Leading Business Men of Fairfield County

This gentleman who established his present business about a year ago, occupies two neat of- fices in the block referred to, and represents the following reliable companies: Gltnn's Falls,. Milwaukee; Mechanics, American, of New York; Merchants of Newark, Pacific, New Hampshire; and Washington Fire and Marine. These companies insure against fire, and Mr. Rider is also agent for the Phcenix Life of Hart- ford and the Fidelity and Casualty Accident Insur- ance Co. of New York. Risks are placed at most fair and reasonable rates, and those desiring insurance can obtain it in no more desirable man- ner than through Mr. Rider. H. B. Weed, Dealer in Carriages. — The car- riage business fills an important place in the list of commercial houses of a city, and a volume such as this would not be comprehensive with- out proper mention of one of the leading houses engaged in this line. Therefore we take pleasure in giving due notice to our readers of the establishment of Mr. H. B. Weed, who carries on an extensive wholesale and retail business in this line. The premises, which comprise three floors, each 70x30 feet in dimensions, are admirably and conveniently arranged for the display of the large and elegant stock of judiciously selected foreign and American manufactured Carnages, thus giving customers an infinite variety of pat- terns from which to select. At present employment is given to seven assistants, and the business is rapidly increasing. Mr. Weed is a native of Hudson, New York, and in all respects his house occupies a leading position in the city, not only with regard to the superiority of its stock, but also for the enterprise of its business policy, its liberality and prompt- ness with which all its dealings are conducted. 184 LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF BANBURY. Werner Bros., Clothing and Gents' Furnish- ings, 225 Main Street. — With a thorough knowl- edge of the business and after having acquired the reputation of experts as judges of fashiona- ble male attire, Messrs. Werner & Bros, estab- lished in 1879 what is now one of the most pop- ular Clothing and Gents' Furnishing establish- ments of the city. This firm occupy for business purposes the premises located at 225 Main street. The line of goods carried is such as to meet the wants of the most fastidious and fashionable, as well as the extremely plain or most ultra of patrons. The store covers an area of 20x90 feet, where the very large and complete stock is tastefully dis- played. The trade of this house, which is mostly retail extends throughout the city and vicinity. The stock of elegant Clothing and Furnishing Goods shown by this firm embraces all the latest styles and the newest and most approved novelties of the season. In addition to the close personal superintend- ence of the proprietors, the assistance of two very capable clerks are required to conduct the many details of this extensive trade. Both mem- bers of the firm, Mr. Morris and Elias Werner, are practical men at the business, and they have acquired a well deserved reputation for sedulous attention to business, liberalty in all dealings, and care in the fit and fashion of garments, qualities which have much to do with the success attained and the present prominence of the house. F. T. Austin, Successor to Austin Brothers, House Furnishing Goods, Carpets. Oil Cloths, and Furniture, 191 Main Street. — In a carefully prepared review of the manufacturing and com- mercial industries of Danbury, and of the men who have contributed to the proud position now held in the markets of the world by this city, es- pecial interest is attached to those houses which have been so long established as to be apart of the history of the city itself. Such a house is the one now conducted by Mr. F. T. Austin, dealer in House Furnishing Goods, etc. This business was established by Mr. F. H. Austin many years ago and successfully con- ducted by him until 1877, when he was succeeded by his two sons, who have for the last nine years managed the business under the firm name of Austin Bros. In February, 1887, Mr. F. T. Austin assumed full control, since which date the business has been under his sole management. From a small beginning the citizens of Danbury have seen this now splendid enterprise grow to its present proportions, and to the sound judgment and honorable business record of its proprietors the success is largely due. The premises occupied for the transaction of this business are located at 191 Main street, and comprise a store 25x60 feet in dimensions, with a basement of the same size, where is displayed the fine stock of Carpets, Oil Cloths, etc. The stock handled by this house consists of the largest and most complete assortment of House Furnish- ings and Furniture to be found in this city. In the Upholstering Department are many specialties in Raw Silk and Lace Curtains, Cretonnes, Cot- ton and Silk Plushes, etc. In the Furniture Department all the new and most desirable styles, also a fine line of Carpets, Oil Cloths, Rugs, Wall Paper, etc., and in fact everything requisite for a complete and elegant furnishing of houses. This business, which is mostly retail, requires the employment of six very capable assistants, and the details of the business are most ably managed under the direct supervision of the pro- prietor. Mr. Austin is a native of Danbury; a gentle- man highly esteemed in social and business circles. Osborne Brothers, Dealers in Lumber, 112 White Street. — With exceptional facilities for their large trade, the above named firm have for nine years past conducted one of the leading lumber establishments in southwestern Connec- ticut, with their office at 112 White street. The extensive yards of the firm are admirably located and arranged with reference to receipt, storage and shipment of merchandise, and there is not in the State a more desirable or reliable source of supply. The firm carry at all times in stock a large as- sortment of seasoned Hard and Soft Lumber of every description and for all purposes, and sup- ply in large or small quantities, all kinds of building materials at short notice and low prices, and in a wide range of business the house exerts an influence most commendable. The energy, business methods and worth of the Messrs. Osborne, command, at all times, the confidence of builders and consumers generally. Messrs. Chas. R. and Chester C. Osborne are the individual members of the firm. They are natives of Danbury and are business men of ability and indomitable energy, and esti- mable citizens in all that is signified by the term. John H. Cosier, Real Estate, 309 Main Street. — From the inception of the above house it has been recognized as one of the principal realty concerns of the city, where could be found an extensive list of the most desirable city and suburban property, farms and land. Since 1868 the proprietor of this enterprise, Mr. John H. Cosier, has been intimately con- nected with the business interests of Danbury, and he has in consequence made the venture a great success, having been engaged in this busi- ness longer than any other real estate house in Danbury. His office is prominently located at 309 Main street, where he is pleased to meet and accom- modate in any way those interested in the pur- chase, sale or renting of property. In addition to his realty business, he is pre- pared to loan money at lowest rates on approved securities in any amounts, and he will be found a safe medium for transacting business of this na- ture. Mr. Cosier is a native of New Fairfield, Ct. , and is a member of the Board of Relief, besides holding other public offices. He is well and favorably known throughout this section, and is one of Danbury's most esteemed citizens. LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF D ANBURY. 185 Couch's Photograph Gallery, No. 201 5£ Main Street. — Probably in no branch of the industrial arts has more marked improvement been made in recent years than in that of Pho- tography, and it is with pleasure that we call the attention of our readers to one of the oldest studios in Danbury, which was established in 1862 by its present proprietor, Mr. H. E. Couch. The premises occupied by him for the conduct of the business are located at 201% Main street, and comprise three large reception and operating rooms. The reception rooms are handsomely and comfortably furnished, and decorated with an innumerable variety of pictures of all kinds mostly the production of this establishment. The operating rooms are supplied with all the new and improved facilities for the production of the art. The assistance of two very skillful artists are required in addition to the close personal atten- tion of Mr. Couch. Perfect satisfaction is guar- anteed in all work performed at this establish- ment, which includes Photographs and Portraits of all styles and sizes. Mr. Couch has the reputation of producing some of the finest specimens in this branch of art ever offered in Danbury. Mr. Couch is a native of Connecticut, and a gentleman of rare artistic ability. Genial in disposition, he has won the esteem of the entire community. F. L. Wilson, Pictures and Picture Frames, 261 Main Street. — The artistic tastes of a com- munity is a sure index of its refinement and culture, and we are safe in asserting that in no city of equal magnitude is this more evident than in Danbury. This city possesses to a marked degree in its establishments every facility for fostering the aesthetic tastes of the community, and it is in a large -measure due to houses like that of Mr. F. L. Wilson, which serves as a prominent type, that these to-be desired results have been at- tained. Mr. Wilson has been established in this line of business in Danbury since 1882, and during the period since elapsed this enterprise has steadily advanced in importance until it has culminated in achieving the strongest position in this special branch of trade.