A modern history of New Haven and eastern New Haven County, Vol. II, Part 29

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 29

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The youngest of their six children, Isidor Freedman, was sent to the Webster grammar school in his youthful days and afterward attended the Hillhouse high school. When his textbooks were put aside he became a clerk in his father's store and remained with him from 1879 until 1886. He was ambitious. however, to engage in business on his own account and carefully saved his earnings until his industry and economy had brought him sufficient capital to establish a small store. After a brief period he formed a partnership with Adolph Mendel, and with two clerks they carried on the business, soon winning an increased patronage. however, that necessitated the employment of other help. The business has enjoyed rapid but substantial growth and theirs is today considered one of the largest stores of the state. They carry a complete line of general merchandise of all descriptions, such as is found in a first-class department store, and they handle a distinctively high- grade line of dry goods, ladies' wearing apparel, dress goods, shoes and men's clothing and furnishings. Their business is governed by the best known principles. They sell merehan- dise of trustworthy quality and aim at perfect store service and delivery.

On the 5th of January, 1895, in New York city, Mr. Freedman was married to Miss Sarah K. Kahn, a daughter of Meyer and Henrietta Kahn. They have one child, Ruth F., who is a graduate of Johnstone's School and Miss Boardman's boarding school for girls and is the wife of Edwin Hays, of New York city.

Mr. Freedman has membership with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and in club circles is well known as a member of the Harmonie. Racebrook Country and Sterling Clubs. Actuated by laudable ambition, he has in his career made steady progress and the qualities which he has displayed have won for him not only financial success but also the high respeet of colleagues and contemporaries.

JOHN M. MARVIN.

Among the manufacturing interests which figure in the commercial development and progress of New Haven is numbered the Globe Silk Works, of which John M. Marvin is senior partner. He was born in Jamestown, New York, June 2, 1854. a son of Rev. Sylvanus Pratt and Sylvina (Buell) Marvin, who were both natives of Connecticut, born in Lyme and in Clinton respectively. The father was ordained as a minister of the Congregational church and devoted his life to that holy calling. For forty years prior to his demise he had charge of the church in Woodbridge, Connecticut, his long pastorate indicating the unqualified loyalty and love of his people. He died in Woodbridge, November 24, 1904, while his wife passed away there, January 20, 1902. In their family were two sons, the younger being Edward Reynold, who died in Woodbridge in 1869 at the age of nine years.

John M. Marvin is indebted to the schools of Woodbridge for his early educational oppor- tunities, which were supplemented by study in the Williston Seminary, East Hampton, Massachusetts, in which he completed the seientifie course with the elass of 1874. He made his initial step in the business world in New York city in connection with a wholesale dry- goods house with which he remained for two years. He then came to New Haven, Connecti- cut, and in 1877 took up the business of silk manufacturing. After a time he was joined by a partner and his enterprise, which was the first silk manufacturing concern in this section, has grown from a small beginning to an enterprise of large proportions. His first partner, W. T. Smith, was sneceeded by William B. Pardee, but later, on the death of Mr. Pardee, Mr. Marvin was again alone in the management of the business for a considerable period. More

REV. SYLVANUS P. MARVIN

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recently, however, he has been joined by a son of Mr. Pardee, William S. Pardee, but the supervision and direction of the business largely devolves upon Mr. Marvin, who has now been active in this field for forty years and is thoroughly acquainted with every phase of silk manufacturing. He has improved his process from time to time, has a factory and dye house well equipped with the latest machinery for facilitating the work, producing silk threads of the highest quality, and is conducting a business of gratifying proportions, bringing to him a satisfactory annual income.

In 1881 Mr. Marvin was married to Miss Adella M. Smith of New Haven, a representa- tive of a well known family and a daughter of Isaac T. and Lucretia A. Smith. They now have one child, Grace E., who was born in this city and is a graduate of Dana Hall.

In his political views Mr. Marvin is a republican, and his religious faith is that of the Congregational denomination, his membership being in Dwight Place church, of which he has for many years been one of the deacons. He has membership in the Chamber of Com- merce and is interested in all those forces which work for the upbuilding of the city and the extension of its commercial relations. His judgement is sound, his sagacity keen, and in public as well as in business affairs he discriminates clearly between the essential and the non-essential, thus possessing those qualities which make for valuable citizenship.

WILLIAM H. POOLEY.

The name of Meriden at once suggests to the average mind ent glass, for there is no resident of the country that does not know that Meriden is the center of the great industry of that character. It is with this industry that William H. Pooley is connected as secretary and manager of the J. D. Bergen Company. He was born in Cheshire, Connecticut, September 12, 1876, a son of James and Mary Pooley. The father died in 1916, but the mother is still living.

After attending the public schools of Cheshire for a brief period William H. Pooley accompanied his parents to Meriden in -1883 and continued his education in the schools of that city. He started out in the business world as an office boy at a salary of two dollars and a half per week. He was office boy for three years with the firm of Manning, Bowman & Company at a salary of six dollars per week and while thus engaged he studied book- keeping at night and during his leisure moments. At the age of eighteen years he began bookkeeping for the Chapman Manufacturing Company, with which he remained for two years, and for four and a half years he was with the Morehouse Brothers. He also kept books for smaller concerns at night for some time, and in 1905 he became associated with the Bergen Company as head bookkeeper. This business was established by James D. Bergen early in 1880 under the style of Bergen & Niland. The company began the produc- tion of caster bottles under a working arrangement with the Meriden Britannia Company. Success attended the enterprise from the beginning. After five years J. D. Bergen, seeing greater opportunities before him, bought out the interests of his partner and in 1892 organ- ized a stock company under the style of the J. D. Bergen Company, with a capital stock of forty thousand dollars, which was afterward increased to sixty thousand dollars. The first board of directors included some of the most prominent and substantial business men of Meriden. From the beginning the company made it its policy to place upon the market popular priced cut glass of a most attractive and artistic design and the product of the house soon won popular favor, which has grown as the years have gone by. In 1905 the company purchased a large five-story brick plant at Center and Britannia streets, which they occupied in March, 1906. Excellent railroad accommodations are secured, for the factory fronts on the main line of the New York. New Haven & Hartford Railroad and has a private spur track which extends alongside the factory. Each department of the factory is under the supervision of a man specially trained for his particular duties and the result is that the combined efforts of the departments produce an achievement that is notable in cut glass manufacturing circles. When Mr. Pooley first became connected with the business there were one hundred and twenty employes and today there are two hundred and twenty-five. The output is sold in India, Alaska, the Philippine islands, Cuba, Porto Rico, South America, as well as throughout the entire United States. They have their own Vol. II-11

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ageney in Japan, but the war has somewhat curtailed European shipments. They maintain salesrooms in New York and in Chicago and have agents in all of the leading cities of this country. Their output is the last word in cut glass manufacture. They produce all that is finest and best in cut glass and the most artistic designs render the product of especial worth. The officers of the company are all men of long experience and the business is upon a most substantial basis, its interests being thoroughly systematized, while progressive- ness actuates every department. In 1914 Mr. Pooley was active in the organization of the Consolidated Cut Glass Company, which after six months was merged with the business of the J. D. Bergen Company.

Mr. Pooley has never married but has four brothers and a sister, who are living in this state, namely: E. J., G. M., C. T., G. S., and Mrs. N. F. Kerwin. His brother, C. T. Pooley, is a resident of Hartford.

William H. Pooley holds membership in the Episcopal church. Fraternally lie is con- nected with the lodge and encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he also has membership with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His name is on the mem- bership roll of the Colonial Club and he is appreciative of the social amenities of life. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and he is progressive in citizenship, manifesting a public-spirited devotion to all matters of general worth.

MAX B. LEICHTER.

Max B. Leichter figures prominently in business circles of New Haven as proprietor of the Loomis Temple of Music, one of the oldest music houses of the state and one of its most reliable. It has remained a business institution of New Haven for a half century and in all these years has enjoyed a most enviable reputation by reason of the reliable policy instituted by its founder and always maintained by his successors, while the modern business enterprise of Mr. Leichter has made its trade one of large and gratifying propor- tions.

Max B. Leichter was born in New Haven, June 21, 1876, a son of Bernard and Augusta (Kaiser) Leichter. At an early age he left school to enter the Loomis Temple of Music in the capacity of errand boy. Nature endowed him with musical taste and talent, and from an early age he was considered a musical prodigy, winning renown as a juvenile concert performer. Because of his interest in the art he frequently had occasion to visit the Loomis Temple of Music and the owner, C. M. Loomis, took more than a passing interest in the boy. At length he prevailed upon him to become an employe in the store, and though he began work in the capacity of errand boy, he was not long in winning advancement to a position on the sales force of the store. The business had been established in 1865 by C. M. Loomis following his return from the Civil war, in which he had served as a member of Company F of the Sixth Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. By his integrity and industry Mr. Loomis soon built up an extensive business and won hosts of friends. The policy of the house has always been courtesy and straightforward dealing and satisfaction to the thousands of its patrons. The founder continued an active factor in the conduct of the business until his death, which occurred in March, 1890, when his son took up the work which his father had laid down. It was Charles H. Loomis who succeeded as the sole manager of the business, having been connected with the establishment since its inception in 1865. Through his energy and generous treatment of the people lie was greatly instrumental in building up the business to its large proportions. He conducted the trade on his own account until 1907, when he admitted Max B. Leichter to a partnership and this association was maintained until the death of Charles H. Loomis in 1910. His interest was then purchased by Mr. Leichter, leaving him as sole proprietor. The business has since grown by leaps and bounds. The spirit of modern enterprise and progress inducted into the under- taking by Mr. Leichter has resulted in building up a trade of most gratifying proportions. However, he attributes much of the success of the business to Charles H. Loomis, who had been connected therewith since the establishment of the store and who early in his business career became an outside man or salesman, covering the state of Connecticut and winning for the house a wide reputation for honesty and fair dealing. He was so well versed in

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the piano business that there was no part of any instrument which he could not intelli- gently discuss. He had early served an apprenticeship in a piano factory and he was therefore an excellent representative of the trade in the territory which he covered. In fact he was regarded as one of the most versatile men in the piano business on the road and it was in large measure due to his efforts that the Loomis Temple of Music became so widely known. The house has always carried an extensive stock of classical and sheet music and textbooks on musie as well as a varied line of musical instruments, and it has among its patrons in the state more than three hundred music teachers. There is also a complete Victrola department and stock of records and also a repair department where none but expert workmen are employed. They likewise have the only piano moving business of the city and for forty-five years the house has enjoyed an enviable reputation for the extreme care which is displayed by its employes in moving pianos. The establishment of today bears little resemblance to that which was founded in 1865, the original stock of pianos numbering but four. Today the Loomis Temple of Music is the most complete house of the kind in Connecticut, occupying a store two hundred and ten by forty feet and repre- senting the world's leading manufacturers of pianos, piano players, and talking machines. They also have a complete stock of smaller musical instruments. One of the innovations of the house is its soundproof rooms for trying out Vietor and other records. These rooms are the size of ordinary living rooms and are tastefully arranged with suitable furniture and decorations. The prospective purchaser, therefore, has a chance to know exactly how the records will sound in his own home and is able to give his entire attention thereto undis- turbed by any unusual environment.

In December, 1909, Mr. Leichter was married to Miss Blanche U'llman, a daughter of Major Louis M. Ullman, mentioned elsewhere in this work. They now have one child, Carlyn, born in New Haven in 1911 and now attending a private school.

Mr. Leichter has membership in the Harmonie Club, the Racebrook Country Club and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He has membership in the Young Men's Re- publican Club, which is indicative of his political views. He belongs to the Connecticut Piano Dealers Association and was elected to its presidency for the year 1917. Those things which touch the general interests of society are matters of concern to him and his influence is always cast on the side of progress and improvement. His own career is indicative of this spirit. Starting out in life empty-handed, his is the splendid success of an honest man decply interested in the line of business in which he has engaged and holding at all times to the highest standards.

JAMES SHERMAN PITKIN.

Since the year 1649 the Pitkin family has been represented in Connecticut. The name appears on the roll of governors of the state and in connection with other public offices of honor and trust, and in relation to many events which figure prominently upon the pages of history. James Sherwood Pitkin, the father of James S. Pitkin, was born at East Hartford, Connecticut, and was engaged in the management of the real estate interests of the family for many years, wisely administering the trust so that at the time of his death he ranked with the capitalists of New Haven. He had made extensive investment in property on his own account which returned most substantial dividends, and thus he left his family in very comfortable financial circumstances when on the 11th of February, 1914, he was called to his final rest at the age of seventy years. His wife was born in New York city and was a daughter of Howard Sherman, of Whitneyville, Connecticut, and came of a family active in the colonization of the state. She was a lady of notable refinement and culture and occupied a prominent position in social circles. She passed away at the summer home of the family at Pine Orchard, Connecticut. in 1887. There were three children born of her marriage: William R., residing at 180 Livingston street; James S., of this review; and Lewis S., whose home is at 185 Edward street.

James S. Pitkin was born in New Haven, April 9, 1880, and was sent to Boston to school, where after completing his preparatory course he entered Harvard. He was gradu- ated on the completion of the academic course in 1903 and then entered the Massachusetts

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Institute of Technology, being graduated in 1906. His college days over, he returned to New Haven and became trustee of his father's estate, which he has most ably managed to the entire satisfaction of the other members of the family. In this connection he dis- plays marked business ability and enterprise, and in placing investments his sound judgment is brought into full play.

On the 19th of June, 1915, Mr. Pitkin was married to Miss Annie Lawrence De Forest, of New Haven, a daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Louis S. De Forest, her father being a well known and prominent physician and a representative of one of the leading families. Mr. Pitkin has membership in Trinity church and his political views are indicated in the fact that he be- longs to the Young Men's Republican Club. Something of the breadth of his interests is further manifest in the fact that he holds membership in the New Haven Colony Historical Society. He also belongs to the Graduates Club, the Yacht Club and the New Haven Country Club. The interests of his life are well balanced. making his a well rounded char- acter. Born of a prominent family. his life activities have been so directed that his course adds new laurels to an untarnished family name.

EDWARD WIER SMITH, M. D.

Dr. Edward Wler Smith, who for many years has been recognized as one of Meriden's prominent physicians, was born in this city, October 17, 1854. His parents, David and Fidelia (Parker) Smith, were both representatives of old American families which were well repre- sented in the Continental troops during the Revolutionary war. On the paternal side the ancestry is traced back to James Smith, one of three brothers who came from England to the Massachusetts colony in 1636. He and his wife, Johanna Smith, located in Taunton and became prominent residents of that place. His son, Nathaniel Smith, passed his entire life there and there occurred the birth of his son, also named Nathaniel. Nathaniel Smith, Jr., however, removed to Hartford and later to Litchfield, of which he was an early settler. He married Anna Hoskins and among their children was Jacob, who was a lieutenant in the Revolutionary army and died at Litchfield, April 14, 1807, at the age of sixty-nine years. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Lewis and among their children was David, who devoted his life to farming near Litchfield. He married Anna Bartholomew and to them were born ten children, of whom David was born April 6, 1822, in Litchfield. He there grew to manhood and in his youth learned the trade of a stonemason. Following his removal to Meriden in 1852 he engaged in business as a contractor and met with gratifying success in that connection. He was a strong republican in politics and his religious faith was indi- cated by his membership in the First Congregational church. He was also an active temper- ance worker. In 1848 he married Miss Fidelia Parker, a daughter of Daniel and Ruth (Hull) Parker, of Meriden. On the 22d of November, 1898, Mr. and Mrs. Smith celebrated their golden wedding and received the felicitations of their friends on their many years of happy wedded life. To them were born six children, namely: Nettie, the wife of Julius Augur, of Meriden; Frank D., also of that city; Edward Wier; Ella Isabel and Jennie S., both of whom are prominent in Susan Carrington Clark Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution; and Frances Eva, who was an artist of ability and whose demise on the 27th of October, 1898, was the occasion of much sincere regret and sorrow.

Edward W. Smith attended the public schools of Meriden, the Hopkins grammar school and Yale University, from which he was graduated in 1878. He began the study of medi- cine in that institution but after completing one year's course taught for a year in order to gain funds to complete his medical course. He then matriculated in the medical school of McGill University at Montreal, Canada, and received his professional degree in 1882. He at once returned to Meriden and opened an office and in a comparatively short time gained recognition as a conscientious and capable physician and surgeon. As the years have passed he has continued to enjoy the confidence both of the public and his professional brethren and has given much time to the study of the latest theories and practices in the medical field. In 1892 he took a course in the Post Graduate Medical College of New York and he belongs to the Connecticut State Medical Society, the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Medicine and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. In addition to

Edwid N. South

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his large private practice he is on the staff of the Meriden Hospital and is now a member of the state committee Medical Council of Defense.

Dr. Smith was married October 14, 1885, to Miss Helen B. Rice, a daughter of Oliver and Abbie C. (Caldwell) Rice, also of Meriden. To Dr. and Mrs. Smith have been born two children, Marion R., and David Parker, now a surgeon in the National Guard Army in France.

Dr. Smith is a republican in politics but has been entirely without ambition to hold office, realizing that his practice requires his undivided time and attention. He is a thirty- second degree Mason, a member of St. Elmo Commandery, No. 9, K. T., and Lafayette Con- sistory. He was quite prominent in athletics while in Yale and was a member of the varsity baseball team, playing in games with Harvard, Princeton and other leading schools. His life has been guided by the teachings of Christianity and he is an influential member of the First Congregational church. He has not only gained a high standing in his profession but he has also won the unqualified respect and the warm regard of those who have come in close contact with him.

HARRY C. KNIGHT.

Harry C. Knight. vice president and general manager of the Southern New England Telephone Company, has in his business career illustrated the principle that progress is a cumulative process and that where there is no advancement there has been no effort. With him, every day must mark off a full-faithed attempt to know more and to grow more, and the exercise of effort is keeping him alert. What he attempts, he accomplishes, and in the specific work in which he is engaged he recognizes the fact that continued development of efficiency of service means the continued success of the organization. Mr. Knight has been with the company since 1902 and in the intervening years has contributed in large measure to its development and success.

A lifelong resident of New England, he was born in Pittston, Maine, on the 2d of November, 1876, and his education was completed by a four years' course in Bowdoin College, from which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1898. He afterward took up the profession of teaching, which he followed until called to active connection with the Southern New England Telephone Company. He was proffered the position of general canvassing agent, which he accepted, starting as the sole member of his department. To his new position he brought the quality of indefatigable industry and the habit of hard think- ing, which always results in easier ways. With his appointment he began to study the business with possibilities of extending the activities under his control. Under his direction, sales work as a definite feature of the business was developed to the extent indicated by the growth of the business since that day. He learned everything possible about the tele- phone business, its management and control, and he made good in his position. On the 2d of May, 1910, when the contract department was merged with the new commercial depart- ment, he was advanced to the position of commercial superintendent, in charge of the general business and public relations of the company. He thoroughly organized the com- mercial department, converting it into a smooth running and effective organization, re- sponsible for the development of the company's revenue and, to a considerable extent, for its good standing with the public. Talent and ability will eventually reap their just reward, as the record of Mr. Knight proves. On the 1st of January, 1914, he was made an officer of the company, being elected assistant secretary and assistant treasurer, the duties of which he assumed in addition to those of commercial superintendent. In January, 1916, he was elected a director of the company and in February, 1917, he was chosen vice president and general manager.

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A modern history of New Haven and eastern New Haven County, Vol. II, Part 29

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