Elzear Oliver Mitiguy (1874-1934)

From the Burlington Free Press, September 9, 1931.

  Burlington, Vermont business figure Elzear Oliver Mitiguy was a leading name in that city's civic life in the first half of the 20th century, being the longtime president of the Burlington Drug Company and president of the city chamber of commerce. A former member of the Burlington Board of Aldermen and water commission board, Mitiguy reached his highest degree of political prominence in 1932 when he became the Democratic nominee for Vermont state auditor. The son of Quebec natives Andrew and Elodie (Reeves) Mitiguy, Elzear Oliver Miiguy was born in Enosburg, Vermont on October 17, 1874. 

  A student in schools local to the Enosburg area, Mitiguy graduated from the local high school in 1893 and soon after took employment as a bookkeeper and clerk at a general store in Enosburg. After nine years in that position, Mitiguy relocated to Burlington in 1902, and in that year married to Anna Foran (1880-1951). The couple were wed until Mitiguy's death in 1934 and had three children, Arthur (1905-1974), John Foran (1908-1970) and Mary (died in infancy in 1917).

   In the same year as his marriage, Elzear Mitiguy joined the Hobart J. Shanley and Co., a Burlington bookbinder and seller, in an executive  capacity. He remained with that company for nearly a decade, and in 1910 took work with the Burlington Drug Company as its accountant. He quickly advanced through that company's hierarchy and two years after joining it had assumed the post of secretary. In 1923 he was made president, continuing in that role from 1923-26, and again from 1928 until his death. Mitiguy's previous business dealings and stewardship of the Burlington Drug Company were later lauded in the September 9, 1931 edition of the Burlington Free Press, which noted that:

"His climb to success, while not spectacular, has been steady and his career has been enhanced through his constant work for his community and his fellowmen. For thirty-six years Mr. Mitiguy has been engaged in commerce in Vermont. His efforts have contributed to the continued growth and progress of his firm, his achievements bearing staunch testimony to his faith and belief in Vermont."

  In addition to his business successes, Mitiguy also made headway into the civic, political and religious life of Burlington. A devout Catholic, Mitiguy attended the local Catholic church, was a past Grand Knight of the local Knights of Columbus Chapter, and was a member of the Burlington Country Club. A director of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce beginning in 1922, Mitiguy began his political career at the local level, being a member of the city board of water commissioners and for two years sat on the city board of aldermen.

From the Burlington Free Press, January 31, 1934.

  In 1932 Elzear Mitiguy announced his candidacy for Vermont state auditor of accounts and in that year's Democratic primary won the nomination, polling 3,556 votes. In the general election that November Mitiguy would face Republican nominee Benjamin Gates, who would emerge victorious at the ballot box, polling 79,679 votes to Mitiguy's 42, 935. Following his defeat, Mitiguy continued with his business interests in Burlington and continued to serve on the board of water commissioners until his death at a local hospital on January 30, 1934, aged 59. He was survived by his wife and children and was interred at the St. Joseph Cemetery in Burlington.

From the Burlington Free Press.