USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > New Haven > A modern history of New Haven and eastern New Haven County, Vol. II > Part 102
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Mr. Flatow was married July 31. 1902, in New York city, to Miss Mary M. Neubaum, of Meriden, and they have three children: Dora and Frederick, both of whom are in school; and Ruth Flora.
Mr. Flatow votes independently and gives careful study to the questions and issues of the day. He belongs to the chamber of commerce and loyally supports the projects of that body for the upbuilding of the community. He is financial secretary of the Cosmo- politan Club, which is the oldest club in the city, and also belongs to many other fraternal and social organizations. He is a member of St. John's Lutheran church and is treas- nrer of the Emanuel Lutheran Men's Club. In 1918 he has served as president of the German Order of the Harugari for over three years. He has a wide acquaintance in the city and is held in high esteem for his personal worth.
ALMON J. DEANE.
Almon J. Deane, who since February, 1910, has filled the position of town clerk of the town of Hamden, making an excellent record through the prompt and faithful dis- charge of his duties, is recognized as one of the republican leaders of his section of New Haven county. He was born in Lyme, New London county, Connecticut, June 7, 1857, a son of Daniel N. and Maria (Eccleston) Deane. The father was born in Lyme and there followed the occupation of farming until the time of the Civil war, when, in response to the country's call for troops, his patriotism was aroused and he put aside all personal consideration in order to serve his country, enlisting in the Twenty-sixth Volunteer In- Vol. II-37
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fantry. He afterward returned to Lyme and engaged in the fishing business and while on one of his fishing trips was drowned. His wife was born in Stonington, Connecticut, and passed away in Lyme.
Almon J. Deane pursued his education in the schools of Lyme until he reached the age of thirteen years, when he went to Massachusetts. Later, however, he returned to Lyme, where he learned telegraphy, and was then appointed station agent at Cobalt, Con- necticut, for the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, where he remained for about a year, or from 1880 until 1881. He was station agent at Mount Carmel from 1883 until 1908, covering a period of a quarter of a century, during which he made a most excellent record for efficiency in the discharge of his duties, for loyalty to the com- pany which he represented and for unfailing courtesy and helpfulness toward the patrons of the road. At the end of that long period of service he resigned and became book- keeper with the Walter W. Woodruff Manufacturing Company of Mount Carmel, serving in that connection until February 1, 1910, when he was appointed town clerk of the town of Hamden to fill an unexpired term. In the fall of that year he was elected to the posi- tion for a year's term and at the regular election in 1911 was again chosen to the position and was reelected in 1913 and in 1915, and is serving at this writing. He has made a most popular and efficient officer, his frequent reelections indicating most clearly his fidelity to duty and the worth of his work in that position.
In 1881 Mr. Deane was united in marriage to Miss Mary Dodge at New London, Con- nectient. She died in Hamden in 1884 and on the 8th of May, 1889, he wedded Miss Hattie Swain, of Hamden, who was born in North Haven, a daughter of William and Julia (San- ford) Swain, the former a native of North Haven, while the latter was born in Hamden. To this marriage have been born two children: Inez, the wife of Frederick de Ligori, a merchant of Cheshire, Connecticut; and William IIndson, who is now in the Second Reg- iment of the Connectient National Guard in the United States service.
Mr. Deane belongs to Day Spring Lodge, No. 30, F. & A. M., and he and his wife are connected with Alice Chapter, No. 76, of the Order of the Eastern Star. In polities he has long been a stalwart republican and one of the active workers of the party. He formerly served as justice of the peace in Hamden and was postmaster of Mount Carmel Center dur- ing a part of the time when he was station agent at that place. Fidelity to duty has ever been one of his marked characteristics and it is a well known fact that no trust reposed in Almon J. Deane is ever betrayed.
DOUGLASS W. ORR.
Although the firm of Orr & Booth, architects, has been in existence little more than two years it has been awarded a number of important contracts and its work has proved highly satisfactory to its patrons. At present both partners wear their country's uniform in defense of the flag and the cause of liberty and democracy. Until quite recently Douglass W. Orr had entire charge of the business as his partner had joined the naval reserve before Mr. Orr had to leave. His birth occurred in Meriden, where his entire life has been passed, and his natal day was March 25, 1892. His parents were Adam and Mary Orr, the former deccased.
Douglass W. Orr entered the public schools at the usual age and in 1909 was graduated from high school. He then went to work for the H. Wales Lines Company in the engineering department and remained there for several years, during which time he gained valuable ex- perience. However, on the 1st of January, 1916, he went into business on his own account as a member of the firm of Orr & Booth, architects, his partner being Robert H. S. Booth. The firm has already gained an enviable reputation and has designed the plans for many important buildings, including the office and factory of the Connecticut Telephone and Electric Company. a storehouse for W. J. Cahill, a storehouse for the L. Suzio Construction Company, the Com- munity building at Granby, Connecticut, as well as a church at that place, an apartment house in Meriden for D. Gaffney, and residenees for C. H. Buck, and for J. H. Stiles, at Reading, Pennsylvania. The firm also had the contracts for a number of buildings, the erection of which has been postponed on account of the war.
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Mr. Orr supports the republican party at the polls but has confined his political activ- ity to the exercise of his right of franchise. The principles which govern his life are indicated by his membership in the First Congregational church. He does not belong to any lodges or clubs but concentrates his time and attention upon the management of his business interests. For some time he has been taking a mixed academic and art course at Yale University, which he would have completed had it not been for the war.
Robert H. S. Booth, of the firm of Orr & Booth, was born in Meriden in 1890 and after his graduation from the local high school attended Cornell University, which insti- tution in 1915 conferred upon him the degree of Bachelor of Architecture. The year follow - ing was spent in the employ of the American Brass Company at Waterbury, but on the first of January, 1916, he joined Donglass W. Orr in forming the present firm and has since resided in Meriden. He is at present, however, in New York city on duty as a mem- ber of the naval reserve.
WILLIAM FREDRICK FRITZ.
William Fredrick Fritz, of the Fritz Brothers Manufacturing Company, doing business at 171 Kensington avenue, in Meriden, his native city was born in the year 1874, and is a son of Charles and Caroline (Lynch) Fritz. The father was born in Germany, but for sixty years has resided on this side of the Atlantic. He has now reached the age of seventy-four years, while his wife is sixty-eight years of age.
William Fredrick Fritz acquired a public school education and afterward learned his trade by working in various shops in Meriden. In 1903 he purchased his present factory. which had been established in 1900. It is a building twenty by sixty feet, with twelve thousand square feet of floor space, and he employs nine men. They make dog collars, straps, belts and shawl straps, wristbands and similar goods, and their output is sold through- out the United States, and Canada, and to some extent is exported.
Mr. Fritz was married in Meriden to Miss Elizabeth Quinlan. He belongs to the Lutheran church and to the St. John's Men's Club. His political indorsement is given to the republican party.
Emil Theodore Fritz, the brother of William Fredrick Fritz, and his partner in busi- ness, was born in 1879. He married Miss Helen Girometta and they have one child, Marion. Both brothers are enterprising business men and they were well known to trade circles in Meriden when William F. Fritz became proprietor of their present factory. Wil- liam F. Fritz had been the founder of the dog collar manufacturing department of the concern and was not only familiar with that end of the business but also with the trade, having spent some time upon the road as a traveling salesman. Emil T. Fritz also had had wide experience in the same line of manufacturing, having been previously employed by the Chapman Manufacturing Company. They are today the only exclusive dog collar man- ufacturers in the state. Their Boston bull dog collar has alone made their name famous. They have a branch office in Chicago and they are represented on the road by several trav- eling salesmen. Their business has constantly grown and has reached most gratifying proportions, adding to the reputation of Meriden as a manufacturing center.
SAMUEL RUSSELL CHIDSEY.
Samuel Russell Chidsey, special agent of the Security Insurance Company. was born August 4, 1873, in East Haven, a son of Samuel and Maria A. (Ford) Chidsey, the latter a daughter of William Ford. The former was of English descent. The Chidsey home was originally in Chedsey, England, and Deacon John Chidsey, of Center church, New Haven, came from there with his wife, Elizabeth. His name is attached to the Colony consti- tution in 1644 and he located at Stony River. Deacon Caleb Chidsey married Anna Thompson and their son, Caleb, wedded Abigail Smith. They were parents of Isaac Chid-
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sey, who married Sarah Bradley and who served in the Revolutionary war. Samuel Chidsey, son of Isaac Chidsey, married Betsey Holt and was a captain in the local militia.
Samuel Chidsey, father of Samuel R. Chidsey, became a farmer of East Haven, where he was born and reared. He was also prominent in public affairs, holding various town offices, and he was called upon to represent his town in the general assembly. He died January 12, 1886, at the age of seventy-six years, and was long survived by his wife, who passed away in November, 1909, at the age of seventy-five.
Samuel Russell Chidsey acquired a public school education in East Haven and attended a private school in New Haven. In February, 1891, when seventeen years of age, he en- tered the employ of the Security Insurance Company as office boy and rose through various positions and promotions until he is now special agent at the home office. In 1896 be established a local agency at East Haven and in 1909 formed a partnership with W. S. Coker, under the firm style of Chidsey & Coker, for the conduct of a general insurance business and they now represent a large number of substantial companies and have built up an extensive clientele.
On the 21st of October, 1896, in East Haven, Mr. Chidsey was married to Miss Isabella Macdonald, a daughter of Donald Macdonald, of that place. Both parents came from Scotland and were married in this country. The father and mother have both passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Chidsey have been born three children: Samuel Ford, born March 21, 1900; Donald Victor, born July 6, 1907; and Robert Macdonald, JJune 28, 1910. The family residence is pleasantly sitnated at Main and High streets in East Haven.
In community affairs Mr. Chidsey has always taken a deep and helpful interest. He is now serving as a member of the East Haven volunteer fire department. Ile belongs to David Humphreys Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, is a thirty-second de- gree Mason and member of the Mystic Shrine, has also taken the degrees of the York rite and is a member of the Knights Templar Club. He likewise belongs to the Union League Club and he is a member of the Old Stone church of East Haven.
In polities he has always been a stalwart republican and an active worker in party ranks. For the past fifteen years he has served on the school board and the cause of education has indeed found in him a stalwart champion. In 1909 he was elected a mem- ber of the general assembly and again was chosen to that office in 1911, serving on the railroad committee during his first term and on the insurance committee in his second term. His worth in matters of citizenship is widely acknowledged and his association has always been with agencies which work for the best interests of society at large. His aid has ever been counted upon as a factor in the upbuilding and improvement of his city and section of the state and his genuine personal worth has gained him wide popularity.
MORRIS S. MERRIAM.
Morris S. Merriam was a youth in his teens when he heard and heeded the call of the new world, crossing the Atlantic in 1890. From that time forward he has improved the opportunities which have come to him and has steadily worked his way upward from a humble position in the business world until he is now owner of a profitable business. Loing proprietor of the Model Laundry of New Haven. He was born in Minsk, Russia. July 23. 1874. His father, Nathan Merriam, also a native of that country, was for a con- siderable period successfully engaged in the manufacture of turpentine but is now living retired in his native land. He married Naomi Levitt, who died in Russia in 1915 at the age of seventy-two years. She was the mother of eight children, four of whom are living.
Morris S. Merriam was the fourth in order of birth in that family. He acquired his education under the instruction of private tutors and started out to earn his own living when nineteen years of age. His first employment following his arrival in America was seenred in New York city, where he engaged in the news business, remaining successfully in that field for five years. He then removed to New Haven, where he continued in the same line, carrying and distributing daily papers. In 1913 be purchased his present busi- ness from George Hanson, who was the owner of the Model Laundry, which had been originally established by a Mr. Practor. Since coming into possession of this property
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Mr. Merriam has built up a business of large and gratifying proportions, developing one of the leading laundries of the city. In point of wet wash it is among the very first in New Haven. His plant is a large and well equipped one, the building being one hundred and forty by thirty fert, and he employs ten people. He utilizes three wagons and an auto truck in delivery and collection. The business has shown a thirty per cent annual increase since he took charge, a fact which is indicative of the enterprise, careful management and keen business discernment of the present owner. Mr. Merriam is also financially inter- ested to a considerable extent in real estate in New Haven, where he has some valuable property, including his laundry plant. He has firm faith in the future of New Haven and therefore does not hesitate to make investment in its realty.
On the 24th of December, 1899, in New York city, Mr. Merriam was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Petrofsky, a native of Russia and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Max Petrofsky. They are the parents of three children, Jacob, Sarah and Rose, all of whom were born in New Haven.
Mr. Merriam is identified with the Yale Lodge branch of B'nai Abraham and he is a member of the Hebrew church. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, for when he landed in America he had a eash capital of but six dollars and seventy-five eent. With that small sum he made his start in the new world and has gradually worked his way upward, utilizing every opportunity leading to progress. He is today one of the well-to-do citizens of New Haven and his course should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what may be accomplished when there is a will to dare and to do.
JOHN A PETRIE.
John A. Petrie, manufacturer of magical devices and inventor of electric flashlights, is . conducting business in Westville. He was there born August 23, 1871. a son of Walter R. and Sarah (Berup) Petrie. The father is a native of Sunderland, Scotland, and the mother's birth occurred in Vermont. She came to Connectieut and they were married in this state. The mother died in the early '70s. The father engaged in the manufacture of paper mill machinery and was well known in connection with the machinery business. He became one of the representative citizens of Westville, where he is still living at the age of eighty-three years, his birth having occurred June 19, 1834. Hle engaged in machinery manufacture during the period of the Civil war. To him and his wife were born six children, of whom three are living: Walter E., of New Haven; David, who is living in Milford, Connecticut; and John A.
The last named, the youngest of the family, spent his boyhood as a school pupil in Westville and afterward entered into the manufacturing business, turning his attention to the manufacture of magical apparatus for Herman Keller and other stage celebrities. He has thus become well known to the theatrical world, for he has placed upon the market many ingenious and valuable devices for use on the stage. He is also the inventor and manufacturer of various flashlights, including the electric hand mirror, the Ultralite and various patented toys. He is associated in business with Thomas C. Lewis, it being a partner- ship concern and their patronage has reached very gratifying proportions. The Ultralite is particularly valuable for use by motorists, by boy scouts, by men in camp and also for photo developing, when a ruby celluloid may be placed in front of the light chamber. It gives out a broad ray of light and signals may be flashed, for the broad rays make them visible for miles. The Ultralite hand mirror is also an article of incomparable value. It is so constructed that it throws the reflection on the object to be examined, light being always where needed. It is particularly useful to the lady engaged in making her toilet and particularly valuable also to the man who is shaving. It is also of great benefit to the dentist and has many other uses.
Mr. Petrie has been married twice. In July. 1893. he wedded Eva Judson, of West- ville, who passed away in 1909, leaving two children: John Walter, who was born in 1899 and has completed a course in the high school of Westville; and Arthur Judson, who was born in Westville in 1895 and was graduated from Yale Academy with the class of 1917.
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For his second wife Mr. Petrie chose Miss Lillian Neal, of Westville, Connecticut, whom he wedded on the 28th of June, 1911.
Mr. Petrie holds membership in the Congregational church and guides his life aceord- ing to its teachings. He is thoroughly reliable as well as progressive in business and his efforts bave led to successful accomplishment. He is thinking out along new and original lines and his initiative has resulted in bringing out various valuable inventions.
WILLIAM F. MILLER.
William F. Miller is the president of the W. F. Miller Company, contractors and builders of Meriden. and his career is especially notable as in his youth unusual obstacles and difficulties confronted him. In facing these he developed a self-reliance and force of character which have constituted important elements in his later progress. He is today a strong and resourceful man, strong in his ability to plan and perform, strong in his honor and his good name.
He was born in Ireland, September 22. 1848, a son of William James and Ilelen (O'Brien) Miller. The family started for America when William F. Miller was but three months old but the ship on which they took passage was wrecked near the month of the St. Lawrence River and only twenty-four out of five hundred passengers escaped, among the lost being William James Miller. The boat in which the mother took refuge was almost lost a number of times on account of being overcrowded. Finally, however, its load of human freight was landed on an island near the mouth of the river. Mrs. Miller and her little babe, William, were the last to get on the boat. The island was uninhabited and desolate but the survivors were finally picked up by an American fishing boat and taken to Fox island. Mrs. Miller with her baby remained in Vinal Haven until 1849 and there the child was left with a family until eight years of age. During that period he acquired some education in the district schools of Vinal Haven. At length when his mother married again she took him to her home in Montville, Connecticut, where he attended the public schools, and later he continued his education in Lowell, Massachusetts. He began work when thirteen years of age as a bobbin boy in a cotton mill and was employed in many places during the next few years. He went to Brookfield, Connectient, where he worked in a shoe store. and while thus engaged he also had the opportunity of attending school to some extent. He has ever eagerly embraced such opportunities and in the school of experience he has also learned many valuable lessons, becoming a well informed and practical business man.
About 1869 Mr. Miller began to learn the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for eight years, building churches and other publie buildings. Ile gained expert knowledge during that period and at length embarked in the contracting business on his own account in Meriden in 1878. He first conducted business under his own name, but a number of years ago incorporated his interests under the name of the W. F. Miller Company, of which he is the president and treasurer, with Frederick J. Miller as the vice president, Edwin A. Miller as secretary, Il. Charles Miller as superintendent and G. Sidney Miller as assistant secretary. His business associates in the company are all his sons. The father gives over- sight to the entire interests of the company, while Frederick J. and H. Charles have supervision over carpentering. G. Sidney attends to the masonry work and Edwin A. is the office man. This company has built more houses in Meriden than any other in the city. They have erected over two hundred and they employ fifty men during the season. Most of the work is in the city and town of Meriden and the character of the buildings which they have erected indicates their high standing in trade circles. In fact, this is one of the most prominent contracting firms of New Haven county and many of the finest and most beautiful structures of Meriden and vieinity stand as monuments to their skill and handiwork.
Mr. Miller was united in marriage in Chicopee, Massachusetts, to Miss Catharine Lavin, a native of England, and their children are as follows: Helen is now Mrs. Horan and has three children, Katherine, Jolm J. and Helen M. Katherine is at home with her parents. William is a resident of New York city and foreman of a large construction company
WILLIAM F. MILLER
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there. Harriet J. lives in Meriden. H. Charles, also a resident of Meriden, married but his wife died, leaving one child, Chandler. Edwin A., aside from his duties as secretary of the W. F. Miller Company, conducts Ed Miller's Auto Supply Station at No. 444 Colony street, Meriden. He is married and has two children, Edwin A. and Mary Alice. Frederick J. M. and George Sidney are the next of the family. Mrs. Mary Emma Burke has one child, Billie. Stella Virginia is a teacher in the public schools of Meriden. Mr. and Mrs. Miller also lost two children, Charlotte and Veronica.
In polities Mr. Miller is a democrat and at one time took an active part in public affairs, serving as councilman and fire marshal. He was also actively interested in opening up Bernstein Heights in Sonth Meriden and Howard and Heine avenues. He belongs to St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church and to the Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the John Dillon Club and the Chamber of Commerce.
JOHN HENRY BLAKESLEE.
John Henry Blakeslee, of North Haven, has served as town clerk since 1904, the length of his record indicating that he has discharged his duties with marked ability. He is likewise justice of the peace, in which connection he has also made an excellent record.
Mr. Blakeslee was born in North Ilaven, July 18, 1864, and is a son of Zerah T. and Ann E. (Tuttle) Blakeslee, natives of this place. The father was engaged in business with his father in the manufacture of carts and wagons and both were skilled workmen, the grandfather especially being known as one of the finest woodworkers in this part of the state. Zerah T. Blakeslee at length turned his attention to farming, in which line he was successful and prospered.
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