Leading Business Men of Fairfield County

Raymond Brothers, Wholesale Dealers and Commission Merchants, Office Washington Street, Yard and Wharves, Water Street, branch at Greenwich, Conn. — Possessing exceptional facilities for their large trade in Coal, Building materials, Straw, Hay, Flour, Grain, etc., Messrs. Raymond Brothers have for nearly twenty years held a prominent place among the wholesale dealers and commission merchants of Western Connecticut. The extensive trade of the house was inaugu- rated in 1868, and from the beginning has been conducted with marked energy and success, and their trade has attained colossal proportions. The Messrs. Raymond occupy a large three- story building and office on Washington street, with extensive yards, storehouses and wharves on Water street in this city; also a branch yard, with all modern facilities, in Greenwich, Connec- ticut, their advantages for receipt, storage and shipments are unsurpassed by any house in their line in New England, and, indeed equaled by few. The firm manufacture Cement Pipe, put down Wells, build Reservoirs, and are heavy dealers in all kinds of Coal for manufacturing and domes- tic purposes, Hard and Soft Wood, and every desirable article in building materials, Blue and Brown Stone, Granite, FiTe Brick, Clay, Fertiliz- ers, Drain Pipe, Terra Cotta Ornaments, Hay. Straw, Flour, Grain, Salt, Fish, Oil, Soap, etc. Consignments of anything in their line have- prompt personal attention and merchandise is handled to the best advantage of consigners, at low rates of commission, the facilities for prompt, advantageous sales being all that could be desir- ed. Prompt returns are made, and satisfaction guaranteed, and the extensive acquaintance and standing of the house in the markets at home and abroad make this a desirable firm with which to establish and maintain business relations. The firm are agents for the celebrated Averill Chemical Paint, and have at all times an im- mense stock of merchandise available for imme- diate orders, and in all their engagements are prompt, reliable and accommodating. The Messrs. Raymond make contracts for Bridges, Sewers, Landscape Gardening, Painting, Grad- ing, Flag and Cement Walks, Trucking, etc., and employ a large force of skilled workmen and mechanics in their business. Messrs. Win. T. and Tlios. I. Raymond are the individual members of this successful firm. They are natives of Connecticut and are promi- nent and influential citizens of this thriving city. H. Krieger, Dealer in Fancy Goods, Ribbons, Millinery Goods, etc., Mahackemo Hotel Block, Main Street. — Here is a business house, one of the first in this city, having been established in 1868, when the city was in its infancy. Having worked himself in the ways of the people, the proprietor always has a stock on hand to please them. We would just name a few of the many articles kept here. In the first place we will take Ribbons, being the first thing that takes your eye; it is one of the largest lines carried on in the State. Secondly — the stock of Millinery goods. A shape cannot be named but that the proprietor has secured it. Third — Corsets, embracing all styles and prices. Hosiery in every description, Underwear, Gloves, both fabric and kid. Buttons, etc. It would tire the reader to name the different articles kept here. In conclusion we would s.^y that prices are so- low that people cannot fail to appreciate them. Go here for anything in the fancy goods line, you are sure to find it. Such a complete stock can- not be found in the State. The proprietor is H. Krieger, Mahackemo Hotel Block, Main Street. A. L. Duncan, Manufacturer of Fine Stiff Hats, Flexible Brims and Cassimeres; Factory, Union Street. — The City of South Norwalk lias long been famous, not only for the quantity' of the hats manufactured within her limits, but in quality as well, her pre eminence is established on a sure, enduring basis. Of those engaged in this importsnt industry here, A. L. Duncan occupies a prominent posi- tion, and his factory on Union Street is one of the most complete and extensive in the city. The business was inaugurated by Mr. Duncan in 1884, and has from its inception been carried on with consummate tact and ability and with consequent success. The main factory is a large four-story brick building, 30x90 feet in dimensions, with two additional — one, 45x46, another, 60x22 — equipped most thoroughly with the latest improved ma- LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF SOUTH NORWALK. 149 chinery, driven by steam, and over 100 operatives are employed in the business. The output comprises Stiff and Flexible Fur Hats of the finest quality, large quantities of which are daily turned out and find ready mar- kets in all parts of the country. For styles, finish and general excellence of his hats, Mr. Duncan is unsurpassed by any house in his line in New England, and the factory is a favorite source of supply f'->r jobbers and dealers in all parts of the United States. Mr. Duncan is a native of South Norwalk, and is a business man of sagacity and energy, and his worth, punctuality and honorable business methods have firmly established him in general confidence, and have developed a large and steadily growing trade. First National Bank. — Under the provisions of the United States Banking Laws, the First National Bank of South Norwalk was organized and began business in September, 1864. The capital of the Bank is $200,000, with a surplus, exclusive of undivided profits of $24,000. The liberal methods and policy of the Bank, combined with prudence and ability of a high order begets the universal and unqualified confi dence of customers and makes it a valuable medium of exchange, deposit and discount, and the standing of the officers and directors, who are among the most prominent capitalists and successful manufacturers and merchants of Fair- field County, gives promise of a long continued career of usefulness. The officers of the Bank at present writing are: President, Dudley P. Ely who has been presi- dent since April 25th, 1865; Cashier, J. J. Mil lard, who has been cashier since the organization of the bank in September, 1864; Teller, C. E. Ferris, whohasheld the same positionsincel865; Directors, Dudley P. Ely, E. K. Lockwood, Samuel Clark, Alfred E. Austin, Russell Frost, J. R. Jennings and Alphonso Dibble. C. F. Boutwell, Dentist, Lauder's New Block. — In the rapid improvements of the last quarter of a century, every branch of business has seemed to move forward, but none more so than the den- tal art, which now seems to be at its height, es- pecially as we view the appliances and improve- ments of our best dental rooms. Mr. C. F. Boutwell whose parlors are located in Lauder's New Block (up stairs) is among the leading gentlemen in this line, and no pains or money is spared to provide every modern inven- tion, and all branches of dentistry are conducted in an experienced manner. The business was established here eighteen months ago by Mr. Boutwell, who has had along experience, having been with his father, who is a dentist in Ansonia, for several years previous, alto- gether twelve years' experience. His prices are rea- sonable as possible for first class work and, all in need of a reliable dentist will do well to give him a trial. He is a native of Ansonia, Connecticut, and is a young man of ability and energy, fully under- standing his profession in all its branches and well deserving the success he has achieved and the patronage he has received. Geo. Buckmaster & Co., Manufacturers of Bronze Hardware, Knobs, Locks, etc, — One of the most prominent as well as important manu- factories in South Norwalk is that conducted so ably by Messrs. Geo. Buckmaster & Co. This business was established in December, 1886, by Geo. Buckmaster, who conducted it until April 15th, 1887, when Mr. Chas. E. Woodward was admitted as partner, the firm name then being changed to Geo. Buckmaster & Co. They occifpy for business purposes four two- story buildings 100 feet square; these are fitted up with all the most modern machinery used in the manufacture of the goods. A thirty horse- power steam engine and boiler provide the mo- tive power, and sixty skilled hands are employed, in the many departments. An exceedingly large and steadily increasing- business is transacted and extends all over the the United States. The product of the factory embraces all kinds of Bronze Hardware, Knobs, Locks, etc., and these are sold to the trade on most reasonable terms. Mr. Geo. Buckmaster is anative of Hempstead, L. I., and has resided in South Norwalk since 1886. Mr. Chas. E. Woodward is a native of South Norwalk, and is the son of Mr. E. A. Wood- ward, a well-known citizen of South Norwalk. Both members of the firm are energetic and enterprising, and are well known and respected gentlemen. All having business dealings with them will meet with liberal treatment, and can- not fail but be satisfied, both as regards quality and price of goods purchased of them. William K. McEwen, Fur Hat Manufacturer, Jobber and Retailer, and Dealer in Gents' Fur- nishing Goods. — The principles of the so-called " science of political economy " are evidently far from being established, if one may judge by the disputes among those who profess to be experts on the subject, but probably none would chal- lenge the statement that, other things being equal, it is more to the advantage of the con- sumer to purchase directly from the manufac- turer than it would be to transact business through an agent or middleman. This is evident for many reasons, chief among them being that at least one profit is saved and that the salesman eannot screen himself behind the plea of ignorance of the goods should they prove unsatisfactory. This being generally understood, the pros- perity attending the enterprise of Mr. Wm. K. McEwen, the well-known Fur Hat Manufacturer and Dealer, requires no explanation. Business was begun by him in 1882, and a shop covering two floors and using ten horse-power is now occupied, and the services of fifteen skilled hands required. A large business is done in the jobbing and retailing of Fine Fur Hats and a complete line of fashionable Gents' Furnishings, in which goods au extensive retail trade is enjoyed, is also carried.