A modern history of New Haven and eastern New Haven County, Vol. II, Part 24

Author: Hill, Everett Gleason, 1867- [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1918
Publisher: New York, Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company
Number of Pages: 986

USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > New Haven > A modern history of New Haven and eastern New Haven County, Vol. II > Part 24

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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 Mr. Mansfield 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 cheerfully 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 city.

PHILIP HUGO.

One of New Haven's most estimable public officials is Philip Hugo, who for many years has enjoyed the respect of the leading people of this community by reason of his business integrity, his publie 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 was born in Bavaria, Germany, March 8, 1841, a son of Johann 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 possible with the customs and the business methods of the country. Hle 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 Ohserver 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 panie 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

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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 generosity. When the panic broke he was doing an annual business of upwards of two hun- 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 offer and liquidated all his personal in- debtedness-a circumstance which shows his admirable 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 Masonie 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 every- where is spoken of in terms of highest regard.

MRS. BERRY LEE MOTT.

Few women of New Haven have been so closely and prominently associated with those publie activities which constitute uplifting forces in the world's work as has Mrs. Berry Lee Mott, 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-

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dent of 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 her one with whom association means expansion and elevation. Mrs. Mott is also a member of the national organization of the Daughters of the American Revolution and of the 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 by this love. On taking up child welfare work she read extensively along that line, studied the question from the personal standpoint and is considered an authority upon child welfare work. She was the eldest of a family of eight and lost her mother when young. Upon her, therefore, 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 the number of lives made better by her efforts. She has 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 J. 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 prosperous 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

Frederick & Morgan

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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. Diekerman 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 full-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.

CLARENCE 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 Connectient, he was born. in Bethany, January 25, 1866, his parents being Clarence P. and Mary J. Hotchkiss. He spent a short time as a pupil in the publie 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 been 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 John 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 materially

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in its development. He afterward removed with 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 Leeeh, a daughter of Wolston and Margaret (Brookway) Leech. She was born in 1706 and died in 1737. In 1753 Stephen Champion wedded Abigail Barnes. Up 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 1727, 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 Dunean. 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 forees under General Washington 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, her 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 until American independence was won. He spent the greater part of his life on a farm in Amostown, 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 N. Champion, 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 Champion 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, 1828. He became a contractor and builder of New Haven and was prominently identified with many other interests of the eity. He served as first lieutenant with the 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 the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He served as noble grand of City Lodge, I. O. O. F., and was a member of Grand Canton Sassaeus, Patriarehs 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 faithi 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 infaney. 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 with 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. O. R. M.

John Newton Champion, 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. Platt Company and then in 1890, started business on his own account at his present location on Chapel street, where he has built np 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

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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, Mr. Champion was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Monk, who was born July 26, 1863, in New Haven, a daughter of Joseph C. and Amelia Louise (Brown) Monk. Mr. Champion is well known in fraternal circles, helonging 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 New Haven Grays for eleven years and for two years was a member of the Second Company of the Governor's Foot Guard. 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 the 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 who 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 1880, when he came to New Haven and here remained until the time of his death, which occurred when he was fifty-six years of age. His political en- dorsement was given to the democratic party and his religious faith was that of the Cathi- olie 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.

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A modern history of New Haven and eastern New Haven County, Vol. II, Part 24

Author: Hill, Everett Gleason, 1867- [from old catalog] Publication date: 1918 Publisher: New York, Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company Number of Pages: 986

Author: Hill, Everett Gleason, 1867- [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1918
Publisher: New York, Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company
Number of Pages: 986