"The Portrait of Albert Bushnell (1839 - 1907)" Oil on canvas.  34 inches by 21 inches.  Not signed. Portrait courtesy of the Jefferson County Historical Society.  Painted at Watertown, New York.   Photograph by Theodore Gegoux III - 2002 © Copyright - All Rights Reserved

Albert was born on April 14th, 1839 in Lorraine Huddle, New York, the son of Doren Bushnell and Sopbronia Peck.  His was married to Harriet Louise Shepard on September 12th, 1866.  They had 3 children - Loren; Lorrie; and Mrs. Fredrick George.  They resided at 20 Sterling Street at Watertown, New York, in a home that they built in 1876.  Albert served in the Union Army from 1861 to 1865.  He died on May 14th, 1907 and was buried at Brookside Cemetery in Watertown.       Albert took his early schooling in LaFargeville and worked for 40 years as a general merchant with a dry goods store that Albert and his brother Jerome formed with Orin R. Davis at 6 Public Square.  At various times in his career Albert was the President of the Watertown Savings Bank; Director of the Watertown National Bank; Director of the Watertown Carriage Company; and Director of the Newton Falls Paper Company.      Obituary of Albert Bushnell - Watertown Times, May 14, 1907.        Death Follows Brief Illness        Albert Bushnell Well Known Business Man Succumbs        An Influential Citizen - Mr. Bushnell was a native of Lorraine and had been in business in Watertown for about 40 yeras.        Albert Bushnell, head of the dry goods house of A. Bushnell & Company and one of the most influential men in the mercantile and manufacturing life of Watertown, died at his home, 29 Sterling street at 1 this morning, aged 68 years.        Mr. Bushnell's death was not unexpected, his condition having been critical since Saturday last.  His decline dates from the death of Colonel James T. Outterson about 5 weeks ago while they, with Mrs. Bushnell and Mrs. Outterson were sojourning at Clear Water, Florida.  Mr. Bushnell and Colonel Outterson were very close friends and the sudden death of the later deeply affected Mr. Bushnell, whose final illness became serious some ten days ago.        In the death of Albert Bushnell, Watertown looses one of her oldest merchants and a man who has been identified with growth and development of Watertown for 40 years.  He was financially and officially interested in many of Watertown's manufacturing enterprises and banking institutions.  While he never courted public office, he was always interested in undertakings for the betterment of the community.  His business record is one of the highest intregity as it was a large success.  His greatest achievement in a material way was the establishment in 1867 of the business in Watertown which now bears his name and which through his personal attention during many years was developed and expanded until it is today the largest retail dry goods establishment in this section of the state.  While devoting his attention to this enterprise, Mr. Bushnell found time to interest himself in other local institutions.  His excellent business judgement and wise counsel in business matters is in large measure responsible for the present prosperous condition of many manufacturing and banking institutions.        At the time of his death he was director of the Watertown National Bank, president of the Watertown Savings Bank, a director of the Watertown Carriage Company, the Newton Falls Paper Company, and the Point Salubrious Club.  He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Black River Club, and the Lincoln League.        Albert Bushnell was born in Lorraine Huddle, April 14, 1839, the son of Doren Bushnell, born in Norwich, Conn. in 1799, and Sophronia Peck of Port Leyden.  While a mere child, he moved with his parents to Lafargeville where his boyhood days were spent and his early education acquired.  On October 16, 1861, Mr. Bushnell enlisted in Company "B" of the 94th New York Volunteers and served to the close of the war.  After receiving his discharge he located in Watertown and in 1867 formed a partnership with his brother, Jerome and established a dry goods and clothing business at 6 Public Square under the name of  J. & A. Bushnell & Davis.  This partnership was later dissolved and Albert Bushnell conducted the business alone until 1884 when the partership of A. Bushnell & Company was formed.  In 1896 the business was incorporated under the firm name.        For nearly 20 years past, Mr. Bushnell had not taken a constantly active interest in his business, but had devoted much time to travel.  He had visited nearly every country of the world and traveled extensively in this country.  He was a most companionable man, being an unusually good conversationalist.  He was a great lover of the woods and his genial presence was ever a source of joy to hunting and fishing parties from Watertown to the Adirondacks or other resorts.        On September 12, 1866, Mr. Bushnell was united in marriage to Hattie Louise Shepard, who survives him.  He was also survived by one son, Loren Bushnell, of the corporation A. Bushnell and Company, and two daughters, Mrs. Frederick George and Miss Lottie Bushnell, all of this city.        The funeral will be held from his late home on Thursday afternoon at 8.  Rev. S. A. Hayt and A. M. Brodie officiating.  Interment will be made in Brookside Cemetery.