Edson Fitch (1839-1906)

He was born at Glens Falls, New York, but after losing both parents in childhood he grew up with his paternal grandparents in Norwalk, Connecticut, in the house built by his great-great-grandfather, Thomas Fitch, Colonial Governor of Connecticut. He fought for the Union Army during the Civil War, serving with distinction in 27-engagements and was severely injured in the Battle of the Wilderness. He retired in 1864 while acting as Assistant-Inspector General and Chief of Staff of the 2nd Division of the 2nd Army Corps. In 1867, he came to Canada where he built a splint manufacturing factory at Etchmin, Quebec, that became one of the largest of its kind in the world, employing 500-people. He was President of the Quebec Fish & Game Association; Grand Master of the Freemasons of the Province of Quebec; Grand First Principal of the Royal Arch Masons; and, Governor of the Union and Garrison Clubs of Quebec. He married Mary Bowen, grand-daughter of Chief Justice Edward Bowen, but outlived their children.