USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > New Haven > A modern history of New Haven and eastern New Haven County, Vol. II > Part 76
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BENJAMIN RICE ENGLISH.
Benjamin Rice English, who figured prominently in financial and commercial circles in New Haven and was also honored for his activity in those fields where effort results in higher ideals of citizenship and broader lines of thought, was born February 26, 1842, and passed away December 4, 1915, having spent his entire life in New Haven. His parents were Henry and Grace E (Fowler) English, who provided him with liberal educational privileges, his pre- liminary training, received in private schools, being supplemented by study in General Rus- sell's Collegiate and Commercial Institute. In 1856 he secured a clerkship in a dry goods store but after two years became assistant superintendent of the New Haven Clock Company in 1858. There he remained for three years, when he entered into a partnership in the retail lumber business as a member of the firm of Tuttle & English, so continuing from 1861 until 1878. He then became actively interested in real estate, being made trustee of many large holdings, and from time to time his business connections broadened until he figured most prom- inently in commercial and financial circles. He was the vice president of the First National
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Bank, a trustee of the Connecticut Savings Bank, vice president of the New Haven Trust Company and a director of the New Haven Sawmill Company.
In 1866 Mr. English was united in marriage to Miss Teresa H. Farren, a native of Fair- haven, and they became the parents of three children, one of whom, Benjamin F., was asso. ciated with his father in business, and he and the mother still survive the death of Benjamin Rice English.
Mr. English was identified with many public interests of his city. He joined the Chamber of Commerce in 1882 and from 1885 until 1889 he was postmaster of New Haven. He served for seven years as fire commissioner, as selectman for one year and as a director of the public library for eight years. He was also a director of the New Haven Colony Historical Society. He was always deeply interested in military affairs, especially the New Haven Grays, in which at one time he held membership. He was a communicant of St. Paul's Episcopal church, belonging to the Club of the Diocese of Connecticut and was a trustee of the Bishop's Fund of Aged and Infirm Clergy and treasurer of the Clergymen's Retiring Fund. In a word, his interest centered in those channels through which the greatest good flows to the greatest number, and he stood at all times for progress and improvement along the lines of material, intellectual, cultural and moral development.
ROCCO ALFREDO D'AVINO.
Rocco Alfredo D'Avino, senior partner in the firm of D'Avino & Marchetti, architects and civil engineers at New Haven, has developed a business which in extent covers the entire state of Connecticut. His record is indeed notable and should serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others. Born in Italy on the 16th of April, 1882, he is a son of Carmene and Carmela D'Avino, the former deceased, while the latter is still living. He pursued his early education in public and preparatory schools in Italy and in 1898, at the age of sixteen years, crossed the Atlantic to America. He became a resident of New Haven in 1900 and for one year was employed in Sargent's factory. He afterward spent two years with the New Haven Clock company and two years with the Winchester Arms Company. Later he was oc- cupied in various ways, accepting any employment which would yield him an honorable living, and during this period he spent all the time and money he could in going to night school. He recognized the value of an education as a preparation for life's practical and responsible duties and utilized every opportunity to continue his study. He took a course in the Sheffield Scientific School and there he mastered his profession. He became a special student in Yale and gained accurate and comprehensive knowledge of civil engineering. He first opened an office in 1908 and now has a branch office managed by his partner. He came to the United States without money or friends and is now at the head of an extensive busi- ness. The firm specializes in reinforced concrete work in apartments and residences, also in factory and mill construction. Much of their work is scattered over various points in Con- necticut and nearby places. They now have under contract twenty-five apartments and three stores for B. Cohen, of New Haven, twelve apartments for A. L. Watkins, of New Haven, six- teen apartments for John Chiota, of Bridgeport, sixteen apartments and four stores for Dr. Cipolla, of New Haven, fourteen apartments for A. Baron, of Derby, Connecticut, twelve apartments for Charles Smith, of Shelton, Connecticut, two business blocks for K. Lorea, of Ansonia, a bakery and business building for the New Haven Bread Company, two theatre buildings, one for O. A. Carino, of New Haven, and the other for Fay Brothers, of New Ilaven, residences for D. V. Bannert, of New Haven, and William Strouse, of this city, the Italian Episcopalian church at New Castle, Pennsylvania, and the Hungarian clubhouse at New Haven. During his active business career in New Haven as a contractor, architect and civil engineer Mr. D'Avino has executed over one thousand separate jobs and has had work amounting to four hundred thousand dollars under construction in Hartford alone during 1917, where a branch office is maintained. He has reached a position among the most prom- inent architects and civil engineers of New England and his standing is the result of per- sonal effort intelligently directed.
On the 25th of October, 1911, Mr. D'Avino was married to Miss Margherita Helen Mar- chetti. They are members of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church and Mr. D'Avino gives his
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political allegiance to the republican party, having long since become a naturalized American citizen. He also belongs to the Reserves of the Connecticut National Guard. Actuated by laudable ambition and stimulated by unfaltering purpose and determination, he has steadily worked his way upward until he occupies a most ereditable and enviable position in business circles, being thoroughly conversant not only with every practical phase but also with all the scientific principles that underlie his work.
WILLIAM J. BARRETT, M. D.
Dr. William J. Barrett, a graduate of the Maryland Medical College of the class of 1904, has since engaged in active practice in New Haven. He was born in Newburgh, New York, February 21, 1876, a son of James S. and Evelyn (Shirley) Barrett, both of whom were natives of Newburgh, where the family has been represented for many generations. In the paternal line Dr. Barrett comes of Revolutionary war ancestry. His father and mother were reared and educated in Newburgh, were there married and afterward the father became a well known and successful merchant of that place, continuing in business up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1908, when he was sixty-one years of age. At the time of the Civil war he put aside all business cares and personal considerations and responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting as a member of the One Hun- dred and Twenty-fourth New York Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded at the battle of Chancellorsville but afterward returned to the front and remained with his command until the close of hostilities, when he was honorably discharged, returning to his home with a most creditable military record. His widow survives and now makes her home in New Haven with her son, Dr. Barrett, at the age of sixty-one years.
William J. Barrett was an only child. He attended the public schools of his native city and also the Newburgh Academy, after which he entered the New York College of Pharmacy and was graduated therefrom with the class of 1898. For a short time there- after he engaged in the drug business and this awakened his interest in the medical pro- fession, so he began preparation for active practice as a student in the Maryland Medical College of Baltimore, from which he was graduated in 1904, his M. D. degree being at that time conferred upon him. Immediately afterward he came to New Haven, where he has since built up a large practice. His success has been notable and his ability is recognized by the publie as well as by his contemporaries and colleagues in professional circles.
In October, 1907, Dr. Barrett was united in marriage to Mrs. Anna Fairchild and they have one stepdaughter, Florence I. Fairchild, who was horn in New Haven. Dr. Barrett belongs to several fraternal organizations. He has attained the Knight Templar degree in Masonry, is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and also with the Knights of Pythias. Along strictly professional lines his association is with the New Haven, New Haven County and Connecticut State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association. That he made wise choice of a profession is indicated by the suc- cess that has come to him. for he has so directed his labors that his knowledge and effi- ciency have been greatly increased and he finds ready, accurate and correct solutions for the many intricate problems that are continually confronting the physician.
RICHARD L. CARTER.
Richard L. Carter, proprietor of the Typewriter Exchange at No. 944 Chapel street in New Haven, bis native city, was born October 19, 1878, his parents being James F. and Elizabeth C'arter, who came to New Haven in 1847. Both were natives of Ireland and both have passed away. They had a family of nine children, eight of whom lived to adult age, and all now liv- ing except John T., who died aged thirty-nine. . The two brothers and four sisters, now living, of Richard L. Carter are: James F .; Joseph; Anna; Helen, who is the wife of John Brady ; Catherine; and Elizabeth. All were educated in the schools of New Haven.
Richard L. Carter aequired his education in the public schools and in the Hillhouse high
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school, where he completed his course by graduation with the class of 1897. He first clerked in a shoe store, where he was employed for a year, and afterward worked for the Sargent Company for two years. Later he filled a position with the New York, New Haven & Hart- ford Railroad Company for three years and afterward spent five years with the Winchester Arms Company. His connection with the typewriter trade dates from 1907, when he entered the employ of the L. C. Smith Typewriter Company, managing an exchange for that company in New Haven for two years. On the expiration of that period, or in 1909. he purchased the exchange, which he has since conducted. He handles the L. C. Smith & Brother typewriters, the Corona typewriters, made by the Corona Company, and the Commercial Duplicator, made by the Commercial Duplicator Company. He also carries a full line of office and typewriter supplies and specialties and has developed a business of considerable extent, his trade bringing him a gratifying annual income. When he started in business on his own account he had a very limited capital and did all of the work himself but now he employs five people.
On the 5th of October, 1909, Mr. Carter was united in marriage to Miss Mary Campbell, of New Haven, and they have one child, Margaret, who was born in 1911. She attended kin- dergarten and is now a pupil in the public schools.
Mr. and Mrs. Carter belong to St. Brendan's Roman Catholic church and he is identified with the Knights of Columbus and with the Knights of Columbus Club. He is also a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Club, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and also the chamber of commerce. His political allegianee is given to the democratic party. There have been no unusual or spectacular chapters in his life record, his time and attention being given to his business interests, and his persisteney of purpose has been a basic element in his growing success.
CHARLES F. CUNO.
Charles F. Cuno. the president of the Cuno Engineering Corporation of Meriden, is en- titled to the honor given a self-made man, for the gratifying measure of success which he has gained is the direct result of his own industry and good management.
He was born in Berlin, Germany, February 3, 1863, a son of Charles and Ernestina Cuno, both deceased. After completing a public school course he entered a polytechnic sehool, from which he was graduated in 1879. The following two years were spent in experimental work in the physics' laboratory but in the fall of 1881 he emigrated to America. He made his way at once to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and there secured work at a mechanical trade at a wage of one dollar per day. It was necessary that he earn some money immediately and as he had no influential friends to secure him a position for which he was fitted by his educa- tion he accepted the work available. Ile proved very efficient and carefully saved his money with the result that in a short time he was the owner of a machine shop, in which he did a great deal of experimental work. Later he turned his attention to electrical engineering and in 1887 he became superintendent of the railway company at Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, in which connection he built an electric railway from that point to Milwaukee. After three and a half years spent with that company he became general manager of the electric light plant and waterworks at Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, where he remained for ten years, during which time he installed a new and up-to-date water system. He next entered the electrical construction field and built a large number of isolated lighting plants for prominent people, including Montgomery Ward & Company, Henry Shnfeldt, E. C. Simmons, George Bullen and L. C. Merrick. He also constructed the plant for the Oconomowoc Sanitarium, which was quite a large contract as the grounds cover eighty acres. In 1907 Mr. Cuno came to Meriden as chief engineer and designing engineer of the Connecticut Telephone & Electric Company, with which concern he remained for six years. Since that time he has been in business on his own account under the name of the Chno Engineering Corporation. his son being associated with him in the business. At first only one employe was needed but the trade has in- creased to such an extent that there are now thirty employes. The company manufactures. under patents owned by Mr. Cuno. a variety of high grade automobile accessories, including dash lights, tonneau lights and also other articles of wide use, such as timers for gas engines and cigar lighters. The annual business of the company has now passed the one hundred
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thousand dollar mark and is steadily growing as the goods manufactured have gained an en- viable reputation for excellence and as customers once gained are usually retained.
In 1882 Mr. Cuno was married in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Miss Amelia Schimelpfennig, by whom he has a son, Charles H., who married Mildred Wood, a daughter of F. L. Wood, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
Mr. Cuno gives his political allegiance to the republican party but has never had the time nor inclination to seek office. He belongs to the Colonial Club and to the Modern Woodmen of America and in religious faith he is a Congregationalist. Since his arrival in Meriden a decade ago he has gained a highly creditable place in business circles and has won many warm friends, who hold him in high regard.
CAPTAIN CHARLES GRISWOLD.
Captain Charles Griswold, prominent and honored in banking circles, where his marked ability has been manifest through almost a third of a century and who from 1889 until 1893 was banking commissioner of the state of Connecticut, is now treasurer of the Guilford Trust Company and of the Guilford Savings Bank and of both institutions is general manager.
The name of Griswold has figured prominently on the pages of Connecticut's history from an early pioneer epoch in the colonization of the state. His ancestral line is traced back through seven generations to Michael Griswold, who was one of the first settlers of Wethersfield, and prior to that time representatives of the name figured prominently in con- nection with English history. In 1600 the Malvern estate came into possession of Humphrey Griswold and the heritage still remains with the English branch of the family. Matthew Gris- wold, Esy., of Kenilworth, Warwickshire, England, was an uncle of Humphrey Griswold and had a family of three sons, Thomas, Edward and Matthew. The last named, who was the youngest, became the first representative of the Griswold family on the soil of the new world. While yet quite young he joined a company of pilgrims, collected from Warwick- shire, Worcestershire, Somersetshire and Devonshire, under the leadership of the Rev. John Wareham, who left England during the reign of Charles I and arrived in Massachusetts, December 20, 1630. Nine years later Matthew Griswold was joined by his brother Edward and they removed from Massachusetts to Connecticut, the latter settling at Windsor, while Matthew Griswold took up his abode in Saybrook. In the year 1645 Michael Griswold came from England and established his home at Wethersfield, Connecticut. He was born in 1610 and his descendants have become numerous and prominent. He purchased land and erected thereon a fine home, being a mason by trade. He passed away September 26, 1684. To him and his wife, Ann Griswold, were born eight children, including Thomas Griswold, who was born in Wethersfield, Connecticut, October 22, 1646. He was married November 28, 1672, and to him and his wife, Mary, were born five children, the eldest of whom was Thomas Griswold II, whose birth occurred in Wethersfield, June 11, 1674. In 1695, when twenty-one years of age, he removed to Guilford, being the first representative of the family in that city, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring October 19, 1729. On the 9th of May, 1697, he had married Sarah Bradley, who was born in Guilford, October 17. 1676, her parents being Stephen and Hannah (Smith) Bradley. The family of Thomas and Sarah ( Bradley) Gris- wold numbered six children, the third in order of birth being Thomas Griswold, who was born at Guilford, March 26, 1708. On the 17th of February, 1735, he wedded Ann Graves, who was born April 12, 1715, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Stevens) Graves, of Guilford. Her death occurred May 29, 1801. There were four children of that marriage, the second being Thomas, who was born September 1, 1737, in Guilford, and became the great-grand- father of Captain Charles Griswold of this review. It is said that he served as a private in the Revolutionary war and his death occurred January 7, 1821. On the 17th of December, 1761, he married Hannah Crittenden, who was horn August 22, 1740, a daughter of Joseph and Lucy (Spencer) Crittenden. Her death occurred March 31, 1816. Their family included Joel Griswold, who was born in Guilford, December 6, 1764, and his life record covering the intervening years until July 19, 1835. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Lucy Lee, was horn July 8, 1770, and was a daughter of Captain Samuel and Agnes Lee. Her death occurred March 24, 1854.
Chas. Griswold
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Joel Griswold, the eldest child of Joel and Lucy (Lee) Griswold, was born in Guilford, February 27, 1796, and on the 5th of January. 1820, he married Sally Bartlett, who was born November 20, 1801, a daughter of Noah and Sally (Judson) Bartlett and a granddaughter of Joseph and Sarah (Crittenden) Bartlett. She passed away November 14, 1876, while MIr. Griswold died August 29, 1879. He was an extensive landowner, who devoted many years to farming and for a number of years in early manhood he also engaged in teaching. All who knew him esteemed and honored him and his advice and counsel were often sought by his friends and neighbors, while on frequent occasions he was called upon to act as guardian to orphaned children or to administer estates. He voted with the whig party until its disso- Iution and afterward joined the ranks of the new republican party. He was called upon to fill various public offices and during the Civil war he was an active supporter of the Union cause, his advanced age alone preventing his enlistment for active service at the front. However, he gave three of his sons to the Union cause and lived to see all of them return after active duty in defense of the stars and stripes.
His youngest son was Captain Charles Griswohl whose name introduces this record and who was born in Guilford. July 26, 1841. The days of his boyhood and youth were spent in his native town but at the time of the Civil war he left home. soon after he had attained his majority, enlisting on the 5th of August. 1862. a- a private of Company E. Fifteenth Con- necticut Volunteer Infantry. He was advanced to the rank of sergeant and was later trans- ferred to the Twenty-ninth Connecticut Regiment, where he was made captain of Company B. He was on active duty in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland. South Carolina and Texas and when in Texas was with his command stationed along the Rio Grande river to enforce the Monroe Doctrine. He participated in the battle of Fredericksburg, in the siege of Rich- mond and in many other important engagements and at Richmond he lost twenty-two of his men in killed and wounded. Among the men with his command was General Shafter, who won fame in the Spanish-American war, and General Lawton. Captain Griswold was honorably discharged October 24. 1865, and mustered out of the service, returning to his home with a most creditable and honorable military record.
On again becoming a resident of Guilford, Captain Griswold entered its business vireles and has since been an active factor in the development of its commercial and financial inter- ests. In 1875 he became one of the organizers of the Guilford Savings Bank and was elected its treasurer in 1880, acting in that capacity until 1889. when he was appointed bank com- missioner of the state of Connectient and entered upon a four years' term in that position. His course was marked by the utmost fidelity to duty and by notable capability in the dis- charge of the tasks which devolved upon him in that connection. In 1900 he became one of the organizers of the Guilford National Bank, of which he was made cashier, and which in 1913 was reorganized under the name of the Guilford Trust Company, of which he became treasurer. He also continues as treasurer of the Guilford Savings Bank and is general man- ager of both institutions. The Guilford Trust Company has recently erected a fine modern bank building and both are among the strong financial concerns of New Haven county. Captain Griswold also displays much skill in survey work, of which he has done considerable in Guilford and neighboring towns. His father was a mathematician and intended to educate his sons for the business of civil engineering and thus he gained a knowledge that has enabled him to do excellent survey work. In all that he undertakes Captain Griswold has been very methodical and systematie, and his annual reports while he was bank commissioner were prepared with great care and were published in a volume of three hundred pages. During that time he traveled over twenty thousand miles, visiting many states. That he is a man of the highest reliability is indicated in the fact that, like his father. he has frequently been chosen as guardian of children and as administrator of estates.
On the 18th of February, 1864. Captain Griswold was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Griswold, who was born March 13, 1841, a daughter of Russell B. and Mary (Jones) Gris- wold, of Gnilford. They became the parents of two children: Anna L., who was born October 4, 1866, and is the wife of Rev. Edmund M. Vittum. D. D .: and Alfred Russell, who was born June 17, 1868, and has for a long period been his father's associate in business. He married Maude D. Dunkelberger of Indiana and to this union were born three children. Paul Malvern, Charles Russell and Annie Elizabeth, the two sons being with the United States army in France.
In community affairs Captain Griswold has taken a very deep and helpful interest. and Vol. II-28
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his aid and influence are ever given in behalf of those activities which are a matter of civic virtue and of civic pride. He has long been an earnest worker in the ranks of the republican party and has been called upon to serve in various positions of honor and trust. For more than two decades he was school visitor and has long been president of the school board of Guilford. He has likewise served as justice of the peace and his opinions, strictly fair and impartial, have "won him golden opinions from all sorts of people." In 1887 he became a member of the Connecticut general assembly, where he was made chairman of the committee on mannfactures and a member of the committee on engrossed bills. He was also at one time a trustee of the Guilford Institute and he has long been a loyal member of the Congre- gational church. He belongs to the Loyal Legion of New York, to the Sons of the American Revolution and to the Army and Navy Chib. He is also an honored member of Parmelee Post, G. A. R .. of which he was the first commander, and from 1915 until 1916 he was department commander of Connecticut. The annual reunion of the state was held in Guilford in 1916 and was reported "as the most enjoyable ever held." His wife has been president of the Woman's Relief Corps, the auxiliary of Parmelee Post, and is now its vice president. In Feb- ruary, 1914, this worthy couple celebrated their golden wedding in Guilford, having for a half century traveled life's journey happily together.
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