Dudley Ely
Dudley Pettibone Ely | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Simsbury, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Died | July 9, 1895 (aged 77) |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, real estate investor, politician |
| Known for | Inaugural mayor of South Norwalk, Connecticut; president of Norwalk Gas Light Company and South Norwalk Savings Bank; founder president of Norwalk Iron Works Company and South Norwalk Printing Company |
Dudley Pettibone Ely (November 16, 1817 – July 9, 1895) served as the inaugural mayor of South Norwalk, Connecticut, holding office from 1870 to 1872 and again between 1876 and 1877.
Early life and family
Ely was born in Simsbury, Connecticut as the youngest child of Benjamin Ely, an alumnus of Yale University. His professional journey commenced with managing a retail establishment in West Hartland, Connecticut. Subsequently, he moved to New York City to join his brother’s bookkeeping business, eventually becoming a partner. In 1861, Ely settled in South Norwalk.
Business pursuits
Upon relocating to South Norwalk, Ely established himself as a leading banker and real estate investor, ultimately becoming the city's largest landowner. He was responsible for constructing the Hotel Mahackemo, which became the most extensive commercial block in the area. Ely held presidential roles at several major organizations: he led the Norwalk Gas Light Company for over two decades, directed the South Norwalk Savings Bank for more than ten years, and was the founding president of both the Norwalk Iron Works Company and the South Norwalk Printing Company. In addition to these roles, he served on the boards of the Danbury and Norwalk Railroad Company, the Norwalk Horse Railroad Company, and various fire insurance companies across Connecticut and New York.
Ely also served as president of the Fairfield County Agricultural Society while managing a suburban farm focused on poultry production. He was a notable supporter of the Children's Aid Society and maintained active involvement in the Congregational church community in South Norwalk.
In 1895, Ely was a plaintiff in the significant legal matter Town of Andes v Ely.