Francis Bell, along with his wife Rebecca, settled in Stamford in 1640. He played a significant role as a militia lieutenant by 1643 and served as a representative to the general court. Bell passed away on January 8, 1689. His legacy includes his children, notably Jonathan, born in September 1641 as Stamford’s first white child, along with Rebecca and Mare (or Mary), born in 1643 and 1646, respectively.
Robert L. Ireland, born on August 20, 1867, in Stratford, Connecticut, was educated at Yale and graduated in 1890. He married Kate Benedict Hanna in 1894, with whom he had two children. Ireland had a notable business career, holding positions at various companies and playing a key role in consolidating shipbuilding interests in the Great Lakes. He served as vice president of the American Ship Building Co. until 1903 and was a partner at M. A. Hanna & Co., remaining active in multiple corporate advisories and clubs.
Charles H. Dodd, born in New York City on February 26, 1838, has significantly impacted the Pacific Northwest’s development over twenty-five years, particularly in Oregon. After early education in Connecticut, he joined the Panama railroad project, which led to diverse experiences in trade and mining. Dodd established a successful hardware business in Portland and became a key advocate for agriculture, aiding settlers by providing implements on credit. His leadership in the State Board of Immigration and the Board of Trade, alongside his dedication to education and community service, marks his legacy as a pivotal figure in the region’s growth.