USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > New Haven > A modern history of New Haven and eastern New Haven County, Vol. II > Part 92
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114
742
A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN
operation. They sell principally to the wholesale trade but also condnet a retail store, which is attractively arranged, while the quality of the produet ensures a ready sale.
On the 16th of April, 1916, Mr. Heeklinger was united in marriage to Miss Helena Wilhelmy, a native of Germany. He belongs to the Lutheran church and in politics main- tains an independent eourse but is a naturalized American citizen, having secured his papers in September, 1914. He belongs to the Master Bakers Association, largely eoncen- trating his efforts and attention upon the business in which he embarked as a young trades- man. In fact he has always continued along this line and his experience has been a souree of growing success. He has elosely studied the trade, the demands of the public, the market and everything relative to his business, and his efforts and energy have carried him steadily forward until he is now in active control of a leading establishment of this character, from which he is deriving a substantial annual income.
MAURICE CLINTON CHASE.
Maurice Clinton Chase, a contractor of South Meriden, was born in Warner, New Hampshire, April 12, 1882, a son of Alonzo and Kate E. (Colby) Chase. The latter passed away when thirty-nine years of age. She had become the mother of seven sons and a daughter, the brothers and sister of Maurice C. Chase being: Herbert Scott, now a resident of Walden, New Hampshire; Will E., living in Plymouth, New Hampshire; George M., whose home is in Meriden, Connecticut; Marl D., of Hopkins, New Hampshire; Frank M., also of Meriden; James M., who is in Cheshire, Connecticut; and Mrs. Jennie Clara Shaw.
Maurice Clinton Chase was a pupil in the public school between the ages of six and twelve years, but at that time put aside his text books to earn his own living and began work on the farm. He next took up butter making in a creamery and subsequently was employed in a gristmill. In November, 1898, he first arrived in Meriden but beeame ill and after a little time returned to New Hampshire. Later he again made his way to Meriden and for a time was employed in a steam sawmill. He next took up earpenter work in the employ of F. I. Baker, with whom he remained for eleven years, aequainting himself with the business in principle and detail. In 1911 he began contraeting on his own account and has since made steady progress. Through the intervening period of six years he has ereeted twenty-eight residences, three factories and more than thirty buildings of a mis- cellaneons character, including a church. He employs twenty men during the busy season and is today one of the successful contractors of South Meriden.
On the 25th of April, 1906, Mr. Chase was married to Miss Daisy Estelle Neal, of South Meriden, and they have become parents of three children, Lauren, Maurice C., and Alonzo L. Mr. Chase is a member of the Seventh Day Adventist church and is also pres- ident and recording seeretary of the men's bible class of the Methodist Episcopal church at South Meriden. He is a prohibitionist in national polities but at local elections casts his vote with the republican party. He has, at all points in his career, been actuated by a laudable ambition, and after beginning work he attended pay schools through two win- ter terms in order to more thoroughly acquaint himself with branches of learning that would be of assistanee to him in his business eareer. lle has steadily worked upward, step by step, and as the architect of his own fortunes has builded wisely and well.
JOSEPH F. CHAPMAN.
Joseph F. Chapman, well known in business eireles of West Ilaven as a boat builder and also as a building contractor, was born in Westbrook, Connectient, March 24, 1882, a son of Charles E. and Ella (Dee) Chapman, who were also natives of this state. The father in early life was well known along the Sound in connection with the fishing industry, carrying on business in that way for many years. He afterward purchased a splendid farm near Westbrook, Connecticut, and during the later period of his life was engaged in agricultural pursuits. He died in Westbrook, Connecticut, in 1916 at the age of sixty-
743
AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY
three years and his widow died August 13, 1917. In their family were five sons and four daughters, namely: George, Alice, Joseph F., Raymond, Amy, Charles, Robert, Wilda and Ruth.
Joseph F. Chapman devoted his life to the acquirement of an education in the schools of Westbrook and in the high school at Saybrook, Connecticut, and after leaving school he was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, at which he served for a full term and be- came a very efficient workman. He took up shipbuilding and after being employed for fifteen consecutive years in carpentering and in shipbuilding, during which time he gained much valuable experience, he determined to embark in business on his own account. Be- fore tbis, however, in 1912, he came to West Haven, where he worked for three years, and then in April, 1916, he established a shipbuilding yard on West River street just off the Kimberly avenue bridge and here he has erected suitable waterways and secured the necessary equipment for the construction of pleasure boats, yachts and other craft. He is thoroughly familiar with every branch of shipbuilding and since starting out on his own account has built a number of extraordinarily fine yachts, while in his yards at the present time he has a large number of yachts and other craft which he is overhaul- ing and repairing. His business has reached very gratifying proportions, his ability ensuring him a continuance of a liberal patronage. Mr. Chapman is also extensively engaged in contract work in the erection of residences in West Haven and in New Haven and has taken a very active part in building operations in this section of the county. His business along both lines has grown from a small beginning to large proportions. He possesses expert mechanical skill and ability and is thus able to intelligently direct the labors of those whom he employs. Moreover, in all business transactions he is regarded as thoroughly reliable as well as energetic and progressive and thus he merits the liberal sup- port which is given him.
On the 7th of April, 1903, Mr. Chapman was united in marriage to Miss Mildred Allen, of Westbrook, Connecticut, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Allen, well known and representative people of Westbrook. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman have one child, Fern Ella, who was born in 1905 in Westbrook and is now attending school in West Haven.
In politics Mr. Chapman maintains an independent course but stands for all that is progressive in citizenship and is one of the representative residents of West Haven, thor- oughly reliable and energetic in business and commanding the respect of all with whom he comes in contact.
WILLIAM L. PANIKOFF:
William L. Panikoff, a diamond setter and manufacturing jeweler of New Haven, was born May 15, 1873, a son of Simon and Sophia (Persoff) Panikoff, who came to America in early life, establishing their home in New Haven, where the father has since en- gaged in the jewelry business, ranking among the leading jewelers of the city. In their fam- ily were four daughters and one son, namely: Mrs. Dora Cohen, a resident of New Haven; William L., Mrs. Harry Gillespie and Miss Nettie Panikoff, all of New Haven; and Mrs. Anna Horvitz, of Brooklyn, New York.
William L. Panikoff attended the schools of New Haven and after completing his education was employed in bench work at the jewelry trade in his father's establish- ment on State street. He received thorough instruction in every branch of the work and remained with his father for thirteen years, after which he embarked in business on his own account in 1899. During the intervening period, covering eighteen years, he has built up a business of extensive and gratifying proportions and is prominently known as a manufacturing jeweler, making a specialty of class and fraternity pin work. He has an enameling plant and also does diamond setting. His ontput in pins and his other pieces are most attractive in design and workmanship. Because of the excellence of his work and also because of his straightforward business methods and earnest desire to please his patrons he has built up a business that is most gratifying.
In 1900 Mr. Panikoff was united in marriage to Miss Sarah L. Bergin, a daughter of Morris and Katie Bergin. They have two children: Harriet S., who was born in New
744
A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN
Haven in 1902 and is attending high school; and Herbert I., who was born in 1907 and is a pupil in the graded schools.
In his political views Mr. Panikoff maintains an independent course, voting according to the dictates of his judgment. He is well known in Masonic circles, belonging to Hiram Lodge, F. & A. M .; Pulaski Chapter, R. A. M .; and to Crawford Council, R. & S. M. He is also connected with Hejaz Grotto and with Columbus Lodge. His life exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the Masonie fraternity and he is ever loyal to the teachings of that organization, which is based upon a recognition of the brotherhood of mankind. In bis business career he has made steady progress and New Haven ranks him among her rep- resentative manufacturing merchants. He has built up interests of importance, contributing to the commercial development of his city, and deserves credit for what he has accomplished.
JOHN H. HANRAHAN.
There are those who argue that success is the result of genius or the outcome of for- tunate circumstances, but the life record of many successful men proves the contrary, in- dicating that business advancement is the direet outcome of earnest, persistent labor, in- telligently directed.
John H. Hanrahan is one of the self-made men of New Haven county and has made for himself a creditable position in business eireles in Guilford, where he is the owner of "an extensive blacksmithing establishment, his success in that particular enabling him to invest quite largely in real estate, so that his holdings are now most substantial. He was born in Ottawa, Canada, April 7, 1863, a son of Bernard and Mary (McKnight) Hanrahan, who were also natives of that country. The father followed the occupation of farming near Ottawa and after the Civil war he and his family removed to Oswego county, New York, where he successfully carried on general agricultural pursuits until he met an ac- cidental death as the result of his team running away. His wife and family continued to live upon the farm for several years after his demise but eventually Mrs. Hanrahan removed to Utica. New York, where she is now living with a son.
Jolin H. Hanrahan acquired his education in the district schools of Oswego county, New York, and throughout the period of his youth worked upon the home farm. In young manhood he was employed in the coal mines at Clinton, New York, and later in the Pennsylvania oil fields near Bradford. He also worked for two years in the coal mines at Antrop, Pennsylvania, and as an employe became connected with the timber business in the himber woods of Pennsylvania and in the Adirondack moun- tains of New York. For a time he also engaged in railroading and later took up the black- smith's trade at Trenton. New York. He did blacksmithing on the Adirondack & St. Law- rence Railroad in the state of New York and in 1892 came to Connecticut, where he followed his trade in connection with the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, which was then putting in a double track. When that work was completed he went to Leete's Island in 1893 and there he engaged in carpentering nntil 1900, when he removed to Guilford, where be purchased a small blacksmith shop. upon which he made a payment of one hundred dollars. He then began conducting a general blacksmithing and horseshoeing business and sneh was his success that he was soon able to clear his place of all indebtedness. He possesses expert knowledge and skill in blacksmithing and in horseshoeing and his excellent work soon brought him a very liberal patronage. Because of the increase in his business he purchased a corner lot at Boston and Graves streets, east of the Green in Guilford, and built thereon a fine modern shop thoroughly equipped to handle all branches of blacksmith- ing and horseshoeing. His patronage is now very extensive and gratifying and has come to him in recognition of his marked efficiency and skill in his chosen line of labor. He has prospered as the years have passed and he now owns not only his shop and an attractive residence in Guilford but also seven or eight other pieces of real estate, adding to his prop- erty holdings as his earnings would permit. He has never sold any of the real estate that he has purchased and is today one of the largest taxpayers of the town of Guilford.
On the 14th of February, 1899, in Guilford, Mr. Hanrahan was united in marriage to Miss Mary Hannigan, who was born in New York city and was reared in New York. in
JOHN H. HANRAHAN
747
AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY
New London, Connecticut, and in Leete's Island. She is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Han- nigan, who were natives of Ireland, and her father became superintendent of a granite quarry on Leete's Island. To Mr. and Mrs. Hanrahan have been born two children, Alice Beresford and Lucia Thornton.
The family are communicants of St. George's Roman Catholic church and Mr. Hanrahan holds membership with the Modern Woodmen of America. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and for six years he was a burgess of the borough of Guilford and a member of the board of relief. He has always been loyal and efficient in the discharge of his publie duties and is in thorough sympathy with every plan and movement for the upbuilding of the community in which he resides. As the architect of his own fortunes he has builded wisely and well and his record should serve to inspire and encourage others.
WILLIAM J. COUGHLAN.
William J. Coughlan, a successful druggist of West Haven, was born in New Haven on the 11th of August, 1881, a son of William and Mary (Hanrahan) Coughlan, both of whom were natives of Ireland but came to America in early life. They settled in New Haven, where the father followed the trade of a brick and stone mason, continuing aetive along that line to the time of his death, which occurred in 1893. His widow is still a resident of West Haven.
William J. Coughlan, who was one of their family of eight children, attended the schools of New Haven in his boyhood days and eventually entered the high school. When his educa- tion was completed he started out in business life as an apprentice in a drug store, working for others in New Haven and in Branford. Wallingford and Derby. Hle thus gained wide expe- rience, having ample opportunity to learn the business in principle and detail. In March, 1912, ยท
he decided to embark in business on his own account and established a small drug store in West Haven, at first more as an experiment. His modern business methods, however, his courteous treatment of his patrons, his reliable dealings and his elose application won him an ever increasing trade which has necessitated the enlargement of his stock from time to time. He now carries a very complete line of drugs and druggists' sundries and his business has grown to extensive proportions. In fact, it may be truthfully said that he commands a large trade in the drug line in West Haven and is well known as a most popular merchant. He is also the vice president of the New Haven Publishing Company and his business affairs have thus been wisely and successfully conducted, bringing him substantial success.
On the 17th of January, 1914, Mr. Coughlan was united in marriage to Miss Elvira Tracy, of New Haven, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Tracy, and they have one child, William J., who was born in West Haven in 1915. Mr. Coughlan belongs to the West Haven Chamber of Commerce and is interested in everything pertaining to the betterment of the place, eooperat- ing actively in many well defined movements for the general good. He belongs to the Phoenix Club, has membership with the Knights of Columbus and in religions faith is a Roman Catholic. He is alert and energetic and manifests the same spirit of progressiveness in connection with public affairs that has characterized his business carrer.
WILLIAM HI. WOOD.
William H. Wood is one of the enterprising merchants of Highwood, where he is engaged in the drug trade, having a large and well appointed store, in which he carries a select line of drugs and druggists' sundries. He was born in New Haven, April 12, 1878, a son of Enoch H. and Anna (Southall) Wood. The father, a native of Nova Scotia, spent his boyhood and youth in that country to the age of twenty years and there learned the blacksmith's trade, after which he removed to New Haven. He secured employment in the blacksmith shop of the New Haven Wheel Company and his ability was such that he was soon promoted to the position of superintendent of the blacksmithing department and continued in that position for many years. At length he retired and returned to Nova Scotia, where his last days were
748
A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN
passed. His wife was born in Birmingham, England, and in young womanhood came to America, settling in New Haven, where she was married. Her death occurred in 1915.
William H. Wood is indebted to the public schools of New Haven for the educational privileges which he enjoyed, passing through consecutive grades to the high school. His textbooks, however, were put aside when he reached the age of fourteen years that he might make his initial step in the business world. He became connected with the retail drug busi- ness in New Haven and in 1896 he saw an opportunity, as he believed, for the establishment of a successful drug business in Hamden. He therefore opened a drug store on Dixwell ave- nue in Highwood and built up a big business. In 1916 he, in partnership with his brother-in- law, Wm. H. Whitman, erected a fine large modern building at No. 812 Dixwell avenue in Highwood for his drug store and the Dixwell Theater. He installed modern equipment and everything necessary to the trade and is enjoying a very extensive and gratifying patronage.
In 1898 Mr. Wood was nnited in marriage to Miss Clara M. Beebe at New Haven, a native of that city, where she passed away, leaving two children, Hattie and Ruth. Mr. Wood after- ward married Miss Lillian Russell, of Orange, Connecticut, a daughter of Edward and Kittie (Bishop) Russell, who were natives of Orange.
In his political views Mr. Wood is a stalwart republican. For twelve years he served as a member of the school board and did everything in his power to advance the interests of education. In 1902 he was appointed postmaster of Highwood and when the Highwood post- office was discontinued, being made a branch of the New Haven postoffice, he was retained as superintendent of the Highwood branch. He belongs to Day Spring Lodge, No. 30, F. & A. M., of which he is a past master, having occupied the chair in 1902; also to Pulaski Chapter, R. A. M .; Crawford Council, R. & S. M .; and New Haven Commandery, K. T., and he is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias.
Mr. Wood belongs to the New llaven Druggists' Association, the State Pharmacy Asso- ciation and the National Association of Retail Druggists and he is regarded as one of the progressive business men of Highwood, who, starting out in a small way, developed a trade of extensive proportions, placing him with the leading merchants of his district. He is also a prominent figure in local political eireles and is widely and favorably known in his section of the county, his substantial qualities and marked characteristics well fitting him for the position of leadership to which he has attained.
WILLIAM H. UNMACK.
William H. Unmack, proprietor of a grocery and meat market at No. 202 Whalley av- enue, in New Haven, was born September 12, 1858, in Northampton. Massachusetts, a son of the late Frederick Unmack, a native of Hamburg, Germany, who came to America at the age of twenty-one years. He settled near Northampton, Massachusetts, where he successfully en- gaged in farming nntil 1865, when he removed to New Haven county, Connectient, where he resided until his death at the advanced age of eighty-four years. llis wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Kane, was born in England and came alone to the United States in young girlhood, settling first in New York city, where they were married. She passed away in 1898 at the age of eighty-two years.
William H. Unmack was the thirteenth in a family of fourteen children. The public schools of Wallingford afforded him his educational opportunities. His early life was spent upon the home farm and at the age of fifteen years he started out to earn his own living, being employed at farm labor and later engaging in agricultural pursuits on his own account until he reached the age of twenty-five years. He afterward served an apprenticeship in a meat market and in 1897 engaged in the conduct of a meat market on his own account at Olive and St. John streets in New Haven, there continuing until 1909, when he removed to No. 44 Whalley street. After six years, or in July, 1916, he erected his present building, where he is now permanently located and he has one of the leading meat markets and grocery stores in his section of the city. He is enjoying a large and growing trade and furnishes employ- ment to seven people. The building which he erected is a three story brick structure, a most creditable addition to the city. His business was incorporated in 1912 with Mr. Unmack as the president and treasurer and George Boyer as the secretary.
749
AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY
In Wallingford Mr. Unmack was married to Miss Mary Edwards, a native of Fhishing, Long Island, and a daughter of James and Mary (Reynolds) Edwards, the former deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Unmack have been born two children: Anna R., who is the wife of Philip Boekler, a prominent lumber dealer of St. Louis, Missouri; and F. A., who is associated with his father in business.
Mr. Unmack gives his political allegiance to the republican party, while fraternally he is a member of the Hiram Lodge, A. F. & A. M., the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His religious faith is evidenced in his membership in the Center Episcopal church and its teachings have been the guiding spirit in his life. He started out in the business world with a cash capital of eighty-five dollars and his success is due to his own efforts, his close application, his persistency of purpose and his sound judgment. He has ever endeavored to please his patrons and his progressive business methods have re- sulted in the establishment of one of the leading stores in his part of the city.
ADOLPH PERLROTH.
Adolph Perlroth is extensively engaged in the real estate business in New Haven, spe- cializing in the development of property. A native of Austria, he was but thirteen years of age when he crossed the Atlantic to the new world and is thoroughly American in spirit, interests and activities.
He was born July 1, 1882, a son of Jacob and Gustie Perlroth and attended public and preparatory schools in his native country. In 1895 he came to the United States, after which he spent three years in New York city, where he was employed in various ways, accepting any work that would yield him an honest living. In 1898 he removed to Middletown, Connecti- cut, and for four years was employed in a factory there, becoming in 1902 a resident of Sey- mour, Connecticut, where he spent four years in similar work. In 1906 he took up his abode in Wallingford, where he secured employment with the W. A. Ives Company, first in the fac- tory, while later he became special and direct representative of the company and as such traveled over the country from coast to coast, his work being largely of a confidential char- acter. With this concern he remained until 1910, when he came to New Haven and at once embarked in the real estate business. At first he maintained no business office, but after two years be installed himself in the Exchange building and today has extensive and well ap- pointed quarters there. He is one of the prominent real estate dealers of the city and has given his attention largely to the development of properties. He has promoted between five and six hundred homes in New Haven and vicinity and has done much toward the develop- ment of unimproved tracts, transforming unsightly vacancies into beautiful residence districts. In a tract of land which he recently developed, a street which was named Perlroth in his honor has been accepted by the city. He is the treasurer of the Intra Realty Company, holders of extensive real estate in Bridgeport, in addition to his important interests of this character in New Haven.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.