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Full text of "A modern history of New Haven and eastern New Haven County"

A MODERN HISTORY 

OF 

NEW HAVEN 

AND 

EASTERN NEW HAVEN 
COUNTY 



ILLUSTRATED 



VOLUME II 



NEW YORK -:- CHICAGO 

THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY 

1918 



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BIOGRAPHICAL 



CORNELIUS SCRANTON BIJSHNELI.. 

Cornelius Scranton Bushnell, one of Connecticut's most distinguished men, was born in 
Madison, Connecticut, July 18, 1828, and died in New York city, ilay 6, 1896. He made 
for himself a place in the country's history by most valuable services rendered to both his 
state and to the nation. He was a descendant of a prominent old Connecticut family, 
being of the eighth generation of Francis Bushnell, who came from England and settled in 
Guilford, Connecticut, where he was the third signer of the Guilford Agreement in 1639. 
The line comes on down through Lieutenant William Bushnell, Samuel Bushnell, Jonathan 
Bushnell, Jonathan Bushnell II, Nathan Bushnell and Nathan Bushnell II, who was his 
father. 

He spent his youthful days in his father's home and largely assisted in farm work 
and in the operation of his father's stone quarry. He made good use of the opportunities 
offered in the village school, which he attended during the winter months. When fifteen 
years of age he shipped on a coasting vessel, and before a j'car had passed was master 
of a sixty-ton schooner. He practiced close economy during the succeeding five years and 
saved the sum of twenty-seven hundred dollars, which he invested in a house in New 
Haven, making this city his home throughout his remaining days. On attaining his 
majority he formed a partnership witli his brother, Nathan Townsend Bushnell, for the 
conduct of a wholesale and retail grocery business in New Haven, and developed the 
largest enterprise of the kind in the state. Readily discerning opportunities, he utilized 
these to the best possible advantage and thus his activities constantly broadened in 
scope and importance. In 1858 he became interested in the New Haven and New London 
Railroad Company, which was struggling to weather a financial crisis. It seemed that train 
service must be abandoned unless a larger earning capacity could be secured. This it was 
calculated could be done if the road was extended to Stonington, Connecticut. At a con- 
ference of the stockholders this course was adopted and Mr. Bushnell was chosen president 
of the road. He immediately set himself to the task of procuring funds with which to 
build the extension. He not only used his own credit freely but secured the cooperation 
of progressive financiers and executed the proposed plan, which included ferryboat trans- 
fers at New London. In 1860 trains began to run through from Stonington to New York. 
The road met great opposition on the part of the New Y'ork & New Haven Railroad Com- 
pany, which refused to sell through tickets or to check baggage to the New Haven & New 
London road (as it was then called), owing to a previous contract with the Hartford & 
Springfield road. Mr. Bushnell appealed to the state legislature and, assisted by Hon. 
Charles R. Ingersoll, then representative from New Haven and afterward governor of the 
state, he secured the passage of a bill compelling the rival road to afford this Shore Line 
railroad equal facilities with those granted other lines. Even then the rival road would 
not comply until the supreme court issued mandatory orders after long litigation. It was 
also necessary to engage in a long and persistent effort before the postoffice authorities would 
recognize the road by sending mail over the line. In this contest Mr. Bushnell was obliged 
to spend much time at Washington and became well acquainted with the heads of various 
government departments. Writing of this period of his life, a contemporary biographer has 
■laid: "The Civil war was seen to be inevitable. Washington was full of disloyal con- 

5 



6 A MODERX HISTORY OF NEW HAVEX 

spirators and the city was practically without defense. When Fort Sumter was bom- 
barded, on April 13 to 13, 1861, Mr. Bushnell was in the capital on business connected with 
the road, when he with others enlisted as a jirivate soldier in the Hay Battalion for the 
purpose of guarding the public buildings and residences of officials until troops arrived. 
He performed service from April LS to May 4, 1861, being 'mustered in' April 18 and hon- 
orably discharged May 4. His discharge paper bears the signature of President Lincoln 
and of Simon Cameron, the secretary of war, with an expression of the thanks of the gov- 
ernment for his most valuable services rendered at tliat critical time. Tliis service made 
Mr. Bushnell eligible to membership in the Grand Army of the Republic and he was duly 
'mustered' as a member of Admiral Foote Post, No. 17, Department of Connecticut, June 
5, 1886, and was buried with Grand Army honors. He was one of the active organizers 
of the Union Pacific Railroad Company and a potent factor in pushing this great enterprise to 
completion, and was the only one of the original organizers who remained with the road 
from its inception to the beginning of its operation. He was one of the largest Subscribers 
to the underwriting of securities issued by the Union Pacific Railroad Company. In dis- 
tributing tliese securities in Europe he employed Andrew Carnegie as selling agent, whose 
commissions for disposing of these stocks and bonds in Europe amounted to several hun- 
dred thousand dollars. When Mr. Carnegie was asked by Mr. Bushnell what use he pro- 
posed to make of these funds, the answer was, 'I am going to put this money into the steel 
business in Pittsburgh.' This employment of young Carnegie really laid the foundation 
for the now great United States Steel Company and Mr. Carnegie's great wealth. 

"Before the Civil war actually began, Mr. Bushnell had been impressed with the need of 
better naval forces. He seemed to have been providentially selected to give the country 
most timely and dramatic assistance in this respect. He foresaw the necessity of armored 
vessels and the requirements of the navy in the war of a stronger tj'pe of vessel than we 
then possessed. He established a shipyard at Fair Haven, Connecticut, and built many steam 
vessels and other craft for the Federal government under the supervision of Samuel H. 
Pook, a naval constructor, of Boston. With the assistance of Mr. Pook he developed the 
plans for the ironclad war vessel which he named the Galena, for the building of which he 
received a contract from the government, under the provisions of a law secured by Hon. 
James E. English, the representative at tliat time in congress from New Haven district, 
authorizing the secretary of the navy to appoint three naval experts to examine all plans 
for armored vessels and adopt whatever might be approved. But some naval officers and 
others doubted the stability of the Galena under the weight of armor proposed, and it was 
while Mr. Bushnell was consulting mechanical engineers as to the probable stability of the 
Galena that the most momentous incident in his life occurred, and this was his meeting 
with Captain John Ericsson, of New York, from whose drawings the Monitor was built. 
Not only was this meeting a most fortunate event for the United States, but it also marked 
the step in the cliange from wooden to armored war vessels. Mr. Bushnell thus describes 
his historic interview with Ericsson: 'C. H. Delaniater, of New York, advised me to consult 
with the engineer. Captain John Ericsson, on the question of the stability of the Galena; 
this I proceeded at once to do, and on supplying him with the data necessary for his cal- 
culations promptly gained the answer, "She will easily carry the load you propose and also 
stand a six-inch shot if fired from a respectable distance." At the close of^the interview, 
Captain Ericsson asked if I had time just then to examine the plan of a floating battery 
absolutely impregnable to the heaviest shot or shell. I replied that this problem had been 
occupying me for the last three months, and that considering tlio time required for the 
construction, the Galena Avas the best result I had been able to obtain. He then placed 
before me the plan of this ironclad, shot-proof steam battery, subsequently called the 
Monitor. He explained how quickly she could be built, and exhibited with characteristic 
pride a medal and letter of thanks received from Napoleon IH, for it appears that Ericsson 
had submitted his drawings of this peculiar craft when France and Russia were at war, 
and out of hostility to Russia had presented it to France, hoping thereby to aid the defeat 
of Sweden's hereditary foe. The plans, however, were submitted tix) late to be of service 
In that war.' 

"Mr. Bushnell was entrusted with the Monitor model and plans by Captain Ericsson, 
with which he was delighted and at once sought the secretary of the navy. Hon. Gideon 
Welles, who was then temporarily at his home in Hartford, where he explained the possi- 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 7 

bilities of this strange looking craft to Secretary Welles. The secretary advised Mr. 
Busbnell to present the plans immediately to the naval board, and accordingly he went to 
Washington, after securing the cooperation of Hon. .John A. Griswokl, of New York, and 
John F. Winslow, of the Troy Iron Works, of Troy, New York, both friends of Governor 
Seward, and also large manufacturers of iron plates. Governor Seward furnished them with 
a strong letter of introduction to President Lincoln, who was at once greatly pleased with 
the simplicity of the plans and agreed to accompany them to the navy department at 
eleven o'clock next day and advise earnest consideration of the plans of this entirely new 
design for a battleship. 'President Lincoln was on hand i)romptly,' writes Mr. Bushnell 
in his letter to Secretary Welles. 'Captain Fox was also present, with part of the naval 
board. All were surprised at the novelty of the plan. Some advised trying it; others ridi- 
culed it. The conference was finally closed for that day by Mr. Lincoln's remarking: ''All 
I have to say is what the girl said when she put her foot into tlie stocking, 'It strikes nie 
there is something in it.' " The following day Admiral Smith convened the full board, when 
I presented the drawings and model as best I could, carefully noting the remarks of each 
member of the board. I then went to my hotel, quite sanguine of success, but only to be 
disappointed the following day, for during the hours following the last session I found 
that the air had been thick with croakings that the department was about to father another 
Ericsson failure. Never was 1 more active than now in the clfort to prove that Ericsson 
had never made a failure, that on the contrary he had built for the government the first 
steam propelled war vessel ever made; that the bursting of the gun on the Princeton was 
no fault of his, but of the shell. » » * j succeeded at length in getting Admirals Smith 
and Paulding to promise to sign a report advising the building of one trial battery, pro- 
vided Captain Davis would join them. On going to him I was informed that I might "take 
the little thing home and worship it, as it would not be idolatory because it was made in 
the image of nothing in the heaven above, or the earth below, or in the waters under the 
earth." One thing yet remained which it was possible to do. This was to get Ericsson to 
come to "Washington and plead the case himself.' Mr. Bushnell returned to New York and 
had to use some clever diplomacy to induce Ericsson to go to Washington, for the reason 
that Ericsson believed himself so unjustly treated in the Princeton affair that he had 
repeatedly declared that he would never set foot in Washington again. Mr. Bushnell told 
him that Admiral Smith said it was worthy of the genius of an Ericsson (how well liistory 
justified Mr. Bushnell's tact and power of persuasion), and that Paulding said it was just 
the thing to clear the 'Rebs' out of Charleston, but that Captain Davis wanted two or 
thr-ee explanations in detail which Mr. Bushnell could not give, and so Secretary Welles 
proposed that he should get Ericsson to come to Washington to explain to the entire board 
in his room next day. Ericsson went. 'You remember,' wrote Mr. Bushnell to Secretary 
Welles, 'how he thrilled every person present in your room with his compreliensive descrip- 
tion of what the little floating battery would be and what she could do; that in ninety 
days' time she could be built, although the Rebels had already been four montli> at work 
on the ironclad Merrimac at the Norfolk navy yard, with all the appliames of the yard 
to help them.' The board ultimately recommended the contract, and on tlie next day most 
of the material for construction was bought. After the work of construction had begun, 
at the Continental Iron Works at Greenpoint, Long Island, under verbal contract made at 
the time with Thomas F. Rowland, agent, formally executed October 25, 1861, and before 
the formal contract was signed by the Government, October 6, 1861, a surprising demand 
was made that the inventor and his associates should be compelled to give a bond to refund 
the money advanced by the Government during construction, in case of the vessel's failure 
to fulfill tlie conditions of tlie contract. As one of tlie sureties to the Government for 
the satisfactory contract performance of the Monitor, together with Hon. N. D. Sperry, 
of New Haven, and Daniel Drew, of New Y'ork, Mr. Bushnell risked all his i)roperty on his 
faith in the success of the undertaking. Secretary Welles wrote to Mr. Bushnell on March 
19, 1877, that 'Next, after Ericsson himself, you are entitled to the credit of bringing his 
invention to the knowledge of the department.' What the Monitor that Mr. Bushnell and 
his associates built did for the Union is one of the most tlirilliiig and important cliapters 
of the Civil war, for it was the beginning of the final ending of that great history of our 
Union of States in the war of 1861-65." 

Hon. J. Rice Winchell, of New Haven, in his memorial to Mr. Bushnell, wrote: "Had 



8 A :\I()I)KK.\ HISTORY OF NEW IIAVEX 

it not been for Mr. Bushnell's intuitive and instant perception of the masterful complete- 
ness of Ericsson's drawings of the vessel; had he wavered a moment in doubt, or had he been 
for an instant iiifhunui'd by the seltish and sordid tlioii^^lit that liis interests in the Galena 
might be jeopardized by his advocacy of the merits of the Jlonitor, all would have been 
lost — there would have been no Monitor, there would have been no consummate flower of 
triumph at Hampton Roads — there would have been no Ericsson honored and sung by every 
civilized nation. Also there might have been no magnificent Union stretching from shore 
to shore under one starry flag over all, from the lakes to the gulf.'' 

It should be borne in mind, too, that the Monitor was still the property of its build- 
ers to the extent of $08,750 when she defeated the Merrimac, and this was not paid until 
March 14, 1862, or five days after the Monitor and Merrimac's battle. A quarter interest 
each was owned by Mr. Bushnell, Captain Ericsson, Mr. Griswold and Mr. Winslow. After- 
wards eight more Monitor batteries were constructed by Mr. Bushnell and associates, and 
operated largely at the siege of Charleston in 1865, and other historic battles. The Puritan 
and Dictator, improved and larger types of such vessels, were built, either of which at that 
time could have contended successfully with the navy of any other nation in the world. 

Business in connection with the execution of his contracts for those vessels took Mr. 
Bushnell often to Washington. He gave the closest attention to the business of the Pacific 
Railroad after Senator Dixon, of Hartford, placed his name in the original Pacific Rail- 
road bill, and in 1863, on attending the meeting for the organization of the railroad at 
Chicago, he was appointed a member of the committee to secure subscriptions to the stock 
for the many millions of dollars required, while twenty per cent, must be paid in before 
business could be begun. Mr. Bushnell secured more than three-fourths of the required 
two millions and was the largest subscriber to the capital stock. He was also largely 
instrumental in securing the congi-essional amendment of 1864, which made it possible to 
complete the road. He was the only corporator who remained with the company until the 
road was completed and in successful operation. He then turned his attention to other 
railroad projects, unfortunately becoming interested in the Atlantic end of the Southern 
Pacific Railroad Company. Then came the widespread financial panic of 1873 with the re- 
pudiation by Louisiana of its state bonds, and the company from which Mr. Bushnell was 
to have received millions of dollars on contracts failed, and so embarrassed him financially 
that he was compelled to suspend, thus witnessing the destruction of a fortune which he 
had been twenty years in accumulating. Then followed a period in which he suff'ered greatly 
from ill health, largely caused from anxiety and disappointment, and yet his resolute 
spirit pressed on in the face of almost insurmountable dilficulties. In 1864 he purchased 
an extensive iron property called Iron Ridge, in Wisconsin, built a blast furnace, >ising char- 
coal for fuel, and manufactured pig iron at a lower price per ton than any other furnace 
in the country. He later sold the business at a large profit to the Byron Kilbirn Rolling 
Mill Company. Associated with others, he purchased the Winnemuck, a large lead and sil- 
ver mine in Bingham, Utah, which was later sold at a profit of more than three hundred 
thousand dollars to English capitalists. In 1871-2 Mr. Bushnell erected the Masonic Temple 
in New Haven at a cost of more than two hundred thousand dollars, and he also built the 
horse railroad bridge between Cincinnati and Covington, Kentucky, a great wire bridge ox- 
tending for several miles into the latter city. 

On July 19, 1849, Mr. Bushnell married Emilie Fowler Clark, who was born at New 
Haven in 1829 and died January 10, 1869. On March 15, 1870, he married Mrs. Caroline Mary 
(Paddock) Hughston, the widow of Hon. J. A. Hughston and a daughter of Hon. Joseph W. 
and Mary (Welles) Paddock, the former a New York lawyer and member of congress and 
also consul to China. Mrs, Bushnell was born in 1833 and died July 4, 1887. On June 2."). 
1889, Mr. Bushnell was married to Mrs. Ford, a widow, who survives him. His children 
were all born of his first marriage. Sereno Scranton, born August 12, 1850; Rev. Samuel 
Clark, born March 8. 1852; Charlotte Beecher, born August 25, 1853, was married April 9, 
1884, to Gilbert L. Watson, residence, Parkersburg, West Virginia; Cornelius Judson, born 
September 20, 1855; Nathan, born July 22, 1857; Henry Northrop, born March 13, 1859, dieil 
in Baldwinsville, New York, in 1875; Ericsson Foote, born December 10, 1862; Winthrop 
Grant, born March 20, 1864, is mentioned elsewhere in this work; Edward William, born 
December 25, 1866, died in Lima. West Virginia, October 29, 1916; Levi Ives, born December 
26, 1868, was drowned in Long Island sound August 8, 1890. 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 11 

His religious faith was that of the Congregational church and he was prominently iden- 
tified with the Howe Street and later with the Dwight Place church of New Haven. In 
politics he was a republican. He was an extraordinary man, a typical example of American 
pertinacity and versatile ability. Larger in stature and physical development than ordinary 
men, he excelled them also in activity and the power of comprehending great things. . His 
youth was such as to develop an inherited strong body, and the influence of his home life 
instilled into his mind the foundation of a sterling character. His fellow townsmen, appre- 
ciating the prominence of Mr. Bushnell and the important part which he had played in the 
life of his state and the nation, organized the Cornelius S. Bushnell National Memorial As- 
sociation and with the aid of five thousand dollars, appropriated by the Connecticut general 
assembly, erected to his memory a fitting monument, which was unveiled May 30, 1906, in 
New Haven, in Monitor Park. It was designed by Herbert Adams; and Charles N. Pratt, 
landscape architect, designed the pedestal. The monument is an artistic and substantial 
granite structure, surmounted with a beautiful bronze American eagle on the defensive 
with wings uplifted, and an inscription to the honor and greatful remembrance of the services 
to the country of John Ericsson and Cornelius S. Bushnell. As historian of the Cornelius S. 
Bushnell National Memorial Association, William S. Wells, of New Haven, Second Assistant 
Engineer (Late), United States Navy, wrote "The Story of the Monitor," which he compiled 
for the fii'st time in book form from original records. Mr. Wells also delivered an eloquent 
address at the unveiling of the memorial of Mr. Bushnell in New Haven, May 30, 1906. 
His address, together with a tribute to the memory of Cornelius S. Bushnell by the Hon. J. 
Rice Winchell, collector of the port of New Haven, was printed in a later edition of "The 
Story of the Monitor," and will be generally found in public libraries. At the time of Mr. 
Bushnell's demise editorials of the New Haven papers and others concerning him appeared 
laudatory of the beneficent services his untiring life gave to our country and to the world. 



WINTHROP GRANT BUSHNELL. 

It was a favorite little joke of the late Cornelius S. Bushnell that he had "over fifty 
feet of boys, or nine sons, and a sister for eacli." The answer, of course, was one sister — 
Charlotte. The only son now residing in Connecticut, Winthrop Grant, the subject of this 
sketch, was born in New Haven. Marcli 20, 1864. He fitted for college at Hillhouse high 
school, class of 1884, and graduated from Yale in the class of 1888. In college he was a 
member of his class crew and football team, and he won the Cleveland cup in a hotly con- 
tested single scull race. He was a member of the Psi Upsilon fraternity. Without pre- 
tending t(i be even an oi-dinarily good singer, utilizing the reimtation of liis brothers Ericsson 
and Jiidson, both fine singers, he managed to hold the position of solo bass in the quartet 
of St. Paul's church, New Haven, for four years, and in his senior year was a member of the 
Yale Glee Club; thus he almost literally sang and worked his way through college. Intend- 
ing to make journalism his life work, he won a place in sophomore year as editor of the 
Vale Daily News, and as busines.'i manager of that journal in senior year earned a con- 
siderable sum of money and valuable experience, which led to his engagement just after 
graduation as night editor of the New Haven Journal and Courier, whose "chair of journalism 
for half a century had been filled at the rate of fifteen dollars per week," so he was told 
on taking the job, by Editor Pratt, "and any application for an increase in compensation 
above that salary would be considered the same as a resignation." With this cheerless 
prospect for advancement, he remained in that position nine months, long enough, however, 
to convince himself that routine newspaper work had little promise for him. He thereupon 
secured a position in the sales department of the Edison Company of New York city, as 
Connecticut representative, and after close study qualified himself as commercial engineer 
for the practical applications of electricity for lighting, power transmission and traction. He 
equipped a majority of the. public service corporations in Connecticut with suitable electrical 
apparatus, and continued with the Edison Company and its successor, the General Electric 
Company, seventeen years, until January 1, 1906, when he resigned to care for and develop 
public utilities which he owned or controlled. Among them was the New Milford Power 
Company, a ten thousand horse power hydro-electric plant nearly completed, in 1904, on 



12 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

the Houaatonic river, with transmission lines to Waterbury and New Britain, Connecticut, 
and a thirty year contract to sell its entire output, wholesale, in those cities, on terms 
which would within two years show a net profit per annum of at least fifty thousand dollars, 
after deducting all charges. But there were certain unsolved problems about this enter- 
prise and nobody seemed to care to tackle them or to appreciate the value of this property 
until some months after Mr. Bushnell had purchased seventy-five per cent, of its capital 
stock, subject to an outstanding mortgage indebtedness of one million dollars, and a con- 
siderable floating indebtedness. By wise constructive and financial methods he developed this 
property and within a year sold it to the Connecticut Railway & Lighting Company for use 
as its main source of electricity for lighting and power in central Connecticut. With Mr. 
Samuel C. Morehouse, of New Haven, as partner and attorney, he developed and sold an 
electric lighting property in Camaguey, the largest inland city of Cuba. Associated with the 
late A. M. Young and others, he built street railway and lighting properties in southern New 
England and the middle west, but disposed of all his street railway interests several years 
ago, retaining his interest in certain electric lighting and power properties, of which the 
largest is the Connecticut Power Company, of which company he is the vice president. This 
company has developed and is operating a twelve thousand horse power hydroelectric plant 
at Falls Village, Connecticut, and transmits its power to various public utilities located 
at Torrington, Thomaston, Bristol, New Britain, Hartford and Middletown. In the latter 
city the same company owns and operates the entire ligliting and power property, as also 
that at New London, Connecticut, and elsewhere in northwestein Connecticut, under the 
control and management of Stone & Webster, whom ilr. Bushnell selected as partners in thig 
particular enterprise in 1912. 

Mr. Bushnell is a member of the Union League Club and the Railroad Club of New 
York city; the Quinnipiac, Graduates', Lawn and Country Clubs of New Haven; the Hart- 
ford Club; the Waterbury Country Club; and the Pine Orchard Club, of Pine Orchard, where 
he resides in the summer. In politics Mr. Bushnell is an independent republican. He is 
a member of the Center church. New Haven. In June, 1911, he married Harriet Elizabeth, 
daughter of the late Captain Levi T. Scofield, a prominent architect of Cleveland, Ohio, and 
he has two daughters, Elizabeth, born April 22, 1912, and Ann Cornelia, born January 6, 1918. 

During 1917 Mr. Bushnell was state chairman of the executive committee of the Young 
Men's Christian Association, which undertook to raise in Connecticut one million dollars 
of the thirty-five million dollars national budget for war work. In this campaign Con- 
necticut was the first state to raise its quota, lifting it finally to one million four hundred 
thousand dollars. Mi'. Bushnell was also chairman of the executive committee in the June 
campaign, same year. New Haven American Red Cross, which accepted a budget of two 
hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and raised four hundred and fifty thousand dollars, for 
war work. He is a director of the Young Men's Christian Association of New Haven, and 
member of the executive committee. New Haven Chapter, American Red Cross. With due 
appreciation of out-of-door life he is an ardent lover of golf, and in 1916 and 1917 was 
captain of the New Haven Country Club golf team. He has won some personal trophies, 
the best being the club championship in March, 1917, of the Ormond Beach Country Club, 
Ormond, Florida. In winning this open competition among one hundred entries without 
handicap, Mr. Bushnell modestly admitted that he had more "nerve" than "science." Some 
say this victory marked the zenith of his prowess as a golfer. If true, he never will admit it. 



HENRY LUCIUS HOTCHKISS. 

The name of Henry Lucius Hotchkiss has long figured prominently in connection with 
manufacturing and financial interests of New Haven, his native city. He is identified with 
various corporations, including The L. Candee & Company, of which he is the president. He 
represents a family that has been connected with the development of New Haven for more 
than two hundred and fifty years. It was in 1641 that Samuel Hotchkiss, a native of Essex 
county, England, crossed the Atlantic and became a resident of New Haven. 

In a review of the commercial development of the city it is found that .Justus Hotchkiss, 
who died in 1813, was a prominent lumber merchant on Long Wharf in the nineteenth century 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 13 

and there the lumber business was continued until 1850 by Henry and Lucius Hotchkiss, who 
were sons of Justus Hotchkiss. On the 7th of September, 1843, these two entered into a 
partnership with L. Candee to undertake the manufacture of rubber boots and shoes under the 
Goodyear patent, and in 1852 the business was incorporated under the already well known firm 
of L. Candee & Company. In February, 1863, Henry Hotchkiss was elected president and 
treasurer of this company and in the development of the business displayed marked executive 
ability. He possessed the qualities of leadership in business and financial affairs and was 
gifted with exceptional capacity for controlling large enterprises. He displayed notable sa- 
gacity and keen insight into business situations, together with the power of coordinating 
seemingly adverse interests into a complex and unified whole. He figured not only as one 
of the foremost manufacturers of the state but also as a prominent factor in many other 
business lines, being called to the presidency of various corporations, while in financial 
circles he was widely known as the president of the New Haven County Bank for twenty- 
one years. He died on December 14, 1871. He married Elizabeth Daggett Prescott, a daughter 
of the senior member of the well known shipping firm of Prescott & Sherman and a descend- 
of John Prescott, who came from England in 1640, settling in Boston. Among his descend- 
ant.s were Colonel William Prescott, one of the heroic commanders at Bunker Hill, and the 
historian, William H. Prescott. 

Henry L. Hotchkiss was born in New Haven, December 18, 1842, and became actively in- 
terested with his father in his various business interests in 1860. For three years thereafter 
he was paymaster on the New London Railroad, of which his father was a trustee, and he 
also assisted his father in the management of the United States Pin Company, of which the 
senior Hotchkiss was president. In February, 1863, Henry L. Hotchkiss became the secre- 
tary of The L. Candee & Company and soon afterward was elected treasurer as the suc- 
cessor of his father, who resigned that position. He continued in the dual office until Decem- 
ber, 1871, when upon his father's death, he was elected to the presidency and continued to 
serve as treasurer also for a number of years. On the 19th of November, 1877, when the 
business was at its height, the entire plant was destroyed by fire. Quick in action and at all 
times resourceful, Mr. Hotchkiss at once leased temporary factories and immediately began 
rebuilding on a much larger and finer scale. 

No New Haven enterprise has done more for the city and none has made its name more 
widely known abroad. Realizing the value of centralization in industrial management. The 
L. Candee & Company in 1892 merged their interests with those of other prominent rubber 
corporations of America in forming the group which is now known as the United States 
Rubber Company of New Jersey, in which llr. Hotchkiss has continuously been a director. 
For the first seven years of its existence he also actively served on the executive committee 
but retiring from that position in 1899 he spent some time in travel abroad. After the death 
of his father he became the president of the Union Trust Company of New Haven and 
since its consolidation with the New Haven Trust Company under the name of. the 
Union & New Haven Trust Company he has been a vice president of the more recently cre- 
ated organization. Since 1874 he has been a director of the New Haven Bank. It has been 
largely under his direction and control that The L. Candee & Company has been developed to 
its present mammoth proportions, giving employment to nearly two thousand hands and 
occupying, in the conduct of the business, twelve substantial brick buildings. 

In February, 1875, Mr. Hotchkiss was married to Miss Jane Trowbridge, a daughter of 
Henry and Mary Webster (Southgate) Trowbridge. She was a lineal descendant of Governor 
William Bradford of ^Mayflower fame and a great-granddaughter of Noah Webster, the lex- 
icographer. She died April 20, 1902, leaving three children. Henry Stuart, a graduate of 
the Yale Scientific School in the class of 1900 is the present vice president of The L. Candee & 
Company. In September, 1917, he became chief of supplies. Inspection Equipment Division, 
Signal Corps, with rank of captain, in the United States army, and is stationed at Washing- 
ton, D. C. Helen Southgate, the wife of Elisha Ely Garrison, is a graduate of Yale, class of 
1897. Elizabeth Trowbridge, the wife of Carl Brandes Ely, was graduated from the Yale 
Scientific School in 1900. 

Such, in brief, is the life history of Henry L. Hotchkiss, whose ability in manufacturing 
lines has brought him prominence and leadership. Although patriotic and public-spirited, he 
has always avoided public oflice, preferring to do his public service as a private citizen. He 



14 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

has given loyal support to manj' progressive projects for the general good and as a factor 
in the business life of New Haven has contributed in substantial measure to its develop- 
ment. 



RUTHERFORD TROWBRIDGE. 

Since 1639 the name of Trowbridge has figured in connection with the history of New 
Haven and probably no other family has had a more continuous or prominent identification 
with the progress and development of the colony and later the town and city. The first 
of the family to settle in New Haven was Thomas Trowbridge (H), who was born in Taunton, 
England, where the history of the family dates back to the time of William the Conqueror. 
Thomas Trowbridge (H) brought his family to America in 1636 and settled at Dorchester, 
Massachusetts. In 1639 he removed to New Haven and was engaged in the foreign shipping 
business, with extensive trade connections with England and the West Indies. 

His son, Thomas Trowbridge (HI), was baptized in Exeter, Devonshire, England, Decem- 
ber 11. 1631 and was but a child when his parents emigrated to America and settled in 
New Haven. He became one of New Haven's successful merchants and ship owners and 
was also active in politics. On the 1st of October, 1653, he Avas chosen watch sentry; 
in 1667 became county treasurer; and was made a freeman of Connecticut, May 20, 1668. 
He was confirmed a lieutenant of the New Haven Troop, May 20, 1675, and doubtless saw 
service in King Philip's war. He was treasurer of the town in 1679, justice of the peace 
in 1687 and acted as agent for the town in the purchase of much land from the Indians. He 
was commissioner of New Haven from 1690 to 1693 and he was also actively interested 
in educational matters. He died August 22, 1702, and his grave is now included in the 
crypt of Center church. He was married June 24, 1657, in New Haven, and his first wife, 
Sarah Rutherford, daughter of Henry and Sarah Rutherford, was born in this city July 31, 
1641, and died January 5, 1687. Their son, Thomas Trowbridge (IV), was born February 
14, 1663, in New Haven, was graduated from Hopkins grammar school and later learned the 
cooper's trade. He also became interested in trade with the West Indies. He served as a 
trustee of the New Haven grammar scliool from 1695 until his death, which occurred Septem- 
ber 15, 1711, and he was its treasurer from 1703. On the 16th of October, 1685, in New 
Haven, he wedded Mary, daughter of John Winston, of New Haven. She was born June 
24, 1667, and died September 16, 1742. 

Their son, Daniel Trowbridge, the direct ancestor of Rutherford Trowbridge in the fifth 
generation, was born in New Haven, October 25, 1703, and after attending the Hopkins 
grammar school was graduated from Yale College in 1725. For a number of years he com- 
manded vessels and afterward became a merchant. On the 8th of April, 1731, in New 
Haven, he married Mchitable Brown, a daughter of Francis and Hannah (Ailing) Brown. 
She was born April 9, 1711, and died October 1, 1797, having for forty-five years survived her 
husband, whose death occurred August 4, 1752. 

Their son, Rutherford Trowbridge, was born February 3, 1744, in New Haven, and 
here spent his entire life. He early learned the mason's trade and after the Revolutionary 
war began he petitioned the government to allow him to manufacture saltpetre and re- 
ceived the first bounty for that commodity. He was an earnest patriot and fought with 
the volunteers of New Haven in repulsing the British. He was married July 9, 1760, to 
Dorcas Hitchcock, a daughter of Captain Amos and Dorcas (Foote) Hitchcock. She was born 
in Woodbridge, Connecticut, November 10, 1746, and died February 12, 1788. The death 
of Rutherford Trowbridge occurred April 6, 1825. 

Henry Trowbridge, son of Rutherford and Dorcas (Hitchcock) Trowbridge, was born 
July 30, 1781, in New Haven, and became a sailor on the ship Betsy, sailing for Pacific 
waters and China. September 17, 1799. On his return to this country he became first officer 
of the West Indiaman. He later embarked in the West India trade and subsequently or- 
ganized the firm of Henry Trowbridge & Son, being joined in this undertaking by his eldest 
son, Thomas R. This firm was more extensively engaged in the West Indies trade than 
any other house in Connecticut. In 1837 the second son, Henry Trowbridge, became a part- 
ner iu the firm. Subsequently the yo\inger sons, Ezekiel H. and Winston 0., entered the 




THOMAS R. TROWBRIDGE 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 17 

firm. After the father's death in 1849 the four brothers established the firm of Henry 
Trowbridge's Sons, in which all were active until their deaths save Ezekiel H., who retired 
in 1885. Henry Trowbridge was married January 1, 1806, in New Haven, to Harriet, 
daughter of Ezekiel and Mary (Hemingway) Hayes. She was born March 1, 1789, and died 
November 21, 1851, having for two years survived her husband, who died October 7, 1849. 
Their eldest son was Thomas Rutherford Trowbridge, who was born July 17, 1810, in New 
Haven, and in its schools received his early scliolastic training, completing his education, 
however, in Partridge's Military Academy, at Middletown. After his school days were over 
he entered the counting house of his father, and from that year (1826) until his death, 
May 26, 1887, he was, with the exception of occasional absences in the West Indies and 
elsewhere, always at his office in the unpretentious Trowbridge counting room on Long 
Wharf. Through his long, active business life of upwards of sixty years in New Haven he 
was a man of upright character and integrity, and held in the greatest degree the confidence 
of his fellow citizens, of all who knew him, and with whom he had business dealings. He 
was broad, liberal and just. He was fitted for positions of high trust and responsibility 
in city and state, and was often obliged to decline them owing to numerous family trusts 
and his own large business affairs. During the Civil war he made a record that was envi- 
able, having shown himself a true and generous friend to the soldiers and their families, 
responding liberally to constant calls upon his purse and sympathies. From 1847 until 
his death he was a valued director of the Mechanics Bank, and it was at his suggestion that 
the bank tendered the use of fifty thousand dollars to Governor Buckingham in the dark 
days of the Rebellion. Among the various other financial and industrial interests on whose 
directorates he served were those of the New Haven Bank, the Hartford & New Haven Rail- 
road Company until its consolidation with the New York & New Haven in 1872. the Security 
Insurance Company of New Haven, while for many years he was secretary and treasurer of 
the Long Wharf Company and secretary of the Tomlinson Bridge Company. He was em- 
phatically a merchant of farseeing and wide views. 

Mr. Trowbridge was the choice of the republican committee as candidate for lieutenant 
governor of Connecticut, with Hon. William A. Buckingham for governor, in 1858, an honor 
which he positively and persistently declined. At the breaking out of the Civil war he 
threw his whole soul into tlie cause of liberty, and although too far advanced in life to 
enter the field actively, aided in sustaining the government in every possible way by his 
influence and wealth. When the Tenth Connecticut Volunteer Infantry broke camp, with 
orders to proceed to their rendezvous, a beautiful state flag was presented to them by Mr. 
Trowbridge, made expressly for the regiment by his wife and daughter. He afterward 
presented flags to several Connectfcut regiments, and swords to numerous officers, and was 
the first to provide a flag which was raised and kept flying on the steeple of the Center 
church. He was one of the most active citizens in New Haven in the formation of the 
Sanitary Commission, and contributed greatly to its success by pecuniary assistance, as 
well as by personal service. At one time in order to raise New Haven's quota of men 
without a draft, he paid fifteen dollars each for thirty enlistments. He was a friend of the 
soldiers and the soldiers' families, always ready to respond to the constant call upon his purse 
and sympathies. Mr. Trowbridge had a taste of historical research, was one of the founders and 
a life member of the New Haven Colony Historical Society, and was instrumental in having 
prepared and published the history of the Trowbridge family. He served for some time 
as president of the New Haven Chamber of Commerce. "In his business relation Mr. Trow- 
bridge showed a breadth of mind which joined with farseeing prudence and a high standard 
of commercial honor brought him well deserved wealth." 

On September 11, 1834, Mr. Trowbridge was married to Caroline Hoadley, who was 
born in New Haven, April 30, 1818, and was a daughter of Captain Simeon and Polly (Harri- 
son) Hoadley. Their children were: Henry, Thomas Rutherford, William R. H., Caroline H., 
Rutherford and Emily. E 

Rutherford Trowbridge, the second youngest son of Thomas Rutherford Trowbridge, 
was born in New Haven, December 1, 1851, and now ranks with the honored citizens and' 
the capitalists of this section. In his youthful days he attended the popular school con- 
ducted by Stiles French in New Haven and there prepared for Yale, but instead of entering 
college he was induced, in 1868, to accept a position in the West Indies branch of the house 
of Henry Trowbridge's Sons in the island of Barbados. In 1885 he was admitted to a 



IS A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

full partnership in the business with his father and brothers and so continued until the 
firm was dissolved by mutual consent. He is now engaged in the care of numerous family 
trusts and in the management of a number of important corporations with which he is 
identified. He is a director of the National New Haven Bank and the Carrington Publish- 
ing Company, proprietors of the Morning Journal-Courier, the oldest newspaper in Con- 
necticut. 

On the 8th of January, 1891, Mr. Trowbridge was married to Miss May Wells, a daughter 
of Franklin and Julia Lockwood (Smith) Farrel, of Ansonia. They are members of Trinity 
Episcopal church of New Haven. In Stockbridge, Massachusetts, where they have spent many 
summers, Mr. Trowbridge is a director of the Golf Club and of the Casino Club. He also 
belongs to the Quinnipiac Club of New Haven, the Union League, the Country Club, the 
Yale Archaeological Society, the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences and is a life 
member and director of the New Haven Colony Historical Society. He is also a member of 
the Union League Club and the Metropolitan Museum of Fine Arts of New York city, 
of the National Geographical Society of Washington, D. C, of the Connecticut Society of the 
Sons of the American Revolution and is an associate member of the New Hampshire Society 
of the Cincinnati. 

Mr. Trowbridge has long been deeply and helpfully interested in matters of public 
weal and has taken active part in promoting civic welfare and in supporting and advancing 
educational and charitable institutions. He was the founder of the Tliomas R. Trowbridge 
course of lectures on architecture in the Yale School of Fine Arts, which he established 
in 1889. As a memorial to his father he placed a window in Center church illustrating the 
arrival of the first settlers in New Haven in 1638. As a memorial to his father he also 
founded the Rutherford Institute in the Young Men's Christian Association of New Haven, 
which is designed to give a technical education to poor boys, and he also founded the Ruth- 
erford Trowbridge, Jr., scholarship in the Hopkins grammar scliool. Mr. Trowbridge is vice 
president of the New Haven park commission and a director of the New Haven Hospital, 
the New Haven board of associated charities and the Connecticut Humane Society. His inter- 
ests are broad and varied and his activities do not arise from a mere sense of duty but from 
the keenest interest in the welfare and progress of his fellowmen. He has back of him 
an ancestry honorable and distinguished and has shaped his life in harmony therewith. 
In person, in talent and in character he is a worthy scion of his race and his activities have 
continued the name of Trowbridge as a synonym for all that is most worth while to the 
individual and to the communitv. 



HAR\'EY BALDWIN, JI. D. 



Dr. Harvey Baldwin was a native of Connecticut, born in Norfolk, October 12, 1818, 
and there spent the period of his boyhood and youtli. After acquiring a public school 
education he determined to prepare himself for a professional career and decided upon the 
practice of medicine as a life work. He then went to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where 
he entered a medical college. I'pon his return to Connecticut he located in the town of 
Goshen, where he entered upon the practice of medicine and surgery. At length he removed 
his family* to New Haven and gave up professional work to enter upon manufacturing, 
forming a partnership with a Mr. Goodman. They began the manufacture of musical 
instruments, giving their attention largely to melodeons and cabinet organs, and with that 
undertaking Mr. Baldwin was associated for several years. Preferring outdoor life, how- 
ever, he witiidrew from manufacturing circles and removed with his family to Watertown, 
where he purchased a small farm tliat he continued to cultivate and improve until his 
death. 

At Go.shen, in Litchfield county. Dr. Baldwin was united in marriage to Miss Esther 
Starr, w-ho was born in Goshen and by her marriage became the mother of a daughter, 
Mary Eliza, who is now living in New Haven. An older daughter, Lucy Starr, passed away 
in childhood. The death of the husband and father occurred on the home farm at Water- 
town. February 26, 1859, when he was forty years of age. and his remains were interred 
in Oak Grove cenieterv. For a few vears after his demise Mrs. Baldwin remained in 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 19 

Watertown and tiieii returned with her daughter to Xew Haven, where she continued to 
reside until she passed away on the 31st of ilarch, 1886, when her remains were interred 
by tlie side of her husband in Oak Grove cemetery. Mrs. Baldwin was a Christian woman, 
holdina membership in the Center Congregational church of New Haven. Her daughter, 
Miss Marv E. Baldwin, is living on St. Ronan street in New Haven. 



THOMAS HOOKER. 



For all that the name of Hooker stood in the early and later history of Connecticut, 
the name of Thomas Hooker has stood for more than a quarter-century in the financial 
and business life of New Haven. Though boni in the city of Macon, Georgia, September 
3, 1849, he is a direct descendant of the Rev. Thomas Hooker, who in 1636 led his congrega- 
tion to the founding of Hartford. His father was the Rev. Richard Hooker, a native of 
Massachusetts, who entered the Presbyterian ministry, and was for many years pastor 
at Macon, Georgia, and other southern points. Richard Hooker was a graduate of Yale 
in the class of 1827. After a long service as a pastor, he passed away at New Haven in 
1857. aged forty-nine years. His wife, whose maiden name was Aurelia Dwight, a native 
of Connecticut and a descendant of .John Dwight, one of the historic settlers of the state. 
survived him to 1874, dying at the age of fifty-seven years. 

Thomas Hooker was the only child of these parents. He received his early education 
at the Hopkins giammar school, and was graduated from Yale College with the class of 
1869, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He won his Master of Arts degree in 1872, 
and later spent five years completing and liberalizing his education by study and travel 
abroad and in this country. He returned to New Haven in 1877 and entered upon a business 
and financial career. In 1895 he became connected with the First National Bank, and in 
1902 he was elected its vice president. In 1909 he was chosen president, which position he 
has since filled. From 1895 to 1902 ilr. Hooker was vice president of the New Haven 
Trust Company and afterward became its president, remaining in that position until 1909. 
Since the merger into the Union & New Haven Trust Company, he has been one of its vice 
presidents. 

On June 30, 1874, Mr. Hooker was married to Miss Sarah A, Bowles of Springfield, 
Massachusetts, daughter of Samuel Bowles, founder of the Springfield Republican, and 
Mary D. (Schermerhorn) Bowles, the former from a representative old Massachusetts family 
and the latter from one of the old families of Netv York. Two sons have been born to them: 
Richard, who is editor and general manager of the Springfield Republican; and Thomas, 
a graduate of Yale Academic and Yale Law Schools and a member of the law firm of Bristol 
& White. 

Mr. Hooker is a member of Center church and belongs to the Graduates Club, the New 
Haven 'Yacht Club, the New Haven Country Club and the New Haven Lawn Club. In 
politics he is an independent republican, always vitally interested in political and civic 
affairs but above the limitations of narrow party ties. For ten years, from 1894 to 1904, 
he was a member of the New Haven Board of Education, 



REV. ROBERT CHARLES DENISON. 

Rev. Robert Charles Denison, pastor of the United church at New Haven, was born 
in St. Louis, Missouri, July 22, 1868, a son of George and Emma (Webster) Denison. The 
father, who was an attorney, has passed away but the mother is still living. She is a native 
of New Hampshire, while the birth of George Denison occurred in Vermont. In young man- 
hood he went to the west, becoming a resident of St. Louis, Missouri, and died there in 
1899, at the age of sixty-six years. He was a member of the Connecticut Denison family 
of the Stonington line, descended from Captain George Denison, who removed from Massa- 
chusetts to Stonington, Connecticut, before the settlement of New Haven and was a promi- 



20 A MODEKN IIISTOKV OK NEW IIAVEX 

iK-i.t man there. The mother of Rev. Denison is a representative of the Webster family 
of New Hampshire, to which Daniel Webster belonged. 

Born and reared in St. Louis, Rev. Robert C. Denison prepared for college in Smith 
Academy of his native city and afterward entered Amherst College, where he took his 
Bachelor of Arts degree in 1889. He then became a student in the Andover (Mass.) Theolo- 
uMcal Seminarv and was graduated with the class of 1892. For nearly two years he engaged 
in settlement work at Andover House in Boston. In 1896 he was ordained to the 
ministry and for about three years occupied a pastorate in Little Rock, Arkansas. Later 
he spent over ten years as pastor of a church at Janesville, Wisconsin, and in September, 
1909. came to New Haven as pastor of the United church (Congregational), which is the 
second oldest church in this city, it having been formed by a group who withdrew for the 
purpose from Center diurch in 1742. For eight years Rev. Denison has continued as pastor 
of this cliurch and his labors have been attended with excellent results in the upbuilding 
of the membership, in the extension of the work and in the deepening of spiritual significance 
to its representatives. For many years he has been one of tlie directors of tlie Young 
Men's Christian Association and a most active worker in behalf of that organization, realizing 
fully how strong a safeguard it throws around the youth of the present day. Rev. Denison 
is also a member of the executive committee of the Red Cross, a member of the Boy Scouts 
Council, chairman of the Civic Federation Council on industrial and social conditions and 
otherwise connected with the work which is looking to the uplift of the individual and the 
betterment of the community at large. 

On the 3l8t of October, 1894, in Alton. Illinois, Rev. Denison was married to Miss 
Martha Kendrick, a daughter of A. A. Kendrick, president of Shurtleff College of Alton. 
Tliev have tw<i children. George and Lucia. Rev. Denison belongs to the Graduates Club of 
New Haven and is also a member of the Chi Psi fraternity. He has confined his activities 
to the churches with which he has been connected and to community interests and his 
efforts liave been of constantly broadening effect. His words of wisdom have borne fruit 
in the lives of many who have come under his instruction. He is an earnest speaker, un- 
tiring in zeal, strong in pur|)ose and with a ready sympathy that enables him to under- 
stand the frailties of men but also to believe in their possibilities. To reduce to a minimum 
the former and to develop to the maximum the latter has been his life work and he has not 
been denied the full harvest of his labors. 



.JOHN HKOWN. 



John Brown, president and treasurer of John Brown, Inc., has built up an extensive 
business in leather goods and is recognized as a factor of importance in the commercial 
development of New Haven. A native of Scotland, lie was born in St. Andrews, April l.>, 
184o, and is a son of Robert and Ann (Greive) Urown. the former a native of Fifeshire. 
The father was a fanner and also engaged in jobbing farm products, especially potatoes. 
He was tiiiite a prominent Mason and was a loyal and active member of the Presbyterian 
churcli. 

Jolin Brown attended the schools of Cupar and Glasgow, Scotland, but when sixteen 
years old began learning the harness maker's trade in Glasgow. After serving a six years' 
apprenticesliip he foHowed that trade in Scotland until 1870, when he came to America. 
He at oiue opencil a sliop on George street in New Haven and during the past forty-seven 
years has engaged in business there. His trade lias grown and he has been very success- 
ful in adapting his work to changing conditions and now has a fine store extending from 
No. 15.1 to 157 George street. He not only makes and .sells harness but also carries a large 
and well .selected line of trunks, bags, suit cases, automobile supplies and fine leather 
novelties. He is also a stockholder in the West Haven Ice Company and although engaged 
in business in New Haven maintains his residence in West Haven. 

Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Stevenson, who died, leaving a 
daughter. Mattie B.. now tlie wife of L. S. Richards, of Brooklyn, by whom she lias two 
children. Lee Sumner, Jr., and Jean Harriet. 

Mr. Brown is one of the most prominent citizens of West Haven, of which he served 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 21 

as burgess from 1900 to 1905, during wliic-h pt-riod many of the present day improvements 
were instituted, including the erection of an engine house, the laying of sidewalks, curbs 
and paving. For the past twenty-one years he has been a member of the board of educa- 
tion of the Union district and is now chairman of the purchasing board. In 1907 and 
again in 1915 he represented the town of Orange in the state legislature and proved as 
discriminating and public-spirited in considering questions concerning the entire state 
as he has in dealing witli matters affecting only his community. He is a leading member 
of the village improvement association of West Haven and also belongs to the Chamber 
(jf Commerce. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has done 
effective work in bringing about its success at the polls. Fraternally he belongs to the 
Masons and the Odd Fellows, and he is also identified with the Caledonian Club and Clan 
McLeod, of both of which he is a charter member. His religious faith is indicated by 
his membership in< tlic Congregational churcli and lie is prominent in the work of the 
Men's Oub. 



WILSON H. LEE. 



Wilson H. Lee is actively identified with printing and publishing interests in New 
Haven, in which channel he has directed his labors since his initial step in the business world 
was made on attaining his majority. This constitutes but one phase of his very active and 
purposeful life, however, for he figures prominently as well in financial circles and standi 
as a leading representative of modern scientific agriculture. He was born in Hardwick, 
Massachusetts, May 3, 1852, a son of Joseph and Sarah Adele Lee. The ancestral history 
of the family can be traced back to John Lee, who settled at Ipswich, Massachusetts, in 
1634. Hie public school education acquired at Athol, Massachussetts, Wilson H. Lee entered 
upon a term's study in tlie New Salem Academy and when twenty-one years of age became 
an employe of a Boston company engaged in the publication of directories. His identifi- 
cation with the publishing business as a proprietor dates from 1876 and with the printing 
business from 1884, and tliat he has largely concentrated his attention upon this branch 
of industrial activity is indicated in the fact that he is now president and treasurer of the 
Price & Lee Company, directory publishers of Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey, 
and also president and treasurer of the book and job printing and bindery business con- 
ducted under the name of the Wilson H. Lee Company. However, other activities have 
furnished a field for the expansion of his business powers and such is his force of char- 
acter and persistency of purpose that he carries forward to successful completion whatever 
he undertakes. In 1902 he turned his attention to the dairy business as proprietor of the 
Fairlea Farm at Orange, Connecticut, and he is also the secretary and treasurer of the 
Connecticut Hassam Paving Company, while in financial circles he is widely known as a 
director of the Yale National Bank ami as a trustee of the Connecticut Savings Bank and 
the Orange Bank & Trust Company. He is likewise a director of the New Haven Morris 
Plan Company. His keen discrimination enables him to readily understand the possibili- 
ties of a business and to correctly balance its opportunities for success against its chances 
of failure. While there has been nothing spectacular in his career, it has been equally 
free from those erractic movements which frequently result in unwarranted risks. In a 
word, his has been the steady progression of one sure of himself and stable in his purposes. 

On the 1st of February. 1875, Mr. Lee was married to Miss Orrianna I^, Lewis, of 
Athol, Massachusetts, and they have a daughter. Prudence Adele, the wife of John R. 
Demarest of New Haven. Mr. Lee is identified with many organized interests formed for 
the benefit of business conditions, for tlie advancement of tlie public welfare or for the 
enjoyment of the social amenities of life. In 1917 he was appointed chairman of the 
New Haven County Auxiliary of the Connecticut State Council of Defense and discharges 
his important duties in this connection with the utmost faithfulness and fidelity. In club 
circles his name appears on the membership rolls of the Union League and the Quinnipiac 
Clubs of New Haven, the Pequoig Club of Athol, Massachusetts, and the Essex Club of 
Newark, New Jersey. He is an exemplary representative of the Masonic fraternity and 
is prominent in the Sons of the American Revolution, having been chosen president of 



22 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

tlR. state organization of Connecticut f.ir the year 1913-14. He belongs to the American 
Directory Publishers Association, of wliich he was president from 1905 until 1908, and 
he is connected with the United Typotheta. of America, of which he was president in 1910 
and 1911 and a member and chairman of its executive committee for many years. He like- 
wise has membership in the Connecticut Typotheta;, of which he was president from 1899 
until 1908. He has also been president of the Worcester Northwestern Agricultural Society 
and in 1909 and 1910 was president of the Connecticut Dairymen's Association and for three 
years was vice president of the Connecticut state board of agriculture. In 1916 and 1917 
iie was also president of the Certified Milk Producers' Association of America. He has been 
honored with the presidency of the New Haven County Improvement League and with the 
vice presidency of the Civic Association of New Haven. He was president of the New 
Haven Chamber of Commerce in 1903-04 and was police commissioner of New Haven for 
four years. His co-operation can be secured along all those lines which result in usefulness 
and progress. Advancement has ever been his watchword and the passing years have 
marked improvement in every line of business or every organization in which he has been 
an active worker. 



HON. JAMES EDWARD ENGLISH. 

Hon. James Edward English, member of congress, governor of Connecticut, and United 
States senator, whose death occurred at his home in New Haven, March 2, 1890, full of 
years and honors, was preeminently a self-made man; more so than any other of New Haven's 
citizens unless it be the late Hon. Roger Sherman. 

Mr. English was born March 13, 1812, in New Haven, son of James and Nancy (Griswold) 
English, the father a citizen highly respected for his personal worth, who intelligently dis- 
charged several public trusts with fidelity. The mother was a woman of singular sagacity; 
slie was descended from a family greatly distinguished in the history of Connecticut, hav- 
ing given to it two governors. Our subject's paternal grandfather was the commander of 
vessels engaged in the West India trade and his great-grandfather fell pierced by a bayonet 
in the hands of a British soldier, at the time of the invasion of New Haven during the War 
of the Revolution. James E. English was a descendant in the sixth generation from Clem- 
ent English, of Salem, Massachusetts, his line being through three successive Benjamins to 
James English, his father. The first Benjamin English, son of Clement, born in 1676, 
married Rebecca Brown, in 1699, and in 1700 settled in New Haven, where for two hundred 
years his descendants have been identified with the town. 

James E. English in boyhood exhibited singular self-reliance, a trait of character that 
ever remained with him. At the age of sixteen he was apprenticed to the trade of a car- 
penter, and began his first work June 27, 1827, on the old Lancastrian school house. His 
apprenticeship closed on his twenty-first birthday. He never worked as a journeyman at his 
trade but at once became a contractor, and followed this occupation until twenty-three years 
of age, by which time he became the possessor of a moderate capital. Having natural 
architectural tastes, he designed and erected in this short experience a number of creditable 
buildings in New Haven; and for the next twenty years he was engaged in the lumber 
business, covering a period when commercial enterprises of every kind were subject to 
great fluctuations — a period of general financial embarrassment, when many men found it 
Jiflicult and often impossible tq avoid commercial disaster. Far-seeing and always looking 
beyond the present, he avoided speculation, never being sanguine nor despondent. He 
branched out in his lumber business, buying and building vessels, engaged in shipping clocks 
to Philadelphia, and Returning with coal and general merchandise to New Haven and other 
ports, and in this way was successful. Next he became identified with the manufacture of 
clocks, having successfully reorganized the former Chauncey Jerome works under the name of 
the New Haven Clock Company. In this enterprise he was associated with Harmanus M. 
Welch, afterward president of the First National Bank, and for several years a partner with 
him in the lumber business; also with Hiram Camp, these three purchasing the clock plant. 
In a few years they made this company not only a success, but one of the largest clock 
manufacturing concerns in existence. Mr. English, about this time, became prominently 




HON. JAMES E. ENGLISH 



ANT) EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 25 

identified with the First National Bank of New Haven, and also with the Connecticut Sav- 
ings Bank, having been at the head of the latter institution from its organization in 1857. 
He was largely interested in various manufacturing and commercial industries in this and 
other states, being also associated with the management of the Adams Express Company. 
Eminently successful in accumulating property, by judicious investments in real estate he 
finally became the owner of probably more business buildings than any other individual in 
New Haven. He was a man of the strictest integrity, taking no advantages of the great 
opportunities that arose during the war by changes in the financial policy of the govern- 
ment, which greatly afi"ected commercial values, of which some men of high station availed 
themselves. Not a dollar of his large fortune came from speculation. His business sagacity 
made it all. "If I have been successful as a business man, it is because I have been con- 
tent with reasonable profits, for I know that enormous gains soon invite ruinous competition." 

Politically Mr. English was reared a democrat and "ever remained faithful to the con- 
viction of a lifetime, that only by adherance to the principles and policy of genuine Jeffer- 
sonian Democracy could the state reach the full proportions of a free prosperous commun- 
ity." He held many public trusts, covering a period of forty-one years — 1836-1877. He 
was selectman of his town from 1836 to 1848; a member of the common council in 1848-49; 
representative in the state legislature in 1855-56; state senator from 1856 to 1859; mem- 
ber of congress from 1861 to 1865; governor of Connecticut from 1867 to 1869, and again 
in 1870; and United States senator by appointment from 1875 to 1877. "The municipal trusts 
of his early manhood were those imposed upon him by the general conviction of his fellow 
citizens, irrespective of party, that their interests might be safely confided to his recognized 
integrity, capacity and public spirit." 

"His services in both branches of the legislature were generally marked by attention 
to the business rather than to the political aspects of the legislation in which he was 
called to act. When, subsequently, he became governor of the state, the practical cast of his 
mind was conspicuously manifested in the emphasis which he gave in his messages to the 
cause of free public school education, and in the advocacy of which he was ultimately suc- 
cessful. 

"But that which specially and honorably marks Mr. English's public career is the course 
he pursued while a representative in congress. His term of service, extending from 1861 
to 1865, covered that period in our history during which slavery ceased to disgrace the 
Nation, and the constitutional amendment prohibiting involuntary servitude became the 
supreme law of the land. Mr. English went to Washington a pronounced war democrat, be- 
lieving that the great national exigency demanded every sacrifice to prevent our great republic 
from being divided into perpetually contending and contemptible fragments. 

"While as a democrat he fully recognized the constitutional right of the southern 
states to the possession of their slaves, he also felt that slavery was a monstrous injustice, 
and therefore had no regret when as a war measure, he found liimself at liberty to record 
alike his abhorrence of slavery and his sense of justice toward the owners of slaves in the 
District of Columbia, by voting for the bill which united the emancipation of the slave 
with compensation to the master. 

"Long before the close of the war it became evident to all thoughtful observers that 
the question of general emancipation must be met sooner or later, and Mr. English made up 
his mind to take the hazard and incur the odium of voting with his political opponents when- 
ever, in his view, it became a political necessity. More than a year before the final passage 
of the bill providing for the necessary constitutional amendment, the position of Mr. Eng- 
lish was well understood in Washington. When the bill was first introduced in the house by 
Mr. Ashley, of Ohio, he was assured of Mr. English's support in case it was needed. But 
when it was found that the administration party were not united on the measure, Mr, Ashley 
advised Mr. English not to vote in its favor, as it was sure not to pass. With a very prac- 
tical conviction of the folly of striking when there is a certainty that nothing will be hit, 
Mr. English acted upon this advice, but with the emphatic assurance to Mr. Ashlej' that 
whenever it was necessary he might rely upon his vote. When informed a year later that 
the bill would be put to vote the next day, Mr. English was in New Haven in attendance upon 
his sick wife. Traveling all night, he reached Washington in time to listen to a part of the 
exciting debate, and to hear his name called among the first of the ten war democrats who, 
as it was hoped, would vote for the bill, and whose votes were necessary for its passage. 
Vol. n — 2 



26 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

When his ringing 'Ves' was heard in the crowded gathering there was general applause. 
To a New Haven friend who was in Washington a day or two afterward he said, 'I suppose 
1- am politically ruined, but that day was the happiest day of my life.' 

"Mr. English's position at this time was a very exceptional one. The number of war 
democrats in congress was small, and most of them were very timid. But there was never 
any doubt from the first where Mr. English stood or how he would vote vfhen the final 
crisis came. 

"While thousands of men in our country have been examples of conspicuous success in 
business, in political life, and in generous benefactions, few have had the opportunity, and 
fewer still the sagacity and the courage, to appreciate a great political emergency, where 
duty calls for a sacrifice of the ties which ordinarily bind a man in public life to act in 
harmony with the party to which he is attached. It is sometimes a great thing to have 
the courage of one's convictions, and the favorable mention of his name at one time as a. 
candidate for the presidency of the United States was an honorable recognition of the public 
appreciation of his vote, as having been dictated by conscience and a sense of duty." 

Blessed with abundant means Mr. English gave liberally to many institutions and ob- 
jects. Several years ago he gave ten thousand dollars to the Law School of Yale College to 
establish a library fund, and also twenty thousand dollars to the Sheffield Scientific School 
to found a chair in mathematics. He later contributed the sum of twenty-one thousand 
dollars to build the English Drive in East Rock Park, and also made numerous generous 
donations to the General Hospital and to various other charities. St. Paul's Episcopal 
church, where he regularly attended for over forty years, bears him in grateful remem- 
brance. 

On January 25, 1837, Mr. English was married to Caroline Augusta Fowler, of New 
Haven, and of their four children, the youngest, Henry F., survives. Mrs. English died 
October 23, 1874, at the age of sixty-two years, and on October 7, 1885, Mr. English was 
married to Miss Anna R Morris, of New York, daughter of Lucius S. and Letitia C. Morris. 
Mr. English died March 2, 1890. 



CHARLES WELLS BLAKESLEE. 

The name of Blakeslee has for years held an honored place in the business world of 
New Haven, and the family of that name have had prominent representative citizens in each 
generation since the early days of Connecticut. Those of whom we write are the son and 
grandsons of Matthew Gilbert and Rhoda (Dornian) Blakeslee. the former of New Haven 
and the latter of Hamden. 

Cliarles Wells Blakeslee, son of Matthiw. was born in Westfield. Massachusetts, August 
11. 1824. At the age of ten years he was brought to Connecticut and for a time resided in 
Hamden with his brother, Matthew. He attended school during tlie winters and engaged in 
farm work in the summers for several seasons, but while yet a mere boy he began teaming 
and shortly after began taking small contracts in the city of New Haven. In 1844 he bought 
his home property of the English family. George street was then but a cow path, and most 
of the neighboring land was used for pasture, and Mr. Blakeslee engaged in farming on 
th,. land now oicui)ied by Grace Hospital. In 1872 he began taking contracts for street 
paving and the building of street railways. This he continued to follow, and his business 
assumed mammoth proportions. His sons became asociated witli him in the business under 
the firm name of C. W. Blakeslee & Sons and in later years took the greater part of the 
responsibility from the father's shoulders. 

Mr. Blakeslee was married in New Haven to Miss Eliza tiark. a native of Milford. who 
died in New Haven, the mother of seven children, of whom two died in infancy, and one, 
Albert, died when three and a half years old. The otliers were Charles W.. Jr.: " Jeannette: 
Isabella and Mary. For his second wife. Mr. Blakeslee married Mrs. Martha Jane Blair, of 
New Haven. By her first marriage she had two children: William H. Blair, a superintendent 
with the Cliarles W. Blakeslee & Company; and Jane, who became Mrs. Coplev and died 
m 1900. By his second marriage Mr. Blakeslee became the father of six children: Dennis 
A.; Dwight W.: Phebe; Clarence; Martha, wlio married Lvman Uw: and Theodore R 



AND EASTERN NEW IIAVEX COrxrV 27 

]ii liis political views in early life. Mr. Blakeslee was a wiiiy. but from 1«37 lie was a 
firm supporter of republican principles. He was a Methodist in his religious belief and a 
member of the church of that denomination on George street in Xew- Haven. Mr. Blakeslee 
passed away in January. lOlfi. 



FRANK IVKS THOMPSON. 



Frank Ives Thompson, deceased, who for many years was an active factor in business 
circles in New Haven, well known as senior member of the firm of Thompson & Belden, 
dealers in ])aints and oils, was born September 18. 1851. in New Haven, and was a repre- 
sentative of one of the best known families of this section of Connecticut. His father, 
Abraham Thompson, was born in East Haven, his natal year being 1815. He was a son 
of James and Lydia (Chidsey) Thompson and w^hile spending his boyhood days in East 
Haven he attended school, supplementing his early training by attendance at the schools 
of Branford. When fifteen years of age he took up a seafaring life, which he followed for 
a number of years, sailing both on the Atlantic and Pacific oceans as well as in South 
American and West Indian waters. After giving up the sea he took up his abode in 
Sacramento. California, where he became engaged in merchandising, continuing active in 
that field for many years and meeting with a fair degree of success. Coming again to 
Connecticut, he settled in New Haven, where he turned his attention to carriage making, 
following that business until 1860, when he retired with a substantial competence that 
had come to him as the reward of his persistent, earnest and intelligently directed labors. 
He spent his remaining days in New Haven, passing away in 1870. 

On the 5th of September, 1844, Abraham Thompson had wedded Lydia Ives, who 
was born April 12, 1824, a daughter of Elihu and Lucy (Whittemore) Ives and a grand- 
daughter of Dr. Eli Ives, who was a prominent physician of New Haven at an early day. 
Mrs. Thompson died at the home of her son at 719 Orange street in New Haven, August 
16, 1911. and her remains were interred in Evergreen cemetery. She was a member of 
St. Paul's Episcopal church and was miich loved by all who knew her. By her marriage 
she became the mother of four children: James E., who makes his home in New Jersey; 
Frank Ives; Frederick A., who became a resident of .\ri/oria: and Charles P.. still li\ ing 
in New Haven. 

Frank Ives Thompson was educated in the public schools and in Russell's Military 
Academy of New Haven and when seventeen years of age became a clerk in the store of 
n. S. (ilenny. who was a dealer in paints and glass. There he spent sixteen years in 
a clerical capacity and during that period gained intimate knowledge of commercial methods. 
In 1884 he embarked in business on his own account, forming a partnership with F. H. 
Belden under the firm style of Thompson & Belden. They began dealing in paints, oils 
and glass in a store on State street, where they built up one of the largest business enter- 
prises of the kind in Connecticut. By good management and strict attention they grad- 
ually increased their patronage and Mr. Thompson contiiuied an active factor in the 
successful conduct of the business until his demise which occurred on the 5th of July, 1911. 

Mr. Thompson is survived by his wife and two children. On the 11th of October, 1882. 
he wedded Mary H. Hubbell, who wan born at Bridgeport. Connecticut, a daughter of 
Albert and Sarah Jane (Wilson) Hubbell and a granddaughter of Elisha Hubbell, who was 
a well known malleable iron manufacturer of Bridgeport. Mrs. Thompson spent her entire 
married life in New Haven and by her marriage became the mother of two sons. Fred- 
erick Abraham, who was born July 5, 1883. in New Haven, pursued a public and high school 
education and afterward engaged in business with his father. He is now treasurer of the 
Oriental Emery Company of New Haven. He married Elsie Roehm Gilbert. The younger 
son, Harold Wilson, born December 7, 1888, attended the public and high schools and 
(he Sheffield Scientific School and is now a chemist with the I>u Pont Company at Barksdale, 
Wisconsin. 

Mrs, Thompson is a member of Mary Clapp Chapter of the Daughters of the American 
Revolution and of St. Paul's Episcopal church. She is a faithful Christian and has been a 
most devoted wife and mother. Mr. Thompson also held membership in St. Paul's Episcopal 



28 A MODERX HISTORY OF NEW IIAVEX 

church and his fraternal relations were with Hiram Lodge, No. 1, F. & A. M.. Sterling 
Lodge, A. 0. U. W., and the Red Men. In polities he was independent, voting according to 
the dictates of his judgment rather than according to party ties. He served for a number 
of years as a member of tlic city council of New Haven and exercised liis official pregroga- 
tives in support of many plans for the benefit of the city. He was a successful business 
man, noted for liis executive ability and good judgment, and. moreover, was most higlily 
esteemed as a man of sterling character, being most honored where best known. 



REV. .JAMES J. SMITH. 



Eev. James .1. Smitli, pastor of St. Francis Catholic church, 397 Ferry street. New Haven, 
was born in County Cavan, Ireland, March 17, 1854, a son of Hugh and Mary (Lynch) 
Smith both of wlxom were natives of Ireland, where lliey spent their entire lives. They 
had a family of seven children. Tliey were devout members of the Roman Catholic church 
and reared their family in that faith. Their son, Rev. .James .1. Smith, attended the national 
schools of Ireland and afterward became a student in Holy Cross College at Worcester, 
Massachusetts, from which he was graduated in 1876. He was ordained to the priesthood 
May 22, 1880, by Bishop McMahon and after taking holy orders became assistant pastor to 
the Rev. M. F. Kelly of Windsor Locks, Connecticut, where he spent four years. He was 
afterward for four years at St. Augustine's in Bridgeport and later was assigned to pastoral 
duties in Guilford, Connecticut, where lie remained for five years. Later he became officiating 
priest at .St. Lawrence churcli in Hartford, where he continued for four years, and then spent 
fourteen years at St. Mary's Catholic churcli in Norwich. His next assignment made him 
pastor of St. Francis church of New Haven, of which he took charge on the 1st of May, 
1911. Since then he has been active in this place, doing splendid work in the upbuilding of 
the cause. While in Norwich in 1902 he was instrumental in building the convent, the 
parochial school and the rectory. He has also built the convent in connection with St. 
Francis churcli. which is the finest convent in the state. 

Father Smitli is a member of the Knights of Columbus and is taking an active interest 
in all civic matters and is helping his people in many relations, being interested in their 
material growtli ami moral welfare, and liis etTorts on tlicir behalf are far-rcacliing and 
beneficial. 



NOAH PORTER, D. D., LL. D. 

Fortunate is the man who has back of him an ancestry honorable and distinguished 
and happy is he if his lines of life are cast in harmony therewith. In person, in talent and 
in character Dr. Noah Porter was the scion of a distinguished race and his own life record 
added new laurels to an honored name. He ranked with the eminent scholars that America 
has produced and as the eleventh president of Yale he promoted the standards of an insti- 
tution which has been the pride of America since its foundation. 

A native of Connecticut, Dr. Porter was born at Farmington, in Hartford county, 
December 14, 1811. His father, Rev. Noah Porter, D. D., was also a native of Farmington, 
his natal year being 1781. He was graduated from Yale University with the highest honors 
as a member of the class of 1803 and in 1806 he was ordained pastor of the Congregational 
church in Farmington, administering that charge until his demise in 1866. He was a man 
of exalted Cliristian cliaracter, zealous and devout, and a theologian of rare learning. It was 
in his study at Farmington on the 5th of September, 1810, that the American Board of Com- 
missioners for Foreign Missions was organized and held its first meeting. For more than a 
generation he was a member of the Corporation of Yale College and during the greater 
part of the time served upon its most important committees. He married Mehitable Meigs, 
who also passed away in Farmington, where both were laid to rest. Their children included 
Samuel Porter, who was a well known educator, winning world-wide fame in connection 
with his professorship in the National Deaf Mute College at Washington, D. C. Another 



\'^ 




AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 31 

member of the family, Miss Sarah Porter, was the founder of the Porter School of Farm- 
ington, Connecticut. 

Dr. Noah Porter, also of this family, received his early training under Simeon Hart, who 
was principal of the Farmington Academy, and for a short period was under the instruc- 
tion of John H. Lathrop, who was afterward chancellor of the University of Wisconsin. Dr. 
Porter likewise studied under the direction of Elisha N. Sill. In 1824 an arrangement was 
made with his uncle. Dr. Humphrey, president of Amherst College, whereby he was received 
into the family of Dr. Humphrey, one of whose sons took the place of Noah Porter in the 
home at Farmington. This was an arrangement common among New England families at 
that period. While at the home of his uncle Dr. Porter studied under the direction of Eb- 
enezer Snell, who afterward became professor of natural philosophy in Amherst College. 
He also spent a term or two in the school at Middletown, Connecticut, and when sixteen 
years of age he became a freshman in Yale College, matriculating as a member of the class 
of 1831, which possessed an unusual number of students of marked ability. He took high 
rank as a scholar and his course during his college days won him the high esteem of the 
authorities of the university, while at the same time he had the confidence and friendship 
of his classmates, among whom he formed many warm attachments that proved lifelong. 

Following his graduation Dr. Porter became the rector of the Amiciit Latin school in 
New Haven, which had been founded in 1660 and which is known as the Hopkins grammar 
school. There he won an enviable record for his ability as an instructor and especially for 
his success in administering discipline in a school which was proverbially unruly. In 1833 
he was elected tutor in Yale and served in that capacity for two years as the Greek instructor 
of the somewhat famous class of 1837. While tutoring there he pursued the regular course 
in theology in the Yale Divinity School under Dr. Nathaniel W. Taylor and in April, 1836, 
was ordained to the ministry, after which he became pastor of the Congregational church 
in New Milford, Connecticut, one of the largest churches in the state. For nearly seven 
years he remained as its pastor and became recognized as one of the eminent divines of New 
England. It was while settled in the country parish that he began his writings, which were 
published so extensively in the leading |)eriodieals of the day and which attracted to him 
wide attention as an original and vigorous thinker on theological and philosophical sub- 
jects. 

In the same year in which he accepted his pastorate at New Milford, Dr. Porter was 
married in New Haven to Miss Mary Taylor, a daughter of the Rev. Nathaniel W. Taylor, 
D. D., of that city. They became the parents of four children: Martha Day, who resides at 
the old family home on Hillhou.se avenue; Rebecca Taylor, deceased; Nathaniel Taylor, who 
died in early childhood; and Sarah, who died just before reaching womanhood. 

In 1843 Dr. Porter left New Milford to become pastor of the South Congregational 
church at Springfield, Massachusetts, where he remained for four years. In 1846 he waa 
called to the professorship of mental and moral philosophy in Y'ale and after occupying 
that chair for twenty-five years, on the resignation of Professor Woolsey in 1871, Dr. 
Porter was elected president and entered upon his duties as the head of the institution. 
It was considered at that time a very fortunate circumstance that a president was secured 
who was acquainted with all the traditions of the college and was in thorough sympathy 
with them. His views on the subject of collegiate education were set forth in his inaugural 
address and in his writing on American colleges. His ideas were conservative although he 
was by no means indisposed to seek for improvements on the past, as is shown by the 
fact that during his administration very important changes were made in the methods of 
instruction. During his presidency the college prospered exceedingly, several costlv build- 
ings were erected and the corps of instructors was much enlarged. The department of 
philosophy and the arts was reconstructed so as to include instruction for graduate students 
and the different departments of the college were officially recognized by the corporation, 
having "attained to the form of an university." Dr. Porter continued as president of Yale 
until 1886, when he was succeeded by Dr. Dwight. However, he retained his professor- 
ship of philosophy and maintained his active interest in the university up to the time of 
his death. 

He was a most clear and virile thinker and as a writer was indefatigable. His work 
covered the widest range and a complete bibliography includes at least one hundred and 
twenty-seven separate volumes, essays, reports and lectures, including his works on "The 



32 A .MODERN IIISTOKY OF NEW HAVEN 

Human Jntellecf; "Books and Reading"; "Science and Sentiment''; "Elements of Moral 
Science"; "Life of Bishop Berkeley"; and "Kant's Ethics," a critical exposition. He also 
edited the successive editions of Webster's Dictionary from 1847 until his death. His repu- 
tation as a philosopher and theologian was world-wide, while his knowledge of the classics, 
of New England history and of English etymology was exceptionally deep. He alao 
published in 1840 a "Historical Discourse in Commemoration of the Two Hundredth 
Anniversary of the Settlement of Farmington," and he was the author of the "Educational 
System of the Puritans and the Jesuits," published in 1851, and a "Review of the Philosophy 
of Herbert Spencer" and "Evangeline,'' published in 1882. 

Dr. Porter was undeniably one of America's most scholarly metaphysicians. His labors 
as a lexicographer in connection witli the revision of tlie second and later editions of 
Webster's Unabridged Dictionary of the English language were very arduous and brought 
him great fame as well as universal recognition of his scholarly attainments. The degree 
of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him by the University of the City of New 
York in 1858 and that of Doctor of Laws by the Western Reserve College in 1870, by 
Trinity College of Connecticut in 1871 and by the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, in 
1886. After coming to New Haven, Dr. Porter located with his family on Hillhouse 
avenue, where his wife passed away April 14, 1888, while his death occurred on the 4th of 
March, 1892, their remains being interred in the Taylor family lot in the Grove Street 
cemetery. His record reflected the utmost credit upon the city of his residence and the 
state of liis nativity and "When the weary wheels of life at length stood still" he left 
to his state a priceless legacy in his contribution to the literature of the world and in 
the eti'ectivc work which he had done for the upbuilding of one of America's greatest 
educational institutions. There was nothing spectacular in sucli a career, but the seeds 
of thought which germinated through the stimulus of his eft'orts, becoming a living thing, 
will have tlicir influence upon the world's liistory tlirougli all the cycles of the centuries. 



BEN.TAMIN F. ENGLISH. 



'llie iii.story of real estate activity of New Haven county would be incomplete were 
there failure to make prominent reference to Benjamin F. English, one of the largest in 
dividual operators in the field of real estate in New Haven. Moreover, he is connected with 
some of the oldest and most honored families of the city and is happy in that his lines of 
life have been cast in harmony therewith. Born in New Haven on the 25th of June, 1873, 
lie is a son of Benjamin R. and Teresa (Farren) English, natives of New Haven and Fair- 
haven respectively, and connected in lineal and collateral branches with a number of the 
nu>st prominent families of this section of the state. His father, Benjamin R. English, 
became one of the leading factors in the business life of the city, being prominently identi- 
fied with real estate dealings and banking and financially interested in various commercial 
undertakings. So wisely and carefully did he direct his activities and investments that 
he came to rank with the men of wealth of New Haven. He was also numbered wdth those 
public-spirited men who seek ever the welfare of the community, and at one time he served 
as postmaster at New Haven. The city lost one of its most substantial and respected 
citizens when in 1915 lie passed away. He is survived by his \vi<iow and one son. 

Benjamin F. English, the second in order of birth, supplemented his public school 
education by a course in the Hopkins grammar school of New Haven and then started out 
Ml the business world as an employe of the Merchants National Bank of New Haven. He 
was afterward witli the First National Bank of this city and later was associated with 
I'eck Brothers, while subsequently he spent some time in Utah and California, where he 
was engaged in mining. He then returned to the middle west and did clerical work for the 
I nion Pacific Railroad Company in Kansas City, Missouri, for four years. On the expira- 
tion of that ])eriod he came to New Haven, where he entered the field of real estate, estab- 
lishing a business which has grown to be one of the largest, conducted individually, in this 
city. Mr. English has comprehensive and accurate knowledge of realty values, and his 
investments have been most wisely and judiciously ma,lc. resulting in the acquirement of 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 33 

substantial and well merited success. He became one of the organizers of the New Haven 
real estate board and was elected its second president. 

In October, 1904. Mr. English was married to Miss Augusta A. Moeller, a daughter of 
Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Moeller of New Haven, and they now have two children, Augusta T., who 
was born in Kansas City in 1905; and Benjamin F., born in Kansas City in 1906. Both are 
now attending the schools of New Haven. 

Mr. and Mrs. English are members of St. Paul's church and Mr. English holds mem- 
bership in the Quinnipiac and Pine Orchard Country Clubs. He is also identified with the 
New Haven Historical Society, the Sons of the American Revolution, his eligibility to mem- 
bership in the latter coming through both paternal and maternal ancestral lines. He is now 
secretary of the New Haven County Auxiliary of the Connecticut State Council of Defense; 
secretary of the New Haven Chapter of the American National Red Cross; and is a member 
of Company F, Home Ouard. He is identified with the Chamber of Commerce of New 
Haven and is in sympatliy with all of its carefully organized and directed efforts for the 
upbuilding of the city. In fact he stands for progress and improvement along the lines of 
material, intellectual, social and moral development and the force of his example constitutes 
a weight of influence that has far reaching effect. 



LEONARD SHERMAN HORNER. 

Leonard Sherman Horner, vice president and manager of the Acme Wire Company of 
New Haven, was born in Marshall, Virginia, March 26, 1876, his parents being' Dr. Frederick 
and Elizabeth (Sherman) Horner. The father was also a native of Virginia, where the 
family was represented through many generations. Three of tlie family were signers of 
the Declaration of Independence and various representatives of the name fought in the early 
colonial and Revolutionary wars. The name is also prominently associated with educa- 
tional interests, as one of the ancestors of Leonard S. Horner was among the founders of 
William and Mary College. His father. Dr. Horner, was a distinguished physician and 
surgeon of Virginia and during the Civil war he was a post assistant surgeon of the United 
States Navy. After tlie war lie engaged in the practice of medicine in Marshall, Virginia. 
He made valuable contribution to the literature of the profession, being the author of 
several volumes which have been widely read and largely accepted as authority concerning 
the subjects of which they treat. He met an accidental death at Marshall, Virginia, in 
1903, when sixty-seven years of age. His widow, a native of Brighton, England, comes of 
a prominent family of that country and is a lady of culture and refinement, still making her 
home in Marsliall. They were the parents of four children: Mrs. John S. Bunting, of St. 
Louis, Missouri; Mrs. P. F. du Pont, of Wilmington, Delaware; First Lieutenant F. C. 
Horner, Signal Corps, United States Army, Baltimore, Maryland; and Leonard S., who is the 
eldest. 

In his boyhood days Leonard S. Horner attended the Bethel Military Academy of 
Warrenton, Virginia, and afterward entered Lehigh University in South Bethlehem, Pennsyl- 
vania, where he completed a course in electrical engineering by graduation with the class of 
1898. He joined Squadron A, New York Cavalry, as private in June, 1898, Spanish-American 
War; accompanied them to Porto Rico; was present with General Miles at the signing of 
the Protocol at Coamo; returned to New York in September, 1898: mustered out of the 
service. United States Army, in December, 1898. He joined Squadron A Cavalry, New York 
National Guard, and served five years all but a few months. 

In 1899 Mr. Horner entered upon the practice of his profession with the New York 
Telephone & Telegraph Company and later with the American Telephone & Telegraph Com- 
pany, New York city, with wliich company he remained in the electrical engineering con- 
struction department for a time. He then secured a position with the Crocker- Wheeler 
Company, of Ampere, New Jersey, becoming later one of the directors of that company. 
He moved to New Haven, Connecticut, in 1902 as manager of sales for Connecticut and in 
1909 became one of the partners of the Acme Wire Company. Since then he has filled many 
important positions in the various departments of the business and step by step through 
an orderly progression has advanced to his present position as sales manager and vice 



34 A MODERN" HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

president of the company. He is thus active in the management of one of the most 
important industrial enterprises of Xew Haven, and his powers have proved adequate to the 
demands made upon them. One of his marked characteristics has ever been indefatigable 
industry, while thoroughness has also been a feature in his advancement. 

In November, 1902, Mr. Horner was united in marriage to Miss Julia Stuyvesant Barry, 
of VVarrenton, Virginia, a daughter of Major and Mrs. Robert P. Barry, the former a retired 
army officer, who won distinction and honorable mention for gallantry at the battle of 
Shiloh and also upon other southern battlefields. Mr. and Mrs. Horner have two children: 
Horace Mansfield, who was born in New Haven in 1903 and was graduated from the grammar 
school in 1917; and Helen Neilson, born in Warrenton, Virginia, in 1913. 

In community affairs Mr. Horner has taken the deepest interest since becoming a citizen 
of New Haven. He has been a cooperant factor in the Chamber of Commerce, has served 
on its e.\ecutive committee and has done much to further its progress and aid in the 
upbuilding of the city. He is a member of the American Society of Electrical Engineers, 
Society of Automotive Engineers, United States ( jiamber of Commerce, and the (ieographie 
Society. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and has attained the Knight Templar degree. 
He is a vestryman of St. Paul's church and is a member of the managerial council of the 
Neighborhood House of New Haven. His political allegiance is given to the republican party 
and he has membership in the Young Men's Republican Club. He also belongs to the New 
Haven Country Club, the New Haven Lawn Club, the Graduates Club and the Quinnipiac 
Club, showing that he is appreciative of the social amenities of life. He is approachable 
and genial, kindly in spirit and readily recognizes true worth in others. Worth and not 
wealth is the standard by which he judges his fellowmen. His own traits are pronounced 
sterling by those who know him and his business ability has brought him to the front 
among the leading manufacturers of New Haven. 

In July, 1017, Mr. lliinicr was appointed as manager of one of the production divisions 
of the Aircraft Production Board, under Colonel E. A. Deeds and Colonel S. D. Waldron, and 
is actively engaged in .securing the necessary output of airplanes and their accessories. In 
August, 1917, he was appointed as major in the Signal Corps, United States Array; later to 
chief of technical staff to Colonel E. A. Deeds, commanding officer of the Equipment Division, 
Signal Corps. He moved to Chevy Chase and joined the Army and Navy Club, Columbia 
Country Club, and Chevv Chase Country Club. 



HON. HENRV GLEASON NEWTON. 

Hon. Henry Gleason Newton passed away on the 3l3t of March, 1U14, but his memory 
remains as a blessed benediction to those who knew him and of him it may well be said that 
he has joined "the choir invisible of those immortal dead who live again in lives made 
better by their presence." He ranked with the most distinguished lawyers of Connecticut, 
but marked as was his professional ability, it was but one phase of a many-sided character. 
There was no period in his life at which he did not recognize his obligations to his Maker 
and to his fellowmen and he was constantly putting forth resultant activity for the benefit 
of those with whom he came in contact. A native of iliddlesex county, Connecticut, he was 
born at Durham, .June 5. 1843, and was descended from one of the oldest and best known 
families of the state. Among his ancestors of the colonial period were the Rev. Roger 
Newton, the first minister of Farmington and the second minister of Milford, the Rev. Thomas 
Hooker, the first minister of Hartford; Major Matthew .Mitchell; Captain John Taylor; 
Cornet Joseph Parsons; Elder John Strong; Elder William Brewster; Rev. John Lathropi 
Major John Freeman; Lieutenant-Colonel John Talcott; Captain Samuel Newton; Lieuten- 
ant Miles Merwin, and many others. His grandparents were Abner and Abigail (Fairchild) 
Newton. His father, Deacon Gaylord Newton, was born in Durham, Connecticut, July 31 
1804, and there spent his entire life. For a long period he engaged in teaching school and 
was for thirty-five winter terms connected with public or select schools in or near Durham 
For forty years he was a deacon in the Congregational church and he also served as assessor 
and selectman of his native town. He married Nancy M. Merwin, who was also a descendent 
of old Connecticut families and was a successful teacher. Thev spent their lives in Durham 







^t^'^'L^-i^ X 



AND p:asterx new haven county 37 

^^nd were there laid to rest. They had a family of three children: Ellen Maria, wlio was 
born June 24, 1841, and died October 7, 1863; Henry Gleason, who was born June 5, 1843; 
and Caroline Gaylord, who was born January 21, 1845, and became the wife of Henry Hunt- 
ington Newton. 

Henr^ Gleason Newton was named in memory of the Rev. Henry Gleason, who had 
united his parents in marriage and who during his short ministry, ended by his deatli in 1839, 
doubled the membership of the First church in Durham. When but fourteen years of age 
Henry G. Newton united with that church and remained a member thereof until his death. 
During the last fourteen years of his life he served as one of its deacons, as had his 
father and grandfather before him. Thus early he made choice of the principles which 
became the guiding spirit of his life, leading to the adoption of the highest standards of 
manhood. Liberal educational opportunities were accorded him. After attending Durham 
Academy he entered the Wesleyan University at Middletown in 1861 but during his first 
year's study failing health compelled him to put aside his textbooks. He again became a 
student in that institution in 1867 and was graduated therefrom with the class of 1870. 
During his college days he became a member of the Eclectic fraternity and also of the Phi 
Beta Kappa. In preparation for the profession of law he entered Yale and was graduated 
from the Law School with the class of 1873. He won two essay prizes on civil and on 
common law and by vote of the class became valedictorian. Following his admission to 
the bar he began the pi-actice of law in New Haven and continued one of the distinguished 
members of the bar of that city until his demise. In 1899 he became senior partner in 
the law firm of Newton, Church & Hewitt and so continued throughout his remaining days. 
He enjoyed a most extensive practice and was notable among lawyers for the provident 
care with which he prepared his cases and for the correct manner in which he cited principle or 
precedent. He was one of the best read lawyers of the state and became a recognized 
authority on many branches of jurisprudence, particularly probate and bankruptcy law. 
He tried many important cases before all of the courts of the state and the United States 
district court and the circuit court of appeals. One of the most important in which he 
appeared was the appeal of William Jennings Br3'an, formerly secretary of state under 
President Woodrow Wilson, from the action of the probate court in regard to the will of 
Philo S. Bennett. When Judge William K. Townsend was called to the bench of the United 
States circuit court Mr. Newton was prominently mentioned for appointment as judge of 
the United States district court for his district and received the support of prominent law- 
yers throughout the state. On May 4. 1903, he was admitted to practice in the United 
States Supreme Court. He represented in his professional capacity a number of leading 
corporations. He was attorney for the Yale National Bank of New Haven and one of its 
directors. Outside the strict path of his profession he had various important business con- 
nections. For five years he was a director and for two years president of the People's 
Bank & Trust Company of New Haven, after which he resigned. In 1886 he became a 
trustee of the Farmers' & Mechanics' Savings Bank of Middletown and was senior mem- 
ber of its board at the time of his death. He became a director and member of the executive 
committee of C. Cowles & Company and was a director and the treasurer of the Merriam 
Manufacturing Company of Durham. 

On the 11th of September, 1885, Mr. Newton was married to Sarah Allen Baldwin, who 
was born in Norwich, New Y'ork, a daughter of Isaac and Alva (Merwin) Baldwin, who 
removed from the empire state to Cromwell, Middlesex county, Connecticut, during the early 
childhood of their daughter, who there acquired her education, attending the public and 
high schools, after which she became a teacher. Having a strong desire to enter the medical 
profession, she became a student in the New Y^ork Medical College for Women, from which 
institution she was graduated in the class of 1885. 

Although a member of the Durham church, Mr. Newton was a most earnest worker 
in the Plymouth Congregational church and bible school of New Haven for more than thirty 
years and he took the keenest and most helpful interest in many lines of work pertaining to 
the uplift of the individual and the benefit of public interests. He was a director of Grace 
Hospital Society, was chairman of the board of directors of the City Missionary Associa- 
tion from its organization until his death and for many years was a director of the Youn<» 
Men's Christian Association where he served on the board of trustees. The nature and 
breadth of his interests was further indicated by the fact that he was a member of the 



38 A .MODKK'X lllSTOin' OK NKW IIANEX 

Sons of till- Anierit-aii Revolution, of the Society of Colonial Wars, of the Society of Sons of 
Founders and Patriots of America, of the Union League Club and of tlie Graduates Club of 
New Haven. He was also a number of the Congregational Club of Xew Haven, of which 
he served as president in 188U, and he belonged to the American Bar Association. For 
ten years he was acting school visitor of Durham and throughout almost the entire period 
of his connection with the bar was attorney for the town. In 1885 he was elected to the 
general assembly from Durham and became chairman of the judiciary committee of the 
house, where he was the recognized republican leader. In 1895 he was elected to the general 
assembly from Xew Haven and was made chairman of the committee on humane institu 
tions. For si.\ years he served as a member of the state board of healtli. In the midst 
of all of his other activities he found time for authorship. He wrote the article on probate 
law in the Civil OfTicer, on bankruptcy in the Encyclopaedia Britannica, on New Haven blue 
laws in the Yale Law .Journal, also a sketch of Professor Hadley and an essay on civil law 
in the Civil Law Journal, and the History of Durham in the History of Middlesex County, 
published by J. H. Beers & Company. He ever took the deejicst interest in the city of his 
adoption, its people and its institutions, yet lie never forgot the home of his birth and never 
regarded its growth and progress as something foreign to his interests and his life. In 
fact be cooperated in many movements that led to its upbuilding and invested largely in 
some of its business enterprises. His home life was largely an ideal one of happiness and 
contentment and his death was the occasion of deepest and most widepread regret not only 
in New Haven, and Durham, where he was laid to rest, but also throughout the entire 
state where he was so widely and honorably known. At the funeral services held in 
Plymouth church in New Haven, the Rev. Orville A. Petty said in part: "Henry G. Newton 
would not desire a eulogy over his dust. Not desiring it he deserves it; deserving it he does 
not need it. Yet in simple appreciation all must say that he was companion, churchman, 
citizen, pliilanthropist, man. He often thought on the hilltops all alone, but he also ren- 
dered service every day in the valleys where men, women and children needed a princely 
guide; lie was at once a superb individualist and a rare social servant. Brilliant and broad- 
minded in his thinking, eminent in his profession, loyal in sacrificing social service, a glad 
friend and a trusted counselor, a public servant and a benefactor of the unfortunate, 
patron of moral and religious values. Mr. Newton completed a remarkable career. He had 
such a hold on the heart and life of this community that we all felt a shock when he let 
go. A many-sided man, he served nobly in several fields — always a leader everywhere. 
He always found time to help the men who needed him most. Only two days before his 
promotion he made an address at the City Mission, where he was so well known and so 
largely loved; his closing words were — 'Have a good time in a Clirist-likc way.' This 
plirase uncovered his heart — he aimed to make others glad in the noblest sense."' 

At the burial service Rev. Joseph Hooper read tlie following poem, written by Williaiu 
( roswcll Doane, bishop of Albany, New York. 

It must be very near; that other land 

Upon whose very edge we stand, 
And they pass in at some command 

We hear not, but their quick ears understand. 

It nuist be very fair; that other shore 

To win, from what they held so dear. 
From us who fain would hold them here 

Our best: to leave us and come back no more. 

It must be very full; that other world 

Into whose calm and sheltered ports 
Ships rich with freight of various sorts 

.Sail in, from stormy seas, with sails all furled. 

Ye make it nearer, beloved friends. 

Whose very dcarncss draws our hearts 
To build, across the gulf that parts, 

Some bridge to pass to where the parting ends. 



AXD EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 39 

Ye make it fairer; as your presence here 

Made tliis world fair, so Paradise 
Gains added beauty to our eyes 

Tliat strain to see you, filled with many a tear. 

Ye make it fuller; God has willed it so, 

Ye are our treasures stored there 
And — He Himself hath said it. "AVhere 

The treasure is the heart'' will surely go. 

Nearer, and fuller; and more fair to me, 

Dear land, calm shore, fair world, thou art. 
Let thy sweet charm draw us apart 

From earth and time and sin. to dwell in thee. 

And he. my friend; tlie last to enter in. 
With whom I took sweet counsel here. 
Tender and true, without a peer, 

Wise, fearless, faithful, gone his crown to win. 

Grant him, dear Lord; this added sense of peace. 

That life's long loneliness finds rest 
In thouglit of him among the blest, 

And hope of meeting him where sorrows cease. 

William Croswell Doane, 

Bishop of Albany, New Y'ork. 

The New Haven County Bar Association held a meeting April 24, 1914, in memory of 
Henry G. Newton, on which occasion Governor Simeon E. Baldwin said: "My first acquaint- 
ance with Henry G. Newton was as one of the faculty of the Yale Law School when he was 
a student there. He was one of the older men in his class; serious, thoughtful and scholarly. 
Roman law was one of the branches in which he took a special interest. It was then taught 
by Profesor James Hadley, a sketch of whose life work Mr. Newton subsequently con- 
tributed to the Civil Law .lournal. He practiced at this bar from 1872 until his death, 
a period of over forty years. The community therefore had time to know well the character 
of the man. He had its respect as a well read, high-minded lawyer, sound in counsel, and 
faithful to any and every interest put under his charge. Unquestioned honesty, an ardent 
love of justice, undaunted courage, originality of thought, keen and accurate analj'zing and 
unwearied industry were characteristics which brought him the respect of fellow members 
of the bar, as well as of his clients. His kindliness of heart, his loyalty to his friends 
and to whatever causes he felt were right, and his willingness to give himself unreservedly 
in their service gained him their affection." 

On the same occasion .Tudg3 Livingston W. Cleaveland spoke as follows: "Early in my 
professional life I discovered that Mr. Newton was not only one of the ablest advisers among 
my friends, but that he was always ready to generously give to a younger member of the 
profession the benefit of his wide experience and extensive legal knowledge. To his clients 
lie not only gave all that his resourceful mind could suggest of wise counsel and loyal serv- 
ices, but he showed them that he felt a genuine interest in their cause, introducing into the 
situation the personal element, the value of which to any client is beyond computation or 
compensation. Henry G. Newton, as known to those of us who knew him best, was in 
many respects a remarkable man. The acuteness of mind which signalized his college 
career, qualifying him to carry off mathematical prizes and to distinguish himself in the 
languages in his academic course at Wesleyan, and essay prizes in both civil and common 
law in the Yale Law School, stood him in good stead when a knotty problem of law or 
fact was submitted to his searching anaylsis. He was a dangerous antagonist as many 
found to their sorrow when a case perhaps lost by him in the court below, became so often 
a victory in the supreme court of errors, for Mr. Newton was resourceful, original and per- 



40 A .MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

6istent No ease to him was really lost until the court of last resort had shut the door of 
hope No task assumed by him was hopeless until every effort had been made to accom- 
plish the desired result. He did not hesitate to advocate any to him righteous cause how- 
ever unpopular, and he inspired courage in his fellows by the spirit of optimism with which 
he ai-proached even disagreeable tasks. Hi.s ethical standards, ahvay high, made, to him, the 
electors oath and the oath taken on admission to our bar very sacred obligations." 

Judge Cleaveland quoted from a letter, written by William Jennings Bryan in regard 
to Mr. Newton, as follows: "He was a most lovable man as well as a man of great ability, 
and I have always deemed myself fortunate in coming in contact with him. The lives of all 
sueb men are to my mind a conclusive answer to those who argue against immortality, for 
I cannot conceive of the annihilation of so generous a spirit." 

It was also at a meeting of the bar association that Harrison Hewitt said: "I cannot 
remember when 1 did not know Mr. Newton. While I was in the law school I studied in his 
office. As soon as I was admitted to the bar I became his partner and remained so until 
his death. At the beginning of this association, I felt for Mr. Newton reverence and respect 
This reverence and respect increased as the years went by and the association became more 
intimate, and to them was added an affection which ever deepened to the end. I wish I 
might, in the few words I have to say this morning, picture to you, as I see him, the man 
who evoked these feelings in me as well as in many others of the bar and of the public. 
In analyzing liis characteristics on this occasion, prominence should, of course, be given to 
those which won for him the eminent position at the bar which he enjoyed. His services 
to the state, to his church, to charity and to his fellowmen in this community, great though 
they were, cannot be here considered, except in so far as they shed light on his career as 
a lawyer. Law is the crystallization of the common sense and common morality of a com- 
munity, and a man is successful as a lawyer in so far as he is able to apprehend that 
common sense and common morality and apply it to concrete problems of life. This requires 
a sort of instinct, born of an attunenient to the standards of the community, which must 
come in large part from native character, but may be helped by a study of the application of 
that standard to problems which have arisen in the past. This instinct was born in Mr. 
Newton with a love for our state, its history and institutions, which his fathers had helped 
to shape and which they had served. To this equipment was added the knowledge arising 
from a careful unremitting study of our jurisprudence. To these qualities is due his value 
as an adviser. In dealing with the actual problems of a lawyer's life, Mr. Newton's course 
was marked with honor, honesty, courage and perseverance. Once convinced of the justice of a 
cause lie was unabashed by any odds against him and undaunted by any adverse decision. He 
never knew when he was beaten and, at what would have seemed the end, would have just be- 
gun the light. In his work as an advocate, the other characteristics which seemed to me most 
pronounced were quickness and keenness of thought, originality and whole-heartedness. He 
saw into the heart of things almost intuitively. When attacking a problem in pleading, in the 
(■.\aiiiiiuiticin of witnesses, or in the aijiunient of a question of law or fact, his idc.is were never 
hackneyed, but were always his own. This originality, combined with a rare power of clear and 
succinct statement, and a farseeing shrewdness, made him a pleader to be feared. He 
never followed the beaten path in eross-e.xamination, and this very fact frequently enabled 
hira to obtain dangerous admissions from witnesses who were biased or untruthful. His 
arguments were effective because of their originality and force. He never essayed oratory 
but, when convinced of the justice of his case, he threw his whole personality into what 
he was saying; and the intense conviction he so manifested went a long way towards 
producing conviction in others. This same intensity of conviction made Mr. Newton 
tenacious of a position once taken and gave him a serene reliance on himself, so that 
adverse rulings never daunted him, and he was always eager to test them to the last 
resort. He well exemplified the truth of Emerson's saying: 'Trust thyself. Every heart 
vibrates to that iron strength.' Yet he had no pride of opinion and on questions which 
he had to decide, kept an open mind until all considerations had been weighed. In his 
personal relations he was frank kindly and extremely generous of his time, his strength 
and his money. His loyalty to his friends and to the causes in which he believed, knew 
no bounds short of all his skill and wisdom, all his time and strength and substance. We 
who came in closest contact with him will always miss this tower of strength. 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 41 

"While we think of him as a successful and eminent lawyer, as a citizen who served 
his state, as a man among men, to us he will always be that dearest of all things, a friend." 

In editorial comment, the New Haven Register of March 21st said of Henry Gleason 
Newton: "Yesterda}', Judge Newton was engaged, with 410 apparent abatement of the 
natural force which for seventy years has characterized liim, in those varied activities 
which made up his busy and useful life. Today lawyers seek counsel, clients seek guidance, 
philanthropists seek a fellow worker, friends seek the hand of a friend, but in his place they 
find only a spirit and a memory. That spirit and that memory, the remaining earthly 
manifestations of a very unusual man, must abide. He was one of the ablest lawyers 
New Haven has ever known, thorough in learning and reliable in counsel, acknowledged as 
one of the leaders of the Connecticut bar. He was a public man witli a broad understanding 
of the progress of his times, with strong but fair opinions, with pronounced but sane 
tendencies. He was a philanthropist in the finest, highest sense. Crown of all, he was 
one of the sincerest, most faithful of Christians. There were many other sides of this 
remarkable man, known only to those privileged to come into the inner circle of his 
acquaintance. To tell of these would not only rasp nerves strained by the parting, but 
would take long in the telling. His was a personality which must long leave his benedic- 
tion upon all whom it touched. To have known him even a little is to have known a man 
to honor, to admire, to respect. To have known him closely is to be better for life and 
better for eternity." 



(iEOKliK JIARTIN WALLACE. B. A., LL. 1). 

George JIartin Wallace, deceased, was for many years a well known citizen of New 
Haven, a deep student, a leading lawyer and a man prominent in public affairs. Of Scotch 
and English origin, he was born in North Haven. Connecticut. April 11, 1855, a son of Robert 
and Harriet Louise (Moulthrop) Wallace. He attended the public schools of Wallingford. 
also the Hopkins grammar school of New Haven and the Hudson River Institute at 
Claverack, New York. He entered Y'ale University in 1877 and was graduated in the class 
of 1881, one of its leading members. Following the advice of President Noah Porter, he then 
took a year of travel and study abroad, matriculating after a summer's tour, at the I'ni- 
versity of Berlin for a course in philosophy. L'pon his return to this country he entered 
the Yale Law School, from which he graduated in 1884. 

Mr. Wallace was actively engaged in the practice of law both in New Haven and 
Wallingford, where he made his home, until 1891, serving during this time as prosecuting 
attorney for the borough of Wallingford and as member of tlie state legislature. He then 
gave up the practice of law for a brief period and in January, 1891, became manager of the 
Chicago office of the R. Wallace & Son's Manufacturing Company, silversmiths, owned and 
operated by his father. He continued his residence in the west fm- four years. He tiien 
returned to New England and made New Haven his home. Resuming his law, he became one 
of the best known attorneys in the state, remaining in active practice until his death on 
the 20th of June, 1916, at Flushing, Long Island. 

Mr. Wallace married Miss Annie Jane Lee, a daughter of Julm and Margaret (Jackson) 
Lee. There were five children born of this marriage; Robert Lee, who* was born January 
10, 1884, and died July 6th of the same year; Margaret Lee, born June 15, 1888; Katharine 
Lee and Malcolm Lee, both born August 10, 1892; and Donald Lee, born August 28, 1897. 
The older son, Malcolm, was graduated from Yale University in 1915. and Donald is a 
member of the present sophomore class. 

Mr. W^allace was devoted to his home and family and was a man of sterling character 
both in private and public life. He was by nature a student. Philosupliy was his favorite 
study and many unfamiliar with his constant and deep reading liave been surprised at his 
mastery of abstruse subjects. His membership in the Connecticut Academy of Arts and 
Sciences and in the American Economic Society gives evidence of his continued activity in 
academic pursuits. This did not interfere, however, with his interest and work in his 
profession nor did it prevent him from constantly working to promote civic reform and 
to obtain better economic conditions. He was an acknowledged authority upon municipal 



42 A MODKRX IIISTOKV OF NEW HAVEN 

,,uo.tions a.ul was frequently cn.ulte.I by writers npun these subjects throughout the 

'"""!,? his younger days Mr. AVallace ^yas a republiean but became a supporter of Grover 
(loveland of whom he' was a stanch admirer, and from tliat time forward he contmued to 
Sive his alle-iance to the democratic party. In 1906 he was its nominee as a candidate for 
conCT-ess. and in this republican stronghold came very close to winning the election. He was 
■, nfcmber of the Xew Haven Chamber of Commerce, belonged to tlie Center Congregational 
church and was for many years a member of its men's bible class. He also attended every 
reunion of his class at Yale. He was fon.l of travel and visited many places of interest both 
on the European and American continents, including ilexico. Cuba. Central America and 



Canada 



DEXTER ALDEN. 



Dexter Alden, deceased, in his lifetime a prominent merchant and manufacturer of 
New Haven, was of the seventh generation in direct descent from John and Priscilla 
(Mullens) Alden. 

The history of the family in America begins with the coming of John Alden to 
Massachusetts. He was born in England in 1599, was married in 1621 and died at Duxbury 
September 12, 1687. His wife's parents came over with him in the Mayflower, to die in 
the February succeeding their landing. John Alden and his wife had eleven children, of 
whom (II) Joseph, the second child, was born in 1624 and died in 1697. He was admitted 
a freeman in 1659. Of his five children, (HI) Joseph, born in 1667, is in the ancestral line. 
(Ill) Joseph Alden became a deacon in the Congregational church. He lived in what is 
now South Bridgewater, was a noted character in the history of his times and died in 
1747. In 1690 he was married to Hannah Denham, of Plymouth, a daughter of Daniel 
Dcnham, and they became the parents of ten children. (IV) Samuel Alden, eighth child 
of Joseph, was born in 1705 and died in 1785. In 1728 he married Abiah Edson, a daughter 
of Capt. Joseph Edson, and they were the parents of nine children of whom (V) Josiah 
Alden, the fifth in order of birth, born in 1738, was the ancestor of Dexter Alden. Josiah 
Alden, born in Ludlow, Mass., settled in Bridgewater. In 1761 he married Bathsheba Jones 
and he became the father of nine children, of whom Benjamin, the youngest son, was the 
father of Dexter Alden. 

(VI) Benjamin Alden was born in 1781 and died in 1841. Mary Hodges, called "Polly," 
who became his wife, was bom in 1783 and died in 1865. They had seven children: Mary, 
Jefferson, Caroline, David, Dexter, Lucinda and Eliza. 

Dexter Alden was born in Ludlow, Massachusetts, October 13, 1812. He was married 
twice, first time to Eliza, daughter of Leverite and Esther Griswold, of New Haven. Their 
daughter, Anna Griswold Alden, married William L. Fields, president of the National 
Tradesmen's Bank, in New Haven. On Dec. 30, 1857, Mr. Alden married Margaret E. Feeter, 
daughter of John and Nancy (Failing) Feeter, of Little Falls. New York. The Feeters 
constitute an old and honored familj' in the Mohawk Valley section of New York, and 
Mrs. Alden's grandfather. Col. William Feeter, was one of the bravest patriots in his 
section during the- Revolutionary war and in the stirring scenes that led up to it. He 
belonged to the corps of forty picked men known as the "Tryon County Bulldogs." Col. 
William Feeter died at the age of eighty-eight years, in 1844. He reared fourteen children 
of his own to maturity and took into his own home, and cared for as he did his own, six 
children belonging to poor families in his neighborhood. 

.John Feeter, the father of Jlrs. Alden. was reared at the old Feeter homestead on Top 
Notch, which is now known as the Goodell and Pickett farms, in the town of Little Falls, 
where he was born November 30, 1804. On September 17, 1829, he was married, at St. 
Johnsville, to Nancy Failing. For many years they followed farming and in 1847 removed 
to Little Falls, where Mr. Feeter did considerable contracting. His brother, Adam Feeter, 
was the first post rider between Newport and Albany, and for three years his father. 
Col. Feeter, who was a close friend of Gen. Herkimer, maintained the expenses of this 
ancient mail service. John and Nancy Feeter had children as follows: Jacob, a prominent 




DEXTER ALDEN 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 45 

lawyer of New York city; Margaret E., Mrs. Alden; Parmelia, Mrs. French, of Buffalo; 
Gertrude, Mrs. Cruttenden; Cynthia, Mrs. Walker, of Utica; and Mary C, Mrs. Easterbrook. 
The descendants comprise seventeen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. 

Dexter Aldcn came to New Haven when a young lad, and became associated with a 
Mr. Allis, proprietor of the leading hotel in New Haven, as his steward. In early manhood 
Mr. Alden went to Painesville, Ohio, with a party of settlers, but while there contracted the 
fever and was obliged to return East. He stopped at Little Falls, where he went into a 
joint stock company, composed of Gordon Trumbull, Washington Van Dreesen, James 
Aldrich and himself, and organized for the manufacture of carpets and rugs. He was also 
interested with Mr. Aldrich In a dry goods store at Little Falls, which they sold out after 
several years' successful management. Mr. Alden disposed of his interest in the factory about 
the same time and returned to New Haven, where he established a dry goods store in com- 
pany with a Mr. Huntington, continuing with him until 1862. He then engaged in manu- 
facturing, forming the Elm City Ruffle Company. He was one of the originators in the 
formation of the American Fish Hook & Needle Company, the first industry of the kind 
whose work was done by machinery. Mr. Alden also had an interest in a hide and tallow- 
rendering establishment, which was very successful, and became a member of the United 
States Dairy Company, of New York city, individually purchasing the patent rights for 
Connecticut for the new process of making oleomargarine. In this business he was emin- 
ently successful, his profits from this interest in the month of March, 1883, being over 
fifty thousand dollars and during that year over two hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. 
The ruffler business proved quite as satisfactory in its way. Mr. Alden also erected many fine 
residences that were an improvement and ornament to the city. 

Mr. Alden was an upright and conscientious man, and during his residence in Little 
Falls was a deacon in the Presbyterian church. In New Haven he associated himself with 
the old Center Congregational church, and his daily living was in accord with his religious 
professions. 

To Dexter and Margaret (Feeter) Alden were born the following children: Mary Eliza- 
beth is the wife of Charles Kingsbury Billings, of New York city, and they have six children, 
Charles Kingsbury, Margaret Louise, Mabel Frances, Julia Holmes, Mary Elizabeth and 
John Alden. Louise Gertrude is the wife of Lieutenant William L. Howard. U. S. Navy, 
who was at the battle of Manila, when the Spanish fleet was destroyed, being on the 
"Boston." In October, 1900, he was put in charge of the gunboat "Bancroft," as executive 
officer and navigator, was later at Colon, and lated on the "Illinois," which was the flagship 
to meet Prince Henry of Prussia on his visit. She was sent to England, to represent the 
United States at the coronation of King Edward VII. Mrs. Alden survived her husband 
some vears. She is now deceased. 



HON. HARRY A. LEONARD. 

Hon. Hairy A. Leonard, president and treasurer of .1. X. Leonard ,S: Company, well 
known contractors and builders of New Haven, is one of the city's progressive, wide-awake 
business men, whose activities in both civic and public life have been valuable factors in 
New Haven's growth and development. Mr. Leonard was born August 30, 1870, in West- 
ville. a son of .lohn N. and JIartha K. (Pardee) Leonard, the former also a native of West- 
ville, while the latter was born in Oxford. Connecticut. John N. Leonard became widely and 
favorably known through his activity in contracting and buildin<; lines in New Haven, where 
he erected many of the prominent structures which now beautify the city's business district 
and which stand as monuments to his ability as a craftsman. He learned his trade with 
the well known firm of Smith & Spcrry and afterward established himself in the building 
and contracting business. He was with the Smith & Sperry Company at the time of the out- 
break of the Civil war and, severing his apprenticeship relations with that firm, he joined 
the army, becoming a member of the Fiftenth Connecticut Regiment, with which he remained 
for four years, being promoted to the rank of sergeant. He long continued an active and 
honored business man of New Haven, where he passed away in 1914 at the age of seventy- 
two years. His widow is still living i„ this city and their three cliildren. Harrv A.. Susie 51. 



46 A .MODKK'X IIlSTOlfV OK .\P:W IIAVKX 

ami (;iace A., tin- w'liv of llaiiy M. liowinan. survive, tliu last two being residents of 
Westville. 

Harry A. Leonard pursued his eduiation in publie and private schools of his native town 
and when about fifteen years began to learn the mason's trade, serving a regular apprentice- 
ship. He afterward worked for his father and subsequently took over his father's business, 
wliich was incorporated in 1914 as J. N. Leonard & Company, with H. A. Leonard as presi- 
dent and treasurer. He has contributed much to the improvement and upbuilding of New- 
Haven, erecting a number of its most substantial and attractive buildings in recent years, 
including the Bijou Theatre, the Chestniit Street and other school buildings and a number 
of the fine business blocks and beautiful homes of Xew Haven. He is also connected with 
otlier important business projects, being secretary and treasurer of the Griest-Leonard 
Realty Company. Mr. Leonard deals extensively in real estate and has handled some very 
high class property. 

On the .30th of .January. 18!)'.). Harry A. Leonard was married to Miss Bertha (Jorham, 
of New Haven, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick R. (Jorlmni. .lanice W.. the only child 
of Mr. and .Mrs. Leonard, is now a student at Dana Hall. 

.Mr. and Mrs. Leonard attend tlie Methodist Episcopal church and fraternally he is con- 
nected with the Masons and the Elks. He is a well known menil)er of the Quinnipiac, the 
New Haven Country, tlie Rock Brook and the Edge«ood Clubs. In public affairs he has 
taken an active part and is one of the prominent republicans of the city. He served for six 
years as alderman from the thirteenth ward and did valuable service as chairman of the com- 
mittee on railroads and bridges and a member of the board of finance. He also served for 
three years as a member of the Westville Board of Education, In the session of 1917 he was 
a member of the state senate, representing the nintli district in that body, and served as 
chairman of the committee on railroads and a member of the committee on banks. He gives 
careful and earnest consideration to all vital questions which come up for settlement and 
his support of a measure is the expression of his belief in its eflicacy as a factor in good 
government or the protection of the interests of the commonwealth. In his business career 
Mr. T>eonard has been successful, not because he has worked solely for that result, but 
because of his good judgment, business ability and. too. because of the cmirse he has fol- 
lowed, which has won him the reputation for clean bvisiness methods. 



HON' KRASTCS CLARK SCRANTON. 

Whether the individual will or no. he leaves his impress indelibly for good or ill upon 
his day and generation. Time gives the perspective of all things and proves the right of tho 
individual to a place in the memory of his fellowmen. If he has contributed to the world's 
work, if his course has been honorable, his actions manly and sincere, and the results of 
his labors beneficial to mankind, his memory is cherished and revered and his life work 
becomes an integral part of the history of his community. Such was the record of Erastus 
Clark Scranton, and though a half century has come and gone since he was an active factor 
in the business life of New Haven and this section of the state, he is yet remembered by 
reason of his genuine worth and his valuable contribution to the material, political, social, 
intellectual and moral upbuilding of his state. He contributed to material progress through 
his establishment and conduct of various important business interests and promoted the 
welfare of the commonwealth through active service as a member of botli houses of the 
Connecticut legislature. 

Mr. Scranton was born in East Guilford, now Madison. New Haven county, November 
16, 1807, his parents being .Jonathan and Roxanna (Crampton) Scranton, who were also of 
Madison. The ancestral line is traced back through several generations to Captain John 
Scranton. In October, 1G39. about twenty-five heads of families made a settlement at 
Guilford, Connecticut, coming from Kent and Surrey, England. Most of tliem were farm- 
ers and they were a pious, intelligent and industrio\is class. To this number Ix-longcd Cap- 
tain ilohn Scranton, who concentrated his attention upon agricultural pursuits and also 
served as a member of the general court in 1069 and 1670. He was married twice, the first 
time probably in Enghind. and this wife, .loanna. died in 1661. In 1666 he married .\da 




ERASTUS C. SCRAXTOX 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 49 

(or Adaline) Hill, the widow of Robert Hill, and her death occurred in 1685. Captain Scran- 
ton passed away in 1671. His son, also Captain John Scranton, was born as early as 1641 and 
became the first of the name in East Guilford, now Madison, Connecticut. On the 13th of 
March, 1674, he wedded Mary Seward, who was born February 38, 1652, and was a daughter 
of William Seward. On the 10th of December, 1691, he was married to Mrs. Elizabeth 
Clark, a widow and a daughter of John Bishop. The death of Captain John Scranton (II) 
occurred September 2, 1703. The line of descent comes down through a third Captain John 
Scranton, who was born in Hammonassett about 1676 and resided in what is now the town 
of JIadison through the greater part of his life, there devoting his time and energies to the 
occupation of farming until his death, which occurred March 21, 1758. On the 12th of 
December, 1699. he had wedded Mary Norton and his second wife was Mary or Sarah Everts, 
a daughter of John Everts. She died in October, 1749, after which Captain John Scranton 
(III) married Miss Mary Bushnell, a daughter of Deacon Francis Bushnell. The line of 
descent comes down through Captain Ichabod Scranton, who was born February 19, 1717, 
and who married Chloe Fowler, whose birth occurred March 3, 1723, and who was a daugh- 
ter of Abraham Fowler, of Guilford. Through active participation in the French and Indian 
war, including the battles of Louisbourg and Ticonderoga, Captain Ichabod Scranton won 
his military title. He was noted for his bravery and for his loyalty to his country and 
while returning Iiome after his military service passed away December 1, 1760. His wife 
long survived him, her death occurring December 3, 1791. 

Theophilus Scranton, son of Captain Ichabod Scranton and grandfather of Erastus C. 
Scranton, was born December 1, 1751, and having attained his majority was married to 
Abigail Lee, whose birth occurred July 11, 1754, her father being .Jonathan Lee, of Madison. 
Like his forebears, Theophilus Scranton followed farming in Madison, where he passed away 
February 16, 1827, while his wife survived until December 23, 1840. Their son, Jonathan 
Scranton, was born October 10, 1781. and on the 27th of January, 1805, married Roxanna 
Crampton, who was born May 30, 1789, a daughter of Aslibel Crampton, of Madison. Her 
death occurred on the 27th of December, 1833, and in 1844 Mr. Scranton wedded Jemima 
Piatt, a daughter of Daniel Piatt. In addition to following the occupation of farming, which 
had engaged the attention of his ancestors, Jonathan Scranton became a contractor in the 
building of breakwaters and wharfs. He was also a prominent member of the church at 
Madison and passed away July 37, 1847. 

Looking through the long perspective of the years, one sees Erastus Clark Scranton as 
a cabin boy. in which position he was found after completing a common school education 
in his native town. Tlirough much of his life, however, he was identified with commercial 
and banking interests. He first became connected with mercantile pursuits in Georgetown, 
D. C, where he remained, however, for but a brief period. Almost from the beginning of 
his business career he prospered and soon became tlie owner and master of a vessel. In 
1835 in company with Daniel M. Hand he established a wholesale grocery house at Augusta, 
Georgia, where he built up an extensive business which he conducted with success until 1842. 
He afterward became identified with banking at Apalaehicola, Florida, and about 1844 
returned to Connecticut with a very substantial fortune, which he had won through the 
capable conduct of his business interests in the south. He then became associated with 
several New York gentlemen in South American trade and figured prominently in commer- 
cial circles tor a number of years, having an extensive coasting trade as far south as Florida. 
He was also interested to a considerable extent in a line of packets running between New 
York and Liverpool, England, and in ships making voyages to other ports. Strong and 
resourceful, his fellowmen recognized his marked business ability and sought his coopera- 
tion in other lines. He became one of the factors in railroad building and operation in this 
section of the country and was one of the active promoters of the Shore Line Rail- 
road. In 1854 he severed his busines connections with New York interests and in 1855 
was elected to the presidency of the Elm City Bank, now the Second National Bank of 
New Haven, which had recently been organized. He largely formulated its policy and shaped 
its destiny. His plans were well defined and carefully executed and the soundness of his 
jiulgment was manifest in the success which attended the institution. In 1864 he took up 
his permanent abode in New Haven, with tlie business interests of which he had been iden- 
tified for a number of years previous, and in 1865 he was elected to the presidency of the 
New York & New Haven Railroad. To the problems of railroad management he brought 



50 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

to bear the same sound judgment wliicli had made him a successful merchant and a pros- 
perous financier. Obstacles and difficulties in his path seemed to serve but as an impetus 
tor renewed eftort and concentration on his part. His ideas and plans were always well 
defined and his progrcssiveness had as a foundation the most practical methods. 

On the 4th of November. 1829, Mr. Scranton was united in marriage to Miss Lydia 
Stannard, who was born October 8, 1808, a daughter of Job Stannard, of Westbrook. 
They became the parents of the following named: Ezra Erastus, who was born Septem- 
ber 3, 1831, and died May 19, 1855; Mary Eliza, who was born September 27, 1837, and 
died December 16, 1839; iNIary Eliza (II), who was born September 23, 1840; and Francis 
Kathbone. wlio was born ilarch 14, 1851, and died November 7, 1853. 

The death of ilr. Scranton was accidental. Attempting to step onto a moving train at 
South Norwalk, he was killed in so doing, December 29, 1866. The community had occasion 
for deep regret at his passing because of the important part which he had played not only 
in the business life but in public affairs. Throughout the period of the Civil war he was one 
of the stanch supporters of the national government and was very generous and active 
in the work of organizations that made contributions to the Union cause. In 1845, again 
in 184G and in 1850 he was elected to represent Ids district in the state legislature on the 
democratic ticket. In 1856 he was reelected on the American ticket and in 1862 his name 
was placed on the republican ticket as the candidate for the state senate and he was sent 
to the upper house of the legislature. He was ever deeply interested in the welfare and 
jnogress of Madison, of New Haven and, in fact, of the entire state and in 1865 he was 
elected mayor of New Haven. His daughter. Miss Mary E. Scranton, has always mani- 
fested a deep interest in Madison and she ga\e to that city a public library as a memorial 
to her honored father. His life record is indeed one which any individual may stop to con- 
sider. He was a man of well balanced capabilities and powers and long occupied a central 
place on the stage of action. He never allowed personal interests or ambition to dwarf his 
public spirit or activities. His breadth of view not only saw- possibilities for his own 
advancement but for his city's development and his lofty patriotism prompted him to 
utilize tlie latter as quickly and as effectively as the former. 



WALTER C. SKIFF, il. D. 



Dr. Walter C. Skiff, a prominent homeopathic physician of New Haven, was born on 
the 22d of September, 1857, in Kent. Litchfield county, Connecticut, of which place his 
father, Peter Skiff, is also a native. He belongs to an old and honored Connecticut family 
of English origin, which was founded in America by James Skiff, who came to this country 
prior to the Revolutionary war, and in tliat struggle some of his descendants took part with 
the colonial troops. He was an agriculturist by occupation, and Peter Skiff, the Doctor's 
father, also followed farming with good success throughout his active life but he is now- 
living retired in Cheshire, Connecticut, at the age of ninety-two years, having been born on 
the 24th of June, 1825. He still enjoys good health however, and seems to have the vitality 
of an average man of fifty years, being able to take hunting trips and similar recreation. 
In early life he was a democrat but now supports the republican party and in 1866 repre- 
sented his district in the state legislature. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Phoebe 
Jane Tanner, was born in Dutchess county. New York, February 11, 1825, and belonged to 
an old Virginia family that early settled in New York state. Her mother's people, the 
Duncans, were quite prominent in the Old Dominion. Mrs. Skiff died in 1912 at the a<»e of 
eighty-seven years, and two of her six children have also passed away, tho.^e living bein" 
Walter C, Charles, Henrietta, and Gertrude, the wife of Reno Swdft. 

Dr. Skiff began his education in the public schools of Kent, and later attended the Fort 
Edward Institute at Fort Edward, New York. Having decided to enter the medical fra- 
ternity he matriculated at the New- York Homeopathic Medical College, from which he was 
graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1883. After his graduation he began practice with 
his uncle. Dr. Paul C. Skiff, who was one of the leading physicians of New Haven for fiftv- 
three years, and our subject has since remained in active practice in this city. He stands 
high in the esteem of his professional brethren and is an honored member of the New 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY ll 

Haven County Homeopathic Medical Society, tlie Connecticut Homeopathic Medical Society 
and the American Institute of Homeopathy. The Doctor is also a director and charter 
member of the Grace Hospital of New Haven and is one of the most prominent physicians 
of the city. He is identified with tlie Masonic fraternity and is a member of the Congre- 
gational church. Politically he is not bound by party ties but votes an independent ticket, 
supporting tlie men wliom lie believes best qualified for office. 



FRANK LEWIS BIGELOW. 



Tlie news uf the demise of Frank Lewis Bigelow brought a sense of personal bereave- 
ment into the homes of many of New Haven's citizens. He was equally widely known and 
honored throughout the state, for he belonged to one of its oldest and most prominent 
families and his entire life record was cast in harmony with that of a most distinguished 
ancestry. The ancestral line was traced back to John Bigelow, who was the founder of the 
family in the new world and who passed away at Watertown, July 19, 1703, at the age of 
eighty-six years. His son, Samuel Bigelow, was born in Watertown, October 28, 1653. He 
married Mary Flagg and their son, Samuel Bigelow, Jr., was born at Watertown, September 
18, 1679. The latter wedded Ruth Warren and their son, Cornelius Bigelow, was born at 
Marlboro. Massachusetts, November 34, 1710. He served as a sergeant in the French and 
Indian war, and he wedded Mary Giaves. The next in the line of direct descent was their 
son, Paul Bigelow, who was born at Westboro, Massachusetts, January 21, 1741. He is 
said to have been with General Wolfe at the capture of Quebec. He served in the American 
army throughout the period of the Revolutionary war and was a drummer at Cambridge on 
the 19th of April, 1775, with the Westboro Company of Minute Men. Paul Bigelow married 
Hannah Ober and on the 30th of January, 1780, they became parents of a son, Elisha 
Bigelow, who was the great-grandfather of Frank. Lewis Bigelow of this review. He married 
Elizabeth Clieney and they had a son, Levi L., who was born December 13, 1802. He married 
Belinda Pierpont, of North Haven, Connecticut, who was a descendant of the Rev. James 
Pierpont, the second minister of New Haven and one of the founders of Yale College. 

Hobart Baldwin Bigelow, son of Levi L. and Belinda (Pierpont) Bigelow, was born in 
North Haven, Connecticut, May 16, 1834, and removed to South Egremont. Massachusetts, 
in 1844. He was educated in the district schools and in the South Egremont Academy. 
In 1851 he left there and afterward learned the machinisfs trade at Guilford, Connecticut, 
with the Guilford Manufacturing Company, and also with the New Haven Manufacturing 
Company of New Haven. Later he was foreman with Ives & Smith until 1861, when he 
purchased the business that was later conducted under the name of the Bigelow Manu- 
facturing Company, The business was then conducted for a time under his own name 
and later became H. B. Bigelow & Company, while in 1883 the interests weie incorporated 
under the name of The Bigelow Company, of which Hobart Baldwin Bigelow remained the 
president until his demise. This company engaged in the manufacture of boilers and 
plate steel work and also of heavy special machinery, and the extent and importance of 
their business ranked the company with the leaders in this line in the state. Mr. Bigelow 
was not only a very capable successful and prominent business man but was also a 
recognized leader of public thought and action and left the impress of his individuality 
indelibly upon the history of his state. He served as councilman of New Haven from 1863 
until 1864 and in the latter year entered upon a year's service as alderman. He was super- 
visor from 1871 until 1874 and was fire commissioner during the two succeeding years. In 
1875 he was called upon to represent his district in the Connecticut general assemblv and 
in 1879 he was elected to the office of mayor of New Haven, serving as its chief executive 
for two years. In 1881 he was chosen governor of Connecticut and filled that office for two 
years, most wisely and capably directing the welfare of the state. Over his record there 
falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. Few men were so long continued in public 
life and the career of none has been more faultless in honor, fearless in conduct or stainless 
in reputation than was that of Governor Bigelow. Before he retired from the office of chief 
executive he was elected to the presidency of the Merchants National Bank of New Haven in 
1883 and continued at the head of that institution until 1889. It was in 1857 that Governor 



52 A :\IODEK.\ HISTORY OF NEW IIAVEX 

Bigelow weildod Kk-aiior Lewis, a ilauglitcr of I'liilo Lewis, of Xew Haven. His death 
occurred October 12, 1891. To Mr. and Mrs. Hobart B. Bigelow were born four children: 
Frank L.; Eleanor JL; Walter P.; and Pliilo. All have now departed this life. 

Frank Lewis Bigelow, born Se])teniber 21, 1862, in Xew Haven, began his education in 
the schools of New Haven, pursuing a course in the Hopkins grammar school, while later 
he became a student in the Sheffield Scientific School, completing his course at Yale in 1881, 
at whicli time the Bachelor of Philosophy degj-ee was conferred upon him. He made his 
initial step in business in connection with his father, entering the plant and acquainting 
himself with every feature of the trade in all of its departments. In 1883 he was chosen 
secretarj' of the company and continued in that position until 1891, when he assumed the 
duties of the president and remained in the office until his demise. He was thus active 
in the control of one of the most extensive and important productive industries of New 
Haven, for under the guidance of his father and later of Frank Lewis Bigelow the business 
developed to extensive proportions. In addition to his management of the boiler manu- 
facturing interests Frank L. Bigelow was president of the National Pipe Bending Company 
of New Haven, was vice president of the Vale Publishing Company, was a director of the 
Merchants National Bank, a trustee of the National Savings Bank and a director of the 
New Haven Water Company. He was a forceful and resourceful business man. ready to 
meet any emergency and discriminating with notable promptness between the essential and 
the non-essential in all business affairs. 

On the 10th of October, 1883, Mr. Bigelow was united in marriage to Miss Anna L. 
Lewis, a native of New Haven and a daughter of Robert H. and Louise (Shcpardi Lewis, 
both representatives of old and prominent families of New Haven. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Bigelow were born three children. Louise is now the wife of Donald W. Porter. M. D., of 
New Haven. Pierpont, treasurer of the Bigelow Company, married Elizabeth McAfee, of 
New Haven. Lewis Hobart is at home. 

In his political views Mr. Bigelow was a republican and gave stalwart support to the 
party from the time when ago conferred upon him the right of tranchisc. doing everything 
in his power to promote its growth and extend its inlluence. He had great appreciation 
for the social amenities of life and was a popular member of various clubs and organiza- 
tions, including the Quinnipiac, Graduates, the New Haven Country, the New Haven Lawn, 
the I'niversity Club of New York city, the Yale Club of New Y'ork city and others. He 
was also connected with the Chamber of Commerce and any progressive movement inculcated 
by that organization for the benefit of the city was sure to receive his endorsement. He 
was a member of the Church of the Redeemer and his life was ever actuated by the highest 
and the most honorable principles. Death came to him very suddenly on June 20, 1917, 
while he was engaged in a game of golf, and in all those channels of activity into which 
he had directed his interests he has been greatly missed. He was a prominent and active 
worker in the church, serving on its society committee, and he contributed much to the 
moral progress of the eomnuinity in which he lived. He also served as aide-de-camp on 
tlie staff of his father during the hitter's incumbency as governor of the state. His concep- 
tions of duty were high and he faithfully performed everj- task that devolved upon him. 
Whatever he did, he did faithfully, conscientiously and honorably. He was a prominent 
figure in the civic and business life of the city and early became one of the recognized 
leaders of jjublic thought and action. His qualities of leadership were pronounced and his 
endor.sement of any plan or measure was sufficient to secure to it a large following" because 
of the recognized wisdom of his judgment and his marked public spirit. 



REV. FRANK RANNEY LUClvEY. 

Rev. Frank Ranney Luckey, pastor of the Humphrey Street Congregational church of 
New Haven, was born in Poughkeepsic. New Y'ork, November 23, 1858. His father. C liarles 
P. Luckey. was also a native of Pougiikeepsie, where he engaged in merchandising throughout 
the entire period of his business career. He was very successful in his undertakings and 
founded the largest department store between New York and Albany on the Hudson river. 
It is still in existence under the name of Luckey, Piatt & Company. He was of Scotch-Irish 



AND EASTEKX NEW HAVEN COUNTY 53 

descent, tlie family coming from Ulster, Ireland, and the paternal grandmother of Rev. 
Luckey was a Hoffman. His mother bore the maiden name of Annie Brush and was a 
member through the maternal line of the Hatfield family, noted as a family of Methodist 
Episcopal ministers. To Mr. and Mrs. Charles P. Luckey were born two children, a son 
and daughter, the latter, Annie, however, having passed away in childliood. 

The son, Frank R. Luckey, pursued his education in the Poughkeepsie schools until 
graduated from the liigli school, at which time lie received a state scholarship to Cornell. 
He then entered the imiversity and was graduated with the Bachelor of Science degree in 
1882. Determining to devote his life to the ministry, he next became a student in the 
theological department of Yale in 1885 and was graduated with the class of 1888. Having 
thus prepared for a holy calling, he was ordained to the ministry and installed as pastor 
of the Humphrey Street Congregational church on the 17th of May of that year. He 
preached his first sermon in the church in December, 1887, during the absence of the regular 
pastor, and continued to fill the pulpit until his ordination, when he was installed as the 
regular pastor and has since continued to serve, covering a period of over thirty years. 
The church at that time had been but recently organized and his labors have therefore been 
the potent element in its growth and progress through three decades. He is an eloquent 
and convincing speaker, his words carrying weigiit to the logical thinker, and as pastpr as 
well as preacher he has endeared himself to his people and to the community at large. He 
has been president of the Congregational Club of New Haven and has been connected with 
his church for a longer period than any other minister of the city. He has also been active 
in the organized charities of New Haven and has taken a iielpful interest in matters of local 
improvement and progress. He is a member of the Civic Federation and has done everything 
in his power to uphold those interests which are a matter of civic virtue and of civic pride. 

In Poughkeepsie, New York, Sir, Luckey was united in marriage to Miss Celeste R. 
Rensley, a daughter of .lames D. Rensley, of that place, and they have one son, Charles P., 
who was a Yale student and is now with the Yale Unit of the American Field Ambulance 
Corps in France. Reverend Mi", Luckey finds recreation in golf and fishing. He belongs to 
the Adirondack League Club, also to the Yale Club of New York and to the New Haven 
Country Club. ^Yhile a deep student, he has never allowed his interest in books to over- 
shadow that human interest which brings an xinderstanding of man and his problems but 
with ready sympathy has constantly reached out a helping hand and his labors have wrought 
for good results in the development of Cliristian manhood. 



THOMAS L. CORNELL, 



Thomas L. Cornell, who for twenty-six years has been the first vice president of the 
National Folding Box & Paper Company and is thus actively and prominently connected 
with the manufacturing interests of New Haven, was born in New York city, December 13, 
1839, He has therefore passed tiie seventy-eighth jnilestone on life's journey and yet he 
keeps in close touch with business affairs and displays enterprise and energy equal to that 
of many a man of much younger years. His father, Sidney Cornell, was a native of New 
York and represented one of the old and most distinguished families of that state of English 
lineage, the ancestral line being traced back to 1638, when the first representative of the 
name came to the new world. Among his descendants were Ezra Cornell, the founder of 
Cornell University, and Alonzo Cornell, governor of the state of New York. Sidney Cornell, 
the father of Thomas L. Cornell, was an importer of New York city and died at his summer 
home in Newtown, Connecticut, in 1899, at the age of eighty-four years. In early man- 
hood he had wedded Sarah Ann Nostrand. a native of New York and a member of one of 
the old families of that state. On the paternal side she was of Dutch and French descent. 

In the family of Mr. and Mrs, Sidney Cornell were three children but Thomas L. is 
the only one now living. He was educated in the polytechnic school of Brooklyn, New 
York, and at the age of seventeen years crossed the threshold of the business world. He 
was first connected with his father in the importing business, which had been established 
by his grandfather in 1802. He continued in that connection until 1862, when the father 
retired and Thomas L. Cornell then became a member of the firm. He continued in active 



54 A .MODKKN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

coniurtion witli tlie busiiu'ss until 1870, wlicn lie witliilrew from tliat field. In 1890 was 
founded the present business conducted under the name of the National Folding Box & 
I'aper lompany and he became its first vice president, in which position he has since remained, 
having been continuously reelected at each annual election for the past twenty-six years. 
Thoroughness has ever characterized his business career and enterprise has pointed out the 
way to success— a way which he has not hesitated to follow, guided at all times by sound 
intelligence and honorable purpose. 

In 1863. ill Derby. Connecticut, Mr. Cornell was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth E. 
Shelton, a daugliter of tlie late Edward X. Shelton, at one time state senator of Connecticut, 
and ot Mary .lane (De Forest) Shelton, who represented an old and prominent family of 
this state. To Mr. and Mrs. Cornell was born one son, Edward Shelton Cornell of East 
Orange. New Jersey. He served on the staff of Governor L. B. Morris of Connecticut, and is 
now secretary of the National Highways Protective Society, of No. 1 West Thirty-fourth 
street. New York city. He married Miss Elanor Witherspoon, of Derby, Connecticut, a 
daughter of Rev. Orlando Witherspoon, and has three sons and one daughter, as follows: 
Sidney, a captain of ordnance in the United States army; E. Shelton, who is with the 
divisional headquarters troop of the Twenty-ninth division at Fort McClellan; Thomas L. 
II, who was a member of Company F, One Hundred and Second Connecticut Infantry and 
jirepared at the officers' training camp at Plattsburg, New York; and Elanor. 

In his political views Mr. Cornell has long been a stalwart republican, enlisting under 
the banner of the party upon attaining his majority. He has for an extended period been 
a member of the Masonic fraternity and he belongs to the Union League Club, to the Sons 
of the Revolution, to the Colonial Wars Society and to the Episcopal church at Derby. These 
associations indicate much of the nature of his interests and the ;'ules which have governed 
his conduct. He has been closely identified with various measures of uplift, and his entire 
career has been actuated by a s|iirit (if prciiiress that lias placed him among the substantial 
business men of New England anil wan fur him tlie conlidcnce and regard of all wifli whom 
he has been associated. 



ANDREW R. BRADLEY. 



Andrew R. Bradley, late president of the Bradley-Smith Company, was one of New Haven's 
foremost business men and for nearly fifty years was prominently identified with its 
interests. A native of North Haven, he came from the old family of that name whose ances- 
tral line can be traced back to William Bradley, who arrived in America in 1649. Henry 
M. Bradley, the father of Andrew R. Bradley, resided in North Haven and was a farmer 
and manufacturer. Tliroughout his life he was a member of the Congregational church and 
was highly respected. In politics he was a stanch republican and took an active and help- 
ful part in promoting those interests which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. He 
died at North Haven in 1873 at the age of fifty-seven years. His wife, who bore the maiden 
name of Mary Bolen, was a native of New Jersey and a descendant of an old family of that 
state, of Scotch lineage. She became the mother of five sons, two of whom passed away in 
infancy and two at the age of twenty-six years, leaving Andrew R. Bradley as the only 
surviving member of the family. The mother died at North Haven when sixty-two years 
of age. 

Andrew K. Bradley spent his early youth upon the home farm and in the manner 
common to country lads of that period. There was plenty of work to do and early in life he 
received a training upon the value of which he many times reflected in his later years. His 
boyhood days brought him a better knowledge of the practical side of life than falls to the 
average boy of his age. Being the eldest son in the family and left fatherless at the age 
of fifteen years, grave responsibilities devolved upon him. No duty was ever shirked and 
he measured up to his responsibilities in a manner becoming one of much greater age. Farm 
work did not seem to promise a glowing future, however, and to fit himself for other active 
business he supplemented his early training in the schools of North Haven by a course in 
Cargill's Business College of New Haven. 

While yet a pupil there Mr. Bradley determined that he would seek in New Haven some 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 57 

commercial vocation whereby he could earn not only a livelihood but one which would 
constitute an entrance into broader fields of labor. Accordingly one bright morning in the 
spring of 1870 he made a careful survey and inspection of several wholesale and retail stores 
in the neighborhood of Congress and George streets and finally made application for a 
position in the store of Charles H. Reed, a wholesale and retail grocer. He was closely ques- 
tioned as to what he could do and his experience. Mr. Reed recognized in the lad a spirit 
of willingness seldom found in boys starting out and consented to give him a week's trial, 
it being mutually agreed that he would be paid what he was worth and if he was worth 
nothing he would receive nothing. On those conditions he began his commercial career and 
when the week was over Mr. Reed paid him seven dollars, which in those days was con- 
sidered a very high wage for one just making his initial step in the business world. Mr. 
Bradley made good from the start. He possessed self-reliance and natural ability, was ener- 
getic and industrious. Long hours and hard work had no terrors for him. He did not have 
to be told what to do. He could see what there was to be done, was not afraid to do it and 
performed every task well. His progress is probably best shown by the fact that within 
two months from the time he started "on trial" and with no stipulated salary his wages had 
been advanced to fifteen dollars per week. This was at a time when wages generally were 
low even for those days. He remained with his first employer until the close of the year, 
when Mr. Bradley told Mr. Reed that he would leave his position in order to continue his 
education. The later, reluctant to lose him, offered him still higher wages. Mr. Bradley, 
however, believed that he needed more thorough and extensive educational training as a 
preparation for life's practical and responsible duties and again entered Cargill's Business 
College. 

On completing his studies he used the sum of money he had saved and which had not 
been required for tuition to establish a candy business, finding it necessary also to borrow 
several hundred dollars. The beginning of the enterprise was small but the business 
proved a success from the start. In fact it demonstrated the young man's ability to manage 
a business for himself just as well as he had performed the work for an employer. Suc- 
cessfully conducting this enterprise for several years, Mr. Bradley at length disposed of the 
business and became associated with B. H. Douglas & Sons, first as a traveling representa- 
tive and later on a mutual interest basis. He remained with that firm until 1892, when he 
retired from that connection and established the business from which has grown the Bradley- 
Smith Company of today, one of the largest candy manufacturing and wholesale houses in 
New England. The plant is ^iituated at Nos. 102-116 Hill street. Mr. Bradley was president 
from its organization. He had numerous business interests. He was an e.xtensive stock- 
holder and one of the directors of the Mechanics Bank and was also identified with various 
other concerns. 

In Wallingford, Connecticut, on the 14th of January, 1878, Mr. Bradley was married to 
Miss Adelaide Augusta Hall, a daughter of the late William Day and Harriet (Perkins) 
Hall, of that city. 

In politics Mr. Bradley was a stanch republican and he took a keen interest in the 
success of his party. He belonged to the Chamber of Commerce, also to the Union League 
Club and manifested a continuous interest in all those forces which work for civic improve- 
ment. He held membership in the Calvary Baptist church, in which he filled important 
ofiices. As a natural result of a long, honorable and successful business connection there 
came to him an extensive acquaintance in New Haven, where his worth and high standing 
as a citizen and business man were surpassed by few if any. A man of great energy and a 
tireless worker, he accomplished at the age of forty what many would have considered 
a substantial achievement for an entire lifetime. He had not lived to accumulate wealth but 
had realized that the individual must grasp life's pleasures and recreations as the years roll 
on and to tliis end he traveled extensively in America and abroad. He always was con- 
siderate of the interests and rights of others and there were few careers which show so 
fine an example of filial devotion as that of Mr. Bradley. From the time when in early 
boyhood he first became a wage earner it was his great pleasure to contribute to the com- 
fort of his widowed mother and his younger brothers, whom he assisted in educating. Later 
in life as his financial resources increased this contribution became more substantial and 
continued as long as his mother and other members of the family lived. He continually 
reache<l out a helping hand where aid was needed and his entire career indicated a marked 



58 A MUDEKX IIISTOKY OF NEW HAVEN 

unselfishness and a true regard for his obligatioas and responsibilities to bis fellow-men. 
His life record should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what may be accom- 
plished tlirougli determined effort, stimulated by laudable ambition and guided by sound 
judgment. Mr. Bradley passed away January 5, 1918, his demise causing widespread regret 
and deep sorrow. His name, however, still lives on as an example of true and noble man- 
hood. 



STEPHEN JOHN MAHER, M. D. 

Dr. Steplien John Maher, a New Haven physician who ranks high in those councils 
where tuberculosis is made a particular subject of study and investigation, was born April 
12, 18G0, in the city where he still resides, his parents being Michael and Johanna (Gorman) 
Maher. His more specifically literary course was pursued in St. Charles College at Ellicott 
City, Maryland, where he remained as a student from 1875 until 1881. His professional 
course was pursued at Yale and he was graduated with honors in 1887. He has ever 
remained a close and di-scriniinating student of liis profession, always keeping in close touch 
with the trend of modern scientific thouglit and investigation. He has taken post-graduate 
work in the hospitals of England and of Ireland and he received the honorary Master of 
Arts degree from Manhattan College of New York in 1895. 

Dr. Maher began the private practice of medicine in New Haven in 1888 and for eleven 
years was engaged in general practice, since which time he has devoted much time to the 
study of tuberculosis in laboratories and clinics. At the same time he has been consulting 
physician to St. Raphael Hospital of New Haven and for two years was a member of the 
city board of health. Governor Woodruff appointed liim a member of the state commission 
to investigate tuberculosis conditions in Connecticut in 1906, and since 1911 he has been a 
member of the board of directors of the Gaylord Farm Tuberculosis Sanatorium and a 
member of tlie tuberculosis commission in charge of four Connecticut institutions. In 1913 
he was elected chairman of the board, a position that he still liolds. The following year he 
was chosen a member of the inner council of the International Tuberculosis Conference and 
in 1915 he was elected president of the New England Conference on Tuberculosis. The same 
year he was honored with the presidency of the Connecticut State Medical Society and he 
is a member of many local, national and international medical associations and also of 
several tuberculosis associations. He has frequently contributed valuable articles to med- 
ical journals and he is the author of a novelette entitled "Told in the Priest's House," which 
describes loss of life from tuberculosis in Catliolic convents and which has been widely quoted. 

Dr. Maher belongs to the Catholic Club of New York and he is a member of the 
American Irish Historical Society. His interests, particularly along scientific lines, are very 
broad. He undertakes everything in which he engages with great thoroughness and it is 
this which has led him to make a most comprehensive study of everything relating to tuber- 
culosis, the spread and the cure of the disease. He has disseminated knowledge of immense 
value in this particular, and the public and the pr(pfes>ion have largely lonu' to recogni/e liini 
ae an authority upon this subject. 



HARRY V. WHIPPLE. 

From messenger to bank jpresident is a long step and yet the path thereto is clearly 
marked out. Adaptability, fidelity and close application are the qualities which one must 
possess and utilize in order to win such a position, and an analyzation of the life record 
of Harry V. Wliipple shows that these qualities have been the salient features in his 
business career, bringing him from the humblest bank position to the presidency of the 
Merchants National Bank of New Haven. As such he is now active in establishing the 
policy and controlling the interests of one of the strongest financial institutions of his sec- 
tion of the state. 

Mr. Whipple was born in Meriden, August 21. 1S71. a son of Henry J. P. and Victoria 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 59 

Fidelia (Couch) Whipple, who were natives of Lowell, Massachusetts, and Meriden, Con- 
necticut, respectively. On leaving his native state the father established his home at 
Meriden, where he organized the Parker-Whipple Company for the manufacture of hard- 
ware. This firm is still in existence, although the father sold out some years ago and 
removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where he again engaged in the hardware business. He afterward 
returned to Connecticut, establishing his home in New Haven, where he passed away in 
1910, at the age of seventy-five years. His widow is now a resident of Meriden. In the 
family were four children: Frank, living in New Haven; Norman C, a resident of Cleve- 
land, Ohio: JIi's. George H. Yeamans, of Meriden; and Harry V. 

The last named pursued his education in the public and high schools of Meriden and of 
New Haven, but ere the completion of his course had entered upon his business career as a 
clerk in the latter city. He next took up the study of law with the firm of Bristol, Stoddard 
& Bristol, with whom he remained for a year and a half, when he abandoned the idea of 
becoming a member of the bar and secured the position of messenger in the Merchants 
National Bank. He has since advanced through various intermediate positions up to the 
presidency, to which he was elected in 1912. This bank is capitalized for five hundred 
thousand dollars and has surplus and undivided profits of five hundred thousand dollars, 
while its deposits amount to about four million dollars. It has a strong directorate, 
including some of the best known business men of New Haven, and its officers in addition 
to Mr. Whipple are: L. H. English and H. C. Warren, vice presidents; and J. F. Stannard, 
cashier. A general banking department is conducted, affording every commercial banking 
service. The bank through its trust department acts as trustee, depository, registrar of 
stocks and bonds and transfer agent. A foreign department is also maintained meeting 
the demands and requirements of their patrons in connection with their foreign business. 
The business of the bank has been most carefully and thoroughly systematized, every effort 
being put forth to safeguard the interests of depositors and develop the business of the bank 
along legitimate lines. 

On the 5th of October, 1897, in New Haven, Mr. Whipple was married to Miss Elizabeth 
Young, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Young, and tliey have become parents of one 
child, Oliver Mayhew, who was born in New Haven in 1901 and is now attending Andover 
Academy of Andover, Massachusetts. 

Mr. and Mrs. Whipple are members of St. John's Episcopal church and Mr. Whipple has 
taken the degrees of Masonry in its various branches and has become a Noble of the Mystic 
Shrine. He belongs to all of the more important clubs of New Haven and is a past president 
of the Quinnipiac Club. He is a vice president of the Chamber of Commerce and is presi- 
dent of the New Haven Chapter of the American Red Cross. The city ranks him with its 
leading men, for his ability has brought him prominence and success in business and has 
placed him in positions of leadership in many other connections. He is alwaj'S interested 
in those questions which are to the statesman and the thinking man of the gravest import 
and his opinions are always thoughtfully considered, for it is recognized that his sagacity 
is keen and his judgment sound. Like many of the residents of New Haven, he traces his 
ancestry back tlirough the various generations of an old New England family of English 
origin, founded in Ipswich, Massachusetts, in 1638, and he manifests the same quality of 
patriotism and of public-spirited devotion to the general good that has characterized his 
forebears. 



SAMUEL ANDREW BASSETT. 

In the death of Samuel Andrew Bassett, New Haven lost one of its valued citizens and 
representative business men, yet one whose nature was not centered alone upon commercial 
interests. He found time for the higher things of life and those interests which have 
cultural value. He was born in the town of Seymour, in New Haven county, Connecticut, 
September 1, 1833, and was a descendant of an old and prominent New England family. 
His father, Samuel Bassett. also a native of Connecticut, was a paper manufacturer of 
what was then known as Humphreysville, now Seymour, and at that place spent practically 
his entire life. He wedded Mary Andrew, who was also a resident of Seymour. 



60 A MODEHX IllSTOKV OK NEW IIAVEX 

Samuel Andrew Bassett acquired his early education in the Glendenning Academy at 
Seymour and afterward attended the William H. Russell Military School at New Haven, 
from which he was graduated. He was first employed in his father's paper factory and 
after working there for a few years went to Xew Milford, where he became a clerk in the 
store of A. VV. llygatt. After a brief period he removed to New Haven and found a position 
in the shoe store of Bristol & Hall, shoe manufacturers and dealers. When the business 
was sold out to W'. B. Fenn, Mr. Bassett remained with the house and when it became 
known as the New Haven Shoe Company, he became one of the stockholders and was quite 
active in the management of the business. He was associated with the shoe trade for over 
a half century and was very active in the control and direction of the store with which he 
was connected. He was a thoroughgoing business man, noted for his honorable dealings and 
his spirit of enterprise. No one ever questioned the reliability of his methods, for integrity 
was synonj'mous with his name. 

Mr. Bassett was much devoted to his home and family. In Christ church, on the 24th 
dav of January, 1865, the Rev. Joseph Brewster performed the wedding ceremony that 
united the destinies of Samuel Andrew Bassett and Miss Sophia Phillips, of New Haven, a 
daughter of Thomas and Sophia (Humphrey) Phillips, the former a well known resident 
of this city. Mrs. Bassett is now residing on Edgewood avenue and has many friends in 
New Haven, who know her as a lady of culture and refined taste, a devoted wife and 
mother. She was a member of Christ Episcopal church for a number of years, later trans- 
ferring her membership to Trinity Episcopal church. By the marriage there were two 
children. The daughter, Mary Elizabeth, became the wife of Joseph Leon Langbank and 
now resides with her mother. Thomas Andrew was married October 30, 1895. to Natalie 
Wilson, of Bridgeport, and they became the parents of two children. John Humphrey Phillips 
and Sophie Louise Bassett. but the latter died young. Thomas Andrew Bassett passed away 
October 6, 1905. 

The death of Samuel A. Bassett occurred at his home on High street in New Haven, 
August 1. 1906, when he was approaching the seventy-third milestone on life's journey. He 
was a citizen of the highest type, a man of sterling character and actuated in all that he 
did by a stalwart Christian spirit. He held membership, first, in Christ Episcopal church 
and, later, in Trinity church, of which he was a communicant for many years, and he also 
belonged to Brooks Club of Trinity church, which was named in honor of Bishop Phillip 
Brooks. He belonged to Wooster Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of New Haven, and also to the 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Seymour. In politics he was an ardent republican 
but not an office seeker. He was on the contrary a man of domestic taste, devoted to his 
home and family and finding his greatest happiness at his own fireside. He was also a lover 
of nature and fond of things beautiful. He enjoyed yachting and fishing, and was a great lover 
of the arts. He was also much interested in music, possessed a splendid voice and for many 
years was a member of Qirist Church Choir. He also belonged to the Mendelssohn and 
Goimod Societies, excellent choral organizations of New Haven, and he was one of the 
organizers of the Apollo Club, a well known musical male club of New Haven. He thus did 
much to further the interests which remove man from the sordidness that entire concentra- 
tion upon business often brings and he did much to further an interest in those lines which 
uplift the individual and bring a breadth of thought, interest and purpose. He stood as a 
high type of American manhood and cliivalrv. and his was the nobility of a refined nature 
and of Christian character. 



HON. JAMES DUDLEY DEWELL. 

For forty-four years a resident of New Haven, James Dudley Dewell was closely 
Identified with business and social interests there. He traced his lineage from good 
ancestral stock on both sides. His paternal ancestors: — 

(I) \\~illiam Devill, the first of this line in America, was in Duxbury in 1640; Brain- 
tree, 1643; Rehoboth, 1645-1651; Newport, 1653-1680. His descendants have various 
spellings of the name — Devol, Deval, Duel, Ueuel, Dewell, Duval, etc. 




HON. JAMES D. DEWELL 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 63 

(11) Jonathan, son of William, wag in Newport, Little Compton and Dartmouth. He 
died between 1737 and 1742. He married Hannah Audley. 

(HI) Jonathan, Jr., son of Jonathan, was a resident of Dartmouth and died in 1709. 
He married Mary Clark, who survived him, and they are known to have had children, 
as follows: William, who is mentioned below; Hannah, born January 29, 1699; Jonathan, 
bom May 1, 1702; Alfyah; Meribeth, born October 21, 1707; and Mary, born February 
26, 1710. 

(IV) William, son of Jonathan, born in Dartmouth April 16, 1698, died in 1760. He 
married Elizabeth Whitehead, who died before April 21, 1759, the date of his will, which 
is recorded in Taunton. Their children were: Apphia, born March 6, 1718; Jonathan, who 
is mentioned below; and William, born March 4, 1728, who died June 22, 1814. 

(V) Jonathan, born January 16, 1721, died 1781-84. He resided in Dartmouth, 
Massachusetts, in Tiverton, Rhode Island and in Nine Partners, New York. In the Dart 
mouth town records the intention of marriage of Jonathan and Mary Lawton was entered 
September 3, 1745, and they were married that year. Of their children we have record of 
John, Patience, Robert, Peaceable, Mary, Lydia. Deborah, Elizabeth, Barjona and .Jonathan. 

(VI) Jonathan Duel born March 20, 1765, died in 1831. He resided in Tiverton, Rhode 
Island, Nine Partners and Pine Plains, New York. He married Sarah Rider, who died in 
1841, aged seventy-five years, and we have mention of their eleven children, Ruth, Lydia, 
Mary, Deborah, Eleanor, Charlotte, Sally, Hannah, .James, Jonathan, Jr., and John. Jonathan 
and Sarah (Rider) Duel are buried in the Knickerbocker cemetery some three miles east 
of the village of Pine Plains. 

(VJI) John Dewell, eldest son of above named Jonathan and Sarah, and the father of 
James D. Dewell, was born in Pine Plains September 3, 1795, married January 1, 1826, at 
Norfolk, Connecticut, Mary Humplirey, daughter of Dudley and Mary (Phelps) Humphrey, 
born October 7, 1803. John Dewell was a merchant and manufacturer in Norfolk, where 
he died October 2, 1871, a respected and highly esteemed citizen of the community. His 
wife survived many years, dying April 24, 1891. To their union came children, as follows: 
John H., born in 1827 was married (first) in 1848 to Cynthia Hitchcock; for his second 
wife he married Harriet Austin; he was a merchant in the town of Norfolk, Connecticut, 
and died at Plymouth, Connecticut, in 1896. He served as a captain in the Civil war. Mary 
E., born in 1829, was married in 1856 to Robert C. Peck, who became a merchant in New 
Haven, where he died in 1869. Sarah was born in 1832. James Dudley is mentioned below 
Mattie A., born in 1842, was married in 1869 to Theron S. Swain, who is a merchant In 
Boston. Charles G., born in 1844, died in 1846. 

Mrs. Mary (Humphrey) Dewell, noted above as the mother of James D., is a descendant 
in the seventh generation from (I) Michael Humphrey, the emigrant ancestor of the family, 
who was at Windsor, Connecticut, prior to 1643, when he and Sergt. John Griffin were 
engaged in making turpentine in what is now Slmsbury. Priscilla, daughter of Matthew 
Grant, of Windsor, became his wife in 1647. Her father was the ancestor of Gen. U. S. 
Grant. From Michael Humphrey Mrs. Dewell's descent is traced through Sergeant .lohn, Dea- 
con .John, Deacon Michael, Asahel and Dudley Humphrey. Dudley Hum])hrey, son of Asahel, 
born in 1775 at Norfolk, was married October 16, 1798, to Mary Phelps, daughter of Darius and 
Mary (Aiken) Phelps, born in Norfolk. April 4, 1780. They settled at Norfolk, where their 
children were born: Harriet, John, Mary (Mrs. John Dewell), Griswold, Merrill, James and 
Caroline. 

.James Dudley Dewell eighth in line from William Devill, was born September 3, 1837, 
in Norfolk Connecticut. In 1858, after some experience as a clerk in a country store, he 
left his home and came to New Haven to take a position as salesman for Bushnell & Corn- 
many, wholesale grocers. His services soon commended him to the house, and in 1860 he was 
admitted to the firm, the name becoming Bushnell & Dewell. In 1879 it became J. D. Dewell 
& Company. The enterprise, public spirit and force of character of Mr. Dewell soon became 
manifest, and as the years passed pushed him to the front rank of the business men and 
citizens of the community. He held close to his heart the best interests of New Haven, and 
all measures for the good of the community found in him a hearty supporter. Mr. Dewell 
was one of the principle movers in organizing the state board of trade in 1890, becoming its 
first president. For many years Mr. Dewell was president of the chamber of commerce 
of New Haven, and he was at the head of the movement for good roads throughout the 



64 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

state. For twenty years or more he was a director and contributor to the needs of the 
Young Men's Institute in New Haven. Mr. Dewell was a director in the Evergreen 
Cemetery Association, vice president of the Security Insurance Co., a director of the New 
Haven Water Co., a director of tlie City Bank, of New Haven, a director of the New 
Haven Trust Company, and vice president of the National Savings Bank. He was owner 
and manager of the Sutton fleet, embracing six large three, four and five masted vessels, 
plying between southern ports and New England. He was a member of the New Haven 
Colony Historical Society and of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Society of 
Founders and Patriots. Fraternally he belonged to Hiram Lodge, No. 1, F. & A. M.. of 
which he was worshipful master in 1869. In religious connection he was a member of the 
Church of the Redeemer, Congregational. 

In politics Mr. Dewell was a stanch republican. Among the charter members of the 
Republican League, now the L'nion League, he maintained a lively interest in its welfare 
and served several terms as its president. In 1896 he consented to become a candidate for 
the position of lieutenant-governor, to which he was trimphantly elected. The duties of 
this ollice were discharged by him with ability, dignity and grace. Socially Mr. IKvell was 
genial and affable, and popular wherever known. Mr. Dewell was first lieutenant of the 
New Haven Grays from 1865 to 1867. 

On July 2, 1860, Mr. Dewell was married to Mary E., daughter of Aaron and Mary 
A. (Winch) Keyes, of Norfolk, Connecticut, and to this union were born six children: 
Jessie K., who graduated from Vassar in 1883; Charles K.; James D., Jr.; Robert P.; and 
Franklin W. and Edward H., twins born in 1877, the latter of whom died in 1878. Mr. 
Dewell died April 19, 1906. 



GEOUCK A. r.OUTH. 



George A, Booth is proprietor of the liooth Preparatory Scliool of New Haven, which 
since .Tune, 1917. has been located at its present quarters and which from the standijoint of 
convenience and modern ada])tability is the best e(|uipi)ed school of the kind in the city. 
Mr. Booth is a native of Peacedale, Rhode Island, born February 11, 1855. His father, 
George A. Booth, now deceased, was a native of ^lancliester. England, and in his boyhood 
came to America in the "408. He took up the business of manufacturing woolen goods and 
was quite successful. His death occurred in 1907 when he had reached the age of eighty-six years. 
His wife bore the maiden name of Jlary Hudson and she, too, was a native of England, her 
birth having occurred in Loudon. She came to America with her parents during her child- 
hood days and she passed away in 1912. at the advanced age of eighty-five years. 

In the family were six children, of whom George A. Booth was the second in order of 
birth. He pursue"d his education in the public schools and in Russell's Military School of New- 
Haven, which he attended for five years. He was also a student at the BcUevue College at 
Bellevuc, Nebraska, where he was graduated with the Ph. B. degree, and later he entered 
Yale. After completing his education he became connected with large textile manufacturing 
interests as superintendent and designer and devoted eleven years of his life to such inter- 
ests. 

During that period he was located inuili of the time in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania, 
and in New Jersey. From 1892 until 1897 he was connected with educational work as a 
teacher in the high school of New Haven and then established the Booth Preparatory School, 
which was originally located at the corner of Church and Chapel streets, where he contin- 
ued for twelve years. He then removed to No. 124 High street, where the school wa.s con- 
ducted for six years, and later his location was for two years at No. 134 High street. Each 
removal was necessitated by a sale of the property. The Booth Preparatory School is now 
located in its new quarters at No. 584 Cliapel street, where there is class room for fifty 
students. This is a splendidly equipped school supplied with every convenience necessary 
for instruction of that character. The school began with an enrollment of six pupils and 
today it is ta.\cd to the limit, having an enndlment of fifty pupil-. The school gives special 
work in preparing students for any college in the country, ior i ivil service positions or for 
cntran<-e to the Annapolis and \\'est Point academies. 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 65 

On the 8th of June, 1880, Mr. Booth was united in marriage to Miss Anna Dixon, a 
native of Khod* Island and a daughter of Anthony Dixon, a Civil war veteran. They have 
become parents of three children, two sons and a daughter; Ethol, who is the wife of Ed- 
mund Greacen, of New York city; George, who resides at Vancouver, British Columbia, and 
is an electrical engineer with the \'ancouver Electric Company; and Ellsworth, who is a 
civil engineer witli the American Telephone & Telegraph Company of New York. 

Mr. and Mrs. Booth are members of the United church and Mr. Booth is a Knight Tem- 
plar Mason, exemplifying in his life the beneficent spirit which underlies the craft. In poli- 
tics he is a republican, well versed in the questions and issues of the day, but does not seek 
nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his undivided attention upon the upbuilding of the 
school, the high standards of which have made it one of the leading institutions of tliis 
character in New England. 



FRANK AUGUSTUS MONSON. 

In the passing of Frank Augustus Monson in New Haven on the 30th of June, 1908, 
the city mourned the loss of one who in every relation of life had conducted himself with 
such dignity and honor as to win a most enviable position in public regard. His life re- 
flected credit upon a distinguished ancestry whose name has been handed down untarnished 
through generation after generation. Frank A. Monson was a representative of tlie 
descendants of Thomas Monson, of Stratford and of New Haven. He was born about 1612 
and was in Hartford in 1637, in which year he participated in the Pequot war with the rank 
of captain. About 1640 he was in New Haven. He followed the carpenter's trade, filled 
various public offices and took an active and helpful part in the work of the Congregational 
church, passing away in that faith May 7, 1685, while his wife, Joanna, died on the 13th of 
December, 1678. Their son, Samuel Monson, was baptized August 7, 1643, and on the 26th 
of October, 1665, married Martha, daughter of William and Alice (Pritchard) Bradley. Mr. 
Monson was a shoemaker and tanner by trade and resided at different periods in New Haven 
and Wallingford. He, too, was of the Congregationalist faith and his death occurred in 1693. 
His son, Theophilus Monson, was born September 1, 1675, and married Esther Mix. He was 
a locksmith by trade and he held to the religious faith of the family. He also occupied 
various positions of public trust in New Haven and he passed away November 28, 1747, 
while his wife died September 16, 1746. Benjamin Monson, son of Theophilus Monson, was 
born March 28, 1711, and in June, 1732, married Abigail Punderson, a daughter of John and 
Abigail (Ailing) Punderson. Benjamin Monson engaged in school teaching and resided in 
New Haven and in Branford, Connecticut. His son, Eneas Monson, born .January 13, 1734, 
was married March 15, 1761, to Susannah, daugliter of Stephen and Susannah Howell. She 
died April 21, 1803, and on the 24th of November, 1804, Eneas Monson wedded Sarah Perit, 
a widow. Eneas Monson was a Yale graduate of 1753 and became a minister, while later 
he engaged in the practice of medicine. He served as chaplain to Lord Gardner in the French 
and Indian war and in 1756 he located for the practice of medicine in Bedford, New York. 
He was a Congregationalist in religious faith and a whig in his political views, and during 
the period of the Revolutionary war he was seven times chosen to represent New Haven in 
the legislature. His death occurred in New Haven, June 16, 1826. 

Dr. Eneas Monson, son of Eneas Monson, Sr., was born September 11, 1763, and on the 
6th of May, 1794, married Mary Shepherd, who was born April 28, 1772, a daughter of Levi 
Shepherd, of Northampton, Massachusetts. Eneas Monson was graduated from Yale and in 
1780 was commissioned surgeon's mate in Colonel Swift's Seventh Connecticut Continental 
Line. The following winter the regiment was on the Hudson, opposite West Point, and in 
.June, 1781, was detached to assist Surgeon Thatcher, of the Massachusetts Line, in Colonel 
Soammell's Light Infantry Corps. Later the command to which Dr. Monson belonged went to 
Yorktown, Virginia, participating in the siege of that city. Dr. Monson afterward re- 
turned to the north and rejoined his regiment, which in 1781-83 was the Fourth Connecticut, 
under Colonel Butler, thus serving until the command was disbanded in June, 1783, follow- 
ing the close of hostilities. He afterward became a prominent physician and leader in 
fublie affairs in New Haven and after practicing medicine for a number of years he en- 



66 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

gaged in merchandising and banking. His wife died February 6, 1848, while his death 
occurred August 22, 1852. His son, Alfred S. Monson, was born September 23, 1795, was 
also a Yale graduate, of 1815 and in 1819 was graduated from the University of Pennsyl- 
vania with the M. D. degree. He practiced medicine for a time in Kew Haven but retired 
from the profession many years prior to his death. He made extensive and judicious in- 
vestments in real estate and left valuable property holdings to his family. He was offered 
the professorship of botany in Vale College and also a professorship in the Yale Medical 
School but declined both. He was married May 22, 1822, to Mary Ann Patten, a daughter 
of Nathaniel Patten, of Hartford. They were members of the Congregational church. Dr. 
Alfred S. Monson passed away May 22, 1870, while his wife died in April, 1887. 

Frank Augustus Monson, one of a family of six children born to Dr. Monson, received 
hi.< early cdui'ation in the Russell Preparatory School of Xow Haven and afterward studied 
in the Brown Academy of West Haven. He was still pursuing his studies there when the 
Civil war was inaugurated and he put aside his textbooks in order to aid in the preserva- 
tion of the Union. Writing of this period of his life work, a contemporary biographer said: 
"With six of his schoolmates he left West Haven and, making his way to New Y'ork, en- 
listed his services in the United States government. He was about eighteen years old at the 
time and not only was his heart in the cause of the Union which he had espoused, but he 
possessed a talent in military matters and a personal bravery that augured well for rapid 
advancement. Xor was the augury unfulfilled, the gallantry he displayed in many engage- 
ments marking him out for promotion. Captain Frank A. Monson entered service as private 
in Company B, First New Y'ork Lincoln Cavalry, July 19, 1861; attached to defenses of 
Washington, to October, 1861; Franklin's Division, Army of the Potomac, tu March, 1862; 
First Division, First Corps, Department of Rappahannock, to May, 1862; First Division, 
Sixth Corps, Army of the Potomac, to August, 1862; service duty in defenses of Wash- 
ington, D. C, Avigust, 1861, to March, 1862; actions at Falls Church, Virginia, September 8 
and December 15, 1861; Fairfax Court House, September 29 and November 27, 1861; ex- 
pressed to Fredericksburg, April 3-19, 1862; detached as courier at headquarters of General 
McDowell, commanding Department of the Rappahannock, until .June; rejoined regiment on 
the Peninsula, Virginia; seven days" battles before Richmond; battle of Mechanicsville, 
.lune 26; battle of Gaines' Mill, .June 27; June 30, Malvern Hill; July 1. commissioned second 
lieutenant. Company L, Fifth New Y'ork Volunteer Cavalry, First Ira Harris Guard, to date 
from May 3, 1862; first lieutenant, October 24, 1862; and captain, September 14, 1863; 
attached to cavalry command. Department of Washington, to June, 1863; First Brigade, 
Third Division Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, to July, 1864; participated in the 
battle of Warrenton Junction, Virginia. May 3, 1863, where he wag wounded in the shoulder; 
absent with wound until September 10, 1863; took part in battle of Brand}' Station, Vir- 
ginia. October 11. 1863: battle of Biickland's Mills, October 19-20, 1863; battle of Stevens- 
burg. Virginia, November 8, 1863; Mine Run campaign, November 26 to December 2, 1863; 
battle of Raccoon Ford. Virginia, November 26-27, 1863; Kilpatrick's raid on Richmond, 
Virginia. February 28 to March 4, 1864; fortifications of Richmond, Virginia. March 1, 1864; 
detached on staff of General Kilpatrick during spring of 1864; Rapidan campaign, May-June, 
1864; battle of Parker's Store, Virginia, Jlay 5; Todd's Tavern, May 5-6; the Wilderness, 
May 6-9; Mattapony River, May 15; Milford Station, May 21; Ashland, May 30; White Oak 
Swamp. ,Iune 13; ilalvern Hill. June 14; White House Landing, .June 19, and took part in 
fiffy-eight other engagements; disabled by reopening of wounds and sent to hospital at 
Annapolis, Maryland, June 20, 1864; resigned July 12, 1864, on account of disability from 
woimds received in action and honorably discharged from service." 

After his military service was over Mr. Monson became a resident at Paterson, New 
.Jersey, and was prominently identified with the silk industry of that place, there remain- 
ing until 1870. when on account of the death of his father he disposed of his business in- 
terests in Paterson and returned to New Haven. He afterward concentrated his energies 
upon the real estate and insurance business and operated most extensively along those 
lines. His business affairs were at all times wisely and carefully conducted and substantial 
results accordingly accrued. 

On the 15th of May, 1873, Captain Monson was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte M. 
Bishop, also a native of New Haven and a daughter of Elias Bradley and Grace (Atwaterl 
Bishop and a descendant of some of the most prominent families of the state. Mr. and Mrs. 



AND EASTEKN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 67 

Monson became the parents of a daughter. Nellie Bishop, who became the wife of Roger Ells- 
worth Ailing, of New Haven. 

The death of Captain Jlonson occurred in New Haven. June 30, 1908, and he was laid to 
rest in the Evergreen cemetery. His widow still makes her home in this city, residing at 
No. 317 St. Ronan street. The death of Captain Monson was deeply deplored not only by 
his immediate family but by many friends, for he had figured prominently in connection with 
public interests and with social activities of his city. He was identified with various vet- 
eran ynd military organizations, including Admiral Foote Post, No. 17, G. A. R.; the New 
York Commandery of the Loyal Legion of the United States; the Societies of the Army of the 
Potomac, of the Fifth New York Cavalry and the First New Y'ork Lincoln Cavalry; the 
Army and Navy Club of Connecticut; and David Humplueys' Chapter of the Sons of the 
American Revolution. He was also well known in Masonic circles and he became one of the 
organizers of tlie Quinnipiac Club of New Haven. His religious faith was that of the Epis- 
copal church and he was long identified with Trinity parish. He gave most generously to 
the supix)rt of tlie church in its various activities and was a man of philantliropic spirit whose 
broad humanitarianism reached out in helpfulness to all mankind. His life ever measured 
up to the highest standards. He was patriotic and loyal in citizenship, valorous in military 
service, honorable and upright in every relation. In business affairs he displayed initiative 
as well as enterprise and never stopped short of tlie successful accomplishment of his 
purpose. While he won success in business, he also found time for the finer things which 
many men are prone to overlook — aid in money and personal attention to schools and 
churches, collection of rare objects of beauty and the artistic adornment of his city and of 
his home. His life and his character were as clear as the sunlight. No man came in con- 
tact with him but speedily appreciated him at his true worth and knew he was a man who 
cherislicd not only a liigh ideal of duty but who lived up to it. 



REV. CHARLES 0. SCOVILLE. 

Rev. (Hiarles C). Scoville, rector of Trinity Episcopal churcli, .situated on the (Jreen in 
New Haven, well known as one of New England's prominent ministers and orators, was 
born at Montpelier, Vermont, December 1, 1862, a son of James B. and Mary (Foster) Sco- 
ville. The fatlier was born in Karmington and was a descendant of Rev. Thomas Hooker, 
one of the founders of the city of Hartford. He spent his early life in this state but after- 
ward removed to Montpelier. Vermont, where he took up agricultural pursuits, following 
farming to the time of his death, which occurred in 1883. His wife was born in North 
Conway. New Hanipsliirc. and dieil in Cliicago in 1S94. In their family were nine children, 
seven of whom are still living: Mrs. John R. King, now a resident of Ohio; Mrs. Hattie Ram- 
dall, living in Chicago; Miss Julia Scoville, also of Chicago; James B., who is in Troy, New 
York; and Alice and Harry D., also of Cliicago. 

Of this family the Rev. Charles 0. Scoville was the seventh in order of birth. In his 
boyhood he attended school in Montpelier, Vermont, and passed through consecutive grades 
to the high school. He afterward entered Yale University, where he pursued an academic 
course and won his degree in 1887. He then entered the Berkeley Divinity School at Middle- 
town, Connecticut, and was graduated therefrom in 1890. His first charge was the pastor- 
ate at Westville, Connecticut, where he presided over the Episcopal church of St. James from 
1890 until 1892. He then accepted the position of curate of the Trinity Episcopal church 
on the Green in New Haven, acting in that position until 1908, when he wag made rector. 
He has since had charge of the parish, covering a period of nine years, and under his direction 
the church has done splendid work in advancing the moral progress of the community. The 
different lines of work are thoroughly organized and its radiating force is proving a very 
strong element in moral progress. 

Rev. Scoville is a member of the Graduates Club of New Haven. He has social qualities 
which are most valuable in his pastoral work and in all of his efforts he is ably assisted by 
his wife, who in her maidenhood was Miss Lena May Isbell, a daughter of Willis B. and 
Ida (Hotchkiss) Isbell, of Westville, Connecticut. He was married June 1, 1892, and they 
have one child, Helen, who was born in New Haven and is a graduate of the Hillhouse higli 



68 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

school and also of Wellesley College in the class of 1915. She is now in her sophomore 
year in the Yale Medical School. 

It would be almost tautological in tliis connection to enter into any series of statements 
as showing Rev. Scoville to be a man of broad scholarly attainments for this has been 
shadowed "forth between the lines of this review. He is well known as a writer of many 
interesting articles and is a historian of no mean ability. A public-spirited citizen, he 
stands for progress and improvement in all things that relate to the uplift of the indi- 
vidual and the upbuilding of the community. He possesses marked oratorical powers and 
his ability in that direction has won him the reputation of being one of the strongest 
representatives of the Episcopal ministry. His reasoning is always clear, he thinks deeply 
and his deductions are logical. He calls upon literature and experience for an apt illustration 
that carries his point home and he quickly reaches the hearts of his listeners. 



HON. ROLLIX SIMMONS WOODRUFF. 

Rollin Simmons Woodruff, since his youth a resident of New Haven, has groAvn up 
with the city's life and business progress, and by his admirable record in public and 
business life has gained the respect and honor of all his fellow citizens. His industry and 
integrity have placed his name in the front rank of the makers of New Haven, and a 
most distinguished service as governor of the state, crowning an honorable career in polities', 
has given him an enviable place on the roster of servants of the commonwealth. Though 
a native of New York state (he was born in Rocliester, July 14, 1854) he came to New- 
Haven at the age of fifteen, and he has caught fully the spirit and has always been loyal 
to the traditions of the state of his adoption. 

(iovernor Woodruff's father was the Rev. Jeremiah Woodruff and his mother Mrs. 
Clarissa Thompson, and lie received his early education in the common schools of New 
York state, supplemented by a brief period in a school at Lansing, Iowa. Soon after 
coming to New Haven, he began his business career as an errand boy in a hardware store. 
He had the merit of industry and ambition which did not escape the attention of his employers, 
and his upward progress was steady. He went from one position to another, always im- 
proving his condition and prospects, until he was able to make investment for himself, 
which was in the C. S. Mersick Company, then one of the most promising wholesale dealers 
in iron and steel in New Haven, now one of the most extensive in New England. Mr. 
Woodruff's progress and that of the firm had such connected significance that when the 
business was incorporated in 1905 he was elected its president, which position he still 
holds. His sound business plan and foresight, his sterling business principles, have been 
much of the cause of the advance of The C. S. Mersick & Company, as the name of the 
firm now is, to a position of national prominence among the concerns dealing in a wide 
range of plumbers' supplies and house fittings. 

Governor Woodiuff has other important business connections, being a director of the 
Mechanics Bank of New Haven, the American Hardware Company of New Britain and the 
Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company of New Y'ork. He has been active in many 
public business enterprises, among which should be counted his valuable service on the 
New Haven permanent paving commission. He has long been a member of the Chamber 
of Commerce and was at one time its president. 

Always deeply interested in political affairsl Governor Woodruff nevertheless resisted 
the temptations of office until 1898, when Governor George E. Lounsbury named him an 
aide de camp on his staff, with the rank of colonel. In 1902 he was elected a state senator 
and made so good a record at Hartford that his nomination and election, two years 
later, as lieutenant governor seemed a natural promotion and was welcomed by the senate 
over which he presided. Again his election, two years after that, as governor was in the 
line of that natural, steady progress which has been characteristic of his career. He 
carried his ideas of business sense and business integrity to the governor's office — not 
altogether to the liking of some of the politicians. He enforced them upon the legislature, 
and though a veto power that was only nominal kept him from effecting his purpose in all 
lo«;islation, his acts had a moral influence which the state still feels. His administration 




ALJ^ J. Arr^l 



AXD eastern new HAVEX county 71 

was an effort for reform against obstacles; it was a healthy protest. His standing in 
the state is well summed up by the expression of one leading newspaper, which said: 
'■Popular, honest, honorable, spotless in character, a plain man of the people, a devoted 
citizen of the state, unostentatious but true blue always — that is RoUin S. Woodruff." 

In January, 1885, Mr. Woodruff was married to Miss Kaomeo E. Perkins, who was 
born in Xew Haven, .July 25, 1856, daughter of Nathaniel Perkins. Two children were 
born to them, both of whom died in early years. 

Governor. Woodruff has been prominent in JIasonry, having membership in Hiram 
Lodge. No. 1, F. & A. M.; Franklin Chapter, No. 2, R. A. M. ; Harmony Council, No. 8, R. 
& S. M.; New Haven Comniandery, No. 2, K. T.; and Lafayette Consistory, S. P. R. S. 
He is a member of the Union League Club, the Quinnipiac Club and the Young Men's 
Republican Club. Since 1896 he has been a member of the Second Companj', Governor's 
Foot Guard, and served as lieutenant for about two years. In 1908 Wesleyan University 
conferred on him the degree of LI^.D, 



WILLIAM WOOSTER BUCKINtiHAM. 

William Wooster Buckingham, who occupies a place in the front ranks among the 
wholesale merchants of New Haven, is now vice president of the F. E. Fowler Company, 
wholesale dealers in wooden ware and glassware. Commercial enterprise finds expression 
in his life, for he has made rapid advancement, rising to a most creditable position, and the 
course which he has followed and the policy which he has pursued are such that New Haven 
is proud to number him among her native sons. 

Mr. Buckingham was born April 4, 1863, and represents one of the old Connecticut 
families, his great-grandparents being Nathan and Silcna (Lewisi Buckingham. Their son. 
Nathan Lewis Buckingham, was born about 1792 and married Clarissa Wooster. Henry 
Buckingham, who was one of their six children, was born February 29, 1828, in Oxford, 
Connecticut, and acquired his education in the public schools there. He was a youth of 
seventeen when he came to New Haven, where for several years he was employed by D. W. 
Buckingham and later by Jeremiah Atwater. He afterward engaged in the retail butcher- 
ing business in Derby. Connecticut, but soon returned to New Haven, where he established a 
grocery store. At the time of the Civil war he went to the south as sutler with a Rhode 
Island regiment and after the close of hostilities turned his attention to the real estate busi- 
ness in New Haven, where he resided for more than forty years, and spent the last six 
years in retirement from active business. He married Abbie Ogden (Phillips) Curtis, the 
widow of Reuben Curtis. She was born in Fairfield, Connecticut, July 16, 1830. and died 
wliile visiting in Boston, .January 28, 1901. For several years she had survived ilr. Buck- 
ingham, whose death occurred November 7, 1893. They were the parents of four sons. 

William Wooster Buckingham, the third in order of birth, acquired a public school 
education and in early manhood went to Georgia, being engaged in manganese mining at 
Cartersville for two years. He afterward returned to New Haven and became connected with 
F. .S. Bradley, a wholesale hardware merchant. In time the business became that of Buck- 
ingham. Clark & Jackson and eventually tlie Buckingham Hardware Company, the two for- 
mations dating from 1900, at which time William W. Buckingham became the treasurer 
and general manager. He continued to act in that capacity until 1903, when the businesa 
was sold to the Bronson & Townsend Company of New Haven. Mr. Buckingham afterward 
went upon the road as a traveling salesman, representing a New York house for two years. 
He was afterward with the William Filene's Sons Company of Boston in an executive posi- 
tion for three years and in 1910 he became one of the incorporators and the vice president 
of the F. E. Fowler Company, wholesale dealers in wooden ware and glassware in New 
Haven. Through the intervening period a business of considerable magnitude has been de- 
veloped and the methods employed rank the institution with the leading commercial inter- 
ests of New Haven. Well defined plans and purposes underlie the gradual development of 
the business and intelligent direction of effort has brought forth gratifying results. The 
proprietors have ever been careful to conform their interests to the highest standards of 
commercial ethics, have thoroughly studied general trade conditions as well as conditions 
Vol. II — 4 



72 A .MUDKK-X HISTORY OF .\E\V IIAVEX 

bearing directly upon their personal interests and by their enterprising methods and cloBo 
application have developed one of the leading wholesale activities of the city. 

Mr. Buckingham was married on the 24th of September, 1888, to Mrs. Laura Stevens 
Morev, of Mayville, New York, and they have become the parents of three children, Len- 
ora Bishop, Charles Wooster and Waitstill William. 

Mr. Buckingham has long taken an active interest in military affairs and was a member 
of the Xew Haven Grays from 1885 until 1890 and of the Second Company of the Gover- 
nor's Foot Guard from 189:5 until 1900. He is now a member of the Second Ragiment of the 
Reserve Company of the Home Guard of Xew Haven with the rank of captain. He belongs to 
the Sons of the American Revolution and to the Grays' Veteran Association. His political 
endorsement is given to the republican party. His interests thus cover a wide range and his 
activities have always been ilirci-tcil in clianm-ls tlno\igli which Hows the greatest good to the 
greatest number. 



HERRICK PAYNE J-ROST. 



Herrick I'aync Frost, late of New Haven, where for many years he was one of the useful 
citizens and substantial business men of that city — first as a wholesale grocer, and then as 
a telephone projector, as well as manager — was descended from tlie Frost family, of Wolcott, 
Connecticut. 

Mr. Frost was born .January 16, 1835, in the town of Wolcott, a son of Sylvester and 
Philanda (Tuttle) Frost, and was in the fourth generation from David Frost, of the same 
town. David Fiost was born September 5. 1742. and liis wife, Mary, was born December 22, 
1740. They had their home three miles ea.st of Waterbury. on the Southington road, at what 
is now called East Farms. His death occurred December 15. 1812. and that of liis wife, Febru- 
ary 6, 1819, when she was aged seventy-nine years. From tliis David Frost. Herrick P. Frost's 
lineage is through David Frost (2) and Sylvester. 

David Frost (2) was born March 1, 1767, and was married .Tune 14, 1790, to Mary Ann. 
a daughter of David Hitchcock, of Southington. Mr. Frost settled on Southington Mountain, 
north of Capt. N. Lewis, and became a man of influence an& responsibility in the town. He 
died iLirch 18. 1850, and his wife. November 24, 1832. Sylvester Frost, his son. was the father 
of Herrick I-'rost. and was born Jfay 8, 1807. He married Philanda Tuttle. and was engaged 
in farming in Wolcott. His death occurred in Southington, Connecticut. 

Herrick P. Frost passed his boyhood for the greater part at the home of his uncle, 
Herrick Payne, and was educated at the academy. In his seventeenth year he secured a team 
and wagon and went on the road selling goods of various kinds through a number of states 
and in this manner soon became self-reliant and confident, as well as experienced. For a 
number of years he was engaged in this line, and in 1856 made his home in New Haven, 
where after several experiments in various enterprises, in 1858 he formed a partnership 
with Julius Tyler, Jr., establishing the wliolesale grocery house of Tyler & Frost, on State 
street. This b\isiness Mr. Frost prosecuted with great energy and varied success for nearly 
twenty years, the partnership being dissolved in 1876, at about the time the telephone was 
just coming into public notice. The attention of Mr. Frost was turned to it, and after a 
careful examination of its merits, its practical character was quickly revealed to him. 
Associated with (icorge W. Coy, an electrician and at one time a telegraph manager, Mr. 
Frost and his partner, in January, 1877, projected the first telephone company ever formed 
for a general exchange business in New Haven, under the name of the New Haven Telephone 
Company, and the (irst telc|)lione exchange, it is said, that tlie world ever saw, was estab- 
lished. The new enterprise attracted general attention, and in less than three months after 
its inauguration it had one hundred and fifty subscribers, and within a year over four hun- 
dred. Mr. Frost and his partner were thus instrumental in giving to New Haven the credit 
of leading the world in this imiiortant line. By 1880 capital had become interested in the 
further development of the system, and the New Haven Telephone Company was merged into 
Ihe Connecticut Telephone Company, with the late Marshall .lewell. of Hartford, as president, 
and Hon. Charles L. Mitchell and Morris F. Tyler as directors. This company in 1884 under- 
went another change, becoming the Southern New England Telephone Company, with a 



AN]) P: ASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 73 

capital of one luid a lialf million dollars. Tlirough tlie foresight, energy and ability of Mr. 
Frost, to whom was committed the general management of this great and growing corpora- 
tion, the lines of the company were carried into nearly every town, hamlet and school district, 
within the territory in which they operated, and until a very few years ago there was no 
district in the world with so many telephones in use, in pro])ortion to its population, as 
Connecticut. 

The Boston Electric Light Co., of Boston, was also ])rojected by Mr. Frost. The New 
Haven Electric Liglit Co. and tlie New Haven Steam Heat Co. were also iirojects of liis. and 
he was interested in the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Co., Washington. D. C; and he 
was director and stockholder in thirty-four electric light and teleiihone companies. He was 
also one of the organizers of the opposition line of steamboats. 

Mr. Frost commanded the esteem and respect of his fellow citizens. He had been con- 
nected with the city government in various relations — as a councilman, alderman, police com- 
missioner, as well as in other capacities. For a number of years he was chairman of the city 
board of finance, and in all official relations acquitted himself with credit. 

Mr. Frost was married April 23, 1858, to Miss Olive Amelia, a daughter of Ashbel Mix, 
a liighly respected citizen of the town of Bristol, and to this union were born: Louie Herrick, 
who married Clara Drake; Helen Louise, who died when five years old; Pauline Amelia, who 
married Archibald Ward Ives, of Boston; and Dwight S. .M. Mr. Frost died Xov. 3, 1S88, 
and was interred in Evergreen cemeterv. New Haven. 



EDGAR BEADLE 



Edgar Beadle, a wagon manufacturer of Cheshire, has been engaged in that line of busi- 
ness for many years and his shop has always enjoyed the reputation of turning out excel- 
lent work. He was born in Cheshire, September 36, 1848, a son of Benajah Beadle, also i. 
native of Cheshire, who likewise devoted his life to carriage and wagon making. He was a 
democrat in his early manhood but later became an adherent of the republican party. He 
held several offices and was at all times faithful to the trust reposed in him by his fellow 
citizens. His father. Alfred Beadle, was the son of John Beadle, whose father. Nathaniel 
Beadle, settled in Walliiigford in the early days. .John Beadle served as ca]itain of a Iiorse 
company in the Rev(dutionary war and during the dark days of that conflict was unswerv- 
ingly loyal to the cause of the newly formed Union. The family first located at Salem, 
Massachusetts, and tlie name has been held in high honor. Benajah Beadle was united 
in marriage to Miss Julia Ann Hitchcock, a daughter of Gains Hitchcock and a grand- 
daughter of Captain David Hitchcock, who was in the army during the entire eight years 
of the Revolutionary war. Captain Hitchcock was a son of Peter Hitclicock, whose father 
was John Hitchcock, the first of the name to settle at Cheshire. He removed here from 
Wallingford and previous to living at that place had been a resident of Morris Cove. 
I'eter Hitchcock erected the old family residence in which four generations of the family 
had lived. Benajah Beadle passed away about eight months after the death of his wife, 
wlio (lied in .Xiiril, 1890. Both had reached the age of seventy-five years. To them were 
born three children: William, who served in the Civil war and died shortly after his 
discharge from the army; Henry, deceased, who was for many years deputy sheriff of New 
Haven count}-; and Edgar. 

As a boy Edgar Beadle attended the public schools of Cheshire and later was a student 
in an academy conducted by Dr. Horton, after which he entered his father's carriage and 
wagon shop. Father and son conducted the business in partnership for a number of years 
but at length the older man retired and left the entire management of the business to our 
subject. It is one of the oldest commercial enterprises of Cheshire, having been established in 
1836, and it has always been conducted in accordance with the highest standards of business 
ethics. Before the advent of the automobile the business of the shop covered a wide territory 
but with the general adoption of motor cars for both commercial use and for pleasure the 
ilemand for wagons and carriages has declined, but such is the high reputation of the Beadle 
shop that it is accorded a large share of the remaining patronage along that line. The owner 
has throughout the years managed his affairs well and has accumulated a competence. 



74 A MODEKX HISTORY OF NEW IIAVEX 

Oii thp 3(1 i)f December. 1891. in Cheshire, Mr. Beadle was married to Miss Cora A. Som- 
mers. Her father, Charles Sommers, was a native of Woodbury and removed first to 
Windsor Locks and later to Chesliire. ilrs. Beadle passed away February 16, 1914, leaving 
a daughter, Cora Eloise 

Since attaining his majority Mr. Beadle has been a stanch supporter of the republican 
party and has been called to ofTice a number of times, having served as assessor, as member 
of the board of relief and in other positions of trust. Fraternally he is a Mason, and his 
manv excellent qualities have gained for bim a large circle of friends within and without 
the order. 



.MiHX B.XKinVlX KENNEDY. 

.lolin Baldwin Kennedy, coming from u stock wlio.se excellence New Haven frankly 
honors, has by his own record in the community abundantly approved his ancestry. As 
head of an old but progressive manufacturing institution, as president of one of the young 
but successful banks of the city, as a public official whose record of unselfish service for the 
public good is unchallenged, as comander of a historic military organization which under 
him has renewed and strengthened the traditions of its fine old past, as citizens foremost 
in cvoiy cause that calls for uplifting influence and earnest work, he has won an enviable 
place in the city of his adoption. 

Mr. Kennedy Is descended on his father's side from the Galloway Scottish clan of 
Kennedy; on his mother's from the Baldwins of Milford, his father having been John 
Kennedy, born in Cockermoutli, in the north of England, but coming directly from Galloway 
that is northwest across the border of Scotland. His mother was Cornelia Baldwin, a 
descendant in the eighth generation of John Baldwin, one of the original settlers of 
Milford, whose name is on that town's Memorial bridge. John Kennedy, who came to 
this country in 1847, married Miss Baldwin in Connecticut. 

John Baldwin Kennedy was born at White Plains, New York, February 24. 1S64. and 
was named for his mother's ancestor. His parents removed to New Haven when he was 
quite young, and he was educated in the public schools of New Haven, completing his 
grammar school course with the class of 1880 in Duight school. He entered the office of 
English & Mersick, of which firm he is now president, as a clerk soon after leaving school. 
His rise has been due chiefly to intelligent application and hard, consistent work. It was in 
1895, following the death of James G. English, its senior partner, that he was admitted to 
the firm. Three years later, at the death of Edwin F. Mersick, he was made president. 
Jn his administration great opportunities have come to the firm, and that they have been 
improved its present prosperity and its standing among the manufacturing institutions 
of New Haven and the country abundantly show. 

-Major Kennedy was one of those who. in 1913 and the years preceding, most clearly 
saw the needs of the growing business interests of the northern part of the city for a 
bank in their vicinity. He was one of the leading organizers of the Broadway Bank & 
Trust Company and was chosen its president. Under him it has become a strong institu- 
tion, more than fulfilling the purpose for which it was organized. Major Kennedy's other 
business interests are with the New Haven Trap Rock Company, of which he is a director, 
and with a number of other manufacturing and commercial concerns. 

On October 3, 1888, in New Haven, Mr. Kennedy was married to Miss Katherine C 
Clark, daughter of Joseph W. and Jane (Hine) Clark, of Orange, Connecticut. Mrs. Kennedy 
is of old Connecticut stock and is following in the footsteps of her ancestors by her activity 
in the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Daughters of Founders and Patriots, and 
the Daughters of the Society of the War of 1812. Major Kennedy is a member of the 
General David Il>im|)hrcys branch of the Sons of the American Revolution and has mem- 
bership in the Liiion league, the Quinnipiac, the Racebrook Country and the New Haven 
Country Clubs, and is connected with Wooster Lodge, F. & A. M. His church membership 
is with Dwight Place Congregational. 

In 1904 he enlisted in the Second Company. Governor's Foot Guard, and rose rapidly 
tluough the grades until in 1915 he was made major and commander. His enthusiasm for 





^. 




AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 77 

tlie company has been earnest from the first, and under him it has had a splendid record 
of service and progress. He is a republican but has not participated in politics in the 
ordinary sense. His keen interest in public and civic affairs has, however, brought to him 
responsibilities. He was a member of the New Haven civil service commission from 1910 
to 1912 inclusive, after which he was made a member and then president of the board of 
police commissioners, which position he had filled with honor for five years. 



HOWARD ELLSWORTH A1>T. 

Howard Ellswortli Adt, identified with various corporations tliat figure prominently as 
assets in the business development of Xew Haven, has thus contributed in large measure to 
the progress and upbuilding of the city. He is a forceful and resourceful business man, ready 
to meet any emergency and at all times directing circumstances and shaping conditions to 
the benefit of not only his individual or company interests but to the welfare of the com- 
munity. He is perhaps best known as the secretary, treasurer and general manager of the 
Geometric Tool Company. Massachusetts claims him as a native son, his birth having 
jccurred in Haydenville, June 18, 1863, his parents being Ferdinand F. and Catherine (Kar- 
niann) Adt. The father was born in (iermany and came to America with his father when 
late in his teens, crossing the Atlantic in 1844, at which time he became a resident of Tor- 
rington, Connecticut. His education was completed on this side the water and he became a 
[)apier-machS manufacturer, establishing an American plant at Torrington and later at 
Haydenville, where he afterward took up the business of manufacturing gold pens, becoming 
tlic pioneer in that field in the United States. He afterward removed to New York city and 
established business on JIaiden Lane, where he began the manufacture of gold pens on a 
much larger scale. He originated the diamond point and placed upon the market a product 
of great value, and success attended the undertaking from the beginning. During the last 
twenty years of his life Mr. Adt lived retired and passed away in New Haven in 1913 at the 
age of eighty-five years. He possessed inventive ingenuity, was a thorovighgoing business 
man, and with a spirit of unfaltering determination he accomplished whatever he undertook. 
The papier-mach^ plant which he founded was the first established on this side of the 
water, although his ancestors for several generations had been active in the same line of 
business in Bavaria. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Karmann, was born 
in New Haven and was a daughter of Sebastian and Elizabeth (Winter) Karmann, who were 
of German and of French descent, the Winters being among the old French families established 
on American soil. Mrs. Adt passed away in Torrington. Connecticut, at the age of seventy- 
si.\ years. By her marriage she had become the mother of three children, of whom two are 
living, while one son, Frank C, luts passed away. The others are Evie W. and Howard E., 
the foimcr a resident of Torrington. 

Howard E. Adt was educated in the public schools of Torrington. It was said that his 
mother wished him to be a clergyman, while his father wanted him to be a musician and his 
own wish was to become a physician. At the age of fourteen he took up the study of 
medicine with the idea of specializing in surgery and at seventeen years of age he took the 
examinations for entering upon a nu'dical course. However, his purpose was diverted through 
the intluence of his uncle, John Adt, who persuaded him to enter the business field, and at 
the age of eighteen years Howard E. Adt was designing special wire working machinery. His 
ready adaptability soon made him proficient in that field and he continued as designer and 
superintendent of construction for fourteen years, after which he was made manager of the 
business. Five years later, or in 1899, he organized the Geometric Drill Company, now the 
Geometric Tool Company, of which he is the secretary, treasurer and general manager and, 
in fact, is the only acti\e stockholder or director. He continues the directing head of this 
business, which is now a very important one, ranking with the leading productive industries 
of the city. This does not cover the scope of his interests and activities, however, for he 
is also the secretary and one of the directors of the New Haven Dairy Company. He is a 
director of the New England Machinery Company, a director of the Yale National Bank; a 
director of the New Haven Morris Plan Bank, and a member of the New Haven Jurv Com- 
mission, all of which indicates something of the natiire and breadth of his interests. Alert 



78 A .MODKHX HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

and energetic, he accom|iIislies wliat lie undertakes, never stopping sliort of suecessfiil com- 
pletion, and the methods which he has pursued should serve as a stimulus to others. 

.Mr. Adt was married in Springfield, Massachusetts, to Miss Henrietta Billings, a native 
of Putnam, that state, tracing her ancestry back in a direct line to the Mayflower. Mr. and 
Mrs. Adt have become the parents of two children: Frank, who has passed away; and Ruth 
Marion. 

In politics Mr. Adt has taken an active and helpful part as a supporter of the republican 
party. He is deeply interested in civic questions and heartily supports and promotes all 
plans which tend to advance the welfare of city, state and nation. He belongs to the indus- 
trial committee of New Haven, has been a member of the city council and of the Second 
Companv of the (Jovernor's Foot Guard. He belongs to the Chamber of Commerce, to the 
New Haven Young Alen's Christian Association and to the Cavalry Baptist church. He also 
has membership with the N'ew Haven Country Club and the Quinnipiac Club and when leisure 
peiniits he turns to the wilds for recreation, his friends bearing testimony to the fact that 
there are few ■'better huntsmen, better fishermen or better story tellers." He recognizes the 
fact that if the even balance which nature demands is maintained one must play well and 
work well. or. in other words, that the upbuilding of one's business powers depends also upon 
one's ability to take needed rest and recreation with its consequent relaxation. One of the 
secrets of his success is his power to concentrate. The matter in hand receives his entire 
attention. This has ever been oni of liis distinguishing characteristics and one of the basic 
elements in his success. 



RE(.IX.\L1) \V. MILLARD. 



W hilc ihcro li;i- i.l iici cssity been nuicli change in tlie personnel of the company conduct- 
ing bu.'^intss under tlic name ol Foster, ilerriam & Company, there ha» been no lowering of 
the high standaids which have always characterized the business from its inception, and with 
the passing years the business has been developed in its scope and has reached out in its 
ramifying trade interests luitil it covers a very wide territory. The president at this writing, 
in 1917, is Reginald \V. Jlillard. whose plans are well formulated and whose energy enables 
liim to carry forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. 

Reginald \V. .Millard w.is born in Hamilton. Ontario. Canada, March 13, 1886, a son of 
.lames \V. and Christina .Millard. He acquired a public and high school education and after- 
ward entered the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, from which he was gradu- 
ated with the class of 11)04 with the S. B. degree. He then returned to Canada and became 
engineer for the Hydro l';iectric Development Company at Ragged Rapids, Ontario. He has 
been identified with tlie interests of Meriden since 1910, when he became engineer for the 
International .Silver Company, a position which he acceptably filled until .lanuary 1, 1913, 
when he became associated with the Koster-Merriam Compan_y as general manager. He thus 
contiiuud until .September 14. 11114. when he was appointed president upon the death of Mr. 
Rutherford, and in that ca])acity lie has since continued. The firm manufactures various 
kinds of castings and sometliinj; or tlie volume of the business transacted is indicated in the 
fact that their employes now number about five hundred and fifty. The company of which 
he is the president is one of the oldest in Meriden. The business is divided into three 
departments: factory manufacturing; "cabinet hardware and casters; and a brass and iron 
foundry. There is also an extensive iron fovindry at Rocky Hill. 

Tlie product of the company is sold throughout the United States and is exported in 
considerable measure to f(U'eign countries. The plant covers a ground space of about one 
hundred and five thousand square feet and the Hoor space altogether is about three hundred 
and fifteen thousand square feet. Many of the buildings are four and five stories in height. 
The company maintains a New York ollice at Xo. 225 Canal street for the care of tlie metro- 
politan and the export trade and the house is represented ujion the road by seven traveling 
salesmen. 

In November, 1914. .Mr. Millard was united in marriage to Miss .leannette Crantliam. of 
Hamilton. Ontario, and tlicy have become parents of one child. .lames William. 

.Mr. .Millard is identified with various Masonic bodies. He belongs to .Meriden Lodge. 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 79 

No. 77, F. & A. M.: to Keystone Chapter, R. A. M.; and to St. Elmo Commandery, K. T. He 
is prominent as a member of Greek letter fraternities, including Sigma Alpha Epsilon and 
Theta Nu Epsilon. He is a member of the Highland Country Club, of the Home Club of 
Meriden, of tlie Technology Club of New York city and the American Society of Mechanical 
Engineers. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and, like a true 
American citizen, he studies the questions and issues of the day, giving intelligent support 
to the measures and principles which lie deems of greatest worth to the country. His religious 
faith is that of the Episcopal church and constitutes the guiding force of his life, character- 
izing liis relations to tlic public, and exerting influence upon his business connections and in 
matters of friendship. 



CHARLES HINE NETTLETON. 

Charles Hine Nettleton is president of the New Haven Gas Light Company and president 
and treasurer of the Derby Gas Company. He has long been identified with the development 
and conduct of gas interests in this section of the state and his business ability has brought 
him to a prominent position. He is alert, energetic and determined and well defined plans 
have been carefully executed, so that he has along the line of steady progression advanced 
toward success. 

He was born in New Haven. .June 29, 1850, and is descended from Samuel Nettleton, the 
founder of the American branch of the family, who came from England about 1640, settling 
first in Wethersfield, Connecticut. He was afterward one of those who bought Totoket, now 
Bran ford, in the year 1644, and to that place he removed the same year. His descendants 
afterward settled in Milford, Connecticut, and later became residents of Washington, Con- 
necticut. It is from the last named branch of the family that Charles H. Nettleton comes. 
His father, who also bore tlie name of Charles Nettleton, was a lawyer by profession. He 
married Ellen Hine, a woman of verj' strong moral influence. 

In his boyhood days Charles Hine Nettleton attended the public schools of New York 
city, where the family home was established, and after completing his studies there he spent 
line year at the "Gunnery" at Washington, Connecticut. Immediately afterward he entered 
the College of the City of New Y'ork, in which he pursued the scientific course, being graduated 
in 1870 with the B. S. degree. Following his graduation he went to Mount Vernon, New York, 
to act as manager of the gas plant. In 187.3 he was made secretary and continued to fill 
that position until 1890, when the company sold out. In 1871 he also_went to Derby, Con- 
necticut, to take charge of the construction of the plant of the Derby Gas Company which 
was then being built. On the organization of the company he was elected its secretary and 
treasurer and filled the dual position until 1900, when he was chosen president, retaining also 
the ofRce of treasurer but retiring from the position of secretary. Since 1900 he has also 
been president of the New Haven Gas Light Company. He has from the outset of his busi- 
ness career been identified with the gas industry and there is no phase of the business with 
which he is not thoroughly familiar, and in every department is most competent, having 
comprehensive knowledge of practices of manufacture while displaying equal skill in admin- 
istration and in the performance of executive duties. 

Mr. Nettleton has served as president of the Birmingham Bank of Derby and as general 
manager of the Birmingham Water Company of Derby, occupying the latter position con- 
tinuously since 1874 or for a period of forty-four years. His business affairs have always 
been of a character that have had much to do with public welfare and comfort and it has 
ever been his purpose to extend the best service possible — an excellent service thoroughly 
adequate to the demand. 

On the 11th of November, 1874, Mr. Nettleton was united in marriage to Miss Katherine 
Arnold, a daughter of the late .Joseph Arnold, who for many years was cashier of the Birming- 
ham National Bank of Derby. Two children have been born of this marriage, Katherine 
Arnold and Ellen Arnold. 

Mr. Nettleton is a republican in his political views. He served as warden of the bor- 
ough of Shelton during the first two years of its existence but he has never been a politician 
in the sense of the office seeker, although always interested in the vital questions and issues 



80 A .MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

of the dav His religious faith is that of the Protestant Episcopal church. He is a member 
of the 4Ipha Delta Phi and of the Phi Beta Kappa. He also belongs to the Graduates' Club, 
the Quinnipiac Club and the I'nion League Club, all of Xew Haven, and the Lotos and Alpha 
Delta Phi Clubs of New York. In Masonry he has attained high rank, having reached the 
Kni"ht Templar degree of the York Kite and the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, 
wliiU. in his life he e.veniplili.s the beneficent si>irit of the craft. He tiu-ns for diversion to 
fishin.' and "olf and when business cares permit greatly enjoys those sports. The steps in 
his orderly ,rrogression are easily di.scernible. At the outset of his career he applied himself 
with thoroughness to the mastery of the duties assigned him and gained such an intimate 
and aco.rate knowledge of the business that promotion logically followed. Thus step by 
step he has advanced and in a position where he is subject to public censure or to public 
endorsement he has rendered such service as to win the latter in notable degree. 



HOADLEY BRAY IVES. 



Ives is one of the old historic names of New England, and has been represented in 
Connecticut since the settlement of William Ives, the American ancestor of the family, 
in the colony as early as 1642. The various descendants of this man have played a part in 
the making of a great nation, and Hoadley Bray Ives was no unworthy representative of the 

name. 

Hoadley B. Ives was born in North Haven, in 1814. a son of William Ives, Jr., and a grand- 
son of William Ives, Sr., the latter a farmer of North Haven, where he spent his entire life. 
William Ives, Jr., was born in North Haven, and followed farming as an occupation. He 
died when about seventy-five years old. His wife was born in East Haven, and died at the 
age of sixty-five. She became the mother of five children. 

Hoadley B. Ives was reared in North Haven, and was early set to learn the tinner's 
trade, but he ran away from his employer, and found a position as a clerk in a grocery 
in New Haven in which connection he remained until he was nineteen. At that age he 
set up in the grocery business on State street, and after a few years moved to Church 
street, and there purchased two buildings. He was quite successful, and was so engaged for 
a number of years. Mr. Ives was one of the originators of the National Savings Bank, 
and filled a position in it as treasurer as long as he lived, his period of active work as 
treasurer and director covering some twenty-five years. He was president of the Fair 
Haven & Westville Street Railroad Company, and saw that enterprise grow in 
importance until it has become one of the important lines of this part of the state. 

In his politics he was a republican, and for three years was an alderman; eight years 
a member of the common council, and he always took an active part in all the aflairs of the 
city. He was a director of the Yale National Bank and at one time owned nearly half its 
capital stock, being intimately associated with all its important transactions. 

On May 25, 1853, Mr. Ives was married to Mary E. Fisher, a native of the city of 
New York, and a daughter of Daniel M. and Mary (Watrous) Fisher, prominent in old 
New York circles. Daniel M. Fisher was well known in business for many years in the 
metropolis, and died at the age of eighty years. Mary (Watrous) Fisher was born in New 
Y'ork of French Huguenot e.xtraction, and became the mother of four children, one of 
whom was Mrs. Mary E. Ives. Mrs. Fisher died at the age of forty-one. Both she and 
her husband attended the Methodist church and Mrs. Ives attended Christ church. The 
death of Mr. Ives occurred March 19, 1894, his demise causing deep regret to his many 
friends who greatly appreciated him for his many fine traits of character. 

Mrs. Ives began a tour of the world February 6, 1895, and was away from home two 
and a half years. She spent one month in Ceylon, three months in India, three months in 
Japan, and made a prolonged stay in Italy, where her health was much improved. In 
1895 Mrs. Ives gave ten thousand dollars to build the chancel of Christ church, and in 
1899, gave two thousand dollars for the furnishing of the new Maternity Hospital. In 
August, 1901, she made a donation of ten thousand dollars to the Y. M. C. A. for the 
library, and the interest on five thousand dollars with which to buy books for the library. 




HOADLEY BRAY IVES 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 83 

this money to be given them at her death. She left in addition to these gifts many 
others of a most substantial character. She was a woman of high character and generous 
spirit, and possessed a host of friends in the community who appreciated her good qualities. 



EUGEXE MAURICE BLAKE. M. D. 

Comprehensive post graduate study abroad has splendidly qualified Dr. Eugene Maurice 
lilake for the active practice of medicine and surgery. He is now specializing in treatment 
of diseases of the eye and has gained more than local distinction in this connection. 

He was born in Bridgeport. Connecticut, December 31. 1882, and is a son of Frederick E. 
Blake, a native of New Haven, representing one of the old families of the state, of English 
lineage. The founder of the American branch of the family was Reuben Blake, who came 
to the new world about 1725. Among the ancestors of Dr. Blake were those who participated 
in the Revolutionary war. including this Reuben Blake, who enlisted from Danburj' and 
served as a private. Frederick E. Blako became a successful dry goods merchant of Bridge- 
port. He was a son of another Reuben Blake, also a native of New Haven, who served as a 
soldier of the Civil war witli a Connecticut regiment and was wounded and taken iirisoncr, 
after which he was confined in Libby prison until exchanged. He then reentered the service 
and continued to give active aid to the government until at last victory crowned the Union 
arms. The mother of Dr. Blake, Mrs. Corabel (Cottrell) Blake, was a native of Sharon, 
Connecticut, and a daughter of George Wesley and Julia (Rowley) Cottrell. The Cottrells 
came from New York and were of French descent, the family being established in Connecticut 
at an early period. Mrs. Blake is still living. 

Dr. HIake was an only child and was reared and educated in Bridgeport and in Wurcester. 
Massachusetts, afterward entering Yale in 1902. He there pursued the full course in medicine 
and was graduated in 1906 with the M. D. degree. Afterward he was interne at Hartford 
Hospital, where he remained for seven months, and then entered practice with Dr. A. N. 
Ailing, of New Haven, with whom he was associated for six years. On the expiration of that 
jieriod he began practice alone, specializing in the treatment of diseases of the eye, in which 
field he has attained marked distinction. He is the author of many articles which have been 
published in the leading medical journals, especially of those treating of the eye. He has 
'been lecturer on the eye in the Yale Medical School and staff officer in the New Haven 
Dispensary. He was formerly a member of the medical staff as ophthalmologist at St. 
Raphael's Hospital and he is now serving on the staff of the New Haven Hospital. In 1909 
he took post graduate work in Vienna. Paris and Heidelberg and remained five months abroad, 
iluring which time lie came iinder tlio instruction of sonio of the most eminent oculists of the 
uM world. 

On the 17th of October Htio in ( harleston. West Virginia, Dr. Blake was united in 
marriage to Miss ilary Capertou. a native of West X'irginia and a daughter of George Heniy 
and Anna (Chambliss) Capertou, both of whom are still living. The only daughter born to 
Ilr. and Mrs. Blake died in infancy. 

Dr. and ilrs. Blake are members of Trinity Episcu])al church He belongs to the Gradu- 
ates' Club, also to Nu Sigma Nu, a medical fraternity, and to Sigma I'si. He is a first 
lieutenant of the Medical Reserve Corps. U. S. A. Dr. Blake holds membership in the New 
Haven, New Haven County and Connecticut State Medical Societies, the American Medical 
-•Association, the American Ophthalmological .Society, and the New Y'ork Academy of Medicine. 



LEONARD MAYHEW DAGGETT. 

Prominent among the leading members of the Connecticut bar is Leonard Mayhew 
Daggett, of New Haven, who for thirty years has been an active representative of the bar. 
He was born November 23. 1863, in the city in which he makes his home, his parents being 
David Lewis and Margaret Donaldson (Gibbons) Daggett. The ancestry in the paternal line 
is traced back to .John Daggett, who came to the new world with (Jovernor John Winthrop 



84 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

in 1630 and settled in Watertown, Massachusetts. His son, Thomas Daggett, married a 
daughter of Tliomas Mayhew, who was governor of Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and the 
Elizabeth islands. David Daggett, a representative of the family in the fifth generation iu 
America, came to New Haven from Attleboro, Massachusetts, was graduated from Yale in 
1783 and at once entered upon the practice of law in New Haven. Many times he was 
elected to the general assembly of the state and for one term he served in the United States 
senate. In 1826 he was appointed Kent professor of law in Yale and for a brief period he 
.served upon the supreme bench of Connecticut as chief justice. His son, Leonard Augustus 
Daggett, was graduated from Yale in 1807, and liis son, David Lewis Daggett, was graduated 
in 1839. The last named was born in 1820 and following his graduation from the medical 
department of Yale entered upon active practice in New Haven, remaining for fifty-three 
years a member of the medical profession of this city. In 1854 he wedded Margaret Don- 
aldson Gibbons and they became the parents of three sons; David, who was born April 3, 
1858, and died July 3, 1916; William G.. who was born January 8, 1860, and died September 
18, 1910; and Leonard Mayhew. The father passed away in February, 1896, at the age of 
seventy-six years, and in his passing New Haven lost one of its distinguished and repre- 
sentative citizens. 

Leonard M. Daggett pursued his preparatory studies in the Hopkins grammar school 
and in his college days he became a member of the Kappa Sigma Epsilon and the Psi Upsilon. 
Following his graduation he taught for a year in the Hopkins grammar school and subse- 
quently studied in the Yale Law School, from which he was graduated with the class of 
1887. After a year's clerkship in the law office of Townsend & Watrous in New Haven he 
entered upon the private practice of law but soon became associated with Henry C. White, 
under the firm style of White & Daggett. He is now a member of the firm of Bristol & 
White. From 1894 until 1910 he was instructor on the law of wills in the Yale Law School. 
In 191.") he succeeded William Waldo Hyde of Hartford as one of the board of five trustees 
appointed by the United States court to hold and operate the Connecticut Company, the 
trolley system formerly owned by the New Haven Railroad. In 1917 he was appointed 
a member of the district exemption board for the second district, of which he served as 
chairman. He is a director of the Second National Bank. 

On the 17th of February. 1906, Mr. Daggett was married in New Haven to Miss Eleanor 
Evelyn Cutler, a daughter of the late Evarts Cutler, formerly of this city. Mr Daggett 
has always given his political allegiance to the republican party and in 1890 was elected 
a member of the board of councilmen of New Haven. In 1894 he became judge advocate 
general on the staff of Governor Coffin and filled that position for two years, while in 1901 he 
bi'came corporation counsel of New Haven, a position which he admirably filled until 1908. 



WILLIAM RUSSELL (m.BERT. 

William Russell Gilbert, deceased, was well known in journalistic circles in Wallingford, 
whrir lie made his home from 1869 until his death. He was born at Waldens Ridge, Tennes- 
see, October 23, 1853, a son of Raphael and Angelica (Freeborn) Gilbert, The father spent 
the greater part of his life in New York, where he was engaged in the silverware manufac- 
turing business. He afterward removed to Meriden and later went to Springfield, while his 
last days were spent at Northampton. His wife also passed away in Northampton. 

It was during the infancy of William Russell Gilbert that his parents removed to New 
York city, where he practically acquired his education. He began to learn his trade with his 
father and in 1869 took up his abode in Wallingford, where he entered the employ of the 
Simpson, Hall & Miller Company, with whom he continued tor twenty-two years or until 1891. 
In the meantime he had become interested in newspaper work, having in the early '70s as- 
sumed the position of correspondent of the Sunday Union, representing its interests in 
Wallingford. He still continued to work in the shop, doing his newspaper work evenings. 
In 1890 he entered into business relations with the Journal of Meriden, at which time that 
paper was in its infancy. In 1891 the circulation had so increased that he was offered in- 
ducements to give up work at the factory and devote his entire attention to building up the 
circulation, the advertising and the job printing departments. He accepted the offer which 



i 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 85 

was made liim and contimied in active connection with the Journal up to the time of his 
(ieatli. being business manager for the paper at VVallingford and by his enterprise and ability 
contributing much to its growth and success. 

On the 20th of September. 1877, at the home of the bride at 335 North Main street in 
Wallingford, Mr. Gilbert was married to Miss Minnie E. Loomis, a daughter of Milton and 
Mary (Beaumont) Loomis. Her grandfather, Elijah Beaumont, was one of the early settlers 
iif Wallingford and became one of the first school master* and surveyors. Mrs. Gilbert's 
present home is a part of the old Beaumont homestead, established by her great-grandfather, 
Deodate Beaumont, who kept a tavern at the present corner of Main and Christian streets. 
The Beaumonts are descended from one of two brothers who came from England about the 
time that the Mayflower crossed the Atlantic. The family were of the English nobility and 
Mrs. Gilbert has the Beaumont coat of arms and is in possession of many articles which have 
been handed down from early periods and are now cherished heirlooms. To Mr. and Mrs. Gil- 
bert were born three children: Leonard Russell, of New Haven; Grace S., at home, a public 
school teacher of Wallingford; and Clarence Beaumont, also of Wallingford. 

In his political views Mr. Gilbert was a democrat, giving stalwart allegiance to the party 
but never desiring nor seeking office. Fraternally he was connected with the Masons, the 
Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias and was a loyal adherent of those diflferent organiza- 
tions. He possessed many sterling traits of character which won him high regard and he 
had a circle of friends in Wallingford almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance. 



CHARLES LLEWELLYN CHAPLAIN. 

For many years New Haven numbered Charles Llewellyn Chaplain among its well known 
ami worthy citizens. He was a native of Maryland, born at Cambridge, on the eastern shore, 
in 1816, and was a son of .Tames and Elizabeth (Davis) Chaplain. In his native state Charles 
L. Chaplain pursued his education and. coming to New Haven, he entered the Yale Law School, 
from which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1838. He then returned home and 
remained for a short period in Maryland, engaging in law practice in Baltimore, but on the 
expiration of that time he again came to New Haven, where he ever afterward resided. He 
did not continue in the practice of his profession, however, but turned his attention to a 
business life instead and became engaged in manufacturing in Newark, New .Jersey, where 
lie carried on business for some years, although he still resided in New Haven and when 
necessary made trips to Newark to look after his interests there. After retiring from busi- 
ness he spent his remaining days in a quiet manner but took the utmost interest in New 
Haven and its welfare. 

Mr. Chaplain was married in New Haven in 1842 to Frances Edwards Whitney, who was 
born in this city November 23, 1817, a daughter of Eli and Henrietta Frances (Edwards) 
Whitney and a granddaughter of Hon. Pierpont Edwards, who graduated from Princeton Col- 
lege in 1768, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, a member of the Continental Congress 
and a judge of the United States court of Connecticut. Eli Whitney, the father of Mrs., 
Chaplain, Avas the celebrated inventor of the cotton gin. Six children were born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Chaplain : Henrietta Whitney, deceased ; William Richard Thomas, who died in New 
York in 1912; Frances Edwards and Elizabeth Stoddard, both of whom reside in New Haven; 
Alice Llewellyn, who died in infancy; and Charles Francis, who died at the age of thirty-six 
years. Mrs. Chaplain passed awaj' at her home in New Haven, May 5, 18.59, and was laid 
(o rest in the Whitney lot in the Grove street cemetery. The death of Mr. Chaplain occurred 
February 7, 1892. His home for many years was on Elm street in the old Eli Whitney 
homestead, which he occu])ied until 1861, but for many years before his death his residence 
was on Church street. 

In the death of Mr. Chaplain. New Haven lost a valued and representative citizen. Quiet 
and unassuming in manner, he was devoted to the city of his adoption, its people and its 
institutions, and was most public spirited in every way, being always ready and willing to 
lend his aid to any worthy cause. He was the prime mover in forming a committee to collect 
funds for the erection of a monument to Mayor Skinner, of New Haven, and took a deep 
interest. in that work, doing everything in his power to make it a success. He was noted for 



S6 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

liis sterling character, liis ilevotiun to liis liome and his family and other admirable traits. In 
politics he was a stanch democrat and a firm believer in the principles advocated by Thomas 
.Jeflferson but was opposed to the stand taken by the southern states during the Civil war 
and was one of the committee sent to Virginia to oppose secession. 

At the time of his death a New Haven newspaper spoke of him as follows: "One rarely 
meets a more gentlemanly or courteous person than was Mr. Chaplain. He had all that grace 
and politeness which characterize gentlemen born and bred in the south, for whose customs 
and institutions he always retained a hearty sympathy and partiality, and during the war 
of the rebellion lie was rather pronounced in his remarks on the conduct of the war, but 
personally he was a most genial and companionable man, sensitively careful of the feelings 
of others. He had an extensive acquaintance among the prominent politicians and business 
men of the country and formerly made frequent trips to Washington. He several times was 
strongly talked of as a candidate for congress from this district. He was a gifted conver- 
sationalist and always had an ample fund of anecdotes and was always ready to entertain 
his friends with reminiscences of public men. many of which were exceedingly interesting 
and admirably told. He was keen-witted and in discussion most al>ly carried his ])oint. He 
was an extensive reader and possessed a wonderful fund of general information. He had a 
philosophy of his own and although some of his friends did not always agree with his belief 
they respected him for his faith in his own ideas. For many years his tall, slender and 
graceful figure was one of the most familiar features of our streets and he was always ready 
for a pleasant chat with his friends. He hesitated a little in his speech at times while 
selecting the most fitting phraseology but usually his thoughts came much faster than he 
could express them." 



JULIUS TWISS. 



Julius Twiss, well known in financial circles in New Haven, where he was for twenty - 
two years secretary and treasurer of the National Savings Bank, has been prominently identi- 
lied with financial and professional interests in this city for many years, being now comp 
troller and a trustee of that institution. He is a representative of one of Connecticut's old 
colonial families, which originated in England and traces the ancestral line back to a very 
remote period. The name has been variously spelled as Twiss, Twisse and Twist. The 
family possesses a coat of arms which has been described as: gules, a chevron between three 
bucks trippant, or; erest, a demi-griffin proper. The Twiss family of Kerry is descended 
from Richard Twiss, who settled in Ireland in the reign of Charles I and became a magis- 
trate of County Kerry. 

In tracing the ancestral line on this side the Atlantic it is found that Thomas Twiss 
settled in Connecticut about the same time that Peter Twiss took up his abode in Marble - 
head, Massachusetts, where he was married on the 26th of October, 1680, to Anna Kellum. 
Peter Twiss was doubtless the progenitor of the family as represented in Beverly, Marbh - 
head and elsewhere in Essex county. Massachusetts, and at Auburn and in other towns of 
New Hampshire. Both Peter and Thomas Twiss are thought to be descended from Dr. 
William Twiss, who lived in England from 1575 until 1640, according to the Biographical 
Dictionary, Vol. 30, published by Dr. Chalmers. His father was a successful clothier at New- 
bury in County Berks, England, and his grandfather was, according to Woods "Oxeniesis," 
of German nativity. The pioneer of the family in Connecticut was Thomas Twiss, who wns 
born about 1675 and departed this life in 1750. He was believed to have been the grandson 
of one of three brothers, Daniel, Nathan and Robert Twiss, who came from England and 
settled at Salem, Marblehead or at Boston between 1650 and 1660. Thomas Twiss on be- 
coming a resident of Connecticut remained for a time in Farmington. On the 2d of Decem- 
ber, 1702, he wedded Abigail Howe, a daughter of Nathaniel Howe, of Wallingford. Their 
children were: Benjamin Daniel, who was born in 1705; Abigail, born in June, 1707; Cath 
erine, June 14, 1709; Thomas, July 1, 1712; Mehitabel, January 4, 1714; John, August 15. 
1716; and Joseph, born April 1, 1718. As far as is known all were born in Cheshire. Ben 
jamin Twiss, a representative of the Connecticut branch of the family in the second genera 
tion, a son of Thomas and Abigail (Howe) Twiss, was born about 1703 and died in Wallinr'- 




Tt^i-M^^o; q) (Vir-T^^-^up 



V/if /ifj.ctf//i/(c/n yctrfj" 



i 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COl'NTY 89 

ford, Connecticut, in April, 1743. His second wife, Ruth Kern, whom he wedded in 1728, bore 
him one son, Joseph. 

Joseph Twi.ss, of the tliird generation, was in the direct line of the ancestors of Julius 
Twiss, whose father was Russell Twiss. Russell Twiss learned the trade of clock maker in 
Connecticut. He afterward went to Canada to promote the manufacture of American clocks 
there. He bought the parts from American manufacturers and assembled them in Canada, 
where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring at La Guerre in 1851. He married 
Permelia Preston, who was born in Merideh, Connecticut, and died in New Haven in 1880. 
They became the parents of six children, of whom three are still living, Gustave, Julius and 
Nelson. 

Julius Twiss was born in Joliette, in the province of Quebec, Canada, April 18, 1838, and 
while there spending his boyhood and youth attended school until he reached the age of 
sixteen years. After his father's death he accompanied his mother to Meriden, Connecticut, 
and was first employed as a clerk in the postoffice, of which his uncle, Hiram Hall, was 
postmaster. He was not in good health during his boyhood days but he persevered in his 
efforts to obtain an education and succeeded in spite of many handicaps. He was especially 
well versed in history, in religious works and in the best English fiction. He prepared for 
college at the Hopkins grammar school in New Haven and afterward entered Yale, from which 
he won his Bachelor of Arts degree upon graduation with the class of 1863. He then con- 
tinued his studies in the Yale Law School and received the LL. B. degree in 1865. In Sep- 
tember of that year he opened an office on Church street in New Haven, where he continued 
in general practice with gratifying success for almost thirty years, or until 1894. In the 
meantime he had become an active factor in public affairs. In 1886 he was elected to the 
common council of the city of New Haven and served as a member of that body for eight 
years. From 1869 until 1872 he was clerk of the city court and in the latter year was ap- 
pointed a member of the first tax commission that ever officiated in New Haven. He be- 
came a candidate for the office of probate .judge but ran when the party was in the min- 
ority. From June, 1872, until February, 1882, there were brought before him as justice of 
the peace eighteen hundred and thirty civil suits. He declined to serve longer as justice 
although his fellow townsmen would have continued him in that position, for his decisions 
were strictly fair and impartial and he "won golden opinions from all sorts of people." 
His political views were independent with sympathies leaning toward the republican party. 
He did not ally himself with either party but cast his ballot according to the dictates of his 
judgment. From 1866 until 1869 he was an active member of the New Haven Grays and is 
now a member of the Veteran Grays. 

Mr. Twiss has also been very prominent in Masonic circles. He holds membership in 
Hiram Lodge, No. 1, F. & A. M.. of which he was treasurer for three years, was master for 
one year and has been trustee since 1880. He was also a director of the Masonic Mutual 
Benefit Association of Connecticut for several years and he has done everything in his power 
to promote the interests of Masonry. Advancing through the York Rite of the order, he 
became a member of New Haven Commandery, K. T. In religious and philanthropic work 
he has also taken a most active and helpful interest and since 1880 has been a member of the 
society committee of the Calvary Baptist Ecclesiastical Society and a member of the ex- 
ecutive committee of the New Haven Baptist Union since 1893. He was also its president 
for a number of years. He has been a director of the organized charities since 1898 and a 
member of the board of managers of the Calvary Industrial Home from its organization 
until it passed out of existence. The nature of his interests is further indicated in the 
fact that he retains his membership with the Young Men's Republican Club, the New Haven 
Colony Historical Society, the New Haven Chamber of Comnierce. the Vale (Graduates t lub, 
and the Kn'glits Templar C'lub. Since July 3. 1873, he has been connected with the 
National Savings Bank of New Haven, and from that time until the present his connection 
has been continued, first as trustee, then secretary and treasurer. To the last named posi- 
tion he was elected in March, 1894. Soon afterward he gave up the practice of law and has 
since devoted his attention to the interests of the financial institution In 1916 he became 
comptroller of the bank, and under his guidance the business of the bank has greatly in- 
creased. He is a man of sound and discriminating judgment who readily discerns the essen- 
tial features in every business project and so directs his efforts that fruition is certain. 
Mr. Twiss is now in the eightieth year of his age but the burdens of years rest lightly 



90 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

upon him. In spirit and interests he seems yet in his prime, for he keeps in close touch with 
the trend of modern thought and progress. Old age need not necessarily suggest idleness 
nor want of occupation. Indeed there is an old age which grows mentally brighter as the 
years go on and gives out of its rich stores of wisdom and experience for the benefit of 
iithers. Such is tlie record of .Julius Twiss, a man who has long been honored as a promin- 
ent factor in professional and financial circles and in connection with the public life of the 
community. 



CHARLES W. WHITTLESEY. 

Business enterprise finds a worthy exponent in Charles W. ^\'hittlesey, now the president 
of the Charles W. Whittlesey Company, wholesale druggists of New Haven. He has been 
continuously connected with this business for thirty-eight years and since 1882 has been its 
e.xecutive head. His plans are always well defined and promptly executed, and difficulties and 
obstacles in liis path have seemed but to serve as an impetus for renewed eflfort on his part. 

Mr. Whittlesey was born on the 18th of December, 1860, in New Haven, and comes of 
English ancestry, the family having been founded in America by John Whittlesey, who was 
a native of England and after crossing the Atlantic became a resident of Saybrook, Con- 
necticut. He established a ferry between Saybrook and Old Lyme, which remained in pos- 
session of the family until 1839. It was at New Britain that Dr. Charles B. Whittlesey, 
father of Charles W. Whittlesey, was born and later upon the death of liis father, spent 
most of his youth in Southington under the guidance of his grandfather, Roger Whittlesey, a 
graduate of Yale class of 1787. He became a physician by profession, having been graduated 
from the medical department of Y'ale in 1843. He entered the drug business in 1845, estab- 
lishing the house which is now carried on under the name of the Charles W. Whittlesey 
Company, and in which he remained active up to the time of his death in 1878, when he was 
fifty-seven years of age. He was much interested in civic matters and in religious work as 
well, holilmg membership in the Center church. For many years he was very prominent in 
its affairs and long served as its treasurer. His aid and influence were always given on the 
side of progi'ess and improvement and he held to high standards of manhood and citizenship. 
He married Esther Antoinette Wilcoxson, who was born at Milan, Ohio, but represented an 
old Connecticut family that removed to the Western Reserve about 1820 and which was of 
Scotcli and English lineage. The Whittlesey family was founded in America during an early 
period in the colonization of the new world and representatives of the name participated in 
the struggle for independence. Mrs. Whittlesey passed away in 1908 at the advanced age 
of eighty years. She was the mother of six children of whom three are living: Mabel H., 
of New Haven; Mrs. Ellis Mendell, of Brookline, Massachusetts; and Charles W. 

The last named attended the public schools of New Haven until he completed the high 
school course, and afterward entered the Slieffield Scientific School, from which he was gradu- 
ated in 1879 with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. Prior to his graduation he entered 
into active connection with the business left by his father, at 744 Chapel street, near State 
street, and there he thoroughly acquainted himself with the wholesale drug trade in all its 
departments. Later, in 1882, he assumed the management of the business for his mother 
and won success in the careful direction of her interests. In 1887 he purchased the business 
from the family and incorporated it in 1898, since which time he has been the president. The 
firm employs on an average of thirty-five people and the business occupies three stories of a 
four story building, having ajiproximately twenty thousand square feet of floor space. The 
trade covers western Connecticut and Massachusetts and the undertaking is one of the most 
itnportant commercial interests in New Haven. Mr. Whittlesey is also a director of the New 
Haven Bank and of the Morris Plan Bank. He displays keen discernment in business and 
his enterprise is the expression of laudable ambition and careful consideration of the ques- 
tions relating to the trade. 

On the 25th of November. 1891. Mr. Whittlesey was married in New Haven to Miss 
Delia Barnes Bradley, a native of this city and a daughter of the late Robert and Cornelia 
(Minor) Bradley. Mrs. Whittlesey passed away September 25. 1902, at the age of thirty-one 
years. There were three children of that marriage. Ethid was born in New Haven March 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 91 

25, 1894, and is now in the university secretary's oHice in charge of war records. Robert 
Bradley, born October 11, 1895, left Yale in his junior year in May, 1917, to enlist in the 
service of his country and is now acting quartermaster on board the U. S. S. Narada. Charles 
B., who was born June 30, 1898, died March 32, 1900. On the 5th of January, 1910, Mr. 
Whittlesey was married to Miss Marj' Reed Eastman, of Albany, New York, a daughter of 
the Rev. William R. Eastman, a retired clergyman, and Laura (Barnes) Eastman of Plants- 
ville, Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Wliittlesey have one child, Margaret, born in New Haven 
February 20, 1911. 

Mr. Wliittlesey is a member of the Connecticut Home Guard. His political indorsement 
is given to the republican party and in 1891 he served as a member of the city council. He 
holds membership in the Graduates' Club, the Country Club of New Haven, and the Drug 
and Clieniical Club of New York. He belongs to the Center church of New Haven and is 
serving on its financial committee. His entire life has been spent in the city where he yet 
makes his home and throughout the entire period he has been connected with the drug trade. 
His is a record of a strenuous life — a record of a strong individuality, sure of itself, 
stable in purpose, quick in perception, swift in ded\iction, energetic and persistent in action. 



ALLEN MAXCY HILLER. 



Allen Maxcy Hiller, wlio for twenty years has engaged in the practice of law in New 
Haven, his native city, is a son of Jonathan and Abigail M. (Allen) Hiller, both of whom 
came of English and Scotch ancestry. The latter was a daughter of Samuel Allen, who 
was an officer in Captain Asa Fairbanks' Company in the Revolutionary war. The former 
was a nephew of Captain Hiller, a commander in the United States navy, who was lost at 
sea when his vessel went down off Cape Hatteras about 1812. .Jonathan Hiller was one of 
the old residents of New Haven, where for many years he engaged in the banking, brokerage 
and real estate business. He was a friend and contemporary of Gerald Hallock, Philip 
Marett, Stephen Whitney, Professor Gibbs and others of the old time residents of the city. 
His wife was educated at Edward Herrick'a famous boarding school, located where Woolsey 
Hall now stands. They were married at the home of her relative, the late James Brewster, 
who was the pioneer carriage builder of New Haven. 

In the acquirement of his education Allen M. Hiller attended the Hopkins grammar 
school of New Haven and was successively a student in the Edward L. Hart Classical School 
of Farmington, the Cheshire Military Academy, the Pennsylvania State Military Academy 
and Yale University. He received the degree of Master of Arts from Yale in 1893 and, enter 
ing upon preparation for the bar, he won his LL. B. degree upon graduation from Yale witli 
the class of 1897. In early manhood he had been engaged in journalism and literary work in 
New York. Following his admission to the Connecticut bar as attorney in 1897, he entered 
upon practice in New Haven, where he has since remained. His practice has been general and 
of an important character, connecting him with many prominent litigated interests. He is 
financially interested in various institutions in New Haven. 

On the 28th of September, 1892, in Hatfield, Massachusetts Mr. Hiller was married to 
Miss Clara Louise Thayer, of West Medway, Massachusetts, a daughter of .Judge Addison 
Thayer of that place. She is a daughter and granddaughter of Massachusetts jurists and is 
a direct descendant on botli her niotlier's and father's sides from colonial families. To ^Ir. 
and Mrs. Hiller have been born three children, Helen Thayer, Constance Lane and Celia 
Farnam. 

Mr. Miller lias been connected witli Trinity cluircli and (enter chun-li of New Haven. 
He belongs to the Young Men's Republican Club and has always been a stanch supporter of 
the republican party from the time when age conferred upon him the right of franchise. 
For a number of years he was a member of the New Haven republican town committee 
and assisted in the founding of the Young Men's Republican Club. He became a director of 
the Young Men's Republican Club Company and also of the New Haven Free Public Library. 
He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and of the University Club. 

Mr. Hiller has done much important public service. He was a member of the board of 
aldermen from 1888 until 1894, was a member of the board of compensation from 1895 until 



92 



A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW IIAVEX 



1898 and in the latter year served as its president. He aided in the establishment and in 
the work of securing a charter for tlie New Haven Free Public Library in 1886, was president 
of its board of directors for three years and a member of that board for sixteen years. He 
also became president of the New Haven University Extension Center upon its incorporation 
in 1S90 and has so continued to the present time. 

The military record of Mr. Hiller covers service with the Union army during the latter 
part of the Civil war. In September. 1864, he became a private soldier of Company G, 
One Hundred and Ninety-ninth Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, at which 
time he was a youth of sixteen years. He served as a volunteer cadet in repelling Morgan's 
raid in Kentucky in 1864 and on the 1st of October of that year he was promoted to the 
rank of second lieutenant. Subsequently he received promotion to the rank of first lieutenant 
and acting adjutant of the regiment and was discharged as brevet captain from the military 
service of the United States on the 28th of June, 1865. 

A spirit of patriotism has characterized his entire career and his loyalty to his country 
lias ever been as marked as when he followed the stars and stripes on the battlefields of 
the south. His activities in behalf of his city have been farreaching and resultant and his 
course reflects credit and honor upon a name that has figured prominently in connection with 
tlie ilcvclopmcnt anil substantial upbuilding of Connecticut from colonial days. 



E. HERMANN ARNOLD, M. D. 

Trained under some of the most eminent teachers of medicine and surgery in Europe, 
Dr. E. Hermann Arnold has largely specialized in orthopedic work and as instructor and 
practitioner in that field has gained high rank. 

He was born at Erfurt, the famous city of flowers, in Thuringia, Germany, on February 
11, 1865, a son of Bruno and Ernestine (Orzakowska) Arnold. The father was a master 
mechanic in connection with a railroad company and was very active in political affairs, 
holding strongly to democratic principles and policies. 

Dr. Arnold was educated in the "Real-Gymnasium" at Halle (Saalc), Germany. He 
was a youth of eighteen when in 1883 he came to America and located in Cincinnati, Ohio, 
where he engaged in iron construction work, being thus employed for two years. He also 
acted, as newspaper correspondent for eighteen months and on the expiration of that period 
removed to the northwest, settling in Dakota territory. He there became a cowboy, riding 
the range, and he says that he enjoyed the free, open life of that country better than any 
other. However, he left Dakota to enter the Normal School of Gymnastics at Milwaukee, 
Wisconsin, from which he was graduated with the class of 1888. He afterward taught phys- 
ical training at Trenton, New Jersey, for three years, on the expiration of which period he 
took a trip to Europe for the study of orthopedics. He spent one semester at Leipzig, 
Germany, and then returned to America, taking up his abode in New Haven, where he entered 
the Yale Medical School, from which he was graduated in 1894 with the M. D. degree. Im- 
mediately afterward he entered upon the active practice of hia profession, in which he 
has since continued with success. In 1895 he returned to Europe for the further study 
of orthopedic surgery and spent some time in the universities of Halle and of Leipzig. Upon 
his return he instituted the first orthopedic service in the city of New Haven, establishing 
himself in the New Haven Dispensary and also becoming an instructor in orthopedic surgery 
in the medical department of Yale. He continued in both lines until the 1st of March, 1917, 
when he resigned both positions and for the New Haven Normal School of Gymnastics 
opened a dispensary, known as the New Haven Orthopedic Dispensary, at 256 State street. 
This is thoroughly fitted up with all the modern appliances and facilities found in an insti- 
tute of this kind and the most expert work along that line is being done there. Dr. Arnold's 
greatest work has been in connection with the New Haven Normal School of Gymnastics, an 
institution whose growth and development has been remarkable. He is now the president 
of the school and has been the managing director since 1896. 

This school was founded in 1886 in Brooklyn and in 1892 was removed to New Haven 
In that year Dr. Arnold became an instructor in the institution and continued in that capacitv 
until 1896, when he assumed the management and has since directed his energies and 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 95 

efforts to its control, developing and upbuilding. The original quarters of the school in 
New Haven consisted of two rooms in the Insurance building and the first enrollment was 
seventeen pupils. Today the home of the school comprises a campus of three acres, on 
which are seven buildings, at Chapel street and Sherman avenue, together with an athletic 
field in East Haven and a farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres on which are found ten 
buildings. All this equipment is utilized in the training of the one hundred and seventy- 
five students and the increase in the school property is indicative also of the improved meth- 
ods of work which have been introduced. Dr. Arnold holds to the highest standards in these 
things and his labors have been attended with most satisfactory and beneficial results. He 
ie chairman of the recreation section of the Civic Federation and Chamber of Commerce and 
as such is director of playgrounds of the city of New Haven. 

In 1889, at Trenton, New Jersey, Dr. Arnold was married to Miss Marie Nagel, a native 
of Germany and a daughter of John and Mary Nagel, now deceased. They had two chil- 
dren, Marie Ernestine and Hermann Bruno, both born in New Haven. 

Dr. Arnold belongs to the Yale Club of New York and the Racebrook Country Club of 
New Haven. In politics he maintains an independent policy. Almost his entire thought 
and attention are given to his profession. He is orthopedist at the Grace Hospital of New 
Haven, and also the Griffin Hospital at Derby, was associate editor of Mind and Body, and 
he is a member of the New Haven, the New Haven County, the Connecticut State and the 
American Medical Associations. He also belongs to the New York Academy of Medicine — 
and is president of the orthopedic section of that body — to the Connecticut Academy of Arts 
and Sciences, the American Academy for the Advancement of Science and the national coun- 
cil of the American Physical Education Association, of which he was president in 1916. 

Dr. Arnold has made valuable contribution to scientific literature along his specific 
line, being the author of Elementary Apparatus Work, published in 1896; a Manual of 
School Gymnastics, published in 1898; Gymnastic Tactics, in 1899; and Gymnastic Games, in 
1900. He enjoys a national reputation in his profession and has done much for the restora- 
tion of health and happiness to many unfortunates who have been placed in his care. More- 
over, through his teaching his methods have been carried far and wide and thus the influ- 
ence of his efforts is constantly broadening. 



XAVIER PFAFF. 



Xavicr PfaiT, who is the proprietor of an up-to-date and well patronized grocery and 
meat market in West Haven, was born in HohenzoUern-Sigmaringen, Germany, December 3, 
1866, the son of Euseb and Rosalie PfafI, the former a baker by trade. He took quite an 
active part in public affairs in his home town in Germany, and served for a time as tax 
collector. In 1891 he came to the United States and followed his trade in New Haven until 
he retired from active life. He now makes his home with his son, Xavier. 

The latter received a public school education in Germany and learned the baker's trade 
under the direction of his father. When only sixteen years of age, or in 1882, he decided to try 
his fortune in the new world and came to the United States. He first located in New Haven 
but for a number of years has been a resident of West Haven. Until 1897 he worked at the 
baker's trade and then became connected with the grocery business in the capacity of clerk. 
In 1901 he opened a grocery and meat market of his own at No. 106 Center street, and in 
the intervening sixteen years has built up one of the best businesses in those lines in the 
borough. He has shown unusual good judgment in the seclection of his stock, and has fol- 
lowed a liberal policy in his dealings with his customers that has commended him to their 
continued patronage. He is a director of the Orange Bank & Trust Company and in the West 
Haven Publishing Company. He also belongs to the Merchants' Provision Company, an 
organization of merchants. 

Mr. Pfaff was married on September 15, 1890, in New Haven to Miss Josephine Durr, a 
daughter of Nicholas Durr, a farmer of New Haven county. Eight children have been born 
to this union, namelj': Florence, the wife of W. F. Wolff, a baker of West Haven; Alfred, who 
is with his father in business; Alice; Josephine; William; Arthur; Paul; and Eleanor. 

Mr. Pfaff belongs to the Cecilus Society and to St. Lawrence Roman Catholic church. 
Vol. II — 5 



96 A MODERN HISTORY OP NEW HAVEN 

In politics he is a stand, republican but has never been an office seeker. As a private citi- 
zen, however, he has accomplished a great deal toward the advancement of the best interests 
of his community and has always been among the first to advocate civic and social improve'- 
ments. He has given a great deal of his time and work to the promotion of good roads and 
is a member of the Good Roads Association and the Good Koads Committee and the New 
Haven Automobile Club. He is identified with both the New Haven and the West Haven 
Chambers of Commerce and is a working member of both organizations. He possesses far 
more than the usual energy and initiative and has turned those characteristics to account for 
the benefit of the community as well as in the upbuilding of his own business. 



ROBERT JAMES MERRIAM. 



Robert James Merriam, who since 1904 has been the treasurer of Foster, Merriam & Com- 
pany, has contributed in marked measure to the success of the extensive iron industry with 
which he is identified. He was born in Meriden, January 14, 1879, a son of Nelson C. and 
Rose (Kingsley) Merriam. After acquiring a public school education he attended the Ger- 
man-American Preparatory School. He then spent three years as a student in the Meriden 
high school and completed the four years' course in that time by doing extra work. He grad- 
uated from Wesleyan University, of Middletown, Connecticut, in 1901 with the Ph. B. degree. 
Throughout his entire business career he has been connected with Foster, Merriam & Company, 
his father being the president and treasurer at the time when Robert J. Merriam entered the 
company. He started in a humble capacity and learned to do the different kinds of work in the 
shops, thus thoroughly acquainting himself with every practical phase of the business. He 
afterward went upon the road, selling in western territory, and was working for the company 
in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, when notified of his father's death. Since that time he has 
been the treasurer of the company and as one of its chief executive officers has largely 
directed the policy of the concern and contributed in marked measure to its development. 

It is one of the oldest established interests of Meriden, having figured in industrial 
circles here for more than eighty years. From the beginning its interests have been guided 
by men of marked business capacity and enterprise. The beginning was small, the business 
being established in what was then known as Crow Hollow, in a little shop thirty by twenty- 
five feet. The original founders of the business were Albert and Hiram Foster, Julius Way, 
Asaph Merriam and Nelson Merriam, all of Meriden. and a Mr. Belden, of New Britain. 
Business was begun under the firm style of Foster, Belden & Company and a plant was 
established for the manufacture of casters only, with a capital stock of but twenty-five hun- 
dred dollars. The castings were made by other firms and one of the partners would carry 
these in a buggy to the shop every day and return with the finished product in the same way. 
The daily output consumed probably less than two hundred pounds of castings. Horse pow-er 
was used in operating the machinery and the luembers of the firm did all of the work them- 
selves. In 1835 ilr. Belden witlidrew. selling his interests to Asaph and Nelson Merriam, at 
which time the firm name was changed to Foster, Merriam & Company. In the panic of 1837 
the firm was forced to suspend business for six months but managed to pay every creditor 
dollar for dollar and at the end of that time resumed operations. In 1840 Julius Way sold his 
interest iji the business to John Sutliff and in 1843 the interest of Asaph Merriam was pur- 
chased by liis partners. In 1850 the site of the present plant was purchased and in 1853 Alan- 
son Watrous became a member of the company and established an iron foundry business. 
which was conducted under the style of A. Watrous & Company. This branch was 
continued until the death of Mr. Watrous in 1863, when the surviving members of the 
firm purchased his interest in the business, which was incorporated in 1866 as a joint stock 
company with a capital of eighty thousand dollars. 

In 1869 the firm began the manufacture of drop handles and this branch has since 
grown to large proportions. Later all sorts of furniture trimmings were added to the output 
until aliudst anything in the lianUvare line required by manufacturers of furniture can be 
found among the products of the plant. Following the death of Nelson Merriam, the presi- 
dent, in 1880, he was succeeded by John Sutliff, who held that office until his demise June 23, 
1897, when James R. Sutliff, who had previously been vice president, succeeded to the presi- 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 1)7 

(lency, and so continued until his life's labors were ended January 18, 1903. On the 7th of 
March of that year George C. Merriam, who liad been secretary and treasurer, was chosen 
president and also retained the ofEce of treasurer, while J. L. Rutherford was elected secre- 
tary and William Zerfass became superintendent. With the death of Mr. Merriam on the 
33d of March, 1904, William Zerfass was elected to the presidency and also retained the 
oflTice of superintejident, wliile Robert J. Merriam became the treasurer and has since filled 
that position. The business of the company has greatly increased since Robert J. Merriam 
first became connected with it. At that time the employes numbered about two hundred and 
today there are five hundred and fifty, while the sales are probably three times as great 
as they were at the beginning of his connection with the undertaking. He is in charge of 
the financial interests of one of the important manufacturing concerns not only of Meriden 
but of this part of the state and is bending his efforts to administrative direction and execu- 
tive control with splendid results. 

;Mr. ilerriiun belongs to Meridian Lodge, F. & A. M.; also to Keystone Chapter, R. A. M., 
St. Elmo Commandery, K. T., and to Pyramid Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S. He exemplifies in 
his life tlie beneficent spirit of the craft and is most loyal to its teachings He also has 
membership in the Home Club and in his political views is an earnest republican. His time 
and energies, however, are concentrated upon his important business interests and his 
course has made the name of Merriam, as it has always been, a most honored one in the busi- 
ness circles of Meriden. 



NELSON CAMP JOHNSON. 



Nelson Camp Johnson, who is the secretary of Foster, Merriam & Company, was born in 
Portsmouth, Ohio, December 12, 1879. a son of Sherman J. and Emily .Johnson, the former 
deceased. The family came to Meriden in February, 1880, when the son. Nelson, was 
about three months old. He acquired a public school education and after completing the 
work of the grades spent three years in the high school. He afterward attended Yale, being 
matriculated in the Sheffield Scientific School, from which he was graduated in 1901 with 
the Ph. B. degree. He made liis initial step in the business world in connection with Foster, 
Merriam & Com])any as foreman and from that point has made steady progress, advancing 
step by step until he is now secretary of the company with voice in the management of its 
affairs. 

Mr. Johnson is an active member of the Masonic fraternity, lielonging to ileridian 
Lodge, No. 77, F. & A. M., Keystone Chapter, E. A. M., St. Elmo Commandery, K. T., and 
to Pyramid Temple of the Mystic Shriue. He likewise has membership in the Home Club 
and his religious faith is evidenced in his membership in the Congregational church. He 
belongs to the Country Club and to the Yale Engineering Society and also to the American 
Society of Mechanical Engineers. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and 
he is neglectful of none of the duties of citizenship, but gives his aid and influence on the 
side of progress, reform and improvement, actua-ted in all things by high civic ideals. 



RAYNHAM TOWNSHEND, M. D. 

Dr. Raynham Townshend, engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in New 
Haven, his native city, was born July 10, 1878, a son of Captain Charles Hervey and Mary 
Ann (Hotchkiss) Townshend. The ancestral line is traced back to Thomas Townsend, or 
Townshend, who settled in the Lynn colony of Massachusetts in 1638. Captain Charles H. 
Townshend was born at Raynham, in East Haven, now New Haven, November 26, 1833, 
attended a private school of New Haven and afterward continued his education at Farmington, 
Connecticut. From early boyhood his inclination was toward a nautical life and at a very 
early age he made coasting voyages in sloops and schooners and he rose to prominence in 
connection with navigation interests. He is mentioned at length on another page of this work 



98 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

in connection with the sketch of his son, Henry Hotchkiss Townshend, who is now assistant 
corporation counsel of the city of New Haven. 

In the family were but two chiklren, the younger being Dr. Eaynham Townshend, who 
pursued his preparatory education in the Hopkins grammar school at New Haven and 
afterward continued his studies in the Taft School at Watertown, Connecticut, later 
matriculating in the Sheffield Scientific School, from which he was graduated with the class 
of 1900. He then spent one year in travel, during which he visited fourteen different coun- 
tries, including the Central American republics. Upon his return home he entered the College 
of Physicians & Surgeons, the medical department of Columbia University, from which he 
was graduated in 1905. He next became connected with the Roosevelt Hospital of New 
York city, with which he was associated until 1907, and then entered Sloan Hospital. In 
1908 he returned to New Haven and has since built up a large practice, winning place 
among the leading physicians of the city. He is assistant attending surgeon of the New 
Haven Hospital and is secretary of the Elm City Private Hospital. He is a member of 
tlie Yale faculty, lecturing in the Yale School of Fine Arts on anatomy. He belongs to 
the New Haven Medical Society, the Connecticut State Medical Societ}- and the American 
Medical Association and he also has membership with the Roosevelt and Sloan Maternity 
Hospitals Alumni Associations. 

On the 3d of June, 1908, Dr. Townshend was married to Miss Juliet S. Adee, of 
Westchester, New York, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George A. Adee, of a prominent family 
of the Empire state. They have two children: Raynham, who was born in New Haven, 
June n, 1912; and Juliet, born April 30, 1917. 

Dr. Townshend holds membership in the Congregational church and in his political 
connection he is an independent republican. He is identified with several fraternal and 
social organizations, belonging to the Delta Psi of Yale, to the Delta Psi Club of New York, 
also to the Yale Club, the Graduates' Club, the Country Club, the New Haven Lawn Club and 
others. He is connected with the Medical Reserve Corps of the United States Navy as 
assistant surgeon and is commander of the medical department, section 1, of the third 
naval district of the United States. The call of duty has ever been to him a paramount 
one, to which he has never hesitated to respond, and in the present crisis of the country's 
history he stands ready to do his full duty, his record thus being in harmony with that of 
an honored ancestry, which through many generations has loyally stood for the best interests 
of Connecticut. 



ALDEN JUDSON HILL. 



Alden Judson Hill, a prominent figure in agricultural circles in New Haven county, his 
home being in North Branford, where he was born August 13, 1886, is a son of Alden Hopson 
and Sarah E. (Page) Hill. 

The father was born in Killingworth, Middlesex county, Connecticut, September 4, 1831, 
a son of Ai-den and Flora (Davis) Hill, who were also natives of that locality. The grand- 
father devoted his life to farming, his labors being ended by death when he had reached 
the age of sixty-four years. His family numbered nine children, two sons and seven 
daughters. During his boyhood days Alden Hopson Hill had the advantage of attending the 
district schools for only three months during the winter season. While still quite a young 
lad he aided in the work of the home farm and when a youth of fifteen he began assisting 
in the support of the family. At the age of seventeen he began shop work and on attaining 
his majority removed to North Branford, where lie was employed in a saw and feed mill. 
In 1865 he purchased land and lumber and embarked in the shipbuilding trade, in which 
he continued for fifteen years, also becoming an extensive shipowner. He operated a saw- 
mill on his property in North Branford and manufactured various kinds of lumber, which 
his ships carried as far south as Galveston, Texas, while others of his vessels were engaged 
in the coasting trade between New Haven, Norfolk, Charleston and Mexican and South 
American ports. As he prospered in his undertakings he also added to his laud possessions 
until he was the owner of three hundred acres of farm and timber land. 

Alden Hopson Hill was married November 18, 1879, to Miss Sarah E. Page, who had 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 99 

been a capable school teacher in her native town for several years. To Mr. and Mrs. Hill 
were born two children: Raymond T., who was born January 11, 1883, and is professor of 
modern languages at Yale; and Alden J., of this review. Mr. Hill was a consistent member 
of the Congregational church and prominent in its work. His political allegiance was given 
to the republican party and in 1877 he served as a member of the state legislature and was 
made a member of the fishery committee. For a number of years he served as selectman 
and at various times acted as appraiser of lands for water and insurance companies and 
railroad corporations. While he was still an active factor in the world's work a contemporary 
biographer wrote of him as follows: "Honored and respected by all, there is no man in North 
Branlord who occupies a more enviable position in business circles than Alden H. Hill, not 
alone on account of the wonderful success that he has achieved, but also on account of the 
honorable, straightforward business policy he has ever followed. He possesses untiring 
energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution ; 
and his close application to business and his excellent management have brought to him the 
prosperity which is today his." He died in the year 1908 but his widow survives and is 
still living in North Branford. 

Alden J. Hill, of this review, acquired his education in the schools of North Branford, in 
the Clinton high school and in the Williston Seminary of Massachusetts. He then began 
the cultivation of the old home place and has one of the finest farms in North Branford. 
It is splendidly improved with excellent buildings and all modern equipments, and in its 
conduct ilr. Hill follows the most progressive mctliods. hi connection Avith his agricultural 
interests Mr. Hill is engaged in the native timber and sawmill business, specializing on 
telephone poles, railroad ties and other such timber. He operates all over the eastern 
part of New Haven county. He is a very active and progressive business man, energetic and 
determined, and he carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. 

On the 18th of March, 1916, Mr. Hill was united in marriage to Miss Hazel Amelia 
Stevens, who was born in North Guilford. Connecticut, a daughter of Frederick and Lois 
(Ward) Stevens, of North Branford. Mr. and Mrs. Hill have become the parents of one child, 
Lois Jeanette, who was born in the same house as her father. 

Ill politics Mr. Hill is a republican. He was elected the first selectman of the town of 
North Branford in 1913 and has been reelected at each succeeding election since that time, 
so that he is now serving for the fifth term. He was chosen to the office when but twenty- 
six years of age and the excellence of his service is indicated by the fact that he has been 
continuously reelected to the position. His religious faith is that of the Congregational 
church and he is loyal to its teachings. His life is actuated by high and manly purposes 
and in the conduct of his interests he displays sound business judgment and indefatigable 
industry, qualities that result in the attainment of very substantial and gratifying success. 
He is widely and favorably known, everyone speaking of him in terms of high regard, and in 
his home locality the circle of his friends is coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances. 



LUCIUS SEYMOUR STORRS. 

Lucius Seymour Storrs, financier and railway othcial, who has advanced in orderly pro- 
gression to a place of prominence in the business circles of New England, holding important 
relations with organized interests that have much to do with the upbuilding and development 
of this section of the country, was born in Bufl'alo, New York, on the 4th of .January, 1869, and 
is a son of Origon Seymour and Janet (Rankin) Storrs. 

On the paternal side he is descended from an old Mansfield, Connecticut, family of 
English lineage, while on the distaff side he traces the lint back to Scotch ancestors who 
early settled in New England. His father was a Civil war veteran, serving as a non-com- 
missioned officer in a New York regiment until physically disabled by wounds which he 
sustained on the battlefield. He was then honorably discharged and returned to his native 
state. 

An eminent American statesman has said that the most forceful men of the country 
are those who have back of them the New England ancestry and have received the training of 
the virile west. Such is the record of Lucius Seymour Storrs, who completed his education 



100 



A MODERN HISTORY OP NEW HAVEN 



in the University of Nebraska, wliich in 1890 conferred upon him the degree of Bachelor 
of Science, and fourteen years later honored him with the Master of Arts degree. Through- 
out almost his entire life he has been actively connected with railway operation and manage- 
ment. He held technical positions with the Northern Pacific Railroad Company and for a time 
was connected with the Colorado Fuel & Iron Company. Since coming to New England he has 
been a prominent factor in railway and financial circles and he was president of the New 
England Investment & Security Company which held electric railways acquired by the New 
York, New Haven & Hartford Street Railway Company from 1907 until 1911. On the 1st of 
July, 1912, he was elected to the vice presidency of the New York, New Haven & Hartford 
Railroad and he is also president of the Connecticut Company and a director of the Union 
Trust Company of Springfield, Massachusetts. 

On the 24th of June, 1894, Mr. Storrs was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Cooper, a 
daughter of Governor J. A. Cooper of Denver, Colorado. His religious faith is that of the 
Coiigregatioiuil cliiircli and he holds menlber^llip witli the Sigma Psi. with the American 
Academy for the Advancement of Science and the American Institute of Mining Engineers. 
The wise utilization of his time and talents has led to the development of his powers which 
have, in the natural course of events, brought him to the position which he now occupies. 



HON. FRANK J. RICE. 



New Haven had, in the second decade of the twentieth century, a demonstration of 
the possibilities of citizenship which was at once pathetic and inspiring, an example of 
public service which was both thrilling and tragic. The city charter adopted in 1900 gave 
great opportunities to the mayor, and there were those who feared for the misuse of its 
powers. They were forced to admit, in the course of the unprecedented term of service of 
Frank J. Rice, that the charter's opportunities for a man of high ideals outweighed all 
other considerations. New Haven is a democratic city, but the office of mayor usually has 
gone to some man of well recognized prominence either in public affairs or in politics. 
When Frank J. Rice was named for the office in 1909 he was known merely as a popular 
president of the Young Men's Republican Club, a manager of some large central properties 
for a prominent real estate owner, a former member for several terms of the board of 
couMcilraen. Back of that he had been a trolley conductor. He was highly trusted by those 
who did business with him, highly popular with those who knew him in politics or social 
affaii.s, but he was not, in the superior sense, a prominent citizen of New Haven. Many 
exacting citizens looked puzzled, and some of his political opponents looked pleased. 

Tliere was a confident eff'ort to defeat him in 1909, but he won the election by a 
plurality of four hundred and two. Three months later he came to the chair of the mayor, 
a plain, simple, sincere citizen, with the desire to serve the city he loved uppermost in his 
mind. He made no promises except the comprehensive one to do his best. He did, however, 
outline a few of his plans. One of them was to give New Haven some better sidewalks, 
and that, though one of the less important of his achievements, is characteristic of his 
administration of city aflairs. He found the sidewalks of New Haven of ancient and 
billowy brick, of cracked and crumbling asphalt, of unfinished gravel. In less than six 
years he had, against indiflerence, prejudice and selfish opposition, given New Haven more 
than two hundred miles of modern concrete sidewalk and accomplished this simply by 
keeping at it. 

For almost seven years Frank J. Rice gave of his best to serve the city of New Haven. 
It should have been eight full years, but he wore out before the end of his time. In the 
truest, highest sense he spared not himself. He took his office and his opportunities 
seriously— too seriously, perhaps. He was careful and anxious about many things. He was 
never satisfied unless a problem was solved in the best possible way, unless the very best 
appointment was made, unless he could give his most intense attention to every subject. 
He responded to every call the people made upon him. He listened to every man's troubles 
and spent as much time with the humblest as with the most important citizen. He 
grew, perforce, into the hearts of the people. They reelected him in 1911 by a plurality of 
two thousand and twenty-nine. He gave them another term of unselfish service. In 1913, 




HUX. FRANK J. RICE 



AND EASTERN NEW IIAVEN COUNTY 103 

a definitely democratic year, he was again elected, by a plurality of one thousand two 
hundred and one. In 1915 tne city broke all records by reelecting a mayor to a fourth 
term, and tlie mayor was PYank J. Rice, tliis time by a plurality of two thousand and 
thirteen. 

By the time New Haven had really come to know and begun truly to appreciate Mayor 
Rice it lost him. How he served himself out, how he gave up his life to keep true to his 
ideals, is a tragedy that will long leave its impress on New Haven. Too late his friends 
found they had been asking too much of him. Too late his political critics hushed their 
clamor when tliey found tliey had worried his sensitive spirit to the breaking point. Midway 
In the first year of his fourth term he broke under the strain, and though for several 
months more he made a brave attempt to rally to tlie task, tliough he conducted some of 
the more important of his official duties, he came back no more to the desk in city hall, 
where he liad so faithfully done the greatest of his life's work, and on Januarj- 18, 1917, 
his brave spirit rose to the land of his eternal ideals. 

Sincerely New Haven bowed its liead in sorrow. By tens of thousands his fellow 
citizens passed before his bier, or stood by the way as the sad procession wended its 
way to Woolsey Hall, or thronged tlie city of the dead where earth received his ashes. 
The proudest of his fellow citizens were humbly glad to pay their best respects in the 
solemn service in Woolsey Hall. It was such a funeral as New Haven had not seen in 
many a decade, and its demonstration was true to the core. 

It was five days later, in the course of an address before an association of Yale alumni 
in another state, that President Hadley went out of his way to pay to Mayor Rice wliat, 
taken in its setting, must be considered a remarkable tribute. He was speaking on the 
ideals of public service which Yale teaches, and he had mentioned the union of New Haven 
and Yale in the great anniversary pageant of the previous fall, when he said: 

"The mayor of New Haven did not participate in this celebration. He had done much 
to help in the early stages, but at the time wlien it came he was on his deathbed — dying 
in office after having lionorably served the city for several terms. He was not a Yale 
man. but with each successive year of his office he understood Yale better and worked more 
acrtively with us. With the announcement of liis death came a message from the city 
asking if tlie funeral might be held in Y'ale University. On Sunday last thirty thousand 
citizens of New Haven, of every nationality, lined the streets to see the body of 
the chief magistrate borne from tlie city hall to Woolsey Hall, and then to its last resting 
place. Thus was celebrated the last scene in tlie drama which commemorated the coming 
of Yale to New Haven. The pageant had a wortfiier epilogue than human hand could have 
written." , 

Such is the great and central chapter in tlie forty-eight years of Frank J. Rice. Tlie 
rest is but the setting. He was born in Nortli Adams, Massachusetts, February 5, 1869, 
of a family whose new world progenitors settled in Vermont about 1790. His father 
was Jesse H. Rice. Frank .J. Rice came to Cheshire, Connecticut, when quite young and 
was educated in the schools of that town and New Haven. At eighteen he left his Ijooks 
for the grocer}' business in the town of Cheshire. After three years he was employed by 
the firm of H. P. Ives & Company and afterward became its superintendent. When he first 
came to New Haven he was a conductor for the New Haven Street Railway Company for 
five years. Then he entered the employ of Frank Benedict, and when elected mayor was 
manager of some important real estate interests. 

He was married in Clinton, Connecticut, to Miss Charlotte A. Watrous. a native of 
Clinton, this state, daughter of .Spencer and Clarissa (Dowd) Watrous. representatives of old 
colonial families. Two children were born of this marriage, Russell L., July 8, 1894, has 
been since, as he was before his father's death, manager of the real estate business which the 
mayor established in anticipation of his retirement from public life. He was married 
September 12. 1916, to Miss Mildred Hall, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hall, of an old 
Banbury family. The younger son, Mancel W. Rice, was born in New Haven. March 17, 
1S9T, and enlisted in the One Hundred and Second I'nited States Infantry, formerly the 
Second Connecticut Regiment. 

Frank .1. Rice belonged to many fraternal organizations, including the Masons, the Odd 
Fellows, the Elks, the Red Men, the Heptasophs, the Eagles, the Woodmen of the World, the 
Kniglits of Pvthias, the Arvan Crotto and the Haru Gari. He was also identified with the 



104 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

Young Men's Christian Association and tlie Sons of Veterans, and was an honorary member 
of the Second Corapanv, Governor's Foot Guard. He was a member of the Cliamber of Com- 
merce and the Connecticut Association of Mayors, of the Connecticut Fish and Game Pro- 
tective Association, the Xew England Business Men's Association, the New Haven Real 
Estate Board and the Xew Haven Board of Fire Underwriters. He was a consistent mem- 
ber of the First Methodist Episcopal church, of which also he was a trustee, and a director 
and trustee of the National Savings Bank and a trustee of the New Haven Hospital Society. 



EMORY .T. WALKER. IVL D. 



Dr. Emory J. Walker, engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in New Haven, 
was born in Brooklyn, Michigan, November 2, 1844. His ancestry is traced back to a very 
early period in the settlement of New England, for in 1643 the name of "Widow Walker" 
appears on the list of those who gave in the value of their estates at Rehoboth, Massachusetts, 
for a pro rata division of the lands. She had formerly resided at Weymouth, in the Plymouth 
colony, and under the leadership of Rev. Samuel Newman went with the company to Reho- 
both She had two sons: James, of Taunton; and Philip, of Rehoboth. The latter was a 
weaver and a deed was given by him at Rehoboth in 1653. He held various positions of 
public trust and at the time of King Philip's war he contributed twenty-six pounds to aid 
in the prosecution of the conflict with the Indians. He married Jane Butterworth and the 
oldest of their six children was Samuel Walker, who in 1681 married Martha Ide, who was 
born in 1654 and passed away in 1700. Samuel Walker was admitted a freeman in 1682 
and in King Philip's war he rendered active service, first as lieutenant and afterward as 
captain. The fourth of his eight children was Peter Walker, who was born in 1689 and died 
in 1760. In 1713 he married Mary Styles, whose birth occurred in 1691 and who passed 
away about 1732. They liad twelve children, the ninth being Lieutenant Moses Walker, 
who enlisted at Rehoboth with minute men, following the "Lexington Alarm,"' and aided 
in the prosecution of the war for independence. On the 15th of March, 1753, he wedded 
Sarah Bowen, who was born January 3, 1735, and died March 3, 1768. The fifth and the 
youngest of their children was Ethel Walker, who was born August 29, 1767, and passed 
away September 23, 1844. In 1795 he married Susannah Carpenter, whose birth occurred 
in 1778 and who died in 1857. They were the grandparents of Dr. Emory J. Walker, whose 
father, Amos Walker, was the seventh of a family of ten children. 

Amos Walker was born in Savoy, Massachusetts, March 6. 1811, and received his pro- 
fessional training in the medical department of Williams College, from which he was 
graduated in 1834. On the 37th of August of that year, in North Adams, Massachusetts, 
he wedded Mary Bliss, a daughter of Ephraim Bliss. She was born March 20, 1811. Almost 
immediately after their marriage they started westward, traveling with ox team and wagon 
to Michigan, establishing their home in Brooklyn. Dr. Walker there devoted his remaining 
days to the practice of medicine and he became one of the well known and prominent 
physicians of that locality. His death occurred in Owosso, Michigan, January 22, 1879. 
He had for several years survived his wife, who passed away February 2, 1866. They had 
a family of seven children: Mary Ellen, who was born in 1837 and died in 1869; Abel W., 
who was born April 5, 1839, and died in Pontiac, Michigan, November 29, 1865; Lawson 
Ethel, who was born in March, 1842, and died August 3, 1843; Emory Judson, of this 
review; George R.. who was born November 3, 1848, and resides at Judsonia, Arkansas; 
Frank Bliss, born October 15, 1850; and Wealthy Evelyn, who was born August 9, 1854, 
and died on the 8th of September of that year. 

In his youthful days Dr. Emory J. Walker was a pupil in the public schools of Pontiac, 
Michigan, and afterward attended Kalamazoo College at Kalamazoo, that state. Whether 
inherited tendency, environment or natural predilection had most to do with his choice 
of a career it is impossible perhaps to determine, but that the choice was wisely made 
has been proven by his subsequent success. He pursued his early reading under the direction 
of his father and later entered Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago, from which he was 
graduated with the class of 1868. He then located for practice in Pontiac. Michigan, where 
he remained until 1875, when he came to New Haven and opened an office. He is today one 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 105 

of the older practicing physicians in years of continuous connection with the profession !n 
Xew Haven and is most highly respected not only by the general public but by his pro- 
fessional colleagues and contemporaries as well. For forty-two years Dr. Walker has 
figured in the professional circles of New Haven and has done splendid work for the benefit 
of his fellowmen. He was one of tlie organizers and foimders of Grace Hospital, now one of 
the largest and best equipped institutions of the kind in the state. The first meeting of its 
board of directors was held in his office and plans were formulated resulting in the develop- 
ment of a most splendidly organized hospital, of which he has' been a director and the 
secretary from the beginning and also a member of the hospital staif of practicing physicians 
and surgeons, being the obstetrician of the hospital since 1903. Throughout his entire 
professional career he has been actuated by a spirit of progress, keeping him in close touch 
with the most advanced thought and scientific research and investigation. In the per- 
formance of his professional duties he is most conscientious and his marked ability lias 
ever kept him in a position of leadership in professional circles in Connecticut. 

On the 23d of February, 1870, Dr. Walker was married to Jliss Martha Pittman. of 
Pontiac, Michigan, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pittman, of a well known and 
prominent family there. They are the parents of two sons and two daughters. Abel W., 
born in Pontiac, Michigan, is now with the C. S. Mersick Company of New Haven. He is 
married and has tvro children, Bradford (3. and Harriet M. Charles P. Walker, born in 
Pontiac, is a leading merchant tailor of New Haven and is married and has four sons. 
Mary Evelyn is the wife of Professor J. Glover Eldredge, dean of the University of Idaho, 
at Lewiston, and they have four children, Robert, Frances, Grace and Hugh. Grace Elizabeth 
is the wife of Professor George E. Nichols, of the department of botany in Yale University, 
and they have three children, Marion. Grace Elizabeth and George Emory. Dr. and Jlrs. 
Walker also lost one child, Emorj' Judson, who was born March 21, 1888, and died on the 
10th ot February, 1889. 

Dr. Walker holds membership in Hiram Lodge, No. 1, F. & A. M., of New Haven, and 
has ever been a loyal exemplar of the teachings of the craft. Along professional lines he 
has association with the County and State Homeopathic Medical Societies and the New 
Haven Clinical Society and his colleagues vie in doing him honor not only as tlie nestor of 
the medical profession in Connecticut, but as one who throughout the entire period of his 
professional practice has held to the highest standards, making his work of great worth 
to the district in which he lives. Dr. Walker is a member of Calvary Baptist church, taking 
an active part in its affairs serving in various official capacities and being identified with 
Bible school work in both, city and state, for many years. While he has never been active 
as a club man, he holds membership in the Automobile Club. His personal qualities and 
characteristics are such as have ever commanded for him the confidence, warm regard and 
lasting friendship of those with whom he has been brought in contact. 



FRANK E. FOWLER. 



Frank E. Fowler, president of the F. E. Fowler Company, one of the well known 
mercantile houses of New Haven, was born in Guilford, Connecticut, July 21, 1860. He is 
a son of Reuben L. and Sarah M. (Munson) Fowler, who were natives of Guilford and came 
of early New England families, the ancestral line being traced back as far as 1639. 

Frank E. Fowler was the sixth in order of birth in a family of eight children and after 
attending the public schools of Guilford he pursued a business course in New Haven. He 
then joined his father in the fish oil industry and after three years spent in that connection 
secured a clerical position with C. G. Kimberly. of whom he remained a trusted emploj-e for 
thirteen years. On the expiration of that period he purcliased a half interest in the business 
and following the death of Mr. Kimberly it was continued by his son Frank H. and Mr. 
Fowler for four years. The latter then purchased the interest of his partner and continued 
alone for several years. Gradually he developed his business to large proportions, and in 
January, 1909, the P. E. Fowler Company was incorporated, Mr. Fowler becoming president, 
the other members of the firm consisting ot W. W. Buckingham, vice president; Frank H. 



106 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

Kimberly, secretary ; ami Geo. C. Freelaiul. treasurer. The firn. handles all kinds of wooden- 
ware, crockery, paper and twine. ,.,,,„ ^- ^ 

In May, 1886, Mr. Fowler was married to Miss Martha Davis, of Guilford, Connecticut, 
a daughter of Edwin and Martha Davis. 

The family attend the Congregational church, of which they are members, and Mr. 
Fowler is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. He has continuously worked to up- 
build his interests, and by his straightforward and honorable course has won the confidence 
of patrons and contemporaries alike. 



MASSENA CLARK. 



The death of Massena Clark on the 5th of June, 1890, marked the passing of one of 
New Haven's foremost citizens, whose long identification with her business interests had 
contributed materially to her progress and development. He was born May 28, 1811, in Delhi, 
New York, and was descended from a family that has figured in Connecticut's history from 
early colonial days. The grandfather of Massena Clark was Deacon Lazarus Clark, who 
in his time was one of the prominent men of Woodbridge, where his residence still stands, 
being one of the old historic places of the town. His son. Dr. Jeremiah Clark, familiarly 
known as Dr. "Jerry" Clark, was one of the old-time botanic physicians who followed his 
profession in New York for a con.siderable period and afterward practiced in Stockbridge, 
Massachusetts, and in West Haven, Connecticut. 

Massena Clark was but a boy when his father. Dr. Jeremiah Clark, removed to Stock- 
bridge, Massachusetts, in 1830. There he received instructions from the Rev. David Dudley 
Field, assisted by the famous Mark Hopkins as monitor. His preceptor's sons, Cyrus Field, 
the layer of the Atlantic cable, David Dudley Field, afterward an eminent lawyer, and 
Stephen Johnson Field, at one time a United States judge of the district of California, were 
among his classmates in the village school. In 1826 the parents removed to West Haven, 
Connecticut. 

Massena Clark was first employed with Matthew G. Elliott, on Custom House Square, 
and then as chief salesman in the hardware store of Smith & Sherman, where he remained 
until 1837, when the widespread financial depression of that year caused the failure of the 
firm, which at the time was Mr. Clark's debtor to the sum of three thousand dollars. The 
firm olfered him carriages and hardware for the amount, in payment of the debt, and Mr. 
Clark accepted the offer and thus entered upon his first mercantile venture. Although lack- 
ing the price of the freight, he determined to take these goods to the south and arrived 
in Mobile, Alabama, with his stock. In that city he had a brother Lafayette, wlio was 
cashier in a bank. On arriving there, however, Mr. Clark learned that his brother had died 
a few days before of yellow fever. The banker, a Mr. Gindraw. on learning the identity 
of Mr. Clark, desired him to accept his brother's place as cashier of the bank, but he de- 
clined the offer, not having had banking experience. Like many southern bankers of that 
time, Mr. Gindraw owned a cotton yard and desired Mr. Clark to act as superintendent 
thereof, but the latter again modestly declined, pleading inexperience, until the southerner 
cut him short by saying: "Y'ou are a Y'ankee and a Yankee can make a success of anything 
he undertakes." Mr. Clark then took charge of the business and after three years, during 
which he managed Mr. Gindraw's affairs to the entire satisfaction of his employer and dis- 
posed of his own carriages to a good advantage, he decided to return to New Haven, where 
lie arrived in 1840. One of his experiences in the south came through the sale of a carriage 
which a planter, who was richer in slaves than in money, wished to buy. In exchange for 
the carriage he offered a strong, fine looking, well built negro, valued at twelve hundred 
dollars. When the day of Mr. Clark's departure arrived the negro begged so piteously not to 
be sold that he w^as brought north by Mr. Clark and remained a faithful porter, becoming one 
of the fixtures of Mr. Clark's store on Custom House Square. In 1841 the Massena Clark 
block, on what was then Fleet but is now State street, was built and in this building he 
carried on business for many years, importing sugar, molasses, rum and other commodities, 
conducting his interests sucessfuUy until during the Civil war, when the government confis- 
cated his ships, which they used for the storage of flour and other provisions. 




MASSENA CLARK 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 109 

Mr. Clark gradually acquired interests and holdings in other lines of business until in 
1865, when he retired from the wholesale trade. His investments while varied, were princi- 
pally in real estate. The management, development and successful handling of real estate 
really represented his business activity during the last twenty-five years of his life. He 
built and owned at different times over three hundred houses in New Haven. He was 
probably the best judge in the city of realty values and undoubtedly the most successful 
man in that business during the period of his activity therein. 

In 1840 ilr. Clark was married in Xew Haven to Miss Julia A. Cliatterton of this city, a 
daughter of Samuel Chatterton, whose ancestors came from England with the early settlers of 
Connecticut. They had two sons, Edward Massena, who is referred to on another page of 
this volume; and Frank Pierce, who died in January, 1914. 

Mr. Clark's early associations and native rugged force of character attached him to the 
democratic party, and in every movement which concerned the upbuilding of the city he was 
a recognized leader. The religious faith of Mr. and Mrs. Clark was that of the Episcopal 
church, and in the work of the church Mrs. Clark took a most active and helpful part. Mr. 
Clark had his pleasures and his recreations, among them being his fondness for a good 
horse. His death occurred six years before that of his wife, whose remains are interred by 
his side in Evergreen cemetery. Their life work was well done and the world is better for 
their having lived. Mr. Clark's magnificent home on Whitney avenue was one of Xew Haven's 
finest residences. 



.JAMES T. MORAN. 



Various corporate interests profit by the cooperation and benefit by the sound judg- 
ment of .lames T. .MoraTi, and among tlic more leicntly aiM(uire(l of liis dllicial honors is the 
presidency of tire Southern New England Telephone Company. He is prominent as a man 
whose constantly expanding powers have taken him from comparatively humble surroundings 
to the field of large enterprise and constantly broadening opportunity. To everything he 
has undertaken he has brought a clear understanding that readily solves complex problems 
and quickly discriminates between the essential and the non-essential. 

A native son of North Haven he was born September 19, 1864, and in the public 
schools of New Haven laid the foundation for later success by the thoroughness with which 
he mastered his tasks. While a senior in the high school he also matriculated as a fresh- 
man in the Yale Law School, and when he had completed his course in the Hillhouse high 
school as a member of the class of 1883, he had already mastered a year's work in law. 

Ho won his LL. B. degree in 1884, and the following year the Yale Law School con- 
fcireil upon liini the master's degree. On attaining his majority lie was admitted to the 
bar and entered upon the active practice of law as assistani; to Morris F. Tyler, who in the 
previous year, 1883, had become president of the Southern New England Telephone Com- 
pany. Naturally the attention of the younger man was directed toward the telephone 
business, while at the same time he was continuing his labors in the field of law practice. 
The ability which he manifested led to the offer of partnership relations with Mr. Tyler, 
and he became as well his active associate in conducting other business affairs, covering a 
period of twenty-three years, extending from 1884 until 1907. He was learning more and 
more of the telephone business and the management of the Southern New England Telephone 
Company, serving as its general attorney from his early connection with it. In 1907 he was 
elected one of its directors and has since had active voice in its management and control. 
In January, 1908, he was chosen its vice president and in May, 1911, became general manager 
of the business, while on the 6th of February, 1917, he was elected to the presidency. In 
the meantime liis eft'orts have extended into many other fields. His cooperation has been 
sought along varied lines of business activity, and the soundness of his judgment has 
enabled him to make correct investments. He is a trustee of the Connecticut Savings Bank, 
a director of the Merchants' National Bank, of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, 
the National Folding Box Company, the Acme Wire Company, the Security Insurance 
Company, the New Haven Gas Light Company and the Connecticut Railway and Lighting 
Company. He has been president of the New Haven Union Company since 1891 and he is 



no A JIODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

connected with various other interests of a public and semi-public character in an official 
and executive capacity. It is said of Mr. Moran that he "Always has a whole-souled 
entluisiasm for his work, and his unfailing vigor and interest promises well for the future 
prosperity and success of any corporation with which he becomes associated." 

On the 27th of April, 1898, Mr. Moran was married to Miss Mary E. McKenzie, and 
they have a child, Helen, fifteen years of age. While Mr. Moran's duties have assumed 
mammoth proportions in connection with his growing business affairs, he has yet found 
time and made the opportunity for active work along lines that feature as factors in the 
public life of the community. He is a director of the Gaylord Farm Sanitarium and the 
New Haven Dispensary, and is a trustee of St. Francis Orphan Asylum. Since 1887 he 
has figured prominently in connection with the public life of the city and is interested in 
all those things whicli are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. His capability for 
managing important and extensive interests concerning public welfare has led to his selec- 
tion for various offices. In 1887 he became a member of the board of couucilmen and continued 
for three years and in 1888 served as its president. He was also a member of the board of 
finance in 1887 and from 1890 until 1892 he served as a director of the public library. In 
1897 he became a police commissioner at New Haven and during his second year in that 
office acted as president of the board. For sixteen years, beginning in 1893, he served as a 
member of the board of education. He is a member of the City Plan Commission, interested 
in all those vital projects which are being put forth to meet the demands of the growing 
city and further its interest along the line of utility and beauty. To this end he further 
acts with the chamber of commerce, of which he is one of the directors. In 1917 he became 
a member of the New Haven county auxiliary of the National Council of Defense. 

The time, energy and talent that he has devoted to public service has made him a most 
valued factor in tne life of his city and state. A modern philosopher has said: "Not the 
good that comes to us, but the good that comes to the world through us, is the measure 
of our success," and judged by that standard, as well as by the standard of material 
achievement, Mr. Moran is a most successful man. 



CHARLES G. MORRIS. 



Charles G. Morris, accorded a liberal clientage whicli establishes his position as an able 
and leading lawyer of New Haven, is also well known in business circles, being connected 
with various corporations and financial interests. He readily recognizes an opportunity, 
which is ever to him a call to action, and, forceful and resourceful, he is leaving the 
impress of his individuality upon the legal and commercial history of his state. Mr. Morris 
uas born in Westville, Connecticut, February 4, 1871. a son of Luzon B. and Eugenia L. 
(Tuttle) Morris. The father was born at Newtown. Connecticut, and the mother's birth 
occurred at Wolcott, this state. Both represented old families founded in New England 
during an early period in the colonization of America. Luzon B. Morris won a notably 
prominent position as a leader in the public life of the commonwealth and represented his 
state as governor, serving with honor and distinction. Prior to that time he had filled many 
other positions of public trust and responsibility and aided in no inconsiderable measure in 
shaping the policy and formulating the destiny of Connecticut. For many years he was 
a distiguished lawyer of New Haven and his name has been inscribed high on the roll of 
eminent citizens here. He passed away in 1895, at the age of sixty-eight years, survived 
for many years by his wife, who died in November, 1916, at the advanced age of cighty- 
tive years. 

Charles G. Morris was the fifth in order of birth in their family of six children. In his 
youtliful days lie attended the public .'^chuols and the Hopkins grammar school, of New Haven, 
before entering Yale, in which he completed the academic course with the class of 1895. He 
then won his professional degree upon graduation from Yale with the class of 1897. He at 
once located for practice in New Haven in his father's office. He displays the same qualities 
that led to the success of Governor Morris in the field of law practice. He has a mind 
naturally logical and inductive and his reasoning is sound, his deductions clear and his argu- 
ments strong and convincing. His clientage, extensive and of a most important character, is 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 111 

tlie incontrovertible evidence of his professional worth. He is also identified witli various 
business enterprises, being now president of the New Haven Dairy Company, which is one 
of the largest distributors of dairy products in New England. He is likewise vice president 
of the Broadway Bank & Trust Company. 

In September, 1899, Mr. Morris was married to Miss Elisabeth Woodbridge, a daughter 
of Charles L. Woodbridge, of Brooklyn, New York, and they have six children: Laura W., 
Woodbridge E., Martha C, Daniel L., Charles L. and Elisabeth. The third and fourth mem- 
bers of the family were born at Newtown, Connecticut, and the others in New Haven. 

Mr. and Mrs. Morris hold membership in Center chuich, of which he is one of the 
deacons. His political endorsement is given to the democratic party and his study of the 
vita) questions and problems of the country is far removed from that of a partisan stand- 
point. He was president of the State Civil Service Commission and he stands for progressive- 
ness in public affairs at all times. For six years he was a member of the militia. For two 
and one-half months he served during the Spanisli-American war with the naval troops as 
acting boatswain's mate. His interest in community affairs is indicated by his member- 
ship in the Chamber of Commerce and the Publicity Club and he is in hearty sympathy 
with the purposes of those organizations. Along social lines he has connection with the 
Graduates and the Lawn Clubs, while fraternally he is a Chapter Mason and professionally 
he is connected with the New Haven, the New Haven County and the Connecticut State Bar 
AsaociationB. 



WILLIAM E. FOSTER LANDERS, Jr., D. D. S. 

Dr. William E. Foster Landers, Jr., who for eighteen years has engaged in the practice 
of dentistry in Meriden, was born in Mystic, Connecticut, December 33, 1875, a son of 
William E. Foster and Louise Landers, both of whom are still living. With the removal of 
the family William E. F. Landers, of this review, pursued his education in the public 
schools of Mystic and of New London, Connecticut, completing a high school course in the 
latter place. He then entered a dentist's office, in which he spent eighteen months, and 
later he went to Philadelphia, where he became a student in the Philadelphia Dental 
College, from which he was graduated in 1898 with the D. D. S. degree. In the same year 
he located for practice in New Haven, where he remained for a year, and in August, 1899, 
removed to Meriden. were he has since continued. He has occupied his present large offices 
since 1901 and he has the latest equipment and accessories for furthering his professional 
work. He has comprehensive knowledge of the broad scientific principles which underlie 
his work and his practice is a successful and growing one. He occupies a prominent posi- 
tion among the leading dentists of the state and he ever keeps in touch with the trend of 
advanced thought bearing upon dental surgery. 

On the 14th of June, 1905, Dr. Landers was married to Miss Mary Louise Parker, of 
Meriden, and they occupy a fine home on Washington street. In politics Dr. Landers is 
a republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He belongs 
to the Home Club and the Highland Country Club, and is appreciative of the social amenities 
of life. He is a member of the First Congregational church and in its teachings are found 
the rules which have at all times governed his conduct. 



EDWARD AVERY HARRIMAN. 

In the field of law practice, where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit, 
learning and ability, Edward Avery Harriman of New Haven has won for himself a prominent 
position and his contributions to the literature of the profession are regarded as very 
valuable. 

A native of Massachusetts, he was born in Framingham, December 31, 1869, the eldest of 
a family of five children. His father, Charles Franklin Harriman, came from Weare, New 
H;\mpshire, and his mother, Mary Wliite (Conant) Harriman. from Worcester, Massachusetts. 



112 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

Charles FrankUu Hairimau, after being actively connected with manufacturing interests in 
Boston for years, there passed away in 1876, and his widow, surviving him for almost four 
decades, departed this life in Framingliani in 1915. 

Liberal educational opportunities were accorded Edward Avery Harriman. He pursued 
a literary course in Harvard, winning the Bachelor of Arts degree summa cum laude in 1888, 
and he afterward studied in the University of Virginia and in the Cincinnati Law School 
before entering Boston University, in which he completed his preparation for the bar in 
1891, receivin" the LL. B. degree in 1894. He was admitted to practice at the Massachusetts 
bar in January, 1891, and through the following year was actively connected with the pro- 
fession in Kansas. In 1892 he became professor of law in the Northwestern University, so 
continuing until 1901 and at the same time engaging in active practice at the Chicago bar. 
He then returned to New England and has since followed his profession as a general 
practitioner in New Haven, having been a partner of Judge William H. Williams until the 
latter's election to the bench. His ability was demonstrated in the fact that he was chosen 
a lecturer of the Yale Law School in 1906 and was a member of its teaching staff until 1913. 
His practice has long been extensive and important. His legal learning, his analytical mind, 
the readiness with which he grasps the points of an argument have gained him high standing 
among lawyers known for their ability. He is the author of a volume entilled "Law of 
Contracts," which was issued in its first edition in 1896, while a second edition was brought 
out in 1901. He is also the author of "Greenleaf on Evidence," volumes II and III, as 
published in the sixteenth edition. He is prominent in many organizations which draw 
their membership from the legal profession, including the American Bar Association, the 
International Law Association, the American Political Science Association, the American 
.ludicature Society, the American Institute of Criminal Law and Criminology and the Ameri- 
can Society for the Judicial Settlement of International Disputes. 

On the 31st of August, 1897, in Hartford, Connecticut, Mr. Harriman was married to 
Miss Bertha Cornwall Ray. of Chicago. They hold membership in Trinity church of New 
Haven, of which Mr. Harriman is a vestryman, and he is president of the Church Club of 
the Diocese of Connecticut. He is prominently known in various social organizations. He 
has membership in Harvard Chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa, was the first president of the 
Harvard Club of Connecticut, holding that ollice in 1908-09, and was president of the New 
England Federation of Harvard Clubs in 1912-13, while in 1915-16 he acted as vice president 
of the Associated Harvard Clubs. He belongs to the C4raduates' and Quinnipiac Clubs of New- 
Haven and also to the Harvard Club and University Club of New York. His political endorse- 
ment is given to the republican party. He has been a close and discriminating student 
of those questions which most largely afl'ect the welfare and progress of his country and is 
always to be found in those gatherings where intelligent men are met in the discussion of 
vital and farreaching subjects. With him every day must mark oil' a full-faithed attempt 
to know more and to grow more, and he has long swayed men with the force of his example. 



JOHN JOSEPH BROSNAN, D. D. S. 

Dr. John Joseph Brosnan, a practicing dentist of Wallingford, whose ability in his 
profession is the direct outcome of thorough preparation, close study and long experience, 
was born in Wallingford, January 31, 1884. His father, John Brosnan", is a native of Ireland 
and came to America with his parents, John and Ellen Brosnan, when but four months old, 
the family home being established in Springfield, Massachusetts, where John Brosnan, Jr., 
remained until fourteen years of age. He then came to Wallingford and entered the employ 
of the Simpson, Hall & Miller Company, with which he has been identified for the past forty- 
six years, being the oldest employe of that company. He wedded Mary Ann Curran, a 
daugliter of James Curran, of Wallingford, and her death occurred in 1899. In their family 
were two children who survive: John J., of this review; and William T., who is engaged in 
the insurance business in Wallingford. 

John Joseph Brosnan pursued his education in the public schools of Wallingford and 
afterward entered the University of Pennsylvania for the purpose of preparing for the 
practice of dentistry. He won his professional degree there in 1906. He also pursued a 



AXD EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 113 

special covirse in oral surgery in tlie Philadelphia Hospital under Dr. M. H. Cryer and by 
broad reading he has kept in close touch with the onward march of the profession. Since 
his graduation he has continuously practiced in Wallingford and has been accorded a liberal 
patronage. He is an expert operator, displaying marlced mechanical skill and ingenuity, and 
combining these with a thorough understanding of the scientific principles which underlie 
dental surgery, his work is highly satisfactory. In addition to his practice he is a director 
of the Wallingford Trust Company. 

On the 30th of October, 1912, Dr. Brosnan was married in Cohoes, New York, to Miss 
Katherine V. Burke, a daughter of Thomas J. Burke of that place, and they have two 
children: Katherine. born August 5, 1913; and John, born April 14, 1917. 

The family residence is at No. 397 North Main street in Wallingford, while Dr. Brosnan 
has his office at 235 Center street. He and his wife are communicants of Holy Trinity church, 
of which he is one of the trustees. He also has membership with the Knights of Columbus. 
His political allegiance is given to the democratic party but he has no time nor desire for 
political office, serves, however as a member of the board of education and contributing in 
this connection toward bettering school facilities and standards in his community. He 
belongs to the Wallingford Club and to the chamber of commerce and is in hearty sympathy 
with all of the plans and eflforts of the latter organization to advance the welfare of the 
city, to upb\uld its trade relations and to uphold its civic standards. 



FRANK B. FRISBIE. 



Frank B. Frisbie is occupviiig a notaI)le place in financial circles for one of his years, 
being the president of the Mechanics Bank of New Haven. Moreover, he has advanced to 
this position of responsibility from the position of bank messenger, passing through suc- 
cessive grades in bank service until he was called to the highest executive position. 

A native of New Haven, he was born March 2, 1876, a son of George E. and Elizabeth 
J. Frisbie. After acquiring a public school education in New Haven he attended the high 
school for a brief period and then entered the emplo5' of the New York, New Haven & 
Hartford Railroad Company at a salary of five dollars per week, thus making his initial step 
in the business world. He afterward became identified with the National I'radcsmen's Bank 
and has occupied every position, from that of messenger to assistant cashier, with that bank. 
On the 1st of July, 1911, he was appointed cashier of the Mechanics Bank and treasurer of 
the Mercantile Safe Deposit Company and so continued until July 1, 1916, when he was 
elected to the presidency of the Mechanic's Bank. The bank had at that time deposits 
amounting to one million, two hundred thousand dollars. During his incumbency as chief 
executive he has increased the deposits of the bank to fo'.ir million, one hundred thousand 
dollars. He is recognized as a man of very keen business discernment and notable sagacity, 
readily discriminating as to the worth of every business situation or opportunity. 

In religious belief Mr. Frisbie is a Congregationalist and fraternally he is connected 
with the Masons. He also belongs to the Quinnipiac Club and to the New Haven Country 
Club. In politics he maintains an independent course, nor does he seek the honors and 
emoluments of office. He started upon his business career without inlieritance of any kind U> 
assist him and, depending upon the substantial qualities of determination, energy and 
insight, he has advanced step by step, his orderly progression bringing him at length to the 
responsible position wliich he occupies as one of the foremost figures in financial circles in 
New Haven. 



BENJAMIN HOLBROOK CARTER, D. D. S. 

Dr. Benjamin Holbrook Carter has one of the best equipped dental offices in Meriden 
and ranks with the most skillful and prominent members of the profession there. He was 
born in Freedom, Maine, October 10, 1877, a son of .lohn and Annetta Carter. He acquired 
a district school education in his native town and continued his studies in Maiden, Massachu- 



114 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

Bett« to which place the family removed about 1889. when he was a youth of twelve years. 
He determined upon the practice of dentistry as a life work and with that end in view 
began study in the office and under the direction of Dr. George L. Putnam, with is-hom he 
remained for four years. He then began working as operator with other prominent dentists 
and in 1901 passed his examination before the Connecticut State Dental Board and opened 
an office on his own account in Meriden, pmchasing the established business of Dr. Flanagan. 
He has made rapid and continuous progress in his profession since that date and in the 
seventeen years of his practice in Meriden has made for himself a most creditable position 
in professional circles. He has a very spacious and splendidly equipped office, which includes 
two operating rooms, a reception room and a laboratory. He has the latest improved 
facilities and appliances for carrying on his work, which has given general satisfaction to 
his patrons, and thereby his practice has steadily increased, for it is a well recognized fact 
that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement. 

On the 3d of June, 1903, Dr. Carter was married to Miss Clara B. Terpp, of Norwich, 
Connecticut. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and he is identified 
with various fraternal organizations. He is a very prominent Mason, belonging to Meridian 
Lodge, No. 77, F. & A. M.; Keystone Cliapter, No. 27, R. A. M.; Hamilton Council, R. & S. 
M.; St. Elmo Commandery, No. 9, K. T.; Lafayette Consistory, S. P. R. S.; and Pyramid 
Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He is a past master of the lodge and a past eminent com- 
mander of the commandery. He also has membership in the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and his life exemplifies the teachings 
of these fraternities, which are based upon a recognition of the brotherhood of mankind. 
His is a well spent life. He has always remained a resident of New England and in the 
years of his connection witli Meriden he has made for liimself an enviable place in professional 
and in social circles. 



EDWARD MASSENA CLARK. 

Edward Massena Clark, the eldest son of Massena and Julia A. (Chatterton) Clark and 
the only surviving member of their family, was born June 26, 1847, in New Haven, where he 
was reared and acquired his early education, as a pupil in the private school of John E. 
Lovell. A business rather than a professional career appealed to him at that time, so he 
became connected with his father in the real estate business. In 1877 he went to New York 
and was engaged in the real estate business there. 

In 1882 Mr. Clark was married to Miss Jane Louisa Hughes, a daughter of Arthur 
Hughes of New York. Early in the 'SOs he located in Arizona territory, *here he was 
prominently identified with mining interests in the district near Prescott and served as 
school trustee. Mr. Clark did a considerable amount of development work as well as mine 
operation. Realizing the advantage of a scientific knowledge of this line of business, he 
entered Columbia College of New York, where he pursued a course in jnetallurgy under Dr. 
Ricketts, one of the most noted mining experts and metallurgists of his time. His residence 
in Arizona extended through a period of seven years and brought him experiences that will 
always remain a most pleasant part of his life and such as only fall to those living in a 
new country. The esteem in which Mr. Clark was held in Arizona is evidenced by an 
event that took place twenty-five years after he left that district, when he was appointed by 
Governor Hunt of Arizona, a member of the commission to represent the state at the 
christening of the battleship Arizona, in the United States navv vard at Brooklyn on the 
19th of June, 1915. 

Upon the death of his father in 1890, Mr. Clark returned to New Haven to assume the 
management of the large estate left by his parent and has since resided here. During the 
intervening years he has been more or less engaged in the real estate business and has 
capably handled and directed large interests. He is chairman of the real estate committee 
of the Chamber of Commerce. 

Mr. Clark's military experience covers a period of nearly fifty years. He became a 
member of the New Haven Grays in 1868. He also served as" quartermaster of the Second 
Connecticut Regiment from 1873 to 1876. He is a member of the Second Company Gover- 




JJWamUiM/.(14^ . 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 117 

nor's Foot Guard and held the rank of major for three years after 1899, during which 
time, and under his command, the most brilliant military event of Connecticut, — Foot 
Guard Day — was established, and the ceremony of demanding the Keys of the Powder House, 
followed. It was also under Major Clark's command that the Foot Guard took part in the 
famous reception to Admiral Dewey, on his return from the Philippines and Manila Bay, to 
New York. This company also escorted United States Senator George P. McLean, then 
governor of Connecticut, to Buffalo, to observe Connecticut Day at the Pan-American 
Exposition. 

In politics Mr. Clark is a republican, yet in local affairs he is a strict non-partisan, 
selecting the man best fitted for the office. Mr. Clark holds membership in the Union 
League Club and the Civic Federation. Horseback riding is his favorite e.xercise and recre- 
ation. He has traveled a great deal, and for twenty years spent his summers abroad, 
visiting practically all the large European cities. He has many warm friends in New Haven 
who respect him tor his true democratic manner and genuine worth. 



LEVI TRACY SXOW. 



Levi Tracy Snow, president and general manager of the Snow & Petrelli Manufacturing 
Company, possesses notable executive power combined with inventive ingenuity that has 
found expression in the production of various original devices that have constituted factors 
in the continuous growth of his business. The progressive steps in his busines career are 
easily discernible and indicate wise use of his time and opportunities. 

He was born May 30, 1860, at Prospect Ferry, Maine, a son of Odbrey Miles and Ruth 
Ridley (Ginn) Snow. The ancestral line is traced back to Nicholas Snow, who founded 
the family in the new world. He arrived at Plymouth, Massachusetts, on the ship Ann in 
1623 and had a share in the division of the land there in 1624. He afterward resided at 
Eastham, on Cape Cod, and there filled several offices. He was an associate of Governor 
Prence and exerted a strong influence in public affairs. At Plymouth he married Constance 
Hopkins, a daughter of Stephen Hopkins, with whom she came to the new world on the 
Mayflower. Mark Snow, the son of Nicholas and Constance Snow, w-as born at Plymouth in 
1628 and he, too, held many oftices, including that of magistrate of the court. He married 
Jane Prence, daughter of Governor Prence. The ancestral line is traced down through 
Thomas Snow I and Thomas Snow II to Thomas Snow III, who removed from Eastham, 
Massachusetts, with his family and settled in Gorham, Maine. He was the father of Aaron 
Snow, who married Eunice Philbrick and removed to Monroe, Maine. Their son, Levi Snow, 
represented the family in the seventh generation and was the father of Odbrey Miles Snow, 
who came to Connecticut from Maine and settled in Thomaston in 1869. Three years later 
he removed to Norfolk, where he resided until his death, when he had reached the advanced 
age of eighty -one years. 

Levi T. Snow, the son, attended the district schools of Maine and Connecticut and In 
1883 received a diploma from the Pratt & Whitney Company of Hartford as a journeyman 
machinist upon completing a three years' apprenticeship in their employ. This was by no 
means, however, his initial work, for in his boyhood he had assisted in the work on the farm 
and in a granite quarry and at the age of sixteen left home, after which he engaged in 
clerking in general stores for three years. It was then that he went to Hartford and was 
apprenticed to the machinist's trade, serving the regular three years' term of indenture. 
In 1884 he came to New Haven to accept the superintendency of the plant of the Strong 
Firearms Company, making shotguns, rifles and cannon. When the firm closed out that 
business he purchased the cannon department, which he conducted under his own name, 
and from time to time added other lines. In 1906 he organized the Snow & Petrelli Manu- 
facturing Company, of which he is the president and general manager. He has taken out 
several patents on inventions, the most important being known as the Universal Food 
Chopper. This device was patented in 1897 and since that time millions of the choppers 
have been made and sold by the Landers. Frary & Clark Company of New Britain, Connecti- 
cut, and the demand therefor still remains undiminished. 

On the 29th of March, 1897, Mr. Snow was united in marriage to Miss Sila Harrison 
Vol. II — 6 



118 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

Pierpont, a daughter of Cornelius Pierpont, a prominent merchant, manufacturer and street 
railway man, and a direct descendant of the Rev. James Pierpont, an early minister of 
Center church of New Haven and one of the founders of Yale College. After losing his 
first wife Mr. Snow was married June 3, 1916, to Mrs. Caroline B. Terrell, iiee Skinner, a 
representative of an old Connecticut family. Mr. Snow has three daughters: Ruth Canfield, 
who became the wife of Arthur T. Nabstedt, a Yale graduate of 1910; Helen Pierpont; and 
Jlarion Pierpont. who became the wife of Clarence L. Sibley, also a Yale ^iraduate. Tlie 
two sons of the family, Cornelius and Pierpont, both died in boyhood. 

Mr. Snow is a believer in republican principles and usually votes with the party, yet 
does not hesitate to pursue an independent course and has protested against boss rule 
through the Non-partisan League and the progressive party. He has held but one political 
office,°namely that of civil service commissioner, about 1910. For two years he was president 
of the New Haven Business Men's Association and is now a director of the Business Men's 
brancli of the New Haven Chamber of Commerce. For many years lie held membership in the 
Union League and at the present time he is a member of the New Haven Country Club, 
the Sons of the American Revolution, the Founders and Patriots of America and the Chamber 
of Commerce. He is likewise a member of Center church, of the Congregational Club and the 
Young Men's Christian Association. His interests and activities have always been centered 
upon and directed through those channels which flow the greatest good to the greatest 
number and his cooperation and support of progressive measures have in a considerable 
degree furthered the public welfare. 



GEORGE CLAIRE ST. JOHN. 

George Claire St. John, head master of the Choate School at Wallingford, Connecticut, 
was born in Simsbury, Connecticut, September 29, 1877. His father, Edward Francis St. John, 
a native of this state, devoted his life to farming. He was a member of the Connecticut legis- 
lature for a number of years and a man of prominence in public afl'airs, exercising consider- 
able influence over public thought and action. He was the third in descent in a family that 
lived on an old estate at Simsbury which was purchased by the great-grandfather. Elijah St. 
John, who came to Simsbury from Norwalk. 

The mother of George Claire St. John was Charlotte Cushman, a daughter of Thomas 
Cushman, of East Granby, Connecticut. Her father was a son of Elisha Cushman, a Bap- 
tist minister, who was born in Philadelphia and devoted his life to the work of the ministry, 
becoming pastor of the Hartford Baptist church, where he remained for thirteen years. He was, 
as it were, to the manner born, being a descendant of the Rev, Robert C\ishman, who came from 
England as a member of the Mayflower band and preached the first sermon at Plymouth. 
He was the first considered in the first distribution of land that was made. He later re- 
turned to England, where he died, leaving his son Thomas in charge of Governor Bradford, 
by whom he was reared. George Claire St. .John was the youngest in a family of three chil- 
dren: Harmon St. John, who is farming the old homestead; Nellie Louisa, the wife of Lucius 
Seymour, a farmer of East Granby; and George Claire. 

In the public schools of Hartford, George Claire St. John pursued his studies and was 
graduated from the Hartford high school with the class of 1898. He then entered Harvard 
and won his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1902. Taking up the profession of teaching, he has 
devoted his life to the work and has made a splendid record, contributing largely to educa- 
tional progress in Connecticut. He was a teacher of English in the Hill school at Pottstown, 
Pennsylvania, in 1902 and 1903 and a teacher in the Adirondack (Fla.) school at Rainbow 
Lake from 1903 until 1907. He was head of the English department in the Hackley school 
at Tarrytown, New York, in 1907 and 1908, after which he became head master in the Choate 
School at \Yallingford. in September, 1908, remaining in this position to the present time and 
giving entire satisfaction by the thoroughness and efficiency of his work, which is the ex- 
pression of high ideals in teaching. 

His phenomenal success in the administration of the school has won him distinction as an 
educator. Since 1908 he has huilt up the institution from a small school with an attendance 
of forty to a large and magnificent establishment with an enrollment of one hundred and 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 119 

eighty boys. It is now recognized as one of the leading preparatory schools of New Englaml. 
One familiar with his work has said that two things are responsible for his success — first, 
his power of organization and the character of the group of men with whom he has sur- 
rounded himself: and second, his unique influence in bringing out all that is best in the boys 
and in the men associated with him in his work. He is a member of the Head Masters' 
Association and of the National Institute of Social Sciences. 

On the 23d of June, 1906, in New Haven, Mr. St. John was united in marriage to Clara 
Hitchcock, a daughter of the late Thomas Day Seymour, of Yale University. The marriage 
was celebrated by President Dwight of Yale and has been blessed with four children: Eliza- 
beth Seymour, born August 5, 1908; George Claire, Jr., born December 4, 1910; Seymoup> 
February 28, 1912; and Francis Cushman, July 31, 1916. 

In the social circles of the city Mr. and Mrs. St. John occupy an enviable position and 
enjoy the warm regard of all with whom they have been brought in contact. Mr. St. John 
is recognized as one of the prominent ediicators not only of Wallingford but of Connecticut 
and in the Choate School has introduced many improved methods which are the expression of his 
own ideals in educational work. 



THE CHOATE SCHOOL. 



The Choate School of Wallingford was founded in 1896 by Hon. William G. Choate and 
Mark Pittman. the latter becoming its first head master. 

At the beginning the school was a small preparatory school for boys. ])atr()nize(l by a 
few of the best families of the community, but it has enjoyed a steady and consistent growth 
until today it numbers one hundred and eighty boys and ranks as one of the foremost pre- 
paratory schools of New England. The school has a tract of one hundred and fifty acres of 
land and in tlie last six years there have been erected thereon buildings at an expense 
iif about one Imndred and fifty thousand dollars. The grounds and buildings constitute one of 
the most splendid school equipments in America. The buildings are chiefly the gifts of 
friends of the school who appreciate the work that is being done. 

The school has reached its highest point during the last seven years under the capable 
administration of George C. St. John, who for six years previous was a successful teacher 
in Pennsylvania and in New York. Mr. St. John brought to his work rare enthusiasm, keen 
judgment and ready sympathy and has impressed on the school many of his high ideals. He 
has been successful in the attainment of his purpose to keep that homelike atmosphere which 
endears the institution to the pupils. The patronage represents no particular social set or 
geographical section and there is no one-college influence, the faculty representing many 
universities. Instead of being confined to a rigid system of form, each boy is given the work 
which he individually needs. 

The school has become a suitable memorial to the great name it bears and to its founder, 
Judge William G. Choate, who still lives here at the age of eighty-five years, enjoying the 
gratifying development of the work he thus instituted. Judge Oioate is a brother of the 
late Hon. Joseph H. Choate and is himself a distinguished member of the New York bar. 



THOMAS PATRICK DL^NNE. 



Thomas Patrick Dunne, who is filling the office of police judge of Meriden, was born in 
Wethersfield. Connecticut, March 17, 1877, a son of Edward and Ellen Dunne, who emigrated 
from Ireland to the new world, settling in Wethersfield in 1854. They had a family of seven 
children, of whom fom- are still living in Meriden, namely: Thomas Patrick; Katharine J.; 
Elizabeth K.; and Edwin. 

Judge Dunne pursued his early education in the public schools of his native city until 
1884, when the family home was established in Meriden, where he continued his studies, pass- 
ing through consecutive grades until he graduated from the high school with the class of 1896. 
He afterward attended a commeicial college, pursuing a business course, and subsequently 



120 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

entered the law office of Judge Fay, being at that time about nineteen years of age. After a 
thorough preliminary course of reading he was admitted to the bar on the 26th of June, 1900. 
and at once entered upon active practice. He was assistant prosecuting attorney, has also 
filled the office of city attorney since 1907, save for a period of about eighteen months, and 
in 1917 he was elected police judge, assuming the duties of that position on the 1st of July. 
He has made a most excellent record in public office, fully upholding the high standards of 
the profession and at the same time doing splendid work for his constituents. 

On the 10th of .September. 1908. Judge Dunne was united in marriage to iliss Katharine 
A. lIcKeough, of Meriden, and they have two children: Thomas, who was born in 1912: and 
Alice, born in 1915. 

.Judge and Jlrs. Dunne attend St. Rose's Roman Catholic church and he holds membership 
with the Elks, the T. A. B. Society and is otherwise prominent socially. His political allegiance 
is given to the republican party and he served as councilman from the second ward of Meri- 
den for two terms. His public service has been characterized by marked devotion to the gen- 
eral good and in his profession he has made for himself a creditable place, studying closely the 
principles of jurisprudence, and actuated at all times by the highest professional standards. 
From the age of seven years he has made his home in ileriilen. where high regard is enter- 
tained for him by reason of his possession of those qualities which in every land and clime 
win respect and confidence. 



ROBKRT BF.ARDSLFA' GOODYEAR. M. D. 

Dr. Robert Beardsley Goodyear, of Xorth Haven, has always looked upon his pro- 
fession as an opportunity for service and has been in a marked degree not only the 
trusted physician but also the personal friend and counselor of his patients. He is quiet 
and unassuming but his personality is such as to make him a leader and he has twice 
been honored with election to the presidency of the Xew Haven county Medical Society. 

Dr. Goodyear was born in Xorth Haven, Xovember 6, 1835, a son of Bela H. and 
Delia A. (Gill) Goodyear. The father was born in Hamden in 1798 and died in 1885, while 
the mother's birth occurred in North Haven in 1S25 and her death in 1884. The Goodyear 
family has been represented in America for many generations as in 1646 one Stephen 
Goodyear, a London merchant, crossed the Atlantic and located in New Haven. He gained 
prominence in the colony, of which he became lieutenant governor. In the present day 
the family name is associated in the minds of most people with the manufacture of rubber 
products and the Goodyear who first made rubber shoes and other articles is a cousin 
of our subject. The father was prominent in his community and was characterized by 
strong patriotism and at the time of the Civil war cheerfully gave si.\ of his seven sons 
for service in the army, the seventh son being too young to be accepted. One of them was 
General E. D. S. Goodyear. Bela H. Goodyear, the father of our subject, engaged in 
farming in Hamden and met with gratifying success in that connection. 

Robert B. Goodyear attended the local schools and also the schools of Wallingford 
and in his early manhood taught for a time in Oxford, North Haven and Windsor in this 
state. In 1862, although he had begun to prepare for the medical profession, which he 
hoped to make his life work, he put aside his personal plans and ambitions and joined 
the Union army as a member of Company B, Twenty-seventh Regiment of Connecticut 
Volunteers, which he entered with the rank of sergeant. He took part in the battle of 
Fredericksburg. December 13, 1S62, and in that of Cliancellorsville, May 1-3, 1863. He was 
captured by the enemy and held a prisoner at Richmond for some time but in the latter 
part of 1863 was honorably discharged from the army by reason of expiration of his term 
of enlistment. The following year he entered the Yale Medical School and in 1865. while 
still a student, was appointed resident physician at the State Hospital at New Haven. In 
1866 he became a physician at the Hartford Hospital and the following year worked under 
the eminent alienist. Dr. J. S. Butler, at the Retreat for the Insane at Hartford. In 186S 
he received tlie degree of M. D. from Yale and at once began the independent practice 
of his profession at North Haven. He has since remained here and for almost a half 
century has been the loved and honored family physician of almost the entire community 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 123 

and in many homes in the surrounding towns. He has conscientiously kept in touch with 
the change in methods of treatment and is recognized by his colleagues as an up-to-date 
anil very successful practitioner. To liis patients he stands in tlie relation of friend as 
well as physician and his life has exemplified the older ideals of the profession. To him 
the practice of medicine has never been a business or even a cold science but it has always 
been an opportunity to minister to the needs of others. For twenty-five years and more 
he has been medical examiner and health phj-sician for North Haven and he has twice 
been elected president of the New Haven County Medical Society. He has always taken 
a great deal of interest in the work of that body as well as of the New Haven County 
Health Association of which he was a charter member and a member of the executive board 
since its organization. He is now retired to a great extent but still practices somewhat 
as many of his old patients insist on his attending them. 

Dr. Goodyear was married May 19, 1869, to Miss Jane Lyman, who died in March, 1878. 
To them were born two children: Anna Lyman, at home; and Robert W., deceased. On 
the 26tli of June, 1884, Dr. Goodyear was united in marriage to Miss Ellen M. Hotchkiss, 
1 daughter of Stephen and Maria (Goodyear) Hotchkiss, of New Haven. Her father was 
a ship chandler and rope manufacturer, as was his father before him, and the family has 
heeh well known and highly esteemed in eastern Connecticut for many years. Mrs. Good- 
year takes a prominent part in the social life of her community and is a woman of many 
Pne qualities. 

Dr. Goodyear is a republican but has never sought political office. For more than 
fifty years he has served on the school board of North Haven and for more than thirty 
years has been school visitor and secretary of the board. There is no man who has done 
more or as much for the advancement of the schools as he. He has also been active in 
the work of the Grange, believing that sound agricultural development is the basis of all 
other prosperity in a section, and he has filled the offices of lecturer and chaplain of the 
Grange. Through his membership in Admiral Foote Post, No. 17, G. A. R., in which he 
has served as patriotic instructor, he keeps in touch with other veterans of the Civil war. 
He belongs to Corinthian Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and to the Foresters, of which organization 
he is medical examiner. In religious faith he is a Congregationalist and the work of the 
church as well as of other movements calculated to upbuild the community has profited by 
his continued and earnest support. Throughout his life he has remained a student and his 
personality is the expression of the old ideal of a scholar and gentleman marked by a 
strength of character unmarred by ostentation. 



COLONEL ISAAC MORRIS ULLMAN. 

In New Haven, wlicn it was no more tlian a thriving county seat of fortv thousand 
people, just beginning to put out a few shoots of what lias become its great manufacturing 
tree, Isaac M. Ullman was born. In that intimate community he grew up. With all his 
early struggles he had time to study his city. Of its life and development and progress he 
has been very much a part. Of it he has been called by those who without prejudice have 
observed his vigorous, earnest, far-seeing efforts for its progress and true prosperity, one 
of its very fgremost citizens. He is regarded as one of New Haven's most successful cit- 
izens as well, but witli him success has meant some things larger than the word usually 
involves, whicli only a careful study of his career will reveal. 

Mr. I'llman was born August 29, 1863, of Morris and Mina (Fleischner) Ullman, his 
father being a native of Berlin, Germany, and his mother of Marienbad, Austria. The 
schools of his early days were good, but not to be compared with their successors which 
he in his time has seen. He made the most of them as far as he went, but circumstances re- 
quired that he should enter business rather early, which he did as office boy with Mayer, 
Strouse & Company. He has the enviable record of having, in a service of less than forty 
years, risen from that position to be the head of what is practically the same firm, whose 
products are known in every land where women wear stays, which has offices and ware- 
rooms in New York, Chicago, San Francisco. Boston and Philadelphia, being, as Strouse 
Adler & Company, known as one of New Haven's foremost and largest manufacturin ' 



124 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

industries. Colonel Ullman's denionstrateil abilitiy. not only in this but other Ijusiness 
affairs, has earned for him by riyht as well as investment a directorship in the Merchants 
National Bank. 

It is as president of New Haven's Chamber of Commerce that Colonel Ullman has 
best demonstrated his love for his city and his ■.villingness to sacrifice his time and effort 
in its service, as well as his breadth of vision of the New Haven that was to be. WTien 
he came to its piesidencj' in 1909, he found a fine old organization with one hundred and 
fifteen years of checkered history and a membership of five hundred and twenty-eight, with 
a long record for banquets but a short one on achievement for New Haven. He put into 
it a dynamic force, an Intelligent direction, which in five years had given it a member- 
ship of one thousand two hundred, an efficient organization, a fine home and a list of deeds 
done for the effective progress of New Haven. 

Colonel Ullman has been a force in the politics of New Haven and of his state. He 
has been called a "boss." H "boss" means a citizen with a keen zest for affairs of gov- 
ernment, a clear conception of the things that need to be done, the ability and willing- 
ness to go on and direct and do the things which somebody must do but often nobody is 
willing to do, he is a boss. But he never has sought public office for himself, and has not 
held paying public office, though a man with his ability could not escape positions of 
honor. He has twice served on the staff of a governor of Connecticut, as aide to Governor 
George E. Loun.sbury in 1899, with the rank of colonel, and as quartermaster general for 
his close friend, Governor Roilin S. Woodruff in 1907. He is on the retired list of the 
Connecticut National Guard. For some time he was a member of the New Haven Board of 
Kducation. He is a member and director of Mishkan Israel congregation, and has a club 
and fraternity membership exceeded by few men in the state. In New Haven he belongs 
to tlie Union League, the Young Jlen's Ke])ublican and the Harmonie Clubs, hi'ing president 
111' tlic latter. He is a member of tlie Second Company, Governor's Foot (iuard, of tlu' 
New Haven Colony Historical Society and is a director of the New Haven County Anti- 
Tuberculosis Association. He also belongs to Hiram Lodge, No. 1, F. & A. M. ; Franklin 
Chajiter, R. A. il.; Harmony Council. R. & S. M.; Horeb Lodge, I. 0. B. B.: the Ancient 
Order of United Workmen and the Red Men. He is president of the National Corset Man- 
ufacturers' Association of the United States, and in New York his name is on the list of the 
Lotus, Army & Navy, Republican, Wool, City and Aldine Clubs. He belongs to the Moose- 
head Lake Y'acht Club, the Pea Island Gunning Club and the Aero Club. He is a member 
of the Hartford Club, of the Norwalk Country Club, the Old Colony Club of New York, 
the Tuna Club and the Elks Club, and an honorary member of tlie Adelplii Literary Asso- 
ciation of New Haven. 

Colonel Ullman was married in New Haven, on the 3d of February, 1892, to Miss 
Flora Veronica Adler. To them has been born one child. Marion B., who uuirried S. Fred 
Wetzler. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1916. 



MILTON W. HALL. 



Milton W. Hall, who hag charge of the office of the Ball & Socket Manufacturing Com- 
pany, Inc., of Cheshire, has been connected with that concern for many years and has worked 
his way up to his present important position solely on his own merits. 

He was born in Clieshire, November 10, 1872, and is a son of Charles H. and Betsey A. 
(Judson) Hall, who were born respectively in Cheshire and in Washington, Connecticut. The 
father passed away in 1911, when sixty-five years old, but the mother survives at the 
age of seventy-one, making her home in Cheshire. The father farmed in young manhood 
but later turned his attention to the coal business in Cheshire, in which he was engaged 
for a quarter of a century. He served as second selectman of his town and was an active 
factor in public affairs. His political allegiance was given to the republican party. In 
religious faith he was a Congregationalist and the work of that organization profited by 
his support. He was a very enthusiastic member of the Grange and his opinion on any 
point in connection with farming was listened to with great respect, for he was recognized 
as one of the best and most successful farmers of the town. 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 125 

Milton W. Hall, who is the oldest of a family of five children, attended the public 
schools and also Cheshire Academy, a well known Protestant Episcopal school, from 
which he was graduated in 1890. In that year he took a business course in the Yale 
Business College and in 1891 entered the employ of the Ball & Socket Manufacturing 
Company, Inc., with which he has since remained. The company manufactures sheet metal 
and wire specialties and has a large and well equipped plant and does a business of 
gratifying proportions. From the beginning Mr. Hall proved himself trustworthy and effi- 
cient and as the years have passed more and more responsibility has been given to him and 
he is now in charge of the office. The work done there is carefully systematized and a 
high standard of efficiency is maintained. 

Mr. Hall was married in 1893 to Miss Viola L. Clark, of Meriden, and following her 
demise, to Miss Florence H. Hanks, of New York, a daughter of Wilbur F. and Jessie 
(Leigh) Hanks, the former a well known publisher and at one time one of the men in charge 
of the Horseless Age, the first periodical of its kind. To Mr. and Mrs. Hall have been born 
two children: Jessie M., August 15, 1904; and Stewart H., whose birth occurred September 
4, 1907. 

Mr. Hall is a republican and although active in public affairs his interest therein is 
not that of the office seeker but of the disinterested citizen. He has served, however, as 
town treasurer since 1905, his long connection with the office indicating the high esteem 
in which he is held. He has served as treasurer of the Congregational church since 1910 
and does all in his power to extend its influence. He is well known in lodge circles, belong- 
ing to Temple Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M., of which he is master; Triune Chapter, No. 40, 
R. A. M., at Southington; Trinity Council, No. 30, R. & S. M., at Southington; St. Elmo 
Commandery, No. 9, K. T., at Meriden; Sphinx Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., at Hartford; 
and Lafayette Consistory at Bridgeport. He is very loyal to the craft and its teachings 
as to helpfulness find expression in his life. His record has ever been that of an efficient 
business man, a public-spirited citizen and a loyal friend, and the high esteem in which 
he is generally held is well deserved. 



MARVIN M. SCARBKOUGH, M. D. 

Dr. Marvin M. Scarbrough, whose high professional standing is indicated in the fact 
that from 1913 until 1917 he was annually elected secretary of the Connecticut State Med- 
ical Association, received thorough and comprehensive training for his professional activ- 
ities and since 1910 has successfully practiced in New Haven. His life record reverses the 
usual order, for he did not follow the star of empire westward but left the Pacific coast 
to Ijeoome a resident of the east. 

He was born in Creswell, Oregon, September 10, 1878, a son of Lemuel Duncan and Emma 
(Bedford) Scarbrough. The father was a native of Alabama and when a young man moved 
westward to Oregon. In the meantime he had entered the University of Tennesee and it 
was subsequent to his graduation that he went to the northwest. He settled first in Cres- 
well, Oregon, where he later became a well known medical practitioner, winning prom- 
inence as a physician and surgeon of that place. He married Emma Bedford, who was 
born in Oregon. Her father was one of the early gold seekers in California, making his 
way to that state in 1852, while later he became a resident of Oregon. His daughter, 
.Mr.s. Scarbrouoh. passed away in early womanhood, leaving four children, all (if wliom 
have departed this life with the exception of Di'. Scarbrough of this review. 

In early boyhood Marvin M. Scarbrough became a pupil in the schools of Creswell, 
Oregon. He next became a student in the University of Oregon, where he pursued his literary 
course and won his Bachelor of Arts degree as a member of the class of 1902. He after- 
ward did post graduate work in the department of biology of the Oregon University and 
acted as instructor. He came to New England for the purpose of augmenting his freneral 
knowledge and of taking up tlie study of medicine and entered Yale, wliere he pursued a 
two years' course, winning the Master of Arts degree in 1905. He then continued as a 
medical student at Yale and gained his professional degree in 1907. He has practiced 
continuously in New Haven since 1908 and since 1910 has been medical examiner for the 



126 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

town of New Haven. From 1908 until 1912 he was instructor in pharmacology and from 

1912 to the present has been instructor in therapeutics in Yale. He was clinical assistant 
in surgery from 1912 to 1916. He served an interneship in the New Haven Hospital in 
1907 and 1908 and then began the private practice of applied medicine. His recognized 
ability was attested by his election to the secretaryship of the State Medical Society in 

1913 and by his reelection until 1917. He wks also the secretary of the Yale Medical 
Alumni Association, a position which he filled for four years. He belongs as well to the 
New Haven, the New Haven County, the Con)iectieut State and the American Medical 
Associations' and he is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of 
Science. He belongs to the Sigma XI and the AEI Chapter of Nu Sigma Nu. He is now 
pathologist of Grace Hospital and there is continuous demand made upon his professional 
service, so that he has little leisure time. 

On the 6th of September, 1913, Dr. Scarbrough was married to Miss Mabel G. Sher- 
wood, of Bridgeport, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry G. Sherwood. Dr. and Mrs. Scar- 
l)roii{;li have one cliiM, Marvin MoRae. .Jr., who was born June 35, 1914, in New Haven. 

That the doctor is not unappreciative of the social amenities of life is indicated in 
his membership in the Graduates Club and in the Lawn Club. He ranks as one of the 
leading physicians of New Haven and stands very high in public regard. 



SEYMOUR C. LOOMIS. 



Lawyer and writer of note, an art connoisseur, a scientist and a statesman in his grasp 
of affairs, yet without desire for public office, Seymour C. Loomis has exerted marked influ- 
ence over public opinion along many lines. He was born in SufReld, Connecticut, November 
12, 1861, a son of George Wells and Mary Ellen (Norton) Loomis, and is a lineal descendant of 
Joseph Loomis who came from Braiutree, England, to Boston in 1638 and to Windsor, Con- 
necticut, in 1639, an original settler of this state. 

Mr. Loomis graduated from the Connecticut Literary Institute with valedictorian honors 
in the class of 1878 and on the completion of liis preparatory course entered Yale, receiving the 
Bachelor of Arts degree in 1882. He remained through the succeeding two years as a law- 
student at Yale and, after winning the LL. B. degree cum laude in 1884, was admitted to 
practice. He at once opened an office in New Haven. No dreary novitiate awaited him. 
Almost immediately he came into prominence and his law practice today exceeds that of al- 
most any other attorney of the city. His is a natural discrimination as to legal ethics and 
being grounded in logic and accuracy he is so well read in the law and his preparation of the 
facts is so thorough that he is able to base his arguments upon knowledge of precedents and 
to present a case upon its merits, never failing to recognize the main point at issue. The year 
after beginning practice in New Haven he was chosen assistant city clerk and filled that 
position for two years, and at the same time was editor of the City Y^ear Book. He also 
acted as city clerk in 1885 during the illness and after the death of the (then) city clerk. 

Jlr. Loomis was married on the 22nd of April, 1892, to Miss Catlinrine Canfipld Nortlirop, 
of New Milford, Connecticut. 

He was executive sccretarj' of Connecticut in 1893-1895 and performed for several of 
the state departments during those years the duties now done by the attorney general. He is 
chairman of the committee on new business of the Connecticut Bar Association and a mem- 
ber of the council for Connecticut of the American Bar Association. He is one of the board of 
managers of the Sons of the American Revolution and in club circles of New Haven is well 
known, belonging to the Graduates', Country and Congregational Clubs, and to the Y'ale Club 
of New York city. His religious faith is that of the Congregational church and he is actively 
identified with many organized charities. He is not learned in the law alone, for he has 
studied long and carefully the subjects that are to the statesman and the man of affairs 
of the greatest import — the questions of civil government, finance, political economy and so- 
ciology — and has kept abreast with the best thinking men of the age. In fact, he is a recog- 
nized leader of public thought and opinion. Prominent in the New Haven Chamber of Com- 
merce, he is serving a.s chairman of its public health and sanitation committee. He belongs to 
the American Association for the Advancement of Science and for five years has been and 




SEYMOUR ('. LOOMIS 



AND EASTERN NET\* HAVEN COUNTY 129 

Btill is secretary of the section on economic and social science. He is historian of the Gov- 
ernor's Staff Association of Connecticut. He is the representative of the provost marshal 
general in the fifth New Haven division in connection with the draft for the war against 
(ienuany. A su[jpiirtcr of the principles which underlie representative j;overnment, lie was 
from the beginning of the war in Europe in 1914. a stanch advocate of preparedness on the 
part of the United States in maintaining its ov.u rights and those of its citizens and in 
preventing the overthrow generallj' of government by the people. 

ilr. Loomis has won national recognition through his writings, which cover various 
legal subjects, the tariff and many matters of governmental concern. He is likewise often 
called upon to speak upon the questions of the day. In his leisure hours he finds interest in 
liis prints, paintings, curios, pamphlets and books, and his collection is large and valuable. 



WILLIAM HENRY GODDARD. 

Prominent among the energetic, enterprising and successful business men of Walling- 
ford is William Henry Goddard, the president and treasurer of the Wallingford Lumber 
Company. He was born at West Granby, Connecticut, February 23, 1861, and represents 
one of the old families of the state. His father, Henry M. Goddard, was also a native of 
Granby and was a wheelwright by trade. He removed to South Hadley Falls in 1862 and 
came to Wallingford in 1871, in the employ of the Wallingford Wheel Company, which was 
sold to the Naugatuck Wheel Company in 1874. Mr. Goddard accompanied the business on 
the removal and in 1879 he returned to Wallingford, when the business became the Walling- 
ford Wheel Companj'. He was active along that line to the time of his death, which oc- 
curred in 1881 when he had reached the age of fifty-one years. He married Josephine A. 
Converse, a daughter of Enoch Converse, of South Hadley Falls, Massachusetts. She 
passed away in 1883 at the age of forty-one years. 

William H. Goddard spent his boyhood to the age of ten years in South Hadley Falls 
and acquired his early education in the public schools there, while later he continued his 
studies in Wallingford. At fourteen years of age he removed to Naugatuck and entered 
the wheel shop, thus starting out in the business world, but in the winter of 1883-3 he 
took a course in a business college at Poughkeepsie, New York, and in the fall of the 
latter year he joined the office force of the Wheel Company during tlic absence of Mr. 
Hill. He afterward spent four years in North Carolina, operating a mill and buying timber 
for the firm. While there he was offered the position of bookkeeper by H. B. Todd & 
Son, lumber dealers of Wallingford. Accepting, he entered upon the work and four years 
later, when Mr. Todd died and the business was reorganized in 1895, he was made the 
treasurer. In 1903 he became the president and treasurer and the name was changed to the 
Wallingford Lumber Company. This business has continuoush' claimed the attention and 
energy of Mr. Goddard and its success is attributable in substantial measure to his enter- 
prise, his progressiveness and his thorough understanding of every feature of the lumber trade. 

It was on the 30th of July, 1890, that Mr. Goddard was married in Southington, Con- 
necticut, to Miss Mary E. Hart, a daughter of diaries C. Hart of that town, and they 
have become the parents of four children: Marjorie A., twenty-four years of age; Stanton 
Hart, twenty-one; Wendell C, fifteen; and Oeanne !M., twelve. The family resides at 
No. 17 Beaumont avenue. 

In his political views Mr. Goddard is a stalwart republican and he has represented 
Wallingford in the general assembly of 1909, of 1911 and of 1917. In 1909 and 1911 he 
was one of the committee on education and in 1917 he was made a member of the committee 
on incorporations and the commitee on joint rule. He gave very careful consideration to 
all the questions which came up for settlement and his support of a measure was the 
expression of his belief in its worth to the commonwealth. He studies closely the ques- 
tions and issues of the day and keeps well informed on all the vital points which come up for 
settlement in connection with political affairs. 

Fraternally Mr. Goddard is a prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows. He has passed through all of the offices of lodge and encampment and has con- 
tributed in substantial measure to the upbuilding of the organization. In Masonry, too. 



ino A MODERN HISTORY OP NEW HAVEN 

he is well known, being a past master of Compass Lodge, No. 9, A. ¥. & A. M. He has 
also filled the chairs in Lockwood Chapter, No. 48, R. A. M., of Wallingford. Five years 
ago a tract was purchased and a Masonic building erected thereon. Mr. Goddard became 
one of the leaders in that movement and was elected the president of the Masonic Temple 
Corporation, in which position he served for three years and since that time he has been 
one of its directors. He is a member of the First Congregational churcli and has been 
most active and earnest in promoting its welfare. He held the office of deacon for twenty- 
four years or for eight terms, and for ten years was clerk of the cluirch, while for the 
past two years he has been on its board of trustees. 

Mr. Goddard is deeply interested in everything that pertains to the material, intel- 
lectual, social, political and moral progress of his community and his worth as a man and 
citizen is widely acknowledged. Starting out in life for himself at the early age of four- 
teen years, he has since been dependent upon his own resources and whatever success he 
has achieved is the direct reward of his labors. His sterling worth is acknowledged by 
all and Wallingford numbers him among its best citizens. 



LEONI WARREN ROBINSON. 

Leoni Warren Robinson, an architect of New Haven, was born September 26, 1851, in 
the city where he still resides, his parents being Warren and Sarah Howard (Woodard) 
Robinson, the former a native of Mansfield, Connecticut, and tlic latter of Jefferson, New 
Hampshire. 

After attending the Hillhouse high school of New Haven he continued his studies in 
French's Preparatory School and afterward entered the office of R. G. Hatfield, a well known 
and prominent architect of New York city, with whom he remained for a number of years, 
or from 1870 until 1874. He was then in the supervising architect's office in Washing- 
ton, D. C, until 1877. He traveled abroad in 1877 and 1878 and has since practiced his 
profession in New Haven. He specializes in public buildings and structural engineering. 
He was the architect of the public school buildings of New Haven between 1878 and 1894. 

From 1903 to 1913 he was a member of the commission to erect the Connecticut 
State Ldbrary and Supreme Court building and during this period was secretary of the 
commission. 

He is a fellow of the American Institute of Architects; past president of the Con- 
necticut chapter of said institute; a member of the Architectural League of New York 
and of the Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers. 

On the 4th of October, 1883, Mr. Robinson was united in marriage to Miss Mina J. 
De Moss, of Coshocton, Ohio, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Louis De Moss. Three children 
have been born of this marriage: Lois De Moss, who is a graduate of the Hillhouse high 
school and of Smith College; Mrs. Margaret Osborn, who is a gi'aduate of Hillhouse 
high school and also of Dana Hall, Wellcsley, Massachusetts; and Faitli De Moss. 

Mr. Robinson is a republican and member of the Young Men's Republican Club. He 
was a member of the board of education of New Haven for two years and after serving for 
that length of time, resigned. He belongs to the chamber of commerce and cooperates heartily 
in its well organized plans for the upbuilding of the city. He is also a member of the Quin- 
nipiac Club and his religious faith is evidenced by his membership in the Congregational 
church. 



MICHAEL V. HARDING. 



Michael P. Harding, deceased, was for many years prominently identified with Bran- 
ford's commercial interests and in his death the community lost an honored and valued 
citizen. He was born in that village, April 15, 1850. a son of Francis and Ellen (Farley) 
Harding, both of whom were natives of Ireland. When a young man the father came to 
America and was one of the first Irishmen to locate in Branford, where lie was engaged 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 131 

in the grocery business for several years, o])ening a store on Jlontowese street in 1856. 
He was a genial, pleasant gentleman, extremely charitable and a leader among the Irish 
of his time in Branford. He gave the land for the first Roman Catholic church erected 
in the village and contributed liberally to its support. Three of his daughters are now 
Sisters in a convent. Michael P. Harding was the oldest of the family of seven children 
and the first child born of Irish parents in Branford, where the parents were married and 
continued to make their home until death. 

ilichael P. Harding began his education in the public schools of Branford and later 
attended the Branford Academy and the Yale Business College in New Haven. He was 
only twenty-one years of age when his father died, leaving his mother, four sisters and 
one brother dependent upon him, and there were also debts to be paid, as his father had 
endorsed notes for parties who never paid them. Mr. Harding took charge of the grocery 
store and in its management met with most e.xcellent success, so that it was not long 
before he was able to pay oS" all indebtedness. In 1903 he retired from business, selling 
the store to his head clerk, but when the latter died a few years later lie again took 
control and remained in active business until he, too, passed away on the 18th of April, 
1917. He was also a director and vice president of the Branford Savings Bank from 
the time of its organization until his death. 

At Wailingforil. Connecticut, Jul}' 1, 1896, Mr. Harding was united in marriage to Miss 
Sarah Ann Harland, who was born at that place and was educated at the Convent de 
Xotre Dame, of Waterbury, Connecticut. Her parents, Matthew and Mary (McCabe) Har- 
land, were natives of Ireland, and her father was related to the Harlands, famous ship- 
builders of Ireland. He was educated at the University of Dublin and shortly after his 
graduation came to America, locating at Wallingford, Connecticut, where he engaged in 
contracting for the manufacture of silverware in the factory of R. Wallace & Company, 
and became one of the prominent citizens of that place. He was honored with several 
town offices and was a director of a bank in Wallingford, being prominently identified 
with both the public and business interests of the town. His wife had come from Ireland 
with her parents during girlhood and settled in Wallingford. Both Mr. and Mrs. Harland 
are now deceased. Of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Harding, Mary Eleanor (1st) 
passed away in infancy. The living daughters are Frances Margaret, Sarah Irene and Mary 
Eleanor. 

The family still occupy the Harding home on ilontowese street, which is over two 
hundred years old, but was entirely remodeled and made up-to-date by Mr. Harding. He 
was a member of the Holy Name Society and a very devout Catholic, doing all within his 
power to promote the interests of the church. He was also a very charitable man, giving 
liberally of his means to the ]ioor and needy, although his gifts were unostentatiously 
made and few knew of his many acts of kindness. For many years he was one of Bran- 
ford's most prominent business men and his death was widely and deeply mourned, for 
he left many friends as well as his immediate family, and all who knew him held him 
in the highest regard. 



JOHN F. FENDERS. 



Since taking up his duties as postmaster of Meriden, John F. Fenders has instituted 
many improvements in the administration of the office, and his work has received the hearty 
commendation of the business men of the city. 

He was born in Hartford, Connecticut, but when six months old was taken by his 
parents to Meriden, where his father, Edward Fenders, is still living. The mother, who ' 
bore the maiden name of Mary Lyons, passed away in 1913. The other living members of 
tlie family are: .James, a resident of Hartford; and Andrew J., Mrs. .Julia Ivenney, Mollie 
and Helen, all residents of Meriden. 

John F. Fenders received his education in the public schools of Meriden. While vet 
in school he sold newspapers and thus earned his way in part, and his life has been one 
of continual efi'ort, so that the success which he has gained is attributable entirely to 
his own industry and good management. During school vacations he worked as a clerk 



132 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

in a grocery store but later took up tlie study of telegrapliy. Hu became a good operator, 
but not linding conditions to his liking, he entered the employ of the Meriden Britannia 
Company, with which he remained for about ten years. He then became connected with 
the Journal Publishing Company and after traveling for a time in the interests of the 
job department became identified with the circulation department and later with the ad- 
vertising department. He advanced until he became the head of both the advertising and 
circulation departments, which indicates the high estimate placed upon his business ability 
by tlie officers of the company. For a decade or more he was identified with the business 
management of the Journal but on the 6th of July, 1914, was appointed postmaster of 
Meriden and severed his connection with the Journal Company and on the 1st of August took 
charn-e of the postoffice. He has in many ways improved the service since taking office 
and has applied business principles to the handling of the mails. There are now fifty-six 
employes in the postoffice, not counting the sixteen substitutes, and there are in addition 
to the main office eight substations and one classified station. To successfully supervise 
the work of those under him and to keep in touch with the various departments and 
substations demands of the postmaster a high order of executive ability and this Mr. 
Fenders has manifested to a marked degree. The same qualities which enabled him to 
win rapid promotion in the management of his private business interests have made him 
more than usually efficient in the discharge of his official duties. 

On the 20th of October, 1914, Jfr. Fenders was married to Miss Agnes A. Conway, 
of New Haven, and they have two sons, John F., .Jr., born December 6, 191.5, and Edmond, 
born November 14, 1918. 

In politics ilr. Fenders is a democrat but has ever been nonpartisan in spirit, placing 
first the welfare of his community. It is well known that all forward movements receive 
his heartiest support and he has cheerfully given much of his time to work for the benefit 
of the city. He is a director of the public library and is active in the work of the cham- 
ber of commerce. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in St. Joseph's Roman 
Catholic church and for niije terms he was president of the Young Men's T. A. B. Society, of 
which he is now a trustee. His fraternal connections include membership in Silver City 
Council, No. 3, K. of C, of which he is chancellor, and in the Benevolent Protective Order 
of Elks. Along strictly social lines he is connected with the Colonial Chili, one of the lead- 
ing organizations of the kind in the city. 



EDGAR S. DOWE. 



One of New Haven's valued citizens, president of the New Haven Towing Company and 
a widely known airthority on maritime afi'airs, was the late Edgar S. Dowe, whose death on 
February 7, 1912, after a residence of thirty-three years in the city of New Haven, removed 
from that place one of the most conspicuous figures connected with its shipping and harbor 
interests. 

Mr. Dowe's family is southern in its origin, his grandfather, William Dowe, being the 
owner of very valuable property on Roanoke island. North Carolina. He was one of the best 
kimwn and most prosperous planters in that whole region and lived his entire life on his 
estate, which he managed in a most successful manner. Like all large landowners of thit 
time and place he owned many slaves, and it speaks well for the mildness and inherent jus- 
tice of the man that, after the Civil war, they all returned to their old master. A son of 
William Dowe and the father of Edgar S. Dowe, was Walter Dowe, who set an example to 
his son by becoming a sailor and eventually became captain of a vessel trading with the West 
Indies. After the war, however, he retired from this life and once more made his abode on 
Roanoke island, in due time inheriting his father's estate. To his wife, who had been Miss 
Margaret Meekins of that place, and him, were born three children: Blanche, who became 
Mrs. William Forbes; Edgar S.; and Thomas A. 

Edgar S. Dowe was born on Roanoke island, December 13, 1858, and there passed his 
childhood and youth up to the age of twenty years, gaining, in the meantime, an excellent 
education at the local schools. In 1879 he removed from his early home to New Haven, 
where he resided during the remainder of his life. The following year he began the loii" 




EDGAK S. DOWE 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 135 

association with the New Haven Towing Company, whicli was to close only witli his death. 
After a few years service as an employe lie bought a half interest in the company and in 
course of time was made its president, an office he held until his death. The affairs of the 
concern were never so prosperous as under the long and able management of Mr. Dowe, who 
interested himself not only with its immediate business but with the improvement of docking 
and harbor conditions generally, and doing most valuable w'ork for the maritime interests 
and the port generally. 

It was not only as president of tlie great coni|iany that ilr. Dowe devoted liimself to 
tliis work. As time went on he became a prominent tigure in many departments of activity in 
New Haven. Especially was this the case in local politics, which he entered while still a 
very young man, allying himself with the city organization of the democratic party, of 
whose principles and policies he was an ardent supporter. Later lie was made harbor 
master, acting with so much vigor and sense in that office that he was appointed by the gov 
ernor of Connecticut a member of the board of harbor commissioners. Here again he proved 
himself extremely energetic and effective, doing much for the cause of harbormen generally 
and proving himself so greatly interested in the subject that his fellow- members of the board 
elected him lu\rbor inspector. In tliis most important and responsible position Mr. Dowe 
proved himself more valuable than ever, and gained the approval of the community gener- 
ally, and especially of those whose business made them interested in tlie harbor facilities. 
But it was not, by any means, only tl(at aspect of city affairs connected with his own busi- 
ness that Mr. Dowe concerned himself with. On tlie contrary public affairs generally inter- 
ested him and he gave a large amount of his time and attention to tlie welfare of the com- 
munity from a general point of view. In 1890 he was elected to the New Haven city coun- 
cil, serving on that body until 1898, and was then twice consecutively elected an alderman. 
In these several offices Mr. Dowe displayed his customary good sense and energy, and was 
appointed the aldermanic member of the board of finance, one of the most ditiicult and re- 
sponsible positions in tlie whole city government. 

Besides these public and private activities, Mr. Dowe was conspicuous in social and fra- 
ternal circles in New Haven and was a member of many important organizations. Mr. Dowe 
took great interest in Masonic circles; he was a thirty-second degree Mason, member of 
Wooster Lodge, No. 79, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Franklin Cliapter, No. 2, Royal 
Arch Masons; Harmony Council, No. 8, Royal and Select Masters; and New Haven Com- 
mandery. No. 2, Knights Templar. In the Scottish Rite he affiliated with E. G. Storer Lodge 
of Perfection, Elm City Council, Princes of Jerusalem, New Haven Cliapter Rose Croix, and 
Lafayette Consistory, Sovereign Princes of the Royal Secret, the latter of Bridgeport; he 
was a Noble of Pyramid Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of 
Bridgeport. He was a member of the American Economic Association, the New Haven 
Chamber of Commerce, the New Haven Masonic Club, the New Haven Knights Templar 
Club, the New Haven Publicity Club and the New England Order of Protection. 

He and his wife were members of the Congregational church at East Haven and were 
very active in its work, at one time being connected with the Christian Endeavor Society, 
and he was a supporter of the cliurcli interests, giving generously alike of liis effort and 
money. 

Mr. Dowe married -lune 29, 18S1. at New Britain, Connecticut. Editli Augusta Church, 
a native of East Haven, Connecticut, a daughter of Daniel M. and Sarah Eliza (Hill) Church, 
both of whom are deceased. Mr. Church was a avcU known builder of steeples in his time, 
liaving erected as many a.* fourteen in various parts of tlu' state. Mrs. Dowe resides on 
Sherman avenue in New Haven. 

The influence of such a life as Mr. Dowe's does not cease with deatli and is often 
not adequately felt until some time after that sad event. The results of his efforts are 
cumulative, at it were, and will doubtless in the future be enjoyed by many wlio are un- 
aware of its source. He was a practical man of the world who sought diligently his own 
interests, but in that search he never for an instant forgot the rights of his fellows nor 
the pertinent fact that the interests of all men are in the highest sense inseparable. His 
duties as a citizen and a neighbor he discharged, not merely well, but in a manner that dis- 
played an unusually keen sense of the social obligations existing between man and man and 
a highly altruistic impulse to aid in furthering the welfare of the community. It was not 
alone in his conduct in public office that this was shown, although this well exemplified it. 



136 A MODERN HISTORY OP NEW IIAVEiN 

but quite as much in his personal relations with men wherein he acted with a charity and 
tolerance born of the true democracy of his spirit. It was doubtless this attitude to his 
fellows that gave him the widespread popularity which he enjoyed and made him one of 
the best known figures in New Haven. It was this also that made the sense of loss occa- 
sioned bv his death seem so personal a one to such large numbers of his fellow citizens. 



HENKY JOHNSON PRUDDEN. 

Henry Johnson Prudden was identified with the business interests of the city of New 
Haven through his connection with the Bowditch and Prudden Company, which at one time 
held a leading position in the furniture trade of the state, having branch stores at Mer- 
iden and Waterbury. 

Mr. Prudden was born in Medina, Orleans county. New York, but was a lineal de- 
scendant of the Rev. Peter Prudden. one of the original members of the New Haven colony. 
Henry J. Prudden's father, the Reverend George Peter Prudden, graduated from Yale in 
the class of 1835, and three years later from the Yale Theological Seminary. Except for 
a few years in Medina, New Y'ork, his pastorates were all in western Connecticut, at 
Middlebury, Southbury and Watertown. Ill health compelled him to relinquish active 
service in the ministry during his later years, which were largely spent in New Haven. 
The wife of Rev. George Prudden was Eliza Johnson, of Southbury, Connecticut, and 
beside Henry, four other children were born to them. One died in infancy, leaving Henry as 
the oldest son. One brother, Theodore P. Prudden, D. D., maintained the family traditions 
as a Congregational clergyman with lionor and ability. Another. Dr. T. ilitchell Prud- 
den, distinguished for his studies in medical science and prominently identified with tlie 
health interests of both the city and state of New York, resides there. Miss Lillian E. 
Prudden, the only sister, still lives in New Haven. 

There was high thinking but very simple living in the country parsonages where 
Henry Johnson Prudden spent his boyhood days. The father of the family was a strong 
anti-slaverj' partisan when to be so meant unpopularity. Henry was more than once a 
helper in the midnight harnessing of the horse for service in the underground railway. 
At one time the family lived on a farm for two years for the sake of the father's health. 
Farm life was varied for Henry by teaching in the district school in the winter, but a 
capacity for hard work and a love of outdoor life revealed themselves as a part of his equip- 
ment for life. Save for a year at the preparatory department of Oberlin and a shorter 
time at Fort Edward Institute, he fitted for college in Connecticut schools, as up to the 
age of eighteen his hope was to become a lawyer. 

With this ambition, the influence of the home on this tlioughtful and conscientious 
boy had developed other ideals that were fundamental. One was that he, as the oldest 
son, must be the mainstay and dependence of his mother, and another was that whatever 
might be a man's occupation, the best use he could make of life was to serve his fellowmen. 
To fulfill the first of these ideals he sought the immediate financial returns of a business 
career rather than the profession that would have been more congenial and for which he 
was intellectually adapted. Having made this decision, it was characteristic of him to take 
the best business college course available. It was equally characteristic that he began his 
life in New Haven by holding the position of bookkeeper in two concerns, one taking 
his time by day and tlie otlier in the evening. 

However, he soon entered the employ of Bowditch and Son. a long established furniture 
firm. His conscientious devotion to his employers' interests made him an untiring worker. 
He gave many evening hours voluntarily to the business, and rapidly developed a rare 
business ability which soon brought him advancement. He was but twenty-four years 
of age when he became a member of the firm. After the retirement of E. B. Bowditch, 
the firm was reorganized as a joijit stock company under the name of the Bowditch and 
Prudden Company, of which Mr. Prudden was president until his death. Absolute integrity. 
good judgment and hard work won his business success, but his friendly spirit, his keen 
■ipusc of humor and liis progressive interest in everything that concerned the interests of 
New Haven won the respect and affection of all his associates. 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 137 

On September 18, 1889, Mr. Prudden married iliss Mary Jennett Bassett, daughter of 
Aaron and Adeline (Blalceslee) Bassett of North Haven, descendant of another prominent 
old New England family. In July, 1890, Mr. Prudden died at his home soon after his return 
from an extensive trip abroad. 

While pursuing his business career with fidelity Mr. Prudden never forgot the higher 
values of culture and usefulness to others. His minutes of leisure were always utilized 
for good reading. A well selected library was one of the few indulgences of a man who 
spent little upon himself. He early connected himself with the Chapel Street Congregational 
church which later became the Church of the Redeemer. He gave enthusiastic service to its 
Sunday school for fifteen years, putting himself in touch with all the advanced and im- 
proved methods of Sunday school work in order to increase its efficiency. He also served 
the church as deacon for many years. There was nothing sajictimonious or conventional 
about the religion he lived and taught, but it was vital. His Sunday school work brought 
him into active connection with the State Sunday School Association which soon felt the 
influence of his earnest spirit and business mind. He was the president of that association 
from 1886 until his death and gave personal attention to every detail of the position. He 
made large sacrifices of time, money and strength in going about the state, where the 
"thoughtfulness, suggestiveness and value of his addresses" gave impetus to Bible study. 
A practical outcome of this Sunday school interest was the planting of a Sunday school 
at his own expense in a part of the city where he had found a large number of children 
untouched by any church influence. This experience led him to a farreaching plan for com- 
niunity betterment which he presented to the church so enthusiastically that "Welcome 
Hall" was established the following spring. His plans for it embodied the best ideals of 
practical Christianity and were so wise that they are still the underlying principles of the 
enterprise. Mr. Prudden's widow resides in New Haven and has always held the place of 
her honored husband as the leading spirit of the Welcome Hall work. 

Mr. Prudden's numerous and varied legacies showed his keen interest in whatever helps 
men to better living and his desire to make even his business life count for the good of 
others. 



FRANK A. WALLACE 



Frank A. Wallace, president of the R. Wallace & Sons Manufacturing Company of Wal- 
lingford, was born September 23, 1857, in the city where he still resides, and after attending 
its public schools he became the associate of his father in business, the father having estab- 
lished the enterprise which, under the name of the R. Wallace & Sons Manufacturing Com- 
pany, has developed into one of the most important interests of the kind in the world. 
Under his father's direction Frank A. Wallace learned the business. His promotion came 
to him not through the exercise of parental influence or authority but was won by merit. 
He in time became superintendent of the plant and later was elected secretary and eventually 
became the president of the company. He was admitted to the firm in 1874 and succeeded 
his father in the presidency in 1893. He also became president of the Wallace Purchas- 
ing Companj' in 1894 and so continued until the business was closed out. Moreover, lie 
figures prominently in financial circles as the president of the F'irst National Bank of 
Wallingford and he is a director of the Wallingford Company. His plans are well formulated 
and carefully executed. He thoroughly understands every phase of the business with 
which he is associated and the development of the trade relations of the house is attribut- 
able in no small measure to his efforts and understanding. 

Mr. Wallace has been married tw-ice. On the 14th of January, 1884, he wedded Zi^lii 
Curtis and they became the parents of two children: Robert, who passed away: and Floyd 
Wallace. For his second wife Mr. Wallace chose Sarah Rose Manning, whom he wedded De- 
cember 7, 1898, and they have become parents of two daughters, Barbara Manning and 
Jean Atwater, The family residence is at No. 68 South Main street, in Wallingford. 

Mr. Wallace belongs to the Union League Club of New Haven and is a member of 
the New Haven Anti-Tuberculosis Society. He belongs to the Congregational church and 
in matters of citizenship he is deeply and helpfully interested. Recognizing the duties 



138 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

as well as the obligations that devolve upon him in a public relation, he stanchly advocates 
every cause or movement that he believes will be lielpful to the community. In politics he 
is a republican and in 1908 he was a member of the Connecticut house of representatives. 
He finds his chief recreations in fiy fishing and in motoring. His activities are those which 
touch tlie general interests of society and work for public improvement and progress, and 
in all matters of general concern he keeps abreast with tlic bust thinking men of the age. 



( HARLES WELLS BLAKESLEE, Jr. 

Seldom do we find a more conspicuous case of tlie inheritance of virtues and abilities 
from one generation to another than that of the well known Blakeslee family of New 
Haven, Connecticut, the record of which for two generations, both in business and the 
general life of the community, is such as to place the name high among those which are 
honored for services done to the city. One of the most conspicuous for talent and merit 
among the members of this most able family was the late Charles Wells Blakeslee, Jr., 
whose career deserves long to be remembered by his fellow citizens for the example that 
he set for business probity and the maintenance of the highest standards of life. His 
death, which occurred April 28, 1915, was considered untimely despite the fact that he was 
approacliing the completion of his seventieth year, for his faculties and power for usefulness 
were entirely unimpaired, and was mourned as a |)ublic loss by a large proportion of the 
community. 

Charles Wells Blakeslee, Jr., was born June 9, 1844. in New Haven, Connecticut, the 
city that was to remain his home and the scene of his notable activities throughout his 
life, the oldest son of Charles and Eliza (Clark) Blakeslee, both of whom are deceased. On 
both sides of the house he was descended from splendid old Connecticut stock, although his 
father was born in Massachusetts. His mother was a native of Milford, Connecticut. 

Charles W. Blakeslee, Jr., gained his education in his native city, attending the 
excellent public schools there and proving himself an apt and intelligent scholar. His 
father, a man of unusual business ability, had engaged in the contracting business in New 
Haven at about the time of the birth of our subject and had succeeded admirably in build- 
ing up a large establishment. Charles W. Blakeslee, Jr., was not a member of the firm 
but was associated with the firm and had charge of the quarries. From the time of its 
foundation by the elder Blakeslee the firm had earned an enviable reputation for the 
completeness and ability with which it carried out its contracts, abiding by the spirit as 
well as the letter of them, a reputation that, combined with the masterly policy of the 
father and sons, was the foundation of the immense business that developed. The 
character of this business was as satisfactory as its size and included the construction of ' 
many ol the largest and most important edifices in and about New Haven and many 
other parts of the state. Much of their work was through public contract and often 
involved the expenditure of millions of dollars. As an example of the magnitude and 
importance of their work it should be mentioned that they were among the contractors 
to whom the city of New York awarded the building of the huge Ashokan aqueduct which 
conveys the great new water supply of the city from its origin among the Catskill moun- 
tains. A section of this monumental work, four miles in length, was awarded to C. W. 
Blakeslee & Sons on the east side of the Hudson river which, according to the contract, 
they were to comjjlete in four years' time. So energetic were they, however, in carrying 
oul tl'e work that they were able to finish it some ten months before the agreed period, 
while the character of the material and workmanship were such as to win for them the 
unreserved comnKMiaation of the city government and the admiration of even tlieir rival 
contractors. 

Mr. Blakeslee was active in many other departments of the city's life besides the 
business referred to above, and in every movement in which he took part earned the 
approbation of his fellows. As a young man he had enlisted on the 1st of April, 1862, 
m Company (4. 1st Regiment of Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery, at the outbreak 
of the Civil war, but, through no lack of willingness on his part, his participation in that 
momentous struggle was very brief. He was mustered in in the early part of the year 




i^Tm/iA^J yi./o£al^AAJLi 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 141 

1S62, saw active service at once, but a few months later was seized with typhoid fever, 
which incapacitated him for further service, and he was honorablj' discharged on the 15th 
of .August following. He became later a private in the Second Company, Governor's Horse 
Cnard. and served in that celebrated body twelve years, rising in that time to the rank 
of major. A stanch republican, he took an active part in local politics and served a number 
of terms both as councilman and alderman in New Haven, doing efficient service for the 
community in both capacities. He was also extremely prominent in social and club circles 
in the city and belonged to many important organizations, in all of which he was active. 
Among these should be mentioned the New Haven Cliamber of Commerce, the New Haven 
Colony Historical Society, the Grand Army of the Republic, the Citizens Corps, .the 
Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Founders and Patriots 
Society. H,e was an Episcopalian in religious belief and was a conspicuous member of 
Clnist church, New Haven, and a vestryman for a number of years, or until his death. 

On October 14, 1868, Mr. Blakeslee was united in marriage with Grace Caroline 
Fowler, also a native of New Haven, born October 18, 1845, a daughter of Timothy and 
Mary Eliza (Stevens) Fowler, old and highly esteemed residents of that city. Mrs. 
Blakeslee survives her husband one of their four children also survives. Edith May, now 
Mrs. George Clarence Razee, of New Haven, Connecticut. 



JUDGE EARNEST C. SIMPSON. 

•Judge Earnest C. Simpson, who has served since September, 1908, as judge of the court of 
common pleas of New Haven under appointment of three governors, bears the reputation of 
being well grounded in the principles of law, while his decisions upon the bench have been 
notably fair and impartial. Before attaining his majority he had decided upon the practice 
of law as a life work. He was born in Jefferson City, Tennessee, April 28, 1872, a son of 
George and Frances Virginia (She waiter) Simpson. The father, who was born in Balti- 
more, Maryland, was a mechanical engineer who resided for many years in Tennessee and 
there passed away in May, 1899. His wife, a native of Virginia, was born in 1841 and sur- 
vived her husband for more than a decade, being called to her final rest on Christmas day of 
1909. Their family numbered ten children, of whom the Judge was the fifth in order of birth. 

After attending the public schools of .Jefferson City, Tennessee, Earnest C. Simpson con- 
tinued his education in the Carson Newman College of that place and was graduated with the 
class of 1893. He matriculated in the Yale Law School and won his professional diploma in 
June, 1899, on the completion of a three years' course. Before beginning his law studies, 
however, he had learned the printer's trade, which he followed in various print shops and 
newspaper offices while attending college, his labor during vacation periods enabling him to 
continue his studies. Having qualified for the bar, he entered at once upon active practice 
in New Haven and has won recognition as one of the most successful of the young lawyers of 
the state, ^^'hen the New Haven paving commission was created in 1901 he became its 
clerk and served until 1905. In 1905 he was appointed city attorney of New Haven and 
served in that position for over three years. In 1907 he was appointed by Governor Rollin 
S. Woodruff judge of the court of common pleas for New Haven count}' for a four-year term 
beginning the 8th of September, 1908. When Governor Baldwin became chief executive of the 
state he was again called to the position and was reappointed by Governor Holcomb in 1915, 
so that he has served under three of the chief magistrates of the commonwealth. His political 
endorsement has always been given to the republican party but when in office or upon the 
bench he never allows political opinion to influence his performance of duty. 

On the 17th of August, 1912, Judge Simpson was married at Bethlehem, New Hampshire, 
to ;Miss Mae E. Hodson, a daughter of ilr. and Mrs. George E. Hodson, of New Haven. They 
now have two children: Katherine Frances, born June 3, 1913; and George Hodson, born 
August 10, 1914. 

.Judge Simpson has had some military training as a member of Company F of the Second 
Infantry Regiment of the Connecticut National Guard, with which he served from 1904 until 
July, 1911, attaining the rank of sergeant. In July, 1911, he was appointed battalion quar- 
termaster, with the rank of second lieutenant, on the staff of Major Tilson, serving until 
Vol. II — 7 



142 A ilODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

JIarcli, 1912. when he resigned, having qualified and been recommended for first lieutenant. 
In 1906, at Seagirt, New Jersey, he won the military championship of the United States with 
a rifle, winning what was known as the President's Match. At present he is inspector of 
small arms practice of the Second Military District, Connecticut Home Guard. He is a mem- 
ber of the New Haven and Connecticut State Bar Associations, the Connecticut Society of 
Sons of the American Revolution, the Young Men's Republican Club and various fraternal 
and social organizations. He is a past ma.ster of Hiram Lodge, No. 1, A. F. & A. M., and has 
attained the Knight Templar degree in the commandery. He also belongs to the Benevolent 
Protective Order of Elks and he is connected with the Graduates and the Country Clubs, while 
the rules which govern his conduct in all life's relations are indicated in the fact that he is a 
loyal member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His ideals of life are high and he embraces 
every opportunity that enables him to reach their level. 



HON. CHARLES F. HOLABIRD. 

Hon. Charles F. Holabird is one of the prominent farmers of Noith Hranford and, more- 
over, is identified with all the progressive and public-spirited movements which have con- 
tributed to the upbuilding and development of the community and of the commonwealth. 
His fellow townsmen, appreciative of his worth, have on various occasions called him to pub- 
lic office, in which he has demonstrated his marked fidelity to the best interests of town and 
.state. He was born in Slietlield. Massachusetts, March 5, 1856, and is a son of Hiram and 
Mariette (Vosburgh) Holabird. He is a representative of one of the old Connecticut families, 
tracing his lineage from John and Mary (Belden) Holabird, of Litchfield county, Connecticut. 
They were the parents of Charles H. Holabird, who wedded Sarah Butler, and both were 
natives of Canaan, Connecticut. Their son, Hiram Holabird. was born in Canaan, July 21, 
1832, and followed the occupation of farming as a life work. He was identified with agri- 
cultural pursuits at Canaan for a considerable period and afterward removed to Sheffield, 
Massachusetts, where he also followed farming. Later he became a resident of North Bran- 
ford, Connecticut, where his last days were passed. 

Charles F. Holabird acquired his education in the schools of Sheffield, Massachusetts, 
pursuing his studies to the age of seventeen years, when he accompanied his parents to North 
Branford. He there took up farm work and has since given his attention to general farm- 
ing and stock raising. In addition to the cultivation of his own land he operates the old 
Russell farm and he is regarded as one of the most enterprising and progressive agricul- 
turists of this section of New Haven county. He has closely studied modern scientific meth- 
ods and his labors are wisely and carefully directed, so that his eft'orts arc attended by the 
utmost measure of success possible. 

On the 25th of December. 1877. at North Branford, Connecticut. Mr. Holabird was united 
in marriage to Miss Bertha Russell, who was born at North Branford, where she has spent 
her entire life, acquiring her education in its public scliools and in Miss Emeline Harrison's 
private school at No. 110 Howe street in New Haven, while for a time she was also a student 
in a private school at Peoria, Illinois. She is a daughter of Alfred and Caroline Russell. To 
Mr. and Mrs. Holabird have been born seven children. Roy Russell, born April 25. 1879, 
is manager for the Strongheart-Barnes Company of New Haven and married Lillian John- 
son, of New Haven. Charles Lovell, born October 19, 1883, is a musician of New York city. 
Douglas Butler, born January 6, 1886, married Leila Byington, of North Guilford and follows 
farming at North Branford. Ralph Harrison, born May 23, 1888, married Carrie Thorpe, of 
Philadelphia, and is connected with the Winchester Arms Company of New Haven. Lucy 
Russell, born October 27, 1892, is engaged in teaching. Mary Vo.sburgh. born July 8, 1897, 
and Elfie Rose, born November 23, 1900, are still at home. All were born in North Branford. 

Mr. Holabird gives his political endorsement to the republican party and has been a 
prominent and active worker in its ranks. He was the first selectman of North Branford. 
which office he held for eight years, and his administration was characterized by marked devo- 
tion to the general good. He practiced close economy yet did not hamper this by useless 
retrenchment. However, he kept the town out of debt and largely furthered its interests 
in manv ways. In 1913 he was chosen to represent his district in the state legislature and 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 143 

lie served on the excise committee. Both Mr. and Mrs. Holabird attend the Congieyational 
(lunch and lie belongs to Totocket Grange, of which he is a past master. Jlrs. Holabird is 
recognized as the chief authority upon the history of North Branford and has in her pos- 
session valuable historical data and records covering the period of early settlement and on 
down to the present. 



FREDERICK HENRY ROLF. 



Frederick Henry Rolf, who is leaving the impress of his individuality upon the political 
and commercial history of the state, makes his home in Guilford, where he was born Jaii- 
nuary 29, 1876, his parents being George P. and Mary S. (Storer) Rolf. The father was born 
ill England and in his boyhood days came to America with his parents, who settled in Guil- 
ford, where he was reared and educated. There he learned the stonemason's trade, which he 
followed for many years, and later he engaged in the livery business, conducting a livery and 
-ales barn. At the present time he is carrying on a large live stock sales business at 
Xo. 190 Grand avenue, in New Haven but continues to make bis home in Guilford, 
where he has taken a prominent part in public affairs, tilling various positions of honor and 
trust, including the offices of burgess, selectman, mayor and member of the finance board. 
His wife, who was born in Le Roy, New York, is also living. 

Fredei-ick H. Rolf, their only child, passed through consecutive grades in the Guilforil 
schools to the high school and later became a student in the Y'ale Business College, after 
which he turned his attention to the drug business, in which he engaged for a short time in 
New Haven. He did not find that pursuit congenial and for a brief period engaged in oflice 
railroad work. In 1897, at the age of twenty-one, he purchased the Sachems Head Canning 
Company of Guilford and also a grain, feed and coal business. The canning company was 
established in 1874 by D. N. Benton and at the time of Mr. Rolf's purchase was a small con- 
cern but had a well established reputation for the quality of its products. Mr. Rolf built 
up the business from that point until the plant today has a capacity of a half million cans of 
tomatoes per year and also packs apples, squash, pumpkins and other lines. The Guilford 
brand of canned tomatoes has the reputation of being the highest quality of canned toma- 
toes on the market. The factory is equipped with all modern devices for the sanitary 
liandling of the vegetables, everything is done with the utmost care and after the prelim- 
inary stages the vegetables are not handled by any person but through machinery processes 
the packing is completed. During the canning season the plant employs from seventy-five to 
one hundred operatives. Mr. Rolf owns an extensive farm and grows his own tomatoes, also 
buying from other growers in this vicinity. The canning factory is only operated during 
the season when the vegetables are upon the market iiut the feed, grain and coal business 
is conducted throughout the year and in that line Mr. Rolf enjoys an extensive, gratifying 
and growing patronage. He is a man of resourceful ability, alert and enterjnising. and he is 
a trustee of the Eagle Hose Company of Guilford and is secretary and treasurer of the (!uil- 
ford Mutual Fire Insurance Company, which he aided in organizing. 

In June, 1907, Mr. Rolf was married to Miss Mabel Carpenter Hubbard, of Guilford, where 
she was born. She is a daughter of .John B. and Eva (Goldsmith) Hubbard, who were natives 
of Guilford, where her father passed away, but her mother is still living. Both were repre- 
sentatives of old and prominent families of Guilford. 

In politics Mr. Rolf is a stalwart republican and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his 
worth and ability, have frequently called upon him to serve in public offices. He has been 
borough clerk, burgess and auditor and in 1904, when twenty-eight years of age, he was 
elected to represent his district in the state legislature, being the youngest member of the 
house during the session of 190.5. In the fall of 1916 he was elected state senator and is 
now chairman of the labor committee and a member of the finance committee. As chair- 
man of the former he has made an exhaustive study of labor conditions in the state and put 
forth effective work in this connection for the benefit of all classes. He belongs to the Third 
C.ongregational church, for many years has been superintendent of its Sunday school and is 
very active in other departments of the church work. He likewise belongs to St. Albans 
Lodge, F. & A. M., and to the Royal Arch Chapter of Guilford and is a member of Menunca- 



144 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

tuck Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., and was the youngest incumbent in tlie office of noble grand in that 
organization. He likewise belongs to Hollis Encampment, No. 34, and he is a member of the 
New Haven Chamber of Commerce. He cooperates in all of its well defined plans for tho 
upbuilding and development of his city and he keeps in touch with all of those broad ques- 
tions which afl'eet the general interests of society. He is a broadminded man, the spirit of 
progi-ess dominating him in his connection with commercial interests, municipal affairs and 
the welfare of the commonwealth. 



WALTER IRVING RUSSELL. M. D. 

Dr. Walter Irving Russell, actively engaged in the practice of medicine and sjrrgery in 
New Haven, with office at No. 116 Whalley avenue, was born in Mystic, Connecticut, 
March 11, 1886, a son of John Russell, a native of Rhode Island and a grandson of John 
Russell who was a native of England and became the founder of the family in the new world. 
John Russell was a boss dyer of woolen goods, following that line of business for twenty- 
eight years, but is now living retired. He was also a Civil war veteran, having served for 
three years in a Rhode Island regiment, after which he was honorably discharged. About 
1878 he removed from Rhode Island to Mystic, Connecticut, where he still makes his home 
and he holds membership in the Grand Army of the Republic there, thus maintaining pleasant 
relations with his old military comrades. He wedded ilary Ann France, a native of England, 
who came to the United States with her parents when three years of age and settled at 
Fall River, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Russell were married at Potter Hill, May 25. 1867 
and in May, 1917, celebrated their golden wedding. They became the parents of two children, 
the brother of Dr. Russell being Bernard A. Russell, who was born in 1872 and now resides in 
Mystic. 

Dr. Russell was educated in the public schools of Jlystic and in the Bulkeley school of 
New London, a private school in which he studied for two years. In preparation for his pro- 
fessional career he entered the medical department of Yale and was graduated in 1009. 
Following his graduation he received his first appointment in the New Haven Hospital, where 
he remained for eighteen months and then took up special work in the Lying-in Hospital 
of New York. In the fall of 1910 he began the private practice of medicine at No. 98 Shel- 
ton avenue, New Haven, and has continued in general practice in this city since that date. 
He has made steady progress for his efficiency has been promoted through experience, wide 
reading and close study. 

On the 8th of October, 1913, in New Haven, Dr. Russell was married to i\Iiss Lillie Wolfe, 
a native of Branford, Connecticut, and a daughter of Mr. and !Mrs. Jonas Wolfe. The latter, 
now deceased, belonged to an old English family at one time very prominent and wealthy, 
living in the suburbs of London, where they had a country home and large estate, but they 
lost the greater part of their fortune. Dr. and Mi'S. Russell have become the parents of a 
daughter, Charlotte France, born July 10, 1914. 

Dr. Russell exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the 
lepublican party. He belongs to the Alpha Kappa Kappa, a college fraternity; also to 
Wooster Lodge, No. 79, F. & A. M. ; to American Lodge, No. 53, K. P.; to the Loyal Order 
of Moose, and to Manchester Unity Lodge, I. 0. O. F. Aside from his professional in- 
terests his position is one which indicates his popularity among his fellowmen. for he 
has a large circle of friends in this section of the state. He holds to high ideals in his 
chosen life work and is ever careful to conform his practice to advanced professional ethics. 



WILLIAil SPENCER MURRAY. 

William Spencer Murray was born in Annapolis, Maryland, at the United States Naval 
Academy, August 4, 1873, a son of the late James D. Murray, pay director. United States 
navy, who was a native of Annapolis and a descendant of one of the old families of Maryland 
of Scotch descent, the ancestral line being traced back to William Murray, who came to the 



AND EASTERN NE\Y HAVEN COUNTY 145 

new world in the early part of the seventeenth century and settled at Chestertown, on the 
eastern shore of Maryland. Representatives of the family- participated in the Revolutionary 
■war and James D. Hurray was a soldier of the Civil war, prominently connected with the navy. 
He died December 11, 1906, at the age of seventy-six years, his birth having occurred in 1830. 
His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth II. Spencer, was a native of Jlarylaml, 
born on the eastern shore, and was a descendant of an old English family. She belonged 
to the Carmichel family of Maryland. Her death occurred April 11, 1906, at the age of 
sixty-six years. 

William S. Murray, who was the youngest of a family of five children, began his 
education in the schools of his native state. He attended St. John's College at Annapolis 
and. afterward attended Lehigh University of Pennsylvania, in which he completed the elec- 
trical engineering course with the class of 1895. He then accepted a position in the shops of 
the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company, where he served as an apprentice for 
two years and from that position was graduated to the testing department, whence he passed 
on to the construction department and was later placed in charge of engineering and construc- 
tion for the New England district of his company. Later he was chosen among many for the 
work on the first high tension transmission plants in the east, the economic feature of W'hich 
suggested to Mr. Murray at that time the application of the high voltage overhead system to 
railroad electrification, which several years later he had the pleasure of installing on the New 
York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad. This system has now been adopted as standard on 
all the Swiss government railroads and is also standard with the Pennsylvania system. Mr. 
Murray was directly connected with the Xew York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Com- 
pany as their electrical engineer for eight years and on the 1st of January, 1917, accepted 
the office of assistant to the president of the Housatonic Power Company and was later 
elected to its presidency. 

Prior to Mr. Murray's association with the Housatonic Power Compan3\ in 191.S. lie 
resigned his position as electrical engineer with the New Haven road to form the firm of 
JIcHenry & Murray, engineers, of New Haven, Connecticut, Mr. McHenry resigning his office 
as engineering vice president of the New Haven road at the same time. This firm took over 
all the electrical engineering and construction of the New Haven road and finished the 
electrifications between New York and New Haven in 1914. This firm also actively took up the 
nuitter of the development of the Housatonic river for the purpose of supplying the New 
Haven road with the additional electric power necessary to operating all trains electrically 
on its New Y'ork division. Mr. Murray's and Mr. McHenry's interest in this proposed Housa- 
tonic river develoiiment has led to their association with the Connecticut Light & Power 
Company of Waterbury, Connecticut, of which Mr. Murray is now chief engineer, in charge of 
engineering construction and power production, and in which company Mr. McHenry is a 
director. The Connecticut Light & Power Company is now developing the powers in which 
Mr. ilurray and Mr. McHenry have been interested and at Stevenson, Connecticut, on the 
Hoiisatonic river, there is being constructed a hydro-electric plant capable of developing 
thirty-six thousand horse power of electrical energy. 

It might be asked why, after twelve years of development work in the electric traction 
field, ilr. Murray was willing to divorce himself from this, the most interesting branch of 
all the electrical engineering- arts. However, the answer is simple. The eft'ort to establish 
and standardize the most economic system of triuik line electric train propulsion was com- 
pleted when the New Haven single phase system was accepted and installed on the Penn- 
sylvania Railroad for this country and by the Swiss government for the roads abroad. It 
has been apparent also, since the war began, that the electrification for trunk line roads will 
be held in abeyance for the present. In the interim he has become gTeatly interested, both 
professionally and financially, in the develojiment of a power system by means of which the 
great industrial centers of Connecticut may be supplied with reliable and economical electrical 
energy. The recent abnormal growth in power demand in these districts must be met by the 
construction of steam-electric and hydro-electric plants with their complement of intercon-. 
necting transmission systems; all of which will furnish Mr. Murray with plenty to think 
about and do while his headquarters are at Waterbury. 

On the 23d of December, 1905, at Catskill, New Yerk, Mr. Murray was married to iliss 
Ella Day Rush, a daughter of Richard and Ella (Day) Rush and a descendant of Benjamin 
Rush, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and surgeon of the Continental 



146 A MODERN IILSTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

anny iiniler (ieiieral Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Murray lia\i' beconio tlif parents of tlircv 
sons: Rifliaril Rush, John Manailier an<l William Spencor, all born in New Haven. 

Mr. Murraj- is a member of the New York Engineers Club, the Graduates Club of New 
Haven, the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia, the New Haven Country Club, the Quinnipiae 
Club and other organizations. His religious faith is that of the Episcopal church. His liiglt 
professional standing is indicated in the fact that he was honored with the vice presidenij- 
of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, of which he is a fellow. Outside of his 
achievements in construction and development work, he has written and contributed many 
scientific articles to publications of the day, preparing papers presented before the American 
Institute of Electrical Engineers and the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia. He prepared 
"The log of the New Haven electrification," the American and European discussions of which 
are in the transactions of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers. He has written on 
■'Conditions affecting the success of main line electrification," also "Electrification analyze<l 
and its practical application to trunk line roads, inclusive of freight and passenger opera- 
tion." Mr. Murray is a man of verj- modest demeanor and quiet tastes. His career has been 
characterized by great thoroughness in everything that he has undertaken, setting the science 
of his profession and the accomplishment of the purposes which he has sought far in ad- 
vance of material gains. Throughout his entire career, from the initial point of his appnn- 
ticesliip to the luiistcry of liis profession, he has made sacrifices in order that lie might 
take u)) various other branches of electrical engineering. To this end he has accepted in- 
ferior positions and remuneration to those that he was already holding in order that lie 
might acquaint himself with other branches of the work, having but the one idea in mind — 
that of complete knowledge and efficiency in all departments. The results that Ire lias 
attained show that in this course he chose wisely and well, and though through the periods 
in which he has been a student of diil'ercnt branches of the work, he has been called upon 
to make sacrifices, he has accomplished as a whole results that place him in the highest 
rank of the profession because of the extent and breadth of his knowledge and the al)ility 
to apply it. 



(1IARLES W. VISHNO, M. 1). 

The name of \ islmo has ligurcd prominently in medical circles in New Haven through 
many decades and the record of Charles W. Vishno adds new laurels thereto, for he is most 
careful to conform iiis practice to a high standard of professional ethics and, moreover, 
broad reading and study keep him in touch with the latest scientific researches and dis- 
coveries. He was born in Townsend, Massachusetts, February 23|, 1861, a son of Charles 
and Deliiia (Osborn) Vishno, the latter a native of West Suffield, Connecticut, and both 
descended from early New England ancestors who lived in Massachusetts and in this 
state. The Vishno family came from France at an early period in the colonization of the 
new world and the old family homestead was established in Massachusetts. The grand- 
father of Dr. Charles W. Vishno was a railroad contractor and was active in the con- 
struction of many of the railroads of Massachusetts, being accidentally killed while engaged 
in such work. Dr. Charles Vishno, Sr., was then but a child. He was reared by friends 
of his father in a home where he was surrounded by the tender care and attention .which 
would have been given him by his own parents. After completing a preparatory course 
at the Suffield Literary Institute at Suffield, Connecticut, he became a student in the 
Homeopathic Medical College of New York city and following his graduation entered at 
once upon active practice, in which he is still engaged, being today the oldest practitioner 
of the city of New Haven and one of the most highly respected. He still follows his 
chosen calling, although he has reached the venerable age of eighty-three years. Old age, 
however, need not necessarily suggest idleness nor want of occupation. There is an old 
age which grows stronger and brighter mentally and morally as the years go on and gives 
out of its rich stores of wisdom and experience for the benefit of others, and such has 
been the record of Dr. Vishno. In. West Suffield, Connecticut, he wedded Delina Osborn, 
daughter of .James and Harriett (Pease) Osborn, and she has now reached the age of 
seventy-eight years. In their family are two daughters and a son: Hattie, now Mrs. 




DR. CHARLES W. VISHNO 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 149 

George Hubble, living in Springfield, Massachusetts; Charles W.; and Carrie L., now Mrs. 
Fred Stanley, a resident of Dorchester. Massachusetts. 

In his boyhood days the son attended Hopkins grammar school of New Haven and, 
electing to follow in his father's professional footsteps, he then entered the medical depart- 
ment of Yale University, from which he was graduated with the class of 1885. Immediately 
afterward he entered upon active practice in New Haven, where he has built up a business 
scarcely second to any in the city. His knowledge, skill and ability have long been widely 
recognized, as he has proven his power to cope with the intricate problems that continually 
confront the physician. In addition to a large private practice lie renders active service 
as a member of the staiT of the Grace Hospital of New Haven. He enjoys in large measure 
the legard of his professional brethren and he has membership in the New Haven Medical 
Society, the Connecticut State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. 

On the 25th of June, 1890, Dr. Vishno was married to Miss Jessamine Whittemore 
Spock, of New Haven, a daughter of William H. and Annie E. Spock. The father was at 
one time well known in journalistic circles, being connected with the New Haven Register. 
He passed away in 1907 and is still survived by his widow. Dr. and Mrs. Vishno had 
two children but lost tlieir elder daugliter, Ruth Osborn, who passed away in 1910, at the 
age of eighteen years, while a student in the high school. The younger daughter, Eleanor 
Erskine, born in New Haven in July, 1899, is now attending Bradford Academy in Massa- 
chusetts The family occupies a prominent position in the social life of the city and 
Dr. Vishno is also widely and prominently known in musical circles, being a member of 
the New Haven String Orchestra, of which he is the president, and he was also one 
of the founders of the New Haven Orchestral Club. The String Orchestra has become one 
of the well known musical organizations of the state and through his activities Dr. Vishno 
has done much to raise the standard of musical taste in his citj'. Fraternally he is con- 
nected with Sterling Lodge, A. 0. U. W., and is a charter member of the Royal Arcanum, 
while his religious faith is indicated in his membership in the United church. Practically 
his entire life has been passed in New Haven and his sterling qualities of manhood and 
citizenship, his professional skill and his public spirit have made him one of the valued 
and honored residents here. 



CHARLES DAUENHAUER. 



Charles Dauenhauer. wlio is meeting with success as a contractor and is also coimccted 
with other business interests of West Haven, was born in the kingdom of Bavaria, Ger- 
many, April 16, 1860, a son of Fred and Louise (Sattler) Dauenhauer, the former born in 
Bavaria and the latter in Alsace. The father was well educated and came from an ex- 
cellent family. By occupation he was a builder and interior worker on fine buildings. 

Charles Dauenliauer attended school in Bavaria and as a boy learned the cabinet maker's 
trade. In 1880 he came to the United States, landing in New York on the 20th of July. 
He was employed in a chair factory there for two years but at the end of that time came to 
New Haven, where he found work in a piano factory. When he arrived in the United States 
he had hardly enough money to pay his expenses for a week and was further handicapped 
by the fact that he could speak no English. In order to live he worked for a time at common 
labor for one dollar a day but at length secured employment in his own line, and from that 
time his advancement has been continuous. In 1884 he removed from New Haven to Pitts- 
burgh, Pennsylvania, but after remaining in that city for a year returned to New Haven. 
For many years he has engaged in contracting and has erected many important buildings 
not only in West Haven but in neighboring cities as well. He is also interested in the West 
Haven Hardware Company, the West Haven Publisliing Company and in tlie All Rail Coal 
Company, in which he is a director. 

Mr. Dauenhauer was married in 1883 to Jliss Katherine Danth, of Orange, Connecticut, a 
(laughter of Fred Dantli. who engaged in business in the metropolis for some time and later 
turned his attention to farming. To Mr. and Mrs. Dauenhauer have been born three children: 
William L.. a resident of West Hartford, who is associated with his father in the contracting 
business and who is married and has a daughter, Gertrude; Carl F., also with his father in 



150 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

business, who is married and has a son, Cliarles Otto; and Otto C, who is managing tlie 
West Haven Hardware Company. 

Mr. Dauenhauer is a republican but places citizenship above partisanship. For some 
time he served on the board of burgesses and he has always been keenly interested in public 
affairs. He is a charter member of the Chamber of Commerce, of which he is now vice 
president, and has been instrumental in carrying to successful completion many of the well 
advised projects of that body. In 1917 he was appointed building inspector for the town of 
Orange, in which capacity he is now serving. He can always be counted upon to help in 
every way possible in bringing about the advancement of his community, and among his other 
public services may be mentioned his activity in developing land in various parts of the city 
even if at a personal loss. He belongs to the German order of the Harugari and erected the 
building of tliat society. He has never cared for club life, preferring to spend his leisure time 
at home, and he finds his greatest pleasure in the society of his family. For more than twenty- 
five years he has been a total abstainer from both alcohol and tobacco and to his temperate 
habits he attributes much of his good health. He belongs to the C4erman Methodist church 
and its work has profited largely from his cooperation. He is president of the board of trus- 
tees and for fifteen years has been Sunday school superintendent. It is tlirough such men as he 
that the civic advancement of the community has come, and he is justly held in high esteem 
by all who know him. 



HERMAN HESS. 



It miglit well be said that tlie success of Herman Hess should be measured by his friends 
rather than by his wealth, although in business affairs he has made for himself a creditable 
position and now occupies an enviable place in financial circles in Meriden, being the presi- 
dent of the Meriden National Bank. He has become even more widely known, however, as 
a public official and one over whose record there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. 
He has long filled the office of city clerk and his record has throughout the entire period 
been most creditable. Meriden is proud to number him among her native sons. He was 
here born April 4, 1861, his parents being Frederick and Johanna (Yobke) Hess. His father 
was one of the first citizens of German birth to settle in this part of Connecticut and for 
eighteen years he was employed in connection with the mechanical department of the 
Meriden Britannia Company, working as a burnisher until his death. His life, honorable 
and upright at all times, gained for him the respect and goodwill of those with whom he 
came in contact. At the time of the Civil war he proved his loyalty to his adopted coun- 
try by joining the Union army and participating in many hotly contested battles in the 
south. He was afterward an honored member of ^Meriden Post, G. A. R., and both he and 
his wife were consistent followers of the German Lutheran church, in which they held 
membership. The death of Frederick Hess occurred in the year 1898. 

Herman Hess attended the public schools of Meriden only until he readied the age 
of eleven years, when he felt it necessary to provide for his own support and secured the 
position of cash boy in the store of W. H. Babb. That he was faithful, capable and loyal 
is indicated in the fact that he remained in that store for five years, winning various pro- 
motions in the meantime and displa3'ing the elemental strength of his character through 
devoting his evening hours to study at home in order that he might better qualify for 
greater responsibilities in life. In the course of years he has become a most well in- 
formed man, adding to his knowledge through reading, study and experience. In 1877 he 
secured a clerical position with the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, serving 
in the freight offices of the company both in Meriden and in New Haven, while for one 
year he was connected with the ticket department. In 1882 he was made bookkeeper for 
the Meriden Malleable Iron Company and for five years was associated with that con- 
cern, winning a well merited reputation as a skillful and accurate accountant. In later 
years he has figured prominently in financial circles. He became a director of the Meriden 
Savings Bank and was elected to the directorate of the Meriden National Bank, of which 
he afterward became the vice president and is now tlie president and as such is directing 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 151 

the affairs of the iustitutiou. He has acquired intimate and accurate knowledge of the 
banking business and is actuated in all that he does by a most progressive spirit. 

111'. Hess is perhaps even more widely known because of his public service, which began 
in 1883, when he was elected to fill a vacancy in the office of city auditor. In 1886 he was 
chosen town clerk and registrar of vital statistics, and at the following city election in 
the same year he was called by popular ballot to the office of city clerk and has been 
reelected each subsequent year to date. Such is his personal popularity and the con- 
fidence reposed in him' that he was nominated by both parties in 1892, although it was 
well known that he received his first nomination from the democratic party. He has ever 
labored untiringly for the interests of the city and in office carefully systematized the 
duties devolving upon him, his work being most thoroughly done. In fact, his efforts have 
come to be regarded as invaluable and a contemporary biogiapher spoke of him as one 
who "has naturally become one of the leading citizens of the town and no resident enjoys 
perhaps a larger personal popularity." 

On the 28th of May, 1883, Jlr. Hess was united in marriage to Miss Eugenia De Crosby 
Pomeroy, a daughter of Norman W. and Ruth Ann (Norwood) Pomeroy. They have 
become parents of two children, but the younger, Kuth Imogene, died in 1887, the surviving 
son being Raymond Pomeroy. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hess attend St. Paul's Universalist church. He is prominently known 
as a Mason, his membership being in ileriden Center Lodge, No. 97, F. & A. M.; Key- 
stone Chapter, No. 37, R. A. M.; Hamilton Council, No. 23, R. & S. M.; Pyramid Temple, 
A. A. 0. N. M. S.; and is a thirtj'-second degree Mason, being a member of the New Haven 
and Bridgeport bodies of the Scottish Rite. He is a past commander of St. Elmo Coni- 
mandery and he belongs to Meriden Center Lodge, No. 68, I. O. 0. F., and to Myrtle Lodge 
of the Knights of Pythias. He is also connected with the Elks, with the American Order 
of Foresters, with the Meriden Turn Verein, with the Home Clvib and the Colonial Club. 
In fact, his interests are broad and varied and at all times his influence is on the side of 
progress and improvement. There is perhaps no citizen of Jleriden who has for a longer 
period filled public office and the record of none has been more fearless in conduct, honor- 
able in p>u'[iose and stainless in reputation. 



HON. ALFRED DAGGETT ROSE. 

Hon. Alfred Daggett Rose is identified with agricultural interests in New Haven county 
and in large measure has left the impress of his individuality upon the legislative records 
of the state. He was reelected to the state legislature in 1916, so that he is now a mem- 
ber of the house, in which he is doing important committee work as well as active work 
in connection with much constructive legislation on the floor of the house. Mr. Rose has 
spent his entire life on the farm in North Branford on which he still makes his home and 
he was born in the house that he yet occupies on the 19th of November, 1855, his parents 
being Stephen J. and Rebecca (Buel) Rose. The father was a son of Alfred Rose, who in 
turn was a son of Nathan Rose, a Revolutionary war soldier. The father of Nathan Rose 
was Jonathan Rose and each in turn, through the successive generations, was born upon 
the farm now occupied by the Hon. Alfred D. Rose. The father of Jonathan Rose was 
born in England and was one of the original settlers of New Haven county. Stephen J. 
Rose devoted his entire life to the occupation of farming on the old homestead, where 
both he and his wife passed away. 

Alfred D. Rose acquired a district school education and since that time has concen- 
trated his attention and energies upon the further development and improvement of his 
farm, his labors bringing about marked transformation in its appearance. He has a large 
dairj- business, which he successfully carries on in addition to the cultivation of his fields. 
His place is equipped with substantial buildings, including large silos and all of the acces- 
sories and conveniences of a model farm of the twentieth century. He raises grain, stock, 
fruit and vegetables, and every branch of his business is carefully and systematically con- 
ducted, bringing him a substantial measure of success. He Ls now razing the old dwelling which 



152 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

liis giandfather built on the farm more than a century ago and is erecting in its place 
a fine modern residence. 

Mr. Rose was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Chipman at Fairhaven, Connecticut. 
Slie was born, reared and educated at Fairhaven and is a graduate of the Hillhouse high 
school. She taught school at North Haven and at Bethany and is a lady of broad and 
liberal education and culture. Her father was Joseph Cliipman, a native of Fairhaven, and 
her mother, who bore the maiden name of Pierpont, was born at Mount Carmel. To Mr. 
and Mrs. Kose have been born two children: Olive E., who is tlie wife of Bert L. Barker, 
of Branford, and has one child. Harold; and Stephen .Joseph, who is largely relieving his 
father of the care and cultivation of the old home farm. 

In his political views Mr. Rose is a stalwart republican, long recognized as one of the 
leaders of the party in New Haven county. He is serving as chairman of the republican town 
committee of the town of North Branford, a position which he has occupied for the past 
eighteen years. He has filled the office of tax collector and in 1908 he was elected to represent 
his district in the state legislature, serving during the sessions of 1909 and 1910. He 
was a member of the finance committee, in which connection he did important work for 
the commonwealth. In 1916 he was elected again to the state legislature for a term ex- 
tending to J.918. He is now serving on the excise committee. In 1917 he was largely 
instrumental in securing the passage of a bill to reimburse the farmers of the state whose 
lands were damaged by having ditches dug upon them in order to fight and exterminate 
mosquitoes. For more than a quarter of a century he has been a prominent figure in re- 
publican politics in North Branford and his opinions carry weight among party leaders. 
His religious faith is that of the Congregational church, of which his wife is a member, 
taking an active part in its work. Fraternally he is connected with Corinthian Lodge, 
\o. 103, F. & A. M., and he belongs to the New England Order of Protection and to Totocket 
Grange. A big, broad-minded man. he is alive to all the topics of the day and keeps in 
touch with the trend of modern tliought not only regarding political matters but upon 
all questions that affect the general welfare. 



HARRY WEBSTER HITCHCOCK. 

Harry W. Hitchcock is a wholesale coal dealer of New Haven who was born in Balti- 
more, Maryland, February 11, 18T2. While born in the south, he is a representative of one 
of the old Connecticut families which was founded in America by Robert Hitchcock, who 
came to the new world at an early period in its development. Henry W. Hitchcock, father 
of our subject, was a native of Fairhaven, Connecticut, and was engaged in the oyster 
and fruit packing business. About 1867 lie located in Baltimore, Maryland, where he spent 
the greater part of his life, but his death occurred in New Haven in 1911, when he was 
sixty-seven years of age. His wife bore the maiden name of Katherine Candee and was a 
native of Oxford, Connecticut, Iier father being Enos Candee, while her mother was Elizabeth 
(Perkins) Candee, both being representative old Connecticut families. The ancestral line 
is traced back to .Job Candee. who was born in West Haven, Connecticut, in 1759 and died 
in Oxford, December 3, 1845. He was married in Southbury, Connecticut, October 3. 1784. 
He had eight brothers: Caleb, who was born in 1743 and died at the age of eighty-six 
years; David, who was born in 1747 and passed away at the age of ninety-four; Gideon, 
who was born in 1749 and died at the age of seventy; Timothy, who was born in 1751, 
removed to Pompey and died at tlie age of eighty-three; Samuel, born about 1754, who 
died at the age of eighty-seven : .Justus, born February 17. 1756, who died when eighty-five 
years of age; Nehemiah, born March 14, 1758, who reached the age of seventy-six years, and 
Daniel, born February 19, 176.J. who was si.xty-nine years of age when called to his final 
rest. It is said that all nine sons fought in the Revolutionary war. There was one other 
child of the family who died in early life. Job Candee was only seventeen years of age 
when m July, 1776, he enlisted as a musician under Colonel Jabez Thompson. The next 
year he joined the ranks as a private and served under different enlistments until the 
close ot the war. He enlisted February 9. 1779, in Captain Phineas Bradley's company 




^/'^^^^ }Y ^(f-^ '^6^^-^ 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 155 

of Matrosses Artillery. This company was raised for the defense of New Haven and was 
stationed parth' in the town and partly at East Haven and West Haven at the time of 
Trvon's invasion. On the 3d of April, 1780, Job Candee enlisted in Canfield's Militia 
Regiment at West Point. He is mentioned in the Connecticut Men of the Revolution as 
a pensioner in 1840, when eighty years of age. That he continued his military service 
is indicated in the fact that he was a lieutenant in 1792 and a captain in 1802. He was 
also prominent in other ways, serving as a member of the Connecticut legislature. He was 
married in Southbury, Connecticut, October 3, 1784, and his cliildren were: Laura, who 
was baptized December 34, 1788, and who became the wife of Daniel Tucker; Horace, who 
was baptized December 24, 1788, and married Caroline Judson; Esther, who was baptized 
August 16, 1789, and became the wife of Charles Tomlinson; Enos, who was born April 
9, 1793, and married Elizabeth Perkins; Leverett, who was born in June, 1795, and married 
Jane Tomlinson and was the founder of the L. Candee Rubber Company, of New Haven; 
Roxa, who was baptized May 9, 1803, and married Charles Booth; Sarah, who was born 
June 15, 1807, and married Ebenezer Fairchild. The Candee family is of French origin and 
the first of whom we have record was Caleb Candee, the father of Captain Job Candee. 
The latter was the father of Enos Candee, who in turn was the father of Mrs. Henry W. 
Hitchcock. By her marriage Mrs. Hitchcock had two children; Harry W., whose name 
introduces this review; and Bessie, the wife of Charles H. Kinney, of Waterbury. 

In the public schools Harry W. Hitchcock pursued his education, attending school in 
New Haven and also becoming a student in the Baltimore City College, from which he 
was graduated in 1888. His first position after leaving college was that of bookkeeper 
in the employ of Samuel R. Boyd & Company of Baltimore, who were wholesale lumber 
merchants of that city. After a short time, however, he returned to New Haven and 
secured a position with Williams, Wells & Company, wholesale coal dealers, continuing with 
that firm for about twenty years. He was next sales agent with C. H. Sprague & Son 
of Boston, with headquarters at No. 938 Chapel street in New Haven, where he continued 
for about six years. He was next with the New England Coal & Coke Company of Boston, 
with headquarters in the Chamber of Commerce building, and in .January, 1914, he 
established business on his own account as a wholesale coal dealer in New Haven. Here 
he lia? since remained and has built up a business of large and gratifying proportions, 
having an extensive trade which brings to him a gratifying annual income. He confines 
liis attention to the wholesale business and the methods which he employs are those 
which bring the most desired results. 

On the 3d of March, 1897, Mr. Hitchcock was married in Dwight Place church of New 
Haven by the Rev. Dr. J. E. Twitchell, to Miss Elizabeth Klock, a native of New Haven 
and a gTa<hiate of the Hillhouse high school. Her parents were Irving Berknian and 
Juliette (Mosher) Klock, both deceased. They were representatives of old New England 
families prominent in the history of this section. Mr. Klock was for many years actively 
engaged in the drug business. To Mr. and Mrs. Hitchcock have been born three children: 
Wooster K.. wlio was born in New Haven. August 4, 1899; Elizabeth Aldcn. liorn in New 
Haven, June 1, 1903: and Harry Brainard, born September 17, 1910. 

In his political views Mr. Hitchcock is a republican. He has served on the board of 
linance and on the building lines commission for the past five years. He is also a member 
uf the commission on the revision of the building code and he is alderman of the tenth ward, 
liaving been reelected at the last election. He has always taken an active part in political 
and civil matters and stands for progress and improvement long all those lines which lead 
to public benefit. He was appointed on the building lines commission by Mayor Rice and 
was reappointed by Mayor Campner, his present term expiring on the 1st of February, 1932. 
Fraternally Mr. Hitchcock is connected with Trumbull Lodge, No. 23, A. F. & A. M. He 
belongs also to the Union League Club, to the Young Men's Republican Club, to the 
Congregational Club, to the Chamber of Commerce and the Civic Federation — associations 
which indicate much of the nature of his interests and the rules that govern his conduct. 
His military experience has covered service with the Governor's Foot Guard. His religious 
laith is indicated in the fact that he is a member of the Dwight Place Congregational church 
and was superintendent of its Sunday school for a long period. He is also a member of the 
societies committee of that church and he has done everything in his power to promote its 
growth and extend its influence. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished 



156 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

in lite, for he started out in the business world as an office boy, working at a salary of 
three dollars per week, and his success is due to his own efforts. He is indeed a self-made 
man and deserves all the praise which that term implies. 



NATHAN HARRISON. 



No history of North Branford would be complete without reference to Nathan Har- 
rison, who spent his entire life within its borders, living alwaj'S in the same house. He was 
born .June 27, 1830, and his life record covered the intervening period to the 33d of No- 
vember, 1911, when he was called to his linal rest. His parents were Albert and Annie 
Hall (Footc) Harrison. The father was born in North Branford, where he followed farm- 
ing throughout his entire life, passing away at the age of forty-six years. He was a son 
of Nathan Harrison, also a native of North Branford. The mother was born in North- 
ford and passed away in North Branford. In their family were six children, only one of 
whom is now living, Charles A. Harrison, who is an attorne_y eit law with offices in Walliiig- 
ford, but who lives in North Branford. 

Nathan Harrison acquired his education in the district schools of North Branford and 
in the academy at Newtown, New York. Starting out in the business world he became 
connected with the native timber and lumber business, operating a sawmill as well as 
engaging in the sale of lumber. He made a specialty of cutting timber in the woods and 
making ties and poles for railroads, supplying all the ties and poles for the trolley lines 
in East Haven and in part for New Haven when the road was built. He also had the 
contract for furnishing supplies to the Shore Line Electric Railroad. He dealt extensively 
in native timber an<l lumber, building up a big busines in this connection. At the same 
time he continued the management of his large farm in the northern part of North Bran- 
ford. He had an extensive tract of land and continued its cultivation according to the 
most progressive methods. As a business man he was active and prominent, allowing no 
obstacle or difficulty to bar his path if it could be overcome by persistent, earnest effort, 
and thus he remained an active factor in the material develoinnent of his county until 
death ended his labors. 

Mr. Harrison was an honored veteran of the Civil wai-. In response to the country's 
call for troops he enlisted as a member of Company B, Twenty-seventh Connecticut Volun- 
teer Infantry, in 1863, many Branford and North Branford men joining that company. He 
participated in the engagements at Fredericksbuig, at Gettysburg and in other important 
battles of the war and became deaf from the heavy cannonading at Gettysburg, so that his 
hearing was greatly impaired throughout his remaining days. 

Just before going to the front Mr. Harrison w'as married in New Haven on the 24th 
of September, 1863, to Miss Anna Louise Strickland, who was born at the corner of High 
and Chapel streets in New Haven, in which city she was reared, her parents being Royal 
Nelson and Mary Louise (Hayden) Strickland, the former a native of Salem, Connecticut, 
and the latter of Essex, Connecticut. The father was a confectioner and fruit merchant and 
conducted a store at the corner of Church and Chapel streets in New Haven for many years. 
Both he and his wife, however, are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Harrison were born 
six children, of whom one has ])assed away. Lewis Irving married Ida Gaylord, of Mer- 
iden, Connecticut, and they have two cliildren, Nathan Louis and Floyd Gaylord. Albert 
Eugene, a farmer of North Branford. married Emma Isabel Rose and to them were born 
nine children, of whom the second, Emma Louise, died in infancy. The others are Earle 
Vincent, Emma Louise, second of the name; Nathan Albert, Jennie Benton, Marion Rose, 
Frederick Eugene, Isabel Alberta and Clifford Ellsworth. Louis Strickland, a farmer of 
North Guilford, married Leola Josephine Rossiter, of North Guilford, and their childri?n 
are Ruth Leola and Emily Louise. Royal Nelson, who cultivates the old home farm and 
is also engaged in the native lumber business, married Anna Augusta Rose and thej- have 
three children, Herbert Rose, Nelson Irving and Lcland Wilford. Frederick, the next of 
the family, died in infancy. John Rose, a lumberman and mill owner of North Branford, 
married Anna Jackson Harrison, of North Branford, and they have five children. John 
Ellsworth, Donald Linslev, Anna Elizabeth. William Reginald and Elsie C. 



AND EASTERN" NEW HAVEN COrXTV 157 

>Ir. Hiirrison ({uvc his political allcgiainx to tlie rcpublieaii party aixl In- wm an active 
nu'nibiT of the Congregational church of Xortli liraiiford, in which Mrs. Harrisun liat« been 
a Sunday school teacher for thirty years. Mr. Harrison also belonged to Admiral Foote 
Post, G. A. R., of Xew Haven, and to Corinthian Lodge, F. 4 A. M., exemplifying in jiis 
life the beneliccnt spirit of the craft an<l at nil times guiding his activities by the highest 
principles. He was a very progressive citizen and public-spirited man and did much for 
the improvement and welfare of the community in which he lived. He labored most 
earnestly to have the telephone company put in lines in the rural district of North Bran- 
ford and did much to kindle an interest in this project and keep it alive. He was also 
greatly interested in the project of building the Shore Line Klectric Kailmail through 
N'ortli Rranford and offered to donate a mile of ties, poles, etc., if the line would be built, 
lie also olTereil pol.- eipiipment to the teleplmne company in order to gi-t them to establish a 
telephone line in N'ortli Ilranford. At all times he stooil for public progress and improve- 
ment and cooperated heartily in every movement which he believed would benefit the 
community in any way. He woubl never accept public ofliee on account of his defective 
hearing, but there are few men who have done such valuable public service in the com- 
munity as did Mr. Harrison. His worth was widely acknowledged and all who knew him 
entertaineil for him the warmest regard. The Harrison farm home, which be oeoipieil anil 
on which liis widow still lives, is one of the best equippeil farms in New Haven county, 
for the house and barns are supplied with spring water piped through the buihliiigs. there 
is a private gas plant upon the place and all of the comforts of city life have there been 
secured. Mr. Harrison followed the most progressive methods and the same spirit of progress 
is manifest in Mrs. Harrison's management of her property interests. 



HKKIJKKT CLAYTON NICKKRSON. 

Herbert Clayton Nickerson. chief engineer of the pumping stations of tin' New Haven 
Water Company, and a resident of Fast Haven, was born in New Canaan, fVmnectieut, 
Mari-h .'), 1874. He belongs to one of the old New Kngland families, the Nickersons hav- 
ing Clime to America about lli.'iO, at which time settlement was made of the town of 
Cliatham, Massachusetts. Through his grandfather Nickerson, Herbert C. Nickerson is 
relateil to the family of Harvey C. Ilircb, who figured as the spy in •!. Kenimoro Cooper's 
work of that name and whose real name was Knoeh Crosby. Kicbard (1. Nickerson, 
father of Herbert I'. Nickerson, was iMirn in the state of New York and in his iMiyhiHid 
became a resident of Norwalk, Connecticut. He was with a railroad company, in charge 
of the mechanical department at New Canaan for a numlH-r of years, and afterward re- 
moved to New Haven, where he entered into business relations with the New Haven Water 
Company, taking charge of their Saltonstall station in 1S8U. He remained in charge there 
until .luly, I'Jlfi, and is now living retired at the age of seventy-three years, enjoying a 
rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves His wife, who bore the maiden name 
of Aralx'lla T. .Seymour, is a daughter of Tlmm.is Seymour, of North Wilton, and is now 
sixty nine years of age. Their family immbereil four children, of whom Herbert ('. is the 
youngest, the others being: Clara, the wife of W. .S. Coker; .Jessie, the wife of William 
(t. Newton, superintendent with the firm of I'eck Brothers; and Irving, who died Decem- 
ber 13, 1891, when twenty-one years of age. 

In the aci|iiirenient of his education Herl)ert C. Nickerson attended the public 
schools of East Haven and the Giles school, a private school of New Haven. He pursued 
an engineering course in correspondence schools and after his education was completed 
he entered the employ of the X. T. Bushnell Company, hardware dealers, as a clerk. He 
afterward spent a short time in the bicycle business in Norwalk and in December, 1891, 
on the death of his brother, became his suceessor as assistant engineer at Saltonstall. He 
was afterward tr.msferred to Whitneyville in 1896 and in 1904 was made chief engineer 
in charge of all pumping stations, in whicli position he also superintends all new installa- 
tion and improvement work in the pumping stations. His position is therefore one of 
importance and responsibility but his powers are proving adequate to the tasks that de- 



158 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

volvo upon him. He is also tlie secrrtary and treasurer of tlic Kast Haven Telephone &, 
Electric Company, of whicli he was one of the organizers in 1899. 

On the 25th of October, 1899, Mr. Niekersou was married, in Kast Haven, to iliss 
May Ktta Forbes, a daughter of Willett B. and Marietta (Bradley) Forbes. They now 
have one child, Eunice Isabel, who was born April 30, 1909, and is with her parents in 
an attractive home at No. 369 Main street, in East Haven. 

Jlr. Niekersou has long taken an active part in public affairs, in fact has figured prom- 
inently in this way since attaining his majority and has been especially active during 
the past fifteen years. For many years he has been a member of the East Haven fire 
department and was chairman of the committee which Installed the first auto engine truck 
in 1917, it being a rebuilt Cadillac combination hose, chemical and ladder truck, which was se- 
emed at a cost of eleven hundred dollars. In 1911 Mr. Nickerson served as second select- 
nnin and in 1913 was chosen to represent his town in the state legislature. Endorsement 
of his first term's service came in his reelection in 1915 and he was made clerk of the 
committee on cities and boroughs, in which capacity he served through both sessions. In 
1915 he introduced a bill in Hartford creating a board of finance for the town of East 
Haven, putting the finances of the town on a budget basis, and of the board having this 
work in charge Mr. Nickerson has since been a member. This act also increases the powers 
of the selectmen and at the same time guards against any abuse of power. For many 
years Mr. Nickerson has been a member of the Old Stone church, of which he is a deacon, 
and he was chairman of the committee which secured the funds for the installation of a 
new town clock in the church tower, replacing the one which had been in position there 
since 1798. Mr. Nickerson has taken all the degiees of Masonry save the honorary thirty- 
third degi'ee and he belongs to the Knights Templar Club and to the Quinnipiac Club, in 
which organizations he is popular, his sterling personal worth, his genial manner, his 
unfailing courtesy and his progressive spirit combining to win for him the friendship and 
regard of those with whom he is brought in contact. He has ever been most faithful to 
all trusts reposed in him and the public has never had occasion to regret that he has 
been chosen for high public oflices. 



JOHN B. CARRINGTON. 



The name Carrington is synonymous with modern journalism in New Haven and in 
this connection has been known through several generations. '"To the manner born," 
John B. Carrington is now president and treasurer of the Carrington Publishing Company, 
publishers of the Journal-Courier. He follows the traditions and precepts of his ancestors 
in his chosen life work and at the same time has displayed that spirit of initiative which 
has kept him in touch with the spirit of advancement as manifest in newspaper publica- 
tion of the present day. 

A native son of New Haven, Mr. Carrington was born in April. 1849, his parents 
being John B. and Harriet H. (Trowbridge) Carrington. The father's birth occurred in 
the town of Bethany, a suburb of New Haven, where his parents and his early ancestors 
had lived for many generations. John B. Carrington, Sr., became identified with the 
Journal-Courier, advancing to the position of editor, and for many years he occupied a 
very important and prominent place in connection with journalism in Connecticut. It was he 
who laid the foundation for the paper as it is today — one of the leading sheets in the New 
England states. His name is also inseparably interwoven with the city's development along 
many lines of progress and improvement. He was ever the champion of those projects and 
movements which have been matters of civic virtue and of civic pride and his high ideals 
in matters of citizenship in large measure took tangible form as the result of his inspiration 
and liis leadership. New Haven therefore lost one of its most helpful and valuable cit- 
izens when in 1882 he passed away at the age of sixty-nine years. His wife was born in 
New Haven, a member of the Trowbridge family, one of the best known and most aristocratic 
in New England. She was carefully reared and her educational training was not merely 
that which brings knowledge but was (.f that character which calls forth innate culture 
and refinement. Her presence and her influence largely directed the social interests of 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 159 

the community along the lines of intellectual progress and culture. She passed away iu 
New Haven in 1885, when in the seventieth year of her age. Of the eight children of 
her family, fovir of the number passed away in early life. 

John B. Carrington, Jr., who was the sixth in order of birth, supplemented his early 
public school training by study in Russell's Military Academy, where his instruction was 
of that thorough and practical character that well qualifies one for growing responsibilities 
and duties. Given the choice of entering Yale or taking up a business career on the com- 
pletion of his preparatory course, he decided upon the latter and entered the lield of 
newspaper publication, which for generations had issued its irresistible call to the fam- 
ily. He became connected with the journal of which his father was the head. Parental 
authority, however, was not exercised to secure him an advanced position. In fact, ho 
preferred to start at the bottom and work his way upward, mastering every phase of the 
business. He therefore began learning typesetting and then assumed in turn other posi- 
tions calling more and more largely for e.xecutive ability and administrative direction. 
Thus through the steps of an orderly progression he has advanced to the presidency of 
the Carrington Publishing Company, of which he is also the treasurer. Moreover, he takes 
an active part in promoting business and financial affairs in the city of his birth and is 
now the president of the National Savings Bank of New Haven, one of the leading financial 
institutions of the city, and is also a director of the New Haven Bank. He is interested 
in many of the more prominent business projects of the city. At one time he was a director 
and later vice president and a large stockholder in the Fairhaven & Westville Railroad 
Company before its absorption into other lines, and in his business affairs he has always 
looked forth with broad vision that has enabled him to understand not only the exigencies 
of the moment but the opportunities and the possibilities of the future. 

In June, 1884, Mr. Carrington was married in Hartford, Connecticut, to Miss Annie 
Lawton, and they have become parents of four children: Mrs. Burnside Winslow. who is 
a graduate of the famous Porter school at Farmington, Connecticut, resides in New Haven 
and has one daughter, Anne. Leila G. is a giaduate of Briar Cliff and Anita L. is a graduate 
of Rosemary. John B., Jr., born in March, 1898, was a student at Westminster Academy 
ill yimsbury, Connecticut, until June. 1917. when he voluntarily joined and now serves in a 
Vale unit of ambulance drivers in the war in France. 

Mr. and Mrs. Carrington hold membership in Center church and in fraternal relations 
lie is a Mason and a Red Man. He is a member of the Country Club, the Lawn Club, the 
Quinnipiac Club and other social organizations. He usually votes for the best man with- 
out regard to party affiliation. He has had opoprtunity to enter actively upon political 
affairs many times, being tendered various offices, but these he has steadfastly declined, 
preferring that his public service should be done as a private citizen. No one questions 
his loyalty to the public good or fails to recognize the effectiveness of his service in behalf 
of those interests which arc factors in the material development, the moral advancement 
and the civic progress of New Haven. 



FRANK BENJAJHN BISHOP. 

Frank Benjamin Bishop is president of the Guilford Agricultural Society, of which 
he has been a member for forty-five years. He has long been numbered among the pro- 
gressive agriculturists of Guilford and while engaged in general farming makes a specialty 
of raising fine seed corn. He was born in North Madison. Connecticut, November 28, 1854, 
a son of Curtis Benton and Catherine (Coan) Bishop. The father was born on Race Hill 
in the west side district in North Madison, Connecticut, March 18, 1818, and was a son of 
(Justus and Polly (Walkley) Bishop, who were also natives of North Madison. Gustns 
Bishop was a son of Abner and Thankful (Buel) Bishop, the former born in North Bristol, 
Connecticut. The old Bishop homestead is on .Summer Hill in North Madison. To Mr. and 
Mrs. Curtis Benton Bishop were born seven children: William, whose birth occurred Sep- 
tember 6. 1842, and who follows farming in the Nut Plains district of Guilford, Connecticut; 
BUa, who was born January 10, 1845, and is the wife of William H. Davis, of Fairhaven, 
Connecticut; Leonard Randolph, born Augu.st 30, 1846; Cliarles Edward, born April 24, 



160 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

18-18; Isabel Coan, who was born July 4, 1850, and is the wife of Fred Davis; Clara Walkley, 
who was born December 23, 1853, and is the wife of Ralph L. Parker; and Frank Benjamin 
of this review. 

The last named acquired his education in the Nut Plains district school of Guilford 
and in a select school. Reared to the occupation of farming, he took up that pursuit as 
a life work and owned a fine farm in North Madison, Connecticut, wliere lie carried on 
tlie work of tilling the soil from 1876 until 1909. He then sold that property and pur- 
cliascd a splendid farm in the eastern part of the town of Guilford, upon which he has 
since made excellent improvements, erecting new buildings and otherwise adding all of 
the accessories and conveniences of a model farm of the twentieth century. He is con- 
ducting creneral farming along progressive lines and is one of the prominent agi-iculturists 
of the eastern part of New Haven county. He is a great admirer of fine oxen and has 
scjiiie of t!ie best teams of oxen in tlie state. Moreover, he is an expert ox yoke maker. 
He raises splendid farm products and liis seed corn is in constant demand. That he keeps 
in touch with the most progressive methods of agriculture is indicated in the fact that 
he has been an active member of the Guilford Agricultural Society for forty-five years 
and has been honored with its vice presidency, while at tlie present time he is serving 
as president. 

In 187.) Mr. Bisliop was united in marriage with iliss Lillian Josepliine Norton, 
at North Madison, Connecticut, where she was born, a daughter of Newell Atwood and 
Josepliine (Hill) Norton, who were natives of North Madison and representatives of one 
of tlie old and prominent families of New Haven county. Mrs. Bishop was educated in the 
Morgan Academy at Clinton, Connecticut, and by her marriage has become the mother of 
three children: Robert Merton, who was born in North Madison, December 21, 1875, and 
married Belle Rogerson, of Stratford, Connecticut; Maude Josephine, born in North Madison, 
November 27, 1878, who is the wife of Fred W. Hull, of Guilford, and they have one child, 
Reginald; and Cliarles William, who was born July 27, 1885, and married Frances Soule, 
of Kent, Connecticut, by whom he has two daughters, Cora and Ada. 

In his political views Mr. Bishop has always been a stalwart republican since age con- 
ferred upon him the right of franchise. He served as tax assessor and as a member of 
the board of relief of Madison and was selectman of the town of Madison from 1894 until 
1899. In 1904 he was elected to represent Madison in the state legislature, serving dur- 
ing the session of 1905 as a member of the committees on new towns and probate district. 
He has also been registrar of the town of Guilford and in the discharge of his public dvities 
has ever been prompt, faithful, accurate and reliable, making a most excellent record as 
a public official. He belongs to St. Albans Lodge, No. .38, F. & A. M., of Guilford, and 
both he and his wife are active and helpful members of the Congregational church, Mr. 
Bishop serving as superintendent of the Sunday school at North Madison for many years. 
His entire life has been passed in New Haven county, where he has a very wide and favor- 
able acquaintance. His sterling traits of character are many and in all things he measures 
up to high standards of manhood and of citizenship. 



REV. SYLVANUS P. MARVIN. 

Rev. Sylvanus P. Marvin, for nearly forty years the beloved pastor of the Woodbridge 
Congregational church and a prominent figure in his denomination in Connecticut, was a 
descendant of an old Connecticut family. He traced his ancestry to Reinold Marvin, who 
was baptized in 1593 in St. Mary's church, on the Great Bentley Green in England, and came 
to America in 1638 and settled first at Hartford and later at Farmington, from which place 
he removed to Lyme, where he spent the greater part of his life. His descendants have been 
prominent in that locality to the present day. 

Dan Marvin (II), one of his great-great-grandsons, married the second daughter of .lohn 
Mather, a relative of Cotton and Increase Mather, Colonial celebrities, whose second son was 
Deacon John Marvin, the father of our subject. Deacon John Marvin married Lydia Hull 
Pratt, daughter of Captain Samuel Pratt, a prominent man of Essex. Connecticut. He was 
for twenty-five years a teacher in the public schools, and was clerk of the town of Say- 




JOHN M. MARVIN 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 163 

brook for nearly twenty years, judge of probate, and at one time member of the state 
legislature, a man honored and beloved for his Christian integrity, his urbanity and his 
high ideals of life. 

.Sylvanus P. Marvin, second son of Deacon John, was born in Lyme, March 17, 1832, and 
at the age of fourteen years removed with the family to Deep River, Connecticut. He 
early attended Essex Academy, and was graduated from Yale in 1847, and from Yale The- 
ological Seminary in 1850. In recounting some of his school day associates we note the 
following: Henry Hadley, uncle of the president of Y'ale, valedictorian of his class; Rev. 
N. A. Hyde, D. D., the nestor of Congregationalism in Indiana and founder of the First 
Congregational cluirch in Indianapolis, Indiana; Rev. \Villiam T. Reynolds, the beloved pastor 
of the Congregational church at North Haven for some twenty-five years; Rev. James L. 
Willard, D. D., for some forty years pastor of the Westville church of Xew Haven; H. G. 
Jessup, professor of botany in Dartmouth College: Rev. .James B. Cleaveland, who married 
Miss Elizabeth Jocelyn, the poetess, author of '"No Sects in Heaven"; and E. I. Sanford, 
superior court judge of Connecticut. While connected with the Tlieological Seminary he 
taught three years in the celebrated General William H. Russell ililitary School of New 
Haven. 

In 1851 Mr. Marvin received a call and was ordained and installed pastor of the Congre- 
gational church at .Jamestown, Cliautauqua county. New York, where he remained six years, 
doing much to strengthen the Congregational churches in that section of the state, and re- 
signed his pastorate much to the regret of the church. After he left .Jamestown he received 
a unanimous call to the First Congregational church of Franklin, Delaware county, New Y'ork. 
He declined the call, but continued to labor with them without installation for some three 
ye. rs. during which time tliere was an extensive revival in the church and sixty united with 
the churcli at one time. He was also instrumental in the formation of the Delaware Asso- 
ciation of Congregational Churches in that and the adjoining counties. After leaving Frank- 
lin he spent between two and three years with the First Congregational church of Torring- 
ton, Connecticut, which he served during the later years of the Civil war as an emergency 
charge, the congregation thinking that without a loader (there being no little dissension 
among them) they could not hold together. 

In 1865 Mr. Marvin received a unanimous call and was installed over tlic Woodbridge 
Congregational church, of which lie was pastor until his death, at which time lie was one of 
the oldest pastors in the state. Many improvements were made in the church property 
during Mr. Marvin's pastorate. The house of worship is surrounded by beautiful grounds, 
which were originally some five acres in extent, and on the Sunday preceding the first election 
that took place after he entered upon the duties of his charge our subject requested that 
each man plant a tree on tlie church green before casting his ballot. As a result some 
ninety trees were broiight, and handsome trees now adorn the grounds, which he had already 
caused to be enclosed with a neat fence. To the church itself a lecture room and ladies' 
parlor have been added, at a cost of some two thousand dollars, and a pipe organ, the gift of 
Mrs. Mary Clark Treat, has been put in. Mr. Marvin was a member of the school board 
and superintendent of schools for some ten or fifteen years, securing a library and a 
Johnson's Cyclopedia for each district. 

On May 37, 1851, Mr. Marvin married Miss Sylvina Buell, daughter of Miles and Lucinda 
(Plum) Buell, of Clinton, Connecticut. She passed away on January 30, 1903. Two sons were 
born of this union. .John Miles is senior partner and general manager of the Globe Silk 
Works, New Haven. He married Adella M. Smith, daughter of Isaac T. and Lucretia 
(Sperry) Smitli, of New Haven, and they have one daughter, Grace Edna. He is deacon of 
the Dwight Place Congregational church of New Haven. A more complete sketch of John 
M. Marvin is found elsewhere in this work. Edward Reynold, the younger son died when 
ten years of age. 

On May 27, 1901, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin celebrated the golden anniversary of their 
wedding at tlie parsonage. There were many guests from the surrounding towns, from New 
Haven, New York city and Springfield, as well as the parishioners; and many handsome gifts 
besides between three and four hundred dollars in gold, testified to the love and esteem in 
which the pastor and his wife were held by his parishioners and other friends. A poetical 
tribute from one of their old Franklin parishioners, Mrs. Whitney, and also one from Mrs. 
E. Jocelyn Cleaveland, added to the interest of the occasion, whicli was also enlivened with 
Vol. II — 8 



164 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

excellent music by a string orchestra from New Haven. Mr. Marvin had a fine gold-headed 
cane, presented by the young men of the church on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the 
bcinning of his pastorate. There was also a great gathering on his seventy-sixth birth- 
day, when a beautiful crayon portrait of him, presented by tlie young ladies' society, was 
hung in the lecture room of the church, and on numerous other occasions the members of the 
parish showed liigh appreciation of his services and a personal esteem, warm and genuine, 
for their pastor and his wife. 

The family have always adhered to republican ideas. On attaining his majority Mr. 
Marvin became a whig, and at the birth of the republican party he joined its ranks. He 
took "reat interest in gathering historical data, and from time to time delivered interesting 
papers and published articles on the progress of events in church and state. He published, by 
request, a memorial sermon delivered before the Redshaw Post of the Grand Army, Ansonia, 
Connecticut, twenty-fifth anniversary of his settlement in Woodbridge, one hundred and 
fiftieth anniversary of the church, funeral sermon of Rev. J. L. Willard, D. D., of New 
Haven, and of Rev. W. T. Reynolds, of North Haven, lecture before the New Haven His- 
torical Society, published in Volume VI, of their papers. He was widely known and highly 
respected, not only by the peo;jle of his own congregation, but by those of New Haven and 
the surrounding towns. Rev. Marvin died on November 24, 1904. 



FRANK a^ARK STONE, I). D. S. 

Dr. Frank Clark Stone was a leading and prominent dentist of Orange, living on the 
Grassy Hill Farm, and when death called him his demise was the occasion of deep and wide- 
spread regret. He was a representative of one of the old, prominent and honored families 
of this section of the state. The old home farm has been in possession of the family since 
the original purchase or allotment in 1777 and the Stones are one of but two families in 
the Grassy Hill section that have been there since Revolutionary war times. Tlie birth 
of Dr. Stone occurred on the old farm on the 16th of August, 1860. His father, Frederick 
Stone, was also born on that farm and was a son of Philemon Stone. The war with 
England for the independence of the colonies had been in progress for only a year when 
the Stone farm came into possession of the family and it has l>een handed down from 
generation to generation since that time. 

Dr. Stone, who was reared on the old homestead, pursued his education in the district 
schools and in the academy that was on the Green in Orange. He afterward determined 
upon the practice of dentistry as a life work and with that end in view began studying 
under the direction of Dr. George Nettleton, a prominent dentist of New Haven. He thus 
became well qualified for the practical work of the profession and opened an ofiice in 
New Haven, where he successfully engaged in practice from 18S1 imtil the time of his 
death in 1897. He drew his patronage from among the old and aristocratic families of 
his section of the county. His service was always highly satisfactory, for he kept in 
touch with the moat advanced methods, his efforts being the expression of scientific .skill. 
He read broadly and studied deeply and his labors brought splendid results. 

At Orange, Connecticut, on the 19th of April, 1882, Dr. Stone was united in marriage 
to .Miss .Jennie ilarcia Tomlinson, who was born in New Haven, but when thirteen years 
of age became a resident of Orange, removing there with her parents, Mark and Lucy 
(Bodge) Tomlinson. Her father was born at Squantuck, Connecticut, where he acquired 
his education. He afterward became a traveling salesman, selling sewing machines, and 
later he conducted a corset factory in New Haven. He was a thirty-second degree Mason 
and while living in New Haven was a member of Hiram Lodge. At a subsequent period, 
however, he again engaged in the sale of sewing machines and removed to La Salle, Wis- 
consin, where he conducted an extensive business as manager for the Singer Sewing Ma- 
chine Company, winning substantial success through the faithful conduct of his business 
affairs. At length he retired from active business and spent his remaining days in well 
earned rest in La Salle, there passing away in 1911. His wife was born in Seymour, Con- 
necticut, in a house which stood on the present site of the New Haven Railroad depot and 
which at that time was one of the old landmarks of Sevmour. Following tlie death of 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 165 

lier husband in Wisconsin, she returned to New Haven, where lier last days were passed. 
Mrs. Stone continued a resident of New Haven until 1914, when she erected a fine mod- 
ern dwelling of the colonial style on Grassy Hill in Orange and now makes her home 
there. 

To Dr. and Mrs. Stone were born six children; Ethel Tomlinson; Harold Frank, who 
is mentioned elsewhere in this work; Clifford Pratt; Elizabeth Gertrude, who died in in- 
fancy; Palmer English, who died in 1913 at the age of nineteen years; and Kirby, who 
died in infancy. All were born in New Haven. Clifford is now a member of Company 
]\f, Three Hundred and Fourth Infantry, located at Camp Devens, Ayer, Massachusetts. 

Dr. Stone was a member of the New Haven Dental Association, of the Connecticut 
Dental Association and the National Dental Association and thus he kept in touch with the 
advanced thought and progress of the profession. He was familiar with all the lines of 
research work which promote efficiency in dental practice and he won high professional 
rank. He was a man of genuine personal worth, his excellent qualities gaining for him 
the high regard, confidence and goodwill of all. The family is one of culture and rellnc- 
ment, occupying an enviable position in social circles of Orange. 



SIDNEY VIVILLA OSBORN. 

Sidney Vivilla Osborn, now at the head of an extensive coal, grain and lumber business 
in Branford. is not only an important factor in commercial circles but also occupies a 
prominent position in public affairs, having represented his district in the state legislature 
several terms. A native of Connecticut, he was born in Woodbury, Litchfield county, on 
the 10th of March, 1856, and is a worthy representative of one of the oldest families of 
this state, his parents being Aaron A. and Polly (Bishop) Osborn. Thomas Osborn, who 
settled in New Haven in 1665. had three sons, one of whom settled in Stratford, Connecticut, 
and another in Guilford, while the third remained in New Haven, and it is from the one 
that went to Stratford that our subject is descended. The family is of English origin. 
Our subject's father, Aaron A. Osborn, was born in Naugatuck, Connecticut, which was 
also the birthplace of the grandfather, Daniel Osborn. In early life the former learned 
the trade of spoon making but later, on account of his health, had to take up outdoor 
work and became a mason, which occupation he followed in Woodbury, Connecticut, until 
several years after the death of his wife, when he removed to Milford, this state, where 
he passed away. His wife was born in Woodbury and was a daughter of Ira ami Mabel 
(Spalding) Bishop, who were also of old New England stock. 

During his boyhood Sidney Vivilla Osborn attended the district schools but his advan- 
tages along that line were verj^ limited and he is a self-educated as well as a self-made 
man. At an early age he did farm work and later was in the employ of Burton Brothers 
in the grain, milling and grocerj' business at Woodbury. He gradually worked his way 
upward until he became manager of their branch establishment at ilinortown and also had 
charge of the postoffice. In 1879 he was married at Woodbury and then located on a farm 
which he purchased in the northern part of Branford. New Haven county, being success- 
fully engaged in its operation for twelve years. At the end of that time he purchased 
wharf property near the railroad depot in the village of Branford and in 1892 began 
business under the name of the S. V. Osborn Company, dealers in coal, grain, feed, etc. 
Five years later he purchased his partner's interest and now carries on the business under 
the name of S. V. Osborn, handling coal, grain and lumber. He not only owns and operates 
a sawmill and grain elevator but has also erected a large coal elevator, which was one of 
the first established in Connecticut adapted to this method of handling coal. Mr. Osborn 
was one of the organizers of the Branford Savings Bank, of which he was a director and 
auditor for many years, and he also assisted in organizing the Branford Trust Company, 
of winch he is still a dii-ector. 

On the 6th of May, 1879, Mr. Osborn married Miss Emma Tyler, a native of :Middle- 
bury, Connecticut, where her parents, Daniel and Elvira (Hines) Tyler, were also born. 
The Tyler family came from England and was founded in Connecticut early in the seven- 
teenth centurv. ilr. and Mrs. Osborn have two children; Sidnev Vivilla, .Jr., who was 



166 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

born in Branford, January 23, 1888, and assists his fatlier in business; and Mabel Bishop, 
born in Branford, May 1, 1902. 

The family is identified with the Congregational church and Mr. Osborn is also a 
member of Widows Son Lodge, Xo. 66, of Branford; Woodland Lodge, K. P.; and the New 
England Order of Protection. In politics he is a stanch republican and is a recognized 
leader in the party ranks. He has filled a number of local offices, serving as town tax as- 
sessor, a member of the school board, first selectman for three terms, and on the board 
for six terms. He was the first borough tax collector and collected the first taxes in the 
village. In 1899 he was the nominee of his party for representative to the state legislature 
but the vote was a tie and he lost. In 1907 he was elected first selectman and most ably 
filled the office until 1909. The following year he was elected to the state legislature and 
served during the session of 1911-13, at which time he secured an appropriation of forty 
thousand dollars for the erection of a new armory at Branford, that is now an ornament to 
the village. Mi-. Osborn was defeated for reelection in 1913 when the progressive move- 
ment split the regular republican vote but in 1914 and again in 1916 he was elected a 
member of the house and is still representing his district in the general assembly. He has 
served on a number of important committees, including the roads, bridges and rivers com- 
mittee, on which he serves at the present time and which is second in importance only 
to the judiciary committee; and he was chairman of the agricultural committee of 1914-15 
and a member of the manufacturing committee in 1911. Although his advantages in youth 
were limited he has steadily overcome all obstacles in the path to success and is today one 
of Branford's most prominent and influential citizens and one of the leading members of 
the Connecticut legislature. 



ALBERT WILLIAM CROSBY, D. D. S. 

Dr. Albert W. Crosby, whose position in the dental profession is indicated by the 
tact that he has been honored with the presidency of the Connecticut State Dental Associa- 
tion, was born in Hartford, Connecticut, November 13, 1870, and is a son of the late William 
A, Crosby, a native of East Glastonbury, Connecticut, and a representative of one of the 
old families of this state. The Crosbys come of English ancestry, the line being traced 
back to Simon CYosby, who crossed the Atlantic to America in the Susan and Ellen in 1628 
and became one of the first selectmen of Cambridge, Massachusetts; also to John Andrews, 
one of the one hundred original foimders of Farmington, Connecticut. William A. Crosby 
was a manufacturer of woolen goods and won substantial success in the conduct of his 
business, in which he actively continued until February, 1912, when death called him, he 
being then sixty-three years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Alice I. 
Rodda, was born in Connecticut and was a daughter of James Rodda, a native of England, 
who came to the new world when a lad of twenty years and established his home in Hart- 
ford. 

Dr. Crosby was an only child. He was educated in the public and high schools of 
Hartford and afterward attended the New York College of Dentistry, from which he was 
graduated with the class of 1893. Immediately after his graduation he opened an office in 
Hartford, where he remained for a year. He then removed to New London and practiced in 
the latter city for twenty years. In 1909 he came to New Haven where he has since con- 
tinuously and successfully followed his profession. He is recognized as one of the eminent 
dentists of the state and is specializing in the practice of orthodontia. He is particularly 
skilled owing to wide and comprehensive study and by reason of his devotion to the highest 
professional ideals. He is an associate member of the Allied Societies of New York city, 
the New Haven Dental Association, the Connecticut State Dental Association, of which he 
has been the president, the Northeastern Dental Association and the National Dental 
Association. He is also an ex-president of the Horace Wells club. He was connected with 
the Angle School of Orthodontia as its secretary and served nine years on the dental com- 
mission of the state of Connecticut. His professional brethren accord him high place in 
the ranks of dental practitioners. His ability has long since carried him beyond the point 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 169 

of mediocrity and he now stands in a prominent position among the most capable and dis- 
tinguished dental surgeons of Connecticut. 

On the 25th of April, 1900, Dr. Crosby married Miss Isabel Selden Darrow, of New 
London, and a daughter of James and Amelia E. (Dodge) Darrow. In politics Dr. Crosby 
is a republican. He has attained high rank in Masonry, belonging to Brainard Lodge, No. 
102, F. & A. M., of New London; to Palestine Commandery, K. T., of New London; to the 
consistory at Norwich ; and to Sphinx Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Hartford. He Is 
a member of the Thames Club, New London; the Quinnipiac Club; the New Haven Club; 
the Automobile Club of New Haven; and the Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Crosby is a 
Con<:regationalist. High and honorable principles actuate him at every point in his career 
and are manifest no less in his professional activities than in his social life. 



CHARLES ERNEST HI'LL. 



Charles Ernest Hull is now living retired in Guilford, where lie was for many years 
actively identified with industrial interests. He was born March 36, 1860, in the city which 
is still his home, his parents being George Augustus and Jeanette HuUla (Bishop) Hull. 
The family name has figured in connection with the liistory of Connecticut since 1639. The 
paternal grandfather, Cornelius Hull, was born at Black Rock, near Durham, Connecticut, 
and was the father of George Augustus Hull, who was born at Guilford, where he acquired 
his education. After the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted in the Fourteenth Regiment 
of Connecticut Volunteer Infantry and served for some time at the front but became ill 
and was honorably discharged before the close of hostilities. He then returned to Guil- 
ford, where in 1865 he purchased a small factory located a mile and a half north of the 
village. This he began operating under his own name and developed what is today one 
of the leading manufacturing concerns of Guilford. The factory was originally devoted 
to making wagon parts, but as his business grew, owing to his enterprising spirit and 
close application, he extended its scope to include the manufacture of spokes, hubs, etc., 
for wheels. Later his son, Charles E., was admitted to a partnership under the firm style 
of George A. Hull & Son and the company then began the manufacture of the complete 
wagon wheel, continuing business in the same factory until 1891, when the plant was de- 
strojed by fire. The father then retired from active business and passed away in Guilford 
in February, 1892. His wife was born in Guilford, April 7, 1828, and her death occurred on 
tlie 26th of April, 1889. She was a daughter of Jonathan Bishop, a descendant in the 
seventh generation of John Bishop, a native of England, who became the founder of the 
Bishop family on the soil of the new world, he being one of the original settlers of Guil- 
ford. He was the second of the twenty-five people who signed the Plantation Covenant 
June 1, 1639, on the voyage from England to the new world. 

Charles Ernest Hull acquired his education in the schools of Guilford and in his boy- 
hood worked in his father's factorj', early becoming familiar with the trade in principle 
and detail. Eventually he was taken into the firm and in 1891, when the factory burned 
and his father retired from active business, Charles E. Hull became associated with Jerome 
C. Potter and Lovell L. Kelsey in organizing the Guilford Wheel Manufacturing Company, 
which took over the business of the firm of George A. Hull & Son. They purchased the 
factory building and ground formerly used as a button factory in Guilford, there installed 
modern machinery and enlarged the plant for the purpose of manufacturing wagon wheels, 
resuming business there in December, 1891, just thirty days after the old plant was de- 
stroyed by fire. Mr. Kelsey retired from the business after a few years and the manufac- 
turing was then continued by Mr. Hull and Mr. Potter until 1907, when they sold the 
business, factory and all to the Archibald Wheel Company of Lawrence, Massachusetts, with 
which Mr. Hull remained as manager of the business until 1916, when he retired from 
active life and is now enjoying a well earned rest. He was the chief factor in the upbuild- 
ing of the business of the Guilford ^Vlleel Manufacturing Company, his long practical ex- 
perience, his keen discernment and his sagacity constituting the cliief elements in the growth 
of their trade. 

At Guilford, in June, 1881, Mr. Hull was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Hill 



170 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

Leete, who was born in GuiU'oid and was a descendant of Governor Leete of Connecticut. 
Her parents were Joseph and Orphanah Hill (Madison) Leete. Tlie death of Mi-s. Hull 
occurred in Guilford in February, 1893, and two children were left to mourn her loss. The 
elder, Cornelius Morris, is now chief clerk to the superintendent of the New York division 
of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company. He married Miss Margaret 
Kelly and has two children, Elizabeth Mildred and Cornelius Morris. The second son, Fiske 
Leete, is manager for the Archibald Wheel Company of Guilford. Having lost his first 
w^ife, Mr. Hull was married on the 32d of February, 1894, at Guilford, to Miss Mary J. 
Conway, who was born in Ireland but was brought to Connecticut during her infancy by 
her parents, John and Margaret (Burns) Conway, who were natives of the Emerald isle. 
Her father was eniployeil by 1. S. Spencer & Company of Guilford for more than thirty 
years but both he and his wife have now passed away. 

Mr. Hull is a member of the Guilford Mutual Fire Association and he is president 
of the Guilford Board of Trade. For many years he has served as burgess and since 1881 
he lias given unfaltering political allegiance to the prohibition party, being a strong advocate 
of the cause of temperance. His life has been well spent. He has displayed many sterling 
characteristics which have \\ on him the respect and esteem of friends and of business col- 
leagues and contemporaries. 



CHARLES NEWCOMB BAXTER. 

Cliarles Newcomb Baxter, librarian of the Blackstone Memorial Library at Branford, 
was born February 6. 1879, in Quincy, Massachusetts, his parents being Charles Newcomb 
and Louise Bartlett (Carruth) Baxter. The father died in 1883 but the mother is still 
living, making her home in Southboro, Massachusetts. 

Charles Newcomb Baxter attended the public schools of his native city and afterward 
entered the JIassachusetts Agricultural College, from which he was graduated with the 
degree of S. B. in 1898. He then entered Harvard and won the degree of Bachelor of Arts 
in 1902. He was an assistant in the library of the Boston Athenaeum from 1902 until 
1913 and since May of the latter year has been librarian of the Blackstone Memorial 
Library in Branford. Mr. Baxter is a member of the Harvard Club of Connecticut and 
the American and Connecticut Library Associations; also the New Haven Historical 
Genealogical Society and the New England Historical Genealogical Society. He also 
belongs to the Graduates' Club of New Haven. 

On the 25th of March. 191/.. he married Iva Georgiana Bishop, of Branford, and they 
have one danahter. Iva Gooruiaiia Baxter. 



WlLLTAil SPENCER RUSSELL, iL V. 

Dr. William Spencer Russell, who beai:g the distinction of being the oldest practicing 
physician in Wallingford, has there followed his profession continuously and successfully 
during the past thirty-five years. His birth occurred in Prospect, New Haven county, Con- 
necticut, on the 7th of September, 1858, his parents being Henry and Sarah (Tyler) Russell. 
The father, who was also a native of Prospect, this state, followed farming throughout 
his active business career and passed away in 1865, at the comparatively early age of thirty- 
five years. He was a son of Lewis Russell, of Naugatuck. The paternal grandmother of 
Dr. William S. Russell was a daughter of Daniel Hitchcock, who fought in the Revolutionary 
war with the colonial forces. Mrs. Sarah (Tyler) Russell was a daughter of Spencer 
Tyler, of Prospect, whose wife was a sister of Franklin Farrell. Sr. The mother of our 
subject died in 1890, at the age of fifty-four years. 

Dr. William S. Russell, the only child of his parents who grew to maturity, attended 
the public schools and also French's private school of New Haven. Having determined 
upon a professional career, he entered the medical department of Yale University, which 
institution conferred upon him the degree of M. D. in 1880. He then spent two years in 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 171 

hospital work at New York and also iJiirsued a post-graduate course in the Colle"C of 
Physicians and Surgeons of that citj-. After a period spent in the New Haven Hospital 
he began the private practice of his profession at Wallingford in 1882 and has there remained 
continuously to the present time, or for more than a third of a century. He has won a most 
gratifying and well deserved measure of success as a general practitioner and has kept abreast 
with the progress of the profession through his membership in the New Haven County Med- 
ical Society, the Connecticut State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. 

On the 1st of June, 1882, at Auburn, New York, Dr. Russell was united in marriage 
to Miss Eliza Cooke Hall, a daughter of Edward C. Hall, of that place. She passed 
away on the 39th of December, 1912, leaving two children. Donald G., who received the 
degree of Ph. B. in 1909 and that of M. D. from Yale University in 1914, has been en- 
gaged in hospital A\ork since his graduation. In 1916 he went to France with Dr. Joseph 
Flint, professor of surgery of Y'ale University, and enlisted in a French army corps, serv- 
ing for the period of a year in a base hospital during the Champagne drive. Since October, 
1917, he has been a member of the United States army in France, holding a lieutenant's 
commission. His sister, Elinor, is at home. On the 19th of January, 1916, Dr. W. S. Rus- 
sell was again married, his second union being with Miss Kate Backes, of Wallingford. 
Their residence is at No. 176 North Main street, where the Doctor also has his office. 

Politically Dr. Russell is independent, with democratic tendencies. He served as a 
member of the state legislature in 1883-4 but has since declined all public honors, hi.s 
professional duties claiming practically his entire time and attention. In 1916 he was 
urged to accept the nomination for state senator from this district. He belongs to the 
New Haven Country Club and the Wallingford Country Club, while his religious faith is 
indicated by his membership in the First Congregational church. His life in all relations 
lias been consistent with the highest standards and he enjoys the regard and esteem of 
professional colleagues and contemporaries. 



JUDOE LEVERETT M. HUBBARD. 

Judge Leverett M. Hubbard, who passed away on the 7th of December, 1906, was termed 
the foremost citizen of Wallingford, a jiosition which he held not only by reason of his 
ability as a lawyer and business man but also owing to the fact that his uniform courtesy, 
his kindly nature and his public spirit gave him high rank in the circles of friendship and of 
citizenship. He was born on the 23d of April, 1849, in Durham, Connecticut, and was a 
son of the Rev. Eli and Georgiana (Leach) Hubbard. After acquiring a public school educa- 
tion in his native town he continued his studies in Wilbraham Academy and afterward 
became a student in the Wesleyan College, in which he won his Master of Arts degree. He 
prepared for the bar as a student in the Albany Law School at Albany, New York, and 
after his graduation there with the class of 1S70 continued his law reading under the direction 
of the late Hon. Cliarles Ives of New Haven. 

.Judge Hubbard established his home in Wallingford in August, 1870, and began prac- 
ticing at the bar of New Haven county. No dreary novitiate awaited him. WTiile ad- 
vancement at the bar is proverbially slow, he soon won recognition by reason of the thor- 
oughness with which he prepared his cases and his clear and concise reasoning before the 
courts. He practiced in partnership with Morris W. Tyler from 1874 until 1877 and was 
later associated with John W. Ailing and E. P. Arvine. In addition to his law practice he 
figured prominently in financial circles. He became one of the promoters of the First National 
Bank of Wallingford and on its organization in 1881 was elected to the directorate, while for 
many years he served as its vice president. He was also a director of the Dime Savings 
Bank of Wallingford from 1884 until his death, was its vice president from 1890 until 1894 
and was then elected to the presidency, so continuing until his demise. He was likewise one 
of the incorporators of the Wallingford Gas Light Company, of which he continuously served 
as a director until 1899, when he severed his connection with that corporation. 

Judge Hubbard was one of the stalwart leaders of the republican party in New Haven 
county and in its ranks his opinions carried large weight. He was appointed postmaster of 
Wallingford by President Grant in 1872 and by reappointment was continued in that position 



172 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

uutil 1S85, when following the accession of a democratic president, he resigned with three 
years of his last term to serve. He was elected to various public offices on the party ticket, 
was a member of the board of school visitors from 1S74 until his death, was justice of the 
peace from 1878 until 1881 and was borough attorney and counsel for the town almost unin- 
terruptedly after 1870. ^\'ith the establishment of a borough court in 1886 he was appointed 
to the position of judge through the unanimous vote of the state legislature and was reelected 
at each successive term until 1897, when he retired from that position, having been elected 
by the general assembly judge of the court of common pleas for New Haven county. He re- 
mained upon the common pleas bench until 1905, making a most excellent record in that 
position. In 1886 he was unanimously nominated for secretary of state by the republican 
party and led his ticket at the election. While serving in that office there was prepared and 
published the first comprehensive "Register and Manual for the State of Connecticut," on 
which all subsequent editions have been modeled. He was frequently called upon for cam- 
paign service and did active work for his party in that connection in every campaign from 
1876. He was a thorough student of political questions and his arguments vyere based, there- 
fore, upon a comprehensive understanding of the points which he discussed. He was made 
a delegate to the republican national convention in Chicago in 1888, when Benjamin Harrison 
was nominated for the presidency. 

In May, 1873, Judge Hubbard was united in marriage to Miss Florence G. Ives, of Wall- 
ingford, and they became the parents of three sons and a daughter: Samuel, living in 
Wallingford; Leverett M. and Kenneth D., of East Orange, New Jersey; and Mrs. Frank 
Bacon Hancock, of Philadelphia. Judge and Mrs. Hubbard held membership in the First 
Congregational church, in the work of which he took an active and helpful part, filling a 
number of its official positions. The cause of education ever found in him a stalwart champion 
and in 1881 he was elected a trustee of the Wesleyan Academy at Wilbraham, Massachusetts, 
in which position he continued up to the time of his death. He possessed notable oratorical 
power, being an eloquent, earnest and convincing speaker. Every cause for good found in him 
a champion, every movement for the public welfare an earnest supporter. Prominent as he 
was in the public life of the community and of the state, it is said that his best traits of 
character were reserved for his own fireside and that he was an ideal husband and father. 
Governor Woodruff at the time of his death expressed a general sentiment when he said: 
"The death of Judge Hubbard is a distinct loss to the community. He was a man of fine 
ability and a lovable character. He was the soul of courtesy and good nature. His public 
speeches at political conventions and elsewhere were gems of oratory. He had a marvelous 
command of the English language." Even those who opposed him politically entertained 
for him tlie highest respect, knowing the integrity of his opinions and of his character. 



HON. LIVINGSTON W. CLEAVELAND. 

Judge Livingston Warner Cleaveland was born January 31, 1860, at South Egiemont, 
Berkshire county, Massachusetts. His father, Eev. James Bradford Cleaveland, a well 
known Connecticut Congregational clergyman, died April 31, 1889. His mother, Elizabeth 
H. Jocelyn Cleaveland poetess, author of the widely read poem "No Sects in Heaven," died 
in New Haven, January 19, 1911. Her father was the late Nathaniel Jocelyn, the noted 
portrait painter of New Haven, and one of the founders of the American Bank Note 
Company of New York city. Judge Cleaveland is a direct descendant paternally of Gover- 
nor William Bradford, of the Mayflower, and Moses Cleaveland; maternally, a descendant of 
John Howland and Elizabeth Tilley, passengers on the Mayflower, related by common an- 
cestry, paternally to Grover Cleveland and Governor Chauncey F. Cleveland, and maternally 
to John Adams, John Quincy Adams and Governor Jonathan Trumbull. 

Livingston W. Cleaveland graduated from the law department of Yale College with the 
degree of LL. B., in 1881. He is now secretary of his class. In 1888 he received the degree 
of M. L. from Yale University. His first occupation was the law. Prior to his admission 
to the bar, however, he had been employed during vacation periods, for a number of years, 
in the National Tradesmen's Bank of New Haven. He was elected judge of probate for the 
district of New Haven in 1894. The first republican to hold that office in nearly thirty 




HON. LIVINGSTON W. CLEAVELAND 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 175 

years, he was elected for six terms of two years each. In 1898 he was the only republican 
on the ticket, national, state or local, to carry New Haven. In 1900, when Bryan carried 
Xew Haven and the democratic candidate for governor carried the city by about four 
thousand five hundred. Judge Cleaveland carried the city by about one thousand, one hun- 
dred. He carried every town in his district every time he ran and occupied the office 
longer than anj' one elected in nearly a century. In 1906 he declined to be a candidate 
again and accordingly in January, 1907, resumed his law practice. Among the noted cases 
heard by him was the will case of the late Philo S. Bennett, with which Colonel W. J. 
Bryan was connected as executor. Before going on the bench, Mr. Cleaveland was a 
member of the board of eouneilmen of Xew Haven two terms, 1891-1892, representing the 
tenth ward, and a member of the Board of Finance of Xew Haven, representing the board 
of councilman. In 1902 .Judge Cleaveland received one hundred and fifty-eight votes in 
the state convention for the republican nomination for governor of Connecticut. Judge 
Cleaveland is a member of the International Law Association, the American Bar Associa- 
tion, and of its Local Council for Connecticut, the State Bar Association of Connecticut, 
Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences, Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descend- 
ants, the Graduates Club, New Haven Chamber of Commerce, the Improved Order of Hep- 
tasophs (Supreme Committee on Laws 1894-1896), and the Xew Haven Charter Revision 
Committee; is a director of the X'ew Haven Young Men's Kepublican Club Committee, a 
director of the Xew Haven Colony Historical Society, treasurer of the Xew Haven branch 
of the Xational Association for the Advancement of Colored People; one of the national man- 
agers of the American Sunday School Union, and chairman of the State Young Men's 
Christian Association. He was president of the Connecticut State Y'oung Men's Christian 
Association convention in 1903, 1909, 1913, 1914, 1915 and 1916; moderator of the Con- 
necticut Congregational Conference in 1903; president of the Xew Haven Congregational 
Club in 1900; has been superintendent of the X"ew Haven City Mission Sunday School 
since 1889; is a deacon of the United (Cong'l) Church of New Haven, and was chairman 
of the Xew Haven Independence Day Celebration Committee 1910-14. He was chairman of 
the local finance committee for the Xational Council of Congregational Churches held at 
X^cw Haven in 1915, has been since 1914 a member of the Xew Haven County Bar Ex- 
amining Committee on Jloral Character and since 1916 president of Admiral Foote Post 
Citizens Corps, G. A. R. Upon the passage of the selective service, war draft act by Congress 
in 1917, he was appointed by President Wilson as member of the local board for Division 
Xo. 1 in the city of Xew Haven, serving as chairman of the board. April 8, 1912, he married 
Mrs. Frances (Ferrins) Dowkontt, widow of the late Dr. George D. Dowkontt, of Xew 
York city, founder of the International Medical Missionary Society. Judge Cleaveland's law 
offices are in the Second Xational Bank building and he resides at Xo. 350 Elm street, 
New Haven, Connecticut. He is an enthusiastic horseback rider. 

Among the cases successfully tried, since his resumption of his law practice, is that 
of Blake vs. Brothers, which went to the Connecticut Supreme Court. In this case the 
question of the constitutionality of the Connecticut secret ballot act was involved. Jud^e 
Cleaveland was employed by the city of Xew Haven as special counsel to represent the 
defendant, the election moderator. He is joint author of "Probate Law and Practice of 
Connecticut," published (1915) by the Banks Law Publishing Company of Xew Y'ork. In 
1912 he delivered an historical address at the bi-centennial of the Congregational church in 
Kensington, Connecticut. 



LEVERETT MARSDEX HUBBARD, .Jr. 

Leverett !Marsden Hubbard, Jr., a banker with financial interests in Wallingford and in 
Hartford, making his home in the former city, where he was born February 15, 1882, is a 
son of Judge L. M. Hubbard. His education was acquhed in the Wesleyan Academy at Wil- 
braham, Massachusetts, from which he was gi-aduated with the class of 1901, and in the 
Princeton University, where he won his Bachelor of Science degree in 1905. He then entered 
the banking business in New York city with N. W. Harris & Company, of Xew York, Chicago 
and Boston. In 1909 the name of the firm was changed to Harris, Forbes & Company. This 



176 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

is the largest distributing bond and investment firm in the country. In 1914 ill'. Hubbard 
was made manager for Connecticut, with offices in Hartford, and supervises the interests of 
the company in this state, in which connection an extensive business has been developed. 
Besides beino- a member of that firm Mr. Hubbard is also interested in the Wallingford Trust 
Company, of which he is a director and a member of the executive committee. His long ex- 
perience in banking has made him thoroughly familiar with every phase of the work and 
with the investment btisiness, and there is perhaps no one in Connecticut better qualified to 
speak upon the value of commercial paper or to advise as to judicious investment than he 
In his political views Mr. Hubbard is a republican and has taken an active interest in local 
affairs but never as an office holder by reason of the fact that his business interests keep 
him largely away from the city. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, belonging to Compass 
Lodge, No. 9, F. & A. M., of Wallingford; St. Elmo Commandery, K. T., of Meriden; Lafay- 
ette Consistory, S. P. R. S., of Bridgeport; and Sphinx Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., of Hart- 
ford. He likewise has membership in the Quinnipiac Club, the Country Club of New Haven, 
the Princeton Club of New York and the Wallingford Club. His religious faith is indicated 
by his membership in St. Paul's Episcopal church. He resides at No. 26 South Main street 
in Wallingford and is numbered among the representative business men of Connecticut, figur- 
ing prominently in financial circles, while also widely and popularly known in social circles 
and in fraternal connections. 



HON. EDWIN EUTH\'EN KELSEY. 

Prominent among the lawyers and lawmakers of Connecticut is numbered Hon. Edwin 
Ruthven Kelsey, who is now judge of the town court and also judge of the probate court of 
Branford and who in 1912 was elected to represent his district in the state senate. 

He was born in Clinton, Middlesex county, Connecticut, September 8, 1873, and is a 
descendant of William Kelsej-, who was one of the original settlers of Killingworth, Con- 
necticut. His father, Edwin Ruthven Kelsey, was born in Clinton and took up the profes- 
sion of school teaching, while later he engaged in the business of manufacturing fish oils 
and fertilizer products, establishing a large plant for his business on Darrows island, off the 
town of Branford, in 1870. This was during the days of the large fishing industry in this 
locality and he conducted a business of extensive proportions, with which he was connected 
until 1908, when he retired from active life. He was always much interested in public edu- 
cation and was a helpful member of the Branford board of education. He also served as 
president of the board of trustees of Short Beach Union chapel and he was vice president of 
the Short Beach Association. He made his home at Short Beach, Branford, and there passed 
away February 5, 1910, honored and respected by all and most of all where he was best 
known. In early manhood he wedded Charlotte Parks, who was born at Clinton, Connecticut, 
a daughter of Edwin Parks and a representative of one of the old families of Clinton. She 
still survives and now lives at the Kelsey home at Short Beach. 

Edwin Ruthven Kelsey acquired his early education in the Morgan school at Clinton, 
Connecticut, and then entered Yale, in which he won the Bachelor of Arts degree upon gradu- 
ation with the class of 1897. His broad literary learning served as an excellent foundation 
unon which to rear the superstructure of professional knowledge which to acquire he entered 
the Yale Law School, from which he was graduated in 1899 with the LL. B. degree. For a 
time he engaged in active practice as a member of the firm of Harriman & Kelsey, well 
known attorneys of New Haven. In 1901 he was appointed deputy judge of the town court 
of Branford and held that position for eight years. In 1909 he was appointed judge of the 
town court and is still serving upon the bench. In the fall of 1911 he was elected judge of 
the probate coiut of the town of Branford to fill out an unexpired term, taking the office 
in January, 1912. In that year he was elected for a two years' term and was reelected in 
1914 and in 1916, so that he is still the incumbent in the office, having served continuously 
since the 1st of January, 1912. In 1912 he was elected state senator, serving during the 
session of 1913, during which he was made a member of the committees on fish and game, 
public health and safety, on claims and on senate appointments. He proved an active work- 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 177 

ing member of the upper house and was connected with much important constructive legis- 
lation. 

On the 26th of September, 1899, Mr. Kelsey was married to Miss Frances Elizabeth 
Watrous, of East River, in the town of Madison, New Haven county. She was born in 
Madison, a daughter of Andrew Stone and Jennie (Dudley) Watrous, who were also natives 
of Madison. Her father is a retired stone mason and now resides at East River, but the 
mother has passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Kelsey have been born four children: Frances 
Watrous, Grace Gavina, Edwin Ruthven and Roger Allen. 

!Mr. Kelsey gives his political endorsement to the men and measures of the republican 
party. He is president and treasurer of the board of trustees of the Short Beach Union 
chapel, in which position he became his father's successor and is a past master of Widows 
Son Lodge, No. 66, F. & A. M., of Branford. 



HON. DEXXIS ALBERT BLAKESLEE. 

Hon. Dennis Albert Blakeslee is conducting business as a general contractor, specializing 
largely in railroad building. At the same time he has ever recognized the duties and obliga- 
tions of citizenship and has rendered adequate return for the advantages of citizenship 
through service in ofHce. Indeed, his name is written large on the pages of Connecticut's his- 
tory, for he has been a member of its state senate, has been lieutenant governor and has also 
figured prominently in military circles. 

He was born in New Haven, March 11, 1856, and in the paternal line comes from English 
ancestors, while in the maternal line he is of Scotch descent. His parents were Charles Wells 
and Martha Jane Blakeslee. The former was a well known contractor and was born near 
Westfield, Massachusetts, August 11, 1824, a son of Mathew Gilbert Blakeslee. He was ten 
years of age when his parents returned to Connecticut, after which he resided for a time in 
Hamden. Later he worked on a farm through the summer months, while in the winter 
seasons he attended school and while still quite young he began taking small contracts in 
New Haven. In 1844 he purchased his home property on George street and there en- 
gaged in farming on the land now occupied by Grace Hospital. In 1872 he began tak- 
ing contracts for street paving and his business grew year by year until it reached mam- 
moth proportions. In later years he admitted his sons to a partnership and finally they 
took over the responsibilities of the business, thus relieving the father of all care. He 
gave his political allegiance to the republican party from the time of its organization 
and his religious faith was that of the Methodist church, to the teachings of which he 
gave loyal supjiort. Mr. Blakeslee was married twice. He first wedded Eliza Clark, a 
native of ililford. who passed away in New Haven. For his second wife he chose Martha 
Jane (Waters) Blair, the widow of Basil Blair, of New Haven. By her former marriage 
she had two children. William H. Blair and ilrs. .lasper Copley. The children born of the 
second marriage are Dennis A., Dwight Welsh, Phebe, Clarence, Mrs. Martha Lyman Law and 
Theodore R. The last named married Miss Addie Hawley and their children are Vera M., 
Gladys, Dwight W. and Frank. 

From early youth Dennis A. Blakeslee had plenty of farm work to do, such as milking 
the cows, delivering milk and caruig for the horses. He has never regretted the early 
training he received, however, and believes that all boys should have some regular work to 
do, as it inculcates habits of industry, thrift and perseverance. \Vben he was sixteen years 
of age he started upon his life work as a timekeeper for his father on a contract at Bridge- 
port. He quickly learned the contracting business in principle and detail and has spent his 
entire life as a general contractor. In this luidertaking he is associated with his brother and 
the firm has had many large and important contracts and has been most successful. They 
have largely specialized in railroad building and in this connection are widely known. Their 
interests are conducted under the firm stj'le of C. W. Blakeslee & Sons. 

On the 4th of December, 1878, Dennis Blakeslee was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie 
Law and their children are Hattie F., Martha, Albert D., Harold L., Miles Grant and Dorothy. 
The parents are members of the Congregational church and fraternally Mi-. Blakeslee is 
connected with the Masons. His political support is given to the republican party and in 



178 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

1880 and 1881 he was a member of the New Haven common council. From 1884 until 1890 he 
served as fire commissioner of Xew Haven and later was called upon for more important pub- 
lic service. In 1906 he was elected a member of the state senate for a two years' term and 
in 1908 was reelected to that office, so that he remained a member of the upper house of the 
state legislature for five years. His position upon any vital question is never an equivocal 
one. He thoroughly studies the questions and issues of the day, carefully considers each 
public problem from every possible standpoint and when once he has determined upon a 
course never falters in his advocacy thereof. He' has also been lieutenant governor of Con- 
necticut and for twenty-five years has been numbered among the most loyal and influential 
republicans of the state. For eight years he was a member of the Second Company of the 
Governor's Horse Guard and for part of that time was major in command of the organiza- 
tion. His life work has brought him prominently before the public and among the leading 
men of Connecticut the record of none has perhaps been more faultless in honor, fearless 
in conduct or stainless in reputation. 



WILLIAM CHARLES HARMON. 

William Charles Harmon, president of the Pond Lily Company of New Haven and thus 
well known in manufacturing circles of the city, where he was born October 7, 1868, has 
continuously made his home here with the exception of a brief period spent upon the 
Pacific coast. His father, George M. Harmon, was a native of Brookfield, Massachusetts, 
born December 2, 1837, and removed to New Haven prior to the Civil war. After the out- 
break of hostilities with the south he joined the army as a member of the Company F, 
Fourth Connecticut Infantry, becoming a second lieutenant. This command was afterward 
changed to the First Connecticut Heavy Artillery^ in which he was made captain of Com- 
pany G. After the war he turned his attention to manufacturing in New Haven and in his 
later years was also interested in business enterprises in New York and Boston. He was 
likewise prominently identified with public affairs in his adopted city, standing at all times 
on the side of progress and improvement, and for a period he was adjutant general of 
Connecticut under Governor Bigelow. He died in 1910, while his wife passed away May 
5, 1904. She bore the maiden name of Mary A. Baldwin and was a daughter of Darius 
Baldwin, of Orange, who came from Oxford, England. The ancestral line of William Charles 
Harmon can be traced back to a remote period. His grandfather, Marvin Harmon, was 
a native of the state of New York and wedded Lavinia Jenks, a daughter of the Rev. 
Hervy Jenks, who was a descendant of Roger Williams. To Mr. and Mrs. George M. 
Harmon were born five children: George H., who died in July, 1882; Mary L., the wife 
of Charles E. Hellier, of Boston; William C; Frank W., a member of the firm of Harmon 
& Spaulding of New Haven; and Edward F., of California. 

Xo special event occurred to vary the usual routine of life for William Charles Harmon 
in his boyhood and youth. Starting out in the business world, he became a partner in a 
men's furnishing goods store in 1886, with Charles W. Wilson, establishing the firm of 
Charles W. AVilson & Company. Later the name was changed to Harmon Brothers, com- 
posed of William C. and Frank W. Harmon, and continued as such until 1897 when William 
C. retired from the firm. He afterward spent two years in California and in 1900 he 
bought an interest in the Pond Lily Company, in which he was made secretary and 
treasurer. In 1905 he purchased the controlling interest and retained his position of 
secretary and treasurer until 1912, when he became the president. 

On the 25th of March, 1890, Mr. Harmon was married in New Haven to Miss Mira 
L. Cargill, a daughter of Frank A. Cargill, of this city. They have two children, Margaret 
and William C. The daughter is a sculptress of New York city. The son was with the Calco 
Chemical Company of Boundbrook, New Jersey, until he volunteered for service in the 
ordnance department and is now holding the rank of first lieutenant. He married Ethel 
Thomas, a daughter of Captain Thomas Thomas, of New Haven, and has two children, 
Jane and Elizabeth. 

Mr. and Mrs. William 0. Harmon reside in Orange, Connecticut. He is a stanch repubUcan 
in politics where national interests are involved but at local elections casts an independent 




yh Qc/^/^^ 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 181 

ballot. He i3 prominent in club circles, holding membership with the Union League, the 
Quinnipiac, the New Haven Country, the Edgewood, the New Haven Yacht, the Silver SandB 
Clubs and the Loyal Legion. He likewise belongs to the Civic Society and stands for all 
those things which are most worth while in the life of the community. He belongs also 
to the Chamber of Commerce, while the firm of which he is the head has a membership in 
the Manufacturers Association of Connecticut, the National Association of Manufacturers 
and also the National Association of Cotton Manufacturers. Mr. Harmon is a progressive 
business man, alert to every opportunity that opens irt the natural ramifications of trade, 
and passing over the pitfalls into which unrestricted progressiveness is so frequently led, 
he has been enabled to focus his energies in direction where fruition is certain. In his 
business career, a native justice expresses itself in correct principle and practice. In civic 
matters he displays a deep earnestness impelled and fostered by indomitable perseverance, 
and in all that he does he is ruled by more than ordinary intelligence and good judgment. 



ALDEN MARCH YOUNG. 



Through the [opularizing ol electricity, many wonilerful clianges have come about during 
the last forty years. To accomplish these seemingly marvelous results, two classes of men 
were needed — the inventor and the business man. Among the latter class, few men have 
made a greater or more lasting impression upon the state of Connecticut, and, incidentally 
upon the northeastern section of the United States, than Alden March Young. 

iLr. Young was a native of Hadley, New York, born September 6, 1853. His parents were 
Dr. William S. and Esther (Kilbourne) Y'oung. His father was of Scotch descent, while the 
Kilbournes were of New Hartford stock. After completing the public school course in his 
native town, it was the intention of Mr. Young's father, who was a civil war surgeon, that 
his son should follow in his footsteps. As a consequence, Mr. Y'oung spent some time study- 
ing with his father along medical lines, and tutoring on general subjects. But Mr. Young 
soon found that his natural abilities were not having their proper development and, with 
that quick decision, which later became characteristic, he abandoned medicine as a career 
and took up electricity, which was to be the medium of his greatest help to his community. 

His first employment, along his chosen lines, was with the Western Union Telegraph 
Company at Syracuse. He soon became an expert telegrapher, and operated for the stock 
exchange in Buffalo. Later, going to New York, he became familiar with the cable depart- 
ment of the Atlantic & Pacific Telegraph Company, and then returned to Buffalo, as man- 
ager of the company there, taking this position before he reached the age of twenty-five. 

After a few unimportant changes of employment, which, however, served to broaden 
his knowledge of the practical working of electricity, as then known, Mr. Young moved 
to Materbury in .June, 1878. Here he became superintendent and manager of the Water- 
bury Automatic Signal Telegraph Company. In this capacity he installed for the Waterbury 
Clock Company the first telephone in Waterbury. 

Mr. Young's interest in electric call bells, and the incidental wiring, caused the incep- 
tion, in 1880, of the movement which resulted in the development of the New England 
Engineering Company, a corporation of which Mr. Young was president at the time of his 
death, and which operated five retail and contract departments, a New Y'ork contracting 
office, and owned the stock of a successful wholesale electric concern. This company has 
done some of the most important electric installation work in Connecticut, as well as large 
central station construction in New York, New Jersey and Ohio. Aftei having been out 
of the Waterbury Automatic Company for a short time, Mr. Young returned as secretary, 
which position he retained until 1S88. 

R'Cr. Young's interest in the expansion and uses of electricity caused him to associate 
iiimself with Messrs. Plume. Turner and A. 0. Shepardson in the chartering of a corpora- 
tion to furnish electric light and power in Waterbury. The first plant of this company 
was in a frame building on Bank street, afterwards used as a pattern shop by the Water- 
bury Farrel Foundry and Machine Company. In 1893, over two hundred miles of electric 
wire had been strung about the city. The same year the legislature amended the char- 
ter of the Waterbury Horse Railroad Company, and changed its name to the Waterbury 



182 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

Traction Company, ilr. Young became secretary, and was chiefly responsible for tlie electri- 
fication of that line. Previous to this, however, he had been the first to apply electricity 
to the movement of street railway cars in Connecticut, by electrifying the Derby Street 
Railway. He then applied power to the New Haven and West Haven road, the second in 
this state to be electrified. As a pioneer in the development of electrical energy, Mr. Young 
had to meet the opposition of the so-called vested interests. The New Haven road was 
his bitter opponent when it came to paralleling steam lines with electric trolleys. Lawyers 
still talk of the Canastotia Knife Company's famous injunction suit. This was an attempt 
by the steam road to hold up a trolley line, by preventing a necessary crossing. Mr. Young's 
piacticality was exemplified by the fact that while he employed the best obtainable legal 
talent, and left the suit to them, he anticipated the possibility of an adverse decision by 
rjuietly purchasing other property. The result was that the court decided in favor of the 
steam road, but the trolley line was built on another right of way. 

A.* the development of electricity for lighting and power purposes became more pop- 
ular, the inevitable result of such development became ap[iarcnt in the duplication of 
plants, excess overhead charges and lack of efficiency. Jlr. Young was among the first to 
see that a certain amount of consolidation was necessary in the interests of both consumers 
and owners. From this point, Mi\ Young became more the manager of men, than of physical 
instrumentalitj', and one of his most notable works was the creation of the Connecticut Rail- 
way & Lighting Company, which absorbed so many of the railway and lighting properties 
in Connecticut, and welded them into a unit capable of proper and economical operation. 
Gradually Mr. Young's activities carried him beyond the borders of Connecticut, and he organ- 
ized, reorganized and consolidated companies in many cities and towns in New York and 
New .Jersey, and later in Ohio, always building up and leaving the industry in a more effi- 
cient condition than he found it. 

Among others, he was interested in the .\lban.y Soutliern Railroad Company, King's 
County Electric Light & Power Company, Edison Electric Illuminating Company of Brook- 
lyn, Fairmont & Clarksbiu'g Traction Company, Northern Westchester Lighting Company, 
Corning Power & Light Company, Dayton Power & Light Company, and companies in Pouglf 
keepsie and Plattsburg, New York, Palmer, Massachusetts, and Newark, Elizabeth, Paterson, 
Dover, Somerville, Morristown and Boonton, New .Jersey. 

The result of Mr. Young's activities made a New York office a necessity and resulted 
in his leaving Waterbury and spending his winters in or about New York, and his summers 
at Pine Orchard. In 1898 he succeeded Mr. Samuel Insull as president of the National Elec- 
tric Light Association. His wide knowledge of public utilities caused the larger operators 
to feel the necessity of his services, and he appeared on the boards of the American Gas 
& Electric Company, the Electric Bond & Share Company, and the American Power & Light 
Company. 

Air. Young's activities were not confined solely to the electrical industry. He was a 
director of the National Carbon Company, a cement company, two real estate companies, 
and was interested in many other ventures. 

After moving to New York, Mr. Young took into his office Milton .J. Warner, one of 
his sons-in-law, and later formed the partner.ship of Young & Warner, which managed the 
various Young properties. 

Upon leaving Waterbury, ilr. Young spent his summers with liis family at Pine Orchard 
and considered that locality his home. At the time of his first purchase. Pine Orchard was 
practically undeveloped. His restless energy and capacity foir making friends and improv- 
ing situations was largely responsible for the creation of what is now one of Connecticut's 
most highly developed summer colonies. The Chapel, which is the center of the religious 
life of the community, as well as the Country C^ub, which is the center of its social and 
athletic life, are largely the results of Mr. Young's activity and generosity. He is responsible 
for the act of legislature which gave Pine Orchard a unique frame of government, and the re- 
sult ot his choice of a home is that where there were once a few scattered houses, there is now 
a closely knit community supplied with water, gas, electric and trolley facilities, to say 
nothing of well laid out streets, bordered by closely clipped hedges, which give it the appear- 
ance of an English village. Mr. Young keenly appreciated the beauties of nature and was 
never happier than when walking about his beautiful estate, which combined in so rare a 
ilegree the charm of shore, woods and hills. 



AND EASTEKN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 183 

On May 7, 18T4, Mr. Young married Miss Ellen A, Shepardson, the daughter of Mr. and 
Mrs. Otis Shepardson, of Waterbury. Mr. and Mrs. Young became the parents of four 
daughters, Mis. Jlilton -J. Warner, ilrs. .John H. C4oss, Mrs. George M. Smith, and ilrs. Her- 
bert D. Gallaudet. 

Mr. Young died very suddenly, in Xew York, on December 3, 1911, and is buried in 
Waterbury. 

To sum up the life of such a man in a few words is impossible. His vision of the future 
and his driving energj' brought to this community the results of inventions and improve- 
ments many years before they might have been normally expected. A man of rare charm, 
he was a stanch friend, never an enemy, a loving husband and an indulgent father, and a 
man whose passing left a void in both family and community. 



PHILIP POXU. 



Philip Pond is an attorney of New Haven who is also well known in fraternal and 
club circles, and the interests and activities of his life have placed him in a prominent 
position here. He was born on the 8th of August, 1866, in New Haven, a son of .Jonathan 
W. and Charlotte L. (White) Pond. The father, a native of Plymouth, Connecticut, is 
descended from an old New England family of English lineage, the ancestral line being 
traced back to Samuel Pond. Jonathan Pond filled various positions of public honor and 
trust in New Haven county for about forty years. He was the first chief of police of 
New Haven and in politics he took an active part as a supporter of democratic principles. 
He also engaged in the insurance business for many years and became widely known in 
that connection. His religious faith was that of the Episcopal church and he served as a 
vestryman of St. Thomas church for forty years or more, being the senior vestryman 
at the time of his death which occurred in May, 1908, when he had reached the venerable 
age of eighty-three years. His wife is a native of Tolland county, Connecticut, and is a 
direct descendant of Elder John White, one of the first settlers of New England and of 
English descent. Mrs. Pond still survives at the age of eighty-six years. In the family 
were two sons, the elder being Walter who is also an attorney of New Haven. 

At the usual age Philip Pond became a public school pupil and continued his course 
through consecutive grades to the high school. He afterward attended Yale College, from 
which he was graduated in 1888 with the B. A. degree and in 1890 he won the B. L. degree 
upon completing the law course at Yale. For twenty years he was secretary of his class 
in the Y'ale academic department. After his graduation he entered upon the practice of 
law in which he has since continued, and his ability has brought him prominently before 
the public as counsel for the defense or prosecution in various notable cases. He is a close 
and discriminating student and his careful preparation has been one of the strong elements 
in his growing success. 

Mr. Pond has been married twice. On the 1st of .lune, 1893, at Bolton, Connecticut, 
he wedded Harriet Hunt Sumner, a cousin of former Lieutenant Governor George G. .Sumner 
and a representative of one of the old Connecticut families. Her parents were the late 
Sherman and Jane V. (Keeney) Sumner, the latter now living at Bolton at the age of 
eighty-seven years. Mrs. Pond passed away July 14, 1894. after a brief but happy married 
life of thirteen months and thirteen days. On the 15th of September, 1897, in New York 
city, Mr. Pond married Miss Elizabeth Bishop Giles, a native of New Jersey and a rep- 
resentative of the Bishop family which was established in New England at an earlj' period 
in the colonization of the new world. Her paternal ancestors were of an old New .Jersey 
family. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Pond are identified with many important organizations. In the strict 
line of his profession he has connection with the Connecticut Bar Association and the 
American Bar Association, and he also belongs to the legal fraternity. Phi Delta Phi. He 
is a past grand of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has also been grand repre- 
sentative from Connecticut of the sovereign grand lodge for several years. He holds 
membership in the Graduates Club, in the Y'oung Men's Republican Club, the Automobile 
Club, of which he was formerly president, the Sons of the American Revolution and the 



184 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

Chamber of Commerce and various scientific and literary organizations. He is likewise a 
member of St. Thomas Episcopal church. In politics he was originally a Cleveland demo- 
crat but became a republican during tlie Bryan campaign. He has never been an office 
seeker, preferring to devote his time and attention to the practice of law, in which con- 
nection he has made for himself an enviable position. Mrs. Pond is also prominent in club 
circles and in [uiblic activity. She holds membership in Mary Clap Wooster Chapter, 
Daughters of the American Revolution, the New Haven Woman's Club, in the Red Cross, in 
the Civic Federation, is on the New Haven City Mission Board and is active in charity work. 
In a word their interests are broad and varied and on the whole are of that Ixelpful nature 
which reaches out in an effort to pronujte tlio public- welfare and u|i1iold civic standards 
and also work for the betterment of the individual. 



JOHN RAPHAEL REMBERT. 

Through an active and successful business career John Raphael Rembert was closely 
associated with the commercial interests of New Haven, where he was also widely known 
as a valued citizen and a man of honor and worth. He was born in Wallingford, New 
Haven county, Connecticut, July 30, 1853, a son of Stephen and Sarah Laura (Hiddleston) 
Rembert. He came of a family of French lineage, the founder of the family in America 
having been a Hugenot who settled in South Carolina, where his descendents have lived 
for many generations. 

Stephen Rembert, father of John Raphael Rembert, was born in Georgetown county. 
South Carolina, in October, 1831, and was there reared and educated. He was a splendid 
type of the southern gentleman, displaying the southern geniality and hospitality and at 
all times carefully guarding his honor and his good name. Tlirough the summer seasons 
he resided in Wallingford, which had been the birthplace of his wife, and the winter months 
were spent in their southern home. After the Civil war he continued to reside in the 
south, there remaining until called to his final rest. He was greatly devoted to his family 
and was a man highly respected by all who knew him. He had married Sarah Laura Hid- 
dleston, who was born in Wallingford, Connecticut, April 9, 1831, and, who passed away in 
Georgetown, South Carolina, in 1903. She was a daughter of John and Sybil (Mansfield) 
Hiddleston, the former a native of South Carolina and the latter a native of Connecticut, 
her father having been John Mansfield. To Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Rembert were born six 
children: John Raphael; Henry H.. who resides in his southern home in South Carolina; 
Robert H., who died at the age of ten years; Herbert, who in 1881 was murdered by a negro 
in his employ; Florine S. and Mary, both of whom died in womanhood. 

John Raphael Rembert spent his boyhood in Wallingford, his native city, and supple- 
mented his early education, acquired in its public schools, by further study in the schools 
of New Haven. After putting aside his textbooks he entered the employ of a Mr. Gould 
of New Haven, who was a well known stationery dealer and who used wagons in traveling 
through diflterent towns, selling stationery to the trade. On attaining his majority John 
R. Rembert took up a seafaring life, to which he devoted a period of three years, shipping 
on steamers engaged in the South American trade. This brought him wide experience among 
the people of the southern continent. Returning to Connecticut, he located in New Haven, 
where he embarked in business on his own account, opening a stationery store wliicli he 
continued to conduct throughout the remainder of his active life, covering a period of 
more than forty years. He carried on the business alone for a number of years and in 
1898 he admitted John B. Tower to a partnership, after which the business was car-' '• 
on under the firm style of John R. Rembert & Company but is now ca" ■ Joi... ' 

Rembert Company. This became one of the best known firms in the ci Misiness 

of large and gratifying proportions was built up. For a number of years . located 

on State street and later a removal was made to the Chamber of Con je b- •^,. "'■''•. 

Rembert remained in active business until within a year and a half of his dea ■ ^e 

met with an accident, falling from a street car on Whitney avenue. This so unaermined 
his health that he passed away September 18, 1913, his remains being interred in the Mem- 




X-,4<y&<^^-^--t^V^ 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 187 

orial cemetery in Wallingford. He is survived by liis widow, who is still a resident of New 
Haven. 

It was on tlie 30th of July, 1884, that he wedded Charlotte Rosette Johnson, who was 
burn ill Waterbury. a daughter of Riley and Louisa M. (Bronson) Johnson. Mrs. Rembert 
is descended from several of the oldest and best known families of Connecticut. She still 
oecu|iies the attractive residence on Everit street, which was completed by Mr. Rembert in 
1907. He was most devoted to his home and found his greatest happiness at his own fire- 
side. He was also a great lover of nature and the surroundings of his home bespeak his 
artistic taste and temperament. He was also much devoted to art and literature and found 
great joy in those things wliich are of cultural value. 

As a young man Mr. Rembert was keenly interested in politics but less in his later 
years though he took a deep interest in the progress and welfare of city, state and nation. 
He resided in the tenth ward for many years and while there living his party nominated him 
for the position of alderman, but the tenth was a strong republican ward and in consequence 
he was defeated. He attended St. John's Episcopal church and, his patriotic devotion to and 
love of his country caused him to give intelligent cooperation to the work of the Sons of the 
American Revolution, holding membership with the Connecticut Society of that organization. 
He likewise had membership in Hiram Lodge, Xo. 1, F. & A. M., and he was a member of 
the Union League Club of New Haven. A gentleman of the highest type, devoted to friends 
and family, in his death New Haven lost a most loj-al American citizen whose recognition 
of public obligations led to the faithful performance of every duty that devolved upon him. 



FREDERICK JL \\'ARD. 



The s])irit of modern business enterprise, of thorough mastery of each detail of business 
and marked initiative characterize the efforts of Frederick M. Ward, president of The 
Frederick M. Ward Company, conducting a real estate and mortgage loan business in New 
Haven, along which lines of activity he has advanced to prominence in business and financial 
circles. He was born in New Britain, Connecticut, April 24, 1856, a son of Alexander and 
Louise B. (North) Ward. The father was a native of Kensington, Connecticut, while the 
mother was born in New Britain. They spent their entire lives in this state. He died in 
1912 at the notable old age of ninety-five years, while his wife passed away in New Haven 
in 1909 at tlie age of eighty-three years. They had a family of two children, the younger 
being Mrs. Wells Campbell of this city. 

Frederick M. Ward attended the schools of New Britain and of New Haven, and in his 
youthful days began work on a farm at Manchester, Connecticut, devoting eight years to 
general agricultural pursuits. On the expiration of that period he returned to New Haven, 
where he took up office work, and eventually he acce])ted a clerkship in a real estate office, 
thus directing his efforts for the first time in the line of business in which he is now 
so successfully engaged. He became interested in real estate activities and in 1900 deter- 
mined to engage in that line of business on his own account. He had carefully studied 
tlie situation and the methods in vogue and had evolved several very progressive ideas 
as to methods of procedure. These he at once put into practice and their value was 
proven in the immediate .success which attended his efforts. In 1911 he incorporated his 
interests under the name of The Frederick M. Ward Company, of which he became the head, 
with Herbert B. Townsend as secretary and his nephew, Frederic W. Campbell as treasurer. 
The firm conducts a large real estate, mortgage and loan business, and the volume of their 
business and their progressive methods place them in the foremost ranks of those in this 
field. They are most careful in placing investments, and have placed over two million 
dollars in loans in New Haven without the loss of a single dollar of interest or principal. 
They exercise the utmost care in making appraisals and always investigate the character 
and business ability of a borrower. Their methods bear the closest investigation and scrutiny 
and they never hesitate to explain their methods in detail. The Frederick M. Ward Company 
occupies a most attractive office building and upon close application, sound, discriminating 
.judgment and incorruptible integi'ity their business has been built up. 

On the 14th of December, 1912, Mr. Waird was united in marriage to Mrs. Minnie (Seelye) 



188 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

Post, a daughter of Seth T. Seelye, who was a well known citizen of New Haven. Her 
father belonged to a highly respected and influential family and held important offices of 
trust, serving as city clerk for a number of years. 

Mr. Ward is a member of Wooster Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of whicli he is a past master, 
and he also holds membership in the Masonic Club. He has worked his way steadily upward 
to his present position of prominence and leadership in business circles, wisely utilizing his 
time and talents, and the splendid record that he has made should serve to encourage and 
inspire others, indicating what may be accomplished tlirough lavidable ambition coupled with 
persistency of purpose. 



GEORGE W. HUBBARD. 



George W. Hubbard is one of New Haven's energetic and progressive young business 
men and is rapidly pushing to the front among the leaders in this buy world. He is 
vice president of the W. F. Gilbert Coal Company and is regarded as one of the most 
aggressive business men of the city. He was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on the 
24th of October, 1884, and is a son of George W. and Susan (Simmons) Hubbard, the 
former also a native of Providence and the latter of Massachusetts. For many years the 
father was engaged in the real estate business in Providence, where he died in 1893, but 
the mother is still living and continues to reside in that city. In the family were three 
children, the daughters being Mrs. Carl B. Howland and Mrs. C. A. Minor, of New Haven. 

George W. Hubbard, the youngest member of the family and the only son, spent his 
boyhood and youth in Providence, where he attended the public schools, and completed his 
education at Trinity College, from which he was graduated in 1908 after having pursued 
an academic course. In 1907 he began work for the W. F. Gilbert Coal Company in a 
minor position and gradually worked his way upward until he is now vice president of the 
company and one of its stockholders. This is one of the most extensive coal companies 
in the state and is under the able management of other such progressive and enterprising 
business men a.s Mr. Hubbard. 

On the 3d of June, 1908, he was united in marriage to Miss Grace D. Lawton, of 
Providence, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel P. Lawton, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard 
hold membership in St. John's church and he is identified with the Masonic fraternity, 
having taken the degrees of both the Scottish and York Rites. He belongs to the Quinni- 
piac Country Club and is independent in politics. He is one of New Haven's most public- 
spirited citizens and takes an active interest in all enterprises calculated to promote 
the interests of the city. 



CLARENCE LINDEN CLARK. 

Clarence Linden Clark, vice president of the Benedict & Pardee Company of New 
Haven, his native city, was born July 15, 1866, the third in order of birth in a family of 
four children whose parents were Henry W. and Jane (Williamson) Clark, who were natives 
of Milford and of Cromwell, Connecticut, respectively. For many years the father was a 
well known building contractor and was identified with many important building projects 
of New Haven, where he still makes his home although now retired from business life at 
the ripe old age of eighty-three years. His wife passed away in 1903, wlien in tlie sixty- 
fourth year of her age. 

After leaving high school Clarence L. Clark started to earn a livelihood as an employe 
of the Benedict & Pardee Company, securing the position of office boy in 1883. He worked 
hard, studied everj' phase of the business which came within his province and rose graduallv 
through his own efforts, winning advancement from one position to another until he is today 
the vice president of the company and one of its largest stockholders. His singleness of 
purpose, his concentration upon a given line, his indefatigable energy and his loyalty have 
been the salient factors in his business progress. His cooperation has been sought along 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 189 

other lines iind fruiii time to time lu' 1ms made wise investment in other business interests. 
He is now the president and one of the directors of the West Side Coal & Supply Company of 
Mount Vernon, New York, and was the founder of the Valley Improvement Association, of 
wliich he has been president from the beginning. 

On the 24th of January, 1893, Mr. Clark was married to Miss Mary Hoyt Lee, a 
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. .James H. Lee. Jlr. and Jlrs. Clark hold membership in the Con- 
gregational church of West Haven and Jlr. Clark was superintendent of the Sunday school 
for twelve years. He is an exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has 
taken the commandery and consistory degrees. He is also connected with the Royal Arcanum 
and his appreciation of the social amenities of life is indicated in his membership in the 
Quinnipiac and New Haven Country Clubs. He is president of the library board of West 
Haven and in a word he is interested in all those forces which work for material, intellectual, 
social, civic and moral progress. He is never content to choose the second best, but holds 
to high ideals in all that he undertakes and eagerly embraces every opportunity to raise man 
to those levels. 



BURTON MANSFIELD. 



As an honored member for almost forty years of New Haven's fraternity of lawyers, 
as a leader in every good work of law or civics or religion, as a state official whose com- 
manding ability makes him independent of the limitations of party, aa a churchman high 
in the councils of his denomination in city, state and nation, Burton Mansfield has an 
enviable place in the respect and love of the New Haven community. He was born in 
Hamden, Connecticut, on the 4th of April, 1856. His father, Jesse Merrick Mansfield, a 
direct descendant of one of the first settlers of New Haven, was born in Hamden, July 
11, 1801. The elder Mansfield's mother was a niece of President Stiles of Yale, and he 
was married in 1850 to Catharine Betsey Warner of Hamden. They established their home 
in New Haven in 1861, five years after Burton Mansfield was born. There they passed 
away, the father in March, 1878, and the mother in September, 1889. 

Burton Mansfield received his early education in the public schools of New Haven, and 
prepared for college at the Rectory school in Hamden and the Hopkins grammar school of 
New Haven. He entered SheflSeld Scientific School in 1872, and was gradiiatcd with the 
class of 1875. Then taking the law course, he received his degree of LL. B. from Yale in 
1878. Admitted to the bar the same year, he opened an office in the old Law Chambers 
at 179 Church street. New Haven, where he remained for thirty-four years, removing in 
1912 to 42 Church street. His natural force and ability, and his tlioroughness of training, 
gave him almost from the start a commanding position in his profession. He is known as a 
master in the handling of intricate and difficult cases, and has had a wide experience in 
practice of the higher class. But with all his natural ability he attributes his success above 
all tilings to hard work, maintaining that "there is no excellence without labor." He 
liepends on facts well presented, on the justice of his cause, not on eloquence or clever 
argument or the confusion of adverse witnesses, for the winning of his cause. A great 
measure of his practice, however, is outside the courts, and there are few lawyers of New 
Haven who bear a greater weight of important trusts imposed by clients who seek man- 
agement and counsel, not litigation. As counselor in the fine old sense, Mr. Mansfield 
represents the ideal of his honored profession. 

So exacting a private practice would be expected to leave a man little time for public 
office, but public office of an important character has sought Mr. Mansfield. It was in 
recognition of his thoroughness and broad ability that Governor Luzon B. Jlorris in 1893 
appointed him insurance commissioner of Connecticut. He filled that position so well 
that in 1911 Governor Simeon E. Baldwin, who had exceptional opportunity for knowing 
of the value of his work, called him to the position again. Mr. Mansfield is a democrat, 
and Governor Marcus H. Holcomb, who had the position to fill in 1915, is a republican. 
The leaders of the governor's party naturally, in conformity with Connecticut custom, 
expected the disposal of the important position of insurance commissioner. Governor Hoi- 



190 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

comb's answer was, "I shall appoint Burton Mansfield," and there was nothing to say. 
It was one of the finest examples in recent Connecticut politics of the mastery of merit. 

It is a question whether Mr. Mansfield loves most his profession or his church. He 
has from early youth been identified with the Church of England, and both he and his wife, 
whom as Miss Anna Rosalie Mix, daughter of Elihu L. Mix of New Haven, he married in 
1900, have long been prominent in the membership and work of St. Thomas Episcopal 
church. There Jlr. Jlansficld is a vestryman and has held various other offices in the parish 
and in the diocese of Connecticut. Seven times has he been chosen a deputy from Con- 
necticut to the triennial general convention of the Episcopal church, and he is now a mem- 
ber of its general board of missions and of several other church boards at large. His 
activities in religious work have not been confined to his own denomination, for Mr. Mans- 
field is thoroughly catholic in spirit and possesses in an eminent degree the sense of church 
brotherhood. Many times he has been called to leadership in a work that engaged the 
laymen of all the churches of New Haven, and his leading has been elieerfully followed. 

Mr. Mansfield is a member of Connecticut's state commission of sculpture and is 
known as the author of several valuable pamphlets. He also holds a prominent position 
in club life, belonging to all the principal New Haven clubs, to the Yale Alumni Association 
of New Haven, of which he was president for two years, and to the Century and Lotos Clubs 
of New York citv. 



PHILIP HIGO. 



One of New Haven's most estimaljle public officials is Philip Hugo, wlio for many years 
has enjoyed the respect of the leading people of this community by reason of his business 
integrity, his public spirit and his open-handed generosity and philanthropy. There are 
various chapters in his life record which are admirable and worthy of all praise. He is now 
serving as sheriff of New Haven county and is making an exceptionally efficient officer not- 
withstanding the fact that he has passed the seventy-sixth milestone on life's journey. He 
Avas born in Bavaria, Germany, March 8, 1841, a son of .Tohann and Anna Voelker (Evers) 
Hugo, who emigrated to America in 1862, settling first in Terryville, Connecticut, but after- 
ward coming to New Haven. The father followed farming in the early years of his residence 
in this state but in New Haven retired from active labor. He and his wife enjoyed a long 
and happy married life covering sixty-three years and were separated in death only a short 
period. Their family numbered eight sons and two daughters. 

After thorough educational training in Germany, Philip Hugo entered upon an appren- 
ticeship in a large mercantile establishment, where he served for four years. He then de- 
cided to follow his parents to America and came to the new world in 1865. Having no 
knowledge of the English language, he was somewhat handicapped in the early days, but he 
quickly mastered the tongue and, moreover, acquainted himself as rapidly as pos.sible with 
the customs and the business methods of the country. He secured a position with O. B. 
North and after a little time conceived the idea of manufacturing paper bags. This was 
in 1866, at which date no machinery had been invented for paper bag manufacturing, the 
work being done by hand. He took up the business, which he conducted successfully for a 
short time but later joined a Mr. Mueller, a fellow countryman, in the establishment of a 
German newspaper which they called the Connecticut Observer and which became a popular 
and liberally patronized sheet among the German speaking people of the state. Mr. Hugo 
was connected with its publication until 1869, when he sold out to his partner and estab- 
lished a grocery business which became one of the leading commercial enterprises of the 
city. On account of the widespread financial panic which had its beginning in 1873 and 
caused hard times for a decade, he was forced to suspend after manfully struggling along 
for about ten years. In 1884 he was elected to the office of town clerk, which position he 
continuously filled until 1889, when he resigned to again embark in the grocery business. 
Success attended this second venture and the business was carried on by him until he became 
interested in the insurance business as representative of the Germania and Mutual Life In- 
surance Companies, conducting a profitable agency for eleven years or until he was elected 
sheriff of New Haven county in 1907. At this time he turned over the business to his two 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 191 

sons, who are now among the successful insurance and real estate men of the city. It is a fact 
worthy of note and of favorable comment that Mr. Hugo's failure in the grocery business 
was due to a combination of circumstances caused by the widespread financial panic and his 
o-enerosity. When the panic broke he was doing an annual business of upwards of two lum- 
dred thousand dollars and carried sixty-five thousand dollars in accounts, attempting in this 
way to assist others in these times of stress. Then, when he considered it his duty and felt 
in honor bound to suspend business he was tendered financial assistance by his many friends, 
but he manfully declined to accept their generous ofl'er and liquidated all his personal in- 
debtedness — a circumstance which shows his admii-able qualities and spirit. As sheriff' of 
the county he has proven one of the most able officers of the state, prompt, faithful and 
efficient in the discharge of his various duties. 

On the 10th of April, 1864, Mr. Hugo was married in Nuremberg, Germany, to Miss 
Elizabeth Stuermer, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johann Stuermer. Thirteen children have 
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hugo of whom seven survive as follows: Mrs. Grace Bassermann, 
a widow, who is now matron of the county jail; Mrs. Anna E. Smith, also a widow, living 
in New Haven ; John, who is engaged in the real estate and insurance business ; Elizabeth ; 
Mrs. Kate Monz; Mrs. Mary Theresa Donohue, a widow; and Simon M., who is associated 
with his brother in the real estate and insurance business. There are sixteen grandchildren 
and five great-grandchildren. 

Mr. Hugo belongs to the Deutsche Gesellschaft and the Liederkranz. He is also identified 
with the Harugari and he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masonic 
fraternity. He is loyal to the teachings and purposes of these organizations, which are 
based upon a spirit of mutual help and benevolence. Throughout the long years of his 
residence in New Haven he has become well known in business and official circles and everj'- 
where is spoken of in terras of highest regard. 



MRS. BEREY LEE MOTT. 



Few women of New Haven have been so closely and prominently associated with those 
jiublic activities which constitute uplifting forces in the world's work as has Mrs. Berry 
Lee j\Iott. the former president of the Connecticut Congress of Mothers, an active church 
worker and prominent club woman. In her maidenhood Sadie Frederika Bentley, she was 
born in Goshen, Connecticut, June 10, 1861; and in the paternal line is descended from 
George Bentley, -one of the early settlers of Stonington, Connecticut, of 1638. Her father. 
Courtland Wheeler Bentley, was born in Stonington, devoted his life to teaching and to 
farming and passed away July 30, 1890, at the age of fifty-nine years. His wife, Anna 
(Stanton) Bentley, was a daughter of .Jesse Stanton and a direct descendant of Thomas 
Stanton, who settled in Stonington in 1636 and was official interpreter for the Indians. 
Mrs. Bentley was a lady of liberal education and was a capable teacher in the public 
schools of Sharon, her native town. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bentley were devoted members of 
the Baptist church. The latter passed away April 10, 1888, at the age of forty-nine years. 

Their daughter, Sadie F. Bentley, was educated in the Goshen Academy and she, too, 
took up the profession of teaching, to which she devoted twelve years in the public schools 
of Connecticut. On the 21st of May, 1890, she became the wife of Berry Lee Mott, of New 
Haven, and in the fall of that year became a resident of this city. She united with the 
Calvary Baptist church soon after her arrival, thus becoming identified with one of the 
strongest and most effective church organizations of the city. In its work she has since 
taken active, helpful and prominent part and on special occasions has addressed its audiences 
from the pulpit. For five years she was president of the Ladies' Benevolent Society of the 
church and she has been connected with many of the movements in which women in recent 
years have taken active part. She was one of the early members of the New Haven 
Mothers" Club, now the New Haven Women's Club, affiliated with the Connecticut Congress 
of Mothers and was secretary of the latter organization for three years. In 1910 she was 
elected to its presidency and remained the executive head of the organization for five years. 
On the 15th of March, 1915, she was presented by members of the Congress of Mothers 
with a beautiful gold watch in recognition of her valuable service. She is now vice presi- 



192 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

dent cf the Ladies' Benevolent Society and is a life member of both the state and national 
Congress of Mothers. She has been a delegate to many conventions of the organization, 
has delivered many public addresses and has been received by both wives of President 
Wilson. Her work has brought her in contact with many of the greatest men and women 
of the country, who recognize in lier one with whom association means expansion and 
elevation. Mrs. Mott is also a member of tlie national organization of the Daughters of 
the American Revolution and of tlie local chapter, known as Mary Clapp Wooster Chapter, 
of which she has been regent, filling the office in 1915 and 1916 and acting as its representa- 
tive at the national convention in Washington both years. In 1915 she was one of the 
two women appointed on the charter revision committee of New Haven by Mayor Rice, 
who thus recognized her devotion to civic welfare and to the highest standards of citizen- 
ship — standards which found expression in practical work for their accomplishment. Mrs. 
Mott has also been instrumental in the upbuilding of clubs for girls in industry, especially 
the New Haven Girls' Club, which has a home at No. 14 Trumbull street. Her name is 
closely associated with many charitable and philantropic projects and she is constantly 
reaching out a helping hand where aid is needed for the physical, mental or moral stimulus 
of the individual. 

By her marriage Mrs. Mott became the mother of one son, Edwin Bentley Mott, who 
passed away December 2, 1905, when in his twelfth year. Mrs. Mott has always been a 
great lover of children and her work has been prompted bj' this love. On taking up child 
welfare work she read extensively along that line, studied the question from tlie personal 
standpoint and is considered an autliority upon cliild welfare work. She was the eldest of 
a family of eiglit and lost lier mother when young. Upon her. tlierefore, devolved many 
of the mother's duties, awakening strongly in her the mother instinct. To know and 
understand child life, to give every child its rightful heritage — the possibility for the 
development of the best within it — has become her life work. She has never accepted 
remuneration for her labors, paying all of her expenses personally as she has traveled from 
place to place, addressing audiences concerning the proper care and development of the 
child. While her own income is comparatively small, she has devoted a large part of it to 
public work. Who can measure the influence that she has exerted or count tlie number of 
lives made better by her efforts. She lias followed the admonition of Robert Browning to 
"awaken the little seeds of good asleep throughout the world" and who can tell what 
the harvest shall be. But none question that the world is better for her having lived. 



FREDERICK .1. MORGAN. 



Frederick J. Morgan is now retired from active business, but for many years was 
president of the Morgan & Humiston Company, successfully and extensively engaged in 
the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds, screens and other wood work. From a small 
beginning he developed extensive interests and so controlled his affairs that he long since 
left the ranks of the many and today stands among the prcTsperous few. The salient features 
in his business career were persistency of purpose, indefatigable energy and rigid integrity. 
He was born in Kent, Litchfield county, Connecticut, March 4, 1845, a son of James S. and 
Harriet L. (Knapp) Morgan, who were also natives of this state, where the father devoted 
his entire life to farming. He passed away at Morris, Connecticut, while his wife died at 
Warren. In their family were eleven children, ten of whom are yet living: Ralph B., 
Frederick J., Mrs. Carrie Perkins, Mrs. Emma Canfield, Mrs. Dora Boughton, Sherman, Mrs. 
Nellie Osborn, Mrs. Hattie Benton, William and Mrs. Myra Roberts. 

The educational privileges accorded Frederick J. Morgan were those afforded by the 
district schools of Kent and of Warren. He was reared to farm work and remained at 
home until 1866. He followed the carpenter's trade for a few years thereafter and in 1873 
came to New Haven, where he continued at that occupation for a time. He then decided to 
enter business on his own account and formed a partnership with Oswin W. Humiston. 
They conducted a small plant on State street for the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds, 
etc.. and the excellence of the output brought a rapidly increasing trade that forced 
them soon to seek larger and more commodious quarters. They then removed to the present 





t^^^^i^^ 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 195 

location on Prout street. Later the plant was reorganized and incorporated under its 
present name, Mr. Morgan becoming the president and active head of the business, with 
E. E. Dickerman as vice president and treasurer and so continued until July, 1917, when 
Mr. Morgan disposed of his interest and retired. 

Mr. Morgan married Mrs. Annie E. (Baldwin) Horton, the widow of Frank Horton, 
who by her former marriage had a daughter who became Mrs. Lillian Dockendorff, who died 
leaving two children, who were adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Morgan. These are Horton and 
Gladys Dockendorff. Horton is now a soldier in France, a member of Company A, One 
Hundred and First Machine Gun Battery; and Gladys is Mrs. Edward Riley of Morris Con- 
necticut. Mrs. Morgan died July 25, 1917. 

In politics Mr. Morgan follows an independent course. Fraternally he is a Mason and 
an Odd Fellow, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Humphrey 
Street Congregational church. It has been said: "Success is not dependent on a map but 
a timetable." In other words, opportunity is universal, not local, and advancement depends 
upon the individual and not upon his environment. Progress is a cumulative process, and 
where there is no advancement there has been no effort. The exercise of effort kept Mr. 
Morgan alert and he long occupied an enviable and commendable position in the business 
circles of New Haven, where his everyday activities marked off a fuU-faithed attempt to 
know more and to grow more. His knowledge concerning his business constantly broadened 
as he studied every phase of it, and from a humble position he worked his way upward 
until he reached a place among the prominent representatives of industrial activity in New 
Haven. 



CT.AREXCE BENNETT HOTCHKISS. 

Clarence Bennett Hotchkiss, a wholesale and -retail dealer in fish in New Haven, has 
developed his business from a small enterprise, established in 1910. and today has one of 
the leading houses of the kind in the city. A native son of Connecticut, he was born, in 
Bethanj'. .January 25, 1866, his parents being Clarence P. and Mary .1. Hotchkiss. He spent 
a short time as a pupil in the public schools and then started out to earn his own living, 
peddling milk and doing other humble work, neglecting no opportunity that enabled him to 
add to his income. He worked for a time at night in a cafe and was also employed by 
the Winchester Arms Company. He first began business on his own account at No. 330 
Dixwell avenue, but the undertaking did not prosper. He then secured a position in the 
fish market of Doolittle Brothers, remaining there for fourteen years. In 1910 he opened 
a fish market on his own account, having a small place at No. 257 Dixwell avenue. Four 
years later, or in 1914, he opened his present store at No. 288 Dixwell avenue and some- 
thing of the growth of his business is Indicated in the fact that he now employs ten men 
during the busy season and uses a motor truck for delivery. He has gained a liberal 
patronage as the result of most reliable business methods and indefatigable energy. 

In November, 1887, Mr. Hotchkiss was united in marriage to Miss Edith A. Brown, of 
New Haven. Fraternally he is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and 
his political views are in accord with the principles of the republican party. There has 
Ix'en nothing spectacular in his life record. It is not unlike that of many another American. 
but it is another proof of the fact that industry and determination, intelligenly directed 
and supplemented by fair dealing, will eventually win success in this land where effort is 
not hampered by caste or class. 



JOHN N. CHAMPION. 



John N. Champion, a native son of New Haven conducting an extensive floral business, 
was born March 21, 1861, a son of .Tohn Newton and Cordelia (Sanford) Champion. The 
history of the family records that Henry Champion emigrated from England to the new 
world as early as 1647 and took up his abode at Saybrook. Connecticut, assisting materiallv 



196 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

in its development. He afterward removed witli his family to the east side of the Connecti- 
cut river and became one of the early and active promoters of Lyme. He was twice 
married, the second time in 1690, and the Christian name of his second wife was Deborah. 
He died nineteen years later. His son, Henry, born in 1654, was married in Lyme in 1684 
to Susannah De Wolf of that place and resided on Meeting House Hill. He inherited land 
from his father and also obtained several tracts by grants from the town. He passed away 
in 1704. Stephen Champion, the ancestor in the third generation, was born in Lyme in 
1702 and in 1726 was there married to Deborah Leech, a daughter of Wolston and Margaret 
(Brookway) Leech. She was born in 1706 and died in 1737. In 1753 Stephen Champion 
wedded Abigail Barnes. L'p to that time he had followed farming at Lyme but after his 
second marriage became a resident of Saybrook, where he spent his remaining days. His 
son. Dr. Reuben Champion, born at Lyme in 1737, was married in 1755 at Saybrook to 
Lydia Dunk, who was born in Saybrook in 1730, her parents being Samuel and Sarah 
(Ingram) Dunk, who later changed their name to Duncan. Dr. Champion reared his family 
at Saybrook and about 1772 removed to Springfield, Massachusetts. At the outbreak of 
the Revolutionary war he joined the American forces under Greneral Wasliington and 
became a surgeon of the Continental army. At Fort Ticonderoga he contracted a fever 
which terminated his life on the 29th of March. 1777. His son, Reuben Champion, Jr., was 
born in Saybrook, July 30, 1760, and was married in 1782 in West Springfield, Massachusetts, 
to Silence Ely, whose birth there occurred June 1, 1760, lier parents being Nathan and 
Silence (Morgan) Ely. Reuben Champion was a youth of but fifteen when he joined the 
Continental army with which he valiantly served vintil American independence was won. 
He spent the greater part of his life on a farm in Aniostown, a parish of West Springfield, 
and' passed away May 26, 1832, his widow surviving until October 30, 1852. 

Elias Champion, son of Reuben Champion and the grandfather of John X. (.'luimpion, 
of this review, was born on the 10th of June, 1790. in West Springfield, and on the 5th 
of April, 1827, was married in Springfield to Esther Strong, whose birth occurred at 
Northampton, Massachusetts, December 8, 1801. She was a daughter of Oliver and Ruth 
Strong. For a long period Elias Cliampion conducted business as a dealer in hats at 
Springfield. He passed away October 13, 1839, while his widow survived until August 29, 
1843. 

Their son, John Newton Champion, was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, October 21, 
i838. He became a contractor and builder of New Haven and was prominently identified 
with many other interests of the city. He served as first lieutenant with tlie New Haven 
Light Guards, as a member of Company E, Second Regiment, and fraternally he was con- 
nected with Olive Branch Lodge. A. F. & A. M., and with tlie Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows. He served as noble grand of City Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., and was a member of Grand 
Canton Sassacus, Patriarchs Militant. He became a charter member of Croton Engine 
No. 1, a temperance fire company, of which he was foreman. He was also a charter member 
of the New Haven Independent Rangers, a temperance military company, also the Latch- 
string Originals, a temperance society, and the New Haven Lodge of D. of R. His religious 
faith was that of the First Baptist church. He married Cordelia Sanford, who was born 
May 21, 1833, in Woodbridge, Connecticut, her parents being Stephen and Cordelia (Hotch- 
kiss) Sanford, who removed to New Haven. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. John N. 
Champion there were four children; Sarah Ann, who was born October 24, 1859, and died 
in infancy; John Newton; Stephen Elias; and Moses Aaron, who was born June 18, 1868, 
and died in infancy. Of these Stephen Elias was born October 19. 1862, and completed a 
course in the General Russell Military School of New Haven, after which he engaged in the 
confectionery business and is now witli the telephone company. He served as a member 
and drummer of the New Haven Light Guards and he became a member of Hiram Lodge, 
No. 1, F. & A. M., while on its organization he joined Hammonassett Tribe, No. 1, I. 0. R. M. 

John Newton Cliampion, whose name introduces this record, was graduated from 
General Russell's Military School of New Haven with the class of 1877. After his text- 
books were put aside he took up the florist business. For thirteen years he was in the 
florist department of the store of the Frank S. Piatt Company and then in 1890, started 
business on his own account at his present location on Chapel street, where he has built 
up a trade of large and gratifying proportions, being regarded as one of the foremost 
representatives in his line in this section of the state. Everything in the line of blooming 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 197 

and decorative plants can be found in his establishment and his reasonable prices, straight- 
forward dealing and thoroughly reliable business methods have constituted the basis of 
his growing success. 

On the 21st of November, 1883, ilr. Champion was united in marriage to Miss Jlinnie 
Monk, who was born July 36, 1863, in New Haven, a daughter of Joseph C. and Amelia 
Louise (Brown) Monk. Mr. Champion is well known in fraternal circles, belonging to the 
Masonic lodge, council and chapter and also to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in 
which he is a past grand. He likewise holds membership with the Chamber of Commerce 
and is identified with the Lawn and the Union League Clubs and also the Yacht Club, of 
which he was formerly commodore. In politics he maintains an independent course, while 
his religious faith is expressed by his attendance at Calvary Baptist church. His interests 
are broad and varied. He was a member of the Xew Haven Grays for eleven years and for 
two 3'ears was a member of tlie Second Company of the Governor's Foot Giuard. He is a 
member of the New Haven Colony Historical Society, of the Sons of the American Revolu- 
tion and the Founders of Patroviers of America. He also belongs to the New Haven County 
Horticultural Society and has been president of the same and is a member of the American 
Florist Association. He is deeply interested in all that pertains to his business, which he 
studies along practical and scientific lines. He has large greenhouses and is today accounted 
one of the leading florists of his section of the state. 



JOHN F. FITZGERALD. 



John F. Fitzgerald, numbered among New Haven's merchants, has through the suc- 
cessive steps of an orderly progression won a position as head of tlic leading men's fur- 
nishing goods business in New Haven and the county. He was born April 4, 1878, in Cleve- 
land, Ohio, a son of James Fitzgerald, whose birth occurred in County Tipperary, Ireland, 
and wlio came to America prior to the Civil war, settling in New Haven, where he fol- 
lowed blacksmithing. At the outbreak of hostilities between the north and the south he 
enlisted in the First Connecticut Heavy Artillery, with which he remained until the close 
of the war. He was wounded in one of the engagements, causing him the loss of a finger. 
With a most creditable military record he returned to his home in Connecticut when the 
war ended and resumed blacksmithing. In 1877 he removed with his family to Cleveland, 
Ohio, where he remained until 18S0, when he came to New Haven and here remained until 
the time of his death, which occurred when he was fifty-si.Y years of age. His political en- 
dorsement was given to the democratic party and his religious faith was that of the Cath- 
olic church, for he was a devout Christian and was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul 
Society, taking an active part in the charitable work of that organization. He married 
Catherine Muldoon and they became the parents of eight children, five of whom are yet 
living. 

John F. Fitzgerald was educated in the public schools of New Haven and started out 
to earn a living when a youth of sixteen, his first position being that of errand boy with 
the Charles Manson Company, with which he earned two dollars per week. He afterward 
became connected with the Edwin Mallej' Company and later with the Ciamble-Desmond 
Company. He spent three years with the Malley Company in the men's furnishings depart- 
ment and thus received his initial training in the line of business in which he is now prom- 
inently engaged. He was with the Gamble-Desmond Company for five years and after- 
ward with Chase & Company and in 1907 he entered business on his own account at No. 954 
Chapel street, where he has since remained. He began in a comparatively small way and from 
a humble start has developed the leading men's furnishing goods business in the city and 
county, having a very extensive and gratifying trade which is merited by reason of the 
large and well selected stock which he carries, his straightforward dealing and the courteous 
treatment accorded patrons. 

On the 10th of June, 1899, Mr. Fitzgerald was married in New Haven to Jliss Lilian I. 
Tierney, a native of New Haven and a daughter of Patrick and Ellen J. (Cunningham) 
Tierney, who were early settlers of New Haven and of Irish birth. The father is now 
deceased but the mother survives. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fitz- 



198 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

gcral'l: Alicia Gertrude, who was born in New Haven. March 19. 1906; and .Jolin and Re- 
gina, twins, born June 4, 1911. 

In the exercise of his right of franchise Mr. Fitzgerald considers the capability of the 
candidate rather than party ties. He is a member of .St. Brendan's parish and he holds 
membership with the Union League Club, Knights of Columbus and the Knights of St. Pat- 
rick. He belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and has been exalted ruler of his 
local lodge. He has served as a private in the Governor's Foot Guard and he has membership 
in the Racebrook Country Club, all of which associations indicate much of the nature of his 
interests and the rules which govern his conduct. Starting out in life a poor boy, he has 
been the architect of his own fortunes and has builded wisely and well, while the many 
creditable phases of his record commend it as an example that others may profitably 
follow. 



JOHN CURRIER GALLAGHER. 

■ luhn Currier Gallagher, whose life ended so suddenly at his home in New Haven, on 
March 3'J, 1913, in tlie midst of a career already notable and promising still more lofty 
achievement, was an exception to that rule which claims that death is needed to awaken 
the appreciation of our fellows and that the prophet is not without honor save in his own 
country. For Mr. Gallagher's strong but genial personality had won both recognition and 
alfection from the outset of his public life, and there was none of his fellow citizens at the 
time of his death who held a larger place in public esteem than he. There were but few 
of the departments of the community's life that Jlr. Gallagher did not take part in, and of 
these such difficult realms as those of politics and public life, 3'et there was never a time 
when he was credited with other than honest, altruistic motives, and a capability which 
more than met the requirements of his office. He was a member of a distinguished Mary- 
land family, though born himself in the city and state which remained his lifelong home. 

His father, the Hon. James Gallagher, was extremely prominent in democratic politics in 
Connecticut, having moved to New Haven prior to the Civil war, of which city he was an 
established resident at the time of his son's birth there, August 24, 1857. L'pon reaching 
the proper age, the latter was sent to the Eaton public school in New Haven, and there laid 
the foundation of the education which distinguished him in after life. He next attended 
the Hopkins grammar school, where he completed the preparatory portion of his studies, 
and from tliere went to the Slieffield Scientific School of Yale University, from which he was 
graduated with the class of 1879. Strongly intlueuced at this time by his father's public 
career and by the many prominent men with whom he was thrown in contact, a large pro- 
portion of whom were of the legal profession, the young man had his own attention turned 
very strongly to that profession, as the best possible entree to the life that appealed to 
him. He returned therefore to Yale, this time becoming a student in tlie Law School, and 
graduated in 1881 witli the degree of LL. B. 

Upon admission to the bar in the same year, Mr. Gallagher entered the law oftice of the 
Hon. William C. Robinson, who later became dean of the law department of the Roman Cath- 
olic University, of Washington, D. C. Almost at once, upon putting behind him the things 
of his boyhood and his student days, and taking his place as an active member of society, 
the young man turned his attention to politics, for which his father's activities had natur- 
ally developed in him a very strong taste. In 1883 he was chosen secretary of the demo- 
cratic state committee, serving in that position until 1885. His ability was of so pro- 
nounced an order that in the year 1883 \\e was nominated and duly elected a member of the 
New Haven common council, serving in that bodj- that j-ear and the next. Ten years later 
lie was elected alderman, and held the office of pi-esident of the aldermanic board in 1894. 
He became associated with the Hon. Livingston W. Cleaveland. under the firm name of 
Gallagher & Cleaveland. and this connection continued until the appointment of Mr. Cleaveland 
as judge of probate for the district of New Haven in 1895, when ilr. Gallagher was mad^ cleik 
of the same court. Two years later he was appointed assistant clerk of the superior court 
for New Haven county. This latter office he held for ten years, and in June, 1907. became 
clerk of that court. Mr. Gallagher continued this office until his death and proved one of 




JOHN CURRIER (iALLAGHER 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 201 

the most effective the court had ever enjoyed, performing the complex and difficult duties in 
a most adequate manner. 

ilr, Gallagher was a very conspicuous figure in the social and fraternal life of New 
Haven. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Royal Arcanum, 
of the Knights of The Maccabees and the Improved Order of Heptasophs. But it was as a 
member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen that he was best known, his influence 
ill that organization extending without the borders of his home state and making itself felt 
throughout the country. For many years he had devoted a great deal of his time and energy 
to the interests of the order and held well nigh all of the offices in its gift. He was grand 
master workman of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in the years 1896 and 1897, which 
at that time had supervision over the interests of the more than fifty thousand members of 
tlie order in New England. When the Connecticut Grand Lodge was organized, Mr. Gallagher 
became advisory counsel to it. He was appointed many years before hia death to the board 
of directors of the Supreme Lodge of the national body, and later became supreme foreman 
of the body, the next highest oflRce in the order, being second only to that of supreme master 
workman. He was next in line to the office of supreme master workman and he would have 
reached this honorable position at the next meeting had he lived. Besides his fraternal 
associations, Mr. Gallagher was a member of a number of important and influential clubs, 
among which may be mentioned tlie Quinnipiac Club of New Haven, the Graduates Club, the 
New Haven Colony Historical Society, and the New Haven Chamber of Commerce of which 
he was the secretary for eighteen years. 

Mr. Gallagher was twice married. His first wife was Laura Ives, a daughter of George 
and Cornelia (Dickerman) Ives, of New Haven. Her marriage to Mr. Gallagher took place on 
.Tune 28, 1888, and there were three children born to them: Hera S., Katherine I. and John 
Currier, Jr. The death of the first Mrs. Gallagher occurred February 3, 1900, and on April 
8, 1901, Mr. Gallaglier was married to Bessie K. Radigan, a daughter of John and Catherine 
(Ross) Radigan, of New Haven, Connecticut. One child was born to this union, a son, James 
Roswell. 

The death of John Currier Gallagher was the occasion of one of the most impressive 
tributes ever offered to a citizen of New Haven, in which the distinguished men of the city 
and state joined in great numbers. From all sides testimonials of regard and affection poured 
in upon his bereaved family and the United Workmen's lodge, of which he was so highly 
prized a member. Bench and bar as well as the various branches of the state government 
united with the press in a chorus of praise of the faithful public servant, the public-spirited 
citizen, the devoted friend, the charitable and upright man. The words of many of those 
who spoke and wrote were eloquent of the strong personal emotion which so large a circle 
of associates felt, and a selection from them will form the most fitting close to this brief 
review of his life. The various journals of the Ancient Order of LTnited Workmen in all 
quarters of the country had memorial articles full of eulogy, and among these the Con- 
necticut organ, which said in part as follows: 

''Brother Gallagher was a man of unusually magnetic and lovable qualities. He was 
a man of kindly nature, a man of true and unswerving loyalty, qualities which endeared 
him to all who knew him." 

Not less eulogistic was the daily press, an editorial in the New Haven Register running 
as follows: 

'•Not wholly without warning, but too soon by all the standards by which men 
usually measure life's completeness, comes the passing of John Currier Gallagher. New 
Haven, which has known him from his earliest years, has enjoyed him and been proud 
of him. He has lived in the heart of things, and lived well. Much of his service has been 
a public service, and he has never been reluctant to give of his admirable ability for the 
benefit of all. He had in him the heart of genuine brotherhood, which we sometimes 
nail by tlie less adequate term democracy. He was a friend to all, and all who realized 
his feeling were friends to him Almost without a lull in the rush of his activity he has 
been swept from this companionship here, which he so heartily enjoyed and which he 
made others to as fully enjoy, to other companionships of which we cannot know, but 
which, from our experience of the man, we know will be as sweet and blessed. It is 
good to have known him, and it will be inspiring to remember him." 



202 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

From among the other press notices which space forbids the reproduction of here, it will 
suffice to give an extract from an editorial in the Times-Leader, of March 29, 1912, as follows: 

"Another friend has gone. Scores and hundreds repeated those words yesterday 
when the sad news eome announcing tlie sudden death of John Currier Gallagher. 
Judges of tlie highest courts and judges of courts not so high, lawyers who are among 
the leaders of the bar and lawyers who only the other day received their certificates 
from his liands, the music of his cordial words still ringing in their ears, said it, sadly, the 
tears upon their cheeks. Ministers and laymen, young and old, said it with choking 
voices and moistened eyes, for John Currier Gallagher filled large space in their hearts 
and they loved him as a brother." 

The funeral of Mr. Gallagher was an imposing function, many of the most eminent 
men in the state were there and among the honorary pall bearers were numbered two ex-gov- 
ernors of the state, as well as a number of judges in the supreme and superior courts. The 
exercises at the meeting of the bar association were also impressive. Justices Gager, Cleave- 
land and Williams pronouncing eulogies in honor of Mr. Gallagher, and the association 
adopting resolutions, which, after an introduction in the form of a sketch of his life, ran 
as follows: 

"Resolved, This bar has learned with great sorrow and regret of the sudden death of 
Mr. Gallagher, clerk of the superior court. Since 1897, first as assistant clerk, and later 
as clerk, he has been in daily contact with the members of the bar. In the performance 
of the varied and responsible duties of his office his ability has been marked, his courtesy 
unfailing, his character unquestioned. The judicial department has lost, in the prime of his 
life, a faithful and efficient officer. The members of the bar have lost a genial, high- 
minded companion and friend. We extend our respectful sympathy to liis widow and 
children. 

"Resolved, Tliat the president of the bar be directed to give these resolutions and the 
accompanying minute to the court, with the request that they be ordered upon the records 
of the co\irt, and that the clerk be directed to transmit a copy to his family." 



DAVID BERCINSKY. M. D. 



Perhaps no one in the state of Coimecticut has done more to spread a knowledge of 
the laws of health and of sanitation among the Jewish people than Dr. David Bercinsky. 
He has worked along educational lines and the results which he has accomplished are 
almost marvelous. He was born in Pinsk, Russia, February 25, 1866, a son of Michael 
and Enta Bercinsky, both of whom were also natives of Russia, where they spent their 
entire lives. The father was a lawyer and devoted the years of his active manhood to the 
legal profession. To him and his wife were bom twenty-four children, of whom Dr. 
Bercinsky was the twenty-third in order of birth. In his youthful days he attended the 
public schools in his native town and also supplemented his knowledge by home study. He 
afterward took up the study of pharmacy and in the year 1891 he came to America to 
try his fortune on this side the Atlantic, having heard favorable reports concerning the 
opportunities offered in the new world. He settled first in New York city, where he 
engaged in the drug business for five years, passing the state examination before the 
pharmaceutical board of New York in 1895. 

The following year Dr. Bercinsky came to New Haven, where he continued in the drug 
business, and while thus engaged he became deeply interested in the study of medicine; and 
with the idea of eventually engaging in practice he entered the Yale Medical School, from 
which he was graduated in 1902. He then sold out his drug store and has since devoted 
his time to the practice of his profession. He has a large general practice, especially 
among tlie Russians, .lews and Poles, because he speaks their languages. He has always 
kept in close touch with the trend of ])rofessional thought, and of late has been specializing 
in diseases of the stomach and intestines. He has done post graduate work in the New 
York Post Graduate School under Professor Chase. He belongs to the New Haven, the 
New Haven County, tlie Connecticut State and tlie American Medical Associations. He 
has also taken post graduate work in the Massachusetts General Hospital at Boston under 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 203 

Professor Hughes and there, in 1916, he specialized in the study of stomach diseases. He 
is well known as a public lecturer among the Jewish people of the city and his word carries 
the utmost weight among them. He has taught the gospel of the' necessity for absolute 
cleanliness in relation with the prevention of the spread of contagious diseases, and his 
work has been fruitful of splendid results. His efforts have made his name a household 
word among the Jewish families in the poorer districts of New Haven and vicinity. He is 
continually lecturing and also by personal elTort is spreading a knowledge of tlie laws of 
health that the people may know how to avoid sickness and disease. In all this he is 
actuated by the highest humanitarian principles and is seeking to make his service of great 
benefit to his fellowmen. 

On the 12th of October, 1896, Dr. Bercinsky was united in marriage to Miss Anna 
Davidson, of New York city, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Davidson and a sister of 
Joe Davidson, the prominent and well known sculptor of the metropolis. Dr. Bercinsky 
indeed deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, for he has made his way from 
liis l)oyhood unaided by others. His work has been of the greatest worth to the world and 
tlie influence of his labors and his teachings will continue for generations to come. 



MERRILL C. JENKINS. 



Originality, initiative and enterprise figure in the success of Merrill C. Jenkins, a lead- 
ing clothier of New Haven, whose business has been incorporated under the name of Shop 
of Jenkins. His plans are always well formulated and carefully executed and his rules of 
life have been sucli as have brought him continuous advancement. He was born in Jonesport, 
Maine, September 13, 1869, a son of Samuel James and Lois (Sawyer) Jenkins. The father 
was born in Prince Edward Island and during his active life engaged in carpentering as a 
builder. He also conducted a livery business and for many years was a resident of Jones- 
port, Maine, where he passed away in 1891. His wife was born there and was reared, edu- 
cated and married in her native city, where her death occurred in 1881. 

In their family were si.\ children, of whoni Jlerrill C. Jenkins was the eldest. In his 
youthful days he attended school in Jonesport, and though he never had opportunity to 
become a college student, he has through wide reading and study in his leisure hours gained 
comprehensive knowledge and is today a most efficient business man, practical and piirpose- 
ful. At the age of thirteen years he began work in a sardine canning factory and discharged 
his tasks with such promptness and efficiency that he was taken bj' liis employer to a factory 
which was being opened up away from his home town. He continued to work at his trade 
until 1888, when he went to Amesbury, Massachusetts, and secured a clerkship in a men's 
furnishing goods store. He found that line of business congenial and he applied himself 
thoroughly to the mastery of every phase of the business. He had spent two years in con- 
nection therewith when he was made a buyer. On leaving Amesbury he went to Haverhill, 
Massachusetts, where he continued in the same line of business for two and one-half years. 
He next went to Watertown, New York, where he was buyer for a men's furnishings house 
for three years. Coming to New Haven in September, 1900, he here secured a position with 
the Meigs Clothing Company to open a men's furnishing goods department for them. After 
demonstrating to the stockholders the value of such a department, which he created and 
profitably conducted for some time, he resigned his position and formed a partnership under 
the name of Jenkins & Thompson for the conduct of a store dealing exclusively in men's fur- 
nishings on Chapel street. They bought out a business which was on the verge of failure 
and Mr. Jenkins at once undertook the task of developing and enlirging this. Later, how- 
ever, he withdrew and established what is known as the Shop of Jenkins. This business he 
has built up to gratifying proportions and it is today one of New Haven's most reliable and 
successful men's furnishing goods stores. He carries an extensive line of goods, displaj'ing 
the latest styles combined with thorough workmanship, and his patronage has grown year 
by year. 

On the 30th day of May, 1915, in New Haven, Mr. Jenkins was married to Miss Helen 
Watts, a daughter of W. W. Watts, of Newburgh, New York. He votes independently but is 
not remiss in the duties of citizenship and studies those interests which work for general 



204 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

betterment. He is a Mason and a member of the Union League. He belongs to tlie Second 
Company of the Governor's Foot Guard. He is a director of the Chamber of Commerce and the 
president of the New Haven Business Men's Association and he is closely studying conditions 
having to do with questions of public moment in relation to trade. He watches the signs 
of the times, draws a sane, logical conclusion and adapts his efforts to prevailing conditions. 
He has formulated certain plans of conduct and of action which have found verbal expression 
ill some terse sentences and carefully pointed paragraphs, including the following: "To my 
mind personality is a factor that counts big in business life. Do you like other men, take 
an interest in them, enjoy meeting them? For if you do, without doubt, other men like to 
meet you. You have got to see men, have an interchange of offers, converse about what you 
offer them and liear about what they offer you. Though much of our mutual approach can 
be made by letters, advertising, etc., yet the personality must sooner or later figure largely. 
Hence you must go among friends frequently because only they are congenial and minister 
to your better nature. 'Be of the same mind one towards another,' was the Apostle's com- 
mand. Avoid moods, insist on an evenness of temper. One single surrender to a bad mood 
may cost years of disadvantage. Just what it is that draws us to one person, what repels 
us from another, can never be suientitically stated, but this one thing may be said: 'Cheerful 
men may not always be prosperous, but they've got a heap better chance than the grouch.' 
Increase tlie number of your friends and you increase the value of your assets." That his 
opinions concerning business and its conditions are regarded as sound is indicated in the 
feeling which the Kiwanis Club and other organizations entertain for him. 



CHARLES FREDERICK TOWNSEND. 

Charles Frederick Townsend, a New Haven architect enjoying high professional rank, 
was born at Southbridge, Massachusetts, February 11, 1873. His father, Charles H. 
Townsend, is a native of Ohio and a representative of an old New York family tracing its 
ancestry back to Martin I. Townsend, who came to the new world at an early period in its 
colonization. Charles H. Townsend took up the study of photography and for many years 
followed that profession but is now living retired in Florida. He is a Civil war veteran who 
ran away from home to join the army when but a boy in his teens and for five years he 
remained with an Ohio regiment covering the entire period of hostilities with the south. 
He married Rhoda Sophronia Taft, who was born at Ashford, Connecticut, and was a daughter 
of Thomas .Jefferson and Anne (Parker) Taft. Mrs. Townsend passed away in 1911 at the 
age of fifty-six years. 

Cliarles Frederick Townsend, who was an only child, was educated in tlie jniblic sdiouls 
of Willimantic, Connecticut, and prepared for college under the direction of F. H. Beede, 
superintendent of schools of New Haven. In 1892 he entered Lehigh University of Pennsyl- 
vania, from which he was graduated in 1895 with tlie Bachelor of Science degree. He had 
there specialized in a four years course in the study of architecture and engineering and 
immediately after his graduation he entered into professional relations with William H. 
Allen, architect. He was afterward associated with the firm of Brown & Von Beren and 
in 1906 he entered into partnership with E. W. Foote, under the firm style of Foote & 
Townsend. That association was maintained until 1911, since which time Mr. Townsend 
has practiced independently. His skill as an architect finds visible evidence in iiuiiiy ot 
the fine structures of this city. He devotes his undivided time and attention to his pic)- 
fession and is among the leaders in this line. 

On the 1st of June, 1907, Mr. Townsend was married in Manistee, Michigan, to Miss 
Florence Ellis Snow, a native of Ware,3Iassachusetts, and a daughter of Renceler C. and 
Maria (Binford) Snow. Mr. and ilrs. Townsend are now the parents of three children: 
Margery Rhoda, born July 3, 1910; Frederick Snow, born April 27, 1912; and Dorothy, born 
August 8. 1914. 

Mr. Townsend is a republican but while well informed on the questions and issues of 
the day has never been an office seeker. He is a member of the Phi Delta Theta a Greek 
letter college fraternity, and he has attained the Knights Templar degree in the York Rite 
of Masonry and the thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite and his interest in the moral 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 205 

progress of the community is manifested in his membership in St. John's Episcopal church, 
where he is tlie secretary or clerk of the parish. Mr. Townsend deserves much credit for what 
he has accomplished, for he worked his way through college, and perseverance and deter- 
mination have constituted the foundation upon which he has builded his prosperity. 



WALTER J. WALSH. 

Walter J. Walsh, of tlie firm of Fitzgerald & Walsh, attorneys at law of New Haven, 
was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, July 7, 1875, a son of Martin and Elizabeth (Ahearn) 
\Valsh, who were natives of Ireland, where they were reared and married. On coming to 
the new world the father entered the employ of the L. Candee Rubber Company, with whom 
he remained for many years, his death occurring in New Haven in 1912. His wife passed 
away in 1883, when her son Walter was but a small child, and in their family were four- 
teen children. 

Walter J. Walsli was the twelfth in order of birth. After leaving the high school of 
New Haven he became a law student in the Yale University and was graduated with the 
class of 1897. He then formed a partnership with Mr. Fitzgerald and has since been an 
active factor in professional circles here. In a profession where advancement depends en- 
tirely upon individual merit and ability he has steadily worked upward, close study pre- 
paring him for the presentation of his cases in the courts and winning for him various 
forensic victories. 

In November, 1904, Mr. Walsh was married to Miss Sarah W'hite of AVaterbury, a 
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony White, and they have five children: Mary Elizabeth, who 
was born in 1906; Walter White, in 1907; Helen A., in 1908; Lillian V.. in 1910; and Rita A., 
in 1915. With the exception of the last named all are now in school. 

Mr. and Mrs. Walsh are communicants of the Roman Catholic church and Mr. Walsh has 
membership with the Elks, the Ro3'al Arcanum and the Woodmen of the World, while in the 
Knights of Columbus he has taken the fourth degree. He belongs to the County, State 
and American Bar Associations, and he holds high rank as one of the most able and leading 
attorneys and safe counsellors. The firm of Fitzgerald & Walsh is one of the strongest 
in the state, and their clientage has long been of an extensive and very important character. 



JOHN SCOVILLE. 



Any man might be proud of the business record of John Scoville, who is the president 
and treasurer of Bradley & Scoville. Incorporated, stationers, printers and blank book 
manufacturers. Without financial assistance at the outset of his career he has worked his 
way steadily upward, undeterred by the obstacles and difficulties that checker the path of 
every individual. He felt that success was to be won if a person had the determination 
to persevere in a course which he had marked out. 

A native of Massachusetts, he was born at Ashley Falls on the 21st of August, 1876. 
His father, William F. Scoville, was also a native of Massachusetts and a representative 
of one of the old families ut that state, of Englisli lineage, founded in America by two 
brothers who at an early day crossed the Atlantic and served with the colonies in their 
struggle for independence. Since that time representatives of the name have been residents 
of New England and have ever been loyal in citizenship and progressive in business. The 
grandparents of John Scoville were Dr. John and Eleanor R. (Fletcher) Scoville, the former 
a prominent physician of Ashley Falls. Their son, William F. Scoville. became a successful 
agriculturist of Ashley Falls, where he resided to the time of his death, which occurred in 
1889, when he was but thirty-seven years of age. He married Mary E. Hadsell, who was 
■born in Sheffield, Massachusetts, daughter of Nelson and Mary E. (Shores) Hadsell, also 
of Sheffield and representatives of old Massachusetts families of English origin. Mrs. 
Scoville is still living and makes her home at East Northfield, Massachusetts. Mr. and 



206 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

Mrs. Scoville became parents of live children, of wliora three are yet living: Marj' E., Jolin, 
and Carrie J. 

John Scoville was educated in the schools of Ashley Falls and of Westfield, Massa- 
chusetts, completing the grammar school course with the class of 1889. He then started out 
to earn his own living and was first employed in the shop of J. D. Cadle cS: Company at 
Westfield, there learning the printer's trade. In 1894 he became associated with the firm 
of Curtis & Bradley, with whom he continued as a journeyman until 1909. At that time 
the present business was incorporated, with Arthur S. Bradley as the president and treas- 
urer, Mr. Scoville as the vice president and assistant treasurer, and Donald D. Macdonald 
as the secretary. There was no change in the personnel of the officers until October, 1914, 
when upon the death of Mr. Bradley, Mr. Scoville became the president and treasurer, while 
Mr. Macdonald is now assistant treasurer and secretary. The office and salesrooms are 
located at Nos. 67 to 73 Orange street, while the factory is situated at Nos. 140 to 144 
Derby avenue, which building they erected a few years ago. The factor}' is equipped 
with the latest and most modern machinery for carrying on a business of that character, 
and something of the volume of their trade is indicated in the fact that they employ an 
average of thirty-five people. 

On the 14th of June, 1899, Mr. Scoville was united in marriage to Miss Mary Macdonald, 
a native of East Haven and a daughter of Donald and .Jessie (Moffitt) Macdonald. both of 
whom were of Scotch birth and have now passed away. To this marriage were born two 
children: Dorothy M., who was born January 1. 1902: and .John il., who passed away at 
the age of two years. 

!Mr. Scoville exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the 
republican party and he is now serving as a member of the East Haven school board, but 
the honors and emoluments of political office have had little attraction for him, as he has 
always preferred to concentrate his time and energies upon his business. He belongs to 
Adelphi Lodge, No. 63, A. F. & A. M., and has also taken the degrees of chapter, council, 
commandery and of the Mystic Shrine. He belongs to the Quinnipiac Club and to the 
Young Men's Republican Club His life has ever been actuated by worthy motives and 
honorable principles. He is a member of the East Haven Congregational church, in the work 
of which he takes an active and helpful part, serving as one of its deacons and as superin- 
tendent of its Sunday school. Starting out in life a poor boy, he has allowed neither 
obstacles nor difficulties to bar his path if they could be overcome by persistent, earnest 
and honorable effort. 



FREDERICK TRUMAN BRADLEY. 

Frederick Truman Bradley, the treasurer of the English & Mersiek Company of New 
Haven, was born in this city November 28, 1860. The family name has long figured 
prominently on the pages of New England's history. William Bradley, a native of England, 
came to America in company with Governor Eaton and others and was active with those 
who aided in planting the seeds of civilization in the soil of the new world. He was 
married February 18, 1645, to Alice Pritchard and his death occurred in 1691. His son, 
Joseph Bradley, was born in 1646 and on the 25th of October, 1667, wedded Silence Brockett. 
His death occurred in 1704. 

Samuel Bradley, a son of Joseph Bradley, was born in 1681 and departed this life in 
1757. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Abigail Atwater, was born January 16, 1684, 
and died January 23, 1743. Their son, Samuel Bradley (II), was born March 21, 1707, and, 
on the 16th of December, 1732, married Eunice Munsoh. They were residents of New 
Haven and of Wallingford. Their son, Titus Bradley, was born in 1746 and his life 
record spanned the intervening years to the 9th of February, 1811. In 1769 he married Lydia 
Yale Todd and they made their home in North Haven. 

Titus Bradley, .Jr.. a son of Titus and Lydia Bradley, was born in New Haven in 1776, 
the year which virtually gave independence to the nation, and died in 1822. In 1805 he 
married Miss Mary Munson, who passed away in 1861. She was a dauj,hter of Stephen 
and Mary (Goodyear) Munson and traced her ancestry back through Jabez and Eunice 




i^^ 



AND EASTEKN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 211 

(Atwater) Munson and Stephen and Lydia (Bassett) Munson to Samuel and Martha (Brad- 
ley) Munson, so that in two lines the ancestry can be traced back to the same original 
source. 

Seymour Bradley, son of Titus Bradley, Jr., and the grandfather of Frederick T. Brad- 
ley, was born August 14, 1806, and died April 25, 1890. On the 30th of September, 1829, 
he married Delia Barnes, who was born June 6, 1809, and passed away January 4, 1880. 
Her parents were Frederick and Eunetia (Blakeslee) Barnes, her line reaching back through 
Joshua and Mercy (Tuttle) Barnes. The former was a son of Captain Joshua and Deborah 
(Wooding) Barnes and Captain Barnes was a sou of Thomas and Mary (Leek) Barnes, the 
former a son of Thomas and Abigail (Frost) Barnes, so that there is again connection of the 
Bradley family with one of the oldest families of New England. Seymour Bradley was a 
merchant on Chapel street in New Haven for many years, establishing business there when 
a young man. 

Robert Barnes Bradley, the son of Seymour Bradley, was born March 10, 1832, in 
North Haven, Connecticut, and passed away in New Haven, January 22, 1890. He pursued 
his education in the latter city, attending the Lovell Lancastrian School and afterward the 
select school conducted by Mr. Thomas. He became his father's assistant in the store and 
there remained until 1858, when he turned his attention to the agricultural implement busi- 
ness, opening a store on State and Court streets. He there remained in active business for 
many years, being numbered among the leading merchants of the city, and at his death in 
1890 he was succeeded by the firm of Bradley & Dann. He not only occupied an enviable 
position in commercial circles but was a prominent factor in the moral progress of the 
community as a leading member of Center church, in which he served as treasurer and on 
many important committees. He was married December 30, 1858, to Cornelia Minor and in 
the maternal line the ancestry of Frederick T. Bradley is equally interesting with that of 
the Bradley family. The line is traced back to Captain John and Elizabeth (Booth) Minor. 
Captain Minor was born in 1634 and his wife on the 12th of September, 1637. He passed 
away September 17, 1719, and her death occurred October 24, 1732. They were married 
October 19, 1658. In the succeeding generations the ancestry is traced down through 
Ephraim and Rebecca (Curtiss) Minor, Josiah and Mary (Barnum-Shove) Minor, Israel and 
Anna (Lake) Minor and Seth and Susannah (Frisbie) Minor, while the parents of Mrs. 
Bradley were Truman and Eunice (Peet) Minor. Her father was a member of the firm 
of Minor, Horton & Company, plow manufacturers of Peekskill, New York. His wife traced 
her lineage from John Peet, who came from England in 1635 on the sailing vessel Hopewell 
and settled at Stratford, Connecticut. The line comes down through Benjamin and Phebe 
(Butler) Peet, Benjamin and Priscilla (Fairchild) Peet, Richard and Sarah (Curtiss i Peet, 
Jehiel and Joanna (Walker) Peet, Jehiel and Lois (Manville) Peet to Mrs. Eunice (Peet) 
Minor, who was the mother of Mrs. Robert Barnes Bradley. The last named by her marriage 
became the mother of two daughters, Delia Barnes and Cornelia Minor, and two sons, Fred- 
erick T. Bradley and Robert Seymour, a physician of New Haven, who died January 29. 1890. 
The elder daughter married Charles W. Whittlesey. 

In the acquirement of his education Frederick T. Bradley attended the Hopkins 
grammar school from which he was graduated with honor. He then entered the Yale Scien- 
tific School and completed his course in June, 1883. Thus well qualified for life's practical and 
responsible duties, he became his father's associate in business, the connection continuing 
until the latter's death in 1890. In that year he succeeded to the business in association 
with George E. Dann but after three years retired and on the 1st of January, 1894, became 
a member of the firm of English & Mersick. On the 28th of June, 1895, their business was 
incorporated under the style of the English & Mersick Company, with Edwin F. Mersick as 
the president and treasurer, Mr. Bradley as the secretary and John B. Kennedy as the vice 
president. Upon the death of Mr. Mersick. Mr. Kennedy succeeded to the presidency, while 
Mr. Bradley became treasurer and Carl W. Johnson, secretary. This association has since 
been maintained and under their guidance the business has shown substantial growth. 

Mr. Bradley has been married twice. On the 15th of June, 1887, he wedded Sarah 
Emily Mersick, a daughter of Edwin F. Mersick, of New Haven. She was born August 27, 
1863, and died September 15, 1906, in Luzerne, Switzerland. On the 26th of June, 1908, Mr. 
Bradley was again married, his second union being with Mary Elizabeth Mersick, a daughter 
of Charles S. Mersick. She was born May 6, 1866. By the first marriage there were two 
Vol. n — 10 



212 A MODEKN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

children. Seymour Mersick, born April 25, 1888, was educated in the public schoola of 
New Haven and in the Holbrook school at Ossining, New York, while later he became a 
student in the Yale Scientific School, from which he was graduated in 1909 with the degree 
of Bachelor of Philosophy. He then entered Columbia University, where he won his Civil 
Engineer degree in 1912. He is now engineer fur tlie Englisli & Mersick ( ninpaiiy and 
holds the office of secretary. He was married June 19, 1913, to Ruth Plumb Bostwick, a 
daughter of Leonard and Helen F. (Plumb) Bostwick, and they have two children, Margaret 
Bostwick, and Seymour Mersick, Jr., born October 5, 1916, in New Haven. Mildred Bradley, 
born May 1, 1890, was educated in the public schools of New Haven and in Vassar College, 
where she won the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1911. On the 17th of May, 1916, she became 
the wife of William Edwin Prindle, a son of Lucius H. and Frances (Harrison) Prindle. 
There is also one child of this marriage, William Edwin Prindle, Jr. 

Mr. and Mrs. Bradley are members of the Center church and he is well known in club 
circles, belonging to the Graduates Club, the Quinnipiao Club, the New Haven Country Club, 
the Pine Orchard Club and the Yale and University Clubs of New York city. His political en. 
dorsement is given to the republican party and he has ever kept well informed on the ques 
tions and issues of the day but has never been active in political work, preferring to con- 
centrate his efforts and attention upon his business interests. Aside from being treasurer of 
the English & Mersick Company and thus actively engaged in the manufacture of automobile 
and carriage hardware, he is a director of the Yale National Bank and the New Haven 
Morris Plan Bank and thus figures prominently in local financial circles. The intelligent 
direction of his activities has brought him prominently to the front in business connections 
whereby he has furthered public prosperity as well as individual success. 



FREDERICK G. CRABB. 



Frederick G. Crabb is a partner in the firm of Insul & Crabb. jewelers, engravers and 
designers at New Haven, who have one of tlie leading and attractive stores in their line in 
the city. Mr. Crabb has spent practically his entire life in New Haven, altliough a native 
of Brooklyn, New Y'ork, where he was born November 18, 1866. His parents wcie -lolin C. 
and Caroline (Garden) Crabb, both of whom were natives of England but in iliildliouil came 
to America and were reared, educated and married in Brooklyn. In early manhood the 
father began learning the organ builder's trade and became noted as an expert in the 
construction of church organs. In 1870 he removed to New Haven, where he embarked in 
business on his own account in the construction of church organs and was so engaged at 
the time of his death in 1880. His widow survived for many years and passed away in New 
Haven in 1911. In their family were eight children, five sons and three daughters. 

Frederick G. Crabb, who was the seventh in the family, spent his youthful days as a 
pupil in the public schools of New Haven and then started in the business world as an 
errand boy. gradually working his way upward to better positions. Progressive ste]is at 
length led him to enter upon an .apprenticeship to the engraver's and designer's trades with 
a well known jewelry house and after completing his term of indenture he worked at his 
trade until 1911, when in connection with John C. Insul he purchased the present jewelry 
business conducted under the name of Insul & Ci'abb. Since taking charge these part- 
ners have won most creditable success and now rank with the leading jewelry firms of the 
city. Theirs is a progressive house in its business methods, carrying a most attractive line 
of jewelry of domestic and foreign maiuifacture. Their close application and able man- 
agement has developed their business to large proportions, requiring constantly the service 
of from eight to ten experienced men to handle their sales and repairs. 

In April. 1900, Mr. Crabb wedded Miss Grace Nichols, of New Haven, a daughter of 
Mr. and Mrs. Barr Nichols, and they have four children: Dorothy, wlio wa?. Iiorn in 
May, 1902, and is now attending high school; Fred Gardner, who was born in I'JOo; Richard 
Carnell, in 1909; and Jeannette, in 1915. 

Mr. Crabb's military experience covers service of sixteen years as member of Company 
F (the New Haven Grays) of which he became captain. He was placed on the retired list 
in November, 1912. In politics he is a democrat and belongs to the Young Men's Democratic 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 213 

club. In Jlasonrj' he has become a Knight Templar and has also taken the thirty-second 
degree of the Scottish Eite in the Consistory. He belongs to Trinity Episcopal church and 
in these associations are foimd the rules which govern his conduct and shape his relations 
with his fellowmen. He is recognized as a progressive and popular merchant and as a 
substantial and public-spirited citizen, and that his entire career has been an honorable and 
upright one is indicated in the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have 
known him from his boyhood to the present time. 



EDilUXD ZACHER. 



Edmund -Zaeher, senior partner of the firm of Zaclier, Ely & Zacher, attorneys at law, 
and occupying an enviable position at the bar by reason of his accuracy in applying his 
comprehensive knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence to the points in litigation, has 
throughout his years of practice held to the highest professional standards and ethics. 
He was born in Hartford, Connecticut. December 12. 1853. His father, Louis Zacher, a 
native of Prussia, came to America in 1849, making his way direct to Hartford, where he 
engaged in the tailoring business, which he had learned in his native country. In politics 
lie became a strong democrat and was active in public and civic matters. In fact, he was a 
man of much influence among the German population of Hartford, and assisted in establishing 
the German-English school. He died in 1886 at the age of sixty-two years, while his wife 
survived until 1903 and reached the age of seventy years. She bore the maiden name of 
Mary B. Kreuzer. and was born in Bavaria. She. too, crossed the Atlantic in 1849 in 
company with her widowed mother and a brother, and the family home was established at 
once in Hartford, where she met and married Louis Zacher. They became the parents of 
two children, the older being Louis H. Zacher. now a lithographer of Hartford. 

The younger. Edmund Zacher. acquired his education partly in the German-English 
school which his father assisted in founding and also attended the Center school, now the 
Brown school, of Hartford, and the Hartford high school, from which he was graduated 
with the class of ISTO. He then entered Yale and won the Bachelor of Arts degree in June, 
1S74. He entered the Yale Law School in 1876, and the IX, B. degree was conferred upon 
him at his graduation In 1878. In 1877 he was appointed a tutor in Yale College, in which 
work he continued until 1882. He was principal of the Branford high school for two years, 
from 1874 until 1876, and then entered the law office of Dexter K. \Vright and Lynde 
Harrison of New Haven, being associated with that firm until its dissolution, when he 
entered into a partnership with .Judge Harrison under the firm st>le of Harrison & Zacher. 
That connection was maintained until 1900. when Judge Harrison passed away, and in 1907 
Mr. Zacher entered into partnership with William H. Ely and his son. under the firm style 
of Ely, Zacher & Ely. ^Vith the death of \Villiam H. Ely in 1909, the firm became Zacher & 
Ely and in 1913 the name was changed to Zacher. Ely & Zacher, by the admission of Louis B. 
Zacher, the son of the senior partner, who was graduated from Y'ale with the Bachelor of 
Arts degree in 1910 and from the Yale Law School in 1913, at which time the LL. B. degree 
was conferred upon him. In addition to liis law practice, which is extensive and important, 
Mr, Zacher is a director of the Duluth & Superior Traction Company, a Connecticut corpora- 
tion. 

On tlie 18th of May. 1881, Mr. Zacher was married in Meriden, Connecticut, to Julia 
A, M. Griswold, a native of Branford and a daughter of the late Joel and .Julia (Meeker) 
Griswold, both representatives of old families of this state. Mrs. Zacher is a member of the 
Daughters of the American Revolution. By her marriage she has become the mother of the 
following named: iladolin Russ. who is a graduate of Vassar College of 1905; Natalia 
Barbara, who holds a certificate from the Y'ale Art School and is now the wife of Normand 
D. Brainard. a civil engineer now residing in Buffalo, Xew York; and I^oiiis B., who is his 
father's partner. 

Mr. Zacher gave his political allegiance to the democratic party until Bryan's first 
campaign, in 1896, since wliich time he has voted with the republican party. He was 
secretary \mder Governor Thomas M. ^Valler, and has also been .judge of the town court 
of Branford. He is a member of the Graduates Club and the Xew Haven Country Club and 



214 A MODEKN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

is prominently known in the New Haven Bar Association, having been elected its president 
in 1917. He has been a lifelong resident of Connecticut and from an early age he has been 
dependent upon his own resources. He worked his way in part through the university and 
thus displayed the elemental strength of his character. He understands difficulties, having 
met with many in his early years, 'and it may truthfully be said of him that he has never 
lost the common touch. He is ever ready to aid others who are struggling to rise, and his 
words of encouragement are based upon practical experience, because his own life has been 
organized along lines that have called for a full dole of labor. His own career is proof of 
tlie fact that industry wins, and every day with him is marked by a full faithed attempt to 
know more and to grow more. 



FREDERIC H. HYNES, M. D. 

Dr. Frederic H. Hynes, who is engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in New 
Haven, was born February 26, 1890, in Meriden, Connecticut, a son of JIathew H. and Mary 
(Morrison) Hynes. The father was a native of Massachusetts, a son of John Hynes. The 
founder of tlie American branch of tlie family was of Irish birth and came to ilassachusetts 
in the early part of the seventeenth century. Mathew H. Hynes has devoted his life to the 
banking business and is still a valued and honored resident of New Haven. He wedded Miss 
Mary Morrison, a native of Connecticut and a daughter of John Morrison, who was born in 
this state and was of English descent. Mr. and Mrs. Hynes became the parents of three 
cliildren: Frederic H., Mabel F., and Madeline. 

Dr. Hynes graduated from the higli school of New Haven with the class of 1909, and 
tlien entered Tufts College Medical School at Boston, Massachusetts, where he was graduated 
in 1913 with the M. D. degree. After his graduation he spent two years in the St. Eliza- 
beth's Hospital at Boston and then returned to New Haven, where he began a general prac- 
tice and has since continued an active representative of the profession. While one of the 
younger members of his profession he has made steady progress, demonstrating his ability 
to cope with intricate and involved professional problems. 

In politics Dr. Hynes is a republican but has never been active as an office seeker. He 
belongs to St. Mary's Roman Catholic church and holds membership with the Knights of 
Columbus. Along strictly professional lines he is connected with the New Haven, New Haven 
County, Connecticut State and American Medical Associations, and thus keeps in touch with 
the advanced thoughts and problems of the profession. He is surgeon of tlie fire board and 
clinical assistant in surgery at Yale, and, while engaged in a general practice, he is display- 
ing marked ability in surgery and might well specialize in that field. 



REV. WILLIAM L. KIERNAN. 

Rev. William L. Kiernan, one of New Haven's loved priests of the Roman Catholic 
church, was sent into the diocese by the bishop to establish a church on the outskirts of 
New Haven, in a thinly settled district, and founded on Dixwell avenue the Roman Catholic 
church known as St. John the Baptist. Through his eloquence, his kindly disposition and his 
zeal in the cause he has built up a parish for which the present church is miuli loo small 
and further extension of the church property is now being planned. 

Father Kiernan was born in County Cavan, Ireland, September 20. ISGT, a son of John 
and Mary (Harten) Kiernan, who were also natives of the Emerald isle, where the father 
devoted his life to the occupation of farming. In their family were seven children, Bridget, 
Katherine, Francis, John, Mary, Patrick and William L. 

The last named spent his boyhood in attendance at school in Ireland and in 18S6, when 
a youth of nineteen years, came to America. He entered St. Charles' College at Ellicott 
City. Maryland, from wliich he was graduated witli the class of 1889 and tlicn became a 
pupil in St. Mary's Theological Seminary at Baltimore and was ordained to the priesthood 
by Cardinal Gibbons, December 22, 1894. He was sent to Portland. Connecticut, and became 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 215 

assistant curate of the Catholic church there. Later he was sent to St. Mary's church at 
Bethel, Connecticut, where he was appointed pastor. He there remained for eight years 
and in 1915 was assigned to duty in New Haven to organize a church on Dixwell avenue 
near the city limits. That district was then but sparsely settled but has grown rapidly 
and Father Kiernan's interest in the church and efforts for its upbuilding have led to the 
establishment of a large parish. In fact, the church edifice is unable to accommodate the 
numbers who assemble there on Sundays and on feast days for worship, wliich necessitates 
the holding of four masses on Sundays and holidays. Recognizing the need for greater 
accommodations. Father Kiernan purchased in 1917 the block of ground on Dixwell and 
Pound streets which had been the home of the Munson family for many years. He is now 
occupj'ing the residence but lias planned, in a j'ear or two to erect a fine Catliolic church 
on this site to take the place of the original church at No. 828 Dixwell avenue. 

Father Kiernan liolds membership in the Knights of Columbus of New Haven and he 
has made a warm place for himself in the affections of his people during the two years In 
whicli he has had cliarge of the church of St. John the Baptist. 



HON. CHARLES E. CLARK. 



Hon. Charles E. Clark, lawyer, author, legislator and prominently identified with many 
movements which are seeking to advance higher standards of citizenship, was born in 
Woodbridge, Connecticut, December 9, 1889, a son of Samuel 0. Clark, a native of Wood- 
bridge, and a grandson of Elias Treat Clark, who was also born in Connecticut. The 
ancestral line is traced back to George Clark, who came from England and founded the 
family that has been represented in the Revolutionary war and War of 1812. Among his 
descendants was Governor Robert Treat and since 1668 members of the family have been 
continuously representatives in the state legislature, taking active part in framing the 
laws of the commonwealth and promoting all those interests which have led to the 
upbuilding of a great state. Elias Treat Clark served in the state legislature from 1886 
until 1888, and Samuel 0. Clark was called to represent his district in the general assembly 
in 1899. The latter is a republican. He has filled various town oflSces, taking a most active 
interest in civic affairs. He married Pauline C. Marquard, a native of Orange, Connecticut. 

Charles E. Clark pursued his early education in the district schools of Orange and 
continued his studies in the New Haven high school, from which he was graduated in 1907. 
His early life wa.s spent upon his father's farm and in large measure he provided himself the 
opportunity of attemling Yale, which he entered as a student in the academic department, 
winning the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1911. AVith broad literary learning to serve as a 
foundation upon which to rear professional knowledge, he then became a law student and 
won his LL. B. degree at Yale with the class of 1913. Admitted to practice in all of the 
state courts in June of that year, he first became associated with Judge Livingston Cleave- 
land, with whom he remained from April, 1912, until March, 1915. In October, 1916, he 
entered into partnersliip with Harrison Hewitt for the general practice of law under the 
firm style of Hewitt & Clark. In 1915, Judge Livingston W. Cleaveland, former Judge of 
the probate court, Harrison Hewitt and Mr. Clark compiled and issued a work on probate 
law and practice, published by the Banks Law Publishing Company at 33 Park Place, New 
York. This is recognized as a most valuable work, having received the endorsement of 
some of the most eminent jurists and lawyers of this and other states. Mr. Clark has 
been treasurer of the Y'ale Law .Journal since .June, 1914, and has contributed to that 
publication and to the Y'ale Alumni Weekly. While a student at Yale Law School he won 
the annual June prize each year for the highest standing in his examinations and was 
secretary of the board of editors of the Y'ale Law Journal. He came to the starting point 
of his legal career well equipped for active practice. His practice has now become large 
and of a distinctively important character and his standing at the bar is a most enviable 
one. 

On the 9tli of October, 1915, Mr. Clark was married to Miss Dorothy E. Gregory, of 
Derby, Connecticut, a daughter of Louis L. and Grace L. (Spencer) Gregory. Mr. and Mrs. 
Clark were married by .Judge William H. Williams of the superior court, which was 



216 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

probably one of the first marriage ceremonies performed by a superior court judge of 
Connecticut. Mr. Clark is a member of the Orange Congregational church and is identified 
with various fraternities and social organizations, including the Phi Beta Kappa, Corby 
Court and Phi Delta Phi and the Graduates Club. Along strictly professional lines his 
connection is with the New Haven County Bar Association. His political endorsement has 
been given to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and in 
November, 1916, he was called to the office in which so many of the representatives of his 
family had previously served, being elected from Woodbridge to the state legislature, in 
which he is now serving as chairman of the committee on claims. It was also in 
November, 1916, that he was elected to the office of justice of the peace in Woodbridge. 
He is secretary of the Connecticut Civil Service Reform Association and supported the bill 
to restore civil service law through legislation. He has ever been a close and discriminating 
student of the vital problems and questions of the day. His lines of life have been cast 
in harmon}' with the record of an honorable and distinguished ancestry and, like his fore- 
bears, he is making valuable contribution to tlie progress and upbuililing of tlie state. 



HON. DAVID E. FITZGERALD. 

Without question David E. FitzGerald is one of the best known public men of New 
Haven and is recognized as a leader in democratic circles from coast to coast. His 
opinions and services have again and again been sought where expert knowledge or ability 
are needed in directing party affairs and, moreover, he is one of the most able lawyers of 
New Haven, while his personal characteristics make for popularity among his friends. 
Born in New Haven, SeptemVier 21, 1ST4. lie is a son of Edward and Ann iConwayi Fitz- 
Gerald, who were natives of Ireland but in early life came to the United States and were 
married in New Haven, where they continued to reside until called to the home beyond, 
the mother passing away in 1880, while the father reached the age of sixty-two years, 
departing this life in 1909. In their family were two sons and a daughter: John, deceased; 
David E.; and Mrs. Morris Slattcry, whose husband is a prominent physician of New 
Haven. 

After mastering the common branches of learning in St. John's parochial school, 
David E. FitzGerald attended the Hillhouse high school, from which he was graduated and 
was historian of his class of 1893. Having determined upon the practice of law as his 
life work, he then entered Yale University and received his LL. B. degree in 1895. After- 
ward he took post-graduate work in law and received the degree of master of laws, in 1896. 
He was admitted to the bar upon becoming of age and in 1897 entered into partnership 
with Walter J. Walsh and they have since been associated in the conduct of a most 
extensive and important law practice. Such is the ability of Mr. FitzGerald tliat public 
opinion ranks him with the leading attorneys of Connecticut. His course indicates careful 
anah'sis, a thorough knowledge of the law and keen insight combined with well balanced 
intellect. Along with those qualities indispensable to the lawyer — a keen, rapid, logical 
mind, plus the business sense and a ready capacity for hard work, he brought to the starting 
point of his legal career certain rare gifts — eloquence of language and a strong personality. 

Mr. FitzGerald has long been a moat active worker in democratic circles and was 
chairman of the democratic town committee for several years. He was elected chairman 
of the democratic state central committee in 1914, when Governor Simeon D. Baldwin was 
nominated for the United States senate, and conducted the state campaign that J'ear. and 
during the presidential campaign of 1916. Mr. FitzGerald was made a delegate at large 
to the democratic national convention at Baltimore in 1912 and was chosen one of the four 
delegates-at-large to the St. Louis convention in 1916. He has always been a prominent 
figure in the democratic conventions of state and nation for many years and he is a close 
personal friend of many of the political leaders of the country in both parties. He has been 
tendered many public offices but until lie accepted the mayoralty nomination he steadfastly 
declined to become a candidate, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his professional 
duties In the October election of 1917, Mr. FitzGerald was elected mayor of New Haven 
by almost a record vote. He has done much valuable public work outside of political 




HON. DAVID E. FITZGERALD 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 219 

office, however, his labors at all times being an element of progress and of justice. He 
was a member of the arbitration committee during the street railway troubles of 1909 and 
of 1913, representing the men on both occasions, with Clarence Deming representing the 
railway company. The troubJes were satisfactorily adjusted. He was appointed on the 
committee of free scholarships to Yale University by the late Mayor Kice and there is 
no feature of public life that he regards as of vital concern in which he is not deeply 
interested. His most important activity lately has been in the interest of the state and 
the nation in national defense and war work. He is a member of the law committee of 
the State Council of Xational Defense. He is also a member of the committee of ten. 
chosen by Governor Holcomb when the registration for the original draft first took place. 
Later Mr. FitzGerald was appointed chairman of the local division No. 3, exemption board, 
and at the joint meeting of the six boards appointed from New Haven by the president 
he was chosen chairman, and since the placing of the serial numbers on the registration 
cards he has been constantly in the service of the government, practically giving up his 
lucrative practice. 

On the 12th of November, 1900, Mr. FitzGerald was married to Miss Alice J. Clark, 
of Milford, Connecticut, a daughter of Josiah Fowler and Sarah Clark. The Clark family is 
one of the oldest of Milford and the old homestead stands on the farm which has been in 
the family for seven generations. Mr. and Mrs. FitzGerald have two children, David E., born 
in New Haven in 1901 and now a high school pupil; and John, born in 1906, attending the 
Truman grammar scliool. His religious faith is that of the Roman Catholic cliurch and 
Mr. FitzGerald is a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He is a man of 
most kindly spirit and generous impulses — one in whom the poor and needy have found a 
faithful friend. He is continually extending a helping hand where aid is needed. He 
cannot listen to a tale of sorrow or distress unmoved and yet his benevolences are known 
in the great majority of cases only to himself and the recipient. So countless have these 
been, however, that it is said that his recent election brought to him the support of 
hundreds who knew him as a benefactor, and yet the public had never been enlightened as 
to his generosity in tliese regards. He also has membership with the Ancient Order of 
Hibernians, also the Woodmen of the World, the New England Order of Protection, the 
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Taft Peace Settlement Society and the American 
Historical Society, associations which indicate the nature and breadth of his interests. He 
is a charter member of the New Haven County Bar Association and he also has mem- 
bership in the Connecticut State and American Bar Associations. He has been a very 
close student of the signs of the times and of those questions affecting national policy, 
and his analytical mind has contributed to the solution of various complex questions, 
while his oratory has enabled him to present his views with a clearness and cogency that 
carrv conviction to the minds of his hearers. 



GUSTAVUS ELIOT. M. D. 



Dr. Gustavus Eliot, whose proficiency in the field of medical practice is indicated in the 
tact that his colleagues and contemporaries in the profession have honored him with election 
to the presidency of both the City and County Medical Associations, has been a lifelong resi- 
dent of New Haven county. He was born at North Haven, March 22, 1857, and is of 
English descent, the family having been founded in America at a very early period in the 
colonization of the new world. The founder, Rev. John Eliot, a Puritan divine, landod at 
Boston. November 4, 1631. His son. Rev. Joseph Eliot, was a minister at Guilford. Connecti- 
cut, for many years, the family having been established in this state in 1664. The family 
name was spelled in England according to the orthograjihy which Dr. Eliot uses, but various 
generations in America use the double "1" and the double "t," the Doctor, however, chang- 
ing back to the original spelling. 

\Vliitney Elliott, father of Dr. Eliot, was born in Guilford, Connecticut, and took up the 
occupation of farming as a life work. He exerted marked influence over public thought and 
action and was elected to the state senate on the republican ticket in 1869, serving for one 
term. His religious faith was tliat of the Congregational church and in that belief he passed 



220 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

away at the age of eighty-six years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Emma E. 
Benton, was also born in Guilford and was a representative of an old Connecticut family 
of English lineage. She, too, has passed away. She became the mother of four children: 
Virginia Augusta, who was born June 23, 1847, and died at Guilford, November 3, 1854; 
Gustavus; Henry Whitney, who was born February 27, 1866, in North Haven; and Mary 
Wyllys, born November 33, 1868. The younger son was graduated from the University of 
Vermont with the M. T). degree in 1898 and through the following year was on duty in the 
government post at Willetts Point. He had served at Montauk Point when the soldiers of 
the Spanish-American war were there during the summer of 1898 and he was afterward trans- 
ferred to Madison Barracks, whence he was ordered to Manila, remaining in the Philippines 
until .Tanuary, 1905. He is now practicing in Massachusetts. 

Dr. Eliot was educated in the Hopkins grammar school of New Haven and in the 
academic department of Yale College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1877. 
Having determined to make the practice of medicine his life work, he entered the College 
of Physicians and Surgeons, the medical department of Columbia University of New York 
city, in which he completed his course in 1880. He received the Master of Arts degree 
upon examination at Yale University in 1882 and on the 13th of February of that year 
he began practice in New Haven. For more than a third of a century he has been an 
active representative of the profession in this city and in 1893 he was honored with the 
presidency of the New Haven Medical Association and in 1896 with the presidency of the 
New Haven County Medical Association. His high professional standing is still further 
indicated in the fact that in 1904 he was chosen to represent the Connecticut Medical 
Society in the house of delegates of the American Medical Association. He belongs also 
to the American Medical Association and thus keeps in close touch with the trend of 
modern professional thought and scientific investigation. 

On the 21st of April, 1887, Dr. Eliot was married to Miss Mary Anne Forbes, a 
daughter of Samuel and Mary C. (Potter) Forbes, of New Haven. There were four 
children of that marriage: Ruth Forbes, Margaret, Mary Forbes and Esther Harrison. 
The third daughter died February 7, 1893, an infant, and the mother passed away Novem- 
ber 30, 1896. 

Dr. Eliot gives his political allegiance to the republican party but has never sought 
nor desired political office. He is a member of the Graduates Club and of the Trinity 
Protestant Episcopal church. High and honorable principles have governed him in every 
relation of life and made him a man of genuine worth, his course at all times commending 
him to the confidence and regard of his fellow townsmen, while his professional skill has 
established him high in medical circles. 



FERDINAND VON BEREN. 



Ferdinand Von Beren, enjoying a well deserved reputation as an architect of New 
Haven, has been actively connected with the profession since 1886, at which time he 
entered upon an apprenticeship to acquaint himself with the work. He was born in 
Hanover, Germany, December 7, 1870, and was one of the two children of Carl and 
Alwina (Wiese) Von Beren, who were natives of Germany. The former came to America 
in 1875 and made his way direct to New Haven. During the remainder of his active 
business life he engaged in the manufacture of cigar boxes and won a very gratifying 
measure of success but since 1905 he has lived retired. He was born. January 39, 1837, 
and has therefore passed the age of eighty years. His wife brought the family to the 
new world in 1876 to join the husband and father, and here she passed away in June, 1912, 
at the age of seventy-three years. The only daughter in the family, Frieda, died in New 
Haven at the age of sixteen years. 

Ferdinand Von Beren was only five years of age when brought by his mother to 
the United States and in the schools of New Haven he pursued his education until he 
reached the age of sixteen, when he left the high school to enter the office of David R. 
Brown, a well known architect, under whom he served his apprenticeship. Such was the 
ability and fidelity which he displayed that in 1900 he was admitted to a partnership under 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 221 

the firm style of Brown & Von Beren, a connection that was maintained until the death 
of Mr. Brown on the 22d of February, 1911. Since then Mr. Von Beren has taken over 
the entire business, which, however, he still conducts under the old firm style. In length 
of time and the importance of the patronage this firm stands among the leaders in the 
state. In fact ilr. Brown was the oldest architect of Xew Haven at the time of his death, 
when he was eighty years old. Among the important buildings designed by the firm are 
the Chamber of Commerce, the Malley building, the Young Men's Christian Association 
building, the Bijou theatre, the Xew Haven liigh school and, in fact, all of tlie schools that 
have been erected in the city for the past fifteen years. They have also been architec.ts 
for many of the leading homes and public buildings in adjacent cities. Mr. Von Beren is 
a director of the New Haven Building & Loan Association and he has membership with 
the American Institute of Architects. 

On the 6th of May, 1893, in this city, Mr. Von Beren was united in marriage to Miss 
Mary Fricke, a native of New Haven and a daughter of William and Charlotte (Oppel) 
Fricke, who belonged to early families here. Her father died in 1914. Mr. and Mrs. 
Von Beren have a son, Russell David, who was born October 12, 1895. He left 
Sheffield Scientific School in his senior year to join the United States Aviation Corps in the 
Collegiate Balloon School at Rockville, Connecticut. He also studied architecture for 
a year in the University of Pennsylvania. He was born in New Haven in October, 1895, 
and he seems possessed of much of the same spirit that has carried his father forward 
to important professional connections. 

In politics Mr. Von Beren is a republican but without desire for office. Fraternally 
he is connected with the Masons, the Odd Fellows lodge and encampment and the Benevo- 
lent Protective Order of Elks. He also belongs to the Union League and the Race Brook 
Club, while his religious faith i.s indicated by his membership in the Trinity Lutheran 
cliurch. He is a member of the Governor's Foot Guard, being a sergeant on the non- 
commissioned staff. He is interested in all of those phases of life which have to do 
with public progress and prosperity, and his activities have been so directed as to make 
him one of the substantial and valued residents of this section of the state. 



FREDERICK AUGUSTUS IVES. 

Among the influential business men of Cheshire is Frederick Augustus Ives, treasurer 
of the Ball & Socket Manufacturing Companj-. His entire life has been passed here and his 
interests are thoroughly identified with those of the community. He was born March 21, 
1860, a son of Titus B. and Ann E. (Peck) Ives. In the paternal line he is descended from 
Joseph Ives, one of the first planters of West Farms, now Cheshire, locating there in 1694. 
From that time to the present the family has been represented in this section and its 
record through the centuries has been one of which its representatives may well be proud. 
The grandfather of our subject, Benajah Ives, was prominent in public affairs, representing 
his district in the lower house of the state assembly from 1828 to 1839, and being chosen 
state senator in 1840. He was also a prominent church worker and helped to select the 
site for the Congregational church of Cheshire. His son, Titus Ives, was born February 
36, 1828, and reached an advanced age, dying in 1901. He spent his boyhood upon the 
home farm but in early manhood became connected with the Cheshire Manufacturing Com- 
pany, of which he was an original stockholder. In 1850 he was elected a director of that 
concern and in 1885 became treasurer and superintendent. He discharged the exacting duties 
devolving upon him in those connections with marked capability and was in large measure 
responsible for the success of the company. He, too, took a great interest in the work of 
the Congregational church and in fact was active in many movements looking toward the 
moral and civic advancement of Cheshire. In 1870 and again in 1876 and in 1878 he was 
chosen by his fellow citizens to represent them in the state legislature and he became known 
as one of the most efficient members of that body. On the 1st of June, 1857, he was married 
to Miss Ann E. Peck, a daughter of John and Mary T. Peck, and they became the parents 
of two children, of whom our subject is the elder. 

Frederick A. Ives attended the public schools and also the Cheshire School, conducted 



222 A MODERN HISTORY OP NEW HAVEN 

under the auspices of the Episcopal church and widely known for the excellence of its 
work. In 1882, after completing his education, he entered the employ of the Cheshire 
Manufacturing Company and by reason of his ability and hard work gained rapid promo- 
tion. When the company was incorporated in 1901 as the Ball & Socket Manufacturing 
Company he was secretary but with the election of the new officers was made treasurer, 
which office he has since filled. He is also a director and a large stockholder and his opinions 
carrv great weight in determining questions of business policy. He thoroughly understands 
the principles underlying the successful administration of all large enterprises, keeps in 
close touch with the general business conditions in the country, especially as affecting the 
line in which the company is engaged, and has seldom been at fault in his decision as to what 
course is best to pursue under the circumstances. The company manufactures buttons ol all 
kinds, metal trimmings for hose supporters, thumb tacks, wall hooks, etc.. and the factory 
is new and of the most modern construction and equipped with up-to-date machinery. 
Improvements are constantly being made and it is known as one of the most progressive 
industrial enterprises of CTieshire. Mr. Ives is also interested in other manufacturing com- 
panies and is financially independent. 

In 1886 occurred the marriage of Mr. Ives and Miss Lillian E. Morse, of Litchfield, a 
daughter of Holmes 0. Morse, a prominent citizen and a large landowner and farmer. 
Mr. Ives usually supports the republican party and although in no sense a politician, he was 
chosen in 1905 as a representative to the state legislature and made an excellent record 
as a member of that body, especially in connection with tlic work of tlio manufacturers' 
committee. He is connected socially with the Quinnipiac Club and with the Highland 
Country Club of Meriden and in church membership is a Congregationalist and is now 
serving as treasurer of the ecclesiastical committee. His wife is prominent in the Daughters 
of the American Revolution and is popular in social circles. In all relations of life Mr. 
Ives has measured up to high standards, and the esteem in which he is generally held is 
fully merited. 



FRANK STURGIS BRADLEY. 

Frank Sturgis Bradley, secretary and general manager of the West Haven Manufactur- 
ing Company, one of the important industrial concerns of the borough, was born in Weth- 
ersfield, Connecticut, January 4, 1862. His parents, Fernando and Elizabeth (Goodrich) 
Bradley, were born respectively in Naugatuck and in Wethersfield. In 1862 the father en- 
listed for service in the Civil war as a member of the .Sixteenth Connecticut Volunteer In- 
fantry and was assigned to the commissary department. He was taken prisoner and for 
a considerable period was confined in Andersonville prison. He turned his attention largely 
to farming, which occupation he followed for the greater part of his life, however, for a con- 
siderable period after the war he worked in a factory in CoUinsville. His wife survives and 
resides with our subject. 

Frank S. Bradley received a common school education, attending the schools of Wethers- 
field. Hartford and Unionville, Connecticut. When thirteen years he entered the shop of the 
Standard Rule & Level Company of Unionville and from that time to the present has been 
connected with manufacturing interests. He has always taken a keen interest in mechanical 
problems and as a boy and youth made it a point to acquire as much varied experience in 
shops as possible. With this end in view he worked first for one concern and then for 
another including the Hartford Machine Screw Company, Colt's Patent Firearms Manufactur- 
ing Company of Hartford, in which he was a tool maker, and Pratt & Whitney, in whose em- 
ploy his work was that of fitting spindles. In 1881 he was with the Wetmore Machine Com- 
pany of New Haven, manufacturers of the Bosworth Waxed Thread sewing machines. After 
leaving their employ he was for seven years expert machinist with the Henry G. Thompson 
Company, manufacturers of pamphlet-wiring machines. During his connnection with that con- 
cern he was sent by them to various places where an expert in that line was needed. From 
1889 until 1896 he was with R. H. Brown & Company of New Haven, but in the latter year 
came to West Haven and organized what is now the West Haven Manufacturing Company. 
He had perfected and patented a number of new devices to be used in the manufacture of 







yuvnA 




AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 225 

saws and established a business of his own in order to put these machines to actual use. For 
some time he worked unaided and seemed to make little progress but persevered and at the 
end of six years was able to demonstrate the practicability" of his inventions. In partnership 
with C. E. Graham he etsablished the West Haven Manufacturing Company, which in 1902 
was incorporated under the same name. Mr. Bradley is secretary and general manager of 
the company and is in charge of the mechanical end of the business. He has invented and 
patented wire-stitching machinery and s'aw-making machinery and the frames used in hack- 
saws. The company manufactures a diversified line of tools and hardware specialties, em- 
ploys from one hundred to two hundred men and has found a market for its products over 
the entire country. Mr. Bradley is also a director of the Orange Bank & Trust Company. 

In 1889 occurred the marriage of Frank S. Bradley and Miss Clara Gardner, of New 
Haven, a daughter of John P. and Georgie Gardner, the father a well known music teacher. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Bradley have been born two children, Clara May and Florence Estelle. 

Mr. Bradley is a stanch republican and has served as member of the board of burgesses 
of West Haven. He attends the Congregational church, although not a member thereof, and 
is generous in his contributions to its support. His wife is a leader in religious activities 
and prominent in civic clubs. He belongs to the Masons, the Winchester Lodge of the New 
England Order of Protection, of which he is a charter member and past warden and which 
he named, and is also identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, which he joined 
when employed. Along more strictly social lines he is connected with the Phoenix Club and 
also a member of the Union League of New Haven. He is always to be found with those 
who are working earnestly for the advancement of the community welfare and it is but 
natural that he should be an active meinber of the New Haven and West Haven chambers of 
commerce and he is also identified with the United States Chamber of Commerce. As a boy 
he determined that he would not remain an ordinary mechanic and as the years have passed 
he has accomplished all that he hoped and more, for now he is the guiding spirit of an im- 
portant manufacturing concern and through his inventions has contributed to the world's 
progress along mechanical lines. 



HENRY M. SHARTENBERG. 

Prominent among the most resourceful and progressive merchants of New Haven stands 
Henry M. Shartenberg, who is now president of the Shartenberg & Robinson Company, 
controlling important commercial interests not only in New Haven but elsewhere in the 
state. It is true that he entered upon a business already established, but in assuming 
management of the large department store of New Haven his capabilities were put to the 
test and he measured fully up to the demands made. 

Born in Phenix, Rhode Island, October 26, 1877, Mr. Shartenberg is a son of Jacob and 
Ernestina (Abrahams) Shartenberg, both of whom were natives of Germany. The former 
was born in Cassel, November -t, 1853. and was but two years of age at tlie time of his 
father's demise, while his mother's death left him an orphan at the age of six years. He was 
then placed in an orphan asylum in his native country and when a youth of fourteen 
years he was apprenticed to a watchmaker for a three years' term. He had no liking nor 
aptitude for that trade and at the end of two years he ran away from his employer and 
managed to get passage on an American bound vessel, landing at Castle Garden, New York, 
a poor immigrant boy without money or friends at the age of sixteen years. He faced 
the necessity of gaining immediate employment and accepted any work that would yield 
him an honest living. He was employed at various occupations for a time but finally 
obtained a position in a fur factory, where he remained until he saw an advertisement for 
a young man to learn the dry goods business in Providence. He believed this to be his 
opportunity and, answering the advertisement, he became an employe of Leopold Dimond 
and thus was begun not only a long and most pleasant commercial connection but a 
friendship that endured for many years and was further promoted by the fact that the 
two gentlemen married sisters. 

Mr. Shartenberg thoroughly mastered the principles of purchasing under the 
direction of Mr. Dimond and subsequently resolved to enter business on his own account. 



226 A MODBEN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

With a capital of one hundred and fifty-eight dollars he opened a little dry goods store in 
Phenix, Rhode Island, and four years later, or in 1881, established a small store in 
Pawtueket, thus taking the step which led to the goal of substantial success. In 1887 
the firm of Shartenberg & Robinson was formed and more commodious quarters were 
secured. They extended the scope of their activities in 1906 by incorporating and establish- 
ing a large department store in New Haven, which under the guidance of Henry M. Sharten- 
berg has become one of the finest and most extensive in New England. Jacob Shartenberg 
was an active factor in furthering commercial interests that redounded to the benefit of 
his colleagues and contemporaries as well as of himself. He was for many years a member 
of the executive committee of the Dry Goods Alliance and he was the originator and first 
president of the Pawtueket Retail Merchants Association, the forerunner of the Chamber 
of Commerce. He belonged to the Pawtueket Business Men's Association and served on 
its executive committee, and for several years prior to his death he was a member of 
the park commission of that city. He was vice president of Temple Bethel of Providence, 
Rhode Island, and a director of the Providence Jewish Orphanage. He belonged to District 
Grand Lodge, No. 7, of the Independent Order of B'nai B'ritli and to Haggai Lodge, No. 132, 
I. O. B. B., and the Free Sons of Israel. He was a most generous contributor to charitable 
and benevolent work and his sudden death, which occurred when he was in the sixty- 
second year of his age, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret wherever he was 
known. 

Of him Colonel Harry Cutler of Providence said: "The sudden demise of Mr. Sharten- 
berg is a shock, not only to the Jewish community, but to both the communities in the 
cities of Pawtueket, Providence, and New Haven, and to tlie many friends who have 
learned to know and love him. Coming here as an immigrant boy, carving his own career, 
he attained a position of American citizenship of which any man could justly be proud. 
Modest, unostentatious, of sterling character, his word always his bond, a man of keen 
sympathy and great good nature, he impressed his personality through those qualifications 
on everyone with whom he came in contact. As husband and father he was an example to 
others. His civic pride in the city of Pawtueket was such as to inspire a keen delight 
in his duties as park commissioner. His early childhood as an orphan made him a close 
friend of the orplians. His innate love for liis religion caused him to devote nuich of Iiis 
labors to his congregation and the welfare of the Jewish community. As a great respecter 
of education, he. not only encouraged his own children, one of whom is a graduate of Yale 
College and the other of Harvard College, but also caused him to become a benefactor of 
institutions of learning both of Providence and elsewhere, and his keen appreciation of 
Brown University and the Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati, was manifested on many 
occasions. His activities were many and important, and the community will feel the shock 
and loss by his demise keenly." 

Reared in Rhode Island, Henry M. Shartenberg attended the schools of Pawtueket and 
later entered the academic department of Harvard University, from which he was graduated 
in 1900. A year later he completed a course in the law department and his knowledge of 
the principles of law has been of immense benefit to him in the conduct of his business 
interests. Following his graduation he traveled extensively in Europe as representative 
of the Attleboro Manufacturing Company of New York and upon his return to the new 
world became his father's associate in business at Pawtueket, receiving thorough training 
along mercantile lines. In 1906 a branch house was established in New Haven, of which 
Henry M. Shartenberg was given the management and since that time he has been at its 
head, carefully directing its growth and development until it is now one of the finest and 
largest department stores of New England. Since his father's death he has become the 
president of the Shartenberg & Robinson Company and thus controls commercial activities 
of mammoth proportions. 

On the 17th of January, 1906. Mr. Shartenberg was married to Miss Hedwig Weise 
Lederer, of Providence, Rhode Island, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sigmund Lederer. They 
now have three children: Frances, who was born in Pawtueket in 1906; Ruth, born in New 
Haven in 1910; and Henry M., born in New Haven in 1914. 

Mr. Shartenberg is a Mason, belonging to lodge, chapter and council, and he also 
belongs to the Racebrook Country Club, the Union League and other social organizations. 
He has many substantial qualities which rank him high as a business man and citizen. 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 227 

and anyone meeting him face to face would know at once that he is an individual embodying 
all the elements of what in this country we term a square man — one in whom to have 
confidcnee — a dependable man in any relation and any emergency. 



BURXSIDE WINSLOW. 



Burnside Winslow, an investment broker of New Haven, was born in Baltimore, Mary- 
land, August S, 1881. His father, J. H. AVinslow, a native of Portland, Maine, was 
descended from an old New England family of English lineage founded in America by 
Edward Winslow and his brother during the early part of the seventeenth century. J. H. 
Winslow is engaged in the advertising business in Philadelphia. He married Helen Knight, 
a native of Portland, Maine, and a representative of an old New England family. 

Burnside Winslow, their only child, supplemented his preparatory course, pursued at 
Andover, Massachusetts, by study at Yale, where he won the Bachelor of Arts degree witli 
the class of 1904. Liberal education thus qualified him for life's practical and responsible 
duties. After completing his studies he was connected with the Utica Gas & Electric 
Company in the engineering department and was associated therewith for two years, after 
which he resigned his position and in 1909 came to New Haven, where he entered the 
brokerage business, in which he has since been continuously and successfully engaged. He 
has thorough acquaintance with commercial paper and other lines o£ investment, and his 
knowledge and abilitj' have made his service thoroughly satisfactory to his clients. 

On the 15th of January, 1908, Mr. Winslow was married to Miss Helen T. Carrington, 
a native of New Haven and a daughter of John B. and Annie (Lawton) Carrington. They 
now have one child, Anne Carrington, born May 4, 1909. 

Mr. and Mrs. Winslow hold membership in Center church, and in the social circles of 
the city they have won an enviable position. Mr. Winslow has voted with the republican 
party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He is widely known as a mem- 
ber of the Graduates, Quinnipiac, New Haven Lawn and Country Clubs of New Haven and 
of the Yale Club of New York, and his personal qualities make for popularity in all these 
organizations. 



NICOLA MARIANI, M. D. 



Dr. Nicola Mariani, actively engaged in the practice of medicine in New Haven, was 
born in Limatola, in the province of Benevento, Italy, August 4, 1868, a son of Joseph and 
Marie (Giacomina) Mariani, who were likewise natives of that sunny land. The father 
wag a man of means and gave his entire attention in a business way to the management 
of his estate. He was also active in public affairs, supporting many progressive measures 
for the benefit of his city and province. Both he and his wife have passed away. In 
their family were two sons, the younger being John W. Mariani, who was graduated from 
tlie Universitj' of Naples with the degree of LL. B. and later entered Y'ale University, graduat- 
ing with the LL. B. degree in the class of 1900. For seven years he was engaged in the prac- 
tice of law at Fairmont, West Virginia, and was also Italian consul there. He is now engaged 
in the practice of law in Naples, Italy. 

Dr. Nicola Mariani pursued both his classical and professional studies in his native land, 
winning the Bachelor of Arts degree upon graduation from a national college with the class 
of 1887 and his professional degree upon completing a course in the medical department of 
the Royal University of Naples with the class of 1893. He then spent three years as an 
interne in the General Hospital of Naples, gaining that broad and valuable experience which 
is never as quickly secured in any other way as through hospital practice. He then came 
to America, arriving in March, 1896, after which he immediately located in New Haven, 
where he opened an office and has since continuously engaged in general practice. He 
pursued a two years' post graduate course in Yale and is recognized as one of the most 
capable members of the profession, having comprehensive knowledge of the science, while 



228 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

broad experience has demonstrated his ability to accurately apply its principles to specific 
needs. 

In New Haven, in 1897. Dr. Mariani was married to Miss Margherita Spinello, a native 
of Italy and a daughter of .John and Madeline (Pessolano) Spinello, the former now deceased, 
while the mother makes her home with Dr. and Jlrs. Mariani. 

In his political views Dr. Mariani is a stalwart republican and is acting as Italian 
consul at the present time. He is much interested in civic matters, cooperating in ail those 
projects and activities which promise benefit to the city. He is serving at the present 
time as president of the board of health of New Haven. He had military training in hie 
native coxintrv as a member of the Italian army, serving as a lieutenant in an infantry 
regiment and afterward with a sanitary corps. Along strictly professional lines he has 
connection with the New Haven Medical Association, the New Haven County Medical 
Association, the Connecticut State Medical Association and the American Medical Association. 
A gentleman of broad and liberal culture, having the benefit of the most efficient professional 
training of his native and of his adopted land, he is today occupying a prominent position 
not only among the physicians and surgeons of New Haven, but New England as well. 



RICHARD WILLIAMS. 



Richard Williams, starting out to earn his living at the age of sixteen years, is now 
well known as a prominent architect of New Haven, where many fine structures stand as 
monuments to his enterprise and his skill. He was born in Anglesey, Wales, October 14, 
1860, a son of John W'illiams, who was also a native of that little rock-ribbed country, 
where he spent his entire life, conducting a successful business as a contractor. He reached 
the venerable age of ninety-one years, while his wife passed away in 1894, when but sixty 
years of age. She bore the maiden name of Margaret Griffiths and was also a native of 
Wales. 

Richard Williams,, the youngest of their six children, was educated in the schools of 
his native city and in an art school at Birkenhead, England, from which he was in due 
time graduated. Dependent upon his own resources from the age of sixteen years, he Sf-rved 
a three years' apprenticeship at the carpenter's and joiner's trade, which he afterward 
followed as a journeyman for about three years. He came to America in October, 1888, and 
for a few months remained in New York, where he wfls employed by an architect, after 
which he removed to Bridgeport and became connected with Longstaff & Hurd, architects, 
with which firm he continued for five years. On the expiration of that period he took up 
his abode in New Haven and entered the employ of William H. Allen, who after eight 
years sold to him his business, which was carried on under the name of Richard .W'illiams, 
but six years later the two entered into partnership under the firm style of Allen & 
■^Villiams. That connection was maintained until 1914, when in the month of March the 
relationship was discontinued and Mr. Williams has since been alone in practice. In his 
professional capacity either as partner or as an individual he made the design for the Union 
League Club, the New Haven county home, the New Haven county courthouse, the Tudor 
Garden apartments, the Plymouth church, the Christian Science church, the North Haven 
Congregational church, the St. Louis French Roman Catholic church, St. Anthony's Roman 
Catholic church, St. Mary' rectory, St. Peter's school, the library at Meriden, the Young 
Men's Christian Association building at Ansonia and the Country Club at Waterbury. 
Among the more recent structures he has designed are the Milford grammar school, also 
the First Baptist church in West Haven. He has also erected many of the most beautiful 
homes of New Haven and adjoining counties. Beauty, convenience and utility all feature 
in his buildings and his ideas when put into tangible form have constituted some of the 
most attractive architectural features of this section of the state. 

In 1906 Mr. W'illiams was united in marriage in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Miss Harriett 
Reader, a native of Westfield, Connecticut, and a daughter of the late Thomas Reader. 
Mr. AVilliams is a member of the Union League and also of the Yacht Club and fraternally 
he is connected with W'ooster Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and the Benevolent Protective Order of 
Elks. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, but while keeping well in- 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 229 

formed on the questions and issues of the day, he does not seek nor desire office. Along 
professional lines he is connected with the Connecticut Chapter of the American Institute 
of Architects and also with the American Institute of Architects. What he has accomplished 
has resulted from his intelligently directed eflforts and developed powers in the line of his 
profession. He possesses the substantial qualities of ambition and energy, and from the 
faithful performance of each day's duties he has found strength and inspiration for the 
eflorts of the succeeding day. Thus gradually he has advanced to a position of leadership 
among the architects of his adopted city. 



REV. JOHN THOMAS LYNCH. 

Among the leading churches of Meriden i.-j 8t. Joseph'.s Roman Catholic church, which has 
three thousand members, and the excellent condition of its work bears testimony to the 
ability of its pastor. Rev. John Thomas Lynch. He is also principal of the parochial school 
connected with the church and in the performance of his many duties he has manifested 
the highest spirit of devotion and practical executive ability. His birth occurred in Water- 
bury, January 24, 1856, and he is a son of John and Ann Lynch. He lost his mother 
when he was but five years old and was later taken care of by his god-mother, who reared 
him carefully. 

After attending the schools of Ansonia, Connecticut, Father Lynch became a student 
in Niagara University at Niagara Falls, New York, and there completed the classical course. 
He passed through the halls of philosophy and theology and was ordained to the priesthood 
in 1886 by Bishop Ryan, of BuiTalo, New York. He was assigned as assistant pastor of 
St. John's church at Stamford, Connecticut, and in May, 1888, was transferred to Hartford, 
as assistant |)astor of St. Peter's church. He remained there for nine years and in 1897 
was sent to Wethersfield, Connecticut, to organize the Sacred Heart parish. During the three 
years that he spent there he accomplished a great deal and when called to Meriden in 
September, 1900, left a prosperous church with all of its departments /Well organized. When 
he came to Meriden the house of worship of St. Joseph's parish was but a small chapel 
and again it fell to his lot to organize and build up a new parish. His untiring labors 
met with gratifying success and under his pastorate the influence of the church has been 
steadily extended. For a number of j'ears he also had charge of the Italian Roman Catholic 
church but the work of that parish was largely given into the hands of an assistant. St. 
Joseph's now has three thousand members. A parochial school is maintained with an 
attendance of about three hundred and fifty ])upils and ten Sisters comprise the teaching 
force. Two assistants are required to aid Father Lynch in looking- after the temi)oral and 
spiritual interests of the parish and they are at present Rev. James J. McGetrick and Rev. 
Patrick A. McCarthy. The little chapel which was the house of worship at the time Rev. 
Lynch took charge of the church has given place to a magnificent edifice valued at one hun- 
dred thousand dollars, the school building is worth forty thousand dollars and the rectory 
seventeen thousand dollars. Rev. Lynch belongs to Silver City Council, K. C, of which he 
is chaplain, and he has always felt a keen interest in the work of that order which has been 
such a force for good among the men of Catholic faith. WTiile stationed at Hartford he 
was chaplain of the Connecticut state prison and his work in that connection was likewise 
productive of good. He has won for himself a warm place in the regard of his parishioners, 
and hie ability and worth are also recognized by the community at large. 



ISIDOR FREEDMAN. 



When the Freedman department store, of which Isidor Freedman is the head, was 
opened for business its selling force consisted of but two clerks, and something of the 
splendid development of the trade is indicated in the fact that there are now two hundred 
and fifty salespeople and other employes, a result which is the visible evidence of the 
indefatigable energy and initiative spirit of Mr. Freedman, who received his business 



230 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

training under the direction of his father, Louis H. Freedman, who for Bome years was 
one of New Haven's most prosperous merchants. The present business, however, was 
started as an independent venture by Isidor Freedman and is the outgrowth of his close 
application and energy. 

A native of New Haven, he was born February 28, 1862, of the marriage of Louis H. 
and Rachael (Strauss) Freedman, who were natives of Germany but in early life came to 
the United States and were married in New Haven in 1850. For many years the father 
was identified with commercial interests as a dry goods merchant, his life's labors being 
ended, however, in death on the 9th of April, 1909. His widow survived until March 19, 
1914. 

The youngest of their six children, Isidor Freedman, was sent to the Webster grammar 
school in his youtliful days and afterward attended tlic Hillhouse liigh school. When liis 
textbooks were put aside he became a clerk in his father's store and remained with him 
from 1879 until 1886. He was ambitious, however, to engage in business on his own account 
and carefully saved his earnings until his industry and economy had brought him sufficient 
capital to establish a small store. After a brief period he formed a partnership with 
Adolph ilendel, and with two clerks they carried on the business, soon winning an increased 
patronage, however, that necessitated the employment of other help. The business has 
enjoyed rapid but substantial growth and theirs is today considered one of the largest 
stores of the state. They carry a complete line of general merchandise of all descriptions, 
such as is found in a first-class department store, and they handle a distinctively high- 
grade line of dry goods, ladies' wearing apparel, dress goods, shoes and men's clothing and 
furriisliings. Their business is governed by tlie best known principles. They sell merchan- 
dise of trustworthy quality and aim at perfect store service and delivery. 

On the 5th of January, 1895, in New York city, Mr. Freedman was married to Miss 
Sarah K. Kahn, a daughter of Meyer and Henrietta Kahn. They have one child, Ruth F., 
who is a graduate of Johnstone's School and Miss Boardman's boarding school for girls 
and is the wife of Kdwin Hays, of New York city. 

Mr. Freedman has membership with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and in 
club circles is well known as a member of the Harmonic. Racebrocik Country and Sterling 
Clubs. Actuated by laudable ambition, he has in his career made steady progress and the 
qualities which he has displayed have won for him not only financial success but also the 
high respect of colleagues and contemporaries. 



JOHN M. MARVIN. 



Among the manufacturing interests which figure in the commercial development and 
progress of New Haven is numbered the Globe Silk Works, of which John M. Marvin is 
senior partner. He was born in -Jamestown, New York, June 2, 1854(, a son of Rev. Sylvanus 
Pratt and Sylvina (Buell) Marvin, who were both natives of Connecticut, born in Lyme and 
in Clinton respectively. Tlie father was ordained as a minister of the Congregational church 
and devoted his life to that holy calling. For fortj' years prior to his demise he had charge 
of the church in Woodbridge, Connecticut, his long pastorate indicating the unqualified loyalty 
and love of his people. He died in Woodbridge, November 24, 1904, while his wife passed 
away theie, January 20, 1902. In their family were two sons, the younger being Edward 
Reynold, who died in Woodbridge in 1869 at the age of nine years. 

John M. Marvin is indebted to the schools of Woodbridge for his early educational oppor- 
tunities, which were supplemented by study in the Williston Seminary, East Hampton, 
Massachusetts., in which he completed the scientific course with the class of 1874. He made 
his initial step in the business world in New Y'ork city in connection with a wholesale dry- 
goods hous.e with which he remained for two j'ears. He then came to New Haven, Connecti- 
cut, and in 1877 took up the business of silk manufacturing. After a time he was joined by 
a partner and his enterprise, which was the first silk manufacturing concern in this section, 
has grown from a small beginning to an enterprise of large proportions. His first partner, 
W. T. Smith, was succeeded by William B. Pardee, but later, on the death of Mr. Pardee, Mr. 
Marvin was again alone in the management of the business for a considerable period. More 




^vl.^•A^•^s p. >[AiiVTX 



AND EASTERN NEW IIAYEN COUNTY 233 

recentlj\ however, he has been joined by a son of Mr. Pardee, William S. Pardee, but the 
supervision and direction of the business largely devolves upon Mr. Marvin, who has now 
been active in this field for forty years and is thoroughly acquainted with every phase of 
silk manufacturing. He has improved his process from time to time, has a factory and dye 
house well equipped with the latest machinery for facilitating the work, producing silk 
threads of the highest quality, and is conducting a business of gratifying proportions, 
bringing to him a satisfactory annual income. 

In 18S1 Mr. Marvin was married to Miss Adella M. Smith of New Haven, a representa- 
tive of a well known family and a daughter of Isaac T. and Lucretia A. Smith. They now 
have one child, Grace E., who was born in this city and is a graduate of Dana Hall. 

In his political views Mr. Marvin is a republican, and his religious faith is that of the 
Congregational denomination, his membership being in Dwight Place church, of which he 
has for many years been one of the deacons. He has membership in the Chamber of Com- 
merce and is interested in all those forces which work for the upbuilding of the city and the 
extension of its commercial relations. His judgement is sound, his sagacity keen, and in 
public as well as in business affairs he discriminates clearly between the essential and the 
non-essential, thus possessing those qualities which make for valuable citizenship. 



WaLLIAM H. POOLEY. 



The name of Meriden at once suggests to the average mind cut glass, for there is no 
resident of the country that does not know that Meriden is the center of the great industry 
of that character. It is with this industry that William H. Pooley is connected as secretary 
and manager of the J. D. Bergen Company. He was born in Cheshire, Connecticut, September 
12, 1876, a son of James and Mary Pooley. The father died in 1916, but the mother is still 
living. 

After attending the public schools of Cheshire for a brief period William H. Pooley 
accompanied his parents to Meriden in -1883 and continued his education in the schools of 
that city. He started out in the Inisiness world as an office boy at a salary of two dollars 
and a half per week. He was office boy for three years with the firm of Manning, Bowman 
& Company at a salary of six dollars per week and while thus engaged he studied book- 
keeping at night and during his leisure moments. At the age of eighteen years he began 
bookkeeping for the Chapman Manufacturing Company, with which he remained for two 
years, and for four and a half years he was with the Morehouse Brothers. He also kept 
books for smaller concerns at night for some time, and in 1905 he became associated with 
the Bergen Company as head bookkeeper. This business was established by James D. 
Bergen early in 1880 under the style of Bergen & Niland. The company began the produc- 
tion of caster bottles under a working arrangement with the Meriden Britannia Company. 
Success attended the enterprise from the beginning. After five years J. D. Bergen, seeing 
greater opportunities before him, bought out the interests of his partner and in 1892 organ- 
ized a stock company under the style of the J. D. Bergen Company, with a capital stock of 
forty thousand dollars, which was afterward increased to sixty thousand dollars. The first 
board of directors included some of the most prominent and substantial business men of 
Meriden. From the beginning the company made it its policy to place upon the market 
popular priced cut glass of a most attractive and artistic design and the product of the 
house soon won popular favor, which has grown as the years have gone by. In 1905 the 
company purchased a large five-story brick plant at Center and Britannia streets, which 
the}' occupied in March, 1906. Excellent railroad accommodations are secured, for the 
factory fronts on the main line of the New York. New Haven & Hartford Railroad and has 
a private spur track which extends alongside the factory. Each department of the factory 
is under the supervision of a man specially trained for his particular duties and the result 
is tliat the combined efforts of the departments produce an achievement that is notable in 
cut glass manufacturing circles. When Mr. Pooley first became connected with the business 
there were one hundred and twenty employes and today there are two hundred and 
twenty-five. The output is sold in India. Alaska, the Philippine islands, Cuba, Porto Rico, 
South America, as well as throughout the entire United States. They have their own 
Vol. II 11 



234 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

agency in Japan, but the war has somewhat curtailed European shipments. They maintain 
salesrooms in New York and in Chicago and have agents in all of the leading cities of this 
country- Their output is the last word in cut glass manufacture. They produce all that 
is finest and best in cut glass and the most artistic designs render the product of especial 
worth. The officers of the company are all men of long experience and the business is 
upon a most substantial basis, its interests being thoroughly systematized, while progressive- 
ness actuates every department. In 1914 Mr. Pooley was active in the organization of the 
Consolidated Cut Glass Company, which after six months was merged with the business of 
the J. D. Bergen Company. 

Mr. Pooley has never married but has four brothers and a sister, who are living in this 
state, namely: E. J., G. M., C. T., G. S., and Mrs. N. F. Kerwin. His brother, C. T. Pooley, 
is a resident of Hartford. 

William H. Pooley holds membership in the Episcopal church. Fraternally he is con- 
nected with the lodge and encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he also 
has membership with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His name is on the mem- 
bership roll of the Colonial Club and he is appreciative of the social amenities of life. His 
political endorsement is given to the republican party and he is progressive in citizenship, 
manifesting a public-spirited devotion to all matters of general worth. 



MAX B. LEICHTER. 



Max B. Leichter figures prominently in business circles of New Haven as proprietor of 
the Loomis Temple of Music, one of the oldest music houses of the state and one of its 
most reliable. It has remained a business institiition of New Haven for a half century 
and in all these years has enjoyed a most enviable reputation by reason of the reliable 
policy instituted by its founder and always maintained by his successors, while the modern 
business enterprise of Mr. Leichter has made its trade one of large and gratifying propor- 
tions. 

Max B. Leichter was born in New Haven, June 21, 1876, a son of Bernard and Augusta 
(Kaiser) Leichter. At an early age he left school to enter the Loomis Temple of Music 
in t)ie capacity of errand boy. Nature endowed him with musical taste and talent, anil 
from an early age he was considered a musical prodigy, winning renown as a juvenile 
concert performer. Because of his interest in the art he frequently had occasion to visit 
the Loomis Temple of Music and the owner, C. M. Loomis, took more than a passing interest 
in the boy. At length he prevailed upon him to become an employe in the store, and though 
he began work in the capacity of errand boy, he was not long in winning advancement to a 
position on the sales force of the store. The business had been established in 1865 by C. M. 
Loomis following his return from the Civil war, in which he had served as a member of 
Company F of the Sixth Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. By his integrity and industry 
Mr. Loomis soon built up an extensive business and won hosts of friends. The policy of 
the house has always been courtesy and straightforward dealing and satisfaction to the 
thousands of its patrons. The foiuider continued an active factor in tlie conduct of the 
business until his death, which occurred in March, 1890, when his son took up the work 
which liis father had laid down. It was Charles H. Loomis who succeeded as the sole manager 
of the business, having been connected with the establishment since its inception in 1865. 
Through his energy and generous treatment of the people he was greatly instrumental in 
building up the business to its large proportions. He conducted the trade on his own 
account until 1907, when he admitted Ma.x B. Leichter to a partnership and this association 
was maintained until the death of Charles H. Loomis in 1910. His interest was then 
purchased by Mr. Leichter. leaving him as sole proprietor. The business has since grown 
by leaps and bounds. The spirit of modern enterprise and progress inducted into the under- 
taking by Mr. Leichter has resulted in building up a trade of most gratifying proportions. 
However, he attributes much of the success of the business to Charles H. Loomis, who had 
been connected therewith since the establishment of the store and who early in his business 
career became an outside man or salesman, covering the state of Connecticut and winning 
for the house a wide reputation for honesty and fair dealing. He was so well versed in 



AXD EASTERN NEAY HAVEN COUNTY 235 

the piano business that there was no part of any instrument which he could not intelli- 
gently discuss. He had early served an apprenticeship in a piano factory and he was 
thercHire an cxi-ellent representative of tlie trade in tlic territory whieli lie covered. In 
fact he was regarded as one of the most versatile men in the piano business on the road 
and it was in large measure due to his efforts that the Loomia Temple of Music became 
so widely known. The house has always carried an extensive stock of classical and sheet 
music and textbooks on music as well as a varied line of musical instruments, and it has 
among its patrons in the state more than three hundred music teachers. There is also a 
complete Victrola department and stock of records and also a repair department where 
none but expert workmen are employed. They likewise have the only piano moving business 
of the city and for forty-five years the house has enjoyed an enviable reputation for the 
extreme care which is displayed by its employes in moving pianos. The establishment of 
today bears little resemblance to that which was founded in 1865, the original stock of 
pianos numbering but four. Today the Loomis Temple of Music is the most complete house 
of the kind in Connecticut, occupying a store two hundred and ten by forty feet and repre- 
senting the world's leading manufacturers of pianos, piano players, and talking machines. 
They also have a complete stock of smaller musical instruments. One of the innovations 
of the house is its soundproof rooms for trying out Victor and other records. These rooms 
are the size of ordinary living rooms and are tastefully arranged with suitable furniture and 
decorations. The prospective purchaser, therefore, has a chance to know exactly how the 
records will sound in his own home and is able to give his entire attention thereto undis- 
turbed by any unusual environment. 

In December, 1909, Mr. Leichter was married to Miss Blanche UUman, a daughter of 
Major Louis M. Ullman, mentioned elsewhere in this work. They now have one child, 
Carlyn, born in New Haven in 1911 and now attending a private school. 

Mr. Leichter has membership in the Harmonie Club, the Raeebrook Country Club and 
the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He has membership in the Young Men's Re- 
publican Club, which is indicative of his political views. He belongs to the Connecticut 
Piano Dealers Association and was elected to its presidency for the year 1917. Those things 
which touch the general interests of society are matters of concern to liim and his influence 
is always cast on the side of progress and improvement. His own career is indicative of 
this spirit. Starting out in life empty-handed, his is the splendid success of an honest man 
deeply interested in the line of business in which he has engaged and holding at all times 
to the highest standards. 



JAMES SHERMAN PITKIN. 

Since the year 1049 the Pitkin faniily has been represented in Connecticut. The name 
appears on the roll of governors of the state and in connection with other public offices of 
honor and trust, and in relation to many events which figure prominently upon the pages 
of history. James Sherwood Pitkin, the father of James S. Pitkin, was born at East 
Hartford, Connecticut, and was engaged in the management of the real estate interests of 
the family for many years, wisely administering the trust so that at the time of his 
death he ranked with the capitalists of New Haven. He had made extensive investment in 
property on his own account which returned most substantial dividends, and thus he left his 
family in very comfortable financial circumstances when on the 11th of February, 1914, he 
was called to his final rest at the age of seventy years. His wife was born in New York 
city and was a daughter of Howard Sherman, of Whitneyville, Connecticut, and came of a 
family active in the colonization of the state. She was a lady of notable refinement and 
culture and occupied a prominent position in social circles. She passed away at the summer 
home of the familj' at Pine Orchard, Connecticut, in 1887. There were three children born 
of her marriage: William R., residing at 180 Livingston street; James S., of this review; and 
Lewis S., whose home is at 185 Edward street. 

James S. Pitkin was born in New Haven, April 9, 1880, and was sent to Boston to 
school, where after completing his preparatory course he entered Harvard. He was gradu- 
ated on the completion of the academic course in 1903 and then entered the Massachusetts 



236 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

Institute of Technology, being graduated in 1906. His college days over, he returned to 
New Haven and became trustee of his father's estate, which he has most ably managed 
to the entire satisfaction of the other members of the family. In this connection he dis- 
j.lays marked business ability and enterprise, and In placing investments his sound judgment 
is brought into full play. 

On the 19th of June, 1915, Mr. Pitkin was married to Miss Annie Lawrence De Koreat, 
of >few Haven, a daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Louis S. De Forest, her father being a well known 
and prominent physician and a representative of one of the leading families. "Mr. Pitkin has 
membership in Trinity church and his political views are indicated in the fact that he be- 
longs to the Young Men's Kepublican Club. Something of the breadth of his interests is 
further manifest in the fact that he holds membership in the New Haven Colony Historical 
Society. He also belongs to the Graduates Club, the Yacht Club and the New Haven 
Country Club. The interests of his life are well balanced, making his a well rounded char- 
acter. Born of a prominent family, his life activities have been so directed that his course 
adds new laurels to an untarnished family name. 



EDWARD WIER SMITH, M. D. 

Dr. Edward Wier Smith, who for many years has been recognized as one of Meriden'a 
prominent physicians, was born in this city, October 17, 1854. His parents, David and Fidelia 
(Parker) Smith, were both representatives of old American families which were well repre- 
sented in the Continental troops during the Revolutionary war. On the paternal side the 
ancestry is traced back to James Smith, one of three brothers who came from England to 
the Massachusetts colony in 1636. He and his wife, Johanna Smith, located in Taunton 
and became prominent residents of that place. His son, Nathaniel Smith, passed his entire 
life there and there ociiurred the birth of his son, also named Nathaniel. Nathaniel Smith, 
Jr., however, removed to Hartford and later to Litchfield, of which he was an early settler. 
He married Anna Hoskins ilnd among their children was Jacob, who was a lieutenant in 
the Revolutionary army and died at Litchfield, April 14, 1807, at the age of sixty-nine years. 
His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Lewis and among their children was David, who 
devoted his life to farming near Litchfield. He married Anna Bartholomew and to them were 
born ten children, of whom David was born April 6, 1822, in Litchfield. He there grew to 
manbood and in his youth learned the trade of a stonemason. Following his removal to 
Meriden in 1853 he engaged in business as a contractor and met with gratifying success 
in that connection. He was a strong republican in politics and his religious faith was indi- 
cated by his membership in the First Congregational church. He was also an active temper- 
ance worker. In 1848 he married Miss Fidelia Parker, a daughter of Daniel and Ruth 
(Hull) Parker, of Meriden. On the 22d of November, 1898, Mr. and Mrs. Smith celebrated 
their golden wedding and received the felicitations of their friends on their many years of 
happy wedded life. To them were born six children, namely: Nettie, the wife of Julius 
Augur, of Meriden; Frank D., also of that city; Edward ^Vier; Ella Isabel and Jennie S., 
both of whom are prominent in Susan Carrington Clark Chapter of the Daughters of the 
American Revolution; and Frances Eva, who was an artist of ability and whose demise on 
the 27th of October, 1898, was the occasion of much sincere regret and sorrow. 

Edward W. Smith attended the public schools of Meriden, the Hopkins grammar school 
and Yale University, from which he was graduated in 1878. He began the study of medi- 
cine in that institution but after completing one year's course taught for a year in order 
to gain funds to complete his medical course. He then matriculated in the medical school of 
McGill University at Montreal, Canada, and received his professional degree in 1882. He at 
once returned to Meriden and opened an office and in a comparatively short time gained 
recognition as a conscientious and capable physician and surgeon. As the years have passed 
he has continued to enjoy the confidence both of the public and his professional brethren and 
has given much time to the study of the latest theories and practices in the medical field. 
In 1892 he took a course in the Post Graduate Medical College of New York and he belongs to 
the Connecticut State Medical Society, the American Medical Association and the American 
Academy of Medicine and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. In addition to 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 239 

his large private practice he is on the staff of the Meriden Hospital and is now a member 
of the state committee Medical Council of Defense. 

Ut. Smith was married October 14, 1885, to Miss Helen B. Rice, a daughter of Oliver 
and Abbie C. (Caldwell) Rice, also of Meridcn. To Dr. and Mrs. Smith have been born two 
children, Marion R., and David Parker, now a surgeon in the National Guard Army in France. 

Dr. Smith is a republican in politics but has been entirely without ambition to hold 
office, realizing that his practice requires his undivided time and attention. He is a thirty- 
second degree Mason, a member of St. Elmo Commandery, No. 9, K. T., and Lafayette Con- 
sistory. He was quite prominent in athletics while in Yale and was a member of the 
varsity baseball team, playing in games with Harvard, Princeton and other leading schools. 
His life has been guided by the teachings of Christianity and he is an influential member of 
the First Congregational church. He has not only gained a high standing in his profession 
but he has also won the unqualified respect and the warm regard of those who have come in 
close contact with him. 



HARRY C. KNIGHT. 



Harry C. Knight, vice president and general manager of the Southern New England 
Telephone Company, has in his business career illustrated the principle that progress is a 
cumulative process and that where there is no advancement there has been no effort. Witli 
him, every day must mark off a fuUfaithed attempt to know more and to grow more, and 
the exercise of effort is keeping him alert. What he attempts, he accomplishes, and in the 
specific work in which he is engaged he recognizes the fact that continued development of 
efficiency of service means the continued success of the organization. Mr. Knight has been 
with the company since 1902 and in the intervening years has contributed in large measure 
to its development and success. 

A lifelong resident of New England, he was born in Pittston, Maine, on the 2d of 
November, 1876, and his education was completed b}' a four years' course in Bowdoin 
College, from which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1898. He afterward took 
up the profession of teaching, which he followed until called to active connection with the 
Southern New England Telephone Company. He was proffered the position of general 
canvassing agent, which he accepted, starting as the sole member of his department. To his 
new position he brought the quality of indefatigable industry and the habit of hard think- 
ing, which always results in easier ways. With his appointment he began to study the 
business with possibilities of extending the activities under his control. Under his direction, 
sales work as a definite feature of the business was developed to the extent indicated by 
the growth of the business since that day. He learned everything possible about the tele- 
phone business, its management and control, and he made good in his position. On the 2d 
of May, 1910, when the contract department was merged with the new commercial depart- 
ment. In- was advanced to the position of commercial superintendent, in charge of tlie 
general business and public relations of the company. He thoroughly organized the com- 
mercial department, converting it into a smooth running and effective organization, re- 
sponsible for the development of the company's revenue and, to a considerable extent, for its 
good standing with the public. Talent and ability will eventually reap their just reward, 
as the record of Mr. Knight proves. On the 1st of .January, 1914, he was made an officer of 
the company, being elected assistant secretary and assistant treasurer, the duties of which 
he assumed in addition to those of commercial superintendent. In Januarj', 1916, he was 
elected a director of the company and in February, 1917, he was Aosen 'ice president and 
general manager. 

On the 6th of August, 1902, Mr. Knight was married to Miss Mabel Bacon, of Bath, 
Maine, and they have become the parents of two children, Gordon and Carolyn, aged re- 
spectively five and two years. Mr. Knight is devoted to the welfare of his family and finds 
his greatest happiness at his own fireside, yet he is not unmindful of his public duties and 
that he has stood on the side of progress, advancement and right in public affairs, making for 
himself a creditable position as a citizen, is indicated in the fact that he was in 1916 
appointed a member of the charter revision committee of New Haven, He is also a member 



240 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

(,f til.- Oiamber of Commerce and cooperates in all of its activities for the benefit and up- 
building of the city and the extension of its business relations. He likewise has membership 
with the Graduates Club and other New Haven organizations and his personal qualities make 
for marked popularity. 



CHARLES NEILSON DENISON, M. D. 

Dr. Charles Neilson Denison, a popular and successful physician and surgeon practicing 
in Cheshire, Connecticut, was born in Stillwater, Saratoga county, New York, July 9. 1870, 
a son of Albert Gallup and Maria (Neilson) Denison. The name Denison is unquestionably 
of ancient and probably of Norman origin. Burke's Book of the Landed Gentry of Great 
Britain states: "One Danziel, or Daniel, a full blooded Norman, settled in Renfrewshire, 
called his place Danzielstown, and from this came Denison. The family is unquestionably 
ancient, the name appearing in the charter of King Malcolm I, who died in 1165. The 
English Denisons are said to have sprung from a cadet of this ancient house, who went from 
Scotland in the time of Charles I and who fought at Marston Moor." The Denison family 
in America traces its descent from William Denison, who in 1631 came to America from 
England with .John Eliot, the apostle to the Indians, as a passenger on the ship Lion. He 
settled in Koxbury, Massachusetts, and was well known in that community. His son. 
Captain George Denison, was born in England in 1619 and came with his parents to Roxbury 
in 1031. Twelve years later he returned to England and at the time of the civil war in that 
country fought with the parliamentary troops under Cromwell and was wounded in the 
liattle of Naseby. In 1645 he married Ann Borodell, always called Lady Ann. She was of 
Cork. Ireland, and both were remarkable for their magnificent personal appearance and force 
of mind and character. Captain Denison returned with his family to Roxbury, Massa- 
chusetts. From 1651 to 1654 he took a prominent part in military affairs in Roxbury but 
at the end of that period removed to what is now Stonington, Connecticut. In 1675 and 
1676 he was in command of a body oi soldiers contributed by New London county to the 
army that fought in King Philip's war. Cajttain Denison made a brilliant record and it 
was his foi-ce that captured Chieftain Canonchet, one of the Indian leaders. He was not only 
))rominent in military afl'airs but also in community councils in time of peace. His record 
was at all times that of a public-spirited citizen. Miss Calkins in her History of New- 
London says of him: "He has been described as the Miles Standish of the settlement, but 
he was a greater and more brilliant soldier than Miles Standish. Our early history presents 
no character of bolder and more active spirit than Captain George Denison; he reminds us 
of the bonier men of Scotland." Later generations of the family removed from New England 
to New York. Charles Neilson Denison is descended from the Gallup family through his 
grandmother on his father's side — Eunice Gallup. She was a direct descendant of Captain 
.Inhn Gallup, slain in the Xarragansett Fort battle, December 19. 1675. "We learn from 
Thomas Fuller, vicar of Broadwindsor, who quotes from manuscripts, that in 1413 (seventy- 
nine years before the discovery of America, and in the first year in the reign of King 
Henry V) that John Galope of that parish was the first man in England to assume the title 
ol' esquire." In an indenture dated September 20. 1519, Jolin (iallo|). son of the former, 
appears as one of ye governors and guardians of ye fraternity of St. Francis and St. Christo- 
plier in Eeclesia, Wetherbury, Dorset. Herald's Inquisition, 1562, cites his death in 1534. 
riiere is in Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, a very arti.stic illumination of John de Galop, 
dean of the Collegiate Cliurch of St. Louis of Normandy, presenting to King Henry V a 
translation of Bonaventura's "Life of Christ." made by himself. This must have been taken 
in 1420, when, after the battle of Agincourt and his marriage with Catharine, Henry became 
regi-nt of France. The drapery of the throne is powdered with fleurs de lis. In the library 
of the house of lords a collection of manuscripts called Gallopiana has many records of the 
branches of the Gallops and their allied families. The name seems to be spelled in many 
ways— Galloi)e— Galope and Gallup. Mrs. Maria (Neilson) Denison was born in Stillwater, 
New York, and also came of a family long established in America. The land on which 
occurred the battle of the Burgoyne, one of the most important conflicts of the Revolutionary 
war. is still in the possession of the Neilsons. 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 241 

Albert Gallup Duiiison, the father of our subject, was born in Berne, Xew York, and 
for many years was a resident of Stillwater, that state, where he engaged in the manufacture 
of cotton underwear. He was not only prominent in business but was also a pillar in the 
Baptist church, in which he held the office of deacon. Mrs. Denison passed away at Still- 
water in 1909, when seventy-five years of age, having for many years survived her husband, 
who died there in 188:!, when fifty-two years old. They were the parents of three children. 
Mrs. G. P. H. Taylor,; Rial N., for over thirty years a practicing physician, residing at 
Brooklyn, New York ; and Charles N., of this review. 

Charles N. Denison obtained his early education in the public schools of Stillwater and 
then entered the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute, after which he studied in the Long Island 
College Hospital, from which he was graduated with the degree of il. D. in 1893. Tlie 
succeeding year was spent as an interne in the Ward's Island and Metropolitan Hospitals, 
both of New Y'ork city, and in 1894 he came to Cheshire, Connecticut, and opened an office 
for the independent practice of his profession. His success in diagnosing and treating disease 
and his devotion to his work have commended him to the patronage of the public, and his 
patients come not only from the town of Cheshire but from the surrounding country. Since 
May, 191G, he has also maintained an office at No. 299 Main street. Waterbury, and has built 
up a good practice in that city. Since 1910 he has been town health officer and medical 
examiner and has been very efficient in the discharge of his official duties. 

Dr. Denison was married in 1895, in Stillwater, New York, to Miss Minnie Louise 
Conkey, a daughter of William S. and Louise (Brazier) Conkey, natives respectively of 
Troy and Stillwater, New York. Both the Braziev and Conkey families were established 
in the Empire state in early days and were well known in their respective localities. Mrs. 
Denison has taken a very active part in social and club work and organized the Drama 
Club, which has been the means of bringing about many improvements in the village, as the 
net proceeds of the entertainments given by the club are used to secure such improvements 
as additional sidewalks or a new town hall. The club has in reality done the work of a 
civic association anil nuuh of tlie iriMlit tor its successful accomplishments is due to Mrs. 
Denison. 

Dr. Denison supports the republican party but has held no office outside the strict path 
of bis profession. In religious faith he is a Baptist and fraternally is connected with Temple 
Lodge, No. 1(), A. F. & A. M., at Cheshire, of which he is a past master, and Franklin 
Chapter, No. 2, R. A. M., of New Haven. For seven years he belonged to the Governor's 
Foot Guard of New Haven and after serving for a year and a half as a private was made 
assistant surycuii with the rank of lieutenant and later sin')ieiin with the rank of captain 
on the general staff, which position he held for four years. He is now retired from that 
body but has been brevetted captain. With the outbreak of the war with Germany he 
turned his military experience to good account and helped to organize, and became the 
medical examiner of. the First Cheshire Company of the Coiniecticut Home Guard and has 
also been made surgeon with the rank of lieutenant in the One Hundred and First Regiment. 
Although his practice makes heavy demands upon his time and energy he has still found time 
to do much public service of great value, his keen interest in the general welfare prompting 
him to do all in his power for the public good in this time of stress and testing. 



JOHN J. CHANDLER. 



John J. Chandler is well known in both business and political circles in New Haven. 
From a humble position with the Hoggson & Pettis Manufacturing Company he has worked 
his way steadily upward until he is now the vice president. This company is engaged In 
tlie manufacture of rubber supplies and steel letters and figures, also Sweetland lathe chucks, 
cutting dies, etc. Their plant is located at No. 141 Brewery street and is the only enter 
prise of the kind in the county. 

Mr. Chandler is a native son of New Haven. He was born November 23, 1864, hia 
father being Frank Chandler, a native of Germany, who came to America in 1851 and made 
his way direct to New Haven, where he resided until his death. He was a boot and shoe- 
maker by trade and was quite successful in his business affairs. He, too, became an active 



242 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

factor in political circles, supporting the democratic party, and was a member of the 
board of relief. He wedded Mary Riitz, a native of Germany, who came to the United 
States in 1849 and in Xew Haven met and mariied Mr. Chandler. Botli have now passed 
away, the father having died in 1911. when seventy-six years of age, wliile his widow sur- 
vived until 19i;i and had reached tlie age of eighty-three years at tlie time of lier demise 
They liad a family of five cliildren. tliree of whom are yet living. The eldest, Teckla. is 
the "wife of R. L. Krause, a resident of ilarsliall. Wisconsin. John J. is the second of 
the family. The youngest is Louise, the wife of Paul Bair, of New Haven. 

When a little lad of six years Jolin J. Chandler became a pupil in the schools of New 
Haven and when but thirteen years of age started out to earn his own living. He wag 
first employed by the 0. B. North Saddlery Company, with which he remained for three 
months. He was also with the William Schollhorn Company and in 1880 he secured a 
position with the Hoggson & Pettis Company with a view of learning the trade. He 
mastered the tasks assigned him and afterward followed the trade as a journeyman for 
fifteen years. In 1902 he entered the office as one of the executives and has been vice 
president of the company since 1910. The business was established by 8. J. Hoggson in 
1849 and was made a company in 1878 with Mr. Pettis as a partner. It was incorporated 
in 1883 and has since been conducted under the present style of the Hoggson & Pettis 
Manufacturing Company, the present officers being H. B. Kennedy, president ; Mr. 'Chandler, 
vice president; George P. Stephan, secretary; and Frank D. Willis, assistant secretary. The 
company employs on an average of one hundred skilled workmen and theirs is the only 
undertaking of the kind in the county. Their trade extends to all parts of the world, for 
the shipments of their products reach every civilized country. Theirs is one of tlie leading 
establishments of the kind in the United States and the factory, covering a floor space of 
sixteen thousand square feet, is splendidly equipped with the latest improved machinery 
and every facility to further work of the character there carried on. 

In New Haven, in October, 1886, Mr. Chandler was united in marriage to Miss Elvenia 
Schue, a native of New Haven, and they have become the parents of two children. Frank 
M., the elder, married Miss Emma Ernest and they have one child, Frank M., Jr. The 
daughter, Vera M., is the wife of Russell Warner. 

In his political views Mr. Chandler is a republican. His study of the questions and 
issues of the day has led him to give earnest support to the party, in which regard he 
did not follow in the footsteps of his father, who was a democrat. Mr. Chandler is a 
member of the board of aldermen, which position he has filled for two terms. He has always 
taken active part in state and local politics and has been a supporter of many progressive 
measures and movements which have had to do with the upbuilding and progress of this 
ritr. He stands at all times for high civic ideals and his work has been effective and 
farreaching. He belongs to the Young Men's Republican Club, also to the Benevolent Pro- 
tective Order of Elks and to the Cliamber of Commerce, associations that indicate much 
of the nature of his interests. He is, however, preeminently a business man, concentrating 
thought, effort and attention upon his interests, and his activities have brouglit him 
steadily to the front in this connection. 



DAVID WAINWRIGHT JOHNSTON. 

David Wainwright Johnston, who is engaged in the practice of dentistry in New Haven, 
was born in Lakewood, New Jersey, September 16, 1866, a son of Alfred Johnston and a 
grandson of Luke Johnston, who were also natives of Lakewood and there resided for many 
years. Alfred Johnston wedded Julia Wainwright and both are now deceased. In their 
family were two sons and three daughters. 

After attending the public schools in his native city Dr. Johnston spent five years as a 
preceptor in New Britain, Connecticut, but in the meantime became interested in dentistry 
and determined to enter upon the practice of the profession. To carry out his resolution 
he matriculated in the Philadelphia Dental College, from which he was graduated with the 
D. D. S. degree. Twenty-four years ago he located for practice at Branford, Connecticut, 
where he remained for four years and in 1897 came to New Haven, where he has since 




DR. DA^ID W. JOHNSTON 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 245 

maintiiined his office, doing excellent work in his profession. In fact he has attained far 
more than local distinction, as is indicated by the fact that he is an ex-president of the 
Connecticut State Dental Society as well as of the Xew Haven Dental Society. He was also 
a member of the state dental commission under appointment of Governor Cook, serving 
during that administration. At the present time he is an officer of the Xortheastern Dental 
Society and he belongs also to the National Dental Society and the First District Dental 
Society of the state of New York. Throughout the years of his active connection with the 
profession he has kept in close touch with all that modern study and research have brought 
to light in relation to the care and preservation of the teeth and his ability has kept him in 
the front rank among the representatives of dentistry in New England. 

On the 12th of November, 1896, in Branford, Connecticut, Dr. .Johnston was married 
to Miss Kunice Alita Isabelle, and they have become parents of two sons and a daughter: 
Edward Wainwright, born December 8, 1896, in Branford. who after attending public 
and private schools of New Haven is now a pupil in tlie Choate preparatory school at 
Wallingford, Connecticut; Eunice Ethelyn, who is attending Gateway School; and Winston 
Harrison, who was born July 28, 1908, in New Haven, and is a student in Hamden Hall. 

Dr. and Mrs. Johnston hold membership in the United Congregational church and he ia 
a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he is Knight Templar and Shriner. He belongs to 
the Delta .Sigma Delta, a college fraternity, and is identified with the supreme chapter of 
the New York auxiliary. Along strictly social lines he has membership with the New Haven 
Country Club, the Lawn Club and the Madison County Club. His political allegiance is 
given to the republican party, and while without ambition for office, he keeps in touch 
with the trend of modern thought concerning all of the vital and significant problems which 
are before the country. He has, however, always concentrated his energies upon his pro- 
fessional duties and as an official in various dental societies he has ever advocated the high- 
est standards in practice and has done much to bring the profession up to its present 
high plane in Connecticut. 



HERMAN PHILIP HESSLER, M. D. 

Equipped with a most adequate professional training, received in this country and 
abroad. Dr. Herman Philip Hessler is now successfully engaged in the practice of medicine 
and surgery in New Haven. He was burn, November 211. 1879. in the city wlicre lie is now 
practicing, a son of Michael Hessler, a native of Germany, who came to America about 1868. 
Landing in New York, he there remained for a year and then removed to New Haven, where 
he resided until his death, which occurred March 23, 1917, when he had reached the age of 
sixty-nine years. Throughout his entire life he was engaged in the baking business, having 
learned the trade in Germany, and he met with substantial success in that undertaking. 
His political allegiance was given the democratic party and in the early days he took a very 
active interest in political and civic matters but never with a desire for office. He held mem- 
bership with Connecticut Rock Lodge, No. 92, F. & A. M., with Franklin Chapter, R. A. M., 
and Harmony Council, R. & S. M. He was also a very prominent and active member of the 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was an earnest and faithful member of the Lutheran 
church. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Emma Brandes. was born in Germany and 
came with her parents to America soon after the close of the Civil war, the family home 
being established in New Haven, where she became the wife of Michael Hessler. She is 
still a resident of this city. By her marriage she had three sons and a daugliter: Henry W., 
a baker residing in New Haven; Bertha, the wife of Joseph A. Weibel, connected with the 
brewing business in New Haven; Herman Philip; and Michael Paul, who is conducting a 
moving picture theater in New Haven. 

At the usual age Dr. Hessler entered the public schools and completed a high school 
course, also pursuing a course in the Boardman Manual Training School, from which he was 
graduated in 1899. He then entered Y'ale in preparation for a medical career and was 
graduated from that university with the class of 1903. He afterward had the benefit of 
two years' practical experience as Interne in St. Mark's Hospital of New York city, after 
which he went abroad and studied in Berlin, Vienna and London, coming under the instruc- 



246 A MODKHX HISTORY OF NEW IIAVP:X 

tiori of some of the most eminent physicians and surgeons of the old world. After fourteen 
months devoted to further preparation for his profession in Europe, lie opened an office in 
New Haven, where he has since remained in practice, specializing in the treatment of diseases 
of the stomach and intestines, in which he has developed marked proficiency. He is a mem- 
ber of the New Haven, New Haven County and Connecticut State Medical Societies and 
the American Medical Association. He served as city physician of New Haven during the 
administration of Mayor Martin in 1909 and 1910. At present he is surgeon for the New 
Haven fire department and he was formerly connected with St. Raphael's Hospital as 
assistant surgeon, acting in that capacity for two years. From 1907 until 1910 he was a 
private in the New Haven (irays and later was coinmissioneil assistant jiaymaster for the 
Connecticut Naval Militia, on the staff of Captain Frank H. Cornwall. He has been for 
several years a member of the Governor's Foot Guard and at the time of Major John B. 
Kennedy's election in that body Dr. Hessler was appointed lieutenant as assistant surgeon 
of the organization and served in that capacity until the declaration of war in 1917, when 
the staff was automatically abolished and reverted to the ranks. 

On the 11th of September, 1908, Dr. Hessler was married in New Haven to Miss Ger- 
trude Grave, a native of this city and a daughter of Frederick D. and Katherine (Stoffel) 
Grave, representatives of prominent families. Her father is engaged in cigar manufacturing 
in this city. Mrs. Grave died August 6, 1917. Dr. and Mrs. Hessler have a daughter, Ruth 
Elizabeth, who was born in New Haven, February 24, 1914. A son, Frederick CJrave. was 
born August 4, 1912, and died November 18, 1913. 

The parents are members of Trinity Episcopal church and Dr. Hessler has membership 
with the Chamber of Commerce, being deeply interested in the efforts of the organization to 
promote the welfare and upbuilding of the city. He belongs to the Union League and to 
the Racebrook Country Club. He has membership with the Benevolent Protective Order of 
Elks and is a very prominent Mason, having membership in Connecticut Rock Lodge, No. 92, 
F. & A. M., in the Hejaz (irotto, the chapter, council, commandery. consistory and the Mystic 
Shrine. In fact, he has taken all of the degrees of Masonry save the honorary thirty-third 
and is a most stalwart champion of the organization, which is based upon recognition of 
the brotherhood of mankind. His personal qualities have won for him a circle of friends 
almost co-extensive with the circle of his acquaintance. He does not allow social interests, 
however, to interfere with the faithful performance of his professional duties and throughout 
his connection with the medical profession he has been a close student, constantly seeking 
new methods to meet the responsibilities which devolve upon him. During 1914 and 1915 
in connection with his regular practice he went three days a week to New York for post 
graduate work in the hospitals of that city and he has constantly promoted his skill until 
he now finds a ready solution for many of tlie most intricate and involved professional 
problems. 



WILLIAil A. FOSKETT. 



Due of tlie most progressive young nianufactin-ers and business men of New Haven and 
well known throughout New England is William A. Foskett. of tlie firm of Foskett & 
Bishop, engineers and contractors, installing power plants, fire extinguishers and heating 
apparatus and also doing plumbing and gas fitting. He was born in Meriden, Connecticut, 
March 31, 1864, a son of W. A. and Jane E. (Hall) Foskett, who were natives of Berkshire 
county. Massachusetts. The father was born in New Marlboro and in early manhood 
removed to Connecticut, settling at New Hartford. There he remained until 1844, when he 
went to Meriden. He was well known as an expert wheelwright and was employed by the 
Charles Parker Company in tlie capacity of foreman, spending a number of years with that 
concern. He was also connected with the Meriden Britannia Company for an extended period. 
Later he removed to New Haven and there became the head of the firm of Foskett & Bishop, 
plumbers and steam fitters. He first married Lucina Foote Kellogg, who passed away in 1854 
in Meriden in the fr.ith of the Methodist church, of which she had long been a devoted 
member, leaving but one child. Charles C. For his second wife :Mr. Foskett chose Jane E. 
Hall, who was born in (ireat Barrington, Massachusetts, and departed this life in New 



AM) EASTERN NEW IIAVEX COUNTY 247 

Haven, December 15. 1901. During the later years of his life the father of William A. 
Foskett lived retired, enjoying a well earned rest until called to the home beyond in 1902, 
when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-four years. In the family of William A. 
and Jane E. (Hall) Foskett were three children: Clara G., who is now the wife of Professor 
C. S. Brown, of Vanderbilt University at Nashville, Tennessee; William A., of this review; 
and Violet A., the wife of Frederick W. Xettleton, of Xew Haven. 

In his boyhood days William A. Foskett attended the public schools of New Haven until 
graduated from the high school with the class of 1882. Later he became an apprentice to 
the plumber's trade with ti;e firm of J. R. Brown & Company. His time was thus passed 
until the Foskett & Bishop Company was organized and in 1893 the business was incor- 
porated as the Foskett & Bishop Company, with N. P. Bishop as the president and treasurer, 
William A. Foskett as vice president, C. E. Rounds as secretary and William C. .Jacques 
as assistant secretary. They have established an extensive and important business as 
engineers and contractors of power plants, fire extinguishers and heating apparatus. They 
do a plumbing and gas fitting business and also handle cast iron pipe and all other kinds 
ol fittings. They manufactuie steam and hot water heaters, steam traps and steam 
specialties and have an e-xtensive plant admirably adapted for this class of work. Their 
factory is fitted out with the latest improved machinerj- and equipment for promoting 
manufacture of that kind and their business has now reached extensive and gratifying 
proportions. 

In June, 1892. Mr. Foskett wa^ married to Miss Florence E. Disbrow, a daughter of 
Mr. and Mrs. John Disbrow, and they have one child. Mildred, who was born in New Haven 
and is a graduate of the high school. 

Mr. Foskett is a republican in his political views and keeps well informed on the ques- 
tions and issues of the day so that he is able to support his position by intelligent argument. 
He holds membership in Christ's church and is a thirty-second degree Mason. He also 
belongs to the Knight Templar Club, to the New Haven Yacht Club and the Union League. 
He has social qualities which render him very ]iopular in the organizations with 
which he is identified and he has attained an enviable biisiness standing by reason of his 
sterling worth, his indefatigable energy and his \mfaltering enterprise. 



.lOSEPH L. (ilLMORE. M. 1). 

Dr. Joseph L. fiilmore, of West Haven, has built up a highly creditable practice in 
pediatrics and is also serving as police commissioner and as probation officer for the town 
of Orange, his duties in that connection requiring much of his time and attention. He was 
born in Albany, New York, February 23, 1876, a son of Patrick and Maria (Gorman) 
• iilmore, natives of the city of Limerick, Ireland. Following their removal to tlie United 
States the father engaged in the manufacture of shoes in Albany. New York, and was a 
leader in industrial circles there. He was also prominent in republican councils and did 
much effective work in the advancement of the party's interests, although he held no office. 
His religious faith was that of the Catholic church. 

Joseph L. Gilmore attended the public and high schools of Albany and also pursued 
his studies under private tutors. In 1900 he matriculated in Yale LTniversity and was 
graduated from the medical school in 1904. In order to gain practical experience in the 
treatment of mental diseases, in which he has always been keenly interested, he was for 
a considerable time on the staff of the State Hospital for the Insane at Middleton, Con- 
necticut. In 1906 he located for private practice in West Haven and has since specialized in 
rhildrcns diseases. He belongs to the City, New Haven County, and State Medical Societies 
and to the American Medical Association, and through the proceedings of these organiza- 
tions, as well as through independent study, he keeps in touch with the advance that is 
constantly being made in the medical profession. He is now a physician on the board of 
exemption for the federal draft of the United States selective army for the towns of 
Orange and Milford. He has won financial as well as professional success and owns stock 
in the Orange Bank cSc Trust Company. 

Dr. Gilmore supports the republican party and is well known as an active and efficient 



248 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

political worker. However, he has not been influenced in the slightest degree by party 
affiliations in the discharge oi his important duties as police commissioner and probation 
officer for the town of Orange. His influence has been felt in the promotion of many move- 
ments looking toward the civic advancement of his village and town, and his usefulness in 
public affairs has been due in large measure to his high ideals and the practical ability 
necessary in accomplishing desired ends.- That he is popular socially is indicated by his 
membership in the Phoenix Club and Theta Nu Epsilon, a college fraternity He holds 
membership in 8t. Lawrence church. 



HOX. CHARLES E. GRAHAM. 

Hon. Charles E. Graham, whose life record reflects credit and honor upon the people 
who have lionored him by choosing him for high official preferment, lias, unlike many 
capable business men, felt that he owed something to his city and his state besides con- 
formity to its laws and has rendered active service in shaping its legislation and promoting 
its public affairs in other ways. At the same time he is connected with some of the most 
extensive commercial, industrial and financial interests of Connecticut, which demand the 
highest possible business efficiency, executive force and administrative direction. Oliver 
Wendell Holmes once replied to the question, "Where should a boy's education begin,'' by 
answering, "Two Hundred years before he was born.'' In other words he recognized the 
force of ancestry in inherited tendency as well as in inherited physical and mental strength. 

The ancestry of the Graham family is an honorable and distinguished one. As early as 
1150 the family was represented in Forfarsliire, Perthshire, Stirlingshire and Dumfriesshire, 
Scotland. It is believed that the name was spelled originally Graeme and some of the 
representatives of the family have used the form of Grimes. The family possesses or 
possessed the dukedom, marquisate and earldom of Montrose; the marquisate of Graham 
and Buchanan; the earldoms of Avith Kincardine, Monteith and Strathearn; the viscouncies 
of Dundas, Dundee and Preston; the lordships of Aberuthven, Kilpoint, etc., and the 
barony of Esk, etc. It is believed that the family is of Norman origin and that the first 
ancestor in Great Britain crossed from Normandy with William the Conqueror. 

The branch of the family to which Charles E. Graham belongs is descended from 
James Graham, marquis of Montrose, who was a distinguished royalist and fought on the 
side of Charles I in the first civil war of England. John Graham, great-grandfather of C. E. 
Graham, was a native of Scotland, where he conducted business as a planter, and he was 
also a soldier in the British army, in which he won a commission. His son and namesake 
was likewise of Scotch birth, although he became a loyal American by adoption, becoming 
the founder of the family in the new world. Reared in Scotland, he afterward spent several 
years in Dublin, Ireland, and then came to the United States, establishing his home in 
Albany, New York, where he died before the birth of his son James. He wedded Mary 
Ann Fair, a daughter of Sir John Fair, and they became the parents of five children. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. John Graham were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. 

Their son, James Graham, was born in Albany, New York, January 23, 1831, and at the 
age of seventeen became an apprentice to the trade of brass founder, in which he rapidly 
gained expert knowledge. In 1853 he was offered the position of foreman in the Branford 
(Conn.) Lock Works and for nearly ten years occupied that responsible position, directing 
the labors of many men who were much his senior. In 1861 he established business on 
his own account by opening a foundry in New Haven and for thirty-nine years he was one 
of the prominent brass founders of this section of New England, conductig his manufacturing 
interests most profitably. He had a large three story brick factory at No. 393 Worchester 
street, which was erected in 1874. There he employed a large force of workmen and con- 
ducted an extensive business that contributed much to the material development of the 
city. He has been spoken of as a man of unassailable probity, of sound business judgment 
and of genial temperament and as one who took an active part in the religious and 
political interests of his community. He was a devoted member of the Congregational 
church and in politics was a republican, casting his first presidential vote for John C. 
Fremont in 1856. He was again and again chosen to serve as a delegate to the state 



AND EASTERN NEW IIAVEX COUNTY 251 

conventions of his party and in 1896 was a delegate to the republican national convention 
at St. Louis which nominated President McKinley. He was in the same year on the 
Connecticut presidential electoral ticket and was selected to carry the vote of the state 
to the electoral college at Washington. He was called upon to fill many public offices, the 
duties of which he discharged in a manner that reflected credit upon himself and his 
constituents. In 1870 he represented his district in the state legislature and was reelected 
in 1885 and again in 1886, while in 1887 he was chosen a member of the state senate, to 
which he was returned in 1889. While serving in the lower house he was thrice made 
cliairman of the committee on railroads and filled the same important position for two 
terms in the senate. He was also chairman of the committee on military affairs, on fisheries 
and on license. He belonged to the Union League Club and to the Young Men's Republican 
Club of New Haven and was at one time a member of the Saniosett Club. His activities 
along all tliese lines were in addition to most extensive and important business interests, 
for not only was he identified with brass manufacturing, but was also connected with many 
important business concerns having to do with the commercial, industrial and financial 
development of city, county and state. 

James Graham was twice married. He first wedded Maria Foote, of Branford. She 
passed away in 1893, leaving a son, while one other son of that marriage died in infancy. 
In 1899 .James Graham married Estella M. Wagner, of Litchfield, and on the 19th of Marcli, 
1900, he passed away. 

Charles E. Graham, the only surviving child of .James Graham, was born in Branford. 
Connecticut, February 9, 1858, and in the Webster School of New Haven and LTnion school 
of West Haven pursued his education until 1872, when he was enrolled as a pupil in the 
Russell Military School, where he studied for four years. He became a student in the 
Williston Seminary at Easthampton, Massachusetts, in 1876. The following year he 
became actively identified with manufacturing interests by entering the employ of the 
firm of Graham & Corey, a business which had been established by his father in 1861, while 
in 1867 Mr. Corey was admitted to a partnership under the style of .James Graham & 
Company. That association was maintained until 1880, when Mr. Corey withdrew and 
was succeeded by Charles E. Graham. Ambitious to follow in his father's footsteps, he 
thoroughly acquainted himself with the business in every phase and thus gained broad 
knowledge and experience which enabled him to take up the work of his father upon 
the latter's death. He is now the surviving partner of James Graham cS; Company and 
has managed the business with notable success, bringing to bear strong administrative 
powers and executive force. Other extensive and important interests have also profited by 
his control, by his keen sagacity and by his powers of organization. He was one of the 
founders of the West Haven Manufacturing Company for the manufacture of hardware 
specialties and from the first he has been its president and treasurer. He was formerly the 
vice president of the LUah & Eastern Copper Company now merged into the Utah Southern 
Copper Company, is the president of the Wire Novelty Companj-, being one of the founders, 
and was treasurer of the Mayo Radiator Company, which he aided in organizing. He became 
a director of the Evening Leader Company, publishing the New Haven Leader, and he is 
also vice president of J. H. Bunnell & Company, manufacturers of telegraph instruments, 
of New York. He has also figured prominently in railway circles. He is the treasurer of 
the Central Railway of Oregon and is a director of the Milford & Uxbridge Street Railway 
Company. He is likewise a director of the Peoples Bank & Trust Company of New Haven 
of wliich he was a charter member. 

On the 19th of October, 1881, in New Haven, Mr. Graham was married to Miss Hattie 
Augusta Marsh, of West Haven, who was born in August, 1859, and is a daughter of 
Esteves E. Marsh, of West Haven. They have one child. Marguerite Marsh, born March 
13. 1887. 

Mr. Graham is one of the recognized leaders of the republican party in Connecticut. 
In 1897 he represented the town of Orange in the state legislature and was made a member 
of the committee on insurance. In 1903 he was state senator from the seventh district 
and was made chairman of the committee on claims, of the committee on executive 
nominations and on forfeited rights. He most carefully and earnestly considered the vital 
questions which came up for settlement and his support of any measure was an indication 
of his firm belief in its efficacy as a factor in good government or in upholding the best 



252 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

interests of the commonwealtli. In the public afl'airs of the town of Orange he participates 
as a member on its important board of finance. 

:Mr. Graham frequently turns to yachting for pleasure and recreation and is well 
known among the yachtsmen on Long Island Sound. He Is a Mason, belonging to Anawon 
Lodge, No. 115, F. & A. M., of West Haven; also to Franklin Chapter, R. A. M., of New 
Haven, to the Knight Templar Coramandery and to the Scottish Rite Consistory. He also 
has membership in the Union League Club and in the Phoenix Club, while his religious 
faith is evidenced in his membership in the Congregational church. He is a member of the 
New Haven Colony Historical Society. 

Wliether working for business interests or public welfare, he has the ability of 
marshalling his forces so that the greatest strength accrues and the limits of possibility in 
the attainment of results are reached. While his ancestors figured on the pages of history 
in connection with many tragic and picturesque events, in a less spectacular but no less 
potent way Charles E. Graham is aiding in writing the history of New Haven and of 
Connecticut in its commercial, financial and political interests. 



GKORGK P. CLINTON, Sc. D. 

George P. Clinton, ranking high in scientific circles, is now botanist at the Connecticut 
agricultural experimental station in New Haven. He was born in Polo, Illinois, May 7, 
1867, a son of John W. and Carrie Adelia (Perkins) Clinton, both of whom are natives of 
Delaware county. New York. In early life they removed westward to Illinois, where the 
father engaged in the newspaper business, conducting and editing a paper at Polo, Illinois, 
for forty years. He has also been actively engaged in preparing manuscript for a history 
of Ogle county. Through a very extended period he has been accumulating the data for this 
work and it is his ambition to some day have the manuscript published in book form and 
thus leave a monument to the memory of the early settlers and all who have actively par- 
ticipated in shaping the history of that section. In early life he had entered the educational 
field and successfully taught school for a number of years. He has been prominently identi- 
fied with important public interests in his home county and for many years has been a 
valued member of the Illinois State Historical Society. His wife is also living at the age 
of seventy-five years and in 1912 they celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. 

Dr. George P. Clinton was the eldest son in a family of seven children. In his boyhood 
days he attended the public schools of Illinois and afterward entered the Illinois State 
University, where he completed a course in natural history by graduation with the class of 
1890. He afterward became an instructor at the agricultural experimental station of the 
Illinois University and there remained for ten years. On the expiration of that period he 
entered Harvard University and won the degree of Doctor of Science in 1903. He afterward 
laiiio t<i New Haven as tlie botanist for the Connecticut agricultural experimental station and 
lure lie lias since remained, winning renown by reason of his scholarly attainments and scien- 
tific researches. His labors have been most effective in bringing about the control of various 
kinds of plant diseases. He has also been instructor of forestry in Yale L'niversity and 
botanist for the state board of agriculture. He is likewise secretary of the Connecticut Vege- 
table Growers Association and is a member of the American Association of Advancement 
of Science, of which he was vice president of Section G in 1915. In 1912 he occupied the 
presidency of the American Phytopathological Society. He is a writer of note on agricultural 
and botanical subjects and belongs to the Botanical Society of America, the New England 
Botanical Club, the Connecticut Botanical Society, the Connecticut Pomological Society and 
other organizations of a similar nature. He is one of the best known botanists of the New 
England states. One of his activities was in cooperation with the government and with 
universities in finding a remedy for the cofTee disease and for the destruction of the gvpsy 
moth. He was sent by the United States government to Porto Rico in 1904 to study the 
i-(itt'ee disease and went to .Japan in 1909 as representative of Harvard University to 
find a fungus parasite for the control of the gypsy moth. 

On the 9th of August, 1892, Dr. Clinton was married to Miss Anna Lightbody, of 
Pekin. Illinois, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Lightbody, both now deceased. They have 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 253 

become parents of one son, Harry Lightbody, who was born in Urbana, Illinois, in 1893. 
The parents are members of the Congregational ehurch and Dr. tlinton has acted as a trustee 
of that church. He was also president of the Edgewood Civic Association, a fact which is 
indicative of his keen interest in all matters which pertain to city upbuilding and to the 
jiromotion of the highest standards of citizenship. As the years have passed honors have 
been multiplied unto him because of his most valuable contribution to the world's work 
along scientific lines. He has contributed many most interesting articles to magazines and 
utiior ]iiiblications up<in , botany and other scientific subjects, and lie is recognized as tlie 
peer of the ablest of the scientists whose interest and activities center in New Haven. 



FREDERICK LUTHER FORD. 

Frederick Luther Ford, whose higli professional standing is indicated in the fact that 
he is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, is now occupying the 
responsible position of city engineer in New Haven. He was born in North Branford, 
Connecticut, May 1, 1871, a son of George L. Ford, a native of North Branford and a 
descendant of one of the old Connecticut families of English lineage, founded in America 
during early colonial days. The father was for many years a successful agriculturist and 
is now living retired in New Haven. His political allegiance has ever been given to the 
ie]jublican party and he is one of its recognized leaders, liaving had marked influence over 
public thought and action. In 1893 he was made a member of the state legislature and 
ill l',)02 was a member of the constitutional convention, thus aiding in framing tlie organic 
law of the commonwealth. His opinions carry weight in party councils and his public- 
spirited devotion to the general good is above question. In civic matters, too, he has been 
i|uite prominent and lias filled various local offices. He married Lois Dudley, a native of 
North Guilford and a descendant of an old Connecticut family whose line is also traced 
back to England. To this mariiage were born four sons, three of whom are living: 
Frederick Luther, of this review; Robert N.; and George D. The last two are residents 
of New Haven. 

Frederick L. Ford was educated in the public schools of North Branford and Branford 
until he had mastered the elementary branches of learning. Later he entered the New 
Haven high school, from which he was graduated in 1890. He afterward entered Yale and 
on completing a course in the Sheffield Scientific School won his Bachelor of Philosophy 
degree with the class of 1893. He started upon his business career in the office of Albert 
B. Hill, an engineer, with whom he remained until April, 1896. He was then appointed 
assistant city engineer at Hartford, Connecticut, where he remained until 1902, when he 
was elected city engineer and continued in that position for nine years or until 1911. During 
the last year of that period he was also superintendent of streets in Hartford and in his 
official capacity he helped construct the intercepting sewers and the sewer system there, a 
tiisk that invidved the expenditure of half a million dollars. He was also identified with 
other extensive and important civil engineering projects, but his powers were adequate to 
the demands made upon them owing to his comprehensive preparation and his. broad scien- 
tific knowledge combined with much practical experience. In the years 1911 and 1912 
he was connected with the firm of Ford, Buck & Sheldon, consulting engineers of Hartford. 
Mr. Ford was appointed city engineer of New Haven in April, 1912. He has since remained 
in that official position and in the discharge of his duties has won the highest endorsement 
of the public. He has been connected with many important projects in New Haven, 
including the improvement of the harbor front, also the New York, New Haven & Hart- 
ford railroad depot approaches and other enterprises which have given evidence of his 
superior skill in his chosen profession. 

On the 15th of September, 1896, Mr. Ford was married in Washington, Connecticut, 
to Miss (ieorgia Winifred Newton, a native of Washington. Connecticut, and a daughter of 
Walter A. and Mary (Bradley) Newton, who belonged to one of the old families of that 
jilace. The Bradleys are an old family of Roxbury, Connecticut, and very proininent 
in public aft'airs there. Mr. and Mrs. Ford have become the parents of two children: 



254 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

Percy Newton, born in Hartford. January 13, 1898; and Ruth D., born in Hartford, May 
13, 1904. 

In his political views Mr. Ford is a republican. He was a member of the state arsenal 
and armory commission that built tlie state arsenal and armory in Hartford in 1908 and 
1909. He is a very prominent Mason, holding membership in Wooster Lodge, No. 71, F. & 
A. M.; in Pythagoras Chapter, R. A. M., of Hartford; in Wolcott Council, K. & S. M., at 
Hartford; Washington Commandery, No. 1, K. T., at Hartford; and in Sphinx Temple of 
the Mystic Shrine at Hartford. He has also taken the Scottish Rite degrees and has 
become a member of the consistory at New Haven. He belongs to the Graduates Club and 
is a member of the Chamber of Commerce of New Haven. He is a past president of the 
Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers, having been its chief executive officer in 1902, and 
he belongs to the American Society of Civil Engineers. He has been made an honorary 
member of the Automobile Club of New Haven. He is a member of the Edgewood Civic 
Association of Westville and of the Center church of New Haven. Those who read between 
the lines will recognize his marked characteristics, his devotion to duty in every relation, 
his appreciation of the social amenities of life, his loyalty in citzenship, his interest in the 
welfare of the place of his residence and his deep interest in his chosen profession. Guided 
by laudable ambition he has steadily progressed along the line which he has chosen as his 
life work and his record is a credit to his alma mater and to his native state. 



STUART ERNEST SKIFF, M. D. 

For thirteen years Dr. Stuart Ernest Skiff has been actively engaged in the practice of 
medicine and surgery in New Haven and, well qualified by thorough training for his pro- 
fession, he has made rapid advance through all the intervening years and is now occupying 
an enviable position in the front ranks of the medical fraternity in New Haven. He was 
born October 29, 1878, in Dundee, New York, and is a son of Plummer G. Skiff, who is 
also a native of the Empire state and a representative of one of its old families. Several 
generations remote his ancestors lived in Connecticut, the American branch of the family 
being founded by James Skiff, a Pilgrim. Members of the family later settled on Skiff 
Mountain in Kent, Connecticut. The great-grandfather of Dr. Skiff, however, lived in the 
Empire state. Plummer G. Skiff was a successful agriculturist throughout his active busi- 
ness life and is still occupying the old homestead at Dundee, New York. He married Vel- 
nette Bailey, a native of Dundee and a representative of one of the old families of the 
Empire state of English lineage. She, too, is living. 

Dr. Skiff, the only child of this marriage, was educated in the public and high schools 
of Dundee and after leaving the high school continued his studies in Starkey Seminary at 
Lakemont, New York. His youthful days were spent upon the home farm, where he early 
became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He 
early took up the profession of teaching, which he followed in the district schools of his 
native county for three years, and from his earnings he saved a sum sufficient to meet the 
expenses of his later educational training. He continued his studies in Palmer Institute, 
wliere he did preparatory work witli the idea of taking u]i the stuily of meilit-inc. He iifxt 
entered Yale Medical College, in which he pursued a two years' course, and later he became 
a student in Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he was 
graduated in 1903 with the M. D. degree. He had thus through his own efforts qualified for 
a professional career and entered at once upon a work in which advancement must depend 
entirely upon individual merit and ability. Following his graduation he served as house 
physician and surgeon from June, 1903, until 1904 in Grace Hospital at New Haven and has 
remained a member of the staff, being at present attending surgeon. His hospital experi- 
ence has given him broad knowledge that has further qualified him for his professional 
career. In 1904 he opened an office at 159 Elm street, where he remained for three years. 
His office was at 1193 Cliapel street for six years and then removed to his present 
address, 1194 Chapel street. Through all the period of his residence in New Haven he has 
made steady advancement in his profession, winning a creditable name and place as a suc- 
cessful general practitioner. He enjoys the confidence not only of the public but of his pro- 




DR. STUART E. SKIFF 



AND EASTERN NEW IIAVEX COUNTY 257 

fessional colleagues and contemporaries as well. In 1907 he took a post-graduate course and 
at all times he has read and studied along lines leading to the development of his powers. 

On the 20th of March, 1907, Dr. Skiff was united in marriage at Augurville, Connecti- 
cut, to Miss Grace Esther Hartley, a native of New Haven county and a daughter of 
Thomas and Ellen (Collett) Hartley, the latter of Welsh and English descent. The mother 
is now deceased. To the Doctor and his wife has been born a daughter, Nancy Stuart, on 
the 18th of May, 1913. 

In his political views Dr. Skiff is a republican. He was reared in the Methodist faith 
and is a member of that church. His influence, therefore, has always been cast on the side 
of right, truth and progress and he cooperates heartily in many plans and measures for the 
public good. Professionally he is connected with the New Haven County Medical Society, 
the Connecticut State Medical Society, the American Jledical Association and the Connecti- 
cut Homeopathic Medical Society. He thus keeps in touch with the trend of modern pro- 
fessional thought and progress. In fact advancement has been his watchword from the be- 
ginning and, actuated by laudable ambition, he has progressed step by step. His advancement 
has been assured because of his earnest purpose and his deep desire to qualify to the greatest 
extent possible to meet the onerous and responsible duties which continually devolve upon 
the physician. 



SERENO C. SPERRY. 



Sereno C. Sperry. secretary and treasurer of the Pond Lily Company of New Haven, 
in which city he was born September 23, 1865. The Sperry family is of Irish e.xtraction 
and was founded in America by two brothers, Richard and Thomas Sperry, who came to 
the United States in the early part of the seventeenth century. The grandparents of 
Sereno C. Sperry were Clark and Abiah (Baldwin) Sperry, and his father was William 
Wallace Sperry, now deceased. The last named was a ship builder throughout his active 
business life, but at the time of the Civil war he put aside all business and personal con- 
siderations and responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting in tlie Thirteenth 
Connecticut Infantry, with which he served as sergeant major throughout the entire period 
of hostilities. He married Rhodella Armstrong, a native of New Haven and a daughter of 
Sereno and Selina (Clark) Arm.strong, both representatives of old families of this state. 
Mrs. Sperry is still living. By her marriage she had two children, the daughter being 
Mary E. Sperry. 

The son, Sereno C. Sperry, whose name introduces this review, attended the public 
schools of New Haven and when a youth of between fifteen and sixteen years started out 
to earn his own livelihood, being first employed as an office boy by Williams, Wells & 
Company. He continued with that firm for twenty-one years, a fact which stands in un- 
mistakable evidence of his fidelity, capability and trustworthiness. He next became pur- 
chasing agent for the United States Finishing Company of New York city, continuing with 
that house for twelve years. In March, 1912, he first entered into association with the 
Pond Lily Company as its secretary and treasurer and has since continued in those official 
capacities. Since 1914 Mr. Sperry has been giving his entire time and attention to the 
business. Tlie business of the Pond Lily Company is that of dyeing and finishing cotton 
piece goods. The plant covers an area of between three and four acres and employs on 
an average of seventy-five people. The output is largely for the automobile trade and the 
product is shipped to all parts of the United States and Canada and to a considerable extent 
abroad. Since the organization of the company success has attended the new undertaking 
and the business is growing along substantial lines, having already reached a gratifying 
figure. 

On the 26th of June, 1890, Mr. Sperry wedded Miss Nettie A. Ailing, a daughter of 
James E. and Addie (Denney) Ailing. They have three children, Sereno C, Paul Ailing and 
Armstrong W. 

In his political views Mr. Sperry is a republican, having supported the party since age 
conferred upon him the right of franchise. He is a firm believer in its principles but at local 
' Icrtion.s, where no party issue is involved, he casts an independent ballot. Ho holds niember- 
Vol. II 12 



258 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

ship with the New Haven Home Guard and he belongs also to the Union League Club, the 
Quinnipiac Club, the New Haven Country Club, the Automobile Club and the Yacht Club. He is 
a lover of outdoor life and sports and has always found much pleasure and recreation in 
hunting and fishing. He possesses several very fine specimens of moose and deer, which 
he secured in the wilds of New Brunswick and which he had mounted. Outside interests, how- 
ever, are not allowed to conflict with his business affairs and his time and attention have been 
so given to his manufacturing interests that substantial success has rewarded his labors, 
while the Pond Lily Company, through the efforts of its officers, has gained a place among the 
leading manufacturing concerns of New Haven. 



GENESIS FRANK CARELLI. M. 1). 

llr. Genesis Frank Carelli, a Yale man, who is engaged in the practice of medicine and 
.surgery in New Haven, his native city, was born August 20, 1889, His father, John Carelli, 
was a native of Italy and on coming to the new world settled in New Haven, where he 
engaged in the monument business, being a stone cutter by trade. He died in May, 1897, 
at the comparatively early age of thirty-three years. His wife, who bore the maiden name 
of Rose Lombardi, was also born in Italy and came to America with a brother in 1887, at 
which time she took up her abode in New Haven, where she was married. 

Dr. G. Frank Carelli is the eldest of a family of six children. He began his education 
in the public schools of New Haven, passing through consecutive grades to his graduation 
from the high school with the class of 1906. The following year he entered Yale for 
preparation for the medical profession and in 1911 was graduated with the M. D. degree, 
having pursued the regular four years' course. Following his graduation he entered St. 
Raphael's Hospital of New Haven as interne, there spending a year, gaining the broad 
practical experience and wide knowledge that only hospital service brings. He then entered 
upon the private practice of medicine, in which he has since engaged, and his ability is 
attested by the liberal patronage now accorded him. 

On the 21st of September, 1914, Dr. Carelli was united in marriage in New Haven to Miss 
Rose Russo, a daughter of Paul Eusso, a banker of this city, who is mentioned elsewliere 
in this work. They have one son, John Paul, who was born in New Haven, July 10, 1915. 

Dr, Carelli holds membership with the Sons of Italy and with the Christopher Columbus 
Society and is also connected with the Oircolo San Carlino, He belongs to the Yale 
Alumni and along strictly professional lines is connected with the New Haven, the New 
Haven County, the Connecticut State and the American Medical Associations. His religious 
faith is indicated by his membership in St. Michael's Roman Catholic church. ' He deserves 
great credit for what he has accomplished, for he is a self-educated as well as a self-made 
man. He was thrown upon his own resources at the death of his father and not only pro- 
vided for his own support but also aided in the support of the family. His industry and 
economy made it possible for him to pursue his education, especially his college course, and 
Yale may be proud to number him among its alumni, for his record is one which reflects 
credit upon his alma mater. 



ADOLPH MENDEL. 



Adolph Mendel, senior partner in the Mendel & Freedman department store of New 
Haven, was born in Bruckhausen, Germany, September 1, 1854, a son of Aaron and Esther 
(Abraham) Mendel, who were also natives of that place. The father was there reared and 
educated and removed to the city of Bremen, where he became actively engaged in the dry 
goods business, continuing in that field until his death, which occurred when he was fifty- 
nine years of age. His widow survived him for a considerable period and died at the age 
of seventy-two. They had a famil}' of four children, all of whom became residents of 
America. 

Tlie eldest of tlie family is Adolph Mendel, who is indebted to the public school 



AND KASTEHX NEW IIAVEX COl'XTY 259 

system of Bremen for his educational oijportunities. There, too, he received his initial 
training in business and before he had attained adult age he was engaged in the book and 
stationery business in Bremen as clerk. What the future held in store for hira he was 
uncertain, but he recognized the fact that indefatigable industry will overcome obstacles 
and difficulties and that persistency of purpose will ultimately reach the desired goal. 
Those qualities therefore became active factors in his career. He secured a position in the 
dry goods establishment of Frcedniau & Frank and when the firm was succeeded by Jlilius 
Frank he remained with the latter and was identified with tlie enterprise for fifteen years. 
During that period he had made steady progress until his promotions at length brought 
liim to the position of superintendent. Upon the retirement of Mr. Frank in ISSfi, Mr. 
Mendel became associated with his present partner, Isidor Freedman, in organizing the 
Mendel & Freedman department store. The business was established on a small scale, 
but with the passing years lias grown to be one of the most extensive and important 
commercial interests of New Haven. In order to meet the demands of the trade and 
provide ade(|uate facilities for their increasing business the firm of Mendel & Freedman 
have had to add to their store from time to time. Additions have been made at frequent 
intervals and something of the growth of the business is indicated in the fact that on the 
organization of the firm they employed but eight salesmen, while today their employes 
number three hundred. 

On the 14th of .Tune, 1894. Mr. Mendel was united in marriage to Miss Gussie Shenfeld, 
wlio was born in Brooklyn, New York, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. .7. B. Shenfeld, a promi- 
nent family of that city, her father being a well known clothing merchant of Brooklyn. 
Mr. and Mrs. Mendel have become the parents of one child, Esther Lisette, who was born 
in New Haven in 1901. She was graduated from the New Haven grammar school and from 
the high school and is now attending a private school. 

Politically Mr. Mendel maintains an independent course, although he usually votes 
with the republican party. He does not seek nor desire office, but is interested in all that 
pertains to good citizenship and especially to the welfare and progress of the city in 
wliicii III' makes his liome. He belongs to the Harmonie Club, to the Race Brook Country 
Club, of which he is a director, and to Horeb Lodge of B'nai B'rith. He also belongs to 
the chamber of commerce and to the Business Men's Association of New Haven. Thog,e 
who realize just what it is in this day and age of complexity and competition to be a 
successful business man accord to Mr. Mendel the highest admiration and respect for 
what he has accomplished. 



W. W. GALE & COMPANY. 



\V. \V. Gale & Company is the outgrowth of a business that was established in 1897 
at No. 11 Pitkin street in New Haven for the purpose of conducting an electrical contracting 
business. It was founded by W. W. Gale, who carried on the business under his own 
name until the spring of 1903. On the 1st of March of that year a company was formed 
to enable the firm to expand more rapidly and to meet the greatly increased demands for 
its services. The company was given the name of W. W. Gale & Company, Incorporated, 
which it now bears, the incorporators being W. W, Gale, EoUin S, Woodruff, N, W. Kendall, 
Henry Musch and Edmund Zacher. On the 1st of February, 1903, the company enlarged 
its establishment by moving to its present quarters at Nos. 64 to 68 Center street in New 
Haven. In February, 1908, Charles L. Hubbard, of Norwich, Connecticut, and Huntington 
Lee, of New Haven, purchased a half interest in the business, which left W. W. Gale, 
Charles L. Hubbard and Huntington Lee in control of the enterprise. On the 8th of 
September, 1913, Mr. Gale died in an automobile accident in New York state and his lieiis 
sold his interest in the business to Cliarles L. Hubbard and Huntington Lee in November, 
1913. The business is now under the management of the latter, who is conducting the 
interests with a complete and efficient organization to furnish and install electrical equip- 
ment and artistic lighting fixtures of every description. Many prominent buildings liave 
lii-en cqui[i]ied by this coniiiany. iinhiilini; tlie New Haven county courthouse, the Xcw 
Haven high school, the Second National Bank, the New Haven Savings Bank, the National 



260 A MODEllX HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

Savings Bank, the Union & New Haven Trust Company, the Security Insurance Company, 
tlie Xew Haven Journal-Courier building, the S. S. Kresge Company's building, the Wueste- 
feld garage, the Whitfield garage, the Hotel Garde, the Strouse-Adler Company factory, the 
Acme Wire Company factory, I. Newman & Son's factory, Whitney Blake Company's 
factory, Kolynos Company's factory, Mayo Radiator Company's factory, St. Rose's Roman 
Catholic church, the First Methodist Episcopal church, the Trinity Methodist Episcopal 
church, the Epworth Methodist Episcopal church, the Yale electrical laboratory, the Yale 
mining and metal laboratory, the Yale Art School, the Yale Law School, the Yale Battell 
chapel, the Urnduates Chib building, tlie Eliliu Club building. Poll's tlieatre. tlie Elks' 
lodge building and the residences of F. F. Brewster, Thomas Hooker, E. G. Stoddard, 
Franklin Farrell, Jr., M. H. Marlin, W. H. Ludington, Walter Perry and F. T. Bradley, all 
of New Haven, Connecticut; the Connecticut School for Feeble Minded at Mansfield; the 
Connecticut State School for Boys at Meriden; the Norwich Hospital for the Insane at 
Norwich ; the Thames National Bank at Norwich ; the Birmingham National Bank at 
Derby; the Winchester Woolen Mills at Norwich; St. Lawrence Roman Catholic church at 
West Haven: Poli's theatre at Springfield. Massachusetts; and the ilasonic Temples at West- 
ville and West Haven, Connecticut. 



GILBERT TULLOCK. 



Gilljcrt Tulldck is a member of tlie wliolesale grocery .firm of Miner. Read & Tullock 
and in his business life he has been a persistent, resolute and energetic worker, keeping 
his hand steadily upon the helm of trade and strictly conscientious in his dealings with 
debtor and creditor alike. He was born on the Shetland islands, Scotland, .January 16, 
1873. His father, Daniel TuUock, a farmer by occupation, passed away on the Shetland 
islands in 1884. while the mother, who bore the uuiidcn name of Ann ^lanson. spent her 
entire life there, her death occurring in 1905. 

Gilbert Tullock was one of a family of eight children, five sons and three daughters, 
and all of the sons came to America. One sister has passed away and one is now living 
in Glasgow, while the third sister is Mrs. Daniel Tullock, of New Haven. The sons are 
Andrew. Magnus, James, Gilbert and D. Edgar. The last named was a salesman with the 
Miner. Read & Tullock Company until his death. November 33. 1917. Andrew is a sea 
captain and Magnus is with the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company, 
while James is engaged in the plumbing business in Newark, New Jersey. 

Gilbert Tullock acquired a public school education in Scotland and in 1890, when a 
youth of seventeen, left the land of hills and heather and came to the United States as a 
sailor. He continued to sail the seas for three years, after which he learned the carpenter's 
trade with the firm of Smith & McQueen^ He spent two years in that connection, after 
which he entered the wholesale grocery business as a porter in 1895 in the employ of 
Bryan. Miner & Read. He gradually worked his way upward through the positions of 
stock clerk and salesman and in 1907 became a member of the firm, which was then doing 
business under the style of Miner, Read & Garrette. A subsequent change in the partner- 
ship has led to the adoption of the firm style of Miner, Read & Tullock and thus Mr. 
Tullock has gained for himself a very substantial and enviable position in the commercial 
circles of his adopted city. His success is due to close application. He is always at his 
desk at a very early liour and is seldom absent from his place of business. He studies every 
feature bearing upon the trade and his indefatigable energy and perseverance are bringing 
to him gratifying and well merited success. 

On tlie 16th of April. 1901, in New Haven. .Mr. Tulkx-k was inanied to MUs ilargaret 
E. Hood, a daughter of John Hood, of Cliester, Connecticut, and they have become the 
parents of two sons and three daughters: D. Edgar, Christine Forbes, JIargaret Elizabeth, 
Eleanor Carrington and -Ralph Miner. The family residence is at 379 Edgewood avenue and 
Mr. Tullock is certainly fortunate in that the family circle remains unbroken by the hand 
of death. He Is not a club man but belongs to the Union League and is a member of the 
tliamber of Commerce, cooperating in all of its plans and purposes for the upbuilding of the 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 261 

city, the improvement of its business conditions and the development of its civic interests. 
He spends his leisure hours with his family and is not unmindful of his moral obligations, 
being a consistent member of the Plymouth Congregational church. 



MINER, READ & TULLOUK. 

The wholesale grocery house now conducted under the firm style of Miner, Read & 
Tullock was established in 1842 by E. J. Stout, who engaged in handling raw sugar, 
molasses, flour and bulk goods on State street. In 1860 he admitted E. P. Yale as a partner, 
under tlie tirm style of Stout & Yale, and in 1868 the lirm name was changed to Stout, 
Yale & Company, at which time Edward Bryan became financially interested in the business. 
In 1870 Mr. Stout withdrew, leading to the adoption of the style of Y'ale & Bryan, and 
in 1882 this was changed to Yale, Bryan & Company, Ralph J. Miner and Samuel H. Read 
being admitted to a partnership. In 1892 Mr. Yale withdrew and the firm name of 
Bryan, Miner & Read was then assumed. The death of Mr. Bryan occurred July 10, 1899, 
and on the 1st of January, 1900, Mr. Garrette became a partner and the name was 
changed to Miner, Read & Garrette. In 1907 Gilbert Tullock was given an interest in the 
business and on the 1st of January, 1910, Mr. Garrette withdrew and the firm name was 
changed to Miner, Read & Tullock, under which style the business has since been continued. 
Mr. Miner died February 20, 1916, but the name continues the same. In 1885 the lirm of 
Yale, Bryan & Company removed from Upper State street to the present location at Nos. 
91 to 115 State street, where they erected a building four stories in lieiglit and sixty 
by ninety feet. Three years later, owing to the increase in their business, they erected an 
addition of four stories, forty by ninety feet, and purchased an adjoining building, twenty 
by ninty feet, from the McKennan estate. In 1907 they built the building that is now 
occupied by the present office. It is twenty-seven by ninety feet in dimensions, so that 
there is now a combined store space of three hundred and seventy-five thousand cubic feet 
in the New Haven warehouses. In connection with this business three branch stores are 
maintained, one being located at New Britain, another at Meriden and the third in Bridge- 
)iort. The New Britain store was established in 1903, the Meriden, in 1905 and the Bridge- 
port, in 1907. The first has a warehouse storage capacity of one hundred and fifteen 
thousand cubic feet, the one at Meriden of one hundred and seventy-five thousand cubic 
feet and the Bridgeport establishment has two hundred and twenty thousand cubic 
feet of warehouse storage capacity. The business has increased five hundred per 
cent in the past ten years and theirs is probably the largest wholesale grocery house in 
New England. The business methods employed by the firm throughout the existence of 
the house have always been such as would bear the closest investigation and scrutiny, and 
along the legitimate lines of trade they have won a patronage that now makes their 
undertaking one of the foremost commercial interests of New England. 



ARTHUR D. CALDWELL. 



Arthur D. Caldwell, manager and treasurer of the Caldwell Company, Incorporated, is one 
of the many excellent citizens whom Canada has given to the United States. He was born 
on Prince Edward Island and is a son of James and Elizabeth Caldwell. After attending 
school in Toronto, Canada, he learned telegraphy, to which he devoted two or three years. 
Later he clerked in a store for four or five years but in 1897 went to Boston. Subsequently 
he represented the Boston & Maine Railroad at Fitchburg, Massachusetts, for eight years 
but in 1905 became connected with the National Biscuit Company. He rose to the position 
of road auditor, in which important capacity he served until 1906, when he came to 
Meriden as manager. He established the Caldwell Company in 1913, which later was incor- 
porated with the following officers: F. P, Fenner, president; A. D. Caldwell, treasurer and 
manager; I. .J. Meiklem. vice president; and H. R. Magowan, secretary. Mr. Fenner is also 
manager of the Miner. Read & Tullock branch house in ^Meriden and Mr. Meiklem and 



262 A MODKHX HISTORY OF NEW IIAVEX 

Mr. ilagowan are natives of Mcriden. When the business was established in 1913 Mr. 
Caldwell and a bookkeciier ilid all the work but there are now four employes, and one 
truck and a touring car are used in the conduct of the business. The company deal in a 
complete line of high gi'ade confectionery and crackers, selling at wholesale only, and 
their goods have found a ready market in Meriden, Wallingford, Southington and all 
intermediate points. 

Mr. Caldwell was married in .January. 1U06, to Miss .Sarah B. Whitehead, of Lynn, 
Massachusetts, and they have two children: Jennie, Mine years old; and Laura, three years 
of age. Mr. Caldwell stanchly supports the principles and candidates of the republican 
party but has no ambition to hold office. Fraternally he is connected with Charles W. 
Moore Lodge, A. F. & A. M.; Keystone Chapter, R. A. M.; Hamilton Council, E. & S. M.; St. 
Elmo Commandery, K. T.: and Pyramid Shrine. He is likewise a member of the Colonial 
Club. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Trinity Methodist Episcopal 
church and he seeks in every way possible to extend its inHuence. The greater part of his 
time and attention is naturally given to the upbuilding of his business but he has also 
found opportunity to aid in carrying forward to successful completion a number of pro- 
jects for the benefit of his city and is recognized as a public-spirited citizen. 



.JOHN W. IVES, M. U. 



Dr. .lolui W. Ives, physician and surgeon of Milford, was born in Goshen, Connecticut, 
January 8. 187G. and is descended from one of the old families of the state, founded in 
America by two brothers who came over in the Mayflower. They first located in what is 
now Wallingford, Connecticut, and for a considerable period the family has been repre- 
sented in Goshen, where the Doctor's father, Henry H. Ives, was born. He was a successful 
farmer and continuously developed and cultivated his land until the outbreak of the Civil 
war, when he enlisted in the Second Connecticut Heavy Artillery. He was with the army for 
four years, was taken prisoner and on one occasion was struck by a bullet. A small Testa- 
ment which he had in his vest pocket was pierced to the inner covering and thus saved his 
life. On another occasion a bullet tore his cap from his head and cut his hair close to the 
scalp but left no serious results. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eunice M. John- 
son, was a native of Cornwall, Connecticut, and represented an old Connecticut family of 
English lineage which was represented in the American army during the Revolutionary war. 
The Johnsons were very prominent and influential people of Cornwall through several gen- 
erations. Mr. and Mrs. Henry H. Ives became the parents of two children, of whom Harri- 
son H. Ives now occupies the old homestead at Goshen. 

Dr. Ives, however, did not care to follow agricultural pursuits and after attending private 
schools determined upon the practice of medicine as a life work and entered Yale University, 
from which he was graduated with the M. D. degree in 1900. His early life and his vaca- 
tion periods, however, were spent upon the farm and in the free, open life he laid the foun- 
dation for his later success. Immediately after his graduation he was appointed interne in 
the General Hospital at Paterson, New .Jersey, and later he opened the Soldiers' Home, 
Turning his attention to general practice, he remained at Cornwall for five years, or until 
October, 1905, and then removed to Milford, where he continues in active practice. His at- 
tention is devoted to general practice and he now has extensive professional interests. He 
keeps in touch with the trend of modern scientific thought and research and his ability is 
manifest in the excellent' results wJiich attend his efforts. He also has other business connec- 
tions, being secretary and treasurer of the Davis Drug Company of New Haven and a 
director and member of the executive board of the Milford Trust Company. 

On the 18th of June, 1901, in Cornwall, Dr. Ives was united in marriage to Miss Agnes 
E. Cochrane, a native of that place and a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Cochrane, the 
latter a representative of an old Cornwall family. Dr. and Mrs. Ives have one son, .John 
Harrison, who was born in Milford, May 9, 1909. 

In his political views Dr. Ives is a republican. su]i|)orting the party wliere national 
issues are involved, but at local elections where only the capability of the candidate is to be 
considered he casts an independent ballot. While in Cornwall he filled the position of health 




DR. JOHN W. IVES 



AND EASTEKN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 265 

ulKeer lor five years. He also had charge of the schools there, including the employment of 
teachers. He has ever been interested in matters relating to the public welfare and he 
stands for all that is most worth while in the life of the community. He has worked his way 
upward from boyhood, being self-supporting from the age of sixteen years. His sustained 
power in his profession is due in part to the fact that he is constantly adding to his knowl- 
edge through association as a member of the New Haven Medical Society, the Connecticut 
State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. Experience, too, is constantly 
broadening his knowledge and promoting his efficiency and, moreover, he has always ad- 
hered to the highest professional ethics and standards, so that he enjoys in marked degree 
the respect and confidence of his colleagues and contemporaries. 



GEORGE WATSON THORPE. 

George Watson Thorpe, a prominent business man of Cheshire, was born in the town 
of Hamden, July 16, 1875, a son of Sereno and Josephine (Merriman) Thori)e, natives, 
respectively, of North Haven and Prospect. For more tlian twentj-seven years the father 
engaged in the milk business in Hamden but is now living retired. He traces his descent 
liaek to William Thorpe, who in 1635 emigrated from England to America and three years 
hitor settled at New Haven, since which time the family has been identified with the 
growth and development of Connecticut. The Merriman family, to which Mrs. Thorpe 
belongs, was established in Wallingford in 1675 by Captain Nathaniel Merriman, one of 
the first settlers of that town. 

George W. Thorpe passed the days of his boyhood and youth in Hamden and after 
completing the course offered in the public schools attended a business college at New 
Haven. In 1893, when eighteen years old, he began his independent career as an employe 
of I. W. Beers, a well known feed dealer of Hamden. For sixteen years he was connected 
with that business but in 1909 came to Cheshire and established a business of his own in 
West Cheshire. He has since dealt in coal, wood, grain, hay, feed, seeds, cement, sewer 
pipe, lime and poultry supplies, and as the years have passed his trade has increased. He 
V'ives the must careful attention to the management of his affairs and lias always followed 
a policy toward his customers that has commended him to their further patronage. 

Mr. Thorpe was married September 26, 1894, to Miss Maude Edgerton, of Mount 
Carmel, a daughter of Jared and Julia (Burr) Edgerton, natives of Wisconsin. In young 
manhood the father removed to the east in order to accept a position in the building 
department of the New Haven Railroad. Mr. and Mrs. Thorpe have a son, Linwood W. 

Mr. Tliorpe is somewhat independent in politics and has no desire whatever to hold 
public office, preferring to discharge his obligations to the community as a private citizen. 
He can be counted upon to further movements seeking the upbuilding and development of 
Cheshire and has been especially active in the fire department, which he aided in organizing 
and of which he is now chief. In religious faith he is a Congregationalist and is a member 
of the board of trustees of his church. He has no lodge connections, preferring to spend 
his leisure time at homo. He is a iiuui of lino qualitios and lias gained and holds the 
friendship of many. 



SAMUEL CAMPNER. 



Samuel Campner is known professionally as a leading attorney of New Haven; in 
political circles is recognized as an influential republican, but is perhaps even more widgly 
known because of the active and helpful part which he has taken in promoting Hebrew- 
charities. His activities along any one of these lines would entitle him to representation 
among the well known and leading residents of Connecticut. 

Mr. Campner was born in Courland. Russia, in 1887 but during his infancy was brought 
to the United States by his parents, who are still numbered among the highly respected 
residents of New Haven, where they took up their abode on coming to the United States. 



266 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

In tliis city, therefore, Samuel Campuer was reared. He is a Yale alumnus of 1908, having 
completed a law course in the university in that year. Immediately he sought and secured 
admission to the bar and in the intervening years has continuously engaged in practice, 
winning more than local distinction through the ability with which he has handled the 
legal interests — ofttimes of a most important character — entrusted to his care. In the 
trial of a case he is always ready to meet an unexpected emergency, a fact that indicates 
tlie care with which he prepares for the work in court. He has also been active as a leader 
in republican circles. He became an advocate of the party principles on attaining his 
majority and his position upon any vital question is never an equivocal one, for he stands 
fearlessly in support of what he believes to be right. In 1911 he was elected as alderman 
of New Haven and has twice been reelected. His third term would have expired January 1, 
1918, but as president of the board he was called to the position of mayor on the death 
of Mayor Frank J. Rice, taking the oath of office on the 31st of January, 1917. He is there- 
fore chief executive of the city and is giving to New Haven a businesslike and progressive 
administration based upon thoughtful and earnest consideration of all the varied interests 
which feature in the life of a cosmopolitan municipality. 

On the 2d of Maj', 1915, Mr. Campner was married in New Britain, Connecticut, to Miss 
Annie Pouzzner, a daughter of Israel Pouzzner. Fraternally he is connected with Hiram 
Lodge A. F. & A. M., and he is a past president of Horeb Lodge, No. 35, I. 0. B. B., of 
New Haven. He is likewise a past president of the local organization of the Yale Lodge, 
I. O. B. A,, and the Y'oung Men's Republican Club. He has always taken a most active 
and helpful interest in benevolent work and is vice president of the Hebrew Charities, 
while his church relationship is with Temple Mishkan Israel. 

His hand is continually outreaching to assist a fellow traveler on life's journey and 
there are many who have reason to bless him for his timely assistance. His interests have 
been broad and varied and he is found in those gatherings where intelligent men are met 
in the discussion of vital problems. He is a member of the American Historical Society, of 
the New Haven Bar Association and of the American Bar Association, and the nature and 
character of his activities have made him widely known. 



JEREMIAH J. COHANE, M. D. 

Dr. Jeremiah J. Cohane, of New Haven, who has won distinction and honor in the field 
of ophthalmology, was born August 18, 1875, in the city where he is now actively and 
successfully engaged in practice. His father, Sylvester Cohane, was a native of Cork, 
Ireland, and came to America in 1869, making his way direct to New Haven, where he 
conducted business as a carpenter and builder. He wedded Mary Hayes, a native of this 
city and a daughter of John and Bridget (Raleigh) Hayes, both of whom were of Irish birth 
and came to America about 1845, being among the first of the Irish settlers of New Haven. 
Mrs. Mary Cohane is still living and by her marriage she had a family of eight children_whom 
she has carefully reared. 

Dr. Cohane, the second in order of birth, was a student in the piiblic and high schools 
of New Haven and in 1894 entered Y'ale, preparatory to engaging in the practice of 
medicine. He pursued the regular four years' course and was graduated in 1898. He then 
entered the New Haven Hospital and also spent some time in the Backus Hospital at Nor- 
wick, Connecticut. In 1900 he located for practice in New Haven, where he continued in 
active general practice until 1912, when he went abroad for further study, spending fifteen 
months in Vienna, Berlin, Paris and London in special study of diseases of the eye and ear. 
He completed his studies there and then returned to New Haven, where he has since 
specialized in the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. He has gained 
distinction in this field, his ability enabling him to pass beyond the point of mediocrity 
and take his place among the successful few. In addition to his private practice he is 
serving as ophthalmologist of St. Raphael's Hospital. 

On the 25th of June, 1907, in St. Patrick's church. Dr. Cohane was united in marriage to 
Miss Mary J. Creegan, a daughter of John and Mary (Hayes) Creegan, the former deceased. 
John Creegan was brought from Ireland when three years of age by his parents, who were 



AND EASTERN NEW IIAYEX COUNTY 267 

among the first of the Irish residents of New Haven. His wife is a native of Windsor Locks, 
Connecticut. To Dr. and Mrs. Cohane have been born four children, Mary Hayes, Elizabeth 
Rose, John Philip and Jeremiah J., Jr., all born in New Haven. 

The parents are of the Catholic faith and Dr. Cohane has membership with the Knights 
of Columbus and the Knights of St. Patrick. He belongs to the Racebrook Country Club. 
In politics he maintains an independent course, and the only public oflice which he has 
filled is that of medical inspector of the schools of New Haven from 1904 until 1912. He 
belongs to various professional societies and while in Vienna was president of the American 
Medical Association of that city, which was part of the foreign branch of the association, 
having at that time a membership of two hundred. 



EDMUND L. BABCOCK. 



Many of New Haven's native sons have come into prominence in connection with her 
public affairs and have proven most loyal to the city of their birth, promoting its interests 
in every possible way. To this number belongs Edmund L. Babcock, who was bom 
February 33, 1873. His father, who also bore the name of Edmund Babcock, was a native 
of Lebanon, Connecticut, and traced his ancestry back through several generations in this 
state to the time when an English Babcock became the founder of the family in the new 
world. Crossing the Atlantic in the Mayflower, he settled at Plymouth, Massachusetts, and 
since then the family has been represented on this side the water. The paternal grand- 
father, Charles Babcock, was born in Lebanon, Connecticut, and was an ax maker by trade. 
He wedded Mary Wilcox, of Westerly, Rhode Island. Edmund Babcock, Sr., was a whole- 
sale fruit dealer who conducted a profitable business to the time of his death, whicli 
occurred June 19, 1913, in New Haven, when he was sixty-nine years of age. His wife, 
who bore the maiden name of Hattie E. Sherman, was a daughter of Lewis S. and Esther E. 
(Meloy) Sherman, who were also descended from old Connecticut families, the Shermans 
being of English lineage, while the Meloys were from the north of Ireland. Both families 
were established in New Haven at an early period in its settlement, coming here in the 
first half of the seventeenth century. The maternal grandfather was a bootmaker and 
followed tliat business throughout liis entire life. He served in the Civil war, becoming a 
private of Company D, Fifteenth Connecticut Infantry, with which he remained until the 
close of hostilities. His death occurred in 1876, when he was fifty-nine years of age. The 
maternal grandmother of Edmund L. Babcock was born in 1834 and is still hale and hearty 
at the age of ninety-three j-ears. Her daughter, Mrs. Babcock, is still living and by her 
marriage she became the mother of two children. Rev. Harry L. Babcock, the younger, is 
a resident of New Haven and is the editor of the Herald of Life, a religious publication of 
the Adventist church. 

In the acquirement of his education Edmund L. Babcock attended the graded and higli 
schools of New Haven and when a youth of fifteen started out to make liis own living in 
the world, being no longer content to attend school altliough necessity did not force him 
into business at that time. He was first employed by the North American Mercantile 
Agency as office boy and later he took up mercantile lines, becoming a traveling salesman 
for a wholesale beef and poultry business. He continued in that line of work for eighteen 
years and is still connected with the business in a financial way. He also served for four 
years as steward of the old New Haven House. In October, 1915, he was elected to his 
present position, that of collector of the city of New Haven, for a two years' term and was 
the first republican chosen to the position in a half century. He is the secretary and 
treasurer of the E. L. Babcock Company, Inc. He has never stopped short of successful 
accomplishment in anything that he has undertaken and unfaltering diligence and deter- 
mination have brought good results in all of his business activities. 

In New York city, Mr. Babcock was married to Miss Daisy Deane Swan, a native of 
East Haddam, Connecticut, and a daughter of George W. and Lorena (Burnham) Swan. 
They, too, were representatives of old Connecticut families here represented since the early 
part of the seventeenth century and among the ancestors of ilrs. Babcock were those who 
served in the Revolutionary war. 



268 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

Mr. Babcock is a member of the Cliurch of the Second Advent. He belongs to the 
Union League Club and also to the Sons of Veterans. His political allegiance has always 
been given to the republican party, of which he is an active supporter. He served for two 
terms as alderman and was filling the position at the time of his election to his present 
office. His excellent record as an alderman led to his strong endorsement for the position 
of collector, bringing him the unique but well merited honor of being the first republican 
in the office in a half century. 



ALEXANDER TROUP. 



Alexander Troup, editor and publisher of the New Haven Union, was born June 2, 
1878, in New Haven, a son of the late Alexander Troup, who was a native of Halifax but for 
many years figured prominently in the public life of this city. He took a very active and 
helpful interest in promoting political and civic improvements and he was the founder 
of the New Haven Union, which has long been recognized as one of the leading daily papers of 
the city. He exerted a wide-felt and beneficial influence in community affairs, and, standing 
at all times for advancement and improvement, for justice and for all civic ideals, he 
swayed men by the force of his example. He married Augusta Lewis, a native of Brooklyn, 
New York, who belonged to one of the old families of the Empire state, of Dutch lineage. 
She is still living and five of her seven children also survive. 

Of this family Alexander Troup was the second. After leaving the New Haven high 
school he entered the employ of his father and thoroughly learned the publishing and news- 
paper business in all of its departments, starting out in a humble capacity and working his 
way upward through merit. His advancement came to him as he mastered one set of 
duties in order to qualify for added responsibilities. Today as editor and publisher of the 
New Haven Union he is recognized as one of the leading journalists of New England. He is 
likewise the president of the Reading (Pa.) Printing Company, which controls the Telegi-am 
and the News-Times of Reading. He holds personal membership in the Associated Pi-ess 
and is a prominent factor in twentietli century journalism. 

On the 30th of November, 1909, Mr. Troup was married in New Haven to Miss Medora H. 
Beardsley, a native of Stratford and a daughter of DeWitt C. and Martha (Avery) Beards- 
ley, representatives of old Connecticut families, to which belonged General Avery of 
Revolutionary fame. 

Mr. Troup has membership in the Elks lodge of New Haven, also with the Race Brook 
Country, New Haven Yacht and New Haven Automobile Clubs. In politics he is a democrat 
and for the past six years has been a member of the New Haven city civil service board. 
He also has membership in the chamber of commerce and he is actively interested in and 
supports its well defined plans and measures, which reach out along the lines of modern 
city building and of civic progress. 



I. HENRY MAG. 



I. Henry Mag, corporation counsel of the city of Meriden, is of Russian birth, and his 
life record indicates what it is possible to accomplish in a land where effort and ambition 
are not hampered by caste or class. He was born June 3, 1883, a son of Elias and Essia 
(Fenger) Mag, both of whom are now deceased. Their family numbered five sons and four 
daughters, namely: Jacob H., who is living in Springfield, Massachusetts; Nathan E., 
a resident of New Britain, Connecticut; Samuel, who is living in Meriden; Morris, deceased; 
I. Henry, of this review; Dora, a resident of Springfield, Massachusetts; Esther, whose home 
is in ileriden; Ida, living in Springfield; and Sarah, also of Meriden. It was in the year 
1885 that the father left Russia with his family and crossed the Atlantic to the new world, 
establishing his home in Meriden. 

I. Henry Mag was at that time but two years of age. He pursued his education in the 
public schools, becoming a high school pupil, and his law course was pursued in Yale. The 




1. HENRY MAG 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 271 

following year he practiced law in New York city, remaining there until 1907, when he 
opened an office in Meriden, becoming the junior partner of I. C. Hinman. He succeeded to 
the business of the firm upon his partner's death and is now at the head of a very ex- 
tensive and important practice that connects him with much litigation heard in the courts 
of his city, county, and state. In 1913 he was assistant prosecuting attorney of the Meriden 
police court, and was a candidate for deputy judge in the police and city court in the same 
year. On the 1st of January, 1916, he was appointed assistant corporation counsel by Mayor 
Cooke, and on May 1, 1916, was appointed corporation counsel and is still occupying that posi- 
tion. He was again a candidate for judge of the Meriden police and city court before the 
legislative session of 1917. Mr. Mag deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, 
as his advancement is attributable entirely to his own efforts, perserverance and determin- 
ation. He entered a profession in which progress is made only as the result of individual 
merit, and his colleagues and contemporaries recognize in him one of the rising young 
members of the Meriden bar. In addition to his practice, which also extends to the United 
States courts, he has become quite a heavy investor in real estate and now owns considerable 
property in Meriden. 

Mr. Mag is a member of the Jewish synagogue and is a charter member of the Meriden 
Nest of Owls, for which organization he drew up the charter. He belongs also to the Meri- 
den Lodge of Elks, the Meriden Wheel Club, and to the Amaranth Club, honorary member of 
the Army and Navy Union, which he received for defending one of its members at a general 
court martial case at Fort Wright, New York, and he is identified with the Hebrew Char- 
itable Society, of New Haven. His political endorsement is given to the democratic party 
and of its principles he is a stanch advocate. Along the lines of his profession his 
membership is with the Meriden, the County and State Bar Associations. He is careful to 
conform his practice to the highest standards of professional ethics and has proven him- 
self an able minister in the temple of justice. In January, 1918, he was again appointed 
corporation counsel for the city of Meriden, under the newly elected mayor. Judge Harry 
T. King. 

On July 9. 1917, Mr. Mag was marritd to Rose Dorothy Ziering of Denver, Colorado. 



REV. A. ALFRED ENGDAHL. 

Rev. A. Alfred Engdahl, pastor of the Swedish Baptist church of Meriden, was born in 
Dalsland, Sweden, December 14, 1872, a son of Eric and Anna (Roth) Engdahl, both of 
whom have passed away, the former having died in 1913 and the latter in 1894. Their son, 
A. A., attended the public schools of Sweden and following his graduation began to work, 
but while employed attended a night business school. After pursuing his business course 
he secured employment with a big construction company, with which he worked for four 
years in Christiania, Norway. He spent altogether six years in Norway and then decided 
to study for the ministry. He returned to Sweden in 1897 and entered the Baptist Bethel 
Seminary at Stockholm, where he simultaneously pursued four years' theological and 
collegiate courses. He took both courses at the same time and was busy from early 
morning until late at night. He was graduated in 1901, winning his certificate of gradua- 
tion, the college conferring no degrees. He was ordained in August of the same year bj' 
Dr. K. 0. Braady, who was the famous Colonel Braady of the Union army during the Civil 
war in the United States. He had been superintendent of the Baptist Seminary in Sweden 
for years and is still occupying that position, although he is now very old and most of 
his duties have been delegated to others. 

Rev. Engdahl's first charge was at Lcsjiifors, Sweden, in the province of Vermland, 
where he remained for two and a half years. He then became pastor of the church at 
Bonis, in the province of Vestergijtland, where he continued from ]903 until 1907. He 
ne.xt iuccpted the pastorate of the First Baptist cliurch at Orebro, Sweden, where he labored 
until 1911, when he accepted a call to the Harlem Street Baptist church in Worcester, Massa- 
chusetts, there continuing from the 1st of September, 1911, until the 1st of September, 1916. 
At the latter date he came to Meriden as pastor of the Swedish Baptist church. He speaks 
English, Swedish and Norwegian, and delivers his sermons in both Swedish and English. 



272 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

The church in Meriden has a membership of one hundred and sixty-seven well-to-do people. 
There are no poor in the church, although Rev. Engdahl seeks out those who need aid else- 
where and does much charitable work. The church property is valued at eighteen thousand 
dollars, upon which there is no indebtedness, and the church edifice has a seating capacity 
of four hundred and fifty. The work of the church is thoroughly organized in its various 
departments and he has the hearty cooperation and support of his people. 

On the 14th of May, 1904, Rev. Engdahl was married to Miss Anna Elenor Rudquist, 
of Sweden, a daughter of Andrew and Martha (Rudquist) Rudquist, both of whom have 
passed away. Her father was a corporal in the Swedish army and Mrs. Engdahl before her 
marriage was a trained nurse attached to the Red Cross in Sweden for eight years. Rev. 
and Mrs. Engdahl have become the parents of three children who are living: Samuel Alfred, 
born December 28, 1906; Eric Alfred, born April 13, 1911; and Martha Elenor, a twin of 
Eric. Rev. and Mrs. Engdahl also lost two children: Martha Elenor, who died in infancy; 
and Folke Alfred, who died at the age of sixteen months. 

Rev. Engdahl is doing excellent work among his people. He is a man of broad and 
scholarly attainments, of liberal culture and of high purpose, and he commands the respect 
and confidence of people of other denominations as well as of those with whom he labors 
for the moral development and progress of the community. 



WALTER LANOUE. 



Walter Lanoue, a building contractor of Meriden and also its fire marshal, was born 
in the province of Quebec, Canada, on the 20th of June, 1862, and comes of French Canadian 
ancestry. Spending his youthful days in his native country, he attended the district schools 
there and when fourteen years of age began to provide for his own support, making his 
initial step in the business world at that time. He was first employed in a flour mill and 
in 1886 crossed the border into the United States, settling at Iron Mountain, Michigan. 
He was then employed as a burnisher by the International Silver Company for three years, 
during which period he thoroughly learned the trade. When work became slack he took up 
the carpenter's trade in Michigan. He then again came to Meriden, where he w^as employed 
at carpentering by the Morehouse Company and later by the H. Wales Lines Company. 
Ambitious to engage in business on his own account, he carefully saved his earnings until 
his indu-stry and economy had brought him sufficient capital to begin for himself. In 1893 
he started contracting, with only a few men in his employ. Something of the rapid de- 
velopment of his business is shown in the fact that through the busy season ho now cmplo\s 
forty men and he has built from twelve to sixteen residences each year. He has also built 
store rooms in Meriden and in Wallingford. He did not have a dollar to start on and 
solely through his own efforts, his persistency of purpose, his laudable ambition and his 
indefatigable energy he has reached the creditable place which he now occupies in the 
industrial circles of Meriden. 

On the 16th of July, 1882, in Meriden, Mr. Lanoue was united in marriage to Jliss 
Philomena Maguy by whom he has thirteen children, as follows: Willie, who is marriid 
and lives in Meriden; Eva, also married and a resident of Lowell, Massachusetts; Aurea 
and Ernest, both of whom are married and reside in Meriden; Lame, who is married and 
lives at Xortli Adams, Massachusetts; Sybil and Raymond, who reside in ]\Ii'riden: and 
Omer, Rachel, Jeannette, Clair, Leona and Norman, all of Meriden. All of the children were 
educated in the schools of Canada and Meriden. 

Mr. Lanoue is a member of St. Laurent's Roman Catholic church. Fraternally he is 
identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and he also has membership with the 
New England Protection Order, the St. John the Baptist Order, the French American Society 
and the Turners. His political endorsement is given to the democratic party and he has 
been fire marshal since January 1, 1917. 

He is neglectful of no duty of citizenship but holds to the highest standards in public 
affairs and cooperates with many well defined plans and measures toward upholding those 
interests which are a matter of civic virtue and of civic pride. As a self-made man he 
certainly deserves great credit for what he has accomplished and his life illustrates the fact 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 273 

that it is under the pressure of adversity and the stimulus of opposition that tlie best and 
strongest in man is brought out and developed. Having no assistance, he developed a self- 
reliant spirit and undertook with thoroughness every task that came to his hand, and as 
the years have gone by he has made for himself a substantial and creditable position among 
the contractors of Meriden. 



ROBERT RENSSELAKR CHAMBERLAIN. 

The name of Chamberlain has long been an honored one in commercial circles in New 
Haven, where it has stood as a synonym for business enterprise and integrity. Through 
successive generations no blot has fallen on the family escutcheon and today the Chamberlain 
Company carries forward its business interests with the same rules of integrity and re- 
liability that characterized the establishment at its inception. 

Robert Rensselaer Chamberlain was born November 15, 1881, in New Haven, a son of 
the late Cieorge Rensselaer Chamberlain and a grandson of Abel Childs Chamberlain, who 
was the founder of the Chamberlain Company, which was established in 1835 and in point 
of time is the oldest as well as the largest retail house furnishings business in New Haven 
and probably in the state. The Chamberlain family is of English lineage, the founder of 
the American branch being Edmund Chamberlain, who came to the new world about 1640 
and settled at Roxbury, Massachusetts, whence he afterward removed to Woodstock, 
Connecticut, where the records show that he was married in .January, 1646, by Joan Elliott, 
the celebrated apostle to the Indians. Edmund Giamberlain there engaged in agricultural 
pursuits and was classified as a planter. Among his descendants were those who. loyal to 
the cause of the colonists, bore arms in the Revolutionary war and aided in winning 
American freedom. 

CJeorge Rensselaer Chamberlain was for many years regarded as one of the valued and 
honored citizens of New Haven. He was a man of deep religious views, honorable in all 
his dealings, sympathetic and kindly and most charitable wherever aid was needed. He was 
strictly a home man and his greatest happiness was found at his own fireside. He had no 
connection with clubs or secret organizations and his rules for life's guidance were found in 
the Plymouth Congiegational church, of which he was an active worker and for many years 
served as deacon. In his business he prospered and to his descendants left a very substantial 
estate, but more than that, he left to them the priceless heritage of an untarnished name 
which was the development of true Christian character. He passed away .January 14, 1910, 
at the age of sixty-one years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Anna Mary Parsons, 
is a native of Northampton and a descendant of an old Massachusetts family that was 
founded in America in the days of the earliest settlement of that state by Cornet Joseph 
Parsons. Loyal at all times to American interests, his descendants participated in the early 
colonial wars, in the Revolutionary war and the War of 1812. Mrs. Chamberlain still sur- 
vives her husband and resides in New Haven. In the family were a son and daughter, the 
latter being Mrs. Charles H, Porter, also living in New Haven. 

Robert R. Chamberlain has practically spent his entire life in New Haven save for the 
periods devoted to the acquirement of his education. After leaving the high school of this 
city he attended the Taft School of Watertown and later completed his studies in the 
Sheffield Scientific School, winning the Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale with the class of 
1910. As early as 1903, however, he entered his father's store and began to acquaint him- 
self with the business which had been founded by his grandfather. Parental authority was 
not exercised to win him advancement but upon him devolved the necessity of working his 
way up through the various departments by a thorough mastery of each. He was employed 
in the store during vacation periods ere he had completed his education and as the years 
passed on he became more and more familiar with the business and progressive commercial 
methods. On the 1st of July, 1915, associated with Donald Adams Hallock, he purchased 
the entire business of the Chamberlain Compan.y, of which he became president and treasurer. 
This is the largest and most important store of the kind in New Haven, covering a floor 
space of fifty thousand square feet and handling a complete line of house furnishings of 
every description. They also condiu't a large storage warehouse and they employ forty-one 



274 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

people. They draw considerable trade from neighboring cities and in fact their patronage 
comes from a wide territory. They are most careful in the personnel of the house, in the 
methods employed in the selection of goods and in treatment accorded patrons, and their 
Inisiness. measuring at all times up to the highest standards, has won for them notable and 
deserved success. 

Mr. Chamberlain has three childron. Thoy are: .John Rensselaer, Mary and Robert 
Rensselaer, Jr. 



RALPH J. MINER. 



The origin and early ancestry of the Miner family in England is given thus: Edward III 
of England, going to war against the French, marched through "Somersetshire, came to 
Mendippe hills, where lived Henry Miner, who with all carefulness and loyalty, having con- 
vened his domestic and menial servants armed with battle axes, proffered himself and them 
to his master's service, making up a complete hundred." F'or this service he was granted 
the coat of arms: Gules a fesse between three plates argent. 

(I) Henry Miner, mentioned above, died in 1359. His children: Henry, mentioned 
below; Edward; Thomas; and George. 

(II) Henry (2), son of Henry (1) Miner, married Henrietta, daughter of Edward Hicks, 
of Gloucester. Their children were: William; Henry, who served in 1384 under Richard HI. 

(III) William, son of Henry (2) Miner, married a Miss Hobbs, of Wiltshire, by whom 
he had two children: Thomas, mentioned below; and George, who lived in Shropshire. 

(IV) Thomas, son of William Miner, lived in Herefordshire. He married a daughter of 
Cotton Gresslap, of Staffordshire, and their children were: Lodovick, mentioned below; 
George; and Mary. 

(V) Lodovick, son of Thomas Miner, married Anna, daughter of Thomas Dyer, of 
Staughton, Huntingdonshire. Their children were: Thomas, mentioned below; George 
(twin), born in 1458; and Arthur (twin), who served the house of Austria. 

(VI) Thomas (2), son of Lodovick Miner, was born in 1436. He married Bridget, 
daugliter of Sir George Hervie. of St. Martin's, County Middlesex. He died in 1480, leaving 
two children to the tutorage of their mother, Bridget, but she resigned them to her father 
and turned to monastic life in Datford. 

(VII) William (2), son of Thomas (2) Miner, married Isabelle Harcope de Folibay and 
lived to revenge the death of the two young princes slain in the tower by their uncle, 
Richard III. The children were: William, mentioned below; George; Thomas; Robert; 
Nathaniel; .Tohn; and four others. John and Nathaniel went to Ireland in 1541 when 
Henry VIII was proclaimed king of Ireland. 

(VIII) William (3), son of William (2) Miner, w;is buried at Chew Magna, February 
23, 1585. His children were: Clement, mentioned below; and Elizabeth. 

(IX) Clement, son of William (3) Miner, died March 31, 1640. at Chew Magna. His 
children were: Clement; Thomas, mentioned below; Elizabeth; and Mary. 

(X) Thomas (3), son of Clement Miner and the immigrant ancestor, came to Stoning- 
ton, Connecticut, in 1683. His children were: John, Thomas, Clement, Ephraim, Judah, 
Manasseh. .Toseph, Samuel, Ann, Maria, Eunice, Elizabeth and Hannah. 

(XI) Deacon Manasseh, son of Thomas (3) Miner, was born at New London in 1647, 
the first boy born of white parents in that town. He resided on the old homestead at 
Quiambaug and was buried at Wcquetequod. He was a soldier in King Philip's war. He 
married Lydia Moore on the 26th of September, 1670, and their children, born at New Lon- 
don, were: Elnathan, who was born December 28, 1673, and is mentioned below; Samuel, 
born September 20, 1675; Hannah, born December 8, 1676; Thomas, born September 20, 
1683; and Lydia, who married Sylvester Baldwin. 

(XII) Elnathan. son of Deacon Manasseh Miner, was born at New London, December 
28, 1673. He lived at Stonington. He married (first), on the 21st of March, 1694, Rebecca 
Baldwin, who died March 12, 1700. On the 17th of March, 1702, he wedded Prudence 
(Richardson) Hallam, a widow. He married (third), on the 14th of October, 1718, Tamsen 
Wilcox. His children, born at Stonington, were as follows: Samuel, who was born Decem- 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUiNTY 275 

ber 12, 1694, and is mentioned below; Manasseh, born December 1, 1695; Elnathan, born 
June 24, 1697; Rebecca, February 13, 1699. The child by his second wife was Richardson, 
who was born November 24, 1704. 

(XIII) Samuel, son of Elnathan Miner, was born at Stonington, December 12, 1694. 
He was there married on the 3d of December, 1719, to Elizabeth Brown. His children were 
as follows: Elizabeth, born August 18, 1720; Rebecca (twin), August 18, 1720; Samuel, 
March 14, 1723; Nathan, July 16, 1724, mentioned below; David, September 26, 1726; John, 
December 22, 1728; Elizabeth, November 24, 1730; Jonathan, February 18, 1733; and Anna, 
June 26, 1735. All were born at Stonington. 

(XIV) Nathan, son of Samuel Miner, was born July 16, 1724, at Stonington. On the 
7th of March, 1751, he married Sarah Smith. His children, born at Stonington, were as 
follows: Deborah, December 24, 1751; Richardson, September 10, 1753; Sarah, December 7, 
1755; Elizabeth, July 15, 1759; Robert, November 13, 1763, mentioned below; and Nathan, 
September 23, 1764. 

(XV) Robert, son of Nathan Miner, was born in Stonington, November 13, 1763. He 
lived at Stonington and was there married on the 10th of February, 1788, to Mary, daughter 
of Christopher and Mary (Randall) Miner, who had been joined in wedlock on the 11th of 
August, 1765. Charles Miner, father of Cliristopher Miner, was born November 14, 1709. 
Christopher Miner was born March 16, 1745. James Miner, father of Charles Miner, married 
Abigail Eldridge on the 22d of February, 1705. Ephraim Miner, father of James Miner, 
married Hannah Avery on the 20th of June, 1666. He was baptized at Hingham, Massa- 
chusetts, May 1, 1642, a son of Henry and Henrietta (Hicks) Miner. The children of Robert 
Miner, born at Stonington, were as follows: Robert, born March 7, 1789, and mentioned 
below; Gilbert, who was born December 26, 1791, and married Mary Ann Frick; Betsy, 
February 18, 1795; and AVilliam, January 12, 1803. 

(XVI) Robert (2), son of Robert (1) Miner, was born at Stonington, March 7, 1789. 
He married Alura, daughter of Captain Spicer, of Stonington, Connecticut, and their children 
were: Robert Tyler, who married Lydia Baldwin; Alura Ann, who married (first) Julius 
Harrison, of New Milford, Connecticut, and (second) Jacob Eaton, of Meridcn, chaplain during 
the Civil war of the Seventh Connecticut Regiment, who died at Newbern, North Carolina, in 
the service; Gilbert Smith, who married Virginia Windsor; Mary Elizabeth, who married 
Joseph North; George L., who married Jane Guild; Emily Frances, who married Colonel Ira 
Pettibone; Fred William, who married Belle Fayer, of Texas; Frank S., who married Mary 
Houston; Lucretia Victoria, who married Erastus Hubbard, of Wallingford, Connecticut; 
Sarah Eleanor, who died unmarried; and Ralph Jay, mentioned below. 

(XVII) Ralph Jay, son of Robert (2) Miner, was born in Cornwall, Litchfield county, 
Connecticut. .January 16. 1844. He attended the district schools of his native town. He began 
liis business career as clerk in the general store at Cornwall Bridge. Connecticut, in 1861. and 
in the spring of 1862 entered the employ of the Cornwall Bridge Iron Company. In 1862 
he enlisted in Company G, Nineteenth Regiment, Connecticut Infantry, and served in that 
regiment until it was changed to the Second Heavy Artillery. In 1863 he was mustered out 
of service, being discharged on account of physical disability. Later in the year he entered 
the employ of John Ives at Meriden, Connecticut. He came to New Haven to work for the 
firm of Yale & Bryan, wholesale grocers on State street in New Haven, and continued there 
until 1869. Then for four years he was in the dry goods trade with James H. Bunce, of 
Midilletown. Connecticut, returning to Yale & Bryan, where again he was a salesman for a 
period of about nine years. He was then in business for himself for two years in New York 
city as partner in the firm of Hollway, Wright & Miner, manufacturers' agents, at 167 
Chambers street. He returned to the firm of Yale, Bryan & Company and subsequently 
Bryan, Miner & Read, wholesale grocers. After Mr. Bryan died the firm name became Miner, 
Read & Garrette, which continued until the present firm was instituted January 1, 1910, under 
the style of Miner, Read & Tullock. Gifted with a natural wealth of common sense and rare 
good judgment, Mr. Miner could be depended upon for wise, sound counsel or advice at any 
time either in business or personal matters. 

Mr. Miner was a member of the Country Club of New Haven; the Center Lodge, No. 97, 
Free and Accepted Masons, of Meriden; and of the United church of New Haven. In polities 
he was independent. He was a director of the Yale National Bank. 

On the 28th of November. 1866, Mr. Miner married Sarah Ellen Yale, of Meriden, who was 



276 A .MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

born September 14, 1846, a daughter of Julius Yale. They had no children but brought up 
a son of Mr. Miner's brother, Frank Spicer Miner, born January 14, 18T3, son of Frank S. 
Miner, of Cornwall. Frank Spicer Miner married Betsy Hosmer, of New Haven, and their 
fliildren are: Edward Hosmer, born March 14. 1903; and Frank Erastus, born September 28, 
1904. Ralph J. Miner died on the 20th of F'ebruary, 1917, at his residence in New Haven. 



EDGAR LEON HARTPENCE. 

In the year 1904 Edgar Leon Hartpence became a resident of New Haven in connection 
with the organization of tlie Acme Wire Company, of whicli lie is the first vice president 
and general manager. In the intervening years the business has grown to extensive and 
gratifying proportions and is now one of the profitable industrial concerns of the city. 
While enjoying a comfortable competence as the result of his well directed eff'orts and 
energy, Mr. Hartpence knows what it is to struggle througli difficulties and obstacles. He 
started out in the business world at a salary of but four dollars per week and from that 
point has steadily progressed. He was born in Trenton. New .Jersey, Marcli 30, 1873, and 
is a son of Jolin H. and Keziah (Van Syckel) Hartpence. both of whom have passed away. 

Their son pursued his education in the State Model School of New .Jersey and when a 
youth of sixteen started out to provide for his own support, being ambitious to make his 
way in the world. He was first employed by the Holmes, Booth & Haydens Company, brass 
and copper manufacturers of Waterbury, Connecticut, in the clerical department of their 
New York office, there remaining for a period of three years. He afterward spent a similar 
period in the sales department and then engaged in the insulating wire and cable business 
for a number of years. In 1904. after organization of the Acme Wire Company, he became 
vice president in charge of sales. One year later he assumed the position of general manager 
as well as that of vice president, and is also the treasurer and a director of the Oven Equip- 
ment & Manufacturing Company. His interests are thus important and extensive and he 
has made for himself a creditable place in the business circles of his adopted city. His 
entire business career has been marked by steady progress — that progress which follows per- 
sistent, 'earnest effort, fidelity and capability. 

On the 19th of January, 1897, in Newark, New .Jersey, Mr. Hartpence was united in 
marriage to Miss Mary L. Harris, a native of New Jersey and a daughter of Elwood C. and 
Adelaide (Duncklee) Harris. The father has passed away, but the mother is still living. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hartpence have two living children: Marion and Adelaide. 

In his political views Mr. Hartpence is a republican, giving stanch support to the party 
where national questions are involved but casting an independent local ballot. He has 
served as health commissioner of New Haven but has not been a politician in the sense of 
office seeking, preferring to concentrate his time, thought and activity upon his business 
affairs. He is well known in Masonic circles, having attained the thirty-second degree of 
the Scottish Rite. He belongs to the Quinnipiac Club and to the New Haven Country Club. 
His military experience covers five years' service with the National Guard of New Jersey as 
a member of the Light Artillery. What he has accomplished in a business way indicates 
the fit utilization he has made of his time, talents and opportunities. He has worked 
persistently and energetically as the years have gone on and his diligence has brought its 
reward. 



LESTER J. NICHOLS. 



Lester J. Nichols, who for over half a century has been identified with the Malleable 
Iron Fittings Company of Branford and now occupies the responsible position of secretary 
of the company, was born in Middlebury, Connecticut, on the 17th of February, 1849, and 
is a son of Joel S. and AVis (Hoag) Nichols. The father was a native of Naugatuck, Con- 
necticut, where he followed farming after reaching manhood, later engaging in the same 
occupation in JFiddlobury. and in 1858 removing with liis family to New Haven, where he 



AND EASTERN NEAY HAVEN COUNTY 279 

died when our subject was only twelve years old. The mother was born in Windsor, Delaware 
county, New York. The Nichols family is lineally descended from Sergeant Francis Nichols, 
who was one of the historical settlers of Stratford, early in the settlement of this country, 
among those coming from England. 

Reared in New Haven, Lester J. Nichols was educated in the city schools until the age 
of seventeen years, when he went to Branford and secured employment with the Malleable 
Iron Fittings Company as shipping clerk. Later he became accountant and subsequently he 
represented the company on the road as traveling salesman, and in 1902 was chosen sec- 
retary, in which office he has since served. On joining the company in 1866 there were only 
sixty employes, but at the present time there are over thirteen hundred. The business 
has steadily grown until it has now assumed extensive proportions and it ranks among 
the leading industrial concerns of New Haven county. Mr. Nichols is one of the five direc- 
tors of the company and all of the men at its head are good reliable business men who 
command the confidence of those with whom they have dealings. 

On the 8th of December, 1870, Mr. Nichols was married in Branford to Miss Alice E. 
Cook, a native of Branford, which was also the birthplace of her parents. Captain Samuel 
S. and Caroline Celinda (Page) Cook. Her father was a sea captain. Mr. and ilrs. Nichols 
have one child, Elsie Lauretta,, who was born in Branford and married Merle E. Towner, 
also a native of Branford. Mr. Towner entered the employ of the New York, New Haven 
& Hartford Railroad Company as clerk and rose to assistant purchasing agent for the marine 
department of that road. On leaving the company he became purchasing agent for the St. 
Louis & San Francisco & Southwestern Railroad and resigned that position to engage in 
tlie railway supply business for himself at St. Louis, but he is now purchasing agent for, 
and on the advisory board of, the Western Maryland Railroad with headquarters at Balti- 
more, Maryland. Mr. and Mrs. Towner have two children, Winthrop Hoadley and Lester 
Nichols, both born in Brooklyn, New York. 

At national elections Mr. Nichols supports the republican party but at local elections, 
where no party issue is involved, he votes for the men whom he believes best qualified to 
fill the positions for which they are candidates. He has never cared for the honors or 
finolunients of office, preferring to devote his undivided attention to his business interests. 
His religious faitli is that of the Congregational church, with which he holds membership, 
and he is also a member of tlie Home Club of Branford and the Union League Club of New 
Haven. Since starting out upon his business career he has been identified with but one 
concern and has labored untiringly for its interests with most excellent results. As the 
years have passed prosperitj' has come to him and he is now one of the sub.stantial as well 
as one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Branford. 



FRANK ALONZO KIRBY, M. D. 

Dr. Frank Alonzo Ivirby, a physician and surgeon, with offices at No. 335 Whalley street, 
was born in Sheffield, Massachusetts, July 24, 1870, a son of George Hiram Klrby, who was 
also a native of Sheffield. His ancestors, coming from England, were among the earliest 
settlers of Massachusetts. He became a successful farmer but at the time of the gold rush 
to California he was among those that went to the Pacific coast, rounding Cape Horn in 
ISJl. There he remained until 1864, when lio returned to Sheffield, where he remained until 
his death at the age of seventy-six years. In early manhood he had married Jemima Bar- 
tholomew, who was also born in Sheffield, Massachusetts, and belonged to one of the oldest 
families of that state of English descent. They were married after Mr. Kirby returned 
from California and they became the parents of four sons: John A., a miller by trade, 
residing at Hull, Illinois ; George A., a salesman living in New Haven ; Frank A. ; and Joseph 
B., who occupies tlie old family homestead. 

As a pupil in the public and high schools of Sheffield, Massachusetts, Frank A. Kirby 
pursued his education and also attended the Great Barrington high school and Columbia 
University, now the George Washington University, of Washington, D. C. He pursued his 
professional course in the last named institution and won the M. D. degree upon graduation 
with the class of 1895. His early life, to the time of his entrance into the university, was 

Vril. II 13 



280 A MODEKN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

spent upon the home farm, save for a year which was devoted to teaching in the public 
schools of Sheffield and Great Barrington. Following his graduation he became an interne 
in the Bushwick Hospital of Brooklyn, New York, and was also connected with the General 
Hospital at New Haven. After spending two years in hospital work, during which time 
he gained valuable knowledge and experience, he entered upon the private practice of 
medicine in which he has since been actively engaged, and his work has demonstrated the 
fact that he is fully competent to cope with complex professional problems. 

Dr. Kirby was married in New Haven to Miss Leota Grace Maiden, a native of Iowa, 
and they have become parents of two children, Leota Grace and Samuel B. 

Dr. Kirby holds membership in Trumbull Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and has attained the 
thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in Lafayette Consistory of Bridgeport. He is like- 
wise a member of the Mystic Shrine and he belongs to Relief Lodge, I. O. 0. F., of New 
Haven. Something of the nature of his recreation is indicated in his membership in the Win- 
chester Arms Rod & Gun Club and his interest in the city's welfare is evidenced in his 
membership in the Chamber of Commerce. For four years he was a member of the Gov- 
ernor's Foot Guard, serving on the hospital corps until it was disbanded. Along strictly 
professional lines he has connection with the New Haven, the New Haven County, the 
Connecticut State and the American Medical Associations, and through the proceedings of 
these societies he keeps abreast of the most advanced thought bearing upon professional 
activities. 



CARL W. BAILEY. 



Carl W. Bailey is a young business man who has made for himself a creditable position 
in mercantile circles in Wallingford, where he is conducting a furniture and undertaking 
establishment. 

He was born in Danielson, Connecticut, November 26, 1886, a son of Benjamin L. Bailey, 
a native of Biddeford. Maine, who for many years devoted his life to manufacturing and is 
now living retired in Wallingford. The Baileys are of an old Maine family, several genera- 
tions having been connected with manufacturing interests in the Pine Tree state. The 
great-great-grandfather, John Bailey, was bom in Drury Lane, England, and was in command 
of Fort Sewall during the War of 1812. Following his death his wife was commissioned 
by President Madison as commandant of the fort — the only woman who ever served in that 
capacity. Benjamin L. Bailey, the father of Carl W. Bailey, was united in marriage to Miss 
Edith Williams, a direct descendant of Roger Williams. 

In the public schools of Danielson, Carl W. Bailey acquired his education and later he 
atti'iuled tlie Barnes School of Anatomy. Sanitary Science and Embalming, from which he 
was graduated on the 30th of September, 1909. As a boy he entered the furniture and 
undertaking business of his grandfather, Samuel Williams, at Southbridge, Massachusetts. 
and in 1909 took charge of that business, which he conducted successfully imtil August, 
1912, when he came to Wallingford and purchased the furniture and undertaking business 
of D. P. Griswold at No. 264 Center street. This is the oldest business of the kind in 
Wallingford, having been established thirty-eight years ago. Since assuming charge Mr. 
Bailey has been able to retain the support of the old patrons and to win many new ones. 
His business methods are tlioroughly progressive and reliable and his earnest efforts to 
please his patrons, combined with his honorable dealing and reasonable prices, have brought 
to him a very substantial measure of success. 

On the 3d of November, 1910, Mr. Bailey was married in Southbridge, Massachusetts. 
to Miss Mabel L. Cook, a daughter of Fannie B, Cook, of Southbridge. Two children have 
been born of this marriage: Benjamin Cook Bailey, whose birth occurred November 4, 
1912; and Carl W. Bailey, born June 30, 1915. 

The family reside at No. 95 Parson street in Wallingford. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey are 
members of the Baptist church and the former is identified with Compass Lodge, No. 9, 
F. & A. M.; Lockwood Chapter, No. 48, R. A. M.; and also with Oronoco Tribe of Red Men. 
He belongs to the Wallingford Club and to the Young Men's Athletic Club of Wallingforil. 
His political allegiance is given to the republican party but he has never been an active 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 281 

worker in its ranks. He is a young man of genuine wortli, courteous and obliging in 
business, social and genial by disposition, and he is regarded as a valued addition to the 
commercial circles of his adopted city. 



HON. WILLIS MILLER COOK. 

On the 3d of June, 1917, Hon. Willis Miller Cook retired from the position of judge of 
the town of Hamden after serving for ten consecutive years upon the bench through appoint- 
ment of the state legislature. His was a most creditable record characterized by the utmost 
fairness and impartiality in his decisions, his frequent reappointments indicating the public 
confidence reposed in him. As a business man he also ranked high and is regarded as one 
of the representative residents of Moxint Carmel. 

He was born at Mount Carmel, April 9, 1858, a son of Henry Francis and Maria (Miller) 
Cook. The father was born in Harwinton, Litchfield county, Connecticut, and afterward en- 
gaged in railroad work there and at Mount Carmel. Prior to the war he was married and 
with the outbreak of hostilities he enlisted in response to the country's call for troops, joining 
Company I of the Twentieth Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, in 1862. He served until the 
close of the war, taking part in many hotly contested engagements, and afterward he re- 
turned to Mount Carmel, where he entered the employ of Frederick Ives & Company, axle 
manufacturers. At a later period he went to Philadelphia to again accept a position in 
connection with axle mamifacturing but subsequently returned to Mount Carmel and once 
more entered the employ of the Ives Company, with which he remained until his death, pass- 
ing awaj' in ilount Carmel on the 2d of February, 1895. His wife was born at Woodbridge, 
Connecticut, and died at Mount Carmel in November, 1873. 

Judge Cook, of this review, acquired his education in the schools of his native town but 
when only ten years of age entered the employ of Frederick Ives & Company, with which cor- 
poration he remained for over forty years, serving as superintendent for more than twenty 
years. Changes occurred in the personnel of the firm, Frederick Ives & Company becoming 
the firm of Ives & Miller, while later the business was the property of Willis E. Miller and 
after liis death the business wa§ purchased by Judge Cook, who changed the name to the 
Mount Carmel Axle Works and continued active in the management and control thereof until 
1907, when he sold the business to the New Haven Water Company. It was during the period 
of his ownership that he was appointed postmaster of Mount Carmel Center and maintained 
the postoffice in his factory. Upon the establishment of the rural route system the Mount 
Carmel Center postoffice was discontinued. In 1907 Mr. Cook was appointed town judge of 
tlie town of Hamden by the state legislature and was reappointed at biennial periods for 
five consecutive terms, holding the office until the 3d of June, 1917, and making a splendid 
record. He was indeed a popular judge and it was well known that neither fear nor favor 
could swerve him from a course which he believed to be right, his decisions at all times being 
strictly fair and impartial. He owned a half interest in the Mount Carmel Trap Rock Com- 
pany, but after three years' connection with that business sold out. 

On tlie 12th of March, 1884. in Mount Carmel, Mr. Cook was united in marriage to Misa 
Nellie Morey, who was born in Hadley, Massachusetts, and pursued her education in 
Xorthanipton, that state. In 1881 she came to Mount Carmel, wliere she lias since lived. 
She is a daughter of Charles Heman and Marcia Ann (Ladd) Morey. Her father was born at 
Westhampton, Massachusetts, and long occupied a position in a paper manufactory. He 
enlisted in Company G of the Twenty-first Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry for service in 
the Civil war and died at the front, laying down his life on the altar of his country at 
Newport News, Virginia. His wife was born in Chester, Massachusetts, and passed away in 
Northampton. Mr. and Mrs. Cook became parents of two children, twins, but both died in 
infancy. 

In his political views .Judge Cook has always been a stalwart republican and in addition 
to the offices, already mentioned, that he has filled he has served as justice of the peace and 
as member of the school board. He is a prominent and well known figiu'e in Masonic circles, 
belonging to Day Spring Lodge, No. 30, F. & A. M.. of Centcrville; Pulaski Chapter, R. A. M. ; 
Crawford Council, E. & S. M. ; New Haven Commandery, K. T., and also the Consistory, in 



2S2 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

which he has attained the tliirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He likewise has member- 
ship in L. A. Thomas Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., of Cheshire, Connecticut, and both he and his wife are 
connected with Alice Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star and with Unity Court, No. 3, 
Order of the Amaranth, and with the Rebekah degree of the Odd Fellows. Judge Cook is a 
member of the Cheshire Grange and was a member of Hamden Grange, of which at one time 
he was master. Both he and his wife are attendants of Mount Carmel Congregational church 
and in the community where they live they are held in the highest esteem, their personal 
worth winning for them the warm regard of the general public, while the ability of Judge 
Cook has placed him in prominent official and business connections. 



ALEXANDER CATLIN TWINING, LL. D. 

Dr. Alexander Catlin Twining, scientist, inventor, educator, civil engineer and astron- 
oirfer, whose life, covering eighty-three years, was devoted to those interests which in large 
measure have been uplifting forces in the world's work, was bom in New Haven, July 5, 
1801, and was descended from one of the distinguished and prominent New England families 
whose ancestral history can be traced back to the days of William the Conqueror. The 
founder of the family in New England was William Twining, who came to America before 
1641 and settled on Cape Cod in the Plymouth colony of Massachusetts, where the name 
is well known and honored. 

Stephen Twining, the father of Professor Alexander C. Twining, was born in Tolland, 
Massachusetts, then known as Granville, September 28, 1767, and was a son of Thomas 
and Anna (Cole) Twining. He was graduated from Yale University with the class of 1795 
and took up the practice of law in New Haven. He built a residence on Elm street, in 
which he ever afterward made his home. He served as steward and acting treasurer of Yale 
and was an active member of the First Church of Christ (Congregational) of New Haven, in 
which he filled the office of deacon from 1809 until 1832. At times he taught a Bible class 
of young men in the Sunday school. He died on the 18th of December of the latter year, at 
the age of sixty-five, and was laid to rest in New Haven cemetery, where his tombstone 
bears the inscription, "He feared God." On the 2d of October, 1800, he had married Almira 
Catlin. who was born in Litchfield, Aiigust 24, 1777, a daughter of Alexander and Abigail 
(Goodman) Catlin, of Litchfield. Mrs. Twining passed away in New Haven, May 30, 
1846, and was laid to rest by the side of her husband in New Haven cemetery. She was a 
devoted wife and mother and a true Christian woman, holding membership in the First 
Church of Christ. By her marriage she had become tlie mother of six children: Alexander Cat- 
lin, whose name introduces this record; William, who died June 5, 1884; Mary Pierce, who 
passed away in March, 1879; Helen Almira, who became the wife of Seagrove W. Magill; 
Julia Webster, who died July 8, 1893; and Ann Loring, who became the wife of Professor 
James Hadley and the mother of Dr. Arthur Twining Hadley, president of Yale University. 

Alexander Catlin Twining attended the Hopkins grammar school of New Haven, after 
which he entered Yale and was graduated as a member of the class of 1820, at which time 
he received his Master's degree. Among his classmates were President Woolaey and Rev. 
Leonard Bacon, D. D. He then entered Andover Theological Seminary to prepare for the 
ministry, but after a period abandoned this object and became a tutor at Yale, where he 
served from 1823 until 1825, and during that time gave some attention to the study of math- 
ematics and natural sciences. He afterward went to West Point, New York, where he pur- 
sued a private course in civil engineering, adopting the profession and following it for a 
number of years. He surveyed the site of what is now the New York. New Haven & Hart- 
ford Railroad between New York and New Haven, and although the company did not adopt 
his survey at the time, thinking the route too costly, and took up another which enabled 
them to build the line for a less figure, it is understood that the route that was surveyed 
by Professor Twining has of late years been adopted by the railroad company and is now 
used. He followed his profession in New Haven until 1839, when he accepted the professor- 
ship of mathematics, civil engineering and astronomy in Middlebury College at Middlebury, 
Vermont, occupying that chair for a period of ten years. Returning to New Haven, he 
continued to follow his profession of civil engineering and was engaged in connection with 




-ayK<^. h 



q/c 



lAjtM, UA 



AND EASTEKX NEW HAVEN COUNTY 285 

the construction of several railways and canals for a number of years. He was a man of 
the strictest honesty, however, and had the greatest contempt for fraud and deception, 
and when work was demanded of him that did not mean the full measure of his high 
standard and ability, ratlier than do inferior work in that connection, he would no longer 
accept a position of that character and abandoned his profession. He gave the remainder of 
his days to the pursuits of scientific research, for which he was well qualified. He was thor- 
oughly learned in the higher matliematics and astronomy and was the author of numerous 
monographs and abstruse problems, such as the doctrine of parallels and the origin of 
meteors. He is said to be the first to establish the cosmical theory of the latter. He gave 
much of his time and attention to the study of the heavenly bodies and found great pleasure 
and interest in this work. He was also an inventor of note and among liis inventions was a 
machine for the manufacture of artificial ice in commercial quantities, in which connection 
he erected his first plant at Cleveland. Ohio. This proved a success and he received patents 
for his invention from England as well as from the United States, but for the want of large 
capital and the oncoming of the Civil war, which largely paralyzed trade, especially in con- 
nection with initial ventures, he did not find it possible to put his ice manufacturing plant in 
operation and later his patents were infringed upon. During one of the later years of his 
life he delivered lectures in the Yale Law School. 

Dr. Twining was married at West Point, New York, March 2, 1829, to Harriet Amelia 
Kinsley, who was born at West Point, a daughter of Zebina and Anne (Duncan) Kinsley. 
Mrs. Twining, who was a lady of broad Christian charity, a devoted wife and mother and 
a sincere member of Center church, passed away in New Haven in 1871 and was laid to 
rest in Grove Street cemetery. The children of this marriage were seven in number. Kins- 
ley, who was graduated from Yale with the class of 1853, also attended the Yale Divinity 
School and the Andover Theological Seminary and was ordained to the ministry of the 
Congregational church, after which he engaged in preaching from 1859 until 1876. In 1878 
he became a member of the editorial staff of the New York Independent and in 1898 he 
became literary editor of the Evangelist. Yale University conferred upon him the degree 
of Doctor of Divinity and Hamilton College the degree of Doctor of Letters. He passed away 
in 1901. Harriet Anne, the second of the family, died February 23, 1896. Theodore Wool.«ey 
and Sutherland Douglas were twins. The former was graduated from Yale College in 1858 
and the law department of Yale in 1862 and was admitted to practice in Connecticut. Hp 
enlisted for service in tlie Civil war in a New York regiment and later was appointed pay- 
master in the United States navy. He died from yellow fever August 14, 1864, whili> 
on board the United States steamship Roebuck in Tampa bay, Florida. Sutherland Douglas 
Twining graduated from the Sheffield Scientific School in 1859 and from the medical de- 
partment of Yale in 1864 and served as surgeon in the LTnited States army at Baltimore and 
at Alexandria, Virginia. He has continued in the practice of medicine throughout his active 
life and is now living retired at Buffalo, New York. The others of the family are: Julia, 
at home; Mary Almira, who became the wife of Rev. A. Delos Gridley, a Presbyterian 
clergyman, who died in 1876, while her death occurred in 1915; and Eliza Kinsley. The 
daughters. Julia and Eliza Kinsley Twining, reside at the family homestead on Prospect 
.street in New Haven. They are devoted members of the Center cliureh and have always 
been active in church and charitable work. Miss Julia Twining was for thirty-six years 
treasurer of the New Haven branch of the Woman's Board of Missions, while Miss Eliza 
Kinsley Twining was for years recording secretary of the New Haven Orphan Asylum and 
is now a member of its board. 

The death of Professor Alexander Catlin Twining occurred in New Haven, November 
22, 1884, and he was laid to rest in Grove Street cemetery. He was long a devoted mem- 
ber of Center church, in which he served as deacon for many years. He lived a true 
Christian life, was a devoted Bible student and was most convincing in his arguments on 
religion. He was also opposed to slavery and was one of the signers of the petition con- 
cerning slavery sent from Connecticut to President Buchanan. He was active in the or- 
ganizing and financing of the band of colonists who went from New Haven to Kansas to 
oppose slavery in the '50s. He took up all those vital public questions with the same 
thoroughness that marked his research work along scientific lines. Middlebury College of 
Vermont conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts in 1839 and Yale conferred upon 
him the degree of Doctor of Laws in 1865. His breadth of mind found an even balance in 



286 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

his broad humanitarian spirit and he ranked with nature's noblemen. At his passing the 
New York Independent commented upon his life in tlie following beautiful tribute: "The 
death of Professor A. C. Twining ends a long life of varied and brilliant achievements and 
which was even richer and more brilliant in richness and fruitfulness of Christian character. 
Professor Twining is known among astronomers as the author of the 'Cosmic Theory of 
Meteors.' As a civil engineer he was engaged as chief or controlling engineer of everj' line 
running out of New Haven and on the Northeast roads, through Vermont, on the Lake Shore, 
the Cleveland, Columbus, Pittsburgh, and various roads of Chicago, including the Rock Island 
and Old Milwaukee Line. As an inventor he pioneered to a successful result the industrial 
manufacture of artificial ice. For nine j'ears he served as professor of mathematics and 
astronomy in Middlebury College, and while then residing in Vermont was active in the tem- 
perance reform, into which he entered with much energy as chairman of the state temperance 
committee. In political matters he took a deep interest as one of the promoters of the 
original movement which issued in the foundation of the republican party. He was one of 
the projectors of the famous 'Conn' letter to President Buclianan. He was deeplj' interested 
in constitutional questions and reached the highest point in his lectures on the constitution 
of the United States in Yale Law School. In the discussion of questions of theology and 
philosophy' he sliowed vigor and subtle ingenuity. To his friends he was always at home 
and upon them the beauty of his face and head, the winning courtesy of his manner and 
the simplicity of his Christian character made a lasting impression, while few that ever 
met him even casually failed to notice that to him it was given to invite and receive the 
spiritual confidence of others and to give thi-m solid and permanent assistance." 



HENRY HOTCHKISS TOWNSHEND. 

Henry Hotchkiss Townshend, a Y'alc man of 1901, since which time he has continuously 
engaged in law practice in New Haven, his native city, was born September 30, 1874, his 
parents being Captain Charles H. and Mary A. (Hotchkiss) Townshend, his ancestry being 
traced back to Thomas Townshend, of Lynn, Massachusetts, where he settled in 1638. His 
father was born at Raynham, in East Haven, now New Haven, November 26, 1833, and was 
a representative of the American branch of the family in the seventh generation. On the list 
of his ancestors appear the names of Thomas Townsend, or Townshend, Samuel Davies, 
Edmund Ranger, John Kneeland, Luke Hitchcock, Henry Burt, Simon Lobdell, Robert 
Walker, Moses Wheeler, Stephen Butler, William Eustice, David Atwater, Tliomas Sayers, 
William Bradley, John Brocket, John Russell, Edward Granniss, John Wakefield, William 

Bassett, Oldliam, Christopher Todd, Michael Middlebrook, Rev. John Rayner, 

Anthony Thompson, Tliomas Harrison, Thomas Powell, Richard Mansfield, Henry 
Glover, William Mulford, .Jeremiah Conklyn, Lion Giardner, Rev. Abraham Pierson, 
Edward Petty, Captain John Gorham, Francis Bell, Richard Miles, Joseph Alsop, William 

Preston, William Punchard, Richard Waters, Francis Brown, Edwards, Rev. Peter 

Bulkley, Rev. John Jones, Isaac Bradley, Rev. Roger Prichard, Jacob Robinson, Mathias 
Hitchcock, Thomas Merrick, Rev. Daniel Brewer, Ralph Hemingway, John Hewes, John 
Cooper, Robert Talmage, Thomas Nash, Thomas Y'ale, Captain Nathaniel Turner, Thomas 
Jlorris. Governor James Bishop, Captain George Lamberton, William Tuttle, Thomas Morris, 
•Jolm Santnrd. John Payne. 

Captain Townshend attended private schools of New Haven and of Farmington, Con- 
necticut, with a view of possibly entering Y'ale. When about fifteen years of age he made 
his first sea voyage on the Hyperion, owned by Timothy Dwight, of New Haven, sailing 
from New Y'ork, April 1. 1849, for Trinidad, West Indies, and returning home by way of 
St. Croix and St. Thomas to Baltimore. He later made another voyage to the West Indies 
and one to the Mediterranean, after which he shipped as an ordinary seaman on the Mar- 
garet Evans under Captain E. G. Tinker. At the end of the first voyage he was trans- 
ferred to the Southampton, also a ship of the New York and London Packet Line and then 
the largest and finest in the trade. In her he made several voyages as able seaman and 
during the last two voyages was third mate, being appointed to that position when not quite 



A\D EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 287 

eighteen years of age. He studied navigation under Stiles French, of New Haven, for a few 
months and then went to New York, where he became third mate on the Helvetia, com- 
manded by Captain B. F. Marsh, of Whitlock's New York and Havre Union Line of Packet 
Sliii». Later lu' made two voyages as her second mate. Ho afterward became tirst otticer on 
the Germania of the same line. Early in 1857 Captain Townshend was made commander of 
the New York and Havre packet ship Bavaria, having thus in eight years been advanced 
through every intermediate grade from the lowest to the highest in the merchant service 
by the time that he had reached his twenty-third year. He made two voyages in command 
of the Bavaria and then returned to the Germania as captain. On her he made twelve 
voyages to Havre and one to James River, Virginia. On one of his voyages, which in all 
lasted two years, he twice narrowly escaped capture by Confederate privateers off the 
southern American coast. After the close of the Civil war and while still in command of the 
Germania he was invited to take command of the United States mail steamer Fulton of 
thirty-five hundred tons by unanimous vote of the board of directors, which command he 
accepted early in 1867. Some time later he was given command of the Ontario, a vessel of 
five thousand tons, belonging to the American Steamship Company. While in command dur- 
ing the Franco-Prussian war he took the Ontario to Havre by way of Cowes, England, sail- 
ing from New York under sealed orders, his ship laden with firearms, ammunition and 
equipments, of which the French government was sorely in need. The value of this cargo 
was two and a half million dollars. This achievement created great enthusiasm and delight 
in France, notably in Paris and Havre, where Captain Townshend was feted and made the ob- 
ject of unlimited courtesies and attention, while his name was proposed for the award of 
the decoration of the Legion of Honor. It was Captain Townshend who in 1858 carried a 
specimen of the oil from the well of the Seneca Oil Company at Titusville, Pennsylvania, to 
Paris for analysis and brought back the report of the French chemists, this being the occa- 
sion of the first export of American petroleum. 

Captain Townshend was long interested in oyster culture. While in the Havre trade he 
personally investigated the experiments of De Costa and De Broca, the latter a commis- 
sioner to this country in 1859, sent by Napoleon HI to examine our shell-fish culture. 
While here, the guest of the Messrs. Townshend, he suggested utilizing shells, tiles and 
twigs of trees for a stool for spat, when ripe, to adhere to, and he gave to Captain Town- 
.-^hend engravings to ]U'ove the system was at that time in successful operation in France. 
Captain Townshend devoted much time and money to an experimental study of the subject 
and in a journal noted his method and result. That journal was largely transcribed in 
"A Eeport on the Oyster Industry of the United States," by Ernest Ingersol in the tenth 
census of the United States, section 10. The eflforts of Captain Townshend w-ere of the ut- 
most value as a pioneer in the oyster industry. He was also the promulgator of the idea 
of the cornice road along the cliffs of East Rock and the location of the Soldiers' and Sailors' 
monument at that place resulted from his advocacy of the site. He was also prominent in 
connection with the improvements of the harbor and resurvey of Block Island sound. Long 
Island sound and the East river to Hell Gate, where several dangerous reefs have been lo- 
cated, and one of these, lying in the fairway of ships bound to New Haven and long known 
to the local pilot, now bears his name. About 1870 he advanced the idea of a port of refuge 
off the lower quay at New Haven through building two breakwaters similar to those at 
Cherbourg, France, and Plymouth, England, and in 1879 this great national work was begun 
as the result of an act of the LTnited States congress. Captain Townshend was a member 
of the harbor commission, was a director of the New Haven Colony Historical Society and 
the chamber of commerce and he had large local interests in banking, manufacturing and 
commerce at New Haven. His life was indeed of great worth to his fellowmen through the 
impetus which he gave to maritime interests. 

Captain Townshend was married on the 26th of April, 1871, to Mary Anne Hotchkias, 
a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Daggett (Prescott) Hotchkiss, and they became the 
parents of two sons, the younger being Raynham, born in New Haven, July 10, 1878, a 
prominent physician of New Haven and who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. 

The elder son, Henry Hotchkiss Townshend, was graduated from Yale with the Bachelor 
of Arts degree in 1897, and continuing his course in the Yale Law School, won his LL. B. 
degree upon graduation with the class of 1901. The same year he was admitted to prac- 
tice at the Connecticut bar and opened an office in New Haven, where he has since followed 



288 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

his profession. Aside from his law practice he figures in the financial circles of New Haven 
as a director of the Union & New Haven Trust Company. 

On the 21st of January, 1913, Mr. Townshend was married to Miss Hannah Draper 
Osgood, of Boston. In politics Mr. Townshend is a republican and he was a member of the 
board of aldermen of New Haven from 1904 until 1909, serving as president in 1907. He 
has had military experience as first lieutenant and battalion adjutant of the Second In- 
fantry of the Connecticut National Guard. In club circles he is known as a member of the 
Graduates', of the New Haven Country and the New Haven Lawn Clubs, while in strictly 
professional lines he has connection with the Connecticut Bar Association and the American 
Bar Association. He is also a director of the New Haven Colony Historical Society. 



EDWARD FOWLER BISHOP. 

Watching the trend of events, taking cognizance of conditions and improving his oppor- 
tunities, Edward Fowler Bishop has won for himself a position in the foremost ranks of the 
real estate men of New Haven, developing a business of extensive proportions. He makes 
his home in Guilford, where he was born March 11. 1852, a son of Elisha Chapman and 
Charlotte G. (Fowler) Bishop. Nine generations of the family have been represented in 
Guiford, where the original American ancestor, John Bishop, a native of England, settled 
at the time the village was founded in 1639, he being one of the original settlers. He was 
the second person of the twenty-five who signed the Plantation Covenant June 1, 1639, on 
the passage over from England. He was one of the four who at the first had the sole 
direction of the affairs of the colony until the foundation of the church. His home lot, 
containing eight acres, fronted on the east side of the Green at about the center. The 
line of descent comes on down through John Bishop (I), John Bishop (II), John Bishop 

(III), David Bishop (I), David Bishop (ID, .Jonathan Bishop (I), .lonathan Bishop (11) 
and Elisha Chapman Bishop. The last named was the father of Edward F. Bishop and 
was born April 10, 1824, in Guilford, remaining upon the home farm until he reached the 
age of twenty years. He then began learning the machinist's trade, which he afterward 
followed in Guilford on his own account. In 1861 he began operations in the oil fields at Titus- 

ville, Pennsylvania, where he remained for ten years, meeting with substantial success. 
He returned to Guilford in 1870 and then took up the occupation of general farming. In 

1874 he built one of the finest homes in Guilford and equipped it in a most modern manner. 
In politics he was originally a republican but afterward became a prohibitionist. He was 
an ardent supporter of the abolition party from the time that he reached his majority in 

1845. In 1882 he represented his town in the state legislature and he held various local 
offices. His religious faith was that of the Congregational church. On the 5th of July, 

1846, he married Charlotte G. Fowler and they became the parents of twelve children, six 
of whom are living: Robert Allen; Edward Fowler; Mary Corneha, the wife of N. G. White, 
of Hartford, Connecticut; Eva B., the wife of Edward M. Leete, of Guilford; Ida, the wife 
of William J. Canfield, of New Haven; and Marilla Canfield, the wife of F. C. Spencer, 
of Guilford. 

Edward Fowler Bishop pursued his education in the schools of Guilford to tlie a.ae of 
eleven years, when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Titusville, Pennsylvania, 
and was there graduated from the high school. He was a clerk in the Merchants & 
Mechanics Bank of Titusville until 1874, when he returned to Guilford and in 1878 he removed 
to New Haven, where he purchased a half interest in a blacksmith and horseshoeing shop 
owned by Charles E. Palmer. The firm of Palmer & Bishop was thus formed and Mr. 
Bishop continued in the business for twenty-one years, after which he retired, being suc- 
ceeded by his son, Frederick Chapman Bishop, who conducted the business as owner for 
five years. On the expiration of that period he in turn was succeeded by Cliarles Edward 
Bishop, who incorporated the business under the name of the Bishop Horseshoeing Company. 
This business is located on George street in New Haven and has been one of the profitable 
industries of the city. When Edward F. Bishop retired from blacksmithing he turned his 
attention to the real estate business in New Haven and afterward admitted his son, Fred- 
erick C, to a partnership, since which time their interests have been conduoted under the 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 291 

tinii style of Edward F. & Frederick C. Bishop, witli offices at No. 865 Chapel street in 
New Haren. Mr. Bishop is one of the foremost real estate dealers of the city. His fore- 
sight and sagacity enabled him to foresee the future development of the city and liis in- 
vestments were accordingly made. He bought property at a comparatively low figure 
and with the growth of New Haven the property has greatly enhanced in value. In 1907 
he removed to Guilford and took up his residence in the old Bishop homestead opposite 
the Green at the corner of Broad and State streets, this being the linest and largest res- 
idence in Guilford. 

In 1878 Mr. Bishop was married to Miss Anna G. Spencer, of Guilford, a daughter of 
Diodet Spencer, who was a native of Connecticut. They became the parents of three chil- 
dren: Edna Fowler, the wife of Leon M. Bemis, of Xew Haven, who is associated with her 
father in the real estate business and by whom she has two children, Louise Gardner and 
Leona Bishop; Frederick Chapman, who is his father's partner and who married Mary 
Ware Williar, of Baltimore, Maryland, by whom he has two children, Frederick Ware and 
Edward Williar; and Charles Edward, who is president and treasurer of the Bishop Horse- 
shoeing Company of New Haven. He married Elizabeth Palmer Norman and has one 
child, Dorothy Elizabeth. On the 19th of May, 1897, at Detroit, Michigan, Edward F. Bishop 
was married to Miss Edith Emily Ashley, who was born in England and in her childhood 
days went to Sarnia, Canada, with her parents, George and Matilda (Grant) Ashley, who 
were natives of England. Her father, now deceased, was a banker of Sarnia, Canada. Mrs. 
Bishop is one of the social leaders of Guilford and is very active in behalf of many benev- 
olent interests and public projects, being now president of the Red Cioss auxiliary. In 
polities Mr. Bishop is generally a republican but supported President Wilson in the last 
election. He has never aspired to office but was elected the head of the borough board of 
Guilford by fellow townsmen who were anxious to secure certain civic improvements, in- 
cluding the building of sidewalks, the establishment of electric lights and other interests 
which have been of great benefit to the community. Mr. Bishop took the initiative step 
in bringing about those improvements and his labors were crowned with success. He be- 
longs to the First Congregational church and is a member of St. Albans Lodge, A. F. & 
A. M.; of Crawford Council, R. & S. M., of Fairhaven; of Pulaski Chapter, R. A. M., of 
Fairhaven; of New Haven Commandery. K. T.; and of Pyramid Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., 
of Bridgeport. He enjoys the respect and confidence of those around him and has con- 
tributed in substantial measure to business progress and development, his life record being 
an indication of what may be accomplished through personal activity. Such a record should 
serve to inspire and encourage others. His business affairs have ever been capably con- 
ducted. Tireless energy, keen perception, honesty of purpose, a genius for devising the 
right thing at the right time, joined to everyday common sense and guided by resistless 
will power, are his chief characteristics. 



CAPTAIN WILLIAM HENRY AVIS. 

William Henry Avis, who for many years has been connected with the industrial de- 
velopment of Connecticut, is one of the best known residents of New Haven. He was born 
in Philadelphia, April 27, 1854, a son of Samuel R. Avis, a sketch of whom appears else- 
where in this work. He attended school at Trenton, New Jersey; Ilion, New York; and 
Providence, Rhode Island, but was only fourteen years old when he put aside his text books 
in order to devote his entire time to providing for his own support. In early years he began 
carrying milk, for which he received a dollar a week. On leaving home he found employ- 
ment in a jewelry factory at Providence, Rhode Island, and later became connected with the 
Providence Tool Company, which concern was at that time filling large contracts for arms 
for the Turkish goveniment. whicli was then engaged in war with Russia (1877-78). While 
with that company Mr. Avis was employed in the polishing department. In 1881 he went 
to New Haven and entered the employ of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, working 
under his father. He remained with that famous corporation for a third of a century. Dur- 
ing that time his ability led to repeated advancement and he became one of its most trusted 
employes. When the American Gun Barrel Company was formed he became interested in 



292 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

that concern and the company has furnished lucrative employment to many men and has 
'returned a good profit to its stockholders. His long years of connection with the business 
have given Mr. Avis a thorough knowledge of everything connected with the manufacture 
of arms. 

Mr. Avis was married in 1888 at Greenwich, Connecticut, to Miss Anna M. Chard, a 
daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Boyd) Chard, the former an oyster grower and a well 
known resident of Greenwich. To Mr. and Mrs. Avis have been born four children: DoUic, 
the wife of Austin Turner, of Hamden; Emma Elizabeth; Susan W.; and Catherine Mead. 

Mr. Avis is prominent in the ranks of the progressive party, which he has served since 
1912 as a member of the state central committee. In the last campaign he did a great deal 
of efficient work in different parts of the state. Although a firm believer in the principles for 
which the progressive party stands, or perhaps from the very fact that he is so thoroughly in 
sympathy with those principles, he has never been a narrow partisan but has at all times 
placed the public welfare above mere party success. He was a member of the board of edu- 
cation of the town' of Hamden and his influence has been strongly felt in the upbuilding 
of the school system. He is a charter member of the Whitneyville Improvement Association, 
of the Hamden Civic Association, of tlie Humphreys fire department, of the Whitneyville 
fire department and of the Avis Mutual Aid, a benefit association. He is also connected 
with Relief Lodge, No. 86, I. O. 0. V.. with the Ansusville Rod and Gun Chib and with the 
New Haven Automobile Club. 

Mr. Avis has gained some note as a big game hunter and is also keenly interested in 
fishing and yachting. He has contributed many articles to Forest and Stream, Sports-Afield 
and other outdoor magazines. He has a wide acquaintance among sportsmen of the east. 
He has also written extensively on political topics for many of the best magazines and news 
papers of the country and in 1914 and 1915 was a general writer on the New Haven Reg- 
ister. He was the first recruiting officer appointed in West Haven after the declaration by the 
United States of war against Germany, and raised Reserve Company A, of the Connecticut 
Home IJuard at West Haven, of which he is captain, and which has the distinction of being the 
first company in the state to provide the needed uniforms and arms without state aid. He has 
thrown liimself heart and soul into tlie ])roniotion of the interests of the guard and is now the 
editor of a paper known as the Home Guard. His salient characteristics of keen insight into 
conditions, discrimination and resourcefulness, have made him an important factor in the ac- 
complishment of every undertaking to which he has turned his attention. He is a fine type of 
business man. realizing that to gain material prosperity and even to spread it among others 
is not enough to satisfy the standards of a good citizen who owes a higher duty to his com- 
munity that cannot be delegated to others, the duty of furthering civic and general advance- 
ment along the broad lines of human uplift and betterment. 



CHARLPJS W. BILGER. 



Charles W. Bilger, president of the Peerless Manufacturing Company, was born in Meri- 
den, March 15, 1890. He acquired a public school education and afterward learned the ma- 
chinists's trade in the employ of the Edward Miller Company, with which he remained for 
three years. He afterward worked with the Westinghouse Company and subsequently was 
connected with the Sears Roebuck plant, thus gaining broad experience along lines which have 
been of marked value to him since he has entered his present business connection. 

The present company was reorganized on the 26th of April, 1917, as the outgrowth of 
the Peerless Tool & Gauge Company. The company employed no outside help at the start 
and the growth of their business in indicated in the fact that they now have ten hands. 
Their jilant is all electrically equipped and contains two lathes, one milling machine, one 
planer and grinder, one cylinder grinder, one drill press, seven foot presses and five power 
presses. They make all their own tools and dies and gauges and are constantly adding ma- 
chinery. The factory is unique in America. They manufacture tuning pipe for all known 
stringed instruments and also for the human voice. This was formerly made in Germany, but 
the patents of the Peerless Company insure a product which is a distinct improvement over 
the German. They also make tuning pipes for schoolrooms, chromatic pipes and are soon to 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 203 

begin the manufacture of harmonicas. The patents are all owned by the company and the 
entire output of the plant is sold to one concern who would use a still larger amount if it 
could be secured. The business is thus growing steadily and has already become one of the 
important manufacturing enterprises of Meriden. The other officers of the company are 
Ernest V. Peterson, who is the vice president, and Peter L. Sorensen, the treasurer. 

In his political views Mr. Bilger is a democrat but has never been an office seeker, pre- 
ferring to concentrate his time and efforts upon his business affairs. He is yet a young man, 
havinj; but reached the twenty-eighth milestone on life's journey, but laudable amlji- 
tion has carved out his career and unfaltering enterprise has enabled him to accomplish much, 
while the future undoubtedly holds still greater things in store fof him. 



PETER L. SOREXSEK. 

Peter L. Sorensen, trea.surer of the Peerless Manufacturing Company, was born in Xew 
Haven, September 39, 1882, and after acquiring a public school education he spent three years 
in the employ of the F. B. Shuster Company. Subsequently he was employed by the Singer 
Sewing Machine Company and afterward by the American Graphophone Company. He later 
entered the employ of the Winchester Company and for a time was with the Columbia Elec- 
tric Company and with the Manning-Bowman Company. He then entered into his present 
business relations with Charles W. Bilger and Ernest V. Peterson in organizing the Peerless 
Manufacturing Company, with which he has since been identified, bending every energy to the 
upbuilding of the business, which is constantly and steadily growing. 

On the 4th of April, 1908, Mr. Sorensen was married to Miss Catharine Callahan ami they 
have become parents of four children: Margaret, Elizabeth, Louise and Peter L. The parents 
hold membership in St. Rose's Roman Catholic church. Mr. Sorensen gives his i)olitical sup- 
port of the democratic party and he is a member of the Amaranth Club. 



ERNEST V. PETERSON. 

Ernest V. Peterson, the vice president of the Peerless Manufacturing Company, was born 
in Sweden, March 3, 1885, but has been a resident of Meriden since 1905, arriving in this city 
when a young man of twenty years. He learned the machinist's trade in his native country 
and after coming to the United States entered the employ of the New England Westinghouse 
Company, while subsequently he was employed by the M. B. Sehenck Company. On the ex- 
piration of that period he became connected with the Peerless Manufacturing Company as its 
vice president and is now concentrating his efforts and attention upon the further upbuild- 
ing of the business. 

The three officers are enterprising young men. actuated by a spirit of progress in all 
that they do, and their efforts are bringing very gratifying results. 

On the 3d of July. 1907, Mr. Peterson was married to Miss Alice .Jackson and they have 
become the parents of three children: Eveline. Edith and Frederick. Mr. Peterson is iden- 
tified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He casts his ballot without regard to 
party ties, considering the capability of the candidate rather than his party affiliation. He 
has already made for himself a creditable place in business circles and as the years go by is 
steadily progressing. 



WlLLIAil CHARLES JIcGUIRE. M. D. 

Supplementing thorough training at Yale by broad hospital experience. Dr. William 
Charles McGuire has developed a degree of efficiency that ranks him among the most capable 
of the younger members of the medical profession in New Haven. He was born March 6, 
1887, a son of James Charles and Winifred (McNamara) McGuire. both of whom were also 



294 A 3I0DEKN HISTORY OF ^"E^Y HAVEN 

natives of New Haven. Their parents, however, came irom Ireland. Both were reared and 
educated in New Haven and the father became connected with the railway mail service on 
the New York, New Haven & Hartford Kailroad. He is now in the postal service as super- 
intendent of the general delivery window in the New Haven office. To him and his wife 
were born two children: Mrs. Jane McCormick, of West Haven; and William Charles. 

The last named attended the public schools of New Haven and then entered the Hill- 
house high school, from which he was graduated in 1906. Having determined upon the 
practice of medicine as a life work, he then entered the Yale Medical College and was 
graduated with the class of 1909. He began active practice as an interne in St. Vincent's 
Hospital of New York city, with which he was connected for two years. He next entered 
the New York I'amily Hospital, where he remained for a year, and for a similar period he 
was in St. John's Guild Hospital, after which he returned to New Haven and opened an 
ofKce for the private practice of medicine. Through his efficiency, which has developed 
with the passing years, he has built up a large and lucrative practice and is now at the 
head of a profitable and growing business. He belongs to the New Haven, the New Haven 
County and the Connecticut State Medical Societies, and the American Medical Association 
and thus keeps informed concerning the most advanced methods of the medical profession 
and all of the scientific researches and discoveries. 

In politics Dr. McGuire maintains an independent course, considering the questions and 
iseues of the day as measures of public policy when he casts his vote. He is identified with 
the Roman Catholic church and with the Knights of Columbus. His attention, however, 
is chiefly concentrated upon his professional interests, which are steadily growing in vol- 
ume and in importance, and in addition to his large private practice he is acting as physi- 
cian in the children's department, St. Raphael's Hospital. He has worked his way steadily 
upward in a calling where merit is the force which wins progress, and his steady advance- 
ment has brought him to a creditable position in the ranks of the profession in his native 
city. 



HON. JOHN L. GILSON. 

Hon. John L. Gilson, judge of the probate court of New Haven and a recognized author- 
ity on probate matters in the state, has throughout his professional career reflected credit 
and honor upon the bench and bar and at the same time he has been an active and influ- 
ential factor in political circles. He was born in New Haven, March 31, 1878, his parents 
being John Williams and Anna (St. Lawrence) Gilson, natives of Hartford. They were both 
reared and educated in this state and the father in early manhood took up mercantile pur- 
suits in New Haven, becoming one of the prominent business men of the city, closely con- 
nected with its commercial growth and development for thirty-five years, during which he 
maintained an unassailable reputation for integrity and made a most creditable record for 
enterprise and progressiveness. He died in New Haven in 1905 at the comparatively early 
age of fifty-four years. Both he and his wife were descended from prominent New England 
families. The latter is still living in New Haven, where she reared her family of nine 
children. 

Judge Gilson, the second in order of birth, completed a high school education here with 
the class of 1895 and then entered Yale University, being graduated from the academic de- 
partment in 1899. He continued his studies at Y''ale as a law student and won his professional 
degree in 1903, after which he located for practice in New York city. A year later, how- 
ever, he returned to New Haven, where he took up the active practice of law, and it was not 
long before he was accorded a liberal and growing clientage, winning for himself a creditable 
position among those who are most resourceful in the conduct of their cases and whose suc- 
cess results from a comprehensive knowledge of legal principles correctly applied. After 
some time Mr. Gilson was appointed clerk of the probate court under Judge Studley and in 
1913 w-as elected to the bench on the republican ticket, serving out the term of his pre- 
decessor, after which he was reelected in 1914 and again in 1916 when he received the en- 
dorsement of the democratic party, so that he is now serving for the third term. He is 
thoroughly familiar with probate law and carefully conducts the business of his court. 




HON. JOHN L. GILSON 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COI'NTY 297 

On the 17th of April, 1907, in New York city, Judge Gilson was married to Miss Alice 
E. JIulgrew, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Augustus Mulgrew, who were natives of Maine. 
Judge and Mrs. Gilson have two children: Alice St. Lawrence, who was born in 1908 and 
Constance, born in 1912. 

Judge Gilson is connected with the Governor's Foot Guard, serving as chief of staff, and 
he formerly held membership with the New Haven Grays. His religious faith is that of the 
Roman Catholic church. He is identified with college fraternities, also with the Red Men, 
the Elks and the Moose. Appreciative of the social amenities of life, he has connection with 
the Graduates Club, the Republican Club, the Union League, of which he is now serving as 
one of the board of governors, the New Haven Lawn, New Haven Country and New Haven 
Yacht Clubs and Yale Club of New York. He is also connected with the New Haven County, 
the Connecticut State and the American Bar Associations, and he enjoys the warm regard, 
goodwill and confidence of his professional brethren, for he has ever been most careful to 
conform his practice to a. high standard of professional ethics. 



TIMOTHY F. COHANE. M. D. 

Dr. Timothy F. Cohane, physician and surgeon of New Haven, whose pronounced ability 
is the result of comprehensive study in America and abroad, was born in New Haven, July 29, 
1875, of the marriage of Daniel and Catherine (Vaughan) Cohane, both of whom were natives 
of Ireland, and who in childhood came to the new world and were reared in Connecticut. The 
father engaged in carpentering and continued active along that line to the time of his death, 
which occurred in 1898 at the age of fifty years. He had for a considerable period survived his 
wife, who passed away in 18TS. In their family were five children: Mrs. Elizabeth Sullivan, 
who is residing in New Haven; .Jeremiah, who was born and died in New Haven; William and 
John, who also passed away in New Haven: and Timothy F. of this review. 

The last named lost his mother during his childhood and went to live with his aunt, 
Mrs. Mary McCarthy, from whom he received a mother's care. She was a resident of New 
York city and there he attended the public schools, acquiring a fair education. Upon starting 
in the business world he was employed along various lines for four years, during part of 
which time he studied with Dr. William Kraus, of New York city, under whose direction he 
read medicine for a year and a half, having determined to make its practice his life work. 
In 1S94 he entered the medical department of Yale and was graduated in the class of 1897. 
He then put his theoretical knowledge to the practical test bj^ serving in St. .Joseph's Hos- 
pital of New York city, where he remained for a year. He afterward went abroad and entered 
the Coombe Lying-in Hospital of Dublin. Ireland, where he continued for a year. Later he 
studied in Berlin, Edinburgh, Paris, London and Brussels and in all of those cities engaged 
in hospital work. He remained abroad for almost three years and came under the instruc- 
tion of some of the most eminent physicians and surgeons of the old world, thus becoming 
particularly well qualified for the onerous and responsible duties of the profession. With his 
return to America he located in New Haven, where he has since built up a large and lucra- 
tive practice, and is today regarded as one of the most capable physicians and surgeons of 
the city. Such is his well earned reputation that his professional duties make constant de- 
mand upon his time. He keeps in touch with modern scientific investigation and research as 
a member of the New Haven, New Haven County and Connecticut State Medical Societies 
and the American Medical Association and he enjoys the full respect and confidence of his 
professional colleagues. 

On the 26th of January, 1900, Dr. Cohane was married to Miss Catherine A. Brady, of New 
Haven, the wedding being celebrated in St. Joseph's church. She is a daughter of Mr. and 
Mrs. Peter Brady and by her marriage has become the mother of three children: Timothy F., 
Jr., who was born in New Haven, July 27, 1914; Katherine F., born January 10, 1917; and 
one child who died in infancy. 

The parents are members of the Catholic church. The record of Dr. Cohane should serve 
as an inspiring example to others, for he started out in boyhood empty-handed, stimulated 
only by the laudable ambition to succeed. He wisely used his time and talents and em- 
braced every opportunity that pointed toward advancement. At length he decided upon the 



298 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

medical profession and began preparation for the calling. From that point he has steaaily 
progressed, utilizing every opportunity to promote his knowledge by study in. this country and 
abroad and today his position in professional circles is an enviable one. 



WELLS ROCKWELL. 



The name of Meriden has become a synonym in America for silver manufacturing. 
Many important interests of this character center in the city and are controlled by men 
of marked business enterprise, discernment and notable capability. Among this number 
is classed Wells Rockwell, who is the treasurer and general manager of the Rockwell Silver 
Company, manufacturers of sterling silver hollow and deposit wares at Meriden, his native 
city. 

Mr. Rockwell was born March 7, 1888, a son of Curtis and Isabelle (Chaffee) Rockwell. 
He attended the public and high schools and afterward took up the plumbing business, 
to which he devoted a year. He then became connected with the International Silver Com- 
pany and since that time has been associated with the silver manufacturing interests of 
this section of the country. He continued with the International Silver Company for a 
year and a half. 

The Rockwell Silver Company had its inception in 1907, when it was organized by 
Lucien Rockwell and E. F. Skinner, who became president; James W. Mackay, who was 
made vice president; Lucien Rockwell, treasurer, and Wells Rockwell, secretary. At that 
time the firm employed six men. In 1913 the business was reorganized, James W. Mackay 
becoming president, Harry S. Clark, vice president; Lucien Rockwell, treasurer, and Wells 
Rockwell, assistant treasurer and secretary. While the original employes numbered six 
and the floor space of the plant was fifteen hundred square feet, today the business has 
grown until there are now twenty-four employes and the plant has been increased to in- 
clude eleven thousand, two hundred and fifty square feet of floor space. Curtis Rockwell, 
father of Wells Rockwell, is the superintendent of the factory, and the output is sold by 
traveling salesmen all over the United States and is also exported to foreign lands. 

On the 14th of September, 1910, Wells Rockwell was united in marriage to Miss Bertha 
May Clark at Prospect, Connecticut, and they have become parents of four children: Lucien, 
born August 14, 1911; Shirley, born June 6, 1914; James Arthur, January 20, 1916; and 
Wells, Jr., November 21, 1917. 

The Rockwell coat of arms is a shield upon which appear three boar heads with the 
motto "All for my God and my king," denoting that the family is of old and distinguished 
English origin and it may be said that they have kept alive the meaning of this motto, 
for the Rockwells of this day keep true their pledges as did their ancestors of old. 

Mr. Rockwell has recently purchased the old Merriam farm on Johnson avenue, the 
house thereon having been erected in 1744 and was burned in 1916. It is one of the old 
landmarks of this section of the state. In his political views Mr. Rockwell is a republican, 
his ballot always supporting the men and measures of the party, in the principles of which 
he firmly believes. He attends the Methodist church, being a member of its choir, and 
he is interested in all that has to do with the musical development of the community. 
He has always resided in Meriden and is numbered among its representative business men, 
finding in silver manufacturing an avenue of opportunity which is leading him forward io 
the goal of success. 



MORITZ SPIER. 



Fifty years of successful achievement in business is a record of which any man has 
reason to be proud and it is a record which Moritz Spier can justly claim. 

He was born in Cassel, Germany, August 10, 1850, a son of Ascher and Bertha (Fleisch 
hacker) Spier, who were natives of Germany, where they remained throughout their en- 
tire lives. The father was a well known educator and in the latter part of his life con- 



AND EASTERN NEW IIAVEX COUNTY 299 

ducted a boarding school for American boys. He was a graduate of the Universify of 
Marburg, Germany, and was well known in the educational iield. He passed away in 1892, 
at the age of eighty years, his birth having occurred in 1812. His wife died in 1896, at 
the age of seventy-six years. 

Moritz Spier was the fifth in their family of five sons and a daughter. He was ap- 
prenticed to the wholesale dry goods business, but, attracted by the opportunities of this 
country, he sailed for New York, where he arrived on the 28th of August, 1867. He came 
to New Haven, where he joined his brother, but after two weeks went to the home of 
an uncle at Norwich, Connecticut, who was at that time proprietor of a large dry goods 
store there. After two months spent in his uncle's employ he returned to New Haven and 
in 1868 became an employe of Julius A. Preston, a coal merchant. After a brief period 
he started in business on his own account as senior partner in the firm of Spier & Bulford, 
and a little later he entered into another partnership under the firm style of Lewis & 
Spier. At that time they opened an office in the Hoadley building, of which they were 
the first tenants. 

Mr. Spier's association with Mr. Lewis covered a few years, at the end of which time 
Mr. Lewis disposed of his interests to Mr. Spier, who has since been sole proprietor. He 
is one of the few coal dealers of the city that during the panics have carried on their books 
accounts of hundreds of families, enabling them to pass through the periods of depression 
until times improved. It is said that no other coal dealer in the city has been as generous 
to the poor as Mr. Spier, assisting them with gifts of fuel, again and again, when aid was 
needed. 

On the 25th of November, 1875, Mr. Spier was married to Miss Fannie Asher, of New 
Haven, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Asher, and they have three children: Leopold 
A., who was born in New Haven in 1877 and married Miss Hattie Shenfeld, of Brooklyn, 
New York; Benjamin H., born in 1879; and Elsie C, the wife of Louis Bamberger, of St. 
Marys, Ohio. The sons are high school graduates and the daughter completed a course in 
Miss Cady's Boarding School. 

^Ir. Spier is a member of the Royal Arcanum and a member of the Harmonie Club 
and was president of the Temple Mishkan Israel for seven years. He furthered the building of 
the Jewish Temple on Orange street and he is perhaps best known outside of business relations 
by reason of his charities and benevolences, yet his giving is always of a most unostentatious 
character. During the administration of Mayor Driscoll he served on the board of charities 
as its superintendent. He is always ready to extend a helping hand to those who need 
assistance and his is a nature that sheds around much of the sunshine of life. 



EDWAED C. OLDS. 



Among Xcw Haven's most progressive young men who through their energy, foresight 
and cooperation in well defined plans have contributed much to the city's growth and de- 
velopment, Edward C. Olds stands high. His interests are many and varied and rank him 
with the capitalists of this section. He was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, February 26, 
1887, and is a son of Charles L. and Eliza J. (McLaughlin) Olds. The father, a native of 
New York, was taken to Fort Wayne by his parents when a little lad of five years and was 
there reared, educated and there he later married. He entered into the electrical man- 
ufacturing business, afterward selling out to the General Electric Company, and since then 
he has had charge of the local branch of the interests which constitute that great cor- 
poration. His wife was born at Fort Wayne and they still reside in that city. 

Edward C. Olds, the youngest of their six children, mastered the branches of learning 
taught in the public and high schools of Fort Wayne and pursued his more specifically 
literary course in the academic department of Princeton University, from which he was 
graduated with the class of 1909. He then turned his attention to the banking business in 
connettion witli N. W. Halsey & Company, private bankers of New York city, with whom 
he continued until 1914. In the previous year he became the representative of N. W. Hal- 
sey & Company at New Haven and in 1914 he decided to embark in business on his own 
account. Prior to that date he had become connected in an official capacity with a number 



300 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

of the leading enterprises of New Haven and had become a large stockholder of several 
business interests. It was this that necessitated his severing his connection with the Halsey 
Company to look after his own investments. He became president of the Connecticut Realty 
Company, controlUng a large business in real estate operations, and since 1915 has been 
president of the Colony Advertising Company. He is also president of the firm of H. D. 
Rollins & Company, of 61 Broad street. New York city, and he is connected with other enter- 
prises and interests. He displays notably sound judgment in making his investments, his 
sagacity is keen and his efforts are attended with success. He readily discriminates between 
the essential and the nonessential and with notable prescience foresees the outcome of any 
undertaking. 

Mr. Olds is connected with many clubs and social organizations. He has member- 
ship in the Graduates, Country, Lawn and Princeton Clubs of New Haven and in the New 
York Country Club. He is also a member of the Advertising Men's Association and of 
the Chamber of Commerce and is in hearty sympathy with the purposes of these organ- 
izations to further the upbuilding and promote tlie interests of New Haven. His co- 
operation can always be depended upon to further any project for the general good. Oppor- 
tunity has ever been to him a call to action and indefatigable energy has led him into fields 
of successful achievement where many a man of less resolute spirit has not had the courage 
to venture. He is well qualified for leadership and his position is one of prominence. 
When the call to arms came in 1917, Mr. Olds placed his services at the disposal of his 
country, enlisted and is now serving with the American expeditionary forces in France. 



WILLIAJI THOMAS FI.ANDERS. 

William Thomas Flanders, who is regarded as an authority upon anything connected 
with galvanizing, having gained expert knowledge and skill along that line by reason 
of long experience and wide study, has been instrumental in installing many of the galvaniz- 
ing plants in the leading productive industries of the country. New Hampshire numbers 
him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Moultonboro, Carroll county, 
October 2, 1853, his parents being E. H. and Melissa Bloomfield (Smith) Flanders. The 
father was born in Alton, Belknap county. New Hampshire, and was a son of Thomas 
Flanders. The progenitor of the family in America was one of the original settlers of 
Massachusetts and his grandson blazed his way up to New Hampshire through an \m- 
broken wilderness and became one of the first settlers in that state. E. H. Flanders 
obtained his education in Carroll county. New Hampshire. He became a prosperous farmer 
and spent practically his entire life at Moultonboro but eventually retired from active 
business and removed to Nashua, New Hampshire, where he made his home until his 
death, which occurred at the home of his daughter. His wife was born in Moultonboro 
and she, too, passed away in Nashua. 

William T. Flanders was educated in the schools of Laconia, New Hampshire, where 
he made his home with a sister in order to have the advantages of the schools of that place. 
After attending the district school near the farm he studied at the Guilford Academy at 
Laconia. Later he served an apprenticeship in the office of the Laconia Democrat, learn- 
ing the printer's trade, which he afterward follo\\ed in various towns of New England 
and of Pennsylvania, spending some time at Manchester, New Hampshire, at Boston and 
at Philadelphia. He was connected with the printing trade from 1869 until 1876 and in 
that year entered the employ of the White Mountain Ice Cream Freezer Company, being 
assigned to duty in the galvanizing department of the factory. He learned the galvaniz- 
ing business there and between 1876 and 1889 had charge of the galvanizing and tinning 
department for that company. He had made a complete study of galvanizing and had 
developed expert skill in that connection. In 1889 he resigned his position to engage in 
the business of equipping and installing galvanizing departments in large manufacturing 
plants. These were of his own design and construction and he took contracts for their 
installation, putting in plants for the Reading Iron Company at Reading, Pennsylvania, and 
for the American Tube & Iron Company at Middletown, Pennsylvania, these being the 
two largest galvanizing plants in America at that time. He also installed many others. 




^L^^^i 



'•\ 



AXD EASTERN NEW IIAVEX COUNTY 303 

In 1901 he entered tlie employ of the Malleable Iron Fittings Company at Brantord to 
take charge of the galvanizing department and has remained in this connection since that 
time. He is one of America's leading authorities on galvanizing and tinning and in 1911 
he published the results of his experience and knowledge in a volume entitled "Galvanizing 
and Tinning,'' this being a compilation of many articles which he had previously written 
on the subject and which had appeared in the Iron Age, the Metal Worker and other in- 
dustrial and trade papers. In 1915 he put out the second edition of this work, which is 
an exhaustive one, covering every process of coating metal. He stands today in the front 
ranks as a representative of galvanizing work and is called in consultation by many of 
the largest iron manufacturing companies of the country for advice on galvanizing sys- 
tems and for assistance in solving their galvanizing difficulties. He also receives letters 
from all over the world seeking information and advice concerning this subject. 

On the 19th of March, 1876, ilr. Flanders was united in marriage at Laconia, Xew 
Hampshire, to Miss Julia Dallison, who was born and reared in Philadelphia and went to 
Laconia with her parents, George and Mary (Marston) Dallison, who were natives of 
Leicestershire, England, where the father learned the trade of stocking making by the old 
hand Fram system, which was then used in England. He afterward emigrated to Phila- 
delphia, where he engaged in stocking manufacturing and later removed to Laconia, New 
Hampshire, where he continued in the same line of business. Botli he and his wife passed 
away in Laconia. To Mr. and Mrs. Flanders have been born two children: Harry, who was 
born in Laconia and died in infancy; and Bessie May, who was born in Laconia and is the 
wife of Harry A. Smith, who is associated with her father in business. They have two 
children: Warren Flanders, who was born in Branford; and Barbara, also born in 
Branford. 

In politics Mr. Flanders is a republican and for three years he served on the board of 
finance of Branford but has never been an oflH.ce seeker and has constantly refused to 
become a candidate for political positions. He is a prominent Mason, belonging to Widows 
Son Lodge, No. 66, F. & A. JI., of which he is a past master; to Pulaski Chapter, R. A. M., 
of Fairhaven; Crawford Council, R. & S. M. ; and to Hejoz Grotto, No. 3, M. O. U. P. E. R., 
of New Haven. He is likewise a member of Woodland Lodge, K. P., of Branford, and he 
belongs to the Masonic Club of New York city, to the Union League Club of New Haven, 
to the Branford Business Men's Association and to various local social clubs. He has erected 
a fine residence in Branford, where he is now pleasantly located. His constant progress 
in his business career has won him success, but more to him than the material rewards of 
his labors are the results which he has achieved in his given line, his contribution to the 
world's, work being indeed valuable, his name in connection with galvanizing being known 
throughout the length and breadth of the land. 



MARK THOMAS SHEEHAN, M. D. 

Dr. Mark Thomas Sheehan, a physician of Wallingford, who in May, 1917, enlisted in 
the Medical Officers' Reserve Corps of the United States army, was born in Pittsfield, Mas- 
sachusetts, February 22, 1885. His father, Jeremiah Sheehan, is also a native of that place 
and devoted his active business life to merchandising but is now living retired in Pittsfield. 
He wedded Mary Coughlan, a daughter of Thomas Coughlan, while the paternal grandfather 
was Daniel Sheehan. Both the paternal and maternal grandparents of Dr. Sheehan came 
from Ireland. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Sheehan numbered six children, all of 
whom are residents of Wallingford. 

At the usual age Dr. Sheehan became a pupil in the Wallingford schools, passing 
through consecutive grades to the high school, while later he studied in the Holy Cross 
Preparatory School and College of New Haven. After two years there passed, he entered 
Yale as a medical student and completed the regular four years' course, being graduated 
with the M. D. degree as a member of the class of 1910. During the following year he 
was connected with St. Francis Hospital and in 1913 was made superintendent of the 
Hartford State Tubercular Sanitarium. For a year he continued in practice in Hartford, 
and in April, 1914, opened an oflRce in Wallingford, where he has since remained, devoting 

Vol. 11 14 



304 A MUDEHX HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

his attention to general practice, in which he has been very successful. Eealiziiig fully the 
duties and obligations which devolve upon him in his efforts to restore health and check 
the ravages of disease, he has put forth every possible effort to promote his knowledge and 
thus advance his efficiency. He has taken post-graduate work in the Manhattan Eye and 
Ear Hospital, has also made a special study of diseases of the nose and throat and in the 
line of his specialty has made substantial and rapid progress. 

Dr. Sheehan is a communicant of the Holy Trinity church. His political allegiance 
is given to the democratic party but he is not an active worker in its ranks. He belongs 
to the Wallingford Medical Society, the New Haven County Medical Society, the Con- 
necticut State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. As stated, he 
enlisted in May, 1917, in the Medical OfBcers' Reserve Corps of the United States army 
for service in France and he has responded to the call of duty that his country is?ued. 
America feels a thrill of pride in all of those who have offered to aid in the gigantic task 
of making the world safe for democracy and none deserve in greater degree the gratitude 
and honor of their fellowmen than the physicians and surgeons, whose position is often 
more difficult and whose tasks more heart-rending and who are often more exposed to 
danger than the men of the first line trenches. 



DWIGHT WOODWARD BALDWIN. 

In that period when New Haven was taking on added commercial activity which has 
carried it far along the path of progressive business, the manufacturing plant was estab- 
lished that is now conducted under the name of D. W. Baldwin & Company, Inc. This 
business was originally that of manufacturing carriages and dealing in harness, whips, 
blankets, etc., but later was changed with the progress of the times to the present lines. 

Dwight W. Baldwin, the head of the business for many years and until his death, was 
born March 21, 1850, in Washington, Litchfield county, Connecticut, and received his educa- 
tion in the Waterbury high school and the National Business College in New Haven. Mr. 
Baldwin came tv New Haven in ISUW and lor a time was a bookkee])er for tlie lirni uf H. N. 
Whittlesey & Company, dealers in crockery ware. In 1870 he became connected with the 
manufacturing firm of C. Pierpont & Company, manufacturers of carriages and wagons, with 
which concern he was connected for more than a quarter of a century, in time becoming 
superintendent and manager. In January, 1896, he purchased the business and continued 
in the old lines until the development of the automobile caused him to extend the scope of 
the factory to include the building of motor cars for commercial use. Mr. Haldwin con- 
tinued in active connection therewith up to the time of his demise, which occurred Feb- 
ruary 20, 1912. He was a clean cut, energetic, farsighted business man and one of New 
Haven's substantial citizens. He served at one time in the common council of the city for 
a term of two years but was never a politician in the sense of office seeking. In 1872 
he was married to Mary Ada Dickerman, a native of New Haven and a daughter of Elisha 
Dickerman, To Mr, and Mrs. Baldwin were born four children, of whom two have passed 
away, the surviving ones being Caroline Trowbridge Baldwin and Howard Dwight Baldwin. 

Howard D. Baldwin was born in New Haven, June 16, 1886, and received his early 
education in the \\ebster school anil afterward attended the Hoardmim high school. When 
his textbooks were pvit aside he became assistant to his father in the vehicle nuuuifiutuiiug 
business. He thoroughly mastered each phase of the business, so that he was well qualified 
to assume its direction and management at the time of his father's death. Tn JIarch. 1913. 
the business was incorporated under the name of D. W. Baldwin & Company. Inc.. with 
Howard D. Baldwin as the president and treasurer, and the manufacture of auto truck 
bodies was established. The plant is equipped with modern machinery of the very hitest 
pattern for carrying on the work, and employment is given to from forty to liit> |ii(iplc. 
making this an important productive industry. 

In November, 1908. Howard D. Baldwin was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Norton, 
of New Haven, a daughter of Ceorge S. and Amy Norton, formerly of Guilford. Connecticut, 
but now of New Haven, Mr, and Mrs, Baldwin have one child, .lanet, who was born in 
Orange, Connecticut, October 8, 1916. 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 305 

Mr. Baldwin has had some military training as a member of the Second Company of 
the Governor's Foot Guard. He belongs to the Automobile Club, the Gun Club, the Union 
League and the New Haven Yacht Clubs and is popular in club and social circles. In fact 
he has a very wide and favorable acquaintance in this city, where his entire life has been 
passed and where he has also won a notable and well deserved reputation as a business 
man. 



CHARLES F. CLARKE. 



In the field of law practice Charles Franklin Clarke has made for himself a credit- 
able name and place. He has been actively engaged in the practice of law since 1903 and with 
the passing years his practice has become continually more extensive and important. 

Mr. Clarke was born in Columbia, Connecticut, February 6, 1859, a son of Willard B. 
and Lucy (Ford) Clarke, who were natives of Columbia and Lebanon, Connecticut, re- 
spectively, the latter being a sister of the manager of the New York Tribune and also' 
aunt of Mr. Ford, the novelist. Willard B. Clarke devoted his life largely to agricultural 
pursuits, owning and occupying a large farm which he cultivated scientifically and prof- 
itably. He was for many years a well known resident of Columbia and his fellow towns- 
men, recognizing his worth and ability, frequently called him to public office. He served 
as first selectman, as tax collector and as justice of the peace and he was a prominent 
member of the Congregational church, guiding his life according to its teachings. In No- 
vember, 1916, he and his wife went to the home of their son, Charles F. Clarke, in New 
Haven for a long visit, and there on the 13th of March, 1917, Mr. Clarke passed away 
at the advanced age of eighty-two years. His widow survives, as do their children : Charles 
F. ; AVillard B., of New Haven; Mrs. George Burton, of Whitneyville ; Joseph M., of Colum- 
bia; Mrs. Edith Little, who is living in Hartford; and Mrs. Emily Randall, of Rocky Ford, 
Colorado. 

Charles F. Clarke had attained the age of sixteen years when he began teaching in 
Columbia, Connecticut, devoting six years to that profession. He afterward entered the 
high school at Willimantic and his college course was pursued in Yale, where he studied 
theology and law. He completed the academic course at Yale in 1886, his religious course in 
1889 and his law course in 1903. He was ordained after completing his preparation for 
the ministry, becoming pastor of a church at Machias, Maine, where he remained for five 
years. He was afterward pastor of the Congregational church at Whitneyville for eight 
years and on the expiration of that period turned his attention to law practice, which he 
undertook in 1903 as a partner of Henry G. Newton. After four years, however, the con- 
nection between them was discontinued and Mr. Clarke has since been alone in practice. 
He possesses wide general information as well as comprehensive knowledge of tlie principles 
of jurisprudence. He is felicitous and clear in argument, thoroughly in earnest, full of 
the vigor of conviction, never abusive of his adversaries, imbued with highest courtesy 
and yet a foe worthy of the steel of the most able opponent. In addition to his prac- 
tice he is a director of the Atlas Manufacturing Company and a director of the Mount 
Carmel Railway Company of New Haven. 

On the 14th of August, 1889, Mr. Clarke was married in Willimantic, Connecticut, 
to Miss Sarah JI. Andrew, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Andrew. They have 
two children: Helen M., who was born in Machias, Maine, April 15, 1893, and is a grad- 
uate of the Dean Academy of Franklin, Massachusetts; and Rachel M., the wife of Thomas 
S. Hartley, of Hamden, Connecticut. She was born in Whitneyville, June 12, 1895, and 
is a graduate of the Dean Academy. By her marriage she has one child, Charles S. Hartley, 
who was born in Hamden in June, 1916. 

Fraternally Mr. Clarke is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His 
political endorsement has long been given to the democratic party and for six years he 
filled the office of prosecuting attorney at Hamden, while for seventeen years he was a mem- 
ber of the school board there. He belongs to the New Haven, to the Connecticut and to 
the American Bar Associations and he is a member of the New Haven Congregational 
church. While his interests are broad and varied, he yet concentrates his efforts upon his 



306 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW IIAVEX 

law practice, recognizing the fact that in no profession is there a career more open to 
talent than in that of law and also recognizing the fact that in no field of endeavor is 
there demanded a more careful preparation, a more thorough appreciation of the absolute 
ethics of life or of the underlying principles which form the basis of all human rights and 
privileges. 



REV. JEREMIAH CURTIN. 



Rev. Jeremiah Curtin, pastor of the St. Lawrence Roman Catholic church at West 
Haven, was born in New Britain, August 33, 1860. After attending the public and high 
schools there, graduating from the latter in 1877, he became a student in St. Charles 
College, Maryland, and prepared for the priesthood at St. Mary's Seminary, at Baltimore. 

On the 29th of June, 1883, Father Curtin was ordained a priest by Rt. Rev. Bishop 
McMahon, and for five years was stationed at St. Patrick's church in Waterbury. Later 
he was for seven years assistant at the Sacred Heart church at New Haven, and then was 
given charge of the St. Lawrence church at West Haven, which pastorate he has held for 
twenty-two years. 

During this time his work has been fruitful and he has built a rectory, church and 
chapel, at Savin Rock, and a parochial school, in addition to strengthening the parish in 
all departments of church activities. He is a fourth degree Knight of Columbus and is 
much interested in that organization. It is recognized by Catholics and non-Catholics alike 
that he has accomplished much for the moral development of the community. 



FRANK GOFFE PHIPPS BARNES. 

Frank Goffe Phipps Barnes, city controller and one of the best known of the younger 
business men of New Haven, was bom in this city, September 18, 1877, a son of the late 
Thomas Attwater and Phoebe B. (Phipps) Barnes, and a grandson of Amos Foote Barnes,- 
one of the city's leading business men. Amos F. Barnes came to New Haven from Water- 
ti>\vii, Connecticut, in IS.'jG and in 1842 began his independent business career as a grocer. 
the outgrowth of which was the wholesale grocery business conducted for many years un- 
der the name of Fintch & Barnes and one of the well and favorably known business houses 
of the city. He married Nancy Richards Attwater, daughter of Tlmnuis Attwater. and a 
descendant of David Attwater, one of the first settlers of New Haven. 

Thomas Attwater Barnes, son of Amos F., was born in New Haven in 1848 and in 
1869 became a partner of his father, when the firm name was established as Amos F. 
Barnes &, Son and so continued until the partnership was terminated by the death of the 
senior member in 1890. Thomas Barnes stood in the first rank of New Haven's substan- 
tial and vahied citizens, becoming closely identified with a number of the city's large 
business interests and actively interested in its public affairs. . He served as president of 
the chamber of commerce; secretary of the State Board of Trade; president of the Union 
& New Haven Trust Company, which he organized; vice president and a director of the 
First National Bank, of which his father was an organizer; a trustee of the Connecticut 
Savings Bank, and director in a number of other corporations in New Haven and else- 
where. He was a member of the New Haven Grays, a famous organization in the city's 
history, known as Company F, Second Regiment of the National Guard of Connecticut, 
joining as a private and advancing to the rank of major in the regiment. He died in 1902. 
Major Barnes was married in 1873 to Phoebe Bryan Phipps, daughter of Frank Goffe 
Phipps, of New Haven. Mrs. Barnes passed away in 1902, the mother of two children, 
Amos Foote and Frank Goffe Phipps, the elder also a resident of New Haven. 

Frank G. P. Barnes supplemented his public and high school training by study in the 
Boardman Manual Training School and after leaving the latter institution entered the bank- 
ing business in connection with the New Haven Trust Company, with which he occupied 
a clerical position until 1897. He then turned his attention to newspaper publication. 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY :i07 

becoming connected with the Record Publishing Company as advertising solicitor There 
he remained for two years and on the expiration of that period he became identified with 
the motor manufacturing business as secretary and treasurer of the Kidder Motor Vehicle 
Company. Mr. Barnes later secured a position with the New Haven Gas Light Company, 
steadily working his way upward from a minor position to one of prominence. When 
he resigned he was manager of the by-products department, but he put aside his duties in 
that connection in order to enter public office, having been elected in October, 1915, to 
the office of city controller. 

On the 30th of November, 1904, Mr. Barnes was married to Miss Mae Louise Gilbert, 
of New Haven, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Gilbert, and they have two children: Francis 
Phipps, who was born in 1913; and Mathew Gilbert, in 1915. 

Mr. Barnes is a popular public official and is a recognized leader in the local ranks of 
the republican party. He and his wife hold membership in Trinity church and he is 
identified with various social organizations, including the Quinnipiac Club, the Country 
Club, the Lawn Club and the New Haven Yacht Club. 



LTVA S. AYER. 



Uva S. Ayer, prominent in the management of a constantly growing business as pres- 
ident of the Ayer-0'Connell Manufacturing Company of Meriden, was born in West 
Townsend. Vermont, .July 4, 1885. His father. Dr. A. D. Ayer, was a distinguished physician 
of Willimantic, Connecticut, and married Anna Faulinger, who represented one of the old 
and well known American families that was established in the state of New York among 
its earhest settlers. 

Uva S. Ayer acquired a public school education in Madison, Connecticut, and also 
pursued his studies for a time in Clinton, Connecticut. He started out in the business 
world as an employe in a grocery store, his hours of service being from four o'clock in 
the morning to ten o'clock at night. He afterward entered the employ of the firm of 
J. L. Howard & Company, of Hartford, Connecticut, and within seven years worked his 
way upward from the position of office boy to superintendent. He represented tlie house 
upon the road as a traveling salesman for five years and became thoroughly familiar with 
every branch of the business. On leaving the firm of Howard & Company he organized 
the Ayer-0'Connell Manufacturing Company, which was established in 1912. At the out- 
set he employed four workmen skilled in that line and three general employes. In 1916 
the business was incorporated as the Ayer-0'Connell Manufacturing Company with Uva S. 
Ayer a> the iirt-ideiit. D. W. Aver a:- secretary, and ;M. .T. O'Connell, of Cliicago. as vice 
president. Originally the plant contained six thousand square feet of floor space and some- 
thing of the growth of the business is indicated in the fact that there is today thirty-five 
thousand square feet of floor space, with eighty employes in the plant, five in the office, 
while upon the road there are three traveling salesmen, making eighty-eight in all. In 
I'.ilT a \nf'^c wart'liousc was added, ilr. Ayer is also vice president of the Bcnnctt-O'Con- 
nell Manufacturing Company, conducting business at No. 3600 South Morgan street. Chi- 
cago, where they employ two hundred and fifty men. 

The Ayer-0'Connell Manufacturing Company makes everything for buflSng and plat- 
ing work and its products likewise include generator sets and dynamos. They own their 
own patents and their machinery is the last word in improvements along that line. Their 
sales cover the entire world and their business during the first six months of 1917 was 
more than for the entire year of 1916, such is the rapid development of their trade. The 
business is organized along the most progressive lines and the company is now arranging 
for a division of its profits among its employes. 

Mr. Ayer was united in marriage in 1906 to Miss Ruby Jessamine Crossley, a daugh- 
ter of Captain Crossley, of East Haven, who owns a seagoing yacht and is a famous sports- 
man and representative of a prominent old American family. Mr. and Mrs. Ayer have 
one child, Lucile Emily. Mr. Aver also has a sister. Emma Biiona Ayer. wiin is a grad- 
uate of Wellesley College. She completed her course with high honors, was coxswain of 
the boat crew and became very prominent in the secret societies of the college. 



308 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

Mr. Aver is a republican in his political views and while not an othci' seeker he 
cooperates in many well defined plans for the upbuilding and progress of his city and state 
and is an active member of the Chamber of Commerce. He belongs to the Colonial Club 
Mild to the ilasonic Club of New Haven, having membership in the blue lodge of Masons 
in Madison. He is also a member of the Congregational church and in these associations 
are found the nature of his interests and the rules which govern his conduct. 



WALTER BOOTH LAW. 



Walter Booth Law is the president and treasurer of the Booth & Law Company and Ih 
the vice president of the New Haven Savings Bank and one of the oldest if not the oldest 
active business man in the city. He is thus closely and prominently associated with the 
commercial and financial interests of the city and in business circles has made for himself 
a creditable and honorable position. He was born in Woodbury, Connecticut, September 5, 
1843, and is a son of John Gibbs and Finette (Booth) Law, the former a direct descendant 
of .Jonathan Law, at one time governor of the Connecticut Colony, while the mother was a 
descendant of the Booths who came from England and first settled at Stratford, Connecticut. 
In his youthful days Walter B. Law attended the public schools of New Haven and also 
the Robins Commercial School. He then became connected with an established business, 
being identified with the Booth & Law Company since 1S66. In this connection a trade of 
large and gratifying proportions have been built up in the sale of paints, oils and varnishes, 
and of the company Mr. Law is the president and treasurer. He has closely studied every- 
thing relating to the business and his enterprise and diligence are salient features in the 
upbuilding of the success. He is also the vice president of the New Haven Savings Bank 
and he is treasurer of tlie W'nody ("rest Association, a shore settlement eliMitiTcd hy thi' 
state of Connecticut. 

On the 13th of September. 1871, in Waterbury, Mr. Law was united in marriage to 
Jliss .Julia Townsend, a davighter of Charles Townsend and a desrcndant of \'isc(juiit Rayii- 
hiim Townshend, of Raynham. England. Mi-, and Mrs. Law have become parents of three 
children: Grace Easton; Florence Townsend; and John Harold, who is secretary of the 
Booth & Law Company. He was married on the 14th of .January, 1914, to Marion Rice. 

In his political views Mr. Law has always been an earnest republican since age con- 
ferred upon him the right of franchise and he is a warm admirer of Theodore Roosevelt. 
The only public office which he has ever held is that of member of the New Haven city 
council serving two terms from 1872. His military experience covers service with the 
Twenty-seventh Connecticut Regiment for a part of the Civil war, but on account of an 
injury he was honorably discharged. He belongs to the Congregational Club and was at one 
time its president for a year. He has membership with the Paint and Oil Club of New 
Haven, of which he was president for two years following its organization. He belongs 
to the New Haven Chamber of Commerce and to the United church, being chairman of its 
Society Committee for several years. He has been treasurer of the United church since 
1897 and for a long period served. on its official board, doing everything in his power to 
promote its growth and extend its influence. His aid is always given on the side of right 
and progress and he stands loyally for truth and justice. For more than a half century he 
has been identified with the business interests of New Haven in his present line and through- 
out the entire period, his has been an unassailable reputation, nothing having ever tarnished 
his good name. 



HON. SAMUEL E. HOYT. 



Through the steps of an orderly progression in the field of law practice, Hon. Samuel 
E. Hoyt has come to be recognized as one of the leaders of the bench and bar of New 
Haven. He represents a family that for four generations has resided in New Haven and 
here he was born on the 17th of December, 1875, his parents being Nchemiah H. and Emma 




WALTER B. LAW 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 311 

J. (Gardner) Hoyt. The former was a well known wholesale merchant of the firm of Lea 
& Hoyt, conducting business here on an extensive scale for a half century. He is an 
honored resident of New Haven, where as a business man and citizen he has long been 
most favorably known. His wife, a lifelong resident of this city, passed away in 1902. In 
the family were but two children, the elder being Charles W. Hoyt, of New York citv. 

In his youthful days Judge Hoyt attended the grammar schools of New Haven "and 
is numbered among the high school alumni of 1894. His more advanced training was re- 
ceived in the Sheffield Scientific School and he was graduated from Yale with the Bach- 
elor of Philosophy degree in 1897 and is secretary of his class. Having determined upon 
the practice of law as a life work, he then matriculated in the law department and received 
the LL. B. degree from Yale University in 1899. Immediately afterward he entered upon 
active practice and his professional career has been marked by steady advancement, bring- 
ing him to a high position at the bar and in public regard. 

Judge Hoyt has on various occasions been called to public office. In 1903 he was 
chosen a selectman and served for one term. In 1905 he became assistant city attorney of 
New Haven and continued in that position until 1908. He was then elected city attorney 
and served until 1911, when he was elected judge of the city court and remained upon 
the bench until the 1st of July, 1913. He then resumed the private practice of law, but 
was again chosen to the office of judge of the city court and again took his place upon 
the bench on the 1st of July, 1917. In addition to his law practice Judge Hoyt has become 
well known in commercial circles as a director of a number of the leading business organ- 
izations and corporations of New Haven and in business affairs displays notable sagacity 
and discernment. 

On the 14tli of June, 1900, Judge Hoyt was married to Miss Grace Alvord, of South 
Norwalk, Connecticut, a daughter of Elmore D. and Belle (Swords) Alvord. They have be- 
come the parents of three children. Samuel K.. born in New Haven in 1903, is now attending 
high school. Spencer S.. born in ^Voodmont. Connecticut, in 1905. is also in school: and 
Alvord, born in Woodmont in 1908, completes the family. 

In politics Judge Hoyt has ever been a stalwart republican since age conferred upon 
him the right of franchise. He became a member of the Governor's Foot Guard. He is 
well known in club and fraternal circles as a member of the Quinnipiac Club, -the Theta 
Xi Fraternity, and the Yale Club of New York city. He is likewise connected with the 
Benevolent Protective Order of -Elks. Along professional lines his membership is with 
tile Comity and State Bar Associations and the American Bar Association. He has at 
all times been careful to conform his practice to a high standard of professional ethics 
and he now holds distinctive precedence as an able lawyer and judge. 



ERROLL M. AUGUR. 



Erroll M. Augur, member of the bar and assistant clerk of the superior court at New 
Haven since 1912, was born at Westport, Connecticut, December 9, 1874, a son of Charles P. 
and Belle M. (Allen) Augur, who were natives of this state. Dr. Nicholas Augur was one 
of the first of the family to settle in the New Haven colony in 1640 and purchased prop- 
erty near the corner of Church and Elm streets that is now in the center of the city. 
Charles P. Augur was born in New Haven, while his wife was a native of Westport. For 
a time he engaged in farming and seed growing at Woodbridge, Connecticut. He still 
survives, but his wife passed away in October, 1915. In their family were eight children, 
seven daughters and one son: Mrs. Cliarles E. Peck, of Woodbridge; Erroll M.; Elma I., 
also living in Woodbridge; Ethel M., now of Philadelphia; Mrs. Samuel Patterson, of New 
Haven: Eunice R., a teacher in the Beechwood school at Jenkintown, Pennsylvania; Mrs. 
Sherwood Doolittle, of New Haven; and Mrs. Robert Frazer, of Philadelphia. 

Erroll M. Augur supplemented his public school education by study in a business col- 
lege and then entered the Yale Law School, from which he was graduated with the class 
of 1897. Immediately afterward he began practice in New Haven in the office of Bristol, 
Stoddard & Bristol. On the 1st of May, 1912, he was appointed to the office of assistant 
elerk of the superior court and annually since that time has been chosen for the position. 



312 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

He is systematic in the discharge of his duties and his knowledge of the law proves of 
marked benefit to him in the performance of the tasks that devolve upon him. 

On the 18th of August, 1897, Mr. Augur was married to Miss Addie R. Peek, a daughter 
of Mr. and Mrs. Phineas E. Peck, of Woodbridge, and they have one child, Alta M., who 
was born March 24, 1899, and graduated from the New Haven high school. While main- 
taining his home in New Haven, Mr. Augur also owns farm lands at Woodbridge and is 
much interested in agricultural pursuits. Along professional lines he is widely and favorably 
known. He belongs to the State and County Bar Associations and is secretary and treas- 
urer of the New Haven County Bar Association and law library. Along strictly social 
lines he has connection with the Quinnipiac and Edgewood Clubs and he has won pop- 
ularity in these organizations. 



WALTER LEWIS BRADLEY. 

Walter Lewis Bradley, who is engaged in the undertaking business in Meriden, was 
born in Lynn. Massachusetts, September 16, 1869, a son of John and Elizabeth Bradley, both 
of whom passed away in his infancy. His childhood was spent at Haverhill, Massa- 
chusetts, where he attended the public schools. 

For a time Walter L. Bradley was employed in a grocery store and then found work 
in a shoe factory. He next went to New Haven and entered the employ of the Winches- 
ter Arms Company and, later, of Louis & Maycocks, undertakers, with whom he remained 
for nine years, during which time he gained a practical knowledge of undertaking and 
embalming. He desired, however, to fit himself more perfectly for work along that line 
and later took a course in the Barnes College of Embalming and Sanitary Science in 
New York city. After leaving that institution he came to Meriden and secured a posi- 
tion with L. H. Church, the oldest undertaking establishment in Meriden and perhaps in 
the state. 

Following the death of Mr. Church, Mr. Bradley and Mr. AAliite purchased the business 
and conducted it in partnership until 1912, when Mr. Bradley became the sole owner. He 
gives his personal attention to all of the business and is not only an expert embalmer 
but is tactful, unobtrusive and eflicient in arranging for and conducting a funeral. His 
equipment is of the very best in everj' way and includes a motor hearse, and fine Sedan 
cars for the mourners. 

Mr. Bradley was married March 1, 1916, to Miss Effie Cornwall, of Middletown. He 
supports the republican party at the polls but is not an ofiice seeker. Fraternally he is 
connected with the Masonic blue lodge, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the 
Knights of Pythias, and he is also a popular member of the Colonial Club. Along pro- 
fessional lines he is identified with the State and County Associations of Undertakers and 
is constantly seeking in every way possible to better the service ofi'ered his patrons and 
make it more nearly the fitting expression of the regard felt for the departed. His re- 
ligious faith is that of the Congregational church and its work profits by his loyal support. 



SAMUEL M. HAMMOND, M. D. 

Dr. Samuel M. Hammond, specializing in the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose 
and throat, has attained much more than local prominence in that connection, for his 
ability in his chosen field is widely recognized. He was born in New Canaan, Connecticut, 
October 24, 1870, a son of Samuel M. and Francel Amanda (Howell) Hammond, who 
were natives of Long Island. The father came to Connecticut as a clergyman with the 
Methodist Episcopal church and devoted his life to the work of the ministry in this state 
and in New York, passing away in Torrington, Connecticut, in January, 1892, at the age 
of fifty-nine years. His widow survived until February, 1917, and died in Derby, Con- 
necticut, at the age of seventy-five years. 

In a familv of fourteen children Dr. Hammond was the fifth in order of birth. In 



AND EASTERN NEW IIAYEN COUNTY 313 

the schools of New Britain, Torrington and New Haven he mastered those branches of 
learning which usually constitute the public school curriculum and then entered the Yale 
Scientific School, from which he was graduated with the class of 1893. He afterward 
devoted three years to Study in the medical department of Yale and won his professional 
degree in 1896. In that year he began practice in Bridgeport as a hospital interne and 
afterward became house physician in the hospital. He then took up the general practice 
of medicine, in which he remained active until July, 1914, since which time he has con- 
centrated his efforts and attention upon the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and 
throat and as oculist, aurist and laryngologist has won an enviable position. He took 
post graduate work in the Manhattan Eye and Ear Hospital from 1911 to 1914, inclusive, 
thus completing a four years' course, and his knowledge in that field of practice is most 
complete. He is now instructor in rhinology in Yale University and is serving on the staff 
of the New Haven Hospital. He belongs to the New Haven, the New Haven County, the 
Connecticut State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association, and he is civil 
service examiner. 

On the 10th of September, 1901, in Torrington, Connecticut, Dr. Hammond wedded Miss 
Kate Dayton, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Dayton. She passed away September 
15, 1911, leaving one child, Mary Elizabeth, who was born in New Haven, August 15, 1904, 
and is attending school in Brewster, Massachusetts. 

Dr. Hammond is a republican in his political views and a Methodist in religious faith. 
His influence is always on the side of progress and improvement, of justice and truth. 
Professionally he ranks high, being accorded a place among the leading physicians of the 
city, and in his practice he is most conscientious, holding to the highest professional 
standards. 



JAMES E. STETSON, M. D. 

Dr. James E. Stetson is a retired physician and capitalist of New Haven and outside 
of the city is well known as a sportsman; in fact, his name is a familiar one in connection 
with gun meets throughout the country. His interest in the sport is a natural sequence of 
his early training, for in his youth he was connected with gun manufacturing estab- 
lishments. 

A native of Northampton, Massachusetts, he was born July 24, 1844, a son of James 
Alexander and Dolly (Wetter) Stetson. The ancestry can be traced back to Robert Stet- 
son, an ensign of the Plymouth colony under Miles Standish. For service Robert Stetson 
was awarded by the colony two hundred acres of land, which is stiU in possession of the 
family. Upon that tract he built a flour mill which he operated for many years. He was 
also an active factor in politics of that day and became a member of the colonial legis- 
lature. From him are descended all of the Stetsons in the United States, all belonging, 
as the Doctor expresses it, "to one family." His father, James A. Stetson, was born in 
Salem, Massachusetts, in 1801, and became a carriage maker, beginning work at that trade 
in 1824. At the time of his death, which occurred in Brooklyn, Connecticut, in 1893, he 
was the oldest manufacturer of carriages in this state. His wife, who was born in Brook- 
lyn, Connecticut, in 1807, died in 1899, in the same house in which her birth had occurred 
and which she had always occupied. She, too, was a descendant of one of the members of 
the old Plymouth colony. 

Dr. Stetson, the ninth in order of birth in a family of ten children, attended the district 
and village schools in his youthful days and afterward spent three terms as a pupil in an 
academy at Hampton, Connecticut. He then began to learn the gun maker's trade in 
Northampton, Massachusetts, taking up the work in December, 1861, and completing his 
apprenticeship in 1864. Through the following year he engaged in contract work for Eli 
\Vhitney in manufacturing guns and later he took up contract work with the Winchester 
Repeating Arms Company. He remained with that company for twelve years and gained 
expert knowledge not only of gun manufacture but of the use of firearms. 

Deciding, however, to study medicine, he entered Yale with that eiul in view, being 
graduated from the medical department with the class of 1881. He opened an office in 



314 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

New Haven, where he entered upon a highly successful professional career that covered 
thirty-one years. He retired in 1912 to enjoy the fruits of his former toil and of his wise 
investments, for during the years of his active practice he had invested his earnings in 
New Haven real estate and now has valuable property, yielding him a most gratifying 
income. He still holds membership with the American Medical Association, the Con- 
necticut State Medical Society, the General Medical Association, the New Haven County 
and the New Haven Medical Societies and was one of the organizers of the Yale Medical 
Alumni A.ssociatioii. He belongs to the Yale Alumni Societ}', and the breadth and nature 
of his interests are further indicated in the fact that he has membership with the Wor- 
cester Lodge of Masons, with the Chamber of Commerce, with the New Haven Colony 
Historical Society, the Young Men's Christian Association, the Union League Club, the 
Race Brook Club, the Amateur Athletic Association and the Nouantum Fish and Gun Club. 

In 1873 Dr. Stetson donated the prize given for the first military shoot ever held in 
the state of Connecticut and thus encouraged marksmansliip in the military bodies of the 
state. Later the state adopted the rifle practice system for the army and today the gen- 
eral army rifle ranges are the outgrowth of the movement instituted by Dr. Stetson. He 
was appointed on the staff of Colonel Smith, of the Second Regiment, as inspector of 
arms in 1875 and was promoted to inspector of the brigade staff, continuing in that capac- 
ity from 1875 until 1881. The Doctor is an enthusiastic sportsman and hunter and there 
is hardly a district in the country in which game exists that he has not hunted over. 
Although he hunts game as a sport he does so in true sportsmanlike manner and believes 
in tlic conservation of game. 

On the 1st of May, 1865, Dr. Stetson was married to Miss Carolina A. Burrett, of 
New Haven, a daughter of Daniel and Caroline (Mansfield) Burrett. They had but one 
child, who died in infancy, and Mrs. Stetson passed away at New Haven in 1909. Dr. 
Stetson now resides at the Union League Club. 

In politics he is a republican and from 1867 until 1869 he served as citj' alderman. 
He is one of Connecticut's self-made men in the truest and best sense of the term. Start- 
ing out in life empty-handed, he was actuated by a spirit of laudable ambition and progress, 
stiMUilatiiig liiiii to tlio exercise of his best etVorts in tlie attainment of success, (iradually 
and persistently he advanced and when he felt that the professional field could offer him 
still broader opportunities, he abandoned the line of his trade to enter upon the general 
practice of medicine. Thirty-one years of capable service were given to his fellowmen 
in that connection and today he is enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly 
deserves. 



GEORGE P. SMITH. 



George P. Smith, the president of the H. T. Smith Company, conducting an express 
business in Meriden, was born in East Meriden, Connecticut, .luly 4, 1859. The public 
schools afforded him his educational privileges and he began working for his father when a 
youth of fourteen years. From the age of sixteen years he concentrated his entire time 
and attention upon the business, which was then comparatively small. It was founded by 
Horace T. Smith, who removed from Plymouth, Vermont, to Meriden, in 1854 and five 
years later embarked in the express business on his own account. He originally had four 
horses and a barn, which was then located near the original shop of the Meriden Britannia 
Company. When the Britannia Company was reorganized and removed to its present loca- 
tion Mr. Smith established his business on Stone street and later went to Grove street. A 
year later he conducted business on State street and since 1876 the business has been carried 
on at the present location at the corner of Camp and State streets. Early in August, 1892, 
the barn was entirely destroyed by fire but was at once rebuilt on a larger scale. The 
death of Horace T. Smith occurred in 1897, since which time the business has been con- 
ducted by George P. Smith and C. H. Tredennick. In November, 1901, it was incorporated 
under the name of the H. T. Smith Express Company, with George P. Smith as the presi- 
dent and C. H. Tredennick as the secretary and treasurer. When George P. Smith became 
connected with his father's business there were about twenty horses and a dozen wagons. 




GEORGE P. SMITH 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEX COUNTY 317 

with perhaps fifteen employes. Something of the growth of the business is indicated in the 
fact that they now employ regularly fifty men and twenty extra men. They have fifty- 
five horses and forty horse-drawn vehicles. They also have two trucks of two and a half 
tons capacity each, also a three-ton truck, four two-ton trucks, one of one ton capacity and 
a Ford. The business has its own horsesTioeing, repair, wagon manufacturing and paint 
shops, also a feed mixing and cleaning shop. The company makes and repairs everything 
but harness. The business has grown to very gratifying proportions and its steady develop- 
ment is attributable in large measure to the efforts and enterprise of George P. Smith. 

On the 28th of January, 1891, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Helen Desmond 
and they have become parents of seven children: Horace T. and Carl D., who were assist- 
ing their father in the conduct of the business but are now in the United States navy; 
George L., who is attending the University of Pennsylvania; Adeline, a student at Lawton 
Hall in Milford. Connecticut; Stephen, who is employed in the' ticket office of the New York. 
New Haven & Hartford Railroad at Meriden; and Katherine and Jere, who are attending the 
public schools. 

Mr. Smith is identified with several fraternities, being a Mason, an Elk and a Forester. 
His political endorsement is given to the republican party and he has been a member of the 
common council of Meriden for four years. He is now serving on the board of apportionment 
and is interested in all those activities and forces which work for the progress and up- 
building of city and commonwealtli. His devotion to the general welfare is manifest in 
his capability in office. As a business man he has worked hard and his persistency of 
]Hirpose, suppkMuenting Indefatigable energy, has constituted one of the salient features in 
his financial progress. 



FREDERICTv SETH NELSON. 

Frederick Seth Nelson is known in business circles as the New Haven agent for the 
National Cash Register Company. In political circles, too, he has a wide acquaintance and 
wields considerable influence over political thought and action. 

He was born in Guilford, Maine, in 1853, a son of A. J. and Annis (Dunning) Nelson. 
The Nelson family is one of the oldest in the United States. Two brothers, Thomas and 
Brewster Nelson came to America in 1631, landed at Essex, Massachusetts, and joined the 
Plymouth colony. Both are buried in the old cemetery at Plymouth. On the maternal 
side Mr. Nelson is also descended from one of the earlj' families of New England, the 
Cunnings having settled at Brunswick, Maine. 

A. J. Nelson was a son of Seth Nelson, was born in New Ghmcester, Maine, and 
removed with his family to Brunswick. Maine, when his son Frederick was three or four 
years of age and in the public schools of that city the son pursued his education, while 
later he continued his studies in Brooklin, Maine, to which place the family removed. He 
was afterward a student in the public schools of China, Maine, and also attended the 
famous China Academy. His father was a minister and this necessitated the frequent 
removals of the family, so that Frederick S. Nelson was transferred from school to 
school. He continued his studies until he reached the age of eighteen years and thus be- 
came well qualified for life's practical duties and responsibilities. He was but eighteen 
years when, in China, Maine, he embarked in the furniture business on his own account. 
Later he opened a carriage and woodworking shop in Boston, where he continued for eight 
years. He then turned his attention to the heavy hardware and railway supply business, 
in which he continuously engaged until 1897, when he entered the employ of the National 
Cash Register Company as special representative. On the 1st of January, 1907, he was 
appointed agent in New Haven for the same company and has continuously acted as agent 
for this company, his service covering a longer period than that of any agent at one place 
in Connecticut. 

Mr. Nelson has been married twice. His present wife was Elizabeth Parker Howard, 
of Springfield, Massachusetts. He has two children. Fred T., born of his first marriage, is 
now living at Beverly, Massachusetts. The second son, Vance H., is with his father in the 
agency of the National Cash Register Company. He married Margaret Dent and they have 



318 A :\IODERX HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

one child, Margaret. Vance H. Nelson is a member of the Second Regiment of the Gover- 
nor's Foot Guard. 

-Mr. Xc'lson attends the Methodist Episcopal churcli and the nature of his interests and 
activities is further indicated in the fact that he holds membership with the New Haven 
Yacht Club and with the Republican Club, yachting being his only recreation and of it he is 
an enthusiastic devotee. He made his initial step toward political activity by becoming 
president of the Civic Society of Morris Cove, which is the fifteenth ward of New Haven. 
The people there demanded improvements, notably good roads, and they wished to have the 
matter in charge of an alert, progressive business man and citizen who could accomplish re- 
sults. As head of this organization Mr. Nelson came in contact with city officials and poli- 
ticians. In 1915 his friends asked him to stand for alderman and he consented. He was 
elected to the position that year and has since been a member of the board of aldermen, in 
which connection he has made an excellent record. He brings to the discharge of his duties 
business enterprise, alertness and marked devotion to the public good, and he has done splen- 
did work on the following committees: He is chairman of the committee on streets and 
squares; is chairman of the special committee on traffic, and is a member of the committee on 
sewers and sanitation, of the special committee on the coal situation, the special committee on 
the ]iroposcd ])ublic market, and others. 

He is an independent republican, but in local matters the political party issue is not of 
paramount importance to him and he gives his aid and influence to the measures and men 
who best serve the public welfare. He has made an excellent record in his office as alderman 
and New Haven has profited by his service. 



NATHAN W. HENDRYX. 



One of the extensive and important manufacturing plants of New Haven, contributing 
much to the business development and commercial stability of the city, is that conducted 
under the name of the Andrew B. Hendryx Company, of which Nathan W. Hendryx is the 
president. He has been a lifelong resident of New Haven, born on the 14th of February, 
1880. He supplemented his public school training by study in the New York Military Acad- 
emy and in St. Paul's School, together with a two years' course in the Sheffield Scientific 
School of Y'ale. His business training was received under the direction of his father. The 
periods of vacation were devoted to factory work and he acquainted himself thoroughly with 
every department of the business, gaining an intimate knowledge of the work in principle and 
detail. 

The company manufactures bird cages, fishing tackle, picture cord, etc., and its products 
are unrivalled anywhere in its special lines. They have a modern plant at No. 86 Audubon 
street. The business was established in 1874 at Ansonia, Connecticut, under the firm name 
of Hendryx & Bartholomew, the senior member being Andrew B. Hendryx, and through the 
intervening years has steadily grown and developed until the output is now verj* large. The 
plant includes eight spacious buildings, two of which are one story in height, two of two 
stories, three of four stories and one of five stories. The latest and best improved machinery 
has been installed for carrying on the man\ifacture and, in fact, every modern device and 
facility lias been secured for promoting rapid and perfect production. The company employs 
two hundred and thirty skilled operatives in the manufacture of high grade brass bird 
cages, chain and fishing tackle, wire picture cord and moulding hooks. The cage making 
extends to complete standard lines of bird and animal cages, and brass is largely the r:\\v 
material used. 

Mr. Hendryx has remained president of the company since 1907 and Thomas B. Oliver is 
the treasurer. The business is thoroughly organized in its various departments. Something 
of the growth of the business is indicated in the fact that when the plant was established at 
New Haven there were but twenty-five employes. Today they have ten times that number, 
while the floor space has been increased from fifteen thousand square feet to one hundred 
thousand square feet. On the removal to New Haven in 1879, the name was changed to its 
present form and the business was incorporated on the 1st of October, 1889. The policy of 
the house in its treatment of employes is indicated by the fact that some of the men in their 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 319 

service have been with them for thirty-eight years. They are always fair and just, seeking to 
give an equitable return for services rendered. 

Mr. Hendryx attends the Congregational church and he gives his political allegiance to the 
republican party. He is well known in club circles, holding membership in the Quinnipiac, 
Union League, New Haven Country and New Haven Yacht Clubs. 



JOSEPH De CANTILLON. 



Joseph De Cantillon is a man of energy and business insight and as the senior (lartiier in 
the firm of Joseph De Cantillon & Son, distributors of Maxwell motor cars, has built up a 
business of gratifying proportions. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, May 22, 1876, a 
r-on of Samuel and Augusta De Cantillon, botli of whom have passed away. 

After receiving a public school education he went to work and for some time was em- 
ployed as an elevator boy. His residence in Meriden dates from 1892, in which year he be- 
came connected with the International Silver Company, with which world famous concern he 
remained until 1914. In that year he went into business on his own account, securing the 
agency for the Maxwell motor cars. He has since remained at the same location, No. 18 
Pratt street, and his salesrooms are well appointed. He has the agency for Meriden. Walling- 
ford and Cheshire and now has out about one hundred and fifty cars. The business is con- 
ducted under the name of Joseph De Cantillon & Son and that it has been ably managed is 
indicated by the fact that the increase in trade has necessitated the employment of three 
men. 

ilr. De Cantillon was married to Miss Florence (i. Stanley, of ileriden. and tlic\ have 
four children: Lester, seventeen years old: Aline, thirteen years old; Doris. aj;ed foiu': and 
!Marian. 

Mr. De Cantillon is a republican and is serving as a member of the city council, bemg 
a member of the claims committee. He belongs to the Woodmen of the World and in re- 
ligious faith as a Universalist. At the time of the Spanish-American war he put aside his 
personal interests and joined the army. He now holds membership in the L'nited Spanish 
War Veterans and also with the Sons of Veterans, his father having fought in the Civil war. 
He has at all times been characterized by a commendable interest in the general welfare and 
he is generally recognized as a valuable citizen as well as a successful business man. 



GKORGE MONROE GRISWOLD. 

George Monroe Griswold, president of The George M. Griswold Machine Company of New 
Haven, was born at South Glastonbury, Connecticut, April 10, 1848, his parents being Anson 
and Samantha (Tyron) Griswold, both deceased. The genealogy of the Griswold family can 
be traced back as far as 1200 A. D. in England and to a very early period in the colonization 
of the new world, for his ancestors participated in the French and Indian war and also in the 
Revolutionary war. One of the towns of Connecticut was named Griswoldville in honor of 
the family and it was there that Anson Griswold was born. 

George M. Griswold acquired a district school education in his native town, where he 
pursued his studies to the age of twelve years. He afterward spent one year as an employe 
ill a >tore owned by a cousin and then returned to tlie farm. Later he spent a winter season in 
school in Glastonbury. In 1862 he made his way to Meriden, Connecticut, where he learned 
the machinist's trade as an employe of the American Britannia Company. He spent three 
years in that connection and then came to New Haven, where he secured a position as tool 
maker with the Whitney Arms Company. He was afterward for about a year with the firm 
I't' Pratt & Wliitney at Hartford, lonnecticut, and while thus engaged made tools, gauges and 
machines for the Prussian government then engaged in the Franco-Prussian war. At that 
time the Prussians obtained the entire output from three armories at Hartford. 

In 1873 Mr. Griswold again became a resident of New Haven, where he worked as a tool 
maker and machinist. In 1875 he started in business independently, opening a small shop. He 



320 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

at first liad no employi's, iloing all of the work himself, and his work was mostly of an experi- 
mental character, notably on dental devices for Dr. E. S. Gaylord, who is still one of the 
prominent and distinguished dentists of New Haven. Mr. Griswold's first shop had only 
three hundred and fifty square feet of floor space, but giadually he secured larger quarters 
by removal and by building and today he' has twenty-five thousand square feet of floor space 
and has an average of twenty-five employes, while during the busy season he has many 
more. Much of the output of the plant is sold in New Haven, yet he ships his goods to every 
country on the face of the globe. 

In 1889 Mr. Griswold was united in marriage to Miss Edna P. Cooke, of Cheshire, Con- 
necticut, and they have one child, Lura E. S., who was educated in the New Haven schools 
and was graduated from Wellesley College with the class of 1912. 

Mr. Griswold is a member of St. Paul's church. He belongs also to Trumbull Lodge, A. 
F. & A. M., and in these two connections are found the rules which govern his conduct in all 
of his relations with his fellowmen. He has been a member of the school board at Edgewood, 
Connecticut, for fifteen years and became chairman of the board in 1908. He belongs to the 
Chamber of Commerce of New Haven and is interested in all of its well defined plans and 
projects for the improvement and upbuilding of the city. He has ever been actuated by a 
spirit of advancement and society has no place in his makeup. He has displayed laudable 
ambition and step by step he has gone forward, his advancement being based upon efficiency 
and reliability. 



HENRY WILLIAM IBELSHAUSEE. 

While the development of a city largely depends upon its commercial and industrial en- 
terprises, these two broad lines of business are not developed through the efforts of a few 
individuals but are the result of the united efforts of many. Each successful legitimate busi- 
ness undertaking adds to the whole, constituting a substantial part of the foundation upon 
whicli is buildcd modern day prosperity and progress. In mercantile circles of New Haven, 
Henry William Ibelshauser is well known, being the president, treasurer and general man- 
ager of The PHeghar Hardware Specialty Company, doing business at Nos. 162-l(i8 Win- 
chester avenue. 

He was born in Hcssen, Germany. August 11. 1863, a son of Henry and Katherim- Ibels- 
hauser. His education was acquired in the public schools of his native land and in 1879, 
•when a youth of seventeen years, he crossed the Atlantic to New York city. In October of 
the same year he arrived in New Haven and throughout the intervening period has been 
lontimiously identified with The Pfleghar Hardware Specialty Company. In order to more 
thoroughly qualify for an active business career he pursued a commercial course in a business 
college and has also studied in night schools. He has held almost every position with the 
company, starting in as shop boy, acting as timekeeper and learning the business from the 
ground up. His thoroughness and reliability made his services invaluable and in 1907 he was 
elected secretary of the company, continuing in that office until 1915, when he was chosen 
president, treasurer and general manager. When he assumed active control the cpmpany 
was employing from thirty to forty men. He infused new life into the undertaking by the 
adoption of most progressive business principles and methods and the company now employs 
from two hundred to two hundred and twenty-flve men. A splendid local trade has been de- 
veloped, ninety per cent of the business being done in New Haven. They carry a very com- 
plete line of hardware specialties and their reliable methods and straightforward dealing have 
brought them success, and theirs is now one of the substantial houses of the city. 

In 1884 Mr. Ibelshauser was united in marriage in New Haven to Miss Valeska Fechner, 
of this city, and they have two children. Rudolph H. A., who attended the public and high 
schools and was also liberally educated in music, holds a jwsition in his father's factory. 
Emma V., the daughter, is the wife of Henry Bussman, of New Haven. 

Mr. Ibelshauser is a director of the Broadway Bank & Trust Company. He is a member 
of the German Lutheran church and of the Foresters lodge, and for many years has been an 
active member of the (ierman Aid Society. Since 1880 he has been an honored member of the 
Harugari singing society. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY .'J21 

a member of the Young Men's Republican Club. He likewise belongs to the chamber of com- 
merce and is in hearty sympathy with its interests and purposes as it endeavors to extend 
the trade relations of the city and upbuild municipal interests, supporting the highest civic 
standards. Mr. Ibelshauser is to be congratulated upon what he has accomplished. Starting 
out in life empty-handed, he has steadily advanced along lines of legitimate endeavor to a 
place of prominence among the enterprising and progressive business men of New Haven. He 
makes his home at 163 Peck avenue, West Haven, where he built a handsome residence in 1915. 



H. FREDERICK DAY. 



H. Frederick Day, a well known figure in legal and in insurance circles of New Haven, 
was born in Hartford, Connecticut, May 10, 1888, a son of Frederick Ellsworth and Sidonie 
(Neuricel) Day. He acquired a public school education in Hartford and afterward attended 
the Episcopal Academy at Cheshire and was graduated from the Hartford high school with 
the class of 1906. His law course was pursued in Yale and he was graduated from the legal 
department in 1911. He was afterward connected with the legal department 
of the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad at Minneapolis for a year and a half and 
subsequently spent a similar period in connection with the legal department of the Minne- 
apolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railroad Company. On the expiration of that period he 
went to New York and accepted the position of assistant attorney with the Hartford Acci- 
dent & Indemnity Company. In May, 1916, he removed to New Haven, where he was acting 
as attorney for the same company until .June, 1917, when he resigned this position to practice 
for himself, having been admitted to the bar of Connecticut in 1911. 

On the 20th of October, 1909, Mr. Day was united in marriage in Boston, Massachusetts, 
to Miss Doris H. Hosmer, originally from Providence, Rhode Island, but living in Brookline, 
Massachusetts, at the time of her marriage. They have become the parents of three chil- 
dren, Marion, John Marshall, born November 3, 1913, and Gwendolen. 

Mr. Day is a member of Nu Sigma Nu and also belongs to the Masonic fraternity. He 
is a vestryman of Christ's Episcopal church of East Haven and thus takes active and help- 
ful interest in promoting the moral interests of the community with which he is now identi- 
fied. His political endorsement is given to the men and measures of the democratic party. 
In military circles he is well known, serving as second lieutenant of Company M of the 
Home Guard of New Haven, having enlisted in 1917. Previously he had been a private of 
Company K of the First Connecticut Infantry and passed the examination that won him the 
commission of lieutenant. He is a young man thoroughly in earnest in all that he does, 
actuated by a patriotic devotion to the general good that prompts him to uphold the highest 
civic standards as well as support the policy of the country in days of war. 



EDWARD L. XETTLETOX. 



Edward L. Nettleton, engaged in the brokerage and mortgage loan business, president 
of The Lomas & Nettleton Company of New Haven, was born in West Haven on the 5th 
of October, 1858, a son of Hezekiah Edward and Emma Smith Nettleton. Tlie father was 
a native of Milford, New Haven county, and at the age of eighteen years went to West 
Haven, where he embarked in merchandising, in which line of business he continued nearly 
to the time of his death, or for a period of over fifty years. He passed away in 1899, at 
the age of seventy-two years. His wife was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, where she 
was reared and married, and she, too, passed away in West Haven, the year of her demise 
being 1906. In the family were four children: Edward L.; Harry E., also engaged in the 
brokerage business in New Haven; Elwood W., who died in West Haven at the age of 
eighteen years; and one who died in infancy. 

Mr. Nettleton is descended from Sanuiel and Maria Nettleton, who arrived in America 
from England a few years after the lauding of the Pilgrim Fathers at Plymouth Rock. 
Later generations fought in the Revolutionarv and Civil wars. 



322 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

After a public school education, Edward L. Xettloton attended a private school, and 
later he took up active business duties in connection with his father and affer his father's 
death disposed of the business. In 1899 he entered into partnership with Mr. John E. Lomas, 
establishing a banking, brokerage and mortgage loan business, which business is now con- 
ducted under the name of The Lomas & Nettleton Company, who specialize in the handling 
of morti'at'e loans covering Connecticut property. They are now one of the leading com- 
panies of New England in this line. 

On the 4th of November, 1884, ilr, Nettleton was married to iliss Eva JI. Thomas, 
of Rushville, Illinois, a daughter of Mr. and ilis. Chauncey T. Thomas. After their mar- 
riau-e thev resided in West Haven for some years and in 1905 they removed to New Haven. 
Mr. and Mrs. Nettleton are the parents of three children. Kenneth E. Nettleton, born in 
West Haven in 1890, is a gi'aduate of the Yale Law School and is now secretary of The 
Lomas & Nettleton Company. He married Miss Charlotte Cook, whose father, now deceased, 
was a banker and manufacturer of Elkhart, Indiana; they have one child, John Edward. Don- 
ald E. Nettleton, the second son of Edward L. and Eva Nettleton, was born in ^^■est Haven in 
1896. He is now a sophomore in Yale. Elwood T. Nettleton, the third son, was born in West 
Haven in 1899, and is now attemling the Sanford School at Redding Ridge, Connecticut. 

Mr. Nettleton is a member of the United church, and in politics he is a republican. 
While a resident of West Haven he served for several years as a member of the borough 
board. Fraternally he is a thirty-second degree Mason. He has membership in the Quin- 
nipiac Club, the Knights Templar Club, the New Haven Country Club, the New Haven Lawn 
Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and other business and philanthropic organizations, and is 
prominent and popular in club circles. His genial qualities win him warm friendships which 
are maintained through the genuine worth of his character, while in the field of business 
he has displayed such enterprise and determination that difficulties and obstacles have 
been overcome and he has advanced steadily to a position which makes his opinion con- 
cerning the mortgage business largely accepted as standard. 



ALFRED N. WHEELER. 



Alfred N. Wheeler, clerk of the superior court and a prominent attorney at law of 
New Haven, was born in Southbury, Connecticut, January 2, 1855. His parents, Elisha 
and Elizabeth A. (Leavenworth) Wheeler, were also natives of this state, where their 
ancestors had lived for many generations. In fact the Wheelers were among the first 
of the colonists in Connecticut, and Moses Wheeler was one of the original settlers of 
New Haven, in 1638, and shortly afterward removed to Stratford. Elisha Wheeler, the 
father, was a well known citizen of New Haven county, where he spent his entire life, from 
June 16, 1816, to January 1, 1877. He was a prominent and representative citizen of 
Southbury; was a member of the legislature and senate, and held many offices of trust in 
the community. His wife, who was born February 29, 1816, died in .Southbury, February 
3, 1905, universally esteemed and sincerely mourned. She lived from the date of her 
marriage continuously in the family homestead in Southbury, for a period of sixty-five 
years. They had a family of seven children: James L., Frances E., Martha E., Mary S., 
Ralph E., Henry S. and Alfred N. 

The last named became a pupil in General Russell's Preparatory School in 1869 and 
entered the Sheffield Scientific School in 1872, and was graduated in 1875 with the degree 
of Bachelor of Philosophy. He next entered the Yale law department and won his pro- 
fessional degree in 1877. He then entered upon the practice of his profession in New 
Haven. He at once gained a good clientage and was recognized as one of the successful 
attorneys of the city, remaining in active practice until 1907, when he was appointed 
assistant clerk of the superior court, which position he occupied until April, 1912. At 
that time he was appointed clerk of the court and still remains in that office, and is ex- 
officio clerk of the supreme court of errors. His official term has been characterized by 
marked capability and faithfulness in the performance of his duties. He has filled various 
other public and private offices of trust. He served as assistant state attorney for New- 
Haven county from 1896 to 1907. He has been a councilman of New Haven and a member 




ALPEED N. WHEELER 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 325 

of its board of liealth, and at all times he has been most faithful to the many duties 
which have devolved upon him. 

On the 30th of September, 1891, Mr. Wheeler was married in New Haven to Miss 
Lillian E. Wilson, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elisha Wilson of Elizabeth, New Jersey. 
They have three children: Richard E., who was born in New Haven, August 15, 1893, 
is a graduate of the high school, of the Choate School of Wallingford and of the academic 
department of Yale University in 1915. He joined the United States Naval Coast Defense 
in May, 1917, was commissioned as an ensign in September and was then transferred to the 
United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, for further intensive training in naval 
warfare. Elizabeth C, born January 13, 1896, is a graduate of Miss Johnstone's School in 
New Haven and for three years was a student in the Westover School at Middlebury, 
Connecticut. She was married October 3, 1915, to William S. Innis of Providence, Rhode 
Island, and they have one child, William G. (II), born October 30, 1916. Alfred N. Wheeler, 
Jr., born July 30, 1899, at Woodmont, Connecticut, and graduated at the Choate School 
in 1917, prepared to enter the academic department of Yale University. However, he 
joined the Red Cross Ambulance Service and went to France and served there for a period 
of six months. 

The parents and all the children are members of Trinity Episcopal church, and Mr. 
AMieeler for several years has been a vestryman and treasurer of the parish. He is a 
member of the County and State Bar Associations, of the Graduates Club, and other clubs 
and organizations. He is much interested in all those questions which have to do with 
good government and public progress and loyally supports men and measures adapted to 
accomplish these results. 



EDWARD DENNIS SANFORD. 

Edward Dennis Sanford is a well known contractor of Hamden and has occupied a 
prominent position in connection with public affairs of his community, having served for 
ten years as first selectman, in which connection he rendered most important service on the 
side of progress, advancement and improvement. 

He was born in Hamden, New Haven county, October 38, 1859, a son of Dennis Samuel 
and Mary Elizabeth (Rogers) Sanford. The father was born at Hamden, where he spent his 
entire life, devoting his energies to farming and to the ice business, which he conducted on 
an extensive scale, selling to both the wholesale and retail trades. He died in Hamden, as 
did his wife, who was a native of Guilford, Connecticut. 

Edward D. Sanford acquired his education in the schools of Hamden, where he was 
also reared to the occupation of farming, which he followed up to the time of his marriage. 
He then engaged in the ice business as a producer, supplying the product to the wholesale 
and retail trades of New Haven, but disposing of the business on December 1, 1917. He is 
still actively engaged in contracting and in trucking, operating a large number of auto 
trucks. He has the contract with all of the large mills and factories in Hamden for their 
trucking and his business in this direction has reached extensive proportions. He is equally 
well known as a road contractor. Each department of his business is carefully and intel- 
ligently directed, with a recognition of the opportunities and possibilities of the trade, and 
his interests are now large and important, ranking him with the representative business 
men of his community. 

At Hamden on the 3d of January, 1879, when not yet twenty years of age, Mr. San- 
ford was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Broomhead Broadbent, who was born in New 
Haven and when seven years of age removed to Hamden with her parents, James Radcliff 
and Sarah (Rawling) Broadbent. who were natives of England and of Virginia, respectivelj'. 
The father became a farmer of the town of Hamden and there Mrs. Sanford was reared. 
By hiT marriage she became the mother of a son and a daughter: Ralph Dennis, who was born 
in Hamden and who married Sarah Bradlej'. of Fairhaven, while in business he is as- 
sociated with his father; and Mabel Elizabeth, the wife of Wilfred Lagrenade. a well known 
jeweler of New Haven. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Sanford hold membership in the Hamden Plains Methodist Episcopal 

Vol. II 15 



326 A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN 

churcli, in the work of wliicli they take a very active and helpful interest, Mi-. Sanford 
formerly serving as superintendent of the Sunday school, while at the present time he is 
financial secretary of the church. In politics he is a pronounced republican and is recog- 
nized as one of the party leaders in his community. He served as tax assessor for five 
years and for four years he was chairman of the republican town central committee. In 
October, 1907, he was elected the first selectman of the town of Hamden and by reelection 
was continued in that office until 1918, or for a period of ten years, in which he has made 
a most excellent record that has reflected credit upon himself and proved highly satisfactory 
to his constituents. As a selectman he put forth every effort to improve the district 
through the exercise of his official prerogatives. He built up the roads and instituted many 
improvements of permanent worth, the endorsement of his service and of his progressive 
labors coming to him in his frequent reelections. He displayed marked ability in that 
direction, taking cognizance of every public need and meeting it to the extent of his 
power. 



EVERETT BRYAN CLARK. 



Everett Bryan Clark, the founder and for many years the head of The Everett B. Clark 
Seed Company of Milford, passed his entire life in that town and was a descendant of one 
of the prominent families of Connecticut. His father was Bryan Clark and Everett B. 
Clark was reared at home and after completing a public school education turned his atten- 
tion to farming, which he followed until 1S5T, when he went into the seed business, being 
the pioneer in that line of activity in this part of the country. He recognized the demand 
for garden seeds of uniformly high vitality and as the seeds which he sold gave satisfaction 
the business grew rapidly. In 1863, however, his commercial career was interrupted by 
service in the Civil war, as he put aside all private interests and joined Company G, Twenty- 
seventh Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, with which he was at the front for nine months. 
While guarding breastworks he, with other members of his regiment, was taken prisoner 
at Chancellorsville and spent the following night at Guiney's Station, within a few rods of 
the place where Stonewall Jackson breathed his last. Later our subject was forced to walk 
to Richmond, a distance of fifty miles, and for two weeks was in Libby prison, after which 
he was paroled and sent to City Point, on the .James river, where he remained until mustered 
out of the army, July 22, 1863. 

Mr. Clark returned home and engaged once more in seed raising, which he followed 
throughout the remainder of his life. In 1890 he was joined by his sons and the firm name 
became Everett B. Clark & Sons, which in 1897 was changed to The Everett B. Clark 
Seed Company. With the incorporation of the concern Mr. Clark of this review became 
president, in which office he continued until his demise. In 1905 he was suceeded in that 
office by his son Herbert A., with another son, Frederick M. Clark as secretary and treasurer. 
The incorporators of the concern were Everett B., Charlotte W., Herbert A., Arthur B. and 
Frederick M. Clark. The company has followed the policy of not only raising seeds of the 
most popular varieties of vegetables, but also of experimenting in new varieties and has 
been very successful in that line. The business is now of national scope and branch houses, 
growing stations and warehouses are located in East Jordan, Michigan; Green Bay, Wis- 
consin; St Anthony, Idaho; Bozeman, Montana; and Denver, Colorado. Especial attention 
IS given to the raising of sweet corn, peas and beans and the business of each branch is 
most systematically managed. The company is one of the most important concerns engaged- 
in the seed business in the United States and it enjoys the highest reputation for reliability. 
The company now has eight hundred acres of land in Orange and its vicinity and the 
equipment for the raising, storing and distribution of the seeds is complete and modern. 

Mr. Clark married Miss Cliarlotte C. Woodruff, a sister of Stiles D. Woodruff, a sketch 
of whom appears elsewhere in this work. She still survives and is highlj' esteemed by all 
who know her. By her marriage she became the mother of five children: Herbert A., de- 
ceased; Walter E.; Frederick M. ; Charlotte McDonald, of Omaha, Nebraska; and Arthur B. 

Mr. Clark gave his political allegiance to the republican party and represented his town 
in the state legislature, in which capacity he did much effective and farreaching work for 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 327 

tlie public good. Pride in his town and willingness to work for its advancement were among 
his salient characteristics and he gladly cooperated with all agencies seeking the upbuilding 
of the community. He held membership in the Plymouth Congregational church and its 
teachings formed the guiding principles of his life. He was honored not only as a business 
man of unusual ability but also as a good citizen and a loyal friend. 



FRED W. COMSTOCK, M. D. 

Dr. Fred W. Comstock, a physician and surgeon of Xew Haven, was born December 
2, 1888, in New York city, and while still a young man he has attained a position which 
many an older practitioner might well envy. 

His father, Walter E. Comstock, was born in Essex, Connecticut, and belongs to an 
ancient and prominent Connecticut family of English descent. The grandfather, Merritt Com- 
stock, was a farmer by occupation and is a Civil war veteran, now living retired on a 
pension. Walter E. Comstock engaged in business as a manufacturer of metal polish. He 
married iliss Grace Payne, a native of Lyme, Connecticut, and a daughter of Fred C. and 
Elizabeth (Slate) Payne. The father was a veteran of the Civil war and is now with 
the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad as superintendent of the Air Line division. 
.\\l of the grandparents of Dr. Comstock are still living as are his parents. His father has 
long figTired prominently in political circles as a supporter of the republican party and is a 
most public-spirited citizen, doing much to further general progress and improvement. For 
eight years he served as superintendent of the Free Employment Agency in New Haven. To 
him and his wife were born three children: Edna E., Charles Merritt and F'red W. 

The last named attended the public schools until graduated from the New Haven high 
school, after which he became a student in Tuft's Medical College, from which he was grad- 
uated in 1913 with the M. D. degree. He afterward became assistant professor of hygiene 
and sanitation in the Norwich University, in which he remained for a year, and while 
there he also acted as captain of the hospital corps of the national guard. For sixteen months 
he was interne in Grace Hospital of Boston and also in the Roxbury Lying-in Hospital of 
Boston and was connected with the Haymarket Relief Station of Boston. All this 
brought him broad, varied and valuable practical experience. He entered upon private prac- 
tice in New Haven in 1914 and has since followed his profession here. He is serving on 
the New Haven Are board and is an examiner for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Com- 
pany. He also enjoys a large private practice, and his ability is constantly increasing because ■ 
of his broad reading and his wide experience, the former keeping him in touch with the 
trend of modern professional thought and investigation. He belongs to the New Haven 
County, Connecticut State and the American Medical Associations. On .January 5, 1918, 
he was commissioned first lieutenant in the Medical Reserve Corps. 

On the 12th of September, 1913, Dr. Comstock was married to Miss Marian E. Hynes, 
a native of Boston and a daughter of Louis Hynes, now deceased. 

In politics Dr. Comstock is a republican, interested in the work and in the success of 
the party and always keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He 
belongs to the Alpha Kappa Kappa, a medical fraternity. His public interests have led 
him into active connection with those measures and movements which work for public ben- 
efit and which have to do with higher standards of citizenship. 



CHARLES ROGERS TREAT. 

Charles Rogers Treat is a prominent and successful farmer of Orange, Connecticut, in 
which town he has largely lived, and he is also prominent in political circles and was a mem- 
ber of the state legislature at the session of 1917. 

He was born in Orange, August 2, 1872, a son of Leverett and .Julia (Rogers) Treat, 
also natives of Orange, where the father engaged in agricultural pursuits. The family is 
descended from Governor Robert Treat, who was born in England and in 1638 accompanied his 



328 A MODERN HISTOEY OF NEW HAVEN 

father, also named Robert, to Connecticut. The son was for many years one of the most influ- 
ential citizens of the colony and in 1639 was appointed to survey and lay out the lands of 
the town of Milford. He represented that district in the general court for six years and 
following his removal to Newark, New Jersey, was a member of the assembly of New Jersey 
for five years. He also laid out Newark and in 1916 his memory was highly honored in a big 
pageant re-enai-tiiig scenes irom the history of Newark. Later he returned to Connecticut and 
was a magistrate in the New Haven court and for eight years assisted in the court of Con- 
necticut. For seventeen years he was lieutenant governor of the colony and for thirteen 
years governor. His death occurred on the 13th of July, 1710, and he was laid to rest after 
a long life filled with high achievement. The Treat family have for generations been large 
landowners in the town of Orange and have also been largely influential in promoting the 
civic advancement of their community. 

Charles E. Treat received the best educational advantages, as, after attending the Hill- 
house high school, he became a student of engineering in the Sheffield Scientific School of 
Yale, from which he was graduated in 1894. In that year he went to Nevada and followed 
his profession for two years in and around Delamar, then a prosperous mining camp. At the 
end of that time he returned to the Sheffield School and on the successful completion of post 
graduate work was given the degree of Civil Engineer. He decided, however, to tui-n his at- 
tention to agricultural pursuits and is now known as the best and most progressive farmer 
in the town of Orange. He has large land holdings and specializes in the raising of hay, po- 
tatoes and seed sweet corn. He brings to bear upon the solution of agricultural problems a 
highly trained intellect skilled in scientific thinking and he firmly believes that the farmer of 
the present day in order to succeed must be willing to utilize the discoveries of investigators 
and also must give careful attention to the systematic management of the business phase 
of his work. His achievements as a farmer have won for him a place on the state board 
of agriculture, of which he has been a member for the past four years. Throughout New 
Haven county and in fact throughout the state his name is associated with all movements 
that have tended to raise farming to a higher level of efliciency and to better the conditions 
of farm life. Since the declaration of war he has been especially active in work to increase 
production and conserve the crops. In addition to farming he deals in native lumber. 

Mr. Treat was married in 1896 to Miss Daisy M. Clark, a daughter of Elias T. Clark, 
also a prominent farmer of Orange and a representative of a family that has been widely 
and favorably known in the countj' for many generations. To Mr. and Mrs. Treat have been 
born two children, Julia R. and Charles R., Jr. 

Mr. Treat is one of the leading republicans of this section and in 1917 represented his town 
in the state legislature, in which connection he made an enviable record. He is an organizer, 
director and member of the executive committee of the New Haven County Farm Bureau and 
was also a member of the committee which opened a camp for boys under the auspices of the 
Young Men's Christian Association. The record of his public activities proves beyond a doubt 
his marked interest in all that affects the general welfare. In religious faith he is a Congre- 
gationalist and his life has constantly measured up to the highest moral standards. 



SHERWOOD ODLE PRESTON. 

Great good came to the world through the labors of Sherwood Odle Preston, now 
deceased, who for more than thirty years was agent for The Organized Charities Association 
of New Haven. Actuated by a spirit of broad humanitarianism, he was constantly extending 
a helping hand where aid was needed and there are hundreds who have reason to bless 
and cherish his memory. He became widely known throughout the state in connection with 
his work for organized charity and to him might be applied the words of Oliver Wendell 
Holmes, who wrote concerning one of his classmates: 

"You see that boy laughing, you think he's all fun. 
But the angels laugh, too, at the good he has done." 

Mr. Preston was born in Fairfield county, Connecticut, his birth having occurred on 
Beaver street, now Fairfield avenue, in Bridgeport, December 30, 1848, his parents being 
James Henry and Abbie Jane (Bouton) Preston. His opportunities to acquire an education 




SHEEWOOD O. PRESTON 



AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY 331 

were limited to the district school and he was only eleven and a half years of age when 
he started to work, his first employment being in the saddle tree shop of Captain William 
Peck, then located where the Bridgeport depot now stands. He received a wage of two 
dollars per week and little tips which were given him by the workingmen, for whom he 
did errands. Later he worked on the farm of his grandfather, Odle Bouton, through the 
summer seasons and for a short period attended school in the winter months. He after- 
ward found employment with the Wheeler & Wilson Company of Bridgeport in the manu- 
facture of needles and later worked for the Winchester Armory at Bridgeport, rifling gun 
barrels for a j'ear. He was next engaged with the same company in slowboring gun barrels 
and, removing to New Haven, he continued with the Winchester Arms people, being after- 
ward employed in the carriage hardware factory of M. Seward & Sons, with whom he 
continued for a brief time. He then returned to the Winchester Armory, where he 
remained until his eyesight became impaired and his health failed, obliging him to give 
up work. He was then tendered the position of agent for the Associated Charities, with 
office at" No. 23 Church street. This was on July 25, 1885, when the association became 
The Organized Charities Association. He began at a salary of fifty dollars per month and 
received the appointment through the influence and encouragement of the late Hon. Francis 
Wayland, president of the association. Mr. Preston continued to occupy that position 
until his death. In 1903 he was oppointed probation officer of the city courts by Judge 
E. C. Dow and was later appointed to the same position in the courts of common pleas and 
superior courts, continuing to serve until 1906, when he resigned, feeling that his time was 
demanded by his other duties. In his official capacity as agent of The Organized Charities 
Association he was not alone known in his own state but thoroughout many other states 
of the Union by reason of his reputation in connection with his New Haven work. 

In Holyoke, Massachusetts, Mr. Preston was married by the Rev. R. J. Adams on the 
11th of April, 1874, to Roberta E