FRANK C. BUSHNELL

     Frank C. Bushnell, now filling the office of president of the F. C. Bushnell Company, wholesale grocers, and one of New Haven's well known and successful business men, is descended from an old and distinguished family of the state, being a representative in the ninth generation of the descendants of Francis Bushnell, the immigrant ancestor of the family, who was the third signer of the Guilford covenant in 1639. Deacon William Chapman Bushnell, father of Frank C. Bushnell of this review, was a half-brother of Cornelius Scranton Bushnell, the builder of the famous Monitor, the ironclad that defeated the Merrimac in the Civil war. Deacon Bushnell was a farmer of Madison, Connecticut, where he spent his entire life. He represented that town in the legislature and was a leader in religious work in Madison, serving as leader of the choir in the Congregational church, as superintendent of the Sunday School and as deacon for many years. For his first wife he chose Cynthia Ann Griswold, who died when her son, Frank C. Bushnell was about seven years of age. William C. Bushnell died in 1891.
     Frank C. Bushnell was born at Madison, April 16, 1847, the eldest of a family of five children, and in his youthful days worked upon his father's farm, having the opportunity to attend school for only about three months in the year. At the age of seventeen he came to New Haven and secured a position tallying freight at Bell Dock freight houses. He continued at that work for two years at small wages. He then drove a four horse team for Scott & Shelton for about four years. His wages at first were only three hundred dollars per year and expenses but were increased to fifteen hundred dollars per year and expenses at the time he left their employ. He was next connected with the old grocery firm of Bushnell & Dewell, the senior partner being Nathan Bushnell, his uncle, whose interests were afterward bought by J. D. Dewell. Our subject was subsequently admitted to a partnership and the name changed to J. D. Dewell & Company, this connection being retained until 1896. Frank C. Bushnell withdrew and in 1896 established what is now the F. C. Bushnell Company, of which he has since been president. Not all days in the commercial career of Mr. Bushnell have been equally bright. In fact, he has moved forward in the face of almost insurmountable obstacles. Several times severe losses have come to him and in November, 1916, his plant was destroyed by fire. Immediately after the fire a temporary store was secured and the business went on as usual. Then a large five-story building at 209 Water street was purchased and rearranged to suit the needs of the business, including a new and complete office. The firm was then ready to move into the new quarters on the 16th of April, 1917, and it was on that same day that Mr. Bushnell celebrated the seventieth anniversary of his birth. Although he has now passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, he is still hale and hearty and appears a much younger man. Mr. Bushnell is widely known in trade circles and has served as president of the Executive Association of the New England Wholesale Grocers.
     On the 24th of November, 1873, Mr. Bushnell was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Dee, of Madison, a daughter of Erastus and Abigail (Conklin) Dee. They have one daughter, Charlotte Ann, the wife of Charles W. Birely, a well known attorney of New Haven and now clerk of the court of appeals. Mr. and Mrs. Birely have four children: Barbara Bushnell, who was born in 1903; Charlotte Bushnell, who was born in 1906; Francis Bushnell, who was born in December, 1908; and Charles W. Jr., who was born in New Haven, December 21, 1912.
      Mr. Bushnell is a stanch supporter of the republican party and is a member of the Young Men's Republican Club. He represented the first ward in the board of aldermen, and was a prime mover in the project that tore down the old state house. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and he is a member of General David Humphrey Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, while along more strictly social lines his connection is with the Union League Club. His strict integrity and business conservatism have made him many friends that have been a great help in his business career.

(Photo attached)