USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > New Haven > A modern history of New Haven and eastern New Haven County, Vol. II > Part 27
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The last named spent his boyhood in attendance at school in Ireland and in 1886, when a youth of nineteen years, eame to America. He entered St. Charles' College at Ellicott City, Maryland, from which he was graduated with the class of 1889 and then 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
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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, which 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 occupying the residence but has planned, in a year or two to erect a fine Catholic church on this site to take the place of the original church at No. 828 Dixwell avenue.
Father Kiernan holds 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 which he has had charge of the church of St. John the Baptist.
HON. CHIARLES 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 O. 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 O. Clark was called to represent his district in the general assembly in 1899. The latter is a republican. He has filled various town offices, taking a most active interest in civic affairs. He married Pauline C. Marquard, a native of Orange, Connecticut.
Charles E. Clark pursned 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 was spent upon his father's farm and in large measure he provided himself the opportunity of attending Yale, which he entered as a student in the academic department, winning the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1911. With 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 partnership 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 23 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 Yale Law Journal since June, 1914, and has contributed to that publication and to the Yale 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 Yale 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 9th 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
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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 politieal endorsement has been given to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and in November, 1916, he was ealled 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 harmony with the record of an honorable and distinguished ancestry and, like his fore- bears, he is making valuable contribution to the progress and upbuilding of the state.
HON. DAVID E. FITZGERALD.
Without question David E. FitzGerald is one of the best known publie men of New Haven and is recognized as a leader in democratic cireles 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, September 21. 1874. he is a son of Edward and Ann (Conway) Fitz- Gerald, who were natives of Ireland but in early life came to the United States and were married in New Haven, where they continned 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: Jobn, deceased ; David E .; and Mrs. Morris Slattery, 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 condnet of a most extensive and important law practice. Such is the ability of Mr. FitzGerald that public opinion ranks him with the leading attorneys of Connecticut. His course indicates careful analysis, 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 most 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 year, 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 fonr 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 he 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
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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 troubles were satisfactorily adjusted. He was appointed on the committee of free scholarships to Yale University by the late Mayor Rice 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 National 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 school. His religious faith is that of the Roman Catholic church 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 these 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 carry 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 fact 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 horn 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, landed 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 orthography which Dr. Eliot uses. but various generations in America use the double "I" and the double "t," the Doctor, however, chang- ing back to the original spelling.
Whitney 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 that of the Congregational church and in that belief he passed
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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, lias passed away. She became the mother of four children: Virginia Augusta, who was born June 22, 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 23, 1868. The younger son was graduated from the University of Vermont with the M. D. 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 January, 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 29, 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
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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 Mr. Brown was the oldest architect of New 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 New Ilaven high school and, in fact, all of the schools that have been erected in the city for the past fifteen years. They have also been architects for many of the leading homes and public buildings in adjacent cities. Mr. Von Beren ia 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 eity, 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 is indicated by his membership in the Trinity Lutheran church. 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 Company. 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 ita 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 26, 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 be 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
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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 carry 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 of 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 Cheshire. 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 O. 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 the work of the 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.
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