John Butler Talcott
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John Butler Talcott | |
|---|---|
 John Butler Talcott by William Merritt Chase | |
| Born | September 14, 1824 |
| Died | February 21, 1905 (aged 80) |
| Education | Class of 1846, Yale University |
| Known for | Founding the New Britain Museum of American Art |
| Spouse(s) | Jane Crosswell Goodwin, Fannie Hall Hazen |
| Relatives | Nephew, painter Allen Butler Talcott |
John Butler Talcott (September 14, 1824 - February 21, 1905) was a New Britain, Connecticut industrialist and philanthropist who founded the New Britain Museum of American Art,[1] the oldest museum dedicated solely to American art.[2][3]
Born in Enfield, Connecticut, John Butler Talcott was a descendant of Thomas Hooker[4] one of the founders of the state of Connecticut. He attended Hartford Public High School with Frederic Edwin Church and was afterwards educated at Yale where he graduated in 1846.[5] He received a law degree but never practiced due to illness. Instead, he became a tutor at Middlebury College and then Yale.[6][7]
By 1851, Talcott had moved to New Britain, a center for manufacturing.[5] There he was introduced to the business of mass-producing clothing hardware such as hooks and eyes used in undergarments and knit goods through Seth J. North.[7] North was the founder of North & Judd, one of New Britain's oldest hardware companies as well as the New Britain Knitting Company, and the father of one of Talcott's classmates at Yale.[6][5][8] The large textile concern had been created in 1848. The two became partners. Talcott eventually became the treasurer, manager and finally president of NBK Co.[9]
Talcott formed a business with Yale classmate Frederick H. North and Seth North's grandson, Oliver Stanley; their venture called North & Stanley would grow and produce military uniforms during the Civil War.[10] North & Stanley shared premises with another hardware company called P. & F. Corbin and Talcott became a charter director of that entity as well.[11]
John's brother James Talcott, and several other New Britain figures helped make the New Britain Knitting Company flourish.[12] The two Talcotts subsequently formed the American Hosiery Company in 1868 with locations in New Britain and New York City.[13] Both companies became well known for making shirts, fine hosiery and underwear. Having also served as the secretary and treasurer of American Hosiery, Talcott became president of the company in 1885.[6]
In 1904, Talcott led American Hosiery to win a Silver Medal at the St. Louis World's Fair for its fine products. Wool for these items was imported from Australia, a first for any US knit goods manufacturer.[14]
Politics
Talcott had several civic roles including his service on New Britain's city council, a term as alderman, and finally as the 5th mayor of New Britain serving for two terms.[15][16]
