Leading Business Men of Fairfield County

National Pahquioque Bank, United Bank Building, Main Street. — The best endorsement of a banking institution is a long and honorable record, and measured from this standpoint, the National Pahquioque Bank of Danbury stands foremost among the monetary concerns of the State. It was incorporated as a State bank in 1854, and was reorganized under the national bunking laws in 1865 with a paid up capital stock of $250,000. The surplus exceeding $50,000 attests the prudence and financial ability of the officers past and present, and the methods and policy of the institution challenge universal commenda- tion. The banks which was located until the first part of June at 131 Main street, has now removed to its present commodious quarters in the United Bank Building on Main street, probably the most superb structure to be seen in Danbury. The entrance, when facing the building, is on the right hand, or as it is called, on the north side. The fittings on the inside are to be com- pared most favorably with those of the largest banks in the principal cities throughout the United States. The counters are of fine hard oak, and accommodation is made for an increase of business, which was the prime motive for the bank's removal to present quarters. The vaults are perfectly burglar-proof, entirely new steel lined, and the combination locks are from the well known Hall Safe & Lock Co., of Cincinnati, A special vault exists for securities and another one for books, etc. The bank is officered as follows: President, A. N. Wildman; Cashier, Martin H. Griffing; Tel- ler, Wm. D. Scott; Directors, A. N. Wildman, Chas. F. Starr, Samuel C. Holley, Horace Beers, Benezet A. Hough. Robert McLean, Nathaniel B. Selleck, Chas. D. H. Kellogg, and Martin H. Griffing This is one of the most liberally patronized and ably managed banks in the county. From the outset it has retained the public confidence. A general banking business is transacted, includ- ing the receiving of deposits, the discounting of approved commercial paper, the collection of Drafts, buying and selling of Foreign Ex- change, etc. The officers and directors are all men of in- fluence and standing in business circles, and their worth and integrity gives assurance of the con- tinued prosperity and usefulness of the institu- tion. Bigelow & Stevens, Fire and Life Insurance, Room 6, Library Building. — The laws of man are constantly being changed and are not infre- quently violated with impunity by those whom they should bind, but not so the laws of nature. Natural law is unchanging and inviolable, if oue goes against it the consequences are sure and oft- times terrible, and as nature is no respecter of persons all are equally forced to obey her behests. Gradually but surely the fundamental principles of existence are being discovered and acted upon and it is owing to the great law of average that powerful companies can be formed to insure the community against loss by fire, accident or disease. Few people realize the enormous sums contained in the assets of some of these companies as, for instance, the New York Life which has the tidy little amount of $75,000,000 to its credit! The resident agents of this company are Messrs. Bigelow & Stevens, who may be found in room 6, Library Building. The firm, which consists of Messrs C. H. Bigelow and G. C. Ste- vens, both natives of this city, has been estab- lished some fifteen years, and has worked up a very large business during that time. Beside the company mentioned they are also resident agents for the following fire insurance companies: iEtna, of Hartford; the Continental and the Phoenix, of New York; the American and the Fire Association, of Philadelphia; the Merideu, of Meriden, and the N. British and Mercantile, London, England. Insurance will be placed at the most reasonable rates, and all losses promptly paid. LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF D ANBURY. 177 Foster Bros., Builders and Architects. — The great demand for architectural skill and building materials occasioned by the remarkable growth of Danbury has been fully met by the builders and contractors of this place, and in no city in the State are there found more competent master artisans in this line of industry. The leading concern in this field of enterprise is the firm of Foster Bros., who for nearly a quarter of a century have been interested in most of the important building operations in this city and section. The business was inaugurated by Messrs. Barnum & Starr, in 1854, the present firm be- coming their successors in 1864. The Messrs. Foster are both practical and expert master architects and builders, and have the best possible facilities and the requisite skill to plan and complete all kinds of buildings with despatch and in the best style of architectural art. Elevations, plans and specifications are made, and estimates given for all descriptions of buildings, and contracts made with tbis reliable house are well and faithfully per- formed. The firm operate the largest Steam Wood Working establishment in Danbury, and manu- facture and carry in stock all kinds of Doors, Sash, Blinds and Mouldings, as well as Plaster Ornaments and other building materials. Plan- ing and Wood Turning is executed in the most satisfactory manner, and the extensive operations of the house necessitate the employment of fifty skilled workmen. Messrs. J. G. & T. H. Foster are the indi- vidual members of this well known firm. They are natives of Ridgefield, Conn., and possess in full measure the business qualities which inspire confidence and insure success. Quinn & Scott, Dealers in Dry and Fancy -Goods, Pahquioque Block, 161 Main Street. — Among the prominent merchants engaged in this important branch of industry, we are pleased to call the attention of our readers to Messrs. Quinn & Scott, whose elegant and complete establishment ranks as one of the leading houses of its kind in Danbury. This house was established by the above- named gentlemen in April, 1887, and although of such very recent inception has already gained a large share of public favor. They occupy the handsome business structure located at 161 Main street, covering an area of 22x90 feet in dimen- sions. They carry without doubt the largest and best selected stock of Dry and Fancy goods in the city, consisting of the newest domestic and most popular foreign importations in the Dry Goods line. The extensive retail trade already acquired by this house requires the services of nine thor- oughly experienced assistants, and the details of the business are most ably managed under the direct personal supervision of the proprietors. Mr. John A. Quinn and Mr. Frank M. Scott are natives of Danbury, and both are well and favorably known in social as well as business circles. They are men of rare natural ability, and enjoy in a pre-eminent degree the respect, and confidence of all who do business with them. Danbury National Bank. — This is the oldest banking institution in Danbury, having been started in 1824, under the name of Fairfield County Branch Bank of Norwalk. Dissolution first took place, July 1, 1844, when it was organ- ized and incorporated as a State Bank, and in the wonderful growth of the town and section during the past sixty-three years, it has taken a most prominent and important part. Under the present name it was reorganized under the provisions of the Federal Banking Laws in 1865. The capital stock is $327,000, giving ample facilities for aiding mercantile and industrial enterprise. The large surplus attests the able management of affairs, and the worth and standing of the officers and directors inspires the fullest confidence of customers and corre- spondents. The officers of the Bank at this time are as follows: President, Lucius P. Hoyt; Cashier, Jabez Amsbury; Teller, George Williams; Directors — Lucius P. Hoyt, Wm. R. White, Henry Crofut, Lyman D. Brewster, Samuel H. Ruudle, Henry T. Hoyt, Samuel C. Wildman, Geo. G. Durant and Jabez Amsbury. Mr. Lucius P. Hoyt has been the president of the bank since 1864, one year before it became a National Bank, and has been also President of the Danbury & Norwalk R. R. since its organiza- tion in 1852. Mr. Jabez Amsbury, the Cashier of the Bank, has held that same responsible position since October, 1855. He is a wide awake business man and able financier. He was born in New- ton, Mass. The Board of Directors comprise many of the leading manufacturers and merchants of the town, and under past and present management, the Danbury National Bank ranks as one of the best conducted solid financial institutions in the State. Hawley Bradley, Carriage Repository, Sales, Boarding and Livery Stables, 314 Main Street. — For the past quarter of a century Mr. Hawle}r Bradley has maintained leadership in his line of trade in Danbury, and at present writing he occupies a most prominent position among the business men of this place. His extensive Sales, Boarding and Livery Stables are 35x300 feet in dimensions, with first-class accommodations for seventy-five head of horses, as well for the storage of carriages. He keeps for livery purposes about forty teams, and his turnouts are stylish, serviceable and reliable. The accommodations for boarding horses are all that could be desired, and terms are uniformly reasonable and satisfaction guaranteed. Mr. Bradley is one of the largest dealers in horses in New England, and one of the most reliable. He brings car loads of the finest Cana- dian and Western horses to this place, for which he has a constant demand, and his operations require the employment of ten workmen. Mr. Bradley is a progressive, public-spirited business man and most estimable citizen, and possesses the fullest confidence of all with whom he is brought into business relations. He carries in stock a fine and large assortment of carriages, and is able to meet eveiy require- ment of customers. 178 LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF D ANBURY.