Henry Roberts

Henry Roberts graduated from Hartford Public High School (1873), Yale University (1877), and Yale Law School (1879).

Hartford Woven Wire Mattress Company

In 1880, Roberts entered the employ of the Hartford Woven Wire Mattress Company. He was named secretary in 1884. He became president in 1886, as the need for a new plant became evident. The company built a large factory on Capitol Avenue, allowing it to double its workforce by 1889. He served as president until 1907 when the company dissolved.

Connecticut Politics 

In 1897, Roberts entered politics serving as alderman of Hartford. He then served as a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives (1899-1901), the Connecticut State Senate (1901-1902), and as lieutenant governor (1903-1905). 

Connecticut Governor 

In 1904, Roberts won the Republican gubernatorial nomination and was elected Governor of Connecticut. During his tenure, legislation banned bakeries from operating below ground level. A bill systematized the operation of automobiles. And jail sentences were administered for the nonsupport of wives.

Roberts’ governorship ended in January 1907. He returned to his various business interests. He served as president of the Hartford Water Board and was a trustee of the Slater Industrial School in North Carolina.