The Stamford Historical Society, April 17, 2005 – March 31, 2006

Portrait of a Family: Stamford through the Legacy of the Davenports

Galen A. Carter 1832–1893

Galen A. Carter was born and raised in New York City. He entered and graduated from the New York Medical School, an affiliate of Columbia College, no doubt influenced by his father; also a physician. Galen reconsidered his future in medicine and chose to pursue finance and commerce instead. With work, he eventually became a partner in the firm of Jacob Little & Company, member of the New York Stock Exchange.

In November 1853, he married Mary C. Davenport, daughter of Theodore and Harriet (Chesebrough) of Stamford. Three years later he purchased the southern half of a two family residence from Augustus Knowlton. This exquisite example of French Second Empire architecture is now the Rectory of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, at 279 Atlantic Street.

Upon the death of his father in 1870, Galen likely retired from business in New York, moved his official residence to Stamford, and devoted the rest of his life to political and fraternal interests. He ran for local office and became a burgess of the Borough of Stamford. In 1874, he became the Democratic Party’s winning candidate for State Senator from Fairfield county district. In addition to politics, he became prominent in the formation of the Suburban Club. He died in November of 1893.

Galen Carter Residence
Now the rectory of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church at 279 Atlantic Street

In 1856, Galen Carter purchased the southern half of this two-family residence from Augustus Knowlton, who had the house built in 1850. It appears to have originally been in the Italian Villa Style, with a mansard roof added in the 1870s.

Introduction

Stamford’s Colonial Period 1641–1783
The Later 18th Century and Stamford’s American Revolution
The Coming of the Railroad, Immigrants and Industrialization

The Dark Day
Davenport Coat of Arms
Davenports gather to launch exhibit at Historical Society

© Stamford Historical Society