About

PHINEAS CHAPMAN LOUNSBURY, Connecticut’s 36th governor was born in Ridgefield, Connecticut, on January 10, 1841. He received only a rudimentary education, but later prospered in the business world. Lounsbury partnered with his brothers, founding the Lounsbury Brothers Inc., a shoe factory. He also was co-owner of another shoe factory, Lounsbury, Matthewson and Company. He entered politics as a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives, an office he held from 1874 to 1876. Lounsbury won the 1886 Republican gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a legislative decision. During his tenure, he endorsed and signed the Incorrigible Criminal Act. He also advocated for instituting a 60-hour work week for women and children under 16. Lounsbury did not run for reelection and retired from public service. He returned to his business ventures and also served as president of the Connecticut Merchants Exchange National Bank. His brother was Connecticut Governor George Edward Lounsbury (1899-1901). Governor Phineas C. Lounsbury died on June 22, 1925, and is buried at the Ridgefield Cemetery in Ridgefield, Connecticut.

Source

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 1, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

Political Graveyard

University of Connecticut