George E. Lounsbury


George Edward Lounsbury was an American politician and the 58th Governor of Connecticut from 1899 to 1901. His brother Phineas served as the state’s Governor from 1887 to 1889.

Early life

Lounsbury was born in Pound Ridge, New York, on May 7, 1838, the son of Nathan Lounsbury and Delia Scofield. He studied at Yale University and graduated in 1863. He then went to Berkeley Divinity School and graduated in 1866. He partnered with his brothers, Phineas C. Lounsbury, and founded two successful shoe factories - the Lounsbury Brothers Inc., a shoe factory and Lounsbury, Matthewson, and Company. He was of English ancestry.

Politics

Lounsbury was a member of the Connecticut Senate representing the 12th District from 1894 to 1898. He became the Governor of Connecticut on January 4, 1899 after winning the 1898 Connecticut gubernatorial election. During his term, he vetoed many bills that helped to reduce the state deficit. He left office on January 9, 1901.

Personal life

Lounsbury married Frances Josephine Potwin. He also was an Episcopal priest. He died on August 16, 1904, aged 66.