George E. Lounsbury

George Edward Lounsbury ( born May 7, 1838 in Pound Ridge, Westchester County, New York; † August 16, 1904 in Ridgefield, Connecticut ) was an American politician and governor of the U.S. state of Connecticut. He was a member of the Republican Party.

Early years and political rise

George Lounsbury graduated in 1863 at Yale University and in 1866 at the Berkeley Divinity School in Middletown, Connecticut. He also teamed up with his brother Phineas in two successful shoe factories, the Lounsbury Brothers Inc., and Lounsbury, Matthewson and Company, together. Lounsbury also worked as Episkopalpastor, but gave up his parish when he got a throat infection. He decided in 1894 to pursue a political career and was a candidate for a seat in the Senate from Connecticut, where he remained following his successful election until 1898.

Governor of Connecticut

Lounsbury won the 1898 Governor Republican nomination and was elected shortly thereafter to the Governor of Connecticut. During his tenure, he put a veto with respect to some bills, which helped to a reduction in the government deficit. One of these laws would have increased school funded Commissioner content and another reduced taxation on railways. The Legislature supported the Governor in all his veto. On January 9, 1901 Lounsbury left office and retired from the public service back.

George E. Lounsbury died on 16 August 1904 and was buried in Ridgefield. He was married to a Frances Josephine Potwin. His brother Phineas was also governor of Connecticut.