USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > New Haven > A modern history of New Haven and eastern New Haven County, Vol. II > Part 95
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George T. Birks, the eldest of the family, mastered the branches of learning taught in the public and high schools of Bridgeport and then started out in business life. Follow. ing the trend of his native talent for music, he engaged in piano teaching and organ playing, acting as organist in various churches. In 1900 he gave up his private classes and became connected with the Treat & Shepard Company, one of the old piano houses of New Haven, remaining with that firm for eight years. Ile then established his present business, opening a store at No. 150 Orange street, where he engaged in the sale of pianos, musical instruments and sheet music. He established his store on a comparatively small scale and from the beginning his patronage has steadily increased until he has one of the lead- ing piano houses of the city. He remained at No. 150 Orange street for about a year and a half, after which he removed to larger and better quarters in order to meet the increasing demands of his trade. He now has a most gratifying patronage which makes his business one of the profitable commercial enterprises of the city.
Mr. Birks has been married twice. He was married at Bridgeport to Miss Hattie Lonise Converse, a native of Massachusetts and a daughter of Frederick P. Converse. They became the parents of one son, Raymond, who was born at Bridgeport in 1894 and is associated with his father in business.
Mr. Birks exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of
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the republican party and fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Royal Arcanum. He also belongs to the First Congregational church of West Haven, of which he has been organist and choirmaster for the past decade. He is most prominently known in social and musical circles and his talent along musical lines has been a contributing factor to the pleasure of many social occasions. He has also displayed business ability that has enabled him to win rank with the representative mer- chants of the city and he enjoys a gratifying measure of prosperity.
JOHN SMITH TYLER.
John Smith Tyler, deceased, was a valued and honored citizen of New Haven county, making his home at East Haven, where for many years he was actively engaged in farming, to which he devoted his energies save when occupied by the duties of public office, to which he was frequently called by his fellow townsmen, who recognized his worth, ability and public-spirited citizenship.
Mr. Tyler was born December 2, 1834, in the house in which he practically spent his entire life and which was also the birthplace of his father, William Tyler, whose natal day was June 26, 1799. The Tyler family is decended from William Tyler, who took the oath of fidelity at New Haven, April 7, 1657. The family early became the possessors of the farm upon which John Smith Tyler spent his life and which has passed in its ownership from generation to generation and is now very valuable, a portion of it being situated in the center of the town. John Tyler, the grandfather of John Smith Tyler, was born at Branford and took up the occupation of shoemaking. He became a soldier of the Revolution- ary war. After residing in East Haven for a brief period he weded Mabel Bradley, who was also born on the farm that became the property of John Smith Tyler, her father, Simeon Bradley, having built the house about two hundred years ago. The death of Simeon Bradley occurred July 22, 1802, when he was seventy-one years of age, and his wife, Abigail, passed away May 18, 1810, at the age of sixty-eight. To Mr. and Mrs. John Tyler were born six children, the fifth in order of birth being William Tyler, who spent his entire life upon the old family homestead. He, too, hecame a shoemaker by trade and he was widely known as a useful and respected citizen. His entire life was actuated by his belief as a member of the Congregational church. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Julia A. Thompson, was born in 1799 and was a daughter of Abraham Thompson. Mr. and Mrs. William Tyler passed away at the ages of sixty-four and fifty-six years respectively. They had a family of two children. The daughter, Harriet A., who was born February 6, 1838, died when but fourteen years of age.
John Smith Tyler, rearer under the parental roof, early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. In his boyhood he attended the public schools and supplemented his early educational training by study in the select or academic institute at the town hall, which was conducted by Messrs. Potter and Wolcott. He never desired to change his occupation but remained a progressive agriculturist who wisely, carefully and successfully developed his fields. He and his wife became members of the Grange, in the work of which they took an active part.
It was on the 3d of June, 1866, that Mr. Tyler was united in marriage to Miss Jane Elizabeth Thompson, a daughter of Joseph and Sarah Lovisa Thompson, both of whom were natives of South End and were representatives of old Connecticut families. The former was a son of Abrabam and Mary (Smith) Thompson and a descendant of Anthony Thomp- son, who came from England and was one of the original signers of the colony constitution of New Haven in June, 1639. Mr. and Mrs. Tyler became parents of two children: William Joseph, who was born May 12, 1867, and died November 18, 1873; and John Alexis Dibble, who was born November 11, 1875, and died July 16, 1879.
The family circle was again broken by the hand of death when on the 4th of September, 1914, Mr. Tyler passed away, his demise heing the occasion of deep and widespread regret. He had long figured prominently in public affairs and was a stanch supporter of the principles of the republican party but did not hamper his acts by a narrow or bitter partisanship. He had warm friends among people of all political faiths, owing to his
JOHN S. TYLER
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gracious and pleasing manner, his cordial disposition and his spontaneous geniality. In 1886 he was called to the position of selectman, in which office he continued to serve until 1913 or for a period of twenty-seven years, when he refused to again become a candidate. During that period he was the first selectman for twenty-one years-a record which is perhaps unequalled by that of any other incumbent in the office in New England. In 1903 and again in 1905 he was chosen to represent his town in the state legislature and was chairman of the executive committee in both sessions. He was known among his colleagues in the general assembly as Uncle John, a term indicative of the honor and respect and the warm friendship which they entertained for him. He was interested in all movements for the betterment of his town and his commonwealth and was frequently called upon to speak on behalf of the interests of the town at public gatherings, being a fluent and forcible talker and one who was ever thoroughly informed upon the subjects which he discussed. It was due to his influence that the car line was extended from New Haven to Momauguin al.d also that the fare was reduced to five cents. He was closely associated with various other public projects which have been of the greatest benefit to the community and his aid and influence were ever on the side of improvement and advancement. He possesed a wonderful memory and took great pleasure in telling the younger generation of early days. He was one of the last survivors among the attendants of the little red schoolhouse on the Green. He was a lifelong attendant at the Old Stone church and his funeral services were conducted by the Rev. D. J. Clark of that church, interment being made in the family plot in the old cemetery. The East Haven Fire Company, of which he was a charter member, attended in a body. All the flags in East Haven were at half-mast, so great was the respect in which he was hell. He left the impress of his individuality for good upon the public life of the community with which he was so long identified. Perhaps the record of no public official extended over so great a period and none was more faultless in honor, fear- less in conduct or stainless in reputation.
DENNIS T. RYAN.
Dennis T. Ryan, formerly president of the Valley Farm Creamery, in which connection he developed a business of substantial proportions, is numbered among New Haven's native sons, born on the 12th of April, 1861, his parents being Timothy and Anna (Ryan) Ryan, who were natives of Ireland, the latter becoming a resident of New Haven when a little maiden of nine summers. In young manhood Timothy Ryan crossed the Atlantic and was married in Connecticut, establishing liis home in New Haven. After the outbreak of the Civil war he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting in September, 1861. with the Ninth Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, celebrated as the "Fighting Ninth." While at the front he was taken with fever and was sent to a hospital in New Orleans, where he passed away in December, 1861. He was a designer and painter and in that connection had been employed in a furniture establishment. His widow is still living and has reached the advanced age of eighty years. In the family were two children: T. J .. who is living in Westville, Connecticut; and Dennis T .. of this review.
The latter attended school in Westville and on starting ont in the business world be- came connected with the grocery trade, in which he continued until 1884. when, at the age of twenty-three years, he turned his attention to the creamery business, securing a minor position with the Hemingway Creamery Company. Gradually he worked his way upward, assuming added responsibilities from time to time as promotions eame to him. and in 1907 he was elected to the presidency of the company, which became known as the Valley Farm Creamery, and was in charge of the business until he retired from active business cares quite recently. He conducted both a wholesale and retail creamery business and the sales of the company reached a large ammal figure.
In April, 1884, Mr. Ryan was married to Miss Mary J. Hemingway, of New Haven. a daughter of Samuel and Amanda (White) Hemingway, the former the founder of the creamery company. The family is a very prominent one of New Haven. Mr. and Mrs. Ryan have one child, Agnes Devereaux. She was born in Westville in 1889 and is a graduate of the high school and of the Catholic Institute of New Haven.
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The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church, while in politics Mr. Ryan is an independent democrat. A self-made man, he started out in life empty-handed but early recognized the eternal principle that industry wins. Centuries ago the Greek sage Epicharmus said: "Earn thy reward; the gods give naught to sloth." This Mr. Ryan has done. Alert and energetic, he applied himself closely to business and through a third of a century's connection with the creamery trade gained a substantial place in business circtes and a competence which permits him to enjoy serenely and at leisure the fruits of his labors.
THE JUDD FAMILY.
Deacon Thomas Judd came from England in 1633 or 1634 and settled at Cambridge, Massachusetts. He removed to Hartford in 1636 and his name is seen on the founders' mon- ument there. About 1644 he removed to Farmington and was one of eighty-four original proprietors. For sixteen sessions he was deputy to the general court and he passed away at Northampton, Massachusetts, in 1688.
John Judd, of the second generation, was born in Hartford in 1640 and was representa- tive to the general court many times. He also served as a lieutenant in the French and Indian wars and died in Farmington in 1715.
Deacon Anthony Judd, of the third generation, was born in Farmington in 1686 and was one of "seven pillars" of the Kensington church. He, too, was many times representative to the general court.
John Judd, son of Deacon Anthony Judd, was born in 1718 and became one of the first settlers of New Britain, Connecticut. He served as a lieutenant in the local militia and held various civil offices. He also represented the Kensington church in the Ecclesiastical So. ciety at Farmington in 1752 and he passed away in 1781.
John Judd, son of John Judd (I), was born in New Britain in 1746 and died there in 1796
His son, Jolın Judd (III), was born in 1772, became a blacksmith by trade and later was actively identified with manufacturing interests in New Britain, where he died in 1822.
Deacon Morton Judd, son of John (III), was born in 1808 and learned the trade of a brass founder, after which he engaged in that line of business on bis own account, admitting his brother to a partnership in 1833 under the firm style of M. & O. S. Judd. Their business grew rapidly and in 1853, Albert D., the eldest son of Morton Judd, became a partner and the firm name was changed to M. Judd & Company. In 1863 Albert D. Judd purchased the business but soon afterward sold out to his uncle, Oliver S., and with his brothers, Hubert L. and Edward M. Judd, came to New Haven and engaged in the manufacture of upholstery hardware. Two years later Morton Judd removed to New Haven and formed a partnership with Albert D. for the manufacture of builders' hardware, and out of this enterprise de- veloped the Judd Manufacturing Company, which was organized in 1870 and of which Ed- ward M. Judd became the president. In 1877 the business was removed to Wallingford, where they erected a large plant and began the manufacture of stationers' and druggists' hard- ware. The principal stockholders were Morton Judd and his three sons, Albert D., Hubert L. and Edward M., Hubert L. acting as the company's selling agent in New York. About 1870 a branch factory was established in Brooklyn, New York, for the manufacture of up- holsterers' hardware, which in 1884 was incorporated under the name of H. L. Judd & Com- pany. In 1886 H. L. Judd & Company of Brooklyn bought the business and plant of the Judd Manufacturing Company of Wallingford and in 1897 discontinued the Brooklyn plant.
Many years before his death Morton Judd retired from active connection with the business, his name and association giving character to the enterprise rather than demanding his personal attention. Among the many other enterprises with which Mr. Judd was identified was the Dime Savings Bank, of which he was one of the original incorporators, while for many years he was the vice president. In politics Morton Judd was a republican. He did not seek to figure prominently in political connections, yet under the insistence of his fel- low townsmen he consented to serve in public positions and held some of the highest town offices. He served for two terms in the general assembly of the state and left the impress
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of his individuality upon legislation enacted during that period. Throughout his life he was a most helpful member of the Congregational church and was commonly known as Deacon Morton Judd.
On the 26th of January, 1828, he was united in marriage to Miss Lucina Dunham, a daughter of Samuel Dunham, of Southington, Connecticut. She died March 21, 1853, and in 1855 Mr. Judd wedded Julia A. Blinn, a daughter of Horace Bliun, of Wethersfield, Con- necticut. Her death occurred November 19, 1887. By the first marriage there were born four children: Hubert L., Albert D. and Edward M., all now deceased; and Martha L., who became the wife of Harry Martin and lives in Wallingford. By the second marriage there was one daughter, Mary Burnham, who also passed away. The death of the husband and father, Morton Judd, occurred November 4, 1901, when he was on the eve of his ninety- third birth anniversary. He retained to the last in a remarkable degree a good physique, with the possession of all his faculties.
EDWARD MORTON JUDD.
Edward Morton Judd. the third son of Deacon Morton Judd, was born in New Britain, November 11, 1837, and his life record covered the intervening years to 1906 and reflected further credit and honor upon an untarnished family name.
He attended the schools of New Britain, completing his studies by a three years' high school course. and when eighteen years of age he followed in the footsteps of the family by becoming connected with manufacturing interests. In 1856 he began the manufacture of the first metal curtain fixtures, of which he was the patentee, and in 1861 established business in New Haven under the firm style of E. M. Judd & Company. There he extended the scope of his interests to include the manufacture of a general line of upholstery hard- ware. Some time later he combined his interests with those of the Turner & Clark Man- ufacturing Company and of the Seymour Manufacturing Company, both of Torrington, and the newly formed firm was established in the western part of Torrington and Edward M. Jndd became the general manager of the plants there, the business being conducted under the name of the Turner, Seymour & Judd Company. He remained in active connection with the business until 1870, when he disposed of his interests in Torrington and became one of the organizers of the Judd Manufacturing Company of New Haven, which was formed for the purpose of manufacturing general hardware as well as upholstery hardware.
Mr. Judd was a man of excellent business ability. He readily diseriminated between the essential and the non-essential in all business matters and seemed to know intuitively the value of any business situation or condition. Under his guidance, therefore, the various companies with which he was connected prospered in marked degree. In 1874 he went to Brooklyn, New York, and while still retaining his interest in the Judd Manufactur- ing Company of New Haven, he established the firm of II. L. Judd & Company of Brooklyn. After three years he located in Wallingford, where the Judd interests have since centered. For thirty years he remained a prominent factor in the successful conduct of the large manufacturing concerns conducted under the family name and in 1887 he retired to pri- vate life to enjoy a rest which he had truly earned and richly merited. He was the in- ventor of a number of curtain fixtures and also of a stamp cancelling machine, which completely destroys the stamp and which was patented in America and abroad. Mr. Judd considered this the most important work of his life. Ile was most thorough in all that he undertook and his initiative carried him into paths where others had not yet trod. mak- ing him the leader in many fields of manufacturing activity.
On the 27th of March, 1860, Mr. Judd was united in marriage to Miss Jane A. Peck, a daughter of Joel and Charlotte (Scoville) Peck. They became the parents of three children. William Theodore, who was born March 1, 1866, died on the 24th of February, 1867. Jennie Susan, born March 8, 1872, was married on the 1st of October, 1895, to Charles G. Phelps, of Wallingford. Edward Peck was born August 3, 1877.
The death of Edward Morton Judd occurred October 15, 1906, while his widow is living at the age of eighty-three years. In the course of a most active life he found time to cooperate in many plans and measures for the general good. In fact, he perhaps placed
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his church obligations above all else and was a most devoted and helpful member of the First Congregational church, serving as superintendent of its Sunday school and as chair- man of the Society's committee. He was most generous and benevolent in spirit and gave freely in charity but always unostentatiously. In politics he was an carnest repub- liean from the time when he cast his first presidential ballet for Abraham Lincoln, and while he did not seek nor desire office, he was never remiss in the duties of citizenship and at all times stood for public progress and improvement in civic affairs. He served on the board of burgesses and on the school committee and in 1897 was elected judge of the borough court, to which position he was later reelected. There was no movement of real worth to the community that did not receive his endorsement and aid. He held to the highest standards of manhood and of citizenship and his career was an illustration of the fact that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously. He was never known to take advantage of the necessities of another in a business transaction and to his family he left the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.
ALBERT DUNHAM JUDD.
Albert Dunham Judd, the second son of Deacon Morton Judd, was born in New Britain, Connecticut, on the 4th of December, 1830. He supplemented his public school education by study in the Williston Seminary at Easthampton, Massachusetts, and when his textbooks were put aside he at once entered the employ of his father and uncle, M. & O. S. Judd, working on harness hames. When the business was sold he turned his attention to the manu- facture of the sash fastener invented by his father and after four or five years devoted to that work was admitted to a partnership in the business, which became his by purchase about twelve years later. After a few weeks, however, he resold to his uncle. Oliver S. Judd, and in 1864 removed to New Haven, where he purchased the buildings of Beech Burwell, a contractor and builder, and organized the firm of M. & A. D. Judd for the manufacture of up- holstery hardware. Two years later the firm of E. M. Judd & Company was consolidated with the Turner & Clark Manufacturing Company and the Seymour Manufacturing Com- pany, both of Torrington. The factory was removed to the western part of the town and the manufacture of builders' hardware was added to the other lines. In 1870 a reorganization of the firm led to the adoption of the style of the Judd Manufacturing Company, in which various representatives of the Judd family held an interest. They operated the factory in New Haven until 1877, when the plant was removed to Wallingford and Albert D. Judd re- mained president of the company from that date until 1888, when he sold his interest to Il. L. Judd & Company. Albert D. Judd became one of the original incorporators of the Wall- ingford National Bank and continuously served as one of its directors. He was also chosen to the directorate of the Dime Savings Bank and became one of the appraisers of the Savings Bank, while for a short time he was vice president of the First National Bank but ill health forced his resignation of that position.
While thus prominent in manufacturing and financial cireles, Mr. Judd was also an influ- ential factor in the community life in other connections. A stalwart republican, he served on the board of burgesses and in other local offices and over the record of his official career there fell no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. for he discharged his duties with the same promptness and capability which marked his conduct of private business interests. Ile al- ways regarded a public office as a public trust and it is well known that no trust reposed in Albert D. Judd was ever betrayed to the slightest degree. He was equally loyal in his ad- vocacy of the interests of the First Congregational church of Wallingford, in which he long held membership, serving as a deacon there for an extended period. He was also deacon in the Center Congregational church in New Britain and was instrumental in building the Dwight Place Congregational church in New Haven, being a member of the committee of three who selected the site and a member of the building committee when the church edifice was erected. Later he became a member of the Society's committee and of the church com- mittee and served as deacon of that church.
The home life of Albert D. Judd was most attractive for be was ever devoted to the welfare and happiness of his wife and children and found his greatest contentment at his own
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fireside. On the 25th of April, 1855, he wedded Miss Lucelia Wells, who was born October 27, 1828, her parents being Horace and Pamela (Sedgwick) Wells, the former a native of New Britain, and the latter of West Hartford. Mrs. Judd passed away August 5, 1900. Their children were four in number: Katherine Wells, of Wallingford; George Morton; Alice May, who died at the age of two years; and Albert Lemuel, who is bookkeeper for H. L. Judd & Company and who married Ethel Gardiner, of Green Bay, Wisconsin.
GEORGE MORTON JUDD.
George Morton Judd, the elder son of Albert D. Judd, was born in New Britain, Septem- ber 27, 1859. He acquired a grammar and high school education in New Haven and pursued a commercial course in Newark, New Jersey. Ile started in the business world as an office employe of the Judd Manufacturing Company in March, 1879, and in 1881 was transferred to the New York store, where he spent three months. Upon his return home for a vacation he accepted a position in the pattern room, with which department he has since been con- nected, and he is also one of the stockholders of the company. Throughout his entire busi- ness career he has been connected with this enterprise and has made steady progress by reason of his close application, his ready adaptability and his commendable ambition.
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