USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > New Haven > A modern history of New Haven and eastern New Haven County, Vol. II > Part 14
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JAMES T. MORAN.
Various corporate interests profit by the cooperation and benefit by the sound judg- ment of James T. Moran, and among the more recently acquired of his official honors is the presidency of the 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.
He won his LL. B. degree in 1884, and the following year the Yale Law School con- ferred upon him the master's degree. On attaining his majority he was admitted to the bar and entered upon the active practice of law as assistant to Morris F. Tyler, who in the previous year, 1883, had beeome 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 aetive associate in condueting 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 his efforts 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 Aeme 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
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connected with various other interests of a public and semi-publie character in an official and executive capacity. It is said of Mr. Moran that he "Always has a whole-souled enthusiasm 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 ebild, 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 bas figured prominently in connection with the public life of the city and is interested in all those things which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. His capability for managing important and extensive interests concerning publie welfare has led to his selec- tion for various offices. In 1887 he became a member of the board of councilmen 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. lle 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 the 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 which establishes his position as an able and leading lawyer of New Haven, is also well known in business eireles, being connected with various corporations and financial interests. Ile 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 was 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 publie 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 eighty- five years.
Charles G. Morris was the fifth in order of birth in their family of six children. In his youthful days he attended the public schools and the Hopkins grammar school, of New Haven, before entering Yale, in which he completed the academic course with the elass 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, lis deductions elear and his argu- ments strong and convincing. His clientage, extensive and of a most important character, is
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the incontrovertible evidence of his professional worth. He is also identified with 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 church, of which he is one of the deacons. His political endorsement is given to the democratic party and his study of the vital 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 Spanish-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 Associations.
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 23, 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 be 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 llome 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 Hampshire, and his mother, Mary White (Conant) Harriman, from Worcester, Massachusetts.
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Charles Franklin Harriman, 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 Framingham 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, receiving 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 Judicature 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 hokl 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 office 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 Graduates' 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 affect 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 off 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 daughter 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
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special course in oral surgery in the 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 marked 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 efforts of the latter organization to advance the welfare of the eity, to upbuild its trade relations and to uphold its civic standards.
FRANK B. FRISBIE.
Frank B. Frisbie is occupying a notable 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 employ 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 Tradesmen'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 four 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 inheritance of any kind to 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 which he occupies as one of the foremost figures in financial circles in New Ilaven.
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 John and Annetta Carter. He acquired a district sebool education in his native town and continued his studies in Malden, Massachu-
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setts, 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 whom 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, purchasing 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. lle is a very prominent Mason, belonging to Meridian Lodge, No. 77, F. & A. M .; Keystone Chapter, 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 with Meriden he has made for himself 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, where 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 metallurgy 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 navy yard 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. ]Ie is a member of the Second Company Gover-
Edward W. clark
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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.
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