Gilderoy Lord - 1872

Gilderoy Lord was born in Brownville in 1816, son of William and Charlotte Lord, previously of Vermont.

He learned the molder’s trade and plow manufacturing in his father’s plant at Brownville, becoming his father’s partner in William Lord & Son. In 1850, Mr. Lord withdrew, came to Watertown with his uncle, Judah Lord, and F.H. Gregory and formed J & G Lord & Company with a foundry and machine shop at 22, 24, and 26 Mill Street on Beebee’s Island. There, they manufactured four successive types of plows, mowing machines, agricultural implements and did general foundry work and machine work. 

In November of 1871, Mr. Lord was elected the second mayor of the City of Watertown and served a one-year term. 
 
He was founder and director of several banks in the City of Watertown including Union Bank of Watertown (1852-1877), its successor National Union Bank (1877-1889) and City National Bank (1890). He was president of the Northern Insurance company in 1875, a founder of Watertown Thermometer company in 1885 and the Union Carriage & Gear Company in 1888. 

He married Lucina Hoyt and the couple had two daughters, Alice L. Wheeler and Frances L. Bennett.

Mr. Lord died at his home on Stone Street in the City of Watertown on May 2, 1891 at the age of 74. He is buried at Brookside Cemetery.