Stamford's Civil War: At Home and in the Field
a 2003 Exhibit and more

The Home Front:
Biographies of Citizens whose Images are Shown in the Exhibit

John Davenport (1840-1910) His career centered in the field of manufacturing, which included senior partnership of Davenport & Treacy Company, producers of piano plates, and treasurer of the Blickensderfer Typewriter Company. In addition, he was a director of the First National Bank of Stamford and a member of the City Board of Apportionment.

John Day Ferguson (1833-1877) After earning both his B.A. and M.A. at Trinity College in Hartford and a degree from Yale Law School, Ferguson began devoting his abilities toward the betterment of Stamford. He served two terms as State Representative and four years as Judge of Probate. At the same time he became active with several political and community minded associations, especially those he felt were of great consequence to the children. Constantly striving to refine conditions in the local public schools, he was successful in persuading the town to centralize their educational complex. Connected to this was his desire to establish a public library. Unfortunately, poor health did not allow for the implementation of these plans during his short lifetime. His will contained a bequest of $10,000 for instituting a public library subject to the raising of an additional $25,000 within a stipulated time period. Today, the Ferguson Library more than amply fulfills this farsighted individual’s desire for community improvement through learning.

Charles A. Hawley (1792-1866) He was a man of varied interests, including literature, law and politics. He graduated from Yale and attended the Litchfield Law School. Starting with his election as a member of the Stamford Board of Warden & Burgesses his political calling included State Representative, State Senator and Lieutenant-Governor of Connecticut.

William H. Holly (1798-1867) This civic minded individual held a variety of positions within the community. He served Stamford as editor and publisher of the “Stamford Advocate,” county surveyor, appraiser and proprietor of a lending library. In addition he held other situations as auctioneer, Town Clerk, communal orator at festive occasions, member of the State Commission on the boundary dispute between New York & Connecticut, bookseller and Judge of Probate.

James H. Hoyt (1809-1873) Beginning as a cabinet maker’s apprentice he eventually acquired a sizable lumber yard and was perhaps one of the first to import hard coal into Stamford. Upon construction of the railroad he became the successful contractor for erection of grading, bridge building and supplying rail ties and fuel. He became superintendent of the New York & New Haven Railroad in 1854, retaining that position until his death.   see also

Olier Hoyt (1823-1887) After achieving success as a leather merchant in New York, he returned to Stamford, reestablishing himself in the community. He presided over the earliest known family reunion held in this city, the Hoyt Family Meeting, June 20 and 21, 1866.

William T. Minor (1815-1889) A graduate of Yale, and son of an attorney, he began practicing law here in 1840. Within a few years he stood for Stamford at the State Legislature as a Representative, State Senator and Judge of Fairfield County Court. Citizens of Connecticut elected him Governor in 1855 on top of the American or Know Nothing party ticket. President Lincoln appointed him counsel-general to Havana. After the Civil War he returned again as a Representative to the State Legislature, culminating in an appointment as a Judge on the State Superior Court.

James H. Olmstead (1829-1899) He held numerous positions of public trust including Judge of Probate, State’s Attorney for Fairfield County, State Representative, Town Counsel and member of the Stamford Board of Warden & Burgesses.

Thomas G. Ritch (1827-1907) An attorney who commuted daily to his office in New York, yet found time for public involvement. During the Civil War he served as Town Treasurer. Other civic positions included Trustee of the Ferguson Library and the Center Public School.

Albert Seeley (1809-1889) Dynamic in real estate, buying, selling and mortgaging, his successes ascended and declined in the early 1840’s. Still, undiscouraged he established a stage route to New York. With the construction of the railroad he contracted for its right of way. Seeley then erected a block of stores on Main Street, a multi family house on Atlantic Street and Seely’s Hall, site of Town meetings, social and political gatherings throughout the Civil War.

William Skiddy Educated as a Naval architect and ship builder, he served in the Navy as a midshipman aboard US sloop Hornet during the War of 1812. In public affairs he held positions on the boards of several organizations including Woodland Cemetery Association as treasurer.

Images from “Picturesque Stamford 1892”

© Stamford Historical Society