Eliphalet Adams Bulkeley

Born in Colchester, Connecticut, 20 January 1803, the son of John Charles Bulkeley (1772-1844) and Sally Taintor (1775-1834). He died in Hartford, Connecticut, 13 February 1872. Married Lydia Smith Morgan in Colchester, Connecticut, 31 January 1830.

Eliphalet and Lydia had at least five children: Mary Morgan (1833-1835); Charles Edwin (1835-1864); Morgan Gardner (1837-1922); William Henry (1840-1902); Mary (1843-1921) (who later married Leverett Brainard); Eliphalet Adams (1847-1848).

Graduate of Yale College (1824), studied law with William P. Williams in Lebanon, Connecticut. Practiced in East Haddam and became a prominent citizen. Activities in East Haddam: bank president, representative to Connecticut Legislature (1834), state senator from Nineteenth District (1838 and 1840). Moved to Hartford (1847) and had a large law practice, for a time he practiced with Judge Henry Perkins. He was a school fund commissioner and a leaer in politics and town affairs. Represented Hartford in the Connecticut Legislature (1857) and chosen Speaker of the House. Originally he identified as a Whig, but joined the Republicans upon their organization.

In later years he was involved in the life insurance business. Helped organize and served as first president of the Connecticut Mutual Company. Also organized and served as president of the Aetna Life Insurance Company (1850). He stayed interested in Aetna and other corporations throughout his life. "Through his own enterprise, good judgement and sagacity in investment and development of business he accumulated a fortune."