Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography, genealogical-memorial ...

school periods He was accustomed to as-
sist his father in work about the green-
houses, and at an early age was well
instructed in different phases of the busi-
ness. After completing his schooling he
spent several years in scientific study of
horticulture, and thoroughly applying
himself to his work soon acquired an extensive
knowledge of frhe subject. From
a modest start with a small greenhouse,
occupying a space of 185x22 feet, the
business has steadily and surely grown
until now there are seventy-five thousand
square feet under glass. Mr. Thomson
makes a specialty of growing roses, car-
nations, violets, sweet peas and chrysanthemums,
although at all times is alert to
the desire of the public and produces
those varieties for which there is a popular
demand. Now and then Mr. Thomson
grows a crop of hot house vegetables,
such as tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce.
For all of his products, flowers and vege-
tables, there is always a ready market,
as the high grade of their excellence is
widely known. Mr. Thomson is a mem-
ber of the Hartford Florist Association,
in which organization he holds the office
of treasurer. He is a public-spirited man,
and takes a keen interest in any movement
that will better the general welfare;
however, Mr. Thomson's business inter-
ests and home ties occupy the greater
part of his time, and he does not seek to
hold public office, performing his share
in the role of a private citizen.
He married Rebekah Wheeler, daughter
of Benjamin P. Wheeler, of North
Stonington, Connecticut, and they are the
parents of the following children : Jeanette
Metcalf. Emily Kimbly, William
Pomeroy, Douglass Wallace. Mr. Thom-
son and his family are regular attendants
of the Congregational church, in which
Mr. Thomson takes an active part. He
has held various offices and is at the pres-
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
JOI
ent time a member of the society com-
mittee.
REYNOLDS, George Albert,
Useful Citizen.
A well known and distinguished citizen
of Hartford, Connecticut, identified with
the best interests of that city for many
years. George Albert Reynolds, clerk of
the fire board for over twenty years, held
a high place in the esteem of his contem-
poraries.
Mr. Reynolds was born October 23,
1846, in New Haven, Connecticut, son of
William and Jane D. (Linde) Reynolds,
and died July 24, 1918, at Hartford, that
State. He was a descendant of worthy
ancestors, among them being the Rev.
John Davenport, of New Haven, and the
Hon. Henry Wolcott, of Windsor. Mr.
Reynolds' early home in New Haven was
the old Davenport place on Elm street,
where the regicides were concealed. His
education was received in the public
schools, and when but a boy he began his
career in the business world as paymaster's
clerk aboard the United States gunboat
"Paul Jones," under paymaster
Thomas L. Tullock. After the close of
the Civil War, Mr. Reynolds entered bus-
iness in civil life in the New York office
of the Hartford Life & Accident Insur-
ance Company, remaining there for four
years. He then returned to his native
city, and the ensuing decade was spent
in the carriage building business asso-
ciated with George T. Newhall. a well
known manufacturer. In 1880 Mr. Rey-
nolds became identified with the business
life of Hartford, and from that time until
his death was an active worker in all mat-
ters pertaining to the general welfare of
the city. He was employed in the office
of the Pratt & Whitney Company for
many years, and at the time of his resig-