largest in the state, yet he left it under the management of his young partner, then twenty-six years of age. He carried on the business of the firm with great success, and his fame as a legal authority spread rapidly. In 1827 Ells- worth was appointed professor at Trinity College, and he held the position until his death in 1868. Being the choice of the Whigs in 1829, Ellsworth was elected a member of Congress by a good majority and continued in that position until 1833, when he resigned at the close of the Twenty-third Congress. As a member of the judiciary committee, while in Congress, he was one of the most active in preparing measures to carry into effect Jackson's proclamation against the nullification of South Carolina. Ellsworth was also on a committee appointed to investigate the affairs of the United States Bank at Philadelphia. Returning to Hartford, he resumed his law practice and soon regained his extensive business of former days. After considerable urging, Ellsworth accepted the nomination for governor of T' h e Governors o j Connecticut Connecticut and was elected in 1838. He continued in this office four years, and during that period he twice refused the offers of an election to the United States Senate. Retiring from office in 1842, Governor Ellsworth continued active practice at the bar until 1847, when he was chosen by the General Assembly a judge of the Superior Court, and also one of the judges of the Supreme Court of Errors. He continued on the bench until compelled to resign in 1861, because he had reached the age limit of seventy years. Retiring in 1861, Governor Ellsworth enjoyed the next seven years in taking a much deserved rest, although he kept up a lively interest in public affairs to the last. He was one of the incorpo- rators of the American Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, and president of the board of directors of the Hartford Retreat for the Insane. Governor Ellsworth always maintained a great interest in church work and was a deacon in a Hartford church for forty-seven years. The last years of his life were spent in Hartford, where he died on January 15, 1868. At his funeral the Rev. George A. Gould delivered an oration, and among other things said: " Whether an advocate at the bar, or sitting on the bench of justice, or occupying the gubernatorial chair of the state, or serving his countrymen in the highest council of the nation, he never forgot that, first of all, he was a Christian." Another writer has said : 185 T h t' G V e r n r s of Co n n e c t i c 21 t " William Wolcott Ellsworth was a Puritan of the very best stock, and his honesty in everything was above reproach. In him were hereditary qualities of great mental and moral worth. Much like his father, the chief justice, he was remarkable for his simplicity of tastes and habits. He was dignified in manner; in person tall and graceful. In all things he was an admirable representative of New England, a man of old-time integrity, sincerity and solidity of character." Rufus Choate, the great orator and lawyer, speaking before a committee of the Massachusetts General Assembly, referred to Governor Ellsworth "as a man of hereditary capacity, purity, learn- ing and love of law." He added : " If the land of Shermans, Griswolds, Daggets and Williams, rich as she is in learning and virtue, has a sounder lawyer, a more upright magistrate, or an honester man in her public service, I know not his name." A writer in describing his personal characteristics said of him : " He had a fine personal presence, and as graceful bearing as any man of his time. He was an excellent public speaker, having a pleasing voice, and his conversation was earnest and sincere. All his inter- course was marked by kindness and integrity of nature. The crown of his enduring character was his Christian worth and conversation." 186 The THIRTIETH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT was CHAUNCEY F. CLEVELAND Born in Canterbury and educated in the dis- trict school, he studied law and was admitted to the bar at the age of twenty years— He became the acknowledged leader of the Demo- cratic party in the state and was elected to many political honors, taking a prominent part in the famous Peace Congress in 1861 CHAUNCEY FITCH CLEVELAND GOVERNOR Cleveland, according to one writer, "was the most popular man in the county (Windham), if not in the state; a popularity owing in large measure to a genuine good nature, which found pleasure in kindly greetings and the interest he took in the welfare of those whom he knew." Chauncey Fitch Cleveland was born in Canterbury, February 16, 1799, and was the son of Silas Cleveland, for many years a prominent citizen of that town. He was sent to the district schools of the town, where he obtained all the education he ever received. Choosing the law as his profession, he commenced its study, and was admitted to the Windham county bar in 1819, at the age of twenty years. As a young lawyer, he was unusually successful. He had gained sufficient prominence in 1833 to be appointed state's attorney for his county, and this office he held for five years. During the years 1826, 1827, 1829, 1832, 1835, 1836, 1838, 1847 ^"*^ 1848, he was a representative in the General Assembly from the town of Hampton. Three of those years — 1832, 1835 189 T' h e Governor s o f C o u n c c t i c ii t and 1836 — Cleveland was honored by being chosen speaker of the House, a position he upheld with dignity and ability. For a number of years Cleveland had been the acknowl- edged leader of the democracy of the state, and in 1842 the party managers decided to place him in nomination for governor. He was elected by a good majority and his term of office was so successful that he was renominated and elected for the second time. Retiring from the gubernatorial chair in 1844, Governor Cleveland returned to his legal practice, but did not relinquish his interest in politics. In 1849 ^^ ^^^ elected to represent his district in Congress, which he did for the next four years with ability and distinction. Governor Cleveland was a man of strong character. This was abundantly demonstrated in i860, when, after being a strong Democrat for sixty years, and realizing there was danger of the government being disrupted, he openly declared himself an unflinch- ing supporter of the Union. Deliberately severing party ties, Governor Cleveland did everything in his power to support the government, worked for Lincoln's election, and was a presidential elector on the Republican ticket. He was also a member of the Peace Congress in 1861 and took a prominent part in the proceed- ings of that famous body. Governor Cleveland was made Doctor of Laws by Trinity College, and never entered public life to any extent afterwards, but 190 The Governors of Connecticut practiced his profession in the town of Hampton. Throughout the remaining years of his Hfe he was the recipient of many honors. He died in Hampton on June 6, 1887. The ** Judicial and Civil History of Connecticut" has this to say ot Governor Cleveland: "It was mainly as a public man that he was known beyond his own county, and his tastes and ambitions lay far more in the direction of political than of professional life. He was a man of commanding appearance, yet of gentle and courteous manners." A son. John J., gave promise of unusual ability when very young. He was graduated at Washington (now Trinity) College, studied law. was a clerk of the Federal Courts of the state, attained prominence at the bar, but died at the age of twenty-eight years. A nephew of Governor Cleveland, the Hon. Edward Spicer Cleveland, son of the Hon. Mason Cleveland, was the unsuccessful democratic candidate for governor of Connecticut in 1886. He was a state senator several times, and was one of the lirst citizens of the state. 191 "The THIRTY-FIRST GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT IV as ROGER SHERMAN BALDWIN Born in New Haven, fourth in descent from a Puritan founder of the town, and grandson of Roger Sherman, a signer of the Declaration of Independence— He was distinguished for his scholarship and graduated from Yale College with high honors— After graduation from the Litchfield Law School he became counsel in many famous cases and a colleague of Seward, Webster, Clay and Calhoun in the United States Senate ^ (:y^<:^-^ty^>t^-(^J^ ROGER SHERMAN BALDWIN ROGER Sherman Baldwin, one ot the most talented men Connecticut has ever produced, was born in New Haven on January 4, 1793. His father, Simeon Baldwin, was third in line of descent from John Baldwin, one of those Puri- tans whose names are associated with Davenport, Whitfield and Prudden, the founders of New Haven, Milford and Guilford. His mother was the daughter of Roger Sherman, a signer of the Decla- ration of Independence, a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and a United States senator. On both sides he was descended from the very best New England stock. In his youth the future governor was distinguished for his accurate scholarship, having read large portions of Virgil before reaching the age often. He entered Yale College in 1807, before he was fourteen years of age, and paid particular attention to rhetoric and elocution. Graduating with high honors in 1811, he was chosen to deliver an oration, and he selected for his subject, "The Genius of a Free Government." 195 The Governors of Connecticut He commenced the study of law in the office of Seth B. Staples, Esq., but after a year spent in this manner he entered the Litch- field Law School. In that famous institution, where there was at the time several young men of superior ability, Baldwin held a high place, and one of his fellow students, writing to the governor in after years, said: "I think of you still as the head of the Litchfield Law School." Judge Gould, one of those who con- ducted the institution, wrote : " No student from our office ever passed a better examination." Baldwin was admitted to the bar in New Haven in 1814, and at that time "he had developed a mastery of the principles of the law that was considered very remark- able in so young a man." iHis great learning, superior knowl- edge of the law, and elegant diction soon gained for him the promi- nence he deserved. Rising rapidly in the profession, he attained rare distinction at the bar and enjoyed a large practice. He was chosen a member of the Common Council of New Haven in 1826, and in 1829 an alderman. In 1837 he was elected a member of the State Senate, where he became an exponent of the Whig party, then ascending into power. It is said by one writer that his great regard for the party extended no further tlian his regard for its principles. Baldwin always had a great regard for the welrare of the colored population, and one of the earliest incidents of his lite was his rescuing a slave belonging to Henry Clay. 196 T' h e Governors of Connecticut One of the most famous cases in which Baldwin took part was in 1839, when he defended the " Amistad Captives." The Spanish vessel " Amistad " was brought into New London harbor in 1839 by a revenue cutter, having been found drifting along the coast of Long Island, in the possession of a number of Africans. A Spaniard on shipboard said that he with a companion had under- taken to transport a cargo of slaves, recently imported from Africa, from one Cuban harbor to another. In the dead of night, he said, the slaves rose in mutiny, slaughtered his comrade, and spared his lite in order that he might navigate the boat. The slaves were taken ashore and cared for, but the Spanish minister immediately made a demand upon our government for restoration of the ship and cargo. The first court of inquiry by the Federal authorities was held on the "Amistad " in New London harbor. Later the negroes were taken to New Haven and up the canal to Farmington and then to Hartford. President Van Buren hastened to comply with the request and the case was brought to trial at once. Baldwin became strongly interested in the case and became counsel for the negroes. He carried it through the district and circuit courts of Connecticut, against great odds, up to the Supreme Court of the United States. In that court Baldwin had associated with him the venerable ex-President John Quincy Adams. 197 "The G V e r II a r s o f C o n n c c t i r u t The former's plea for the captives before that body was so pro- found that it led Chancellor Kent to rate Baldwin " with the lead- ing jurists of the day." He had the great satisfaction of securing a verdict for the negroes, and they were returned to their native land. In 1844 Baldwin was elected governor of Connecticut, and again in 1845, serving as chief magistrate with great distinction. Governor Baldwin was appointed United States senator in 1847 to fill the unexpired term made vacant by the death of Jabez W. Huntington of Norwich. After taking his seat in that body Baldwin became generally recognized as one of its leading members. At the time there were in the Senate some of the ablest men who ever sat within its walls. Among them were Webster, Seward, Clay, Benton and Calhoun. He ranged himself beside Seward and Chase in the arguments over the annexation of Texas. It is said that Governor Baldwin's speech against the Fugitive Slave Law was generally conceded to be the ablest argument in opposition to the measure delivered in the Senate. In the annals of the Senate, Baldwin's reply to Senator Mason of Virginia, who had cast some aspersions on the policy of Connecticut, "is memorable not less tor its admirable spirit than for its use of his extensive historical knowledge as a superior specimen of parliamentary retort." The Democratic party was in power in 1851, when his term expired, and he was not re-elected to the Senate. Returning to 198 The Go v e r n o r s of Connecticut his law practice in New Haven, his services were in great demand, especially in the United States courts. Governor Baldwin was strongly urged to accept a position on the bench and a seat in Congress, but he refused both, choosing rather to practice the profession in which he had become so prominent. Governor Baldwin was a supporter of President Lincoln, and one of the five members of the Peace Congress, appointed by Governor Buckingham in 1861. This was about the last public service Bald- win performed, for early in 1863 he began to suffer with a nervous disorder which caused his death on February 19th of that year. At his funeral an eloquent address was delivered by his pastor, Rev. Samuel W. S. Button, D. D., which has been published. A writer in the "Judicial and Civil History of Connecticut" pays this lofty tribute to Governor Baldwin : " Probably no lawyer ever attained in Connecticut a higher rank at the bar than that which was generally conceded to Governor Baldwin by his professional breth- ren. He possessed every one of the characteristics and faculties of a great lawyer. In any forum Governor Baldwin would have been regarded, not merely as a skillful practitioner, but as a man entitled to rank among the great lawyers of his day. He possessed a comprehensive and thorough acquaintance with the science of his profession. He understood it in its great doctrines and in its details. In guarding the interest of his clients his watchfulness was incessant. No circumstance which might affect those interests favor- 199 T h G e r n r of C n n e c t i c II t ably or unfavorably, escaped his notice or failed to receive his full attention. His discourse, whether addressed to the court or jury, vi^as marked by uniform purity and transparency of style. His English was superb. He was always able to say without embar- rassment or hesitation precisely what he wished to say, guarding with proper qualifications, exceptions and limitations, when necessary, every sentence and phrase, so that his idea, when expressed, stood forth sharply defined, exactly in the form in which he wished it to appear." In an address delivered by the Hon. Henry B. Harrison of New Haven, he referred to Governor Baldwin in the following language : " It has been well said that Governor Baldwin was a great lawyer. He was an upright, a just, a conscientious, an honor- able man. Governor Baldwin was a true son of Connecticut. His memory deserves all honors from Connecticut, and from every one of her children." Governor Baldwin's son, Simeon Eben Baldwin, born in 1 840, is one of the most distinguished lawyers of Connecticut, and of the United States. He has been a prominent railroad attorney, presi- dent of the American Bar Association, and Harvard has made him a Doctor of Laws. He is now serving his second term as an associate judge of the Supreme Court of Errors, and is a historical writer of extensive knowledge and great power. The THIRTY-SECOND GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT zcas ISAAC TOUCEY Born in Newtown, he attended the public school and studied in a lawj^er's office— Without a college or professional school education he became a dis- tinguished member of the bar and was appointed by President Polk as attorney-general of the United States, also serving as acting secretary of state — He was a member of the cabinet of Presi- dent Buchanan, as secretary of the navy, and the recipient of many other political trusts ^^ i,Ja-4:i.'C^ ISAAC T O U C E Y ISAAC Toucey was born in Newtown on November 5, 1 796, and was a descendant of Rev. Thomas Toucey, the first Congre- gational minister of the town. He received a good education, but never attended college, as he commenced studying law with the Hon. Asa Chapman of Newtown, who was afterwards judge of the Supreme Court of Errors. In 1818, at the age of twenty-two years, Toucey was admitted to the bar in Hartford, and began practice in that city. Possessing an unusual knowledge of the law for so young a man and being untiring for his clients' interests, Toucey soon gained prominence and secured a large and lucrative practice. Four years after being admitted to the bar he was chosen state's attorney for Hartford county, which office he held for the next thirteen years. In 1835 Toucey became the choice of his party for repre- sentative in Congress, and was elected to that position during the year. Toucey remained in Congress four years, retiring in 1839, with an honorable record of service. He was elected governor of Connecticut in 1846, and remained in office one year. At this time Governor Toucey was considered to be one 203 T b e Governors of Connecticut of the ablest lawyers in Connecticut and his fame reached far outside of the state. President Polk appointed Governor Toucey attorney-general of the United States, and he served as such from June 21, 1848, to March 3, 1849. During a portion of this period Toucey was acting secretary of state. After retiring from the office of attorney-general Toucey returned to Connecticut and was elected a member of the United States Senate, and held the office during the full term of six years. When James Buchanan was inaugurated president on March 4, 1847, Isaac Toucey was named as secretary of the navy to suc- ceed the Hon. James C. Dobbins of North Carolina. Commenc- ing his duties as the head of the navy department March 6, 1857, Toucey served throughout the administration, retiring from office March 3, 1861. " Appleton's Cyclopedia of American Biography " says of Governor Toucey : " He was charged with favoring the course of the seceding states while secretary of the navy by deliberately send- ing some of the best vessels of the navy to distant seas to prevent their being used against the Confederation. This was denied, but he was generally thought to sympathize with the South and to be opposed to the prosecution of the war." Governor Toucey returned to this state and resumed thej practice of his profession, to which he was intensely devoted. 204 T' h e Governors of Connecticut several offices were offered to him at this period ; among these was a place on the bench of the United States Supreme Court. Living at Hartford the remaining years of his life, he was the recipient of many honors at the hands of his fellow townsmen. He died on July 30, 1869, aged 73 years. Of his professional ability the "Judicial and Civil History of Connecticut " says : " He justly ranked among the ablest lawyers in the state. He was a very accurate lawyer, learned and exact in pleading, and clear and orderly in the presentation of his case." The same article continues, in referring to his personal char- acteristics : " He was tall in person, and though of slender figure he had fine features and a commanding presence. He spoke slowly, but with great precision. His diction was strong and clear, but without a particle of ornament. His private character was without a stain. He was a consistent and devout member of the Episcopal church. In his convictions he was firm, and held to them with a strength and tenacity of will that were never surpassed. His self- possession never forsook him, and on all occasions he exhibited the bearing of a high-toned gentleman." 205 THIRTY-THIRD GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT zvas CLARK BISSELL The son of a poor farmer in Lebanon, he worked for the neighboring farmers and devoted his spare time to study — With a homespun suit of clothes, dyed with butternut, and made by his mother from the fleece, he entered Yale College and worked his way through — After graduation he taught school and studied law, being elected to the State Senate, then to the governorship and devoting the last years of his life to a professorship in the Yale Law School CLARK B I S S E L L CLARK Bissell was descended from John Bissell of England, who emigrated to Plymouth in 1626 and afterwards settled in Windsor. There is a tradition that the family were Huguenots who fled from France about the time of the massacres of St. Bartholomew in 1572, and established their residence in Somer- setshire, England. Born in Lebanon, September 7, 1782, Clark Bissell was the son of a very poor man who found it hard to make both ends meet. As a boy Bissell had no more advantages for learning than was furnished by the district schools of one hundred years ago. He worked hard for the farmers in the neighborhood, and what little money he earned was used to help support the family. Dur- ing the intervals when he could spare the time, the boy was devoted to study. His young companions would always find him poring over the pages of his Latin or Greek grammar, when he had an opportunity. Later a clergyman of the town offered to prepare him for college. He entered Yale College in 1802, and it is said that the day he left Lebanon for New Haven, Bissell had only the blessings of his parents and a homespun suit of clothes, dyed with 209 I" h e Governors of Connecticvt butternut, and made from the fleece by his mother's hands, to take with him. He supported himself while in college by teaching in the schools of New Haven. It is doubtful if a poorer young man ever pursued the course at Yale. He had for classmates such men as T. H. Gallaudet, Jabez W. Huntington, John C. Calhoun and Dr. William Tully, Bissell was graduated in 1806 and in the autumn of that year he taught in a private family in Maryland. Returning to Connecticut, Bissell taught school for a year at Saugatuck (now Westport), at the same time studying law with the Hon. S. B. Sherwood. When he had succeeded in paying up the debt of $400 he incurred during his college course, he went to New Haven and entered the law office of the Hon. Roger M. Sherman. He was admitted to the bar in 1809 and at once removed to Norwalk, where he commenced to practice law. During his early years in Norwalk Bissell boarded in the family of Dr. Jonathan Knight, father of Professor Knight of Yale College. Concerning his advent into a conservative old town, Dr. Knight wrote to a friend : " Mr. Bissell, who was lately licensed as an attorney, came to town yesterday and lives with me. He has the character of a reputable young man. R. M. Sherman, Esq., with whom he has studied, has given him letters of recommendation to the civil authorities of the town." By unwearied industry and close application to his clients' interests Bissell soon built up a tf?'^. ^^^^^J-T^^-n^^^c-c^!^^ JOSEPH TRUMBULL JOSEPH Trumbull was a nephew of the first Jonathan Trumbull, and was born in Lebanon, December 7, 1782. His father was David Trumbull, a prominent resident of the town. He entered Yale College in 1797 and was graduated in the class of 1801. Immediately after graduation Trumbull commenced the study of law with William T. Williams of Leb- anon, and was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1802, and soon after in Windham County. The next year Trumbull removed to his native state and settled in Hartford, where he spent the remainder of his life. He grew rapidly in the public estimation and in 1832 was elected a member of the General Assembly from the town of Hartford. He was re-elected in 1848 and 1851. Trumbull was selected to fill an unexpired term in Congress, and he served in that body during the sessions of 1834 and 1835. He was also a representative in Congress from March, 1839, to March, 1843, ^^^ ^^^ record was an honorable one. For years Trumbull had been the recognized leader of the Whig party and was elected governor in 1849. ^^^ administration of one year was uneventful, yet Governor Trumbull by all his acts sus- tained the high standard of his famous family. 215 '^ h e Governors of Connecticut Besides tending to the duties of his profession, Governor Trumbull gave much attention to various business enterprises. In June, 1828, he was elected president of the Hartford Bank, and remained in that position until November, 1839. He was also one of the earliest and most zealous supporters of the Hartford and Providence railroad. Governor Trumbull was the senior director of the Retreat for the Insane, and also an original incorporator of the American School for the Deaf and Dumb and the Hartford Orphan Asylum. His name was intimately associated with the growth of Hartford. He died at Hartford on August 4, 1861. A biographical writer says of Governor Trumbull : " During his life he manifested a deep interest in the welfare of the commu- nity where he resided, being an active and leading member of its various charitable and other institutions." His career was summed up in a newspaper published at the time of his death, as follows : " Connecticut had no better man, one of higher intelligence, strong and comprehensive views, and capacity as a statesman. With the best interest of Hartford his name was identified ; and in private life his generosity, his social virtues, and pure character made his good repute among his neighbors equal to his fame abroad. For so great a man, and so good, eulogy is not necessary. With the prosperity of Hartford his name is intimately associated." 216 THIRTY-FIFTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT THOMAS HART SEYMOUR Born in Hartford, he received his early educa- tion in its public schools and at a military insti- tute in Middletown — He studied law, became an editor, then a congressman, and led a reg- iment in the Mexican War, participating in the capture of the City of Mexico — Returning home, he was elected governor and later appointed United States minister to Russia by President Pierce — At a democratic national con- vention his name was presented as a candidate for nomination as President of the United States ci^^^^^^-c.^^:;^^ THOMAS HART SEYMOUR THOMAS Hart Seymour was descended from a cele- brated English family who settled in that country as early as the thirteenth century. He was born in Hartford, September 29, 1807, and when very young displayed those traits which made him a leader of men afterwards. His early education was obtained in the public schools of Hartford, and as he showed a predilection for a military life he was sent to Captain Alden Partridge's institute in Middletown. He pursued the course at this military school and was graduated in 1829. Returning to Hartford, Seymour was chosen as the commanding officer of the Light Guard of the city. He then studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1833, but before he gained much of a practice his love for politics changed his course in life. Becoming editor of " The Jeffersonian," a leading democratic organ, he threw himself into the political discussion of the day. Seymour possessed a very attractive manner and a pleasing address, so that he was one of the most popular men of his time. He was elected judge of probate of the district, and soon occupied a position in the front ranks of the Hartford democracy, as their acknowledged leader. 219 •The Governors of Connecticut In 1843 Seymour was elected a member of Congress, and when his term had expired he refused a renomination. He was commissioned in March, 1846, major of the Ninth or New Eng- land regiment of volunteers which took part in the Mexican war. Going to the front with his regiment, he served with such distinc- tion that on October 13th, 1847, Major Seymour attained high military honors. The capture of Melino opened the way to Chapultepec, the Gibraltar of Mexico, which was the key to the City of Mexico. As it was built on a rock 150 feet high, impreg- nable on the north and well-nigh so on the eastern and most of the southern face, only the western and a portion of the southern sides could be scaled. The commanders decided, after a council of war, that it must be taken. Two picked American detachments, one from the west and one from the south, pushed up the rugged steeps in face ot an awful fire. The walls at the base of the castle fortress had to be mounted by means of ladders. One of these detachments was commanded by Colonel Ransom, but as that officer fell early in the assault. Major Seymour led the troops, scaled the heights, and with his command was the first to enter the fortress. The enemy was driven back into the city, and Seymour was placed in com- mand of the regiment. He afterwards took part in the capture of the City of Mexico, and was present when it was fully in the hands of General Scott. When the war was over Seymour returned 1^ h e Governors of Connecticut to Hartford and received the nomination for governor in 1849, but although there were Democratic gains over the preceding year he was not elected. The following year, however, he was elected governor of Connecticut by a large majority. Governor Seymour was re-elected in the years 1851, 1852 and 1853, serving with dis- tinction. He also served as a presidential elector in 1852. In April, 1853, President Pierce appointed Governor Sey- mour United States minister to Russia, and he immediately resigned his position as governor. He represented this country at the Russian court for four years, and during his residence there Governor Seymour formed a warm and lasting friendship for both the Czar Nicholas and his son. From them he received many costly tributes of their regard for him. After retiring from the position in 1857, Governor Sey- mour spent a year in traveling on the continent, returning to the United States in 1858. Governor Seymour was bred as a Democrat and always upheld the principles of the party with true Jeffersonian tenacity. During the dark days of i860 and 1861 he clung to the policy of the Democratic party. When the Southern states withdrew from the Union, and the Civil War was precipitated. Governor Sey- mour's sympathies were with the South. He was opposed to the prosecution of the war until its close, and became leader of the Connecticut Peace Democracy. 221 'The Governors of Connecticut On account of his pronounced opposition to the Union cause, the Senate of this state, in 1862, voted "that the portrait of Gov- ernor Seymour," with that of Isaac Toucey, should be removed from the chamber till the comptroller should be satisfied of his loyalty to the Federal government. These portraits were taken to a place of safe keeping, and it is said that only one man in the city of Hart- ford knew where they were secreted. In the Democratic party, however. Governor Seymour t^ (retained his old-time popularity and in 1863 he was again nomi- nated for governor. Those were not the days for Democratic successes in Connecticut, and the contest which followed has prob- ably not been equalled in this state. After a most exciting canvass Seymour was defeated by William A. Buckingham of Norwich. At the Democratic National Convention, which met in Chicago on August 29, 1864, Governor Seymour received thirty-eight votes on the first ballot for president of the United States. He passed the remaining years of his life at Hartford, where he died on September 3, 1868. The THIRTY-SIXTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT ivas CHARLES HOBBY POND The son of a sea captain at Milford, he was grad- uated from Yale College, became a member of the bar, and then followed the sea for several years, shipping as supercargo and finally as cap- tain — Resuming his residence on land, he became identified with the prominent political leaders of the day and was elected lieutenant governor of the state, advancing to the governorship to complete an unexpired term and then retiring to private life CHARLES HOBBY POND BORN in Milfbrd on April 26, 1781, Charles Hobby Pond was the son of Captain and Martha (Miles) Pond. As a boy he was of large physical proportion, possessing a mind of a good order, and gave every promise of a useful career. He decided to attend Yale College and was prepared by his pastor, Reverend Pinneo, and Rev. Azel Backus, afterwards president of Hamilton College. Entering college at the age of seventeen. Pond was distinguished among his fellows for his unusual muscular strength, and an inexhaustible vein of wit. He was a good scholar and while in college became the associate of several young men who later attained fame both of a local and a national character. Graduating in 1802, Pond decided to become a lawyer, and under the guidance of the Hon. Roger Minot Sherman, of Fair- field, he prosecuted his legal studies for two years. He was after- wards admitted to the bar in Fairfield County, although he never practiced. This was probably due to a sudden failure of health, and a long sea voyage was decided upon as being beneficial. A lengthy trip suited him so well that he took another, and the result was he followed the sea for several years, shipping first 225 'T' b e Governors of Connecticut as a supercargo, then as captain. After having regained his former health he took up his residence on land again, and in 1819 was appointed a judge of the court of New Haven County. In 1820 he was elected sheriff of the same county and held the office for fifteen years. During the years of 1836 and 1837, Pond was an associate judge of the New Haven County Court. Becom- ing prominently identified with the political leaders of the day, he was elected lieutenant governor of Connecticut in 1 850. The following year Pond was re-elected to the same office, and as Governor Seymour resigned during the year to become minister to Russia, he succeeded the latter as governor of Connecticut. He held the office nearly a year and after his retirement never entered public life again. The remainder of his life was spent in retirement, and he died April 28, 1861, the month that witnessed the bombardment of Fort Sumter. A prominent man who knew Governor Pond intimately said : " He was a man more deeply versed in the political history of the country than any other within the circle of his acquaintance. His talents were of the very first order, and his pen — whenever he wielded it — was marked by the reflection of a powerful mind, and the purest patriotism. No man was wiser in council — none more devoted to the true and lasting interests of his country. His intel- lectual strength, his genial and generous heart, his true and steady friendship, and ready wit, made him the favorite of every circle, whether old or young." 226 The THIRTY-SEVENTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT was HENRY DUTTON Born on a farm in Watertown, he assisted his father in supporting the family and attended the vil- lage school at intervals — At sixteen years of age he began a more liberal education and taught the district school, later graduating from Yale College with the highest honors — Studying law, he received an appointment as Kent professor at Yale, and during the practice of law in Bridgeport many political positions were extended him and for several years he was a member of the judiciary //. ^.z^^Z^^-^r-?'^--' HENRY BUTTON GOVERNOR Button was a jurist who had very few equals in his day, and his fame as an able lawyer does not diminish by time. Henry Button was born in Watertown, Litchfield County, on February 12, 1796, and was a direct descendant from John Pun- derson, one of the " seven pillars " of the First Church at New Haven. His grandfather, Beacon Thomas Button, was engaged in the Revolutionary War, and reached the rank of captain. Born on a hilly country farm, where his father had a hard time obtaining a living, the young man was obliged to labor until sixteen years of age, assisting his father to support the family. He attended a district school at intervals during this period, and early in life displayed a great yearning for reading and study. These favorable propensities were encouraged in a degree by his father, a man of good mind; yet it was not thought possible for the young man to prosecute his studies outside of the town where he was born. Button was finally, induced to attempt the difficult task of obtaining a liberal education without pecuniary means, by the thoughtful advice of a kinsman. This man was the Rev. Aaron 2.-9 'T' h e Governors of Connecticut Dutton, a scholar of great ability, and the pastor for a quarter of a century of the Congregational Church in Guilford. Possessed with superb intellectual endowments, the country pastor's influence at this period probably shaped the future governor's course in life. During the next four years Dutton taught the village school, studied, worked on the neighboring farms, and in this manner prepared himself for admittance to Yale College. Entering Yale in 1814, he found himself in the midst of a number of intellectual "giants," as Dr. Steiner aptly remarked. Graduating in 1818 with the highest honors the college could bestow, Dutton carried with him a large debt incurred during his course. He immediately commenced the study of law with Hon. Roger M. Sherman in Fairfield. " By him," says his biog- rapher, •' Dutton was carried back to the foundations of juris- prudence and taught to regard Coke upon Littleton as a text-book, and to read Feme on Contingent Remainders by way of amend- ment." While pursuing his studies he also taught the village academy for several years. From 1821 to 1823 he was a tutor in Yale College, and in the latter year began the practice of his profession in Newtown. As his practice did not yield him a sufficient income, Dutton took a number of young men who were " on leave of absence" from Yale College into his family to tutor. He continued as a lawyer in Newtown for fourteen years, during which time he obtained a good practice. 230 ''The Governors of Connecticut In 1837 Button removed to Bridgeport, a larger field, and commenting on his career in that city a writer says : "His life in the latter place was one of great professional activity, as will be seen by a reference to the Connecticut reports. The purity of his private life, the eminence of his legal acquirements, and his professional successes gave him a deep hold on the confidence of the community, and he was, in consequence, made a recipient of many public offices." In 1847 Dutton received an appointment as Kent professor of Law in Yale College. He held the office of state's attorney for Fair- field County, and was also judge of the County Court for one year. Five times he was a member of the General Assembly; twice each from Newtown and Bridgeport, and once from New Haven. He was also for one session, in 1849, "^ member of the State Senate, Dutton was now one of the leading lawyers of the state and retained in all the important cases in Fairfield County. In 1847 Dutton was appointed with L. P. Waldo and F. Fellowes to revise the Connecticut statutes, and, in the following year, in collaboration with N. A. Cowdrey, he published a Revis- ion of Swift's Digest. According to one eminent authority, to Dutton's " practical sagacity while a member of the Legislature is largely due that fundamental change in our law of evidence permitting parties in interest to testify." 231 'T' h e Governors of Connecticut His father was a true JefFersonian Democrat, and he had always been a Whig, while his other relatives were members of the old Federal party. In 1854 Button was nominated for governor of the state, but at the spring election no choice was made, so the matter went to the General Assembly. Dutton was promptly elected governor and served for one year. His administration was one of importance. Retiring from the chief magistracy in 1855, Governor Dutton resumed his law practice. He was chairman of a new commission to make a revision of the statutes, and " advocated the law allowing the prisoner's counsel the right of a closing argument before the jury; introduced in the Legislature the bill giving the superior court sole jurisdiction in divorce cases, and aided in the passage of bills to secure more effectually the rights of married women." When Judge Ellsworth retired from the bench of the Supreme Court of Errors in 1861, Governor Dutton was appointed to suc- ceed him. This distinguished position he filled with great ability until he reached the age of seventy, when he resigned, and devoted the remaining years of his life to his work in the Yale Law School. He also engaged in general practice to a limited extent until a short time before his death, which occurred at his home in New Haven on April 28, 1869. Governor Dutton's professional ability is summed up in an able manner in "The Judicial and Civil History of Connecticut," 232 The G V e r ii o r s o f C o n n c c t i c ii t as follows: "As an advocate he possessed great power, not only in presenting questions of fact to the jury, but also in the dis- cussion of purely legal questions before the court. His mind was eminently a practical one. Trained by a large and varied experi- ence in the ordinary affairs of life, it discarded many theories, and yet was ready to accept any innovations upon established usage that approved themselves to his common sense." 233 "The THIRTY-EIGHTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT was WILLIAM THOMAS MINOR Born in Stamford, he was graduated from Yale College and studied law in his father's office — Through a legal career he entered politics and became the choice of the Know-Nothing party for the governorship — During the Civil War days he was an outspoken adherent of the Union cause and was appointed by President Lincoln as consul-general to Havana, Cuba, where he gained disticction as a diplomat WILLIAM THOMAS MINOR WILLIAM Thomas Minor, one of the prominent lawyers of his time, was born in Stamford on October 3, 1815. He was the son of Judge Simeon H. Minor, descendant of Thomas Minor, of Pequot, Stonington, 1646, a leading practi- tioner for many years in Fairfield County. Minor entered Yale College in 1830 at the age of fifteen and was graduated in the class of 1834. Returning to Stamford, he taught school for several years in an institution which he conducted, at the same time pursuing the study of law in his father's office. He was admitted to the bar of Fairfield County in 1841 and com- menced his professional career at once in his native town. Becoming prominent as a lawyer and citizen, he was repeatedly honored by being elected to various offices. He was chosen judge of probate for the district in 1847, ^^^ h€:\d the office, with the exception of two years, until 1854. Minor was elected a member of the General Assembly from Stamford, 1841, 1842, 1843, 1^44' 1846, 1847, 1852, seven times, and in 1854 was chosen from the twelfth district as a state senator. 237 'The Governors of Connecticut During the session of the Legislature he was elected judge of the Fairfield County Court. He held this position only a short time, for in 1855 Minor was the choice of the Know-Nothing party for governor, and was nominated for the office. The election which followed was so close that the contest went to the General Assembly for settlement. That body elected Minor governor of the state, and he was re-elected the following year by the people. His administration was very satisfactory, and Governor Minor proved to be a popular chief magistrate. He continued his law practice after retiring from office, and his great interest in it was not abated. As the clouds of the Civil War gathered Governor Minor was an outspoken adherent of the Federal cause, and by his timely assistance and influence rendered valuable service to the state and the nation. He helped the author- ities in raising troops, equipping them, and transporting them to the seat of war. Governor Minor was a warm supporter of Governor Bucking- ham, and in him the famous "war governor" found a wise counsellor, a true friend to the cause for which they were strug- gling, and a statesman of sterling ability. In 1864 he was a delegate from Connecticut to the Repub- lican National Convention at Baltimore, and in the fall of the same year was appointed by President Lincoln consul-general to Havana, Cuba. While occupying this position Governor Minor 238 'T b e Go -v e r II r s o f C o ii n e c t i c u t gained national distinction by a shrewd piece of diplomatic work. By superior tact and dogged determination, Minor induced the captain-general ot Cuba not only to detain but to ultimately deliver to the United States government the capable rebel ram "Stonewall Jackson." This act was commended on every side and brought Minor much fame as a diplomat. When Andrew Johnson became president, Governor Minor resigned his office, and in May, 1867, returned to Connecticut, and resumed the practice of law in Stamford. One year later he was again elected by the General Assembly a judge of the Superior Court, and he continued on the bench until May, 1873, when he resigned. Retir- ing to private life he soon engaged in his profession again, with the same success as formerly. Governor Minor was nominat<'d for Congress in March, 1873, ^^^ ^"^^ defeated by William H. Bar- num of Salisbury. He was appointed as one of the commissioners in 1879 to permanently settle the much disputed boundary line between New York and Connecticut. Governor Minor was hon- ored in 1855 by Wesleyan College, which institution conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Laws. His last days were spent in Stamford, where he had the love and affection of his fellow townsmen. Governor Minor died at Stamford on October 13, 1889, and at the time of his death was the oldest living ex-governor of the state. 239 The THIRTY-NINTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT was ALEXANDER HOLLEY A straightforward business man who believed it his duty to conscientiously participate in civic affairs— He was born in Lakeville, in the town of Salisbury, and began life in his father's store, later entering the field of manu- factures and following an eminently success- ful business career— Elected to the governor- ship because of his integrity, he conducted his political duties on sound business principles ./u^} ji^y^^^Y ALEXANDER HAMILTON H O L L E Y ALEXANDER Hamilton HoUey was bom in the village of Lakeville, town of Salisbury, on August 12, 1804. His name was given in honor of Alexander Hamilton, whose sudden and untimely death a month before HoUey's birth was deeply deplored by the whole country. He was the son of John Milton and Sally (Porter) HoUey, residents of Salisbury for many years. His ancestors were men endowed with an uncommon vigor of mind, and possessed much natural ability. The early years of his life were spent attending a school kept by Rev. Orville Dewey at Sheffield, Massachusetts, and later he was sent to a boarding school in Ellsworth, Con- necticut, conducted by Reverend Parker, father of the famous Judge Amasa J. Parker. He was prepared for Yale College, but on the eve of his entrance to that institution the young man's health failed, which made it impossible for him to even attempt the course. In consequence he left school at the age of sixteen years, and entered his father's store, where he started his long and eminently successful business career. 243 'The Governors of C o n n c c t > c u t He began manufacturing pocket cutlery in 1844 in his native town and continued in business with Nathan W. Merwin until 1854. During the latter year a joint stock company was organized under name of Holley Manufacturing Company, with Alexander Holley as president. He held this position and continued in the business until his death. Holley was always a Whig in politics, and although he never sought office it came to him quite often. In 1844 ^^ ^^^ ^ delegate to the national convention that nominated Henry Clay for president. He was an ardent admirer of the famous statesman and enjoyed the honor of being the official head of the committee which announced the nomination to Clay. Becoming popular in Connecticut politics Holley was elected to the first public office of his life in 1854, when he was chosen lieutenant governor of the state. The ability he displayed on the day of his inauguration at New Haven led many to comment on the fact and congratulate themselves on having honored him with the office. In 1856 he was nominated for governor and elected. His administration, although uneventful, was characterized by the able manner in which he prosecuted the duties of the office. Thor- oughly informed on all the current questions of the day, Governor Holley conducted his political affairs on sound business principles. Retiring from office in 1857 he was the following year appointed as the Connecticut representative to be present at the unveiling ot 244 1' h e Governors of C o n n e c t / c u t Cranford's statue of Washington at Richmond, Virginia. During the year 1862 he was traveling in Europe and in 1866 Governor Buckingham offered him the position of commissioner from Con- necticut to the World's Fair in Paris. Governor Holley did not accept this honor on account of a recent bereavement in his family- In 1871 Governor Holley made another long visit to Europe, visit- ing all places ot interest on the continent. Returning to Connecticut, he spent the remaining years of his life with his family in Lakeville. About the last occasion on which Governor Holley made a public appearance was at the dedication of the soldiers' monument at New Haven, on May 16, 1887, when he attended the exercises as a guest ot honor. In September of the same year he became ill and died on October 2, aged 83 years. Governor Holley was pre-eminently a business man and amassed a large fortune, but yet as governor of the state he dis- played rare qualities which made his political career a great success. There was a straight-forwardness in his nature, coupled with an affectionate ardor for those about him, which made him a great favorite with the public. He was strongly opposed to slavery and to all parties that upheld the institution. The friends of temperance found in Governor Holley a strong supporter, as his dislike for the liquor traffic was exemplified in word and deed. 245 The FORTIETH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT zvas WILLIAM A. BUCKINGHAM A Lebanon boy who first became a surveyor and then worked on his father's farm — Going to Norwich, he entered his uncle's dry goods store, and later became a prosperous merchant and manufacturer — As a vigorous figure in the slave days he became a leader of the abolitionists, a supporter and intimate friend of Lincoln, and chief executive of Connecticut during the Civil War, inspiring the common- wealth to a patriotism that has become histori- cal record — During the reconstruction he was a dominant force in the United States Senate (\f^lLL-uk^^ WILLIAM ALFRED BUCKINGHAM GOVERNOR Buckingham was one of the "war governors" on whom President Lincoln leaned to a large extent dur- ing the Civil War, and, like Jonathan Trumbull nearly a century before, he had the patriotic love and support of the people of this state. Although a civilian by nature and. early training, he developed into one of the most distinguished governors Connecticut ever had and shed lustre on this commonwealth during one ot its darkest periods. Lebanon is a small old-fashioned town on the Hartford and Norwich stage road, but it has furnished five able governors to the state. In this town on May 28, 1804, was born William Alfred Buckingham. His ancestors were among members of Davenport's colony that settled New Haven, and his father. Deacon Bucking- ham, was a native of Saybrook, who afterwards removed to Lebanon. The young man attended the district schools in Lebanon, and later became a student at Bacon's Academy in Colchester, where he prepared for the profession of a land surveyor. After a brief trial 249 The Governors of C o n n e c t i c u 1 in this work he returned to his father's farm in Lebanon and remained for three years. Going to Norwich he entered a dry goods store conducted by his uncle in that city, with a determina- tion to learn the business. This seemed to suit him so well that in 1826 Buckingham opened a store of his own, and began to lay the foundation of the fortune which was to exert such a beneficent influence in future years. In 1830 he added the manufacturing of ingrain carpets to his business, which also proved to be a successful venture. Buckingham loaned money to a friend in 1848 to engage in the manufacture of rubber shoes. This was the starting point of the Hayward Rubber Company. The business proved to be so lucrative that Buckingham gave up his other business so as to devote his time to this industry. For many years he was the man- ager and treasurer of the company, and developed it into one ot the largest concerns of the section. By this time Buckingham had become one of the leading citizens of the city of Norwich. His uncommon ability was demonstrated by the fact that he amassed a large fortune in the face of several financial panics. He was elected mayor of Norwich and served during the years 1849, 1850, 1856 and 1857. Buckingham's name was brought forward in the spring ot 1858 — one of the most dismal on record — by the Republican party as a candidate for governor. He was nominated and received 250 The Governors of C o n n e c t i c u t a majority of 2,449 '^^ ^^^ following election. The inauguration was at New Haven on the first Monday in May, and Governor Buckingham was to the state at large, and certainly to the nation, an unknown man. His message to the incoming Legislature showed unmistakable signs of his great antagonism to the slave power. The first administration of Governor Buckingham served to popularize the man, so that in 1859 he was re-elected. He was renominated in i860, and this campaign was one of the most momentous ever witnessed in this state. Thomas Hart Seymour, the Democratic " war horse " was nominated to run against Buck- ingham, and then ensued a contest not soon to be forgotten. As the time for election drew near, the result was watched throughout the nation, for Connecticut had come to be a famous battle ground. Abraham Lincoln was sent to this state, and he made six speeches throughout Connecticut. Governor Buckingham traveled with Lincoln and usually presented him to his audience. A warm friendship sprung up between the two men, similar to the one that existed between Trumbull and Washington, and which lasted until the two were parted by death. On April 2, i860, the election took place. The result was awaited with feverish anxiety, and for a time it looked as if Sey- mour had won. The large cities of the state gave majorities to Seymour, while the small cities went for Buckingham, his majority being only 541. 251 •the Governors of Con n e c t i c u t Governor Buckingham was re-elected in 1861 by over 2,000 majority, for the commonweahh had found in him the man they wanted for a crisis. Lincoln's call for troops was issued April 15, 1861. The order reached this state from President Lincoln for a regiment to meet the enemy. As there was hardly a regiment of organized militia in Connecticut, Governor Bucking- ham issued a proclamation the following day calling for troops; and although this act was unauthorized by law he depended solely upon the Legislature soon to convene to validate this step. Fifty- four companies enlisted instead of ten, and when the General Assembly met in May it not only ratified the action of the governor but promptly appropriated $2,000,000 for military expenses. The governor made a remark to a friend that no state should send better troops into the field, and he went about the task in a business-like manner. During the first year of the war he turned over to the govern- ment 13,576 troops, including infantry, cavalry and artillery, thoroughly armed and ready for service. In 1862 he received another good majority, and was elected governor for the fifth time, if Soon after he issued a proclamation calling for more men, in accordance with the president's call for 600,000. A portion of the governor's patriotic proclamation was as follows : " By our delay the safety of our armies, even of the nation, may be imperilled. . . . Close your manufactories and workshops, turn aside from your 252 T he Go I' e r n r s o f C o n ii e c t i c it t farms and your business, leave tor a while your families and homes, meet face to face the enemy of your liberties." No wonder these words stirred the noblest emotion in every freeman's breast, and it was but a short time before Connecticut's quota was raised. The election ot 1864 was quiet and again resulted in the choice of Buckingham tor another term. In his message to the General Assembly he said : " Slavery is not dead. Its life is in the custody of its friends, and while it shall remain there will be no peace. The events of the past urge us to adopt some measure which shall terminate in favor of freedom that controversy which must ever exist so long as a part of the nation remain free and a part enslaved." With the advent of the spring ot 1865 came the close of the war, and Buckingham was elected for the eighth time as governor by a majority of 1 1,000. Governor Buckingham had accomplished a work during these years which would make his name famous for time to come. Some idea of what he did can be realized when it is stated that at the time of the Civil War there were 461,000 people in Con- necticut, 80,000 of which were voters, and 50,000 capable of bearing arms. The inhabitants of the old state, encouraged by the patriotic example of their governor, strained their efforts to put men in the field. As a result Connecticut had in the army, at 253 T h c G o I" c r u r s of Connecticut various times, twenty-eight regiments of well equipped infantry, two regiments and three batteries of artillery, and one regiment and a squadron of cavalry, aggregating nearly 55,000 men. This was fully 6,000 more than the state's quota, and only one or two states in the Union excelled this record. Connecticut's record in the Civil War is one of which her sons will always be proud. "Although known as the 'war governor' of Connecticut," says a biographer, "he was of kindly disposition and gentle manners." His interest in the Connecticut troops was unusual. Once when in Washington, Governor Buck- ingham told a high official: "You will see a great many battles and much suffering. Don't let any Connecticut man suffer for want of anything that can be done for him. If it costs money, draw on me for it." This official when told of the victory of the Federal troops at Gettysburg, wired the news of the victory to Governor Buckingham. The latter telegraphed as quickly as possible the answer : " Take good care of the Connecticut men." When his eighth term was nearly completed Buckingham declined to serve again and for the next two years enjoyed the pleasures of private life. But he was not long to remain idle, for his wise counsels were needed in other departments of the govern- ment. In 1868 he was elected United States senator from Connecticut, and he took his seat on March 4, 1869. In this 254 T' h e Governors of Connecticut distinguished body he busied himself in considering the great questions of reconstruction. Buckingham was chairman of the committee appointed by the Senate to investigate the New York custom house frauds. When nearing the end of his term he died, after a brief ilhiess, on February 5", 1875, aged 72 years. The funeral was held in Norwich and was attended by some of the most distinguished men in the nation. The " Norwich Bulletin" paid this tribute to this famous citizen : '' In private life Governor Buckingham was characterized by great sweetness of dis- position and an urbane courtesy in his social relations which won the sincere regard of all with whom he was personally in contact. He possessed that polished dignity of manner which we of this day characterize as the gentility of the old school, and the refinement of its minor details was strongly marked in all his habits of life. . . . He was not a politician, neither was he a great states- man, but he was great in his probity, patriotism, and purity of life, and intrusively he wielded a vast influence for good. In public and in private life, like him who was loved of God, he walked uprightly before men. And with a full remembrance of all the honors which had been pressed upon him, ot all the great successes of his life, no better or truer epitaph can be produced over his grave than that which he himself would have desired : 'A man of honor, and a Christian gentleman.'" 255 The Governors of Connecticut Eulogies were delivered in memory of Governor Buckingham on February 27th in the United States Senate. Among those who paid eloquent tributes to his life and character were Senators Ferry and Eaton of Connecticut, Frelinghuysen of New Jersey, Steven- son of Kentucky, Wright of Iowa, Bayard of Delaware, Pratt of Indiana, Thurman of Ohio, and Morton of Indiana. Governor Buckingham left liberal bequests for various religious and educational purposes. Among these was $25,000 to the Yale Divinity School at New Haven. When the new Capitol was completed at Hartford, $10,000 was appropriated for a suitable statue of Governor Buckingham. The Hon. Henry B. Harrison of New Haven was made chairman of the commission, and $6,000 was also appropriated for the unveiling ceremonies, which took place in the Capitol, June 18, 1884. The statue is placed in the western end of the Capitol; represents the famous "war governor" in a sitting posture, and was executed by Olin L. Warner of New York. Governor Waller uncovered the statue and an address was delivered by United States Senator Orville H. Piatt. 256 "The FORTY-FIRST GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT iras JOSEPH ROSWELL HAWLEY The son of an anti-slavery leader, he was graduated from Hamilton College and then studied and practiced law, entering immedi- ately into the abolition movement and becom- ing one of the organizers of the Republican party — He abandoned law to become a journal- ist, and his newspaper became one of the most powerful periodicals in the nation — Responding to the first call for troops in 1861, he was one of the most distinguished figures in the Civil War, and later as governor of his state and United States senator passed a remarkable career 1 JOSEPH R O S W E L L H A W L E Y ONE of the most distinguished men that Connecticut has contributed to the nation in the last half century is General Joseph Roswell Hawley. He was born in Stewartsville, North Carolina, October 31, 1826, of English and Scotch ancestry, and his ancestors were among the first settlers of Stratford. Elis father. Rev. Francis Hawley, a native of this state, was temporarily in North Carolina when he married Mary McLeod. Returning to Connecticut "Father Hawley," as he was called, became prominently identified with the anti-slavery leaders, and was one of the best known men in Connecticut. Joseph R. Hawley attended the Hartford grammar school, and a school in Cazenovia, N. Y., where the family had moved in 1842. Entering Hamilton College in 1843, ^^ ^^^^ graduated in 1847, ^^^^ high honors. He then studied law in Cazenovia, and commenced practicing in 1850 at Hartford, as a partner of the late John Hooker. 259 The Governors of Connect i cut Entering at once into the tree-soil discussion, he became chairman ot the state committee, and did everything in his power to bring about a union of all those who opposed slavery. He issued a call for a meeting in his office at Hartford, February 4, 1856, which resulted in the organization of the Republican party in this state. During the campaign of 1856, Hawley devoted three months to speaking for John C. Freemont. The next year he gave up the practice of law and commenced his long career as a journalist. Forming a partnership with William Faxon, afterwards assistant secretary ot the navy, he became editor of the " Evening Press," the new Republican newspaper. Responding to the first call for troops in 1861, he was actively concerned in raising a regiment, and was the first man to volunteer in Connecticut. Going to the front as captain of Com- pany A, First Connecticut Volunteers, he was in the battle of Bull Run and was commended for his bravery by General Keyes. Hawley afterwards assisted Colonel Alfred H, Terry in form- ing the Seventh Connecticut, and was elected lieutenant colonel of the regiment. Going South the regiment was in the Port Royal expedition, and engaged in the operation around Fort Pulaski. He now succeeded Colonel Terry in the command of the regi- ment and participated in the battles of James Island and Poco- taligo. The Seventh went to Florida and in April, 1863, 260 'T' h e Governors o f C o n n e c t > c u t was in the expedition against Charleston. In 1864 Hawley com- manded a brigade at the battle of Oiiistee, Florida, where the Northern forces lost almost forty per cent of their men. Hawley was in command of a brigade in the Tenth Army corps in April, 1864, and later participated in the battles of Drewry's Bluff, Deep Run, Darbytown Road, Bermuda Hundred and Deep Bottom. He took an important part in the siege ot Petersburg, and had command of a division in the battle of Newmarket Road. During the fall of 1864 he was appointed a brigadier general, and dispatched to New York in command of a brigade of picked men to preserve order during the presidential election. In January, 1865, General Hawley succeeded General Terry in the command of a division. Later General Hawley joined the Tenth Army corps as General Terry's chief of staff, and when Wilmington was captured he was selected by General Schofield to form a base of supplies for General Sherman's army. Joining General Terry again as chief of staff in June, 1865, he remained in the Depart- ment of Virginia until June when he returned to Connecticut, and was brevetted a major general. He was mustered out of the service on January 15, 1866, after having made a record for himself of which Connecticut will always be proud. In the spring of 1866 General Hawley was considered to be the best man to succeed Buckingham, and was elected gov- 261 T' h e Governors of Connecticut ernor of Connecticut at the following election. The next year he was re-nominated, but was defeated by James E. English of New Haven. He now turned his attention to journalism again, and the " Press " was united with the " Courant." General Hawley became editor, and entered into the discussion of the problems of recon- struction days with all his might. He wielded an able pen in dealing with national and state politics and was in great demand everywhere as a forceful and eloquent speaker. In 1868 General Hawley was president of the Republican National Convention. h\ the convention of 1872 he was secretary of the committee on resolutions, and chairman of the same committee in 1876. When Julius L. Strong of Hartford died in 1872, causing a vacancy in Congress, General Hawley was elected to that position, and then commenced his long congressional career. He was a member of the 43d Congress, and afterwards of the 46th. General Hawley was made president of the United States Centennial Commission in 1872, and remained at the head until the affairs ot the Centennial were settled in 1877. He was elected United States senator in January, 1861, and was re-elected in 1887, 1893 and 1899. While in the Senate General Hawley was a member of the committees on coast defenses, railroads, printing and military affairs. He was also 262 T h c G I' (.■ r I! r s of Connecticut chairman of the Civil Service Committee, and was at the head of a picked committee on warships and ordnance. General Hawley received fifteen votes for president in the Repubhcan National Convention of 1884, the Connecticut delega- tion voting for him on every ballot. Hamilton College conferred the degree of Doctor of Laws on her distinguished graduate in 1875, and Yale followed with the same degree in 1886. General Hawley for a generation was one of the foremost rnen in this country and his influence in the United States Senate was as great as any member of that body. The health of General Hawley began to fail in the summer of 1902, but he remained a senator until the expiration of his term in 1905, when he was succeeded by Hon. Morgan G. Bulkeley of Hartford. The distinguished statesman died March 17, 1905. The morning after his death his life work was summed up by the •• New York Tribune " editorially as follows: "As a politician General Hawley was distinguished for his openness and independence of character. He was a partisan, intense and vehement, but he never sacrificed his ideals of fairness and manliness to the exigencies of politics. He was incapable of chicanery or corruption, and detested hypocrisy and humbug. As an orator he was impetuous and sometimes overpassionate. But his ideals oi conduct were high, and his whole nature responded to 263 'The Governors of Connerticvt any cause which fully enlisted his sympathies. He was broad minded and plain spoken, and his aid was always given to move- ments which sought to elevate political standards. In his prime he was a leader whose influence was as wholesome as it was wide- spread. His death ends a career which honored Connecticut and which measured up to its best and highest traditions in statesman- ship." Eulogies were pronounced over his body in the hall oi the House of Representatives at Hartford by leading men of the commonwealth, and an eloquent tribute to his career was delivered by his colleague, Senator Orville H. Piatt, who followed him into the grave a few weeks later. General Hawley's funeral was held in the Asylum Avenue Congregational Church at Hartford on March 21. Ex-Governor George P. McLean delivered a brief address, among others, which portrays in a masterful manner the life work of the soldier states- man. He said : " It is a great honor to be invited to break the silence of an occasion like this. Not because the man of whom I am to speak was at one time a general in a great war and at another time, and for a long time, a member of the United States Senate : high places shorten small men who try to stand in them and add but little to the real stature of the great ones. The honor to me comes in the fact that I have been requested to say a word — for I can 264 T" h ^ Gov e r n r s of Connecticut say but a word — about a brave, strong, honest man — a man in whose soul burned night and day the flame of a Puritan conscience lighting his way to duty in war and in peace; and which he followed willingly and triumphantly from boyhood to the grave ; a man who. even in the latter part of the nineteenth century, cared more for his countrv and his character than he did for his inven- tory : and who in the fullness of time, left to his family and his friends, to you and to me. too, to his state and his nation a long and precious heritage of items that thieves cannot steal or rust corrupt. '• When in these hurrying days of new things and so-called new thought, the living stand at the bier of such a man, how swift, how emphatic and startling is the conviction that, no matter what the generations of the future may do or discover, prove or disprove, believe or disbelieve, as long as the earth is inhabited by man, an honest one will be the noblest work ot the Infinite. It was Gen- eral Hawley's lot to lead and serve his fellowmen, but I could not, if I would, add anything to the eloquent and faithful description ot that leadership and service which you have heard, and which you will hear in this house, and which you will sincerely approve. I will only say that in his life fortune and fancy met in almost perfect harmony. For him tlie grim gates of circumstance opened upon (,:ongenial fields and remained open until he had done, and done well, tlie work he wanted to do. He saw the Union saved 265 1" b e Governors o f Connecticut and new stars added to the liag he loved. From the long, dark stress of war and death and doubt and temptation and intrigue, he saw his country rise triumphant, folding her enemies in the mantle of charity and unfolding to herself the white robe of justice and peace. For almost half a century he walked hand in hand with the better genius of the republic, himself the Spirit ot '76 incar- nate, the type invincible, that loves and dares and wins for the millions yet to come. We cannot call him back ; we can mourn, but we cannot stay the loss; we may not comfort the bereft, but we can heed the lesson, and we can stop to-day, and turn our faces from the shining idols of profit, and, remembering that great nations are made and, when made, are perpetuated by good men and not by rich men, we can thank God for giving this man to Connecticut and the Union." 266 FORTY-SECOND GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT zvas JAMES EDWARD ENGLISH Born in New Haven, at the age of eleven years he was " bound out" to a farmer— When sixteen years of age he vv'as apprenticed to a builder— Beginning a business career, he became one of the richest men in the state and conspicuous in public life, wholly through his own integrity and ability— As congress- man. United States senator, and governor, he became a power in national affairs and in coQvention received ballots for the pr.rsiilencv i A %. I fy^-^-'/x/^ JAMES EDWARD ENGLISH JAN4ES Edward English, one of the most distinguished men that New Haven ever produced, should be classed with Roger Wolcott, Samuel Huntington and Matthew Griswold, governors of Connecticut, who were entirely self-made. Probably no resident of New Haven, with the possible exception of Roger Sherman and ex-Governor Baldwin, ever attained greater honors in his state and the nation than did James E. English. Every success in his life was the product of his own self- exertion, and his life furnishes a brilliant example to any boy who is born without wealth or influence to help him in his career. The ancestors of Governor English were thrifty people. His great-grandfather lost his life during General Tryon's invasion of the city on July 5, 1779, when so many citizens were murdered and others made homeless. His grandfather engaged in the West India trade and was captain of a vessel sailing out of New Haven. The father of Governor English was a man of intelligence, and his mother a member of the Griswold family which has furnished two governors to the commonwealth. 269 1" he Go V e r n r s of C o n n e c t i c ?/ / James E. English was born at New Haven, on March 13, 1812, and his boyhood was uneventful. At the age of eleven years he was "bound out" to a farmer. During the two and a half years he spent on the farm the boy only attended the district school for eight months, and his father awakened to the fact that his son should have more of an opportunity for obtaining an education. Returning to his home the young man attended school for the next two years, and he made rapid progress in his studies. When sixteen years of age, the future statesman was appren- ticed to Atwater Treat, a prominent builder of New Haven to learn the carpenter trade. The latent ability of the young man soon manifested itself and before he reached his majority he had become a master builder. His first work of a public character was in the old Lancas- terian school in New Haven, built on the site of the present Hill- house High School. The establishment of this latter school was one of the philanthropic acts of Governor English when he had reached years of prosperity. When twenty-one years of age English went into business for himself, and began the erection of various buildings. The historian of New Haven, Atwater, remarks that "several houses designed and erected by him (English), in a style more elaborate than was common in New Haven, bear creditable testimony to his architectural taste." 270 'the Governors of Connecticut English prospered in business and made money very rapidly. Engaging in the lumber business later on he was so successful that after following it twenty years he was able, with two other gentle- men, to purchase the manufacturing business of the Jerome Clock Company. After a few years this company, originally started in Bristol, became one of the largest of its kind in the world. The business was afterwards merged with the New Haven Clock Com- pany. During this period he was interested in various real estate deals, banking, and other enterprises, so that by the time English had reached the middle life he was one of the richest men in Connecticut. It is said of him that not a dollar of his vast fortune was made by speculation, and it was all the product of his uncommon business ability. His wonderful success in business made him conspicuous in public life, and the people of his native city began to look to him for important trusts. In 1848 he was elected a member of the New Haven Com- mon Council, and in 1855 he served as representative from the city in the General Assembly. He was elected a state senator in 1856, re-elected in 1858. In 1861 English was elected a member of Congress as a ''war democrat," and he served as a representative four years. During^ the years of the Civil War his course was eminently honorable. While in Congress he voted with the Republicans on all important questions although a Democrat all his life. 271 I' b e G V e r fi r s of Connecticut English supported the war and the administration and voted for the abohtion of slavery in the District of Columbia. He was a member of the committee on naval affairs, opposed the legal tender bill and national banking system. At the time when almost every state was in the hands of the Republican party, English, solely on account of his great popularity, was nominated and elected by the Democrats in 1867 as governor. He was re-elected in 1868, and his term in office was very satisfactory. Re-nominated in 1869 he was defeated at the following election by Marshall Jewell of Hartford. Governor English was re-elected again in 1870, and served one more year as chief magistrate of the commonwealth. In national politics Governor English was also an important factor. He was a presidential elector at large in the election of 1868, and at the Democratic National Convention which met in Tammany Hall, New York, July 4, of the same year, he received nineteen votes on the fifth ballot for president of the United States. In 1875, Governor English was appointed United States senator by Governor Ingersoll to fill the vacancy caused by the death of the Elon. Orris S. Ferry. He served in this capacity until the spring of 1876. During the later years of his life he did not hold any public office, but spent his time in attending to the various manufacturing and other enterprises in which he was interested. 272 The Governors of Connecticut Among other things he was president of the New Haven Savings Bank and a manager of the Adams Express Company. Governor English gave freely to various worthy objects, and among his many acts of philanthropic character may be mentioned his gift of $10,000 to the Yale Law School, and $20,000 for the improvement of East Rock. Governor English died at his home in New Haven on March 2, 1890, aged seventy-eight years. His son, Henry F. English, is one of the most prominent residents of New Haven and inherits the liberal spirit of his dis- tinguished father. He has presented a handsome building on Grove Street to the New Haven Colony Historical Society, as a memorial to his father and mother. 273 FORTY- THIRD GOVERNOR CONNECTICUT zcas MARSHALL JEWELL The son of a tanner, who became a telegraph operator and electrician, finally returning to his father's business which developed into one of the leading enterprises of the state — After extensive European travels in the interests of the leather trade, he wa'^ elected to the gov- ernorship — President Grant appointed him minister to Russia and later postmaster gen- eral — His retirement from public life and his return to his old home was the occasion of a loyal demonstration and significant tribute -^^^^-^^L-^^^^^a^;^ MARSHALL JEWELL ARSHALL Jewell was born in Winchester, New Hamp- shire, October 2o, 1825. His father was a tanner, as was also his grandfather and great-grandfather, so at an early age he became an apprentice in his father's tanyard. After learn- ing the trade he decided not to follow it for a business, and went to Boston where he studied electricity. Paying special attention to telegraphy he afterwards went to Rochester, where he became telegraph operator. From that city he went to Akron, Ohio, where he remained a shore time, and then roved through several states. At the age of twenty-three Jewell had charge of the construction of the telegraph line between Louisville, Kentucky, and New Orleans. In 1849 ^^ ^'^^ offered and accepted the position of general superintendent of the New York and Boston telegraph lines. When he came North to commence his duties he was called to Hartford to engage with his father in the manufacture of leather belting. His father, Pliny Jewell, a prominent Whig in New Hamp- shire, had removed to Hartford, and established the belting business 277 T" h e Governors of Connecticut in 1845. it had now become very successful, and Marshall Jewell was made a partner in the concern which was rapidly developing into one of the great enterprises of the state. He remained in partnership with his father until the latter's death. In 1859 ^^ visited Europe, and made a special study of the large tanneries in England and France. He went abroad in i860 and in 1867, visiting Asia and Africa. In 1867 Jewell attended the great exposition at Paris where he extended the business of his company to a large extent. The great ability of Jewell, his public spirit, and interest in public affairs, gave him prominence as a private citizen, and his unwavering support of the Union cause during the dark days of the Rebellion drew special regard to him as a man qualified by his energy, integrity and patriotism for the public service. He was one of the first members of the Republican party in Connecticut. In 1868 he was nominated for governor of Con- necticut, but was defeated by a small majority. The next year he was elected governor, and served one year, when he was defeated again by English, but in 1871 and 1872 he was re-elected. His work as governor is summed up by a writer as follows : "Jewell's administration of the state government was marked by various legislative and executive reforms. Among these were the reorganization of the state militia, the laws of divorce, the government of Yale College, biennial elections, and the erection of the new state house at Hartford." 278 T" b e Governors of Connecticvt Retiring as governor in 1873, President Grant immediately appointed him minister to Russia. Although his residence in Russia was brief, yet during the time he was at the Russian Court he arranged a convention protecting trade-marks, and made the most of a golden opportunity to learn the art of manufacturing the far famed " Russia leather." He made a practical application of his knowledge when he returned to the United States and introduced into this country the Russian process of tanning leather. \vi. July, 1874, Governor Jewell was appointed by President Grant, postmaster general of the United States to succeed J. A. J. Cresswell of Maryland. Hurrying home from his foreign mission. Governor Jewell accepted this honorable position in the president's cabinet, and began the duties of the office, August 24, 1874. While at the head of the post office department he instituted several needed reforms in the service, and was the pioneer in establishing the system of fast mail trains, which has since been extended, and become such an inestimable boon to the public. He was also active in the whiskey ring prosecution. In 1876. owing, it is said, to the selfish interest of a political cabal. President Grant asked for Jewell's resignation, although he was on the best of terms with the chief executive. Jewell resigned the same time as Benjamin H. Bristow, secretary of the treasury. Seven years later the "New York Tribune" declared that Jewell's 279 -T b e Go V e r n r s of Connecticut removal was brought about in order to strengthen the RepubHcan party in Indiana tor the fall election. On July 12, 1876, Jewell was succeeded by James M. Tyner of Indiana. Governor Jewell's return to Connecticut was made the occasion of a loyal demonstration in honor of her distinguished son. At Hartford he was met by a great concourse of citizens, and the cele- bration was one of the largest ever held in the city. A great procession was formed, salutes of artillery fired, speeches of welcome were made by distinguished men and in various other ways the city paid tribute to the faithful public servant who had returned to private life. After this he held no political office, but was always in great demand as a popular campaign orator. He was interested in various business enterprises including the great belting establish- ment, and was president of the Jewell Pin Company, the Southern New England Telephone Company, and the United States Tele- phone Association. Governor Jewell was not in sympathy with General Grant's candidacy for a third term, but did not openly oppose him on account of having been a member of his cabinet. After General Garfield was nominated. Governor Jewell was immediately elected chairman of the Republican National Committee, and on him fell the duty of supervising the campaign. This task he fulfilled with great energy and success as was shown by the following election. 280 T" b e Governors of Connecticut The vast amount of work connected with this campaign seriously affected his health, and shortened his life. Returning to Hartford he spent the remaining years in busi- ness, and died at his home in that city on February lo, 1883, aged fifty-eight years. It is related that shortly before he died, Governor Jewell said to his physician : " Doctor, how long does it take '?" The physician inquired what he meant, and he replied : " How long does it take for a man to die?" "In your condition, governor, it is a matter of only a few hours," answered the physician. "All right, doctor," said the dying statesman, and he settled back quietly upon his pillow to await the end. FORTY -FOURTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT zvcis CHARLES R. INGERSOLL The product of five generations of state patriot- ism, and son of a United States minister to the court of St. Petersburg, he received the broaden- ing influences of a higher education and travel and as a prominent jurist entered public life, receiving many honors and never suffering defeat in the pop- ular vote of his fellow citizens— For more than a half century he was one of the most esteemed men m the state, and died in his eighty-second year CHARLES ROBERTS INGERSOLL FOR five generations members of the IngersoU family were prominent in the affairs of this commonwealth. Jonathan IngersoU, the great-grandfather of Charles R, IngersoU, was a graduate of Yale College in the class of 1736, pastor of a church in Ridgefield for forty years, a chaplain in the French War in 1758, and a brother of the Hon. Jared IngersoU, chiefly known in Connecticut history from his having accepted the office of " Stamp Distributor " just before the Revolution. A son of the first Jonathan, bearing the same name, was also a Yale graduate, and for many years held a distinguished place at the Connecticut bar. He died while holding the office of lieu- tenant governor. His son, the Hon. Ralph Isaacs IngersoU, father of the late Governor IngersoU, was a leading member of the Connecticut Legislature, and afterwards went to Congress where he represented his district in an able manner from 1825 to 1833. Later in life he was attorney general of the state, and United States minister to the Court of St. Petersburg. 285 T' h e Governors of Connecticut Charles Roberts Ingersoll was born in New Haven, Septem- ber 16, 1821, and entered Yale College in 1836, where he gained many honors as a thoughtful, brilliant student. He was graduated in 1840, near the head ot his class, and prominent for his attain- ments in the social and literary circles of the college. Soon after graduation Ingersoll sailed for Europe on the United States frigate " Preble," of which his uncle, Captain Voorhees, was commander. Remaining abroad for two years, he visited various portions of the continent, and then returned to his home to study law. He entered the Yale Law School, graduated in 1844, and was admit- ted to the bar in New Haven the following year. Commencing at once to practice in New Haven he remained there the remainder of his life, following his profession. His superior ability soon brought him success, and gave him a prominence in the political life of the state. In 1856 Ingersoll was elected a member of the General Assembly, and was re-elected in 1857 ^^^ 1858. He was elected a delegate to the Democratic National Conven- tion in 1864, and in 1866 was chosen for the fourth time a mem- ber of the House of Representatives. The senatorship was offered him from his district in 1871, but he declined the honor, and then represented New Haven in the Lower House of another session. Ingersoll was now one of the most prominent Democratic leaders in Connecticut, and in 1873 ^^ ^^^ elected governor by a flatter- ing majority. The following year he was re-elected by a majority 286 1" h e Governors of Connecticut ot 7,000. His administration proved so successful that he was nominated and elected for the third time in 1875. In that year the term of office for a governor was changed from one to two years, and by constitutional amendment the term from 1876-7 was made to expire in 1877. The opponents of Governor Ingersoll in the two last elections were both graduates of Yale College, Henry B. Harrison, after- wards governor, and Henry C. Robinson of Hartford. In 1876 Governor Ingersoll was a presidential elector, and in 1877 declined a renomination as governor of the state. A curious fact of his political career is that he was never defeated for an office. A writer, commenting on his career in politics, has said : " His record in political life is one which most statesmen can only hope for or envy, and has received the praise of his bitterest political antagonists." After his retirement from the governorship, Ingersoll never held any political office, but devoted his time to the practice of his profession in New Haven. On resuming his professional work in 1877 he was often called not only into the State and Federal courts, but into the United States Supreme Court at Washington. One of the important cases before the Supreme Court in which he was counsel was that of the Bridgeport Bran Company, in which the law on the reissuing of patents was finally determined. He was afterward engaged as counsel for Yale University, and his argu- 287 'The Governors of Connecticut ments in the case of Yale vs. the Connecticut Agricultural College, over a congressional appropriation attracted wide attention. A writer has said that Governor Ingersoll was the last survivor of a famous quartet of Connecticut lawyers, who were in the prime of their bar leadership twenty-five years ago. The other three were Jeremiah Halsey of Norwich, Richard D. Hubbard of Hartford and John S. Beach of New Haven. " His career in the Elm City," says a newspaper biographer, "for the past fifty years, his venerable white head, his military bearing and his thoroughly attractive personality, is a by-word throughout the state." His venerable figure was until recently familiar about the streets of the city he loved so well. Many honors were bestowed on Governor Ingersoll, and in 1874 Yale University conferred the degree of Doctor of Laws upon her distinguished graduate. Governor Ingersoll once told the writer that he had seen and conversed with every governor of Connecticut under our present constitution from Oliver Wolcott, who was a frequent visitor at his father's house, to George P. McLean. Governor Ingersoll died at his home in New Haven on January 25, 1903, and his funeral was attended by the state's most prominent citizens. "The Hartford Courant" in commenting editorially on his death said : " He was the oldest of Connecticut's honored ex-governors. 288 1' he Governors of Connecticut He inherited a distinguished name, and enriched it with added distinction. One of the handsomest men of his generation, he lived up to his looks; his nature was fine and his life was fine. New Haven, the city of his birth, watched with pride but not with surprise his successes at the bar, where he was long a leader, and his growth in the respect and confidence of his political associ- ates. He was a popular governor, relinquishing the chair at last (more than a quarter-century ago) of his own volition. Once and again he was mentioned for the Senate. He continued in the practice of his profession after his retirement from politics. Indeed, up to a comparatively recent time he went to his law office on pleasant days and stayed there for an hour or two, sitting at the window, looking out on his beloved New Haven Green, hearing the details of cases from the younger men, and bringing to bear on their difficulties his ripe experience and learning. He lived to see his eighty-second year." His children are Miss Justine Ingersoll of New Haven, a writer of prominence; Mrs. Henry Ganz of Wilmington, Dela- ware ; Mrs. George Havens of New York, and Francis Gregory Ingersoll of New Haven. 289 The FORTY-FIFTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT was RICHARD D. HUBBARD Born in Berlin, and left an orphan, he worked his way through Yale College, studied law and rose to a lofty position at the bar— As congress- man and governor he gained celebrity as one of the most convincing orators in the country -By patient toil he forced himself to the top and compelled recognition, obtaining a com- plete mastery of many scholarly subjects— It was during his administration that the woman's property law was passed in Connecticut RICHARD DUDLEY HUBBARD GOVERNOR Hubbard was a poor boy who rose by his own exertion to the highest place at the bar, and became an orator of national reputation. Born in Berlin, September 7, 1818, he was the son of Lemuel Hubbard, an old resident of the town who descended from George Hubbard, one of the early magistrates of Guilford, and a frequent deputy from that town to the General Court. The young man was left an orphan early in life, without means to pay for an education. However, he decided to attend college, and after a preparatory course at East Hartford, entered Yale College in 1835. He was obliged to support himself while studying at Yale, but he took high rank in his class and was graduated in 1839. Then he studied law in the office of William Hungerford at Hartford and was admitted to the bar in 1842. In 1846 Hubbard was chosen state's attorney for Hartford County, and this office he held with the exception of two years until 1868. He often represented the city in the General Assembly and rose to a lofty position as an able lawyer. 293 T' h e Governors of Connecticut Entering into politics early in life Hubbard was always prominently identified with the Democratic party, yet during the Civil War he was an unwavering supporter of the Federal government. In 1867 he was elected to Congress from his district, and was a member of that body during the 40th session. Life at Washington was apparently uncongenial to Hubbard, for at the next election he declined being renominated. He again took up his law practice and having formed a partnership with Hon. Loren P. Waldo and Alvin P. Hyde devoted the remaining years of his life to his profession. In 1877 Hubbard was nominated for governor of the state, and elected by a good majority. He was the first one to serve under the two years' term. In speaking of the importance of some of the enactments during Governor Hubbard's administration, the late John Hooker in publishing the personal correspondence between them, in his "Reminiscences," says : "Governor Hubbard in his first message to the General Assembly stated in very strong terms the injustice done to married women in respect to their property by the law as it stood, being the ancient English law with a few recent modifications." Mrs. Isabella Beecher Hooker in her autobiography in "The Connecticut Magazine" says: "In 1870 I presented a bill to the 294 l' h e Governors of Connecticut Connecticut Legislature making husband and wife equal in prop- erty rights and persisted in its passage without avail through succeeding legislatures until 1877. Governor Richard D. Hub- bard was an intimate friend of my husband and myself and had become much interested in our cause. He requested Mr. Hooker to draft a bill for a public act remedying the injustice. The bill was passed in 1877 and still holds its place in the statute book without material change." This notable enactment has had far reaching consequences and proved a master stroke at the opportune time. It gave woman her property emancipation in Connecticut, abandoning the old idea of the superior rights of her husband. Samuel Bowles, the distinguished editor of " The Springfield Republican," pro- nounced it "a great step forward." Governor Hubbard was renominated in 1879, but failed to be elected. His administration as governor was marked by his earnest desire to serve the state as well as possible, and to do his whole duty irrespective of any partnership whatever. Retiring from the office, he never held a public position afterwards and his lucrative practice engaged his attention until his death, which occurred on February 28, 1884, at his home in Hartford. When George D. Sargeant died in 1886 it was found he had left $5,000 for a statue of Governor Hubbard. One was made, placed in a conspicuous place on the Capitol grounds, and it faces 295 The Governors of Connecticut Washington street. The statue represents the governor standing in a position as though addressing the court or jury. It was unveiled on June 9, 1890, in the presence of the state officials and other prominent citizens. It bears the inscription : " Richard D. Hubbard, Lawyer, Orator, Statesman." " As an example of a self-made man," says a biographer, "there was none more shining. From a poor boy, through years of patient toil and studied application to his books he forced himself to the top and compelled admiration and respect of every- body in his native state, not excepting political foes." The following professional estimate of Governor Hubbard is taken from the "Judicial and Civil History of Connecticut." " It was, however, in the field of the law that he won his great success. He was not only the first lawyer in the state, but its greatest orator. His superiority as a lawyer was owing less to a laborious study of books, though he was always a diligent student and very thorough in the preparation of his cases, than to his perfect comprehension of legal principles. He obtained a complete mastery of the science of law. He had strong common sense, by which he tested everything, and with sound men of judgment he united great quickness of apprehension and brilliancy of imagination. His mind was eminently a philosophical one, and found recreation in abstract speculation: nothing interested him more than the great mysteries and baffling questions of life. 296 T" b e Governors of Connecticut "It was as an orator that he was best known to the general public. With great natural powers of speech he improved himself by a good classical education and by a life-long study of ancient and modern classics. There was in his speeches a special quietness of manner, an exquisiteness of thought, a fertility of imagination, and a power and grace of expression that made them captivating. Some of his addresses, in commemoration of his deceased brethren at the bar, are remarkable for their beauty. That upon William Hungerford is one of the finest pieces of composition that our language contains. To his profession he was ardently attached ; he loved its science, its eloquence, its wit, its nobility. He was proud of its history, of its contribution to philosophy and literature, and its struggle in defense of human rights, and assaults upon human wrongs. While he was the ablest and most accomplished lawyer of our state, his culture was peculiarly his own. He sought and studied the great arguments and orations of the past and present. He was a profound student of Shakespeare and Milton; he delighted in John Bunyan, Thomas Browne, Thomas Fuller and Jeremy Taylor. He was cultivated in the French language, and enjoyed the suggestive methods of French wit, and was familiar with their great dramatists and public orators." 297 "The FORTY -SIXTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT was CHARLES B. ANDREWS The son of a clergyman who, after an academic course at Amherst College, studied law and was admitted to the Fairfield County bar, later re- moving to the Litchfield County bar and becom- ing one of its most eminent practitioners. After a legislative experience he became a leader in state pontics and during his administration as governor counseled many reforms. Aschief jus- tice of the Supreme Court he won recognition for his great power of analysis and absolute sagacity G. (/jLsL.o(jjU&p -^ CHARLES BARTLETT ANDREWS CHARLES Bartlett Andrews, the former chief justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court, was a descendant of Wil- liam Andrews, one of the first settlers of Hartford, and for a long period its town clerk. His father was Rev. Erastus Andrews, pastor of a church in North Sunderland, Massachusetts, he having removed to that state with his family early in life. Judge Andrews was born in Sunderland, November 4, 1834, and entered Amherst College in 1854, where he was graduated with high honors four years later. He then studied law in the town of Sherman, Connecticut, and in i860 was admitted to the Fairfield County bar, beginning practice in the small town ot Kent. His progress was rapid and he soon became known as one of the ablest young men of the section. When John M. Hubbard of Litch- field was chosen a member of Congress in 1863, he secured Andrews to take charge of his large law practice while the former was attending the sessions in Washington. Hubbard was at that time the leader of the Litchfield County bar, and his selection of so young a man to look after his business was a great compliment to the legal ability of Andrews. 301 1' b e Governors o f C o n n e c t i c u t Becoming a partner of Hubbard, he conducted the practice ot 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 chairm^an of the Judiciary Com- mittee. In the early seventies several of the old-time lawyers ot 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 •t b e Governors of C o n 7i e c t i c u t 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 The Governors of Connecticut 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, ^^ "^^ 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 304 T' b e Governors of Connccticvt tendered his resignation as chief justice to Governor McLean on June lo, 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 f^oor 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 ot what chances there are for 305 T' h e Governors of Connecticut 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." 306 Tbe FORTY-SEVENTH GOVERNOR '?/" 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 CZ^^^Y-, t^/::— -•i-'^l-C' — *^ H O B A R T B I G E L O W THE 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 ot 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- 309 T" h e Governors of Contiecticut 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 310 T" b e Governors of Connect? v ii t left an imperishable record in New Haven which time cannot efface, and few men have hved 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. 311 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 livehhood 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 ^t^J>^^<'<^ ^' ^-^ HENRY BALDWIN H A R R I S O N HENRY 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 1 1, 1821. He was the son 'o{ 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 321 r h ) c G V r II r a f C n n c c t i r u t 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, ^^^^ ^^^ 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 ^^ 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 IngersoU. 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, ^^^^ 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 ot the most honored residents ot the city. A 322 T' h e Governors of Connecticut 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." 323 "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 P H I N E A S CHAPMAN L O U N S B U R Y PHINEAS C. Lounsbury was born in the town of Ridgefield, January lo, 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- T' h e Governors of Connecticut ewson & Company. His younger brother has been tor a long time senior member of the firm. Governor Lounsbury demonstrated his patriotism when the Civil War commencedby enlisting as a private in the Seventeenth Connecticut Volunteers. His army experience was necessarily brief, tor soon after reaching the front he was taken sick with typhoid fever; and after being in the service tour 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 The Governors of Connecticut 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." 329 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 ^^t^^*^ 7 MORGAN GARDNER BULKELEY GOVERNOR Bulkeley is a member of one of Connecti- cut's most distinguished families, and his ancestors have taken an important part in the aifairs 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 ^^^^^ ^ ^^^^ ^^ great usefulness. His son, the Rev. and Hon. Gershom Bulkeley, a leading- character in our colonial history, married the daughter of Presi- dent Chauncy of Harvard College. Their third child and eldest son, John Bulkeley, born at Colchester, April 19, 1705, was graduated from Yale College in 1726. He practiced law and medicine in his native town, and during the forty-eight years of his life held a great number of public offices. For thirty-one sessions he was a member of the General Assembly, a member 333 The G V e r ?i r s of Connecticut of the council, judge of the Superior Court, and colonel of the Twelfth Regiment of the militia. His grandson, Eliphalet, was father of John Charles Bulkeley of Colchester, and grandfather of Eliphalet A. Bulkeley who was one of the leading citizens of Connecticut. Studying law, he became interested in finance and politics, was one of the founders of the Republican party in Connecticut, and its first speaker in the House of Representa- tives. He organized both the Connecticut Mutual and Aetna Life Insurance Companies, being president of the latter at the time of his death in 1872. His son, Morgan Gardner Bulkeley, was born in the town of East Haddam on December 26, 1837. He removed with his flither to Hartford in 1846, and obtained his education in the district schools and the Hartford High School. His begin- nings in life were of a humble nature, as the first position he held was that of an errand boy in a mercantile house in Brook- lyn, New York. This was in 1852, and his progress was rapid, for in a short time he was confidential clerk, and in a few years a partner in the concern. When the Civil War opened Bulkeley enlisted in the Thirteenth New York Regiment and was at the front under General McClellan during the Peninsu- lar campaign. He afterwards served under General Mansfield. The elder Bulkeley died in 1872, and Morgan G. Bulkeley then removed to Hartford. 334 T he Governors of Connecticut He immediately entered into the financial and social life of the city, and became one of the most prominent men in Hartford. To the founding of the United States Bank he gave much time and labor, and was its first president. Upon the retirement of Thomas Enders from the presidency of the Aetna Life Insur- ance Company, Bulkeley was elected as his successor, thus becoming its third president. As a financier he always had an enviable reputation and is a director of the Willimantic Linen Company, the Aetna National Bank, and several other success- ful corporations. The wonderful success of the Aetna Life Insurance Company may be attributed in no small degree to Bulkeley's rare business ability, both as a manager and financier. Soon after his removal to Hartford he began to take a keen interest in local politics. During the early seventies Bulkeley was a councilman and alderman from the fourth ward and in 1880 was elected mayor of Hartford. He became so popular in this office that he was re-elected three times thus serving four terms, from 1880 to 1888. While mayor he exercised his best ability to transact the busi- ness of the city in an economical manner, and was the fearless expo- nent of measures which he thought to be for the best interests of the city irrespective of partisan feeling. Among the poorer classes he has always been very liberal with his fortune and it is said, that while mayor of Hartford, Bulkeley gave away every year more 335 The Governors of Connecticut than he received as his salary. His administration as mayor was so successful that his friends thought him a desirable candidate for governor. In 1886 Bulkeley's name was presented to the Repub- lican State Convention but the enthusiasm over Lounsburv was so great that solely in the interest of good feeling the former withdrew from the gubernatorial contest. He supported Louns- bury in the campaign that followed, and in 1888 was nominated by acclamation for governor of the state amid great enthusiasm. Bulkeley was elected and took his seat January 10, 1889. His administration was characterized by a vigorous determination on the part of the chief executive to serve the state as well as possible. General Merwin was nominated in 1890 and at the election which followed, the first under the present secret ballot law, the result showed such a close vote that there was considerable doubt as to who was the victor. The returns were not accepted by the offi- cials as conclusive, or by the House of Representatives. A long, dreary contest followed and as the General Assembly failed to settle the question of gubernatorial succession, Governor Bulkeley, acting under the constitution, remained in ofBce and exercised the duties of governor for the next two years. He retired from the office when his successor was duly elected and inducted into office in 1893. Governor Bulkeley was elected United States senator to succeed General Joseph R. Hawley in January, 1905, and took his seat in March of the same year. His speech of acceptance uttered in the 336 T' h e Governors of Connecticut hall of the House of Representatives was one of the most appro- priate and eloquent efforts heard by a Connecticut General Assembly in many years. Governor Bulkeley is still a resident of Hartford where he is honored as one of the foremost men of the city. He is a member of Massachusetts Commandery Loyal Legion ; Robert O. Tyler Post, G. A. R.; Sons of the American Revolution; Connecticut Society of the War of 1812; Colonial War Society; Connecticut Historical Society, Union League Club of New York City, and many of the other patriotic and learned organizations of the country. 337 The FIFTY- SECOND GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT was LUZON B. MORRIS Born in Newtown, and at the age of seventeen learned the trade of blacksmith and tool maker — At twenty-one he used his earnings to secure an education at the Connecticut Liter- ary Institute and Yale College — Choosing law as a profession, he entered politics and began his long and eminently successful career m public life; gained distinction as an author- ity on probate law and secured an extensive practice in the settlement of estates ^=>(^j^y^jx^un^^ Pj . ^ MXtoO'-i-^ LUZON B U R R E T T MORRIS LUZON B. Morris was the son of Eli G. Morris of New- town, and was born in that town on April 16, 1827. He attended the district school, and at the age of seventeen commenced to learn the trade of a blacksmith and tool maker. During the next four years the young man worked hard and saved his money, having one object in view, and that was to obtain a good education. At twenty-one he had accumulated suffi- cient means to enable him to begin studying. He entered the Connecticut Literary Institute of Suffield and prepared for Yale College, which he entered in 1850. He would have been grad- uated in 1854, but for some reason he left college during his senior year and did not receive his degree until four years later- After leaving college he went to the town of Seymour, where he engaged for a short time in the manufacturing business, at the same time studying law. In 1855 he became a student at the Yale Law School, and after pursuing his studies there one year was admitted to the bar. Morris returned at once to Seymour, where he began the practice of law. The popular 341 The Governors of Connecticut confidence in his ability was very marked from the first. In 1855 and 1856 he represented Seymour in the General Assem- bly with great success. He removed to New Haven in 1857 ^^^ made that city his home during the remainder of his life. Then began his long and eminently successful career in public iite. Morris was elected judge of probate for the New Haven district for six successive terms, from 1857 ^^ 1863, and in 1861 became a member of the New Haven Board of Education, which position he held for a long time. ' He was elected representative from New Haven to the General Assembly in 1870, 1876, 1880 and 1881. In 1874 he served as senator from his district and was president pro tern, during that session. During the period that Judge Morris was serving in the Legislature he carried on his extensive law practice, which con- sisted in a large measure in the management and settlement of estates. This necessarily entailed a vast amount of labor, yet Judge Morris was able to serve both ends in an able manner. His long experience as judge of the New Haven Probate Court, made him unusually well qualified for the settlement of estates. Any estate that was placed in his hands received the same careful attention, no matter whether it was that of a poor farmer or Daniel Hand, the millionaire. In 1880 Judge Morris was appointed a member of the com- mittee to permanently settle the boundary controversy between 342 The Governors of Connecticut Connecticut and New York. A committee was formed in 1884 to evise the probate laws of the state, and Judge Morris was appointed its chairman. Having always been a pronounced Democrat, Judge Morris became the candidate of that party for governor of the state in 1890. In the election which followed he received a plurality, but not a majority, over his opponent. General Merwin ; and in the deadlock which followed. Governor Bulkeley held over his term until 1892. Much partisan excitement was aroused during these years of controversy, but Judge Morris remained per- fectly conservative and very dignified. He was renominated for the same office in 1892 and received 82,787 votes at the polls, 6,042 more than General Merwin, the Republican candidate. Gov- ernor Morris served from 1893 ^^ ^^95 ^^*^ reflected credit upon his party, although his administration was a very quiet one. During his second year as chief executive Governor Morris was made a director of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad Company. After retiring from the governorship he again took up his practice of law. He was enjoying apparent good health, but on the morning of August 22, 1895, Governor Morris was stricken with apoplexy while at work in his office. He was removed to his home but died soon after reaching there. He left a widow and several children, one of whom, Robert Tuttle Morris, is a well- known New York surgeon; a daughter is the wife of President Arthur T. Hadiey of Yale University. 345 FIFTY-THIRD GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT zvas OWEN VINCENT COFFIN His early days were spent on his father's farm in Mansfield, New York, where he was born — After leaving the seminary he taught school, and later became a salesman in a wholesale mercantile house, subsequently a partner in a successful firm, and then a banker, insurance president, and executive in a score of public and quasi-public interests — In his election to governorship he received highest vote ever reached by any candidate up to that time c^^^^^^ ■OWEN VINCENT COFFIN OWEN Vincent Coffin was born in Mansfield, Dutchess County, New York, June 20, 1836; descending from Tristram Coffin, who emigrated from England in 1642, set- tled in Haverhill, Massachusetts, and in 1660 went to Nantucket where he was a sort of William Penn among the Indians of the island, dying there in 1681. A homestead at Portledge, in Devon- shire, England, has been held by membei-s of the Coffin family for centuries. Governor Coffin is the son of Alexander Coffin and Jane Vincent, and is a descendant in the seventh generation from Tristram Coffin mentioned above. He passed his early days on his father's farm, and was educated at the Courtland Academy and the Charlotteville Seminary. After leaving the seminary he taught school and then removed to New York City, where he was a salesman in a wholesale mercantile house. From the age ■ of nineteen to twenty-five he acted as the New York representative -of a large Connecticut manufacturer. He subsequently became 347 'T' h e Governors of Connecticut a special partner in a very successful firm in New York. He married the daughter of Linus Coe (>f Middle town in 1858, and removed to that city in 1864. When Civil War threatened the nation he was anxious to enlist but was excluded from doing so on account of his inability to pass the physical examination. He was patriotically inspired, however ; sent a substitute, and aided the cause in every way he could. Soon after settling in Middletown his rare managerial ability was recognized, and he became the active executive officer of the Farmers and Mechanics Savings Bank. This position he held for fifteen years, when ill health compelled him to retire. He was mayor of Middletown in 1872 and 1873 and made a popular official. His health having returned, he was elected president of the Middlesex Mutual Assurance Company, an office he still holds. He has been president of the Middlesex County Agricultural Society, and later was a director and vice-president of the First National Bank of Middletown. Coffin was elected senator from the twenty-second district in 1886, and again in 1888, thus serving two terms. He received a good majority in a district where there had been only two Repub- lican victories in a generation. Governor Coffin was never a seeker for public office, but many have been thrust upon him. From 1890 to 1895 he held over a 348 'The Governors of Co n n e c t i c u t score of public and quasi-public offices, among which was the treasurer of the Air Line Railroad Company. He filled all these offices in a satisfactory manner. In 1894 the Republicans of the state nominated Coffin for governor, and his popularity was abundantly demonstrated at the following election, when he received 83,974 votes, and a plurality of 17,000 over Cady, the Democratic nominee. This was the highest vote ever reached by any candidate for a governor of Connecticut up to that time. Governor Coffin served from 1895 to 1897, and although his administration was uneventful, he impressed the people of the state as being an able chief executive. At this writing in November, 1905, Governor Coffin still lives in Middletown and is one of Connecticut's representative men. "Anyone who has been fortunate enough to meet this genial, whole-souled ex-governor," says a writer, " will not soon forget the cordial handshake and the pleasant words of welcome he has for all." 349 The FIFTY-FOURTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT ivas LORRIN A.COOKE Born in Massachusetts, and began his career as a school teacher, later becoming a prosperous manufacturer— He entered public life at the age of twenty-five years when he was elected to the General Assembly, and progressed through the various political capacities to president pro tern, of State Senate; lieu- tenant governor to the governorship — His public services also led him to honors from religious bodies and many recognitions of trust which he discharged conscientiously Q/-^'-/^yt^L^(0(Hm4^ I L O R R I N A L A N S O N COOKE SOLOMON Cooke, the great-grandfather of Lorrin A. Cooke, was a soldier in the Continental Army, and his son, Lewis Cooke, served in the War of 1812. Another ancestor, Benjamin Wheeler, was the first white settler in New Marlboro, Massachusetts, and a prominent citizen of Berkshire County. Lorrin A, Cooke was born in New Marlboro, April 6, 1831, and when quite young his father removed with the family to Nor- folk, Connecticut. The young man attended the district schools of the town and afterwards received a good academical education at Norfolk Academy. During his early manhood Cooke was a very successful school teacher. He first entered public life in 1856, when at the age of twenty-five years he was elected representative to the General Assembly from the town of Colebrook. In 1869 he was chosen secretary, treasurer and manager of the Eagle Scythe Company of Riverton, and continued in that capacity for the next twenty years. Cooke was a senator 353 The Governors of Connecticut from the eighteenth district in 1882, 1883 and 1884, and during the last session served as president pro tern, of that body. While a member of the General Assembly, Cooke was chair- man of the Committee on Engrossed Bills, a position which attracts little public attention but calls for a vast amount of labor. He was appointed by the Senate a special committee to make an investigation of certain affairs in connection with the Storrs Agri- cultural School. He was postmaster in his town in the early eighties. In 1885 he was elected lieutenant governor of the state on the Republican ticket. He was re-elected to the same position in 1895 on the ticket with Coffin, Always taking a great interest in religious matters, Cooke was chosen moderator of the National Congregational Council held in Chicago in 1886. He was chosen a delegate at large to the Republican National Convention at Minneapolis in 1892. In 1896 Cooke was elected governor of Connecticut, receiving 108,807 votes against 56,524 for the silver Democratic candidate. This Republican majority of over p,ooo was the largest that a candidate of that party had ever received in this state. This unprecedented flood of ballots was proof of his undi- minished popularity throughout the state. He served the state well and retired in 1899, after having conducted a most successful administration. 354 1' h e Governors of Connecticut Governor Cooke occupied no public offices after his retire- ment. He died at his home in Winsted, August 12, 1903. A newspaper writer summed up his career as follows : "In the death of Lorrin A. Cooke the State of Connecticut loses a loyal son. Beginning as a poor boy with limited acquaint- ance and only such opportunity as he might make for himself, he became a man of prominence and influence, trusted by his fel- low citizens to do much important work for them and finally chosen by them to hold the highest office in the gift of the people. His strength lay in the confidence people felt in him. They knew that he was a God-fearing, Christian man, desirous to do right, and not afraid of duty as it disclosed itself to him. Whatever was entrusted to him to do was done to the best of his ability, and when he had satisfactorily discharged one responsibility another was sure to be laid upon him. It may be doubted by his friends whether the two years of his governorship were the pleasantest of his life. Its burdens and responsibilities are a constant load upon the conscientious occupant of the office — and he fully realized what they were. Socially, Governor Cooke was approachable, cordial and democratic. Everybody knew him and he had the confidence and respect of a wide circle of devoted friends." 355 "the FIFTY-FIFTH GOVERNOR of CONNECTICUT was GEORGE E. LOUNSBURY The son of a Connecticut family, tem- porarilv residing in New York State-His parents removed to Ridgefieid when he was less than one year old-At seventeen years of age he became a school teacher, working on his father's farm during the summer, and at the age of twenty, entirely self- prep a r e d . entered Yale College where he was graduated with honors -He then became a clergyman, and later a manu- facturer-During a period of twenty-seven years he persistently refused political office tySir^^l ^_ GEORGE \ EDWARD LOUNSBURY THE second Governor Lounsbury was born on May 7, 1838, in the town of Pound Ridge, Westchester County, New York, where his father and mother were temporarily living. He was the fifth child of Nathan and Delia Scofield Lounsbury, and brother of ex-Governor Phineas C. Lounsbury. All of his imme- diate ancestors were natives of Stamford, and Governor Lounsbury was in reality a native of this state. His parents removed to Ridgefield when their son was less than a year old, and since that time he made the town his home. For over sixty years he resided in the farm house that his father owned before him. He attended the district school and received all the training that the ordi- nary country school was capable of in those days. When seven- teen years of age the youth commenced to teach school, and followed the occupation three winters, working on his father's farm in summer and studying during his spare time. At the age of twenty, entirely self-prepared, Lounsbury entered Yale Col- lege, where he gained a reputation for being a thorough student. 359 T/6'' Pres^ ^«-rnor and chie ex.'t ' ''^^'^--nt executive nf fu ^ or the state HENRY ROBERTS FEW men attain high position in pubHc life as quickly as the Hon. Henry Roberts, governor of Connecticut, who, eight years ago, was not known to the public except as a success- ful business man of Hartford, with no apparent ambition to go higher in the public service than that of being an alderman in his city ward. His rise was rapid and deserved, for the closest friends of Governor Roberts knew his latent ability years ago and predicted he would occupy high offices within the gift of the people. Henry Roberts was born in Brooklyn, New York, on Janu- ary 22, 1853, ^'^^ ^^ George Roberts, who, for many years, was one of the leading business men of Hartford, occupying several important offices during his life. The ancestors of Governor Roberts were of Welsh origin and can be traced to William Roberts who came to this country in 1654. Another ancestor of a later date was George Roberts, an officer of repute in the Revolutionary War. One ancestor on his mother's side had such a career as a soldier in the French and Indian War that after his death his townspeople erected to his memory a 381 ^ h e Governors of Connecticut monument at Deerfield Cross Roads, in honor of his bravery. The first twelve years of Governor Roberts' hfe were spent on a farm in South Windsor, and he thus commenced hfe hke many another governor of this commonwealth by tilling the soil. He attended the schools of South Windsor and the Hartford High School where he was graduated in 1873. Then he entered the academical department of Yale University and was graduated from that institution in 1877. After that he was graduated from the Yale Law School but never practiced, as he did not study law for that purpose. The next year after his graduation from the law school, Roberts entered the office of the Hartford Woven Wire & Mattress Company. In 1884 he was made secretary of the company and in 1886 became its president. At this writing, in November, 1905, he is interested in various other business enterprises in Hartford, as was his father, and among some of the offices he holds may be mentioned that of director of the Hartford Trust Company, the State Savings Bank, the Hartford Electric Light Company, the Farmington River Power Company, and a trustee of the Slater Industrial School at Winston, North Carolina. Governor Roberts takes an active interest in all social affairs and he is a member of the Country Club at Farmington, the Hart- ford Club, and other organizations of a similar character. He is also a member of the Connecticut Society of Colonial Wars, and the Sons of the American Revolution. 382 T' h e Governors of C o n n e c t i c v t Governor Roberts' record as a public official is of the highest character, and during the eight years he has been in public life no one has any criticism to make of his acts as a public servant. First elected an alderman from the sixth ward in 1897, he served for two years as chairman of the important Ways and Means Committee- In 1898 he was elected a member of the General Assembly from Hartford and during the session of 1899 occupied the important position of chairman of the House Committee of Finance. He took a prominent part in the proceedings of the House and laid the foun- dations for his future success at the hands of the people. Elected senator from his district in 1900, Roberts was senate chairman of the Appropriations Committee and in this position showed his ability as a shrewd business man. In 1902 he was elected lieutenant gov- ernor on the ticket with Governor Chamberlain, and occupied that office two years. In speaking of his record as lieutenant governor a New Haven newspaper said: "The cordial esteem of twenty-four leading men of the state is something an unworthy man never gets. The cordial esteem of all who know him cannot be enjoyed by any man not of high class, morally and intellectually. Lieutenant Governor Roberts has won a high place in the regard and affections of the people of Connecticut, and in our opinion no Senate was ever presided over more successfully than the one of 1903, over which the favorite son of Hartford wielded the gavel." Roberts was nominated for governor of Connecticut at Hart- 383 The Governors of Connecticut ford on September 14, 1904, and at the election in November he was elected by a handsome majority over A. Heaton Robertson of New Haven, the Democratic candidate. He was inaugurated on Wednesday, January 4, 1905, and his inaugural message delivered on that occasion was widely commented on by the newspapers of the state. The following is an estimate of Governor Roberts by Charles Hopkins Clark printed in " The Hartford Courant " the day after he was nominated for governor in September, 1904: " Being of highest character, experienced in all public affairs, loyal to all that relates to Connecticut's best welfare, and ambitious only to perform every public duty for the greatest good of the state, he is a candidate who commands the respect of all, and the better you know him the better you will like him. "Sometimes conventions nominate candidates who are like bumble bees, in the fact that they are biggest when first born. Henry Roberts is not such a candidate. He was big enough to get 1 7 1 more votes than the total number given to his three popu- lar and powerful rivals. His growth in popularity will increase every day of the campaign. He will win by a big plurality. He will be the next governor of Connecticut, and be will be one of the best governors Connecticut has ever had." Governor Roberts' public service has fully justified this predic- tion. A study of his record as a public official shows that he is a 384 T' h e G V c r n o r s n f Connecticut man who thinks intelligently, acts conservatively and fearlessly, and whose judgment is sound. His fellow townsmen of Hartford expressed themselves in no ambiguous terms when they passed a set of resolutions in which they spoke of Henry Roberts thus : " In every public position which he has been called upon to fill, he has known and appreciated his duty, has discharged that duty well. Interested in all that pertains to the public welfare, and earnest in its advocacy, in the prime of life, long familiar with the industries and activities that have made Connecticut prominent, we commend him as one who has illustrated in public and private life, the value to a community of an honest, capable, fearless, loyal and lovable man." 385 <'J 928 S)