Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography, genealogical-memorial ...

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Tradition says that he served in the War confidence inspired by his ability and
of 1812 with the rank of captain.
(II) Belden Light, son of David Light,
was born in Carmel, New York, and in
middle life removed to New Canaan, Connecticut.
There, as well as in Carmel, he
engaged in agricultural pursuits. While
an upholder of Republican principles, he
was never a political worker. He married
Ann Keenan, daughter of Owen Keenan.
Their children were: Mary E., married
Charles E. Hall, of South Norwalk
, of Bridgeport ; John Henry, of
whom further; Frederick B., of Stamford;
William, of Butte City, Montana; Melin-
da, of Norwalk; Rodney, a sketch of
whom follows ; and two children who died
young. The family were members of the
Congregational church. Belden Light
died in New Canaan.
(III) John Henry Light, son of Belden
and Ann (Keenan) Light, was born
March 27, 1855, in Carmel, New York,
and was in his 'teens when the family removed
to New Canaan. His early educa-
tion was received in local public schools,
and he afterward studied at the Chamber-
lain Institute, Randolph, New York, grad-
uating in 1880. For several years there-
after he was engaged in teaching, at the
same time pursuing the study of law, and
in September, 1883, was admitted to the
bar. His preceptor during his course of
preparation was the Hon. Levi Warner,
of Norwalk, former member of Congress.
From the time of his admission to the
bar, Mr. Light has been engaged in the
active practice of his profession. His advancement
was rapid, and he reached, at
a comparatively early period in his ca-
reer, the commanding position which he
has so long held. For twenty-four years,
from 1884 to 1908, he was corporation
counsel of the old city of South Norwalk,
the fact that he retained his office under
both parties showing how great was the
;
33i
character. From 1896 to 1900 he was
prosecuting attorney, an office for which
he was peculiarly fitted by reason of his
keen insight into the motives and merits
of men.
In 1900 Mr. Light was made judge of
the Criminal Court of Common Pleas, of
Fairfield county, and the same qualities
which had made him a leader of the bar
found a wider sphere of action and at-
tained greater development while he sat
upon the bench. When he retired in 1905
and his record passed into the history of
the county, he was followed by the sin-
cere gratitude, hearty approval, and pro-
found respect of law-abiding citizens of all
classes and every shade of political opin-
ion. The principles advocated by the Re-
publican party have always been those to
which Judge Light has given his undivided
allegiance, and even as a young man
he came to the front in their support. In
1898, in the State Convention of his party,
he nominated the Hon. George E. Lounsbury
for governor, the speech in which he
placed his name before the convention at
once ranking him among the foremost or-
ators of Connecticut. He served a term
as county treasurer, and occupied a seat
on the school board, also acting for many
years as school visitor.
Higher honors and greater trusts
awaited him and were not slow in seek-
ing his acceptance. During the adminis-
tration of Governor Simeon E. Baldwin,
Mr. Light filled the office of attorney gen-
eral of the State, and in 1898 he was a
member of the State House of Represen-
tatives, serving as house chairman of the
committee on incorporations and consti-
tutional amendments. In 1899 he was returned
to the Legislature, and in 1901 was
speaker of the House. Times without
number he has served as a delegate to
conventions, and he has been constantly