Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 184

Author: H. H. Beers & Co.
Publication date: 1899
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1795


USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut > Part 184


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Edward O'Neil. and resides in Bridgeport To Terrence and Bridget Kelly two children were ! in Stratfield; Henrietta S. (Mrs. Nathaniel L. born: Johanna, wife of John Kiley, of Bridge- port, and George T .. of this sketch.


Morehouse), of Milan, N. Y .; Julia C., unmar- ried, who is a resident of Stratfield; John, de-


Our subject was born November 25, 1860, in , ceased in childhood; Charles A .; Frank L., liv- Bridgeport, where he received his early educa- ing in New Springville, Staten Island; and Will- i iam M .. of Rhinebeck, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. . Rowe died at the ages of sixty and fifty-eight years, respectively, leaving a comfortable prop- erty. He was a Democrat in political sympa- thy. tion in the Grand street and Island Brook schools. At the age of fourteen he began working for his stepfather. Edward O'Neil, in the trucking busi. ness, and when twenty-five years old he engaged in a similar business on his own account in part- nership with a half-brother, Michael O'Neil. Charles A. Rowe remained under the parental roof until he reached his majority, and received his education in the district schools of Milan township, Dutchess county. He was inducted into the mysteries of agriculture under his father's tuition, and followed same for some time after commencing life on his own account, when a young man coming to Bridgeport. Conn., where They continued under the firm name of O'Neil & Kelly until December 1, 1897. when Mr. Kelly purchased his partner's interest, and he has since conducted the business alone, enjoying an exten- sive general trade. On November 21, 188 ;. he married Miss Catherine J. K llian, daughter of Thomas Killian, a well-known citizen of Bridge- port. Mr. Kelly and his wife are popular so- , he was engaged at various occupations. Return-


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ing to his old home, he remained there several born April 1, 1699; Major Jabez Hill, born June 17, 1744, an officer in the Revolutionary army, who married Sarah Read, daughter of Col. John Read, for whom the town of Redding, Conn., was named. Jabez and Sarah (Read) Hill had three months and then proceeded to Weymouth. Mass., where he was employed by a dairyman for over a year, following which he again came to Bridge- port, and for a time worked as a farm hand. By dint of economy Mr. Rowe was, in the fall of | children: Sarah, John Read and Moses. John 1886, enabled to start in business for himself as | Read Hill settled in Redding at an early day, and became one of its best-known and wealthiest residents, carrying on the manufacture of lime until 1823, when he retired from active business and settled at the homestead of his maternal grandfather, Col. John Read, living there until ( his death in 1851. On March 23, 1799, he married | Betsy, daughter of Aaron Sanford, of Redding, a dairyman, and he has continued in this line up to the present time with most encouraging suc- cess, for his trade has increased steadily from the start. As his capital was limited he com- menced on a small scale, and for a number of vears rented property, but in the fall of 1897 he Jocated on the property where he now lives, and which he has improved materially since it came ! and their children were: Aaron Sanford, Moses, into his possession. Mr. Rowe's prosperity has been due entirely to his industrious. steady hab- its, and his perfect integrity in his dealings with all, his reputation both in business and private life being unsullied.


On October 12, 1897, Mr. Rowe was united in marriage with Miss Mary Schlump, who was born in Stratford, daughter of John and Mary Schlump. One child, born March 7, 1899, and ! named Helen S., graces this union. Mrs. Rowe is a member of the South Congregational Church of Bridgeport. Fraternally. Mr. Rowe unites with Adelphian Lodge No. 80, I. O. O. F .. of Bridge- port, and the Rebekah auxiliary to that lodge. He is a stanch Democrat in political faith, but in voting he usually selects the best men, regard- less of their political connection.


TOHN R. HILL, one of the most enterprising and successful merchants of Danbury, Fair- field county, is a young man who seems des- tined to become an influential factor in business circles. Born December 27, 1870, he has already "made his mark" at an age when many men have hardly determined upon their course in life.


The Hill family has long been prominent in this section. According to old Colonial records at Hartford. Conn., one William Hill came from England in 1632. and after spending some time at Dorchester, Mass., located at Windsor. Conn., where he bought land. Later he removed to Fairfield county to spend his remaining years. He held a high position in public affairs, and served as a deputy and representative in 1639, 1640 and 1644. and again as representative in 1652 and 1653, as town auditor in 1639, and afterward as assistant senator, collector of cus- toms at Fairfield, and selectman in 1656. From him the line of descent runs through William Hill, Jr., who died December 19. 1684: Deacon William, who died in 1739; Joseph. who was


William Hawley. Betsy, John Lee, Moses, Lydia and Joseph. John Lee Hill, our subject's grandfather, was born June 15, 1810, and on May 4, 1840, married Harriet N. Duncomb. Their children were: William Henry and Jo- sephine E., both living. John L. Hill died January 18, 1852, his wife April 27, 1893.


William Henry Hill, father of our subject, was born May 1, 1845, at Redding. On October 5, 1869. he was married to Miss Mary A. Hotch- kiss, a native of Sharon, Conn., daughter of Fred- erick A. Hotchkiss, who in his early years was a manufacturer of small hardware at Sharon, Conn. Mrs. Hill died October 1, 1886, deeply mourned by a large circle of friends. The children of this union were John R., our subject; Frederick H .. who is in the jewelry business at Danbury, Conn .; Carrie L., deceased; and Ernest W., now a stu- dent in the Wesleyan College at Delaware, Ohio. William Henry Hill is a leading agriculturist of Redding. He is known throughout the State as an able politician. having twice represented his district in the Legislature, and he has also held ser- eral important township offices, serving as treas- urer, clerk, and as first selectman. His influence has always been given to the support of the Re- publican party, and for many years he has been active in religious work as a member of the M. E. Church.


John R. Hill spent his youth in the town of Redding, amid the healthful surroundings of a country life, and after attending the district school near his father's farm for some years he took a course in the Hill Academy, in Redding village. At the age of sixteen his school days ended, but he remained at the farm until September, 1891. when he went to Danbury to clerk for D. E. Rogers, a dealer in furniture, carpets and all sorts of house-furnishing goods. There his business ability developed in practical work, and on Octo- ber 1, 1896, he entered mercantile life on his own account as a member of a stock company, C. S.


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John A. Will.


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Andrews and Andrew R. Jones, of Danbury, join- and one year later he secured a position as clerk in the grocery and liquor store of J. A. Mc- ing with him under the firm name of the Dan- bury Hardware Company, of which he is secre- . Guinness, with whom he remained until May, tary and treasurer. They carry a large stock of > 1893. He then engaged in business on his own hardware, paints, oils and similar commodities, . account, opening a grocery and liquor store at and are leaders in their chosen line.


No. 442 Stratford avenue, and in 1898 he re- moved to his present location at Nos. 436-438 Stratford avenue. As he has always taken keen interest in public affairs, his abilities soon made


On June 24. 1896, Mr. Hill married Miss Min- nie E. McCollum, of Danbury, a native of Cro- ton Falls, N. Y., where her father, James S. McCollum, was born and was for many years a ' him prominent in party work, and he has served prominent citizen. Mr. Hill and his wife are . as a delegate to several State and City conven- members of the M. E. Church at Danbury. of tions. In 1898 he was elected to his present po- which he is a trustee, and he is also identified . sition of alderman for the term of two years. with the Junior Order of American Mechanics. On June 7, 1894, Mr. Kenny married Miss Johanna Halligan, daughter of Thomas Halligan, Ben Miller Council No. 11. of the same city. In political faith he is a Republican, and at the . a native of County Kilkenny, Ireland, who was city election April, 1899. he was elected council- man from the First ward.


M ICHAEL A. KENNY, alderman for the Twelfth district of Bridgeport, is one of the leading Democrats of that place, and his in- | organizations.


fluence is a recognized factor in the work of the local organization. As a business man he is en- terprising and successful. and his grocery and liquor business commands a profitable trade


Adelia (Kelly; Kenny, both natives of that coun- ty. His ancestors have been engaged in farming for many generations, and his father followed | that occupation first in Ireland, and later in Yorkshire, England, near the village of Grange- town, where both parents died some years ago, their remains being interred at Easton, England. Our subject is the eldest in a family of six chil- dren, the others being as follows: Henry, a contractor in the Shell mines near Edinburgh, Scotland: Patrick, a resident of Edinburgh : Mary. wife of James Mc.Nichols, of Grangetown, Eng- land; and Adeha and Ann, who are not married.


Our subject spent the first fourteen years of 1 his life in Ireland, and soon after going to Eng- land with his parents he found employment in the Easton Steel Works. In August, 1885. he 1 started for America. but on arriving in Liver- ! ious faith they were Episcopalians, and in poli- pool. England. he took the position of conductor ! tics the father was a Democrat.


on a horse railroad. This he held until July. 188;, and then carried out his delayed plan and City with but $32 in his pocket. From New York he proceeded to Bridgeport, where he has since resided. and for about twelve weeks he was employed by the Rapid Transit Coach Company. In July. 1888, he became night watchman in George Seelep's livery stable on Broad street, |


C HARLES FABLE. an enterprising and pub- lic-spirited business man of Westport, where


Mr. Kenny was born August 15. 1801. in . he is engaged in conducting a first-class under - County Armagh, Ireland, a son of Patrick and , taking establishment, is a man whose energy and


1 ambition commends him to his many patrons.


Mr. Fable is a native of the City of New York, born December 8, 1860, a son of Jacob Fable, whose birth occurred in Germany. In i young manhood he came to America, and in this country followed his trade, that of an iron-mould- er, throughout his life. He married Clara Yost. who, too, was a native of Germany. They had a family of seven children, four now living: Fred- erick, now employed by the Westport Paper Company, resides at that place; Edward is a foreman for C. S. Trowbridge & Son, paper-box manufacturers of South Norwalk; Amelia married Henry Wolf, of South Norwalk; and Charles is our subject. Both parents are deceased; they were honest, plain German people, good citizens and useful members of society. In their relig-


Charles Fable, when about six years of age, was brought by his parents from New York to set sail for this country, landing in New York | South Norwalk, Conn., where he received his education. After his school days were over he went to work in the Norwalk Lock Shop, where he was employed some eight years. He then went to New York, and there learned the bar- ! ber's trade. From New York he went to Guil- ford, Conn., where he followed the occupation of


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a sergeant on the police force in that county. Two children have blessed this union: Thomas H. and Anna M. Mr. Kenny and his wife are prominent members of the Catholic Church at Bridgeport, and he is also connected with the Brotherhood of the Union and other benevolent


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a barber for his own account for a period of three years. In 1881 he came to Westport, and here for eight years followed the same occupation, at the expiration of which period he, in connection with James Driscoll, purchased the undertaking business which had been carried on by Edward Gorham. This partnership lasted about three years, when it ceased with the death of Mr. Dris- coll. Since then our subject has carried on the concern alone. He is up-to-date in all that per- tains to the business. and through his efforts to excel and please at reasonable prices he has be- come well-established. and is meeting with suc- cess. As a citizen he is highly esteemed, and,


1 socially, he is prominent in the various orders to ! also deals in men's furnishings, of which he keeps a full line.


which he belongs. He is a member of the Ma- sonic Fraternity, being affiliated with Temple Lodge at Westport: is a Knight Templar, mem- ber of Clinton Commandery No. 3, at Norwalk; a member of Naugatuck Lodge No. 62, I. O. O. F., at Guilford; also a member of Aspetuck | in Nova Scotia. Three children have blessed Lodge, K. of P., at Westport.


On February 20, 1884, Mr. Fable was mar- ried to Agnes Perry, a native of Westport, and a daughter of James and Catharine Perry, her mother being of English extraction. Our sub- ject and his wife have no children of their own, but they have an adopted son, Harry Lesley Fable. They are identified with the Episcopal Church, and in politics Mr. Fable is a Repub- lican.


L OUIS OHLWEILER. The energy and practical sagacity of the typical German- American are admirably shown in the career of this well-known citizen of Bethel.


Mr. Ohlweiler is a native of this country, having been born in New York City June 19, 1862, but his ancestors on both sides were resi- dents of Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany. His grandparents, Peter O. and Carloline Ohlweiler. spent their last years in New York, and his fa- ther. Charles Ohlweiler. who was born in Hes- sen-Darmstadt in 1832 and came to America in 1849, was for many years engaged in business as a barber in the metropolis, his death occurring there in 1876. Some time after his arrival in New York he was married to Miss Magdalena Frederich, also a native of Hessen-Darmstadt, who died in 1872. They had five children: Charles V., a resident of Bethel; John, who resides in New York City; Adam, a resident of Brooklyn; Louis, our subject: and Emily, wife of Harry Wolf, of New York City.


Louis Ohlweiler was educated in the public schools of his native city, and at the age of four- | lavish expenditure and artistic taste have been


teen began to work in a tobacco factory. In 1882 he went to Danbury, where he was em- ployed for a year in Richard Mahrr's barber shop, over Barnum's drug store. On October 22, 1883, he opened a barber shop of his own in Bethel, above what is now the New York Laun- dry. He began with but one chair, and so rap- idly did his business increase that when Dimond's new building was completed he moved there and put in four chairs, making it the largest barber shop in Bethel. Later his wife built a business block at Nos. 19-21 Fountain Place, of which he took possession in April, 1895. Here he con- I tinues his former business on the same scale, and


On October 29, 1884, Mr. Ohlweiler was married in Brooklyn, N. Y., to Miss Mary Eliza- beth Woodward, daughter of William J. Wood- i ward, a native of England, whose wife was born this union: William W., Magdalen M. and Restel Scott. Mr. Ohlweiler and his wife are prominent members of the Congregational Church at Bethel. and he is also an active worker in vari- I ous social orders including the American Mechan- ics and the Heptasophs of Bethel.


W ILLIAM L. MARKS. One of the most beautiful country places in this region. famed as it is for the charm of its scenery, is Laddins Rock Farm, in the towns of Greenwich and Stamford. Nature has dealt lavishly with this favored spot. the view from it being in itself I a delight to an artistic eye, with its wooded hills and dells, brightened by a brook that sparkles here and there as it goes on its winding way.


The original tract was purchased by Mr. Marks in April, 1893, from the Selleck heirs, and by subsequent purchases he has enlarged it until he now owns 140 acres, having a road frontage of about two miles. With characteristic enterprise he has spared no effort in improving the place, enhancing its natural beauty and fertility, and building a superb drive-way past its most pictur- esque points, thus converting what was once a mere expanse of rocky land into a most attract- ive park and desirable spot. A building resem- bling an old farmhouse has been constructed for the residence of the superintendent, and another 1 house built of boulders from the place, situated ! on the Post road, is the north-gate lodge, the I effect of this novel material being most pleasing. Stables have also been built of the same mate- rial. and in all the appointments of the estate


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combined effectively. Among the points of in- terest on the farm is the huge rock from which it derives its name. One edge is of great height and very abrupt in descent, and history records an interesting and touching story in connection with it An early settler. named Laddin, who had made his home on this tract, was attacked by Indians, and after a brave defense of his cabin, finding his case hopeless, he determined to save himself from torture at the hands of the savages, and mounting his horse he deliberately plunged over the precipice, both man and horse being killed.


Mr. Mark- was born August 11. 1862. in New York City. the son of A. A. and Lucy &Platt, Marks, of whom further mention is made eist- where. His education was begun in the schools of the metro polis, but as his parents removed to Sound beach during his boyhood, he attended the schools of the latter place for a time. At an early age he began to show unusual business ability, and rendered valuable assistance to his father. who was then engaged in the manufacture of artificial limbs in New York City. When the 1 latter retired from active work our subject and his brother continued the business as before, under . Connecticut. the old firm name of A. A. Marks. The estai- Jahment is located at No. Fot Broadway, New York, and the mim enjoys an enviable reputa- tion and a trade second to none in the world


necticut, born December 6, 1874, in Bridgeport, a son of Walter and Kate (Gray) Goddard, the former of whom was from London, England, the latter from Ansonia, Connecticut.


In Bridgeport our subject received a liberal education at the public schools, and he also took a course at Bridgeport Business College. He entered the office of Congressman DeForest in Bridgeport, where he remained two years, after which he spent some time in the offices of the Waterbury Republican and Bridgeport Farmer. In May. 1806, he was appointed by Mr. Carlisle. the then Secretary of the Treasury, to his pres- ent position of Deputy Collector of Customs for the Port of Stamford, he being the youngest deputy collector in the United States.


In politics, Mr. Goddard, it is probably un- necessary to say, is a Democrat. Socially, he is a member of the I. O. F., past chief ranger of Stamford. Conn .; and chief of records of Powtaway Tribe No. 33. Improved Order of Redmen. He is also a member of the Corinthian Yacht Club at Stamford, and of the Democratic Club of Bridgeport, Conn .; also a director of the Punitan Building & Loan Association of


G ILBERT S. BENEDICT. one of the most popular and best known citizens of Stam- ford, Conn., was for some fifteen years identi- fied with railroad business in that city, and for ance man.


On February 23. 1886. Mr. Marks married Miss Quintard, daughter of Charles E. Quintard. of Sound Beach, but in August of the same year ! the past four years has been a prominent insur-


the young bride passed to the unseen life. her remains being interred in the cemetery at Sound Mr. Benedict is a native of Connecticut, having been born in Norwalk June 10, 1862, and comes of a very old family of the State. Beach. As a citizen Mr. Marks is held in high esteem, the people of Sound Beach appreciating the enterprise and liberality which has resulted ; James Benedict, his grandfather, born in the in so notable a place as Laddins Rock farm. In : town of Norwalk in 1797, married Susan Mar- vin. a descendant of the early (1650) settled family of Marvins in Norwalk, and the house that he (James Benedict) occupied stood where ' is now the LeGrand Lockwood place. He was lifelong farmer, a Congregationalist in re- ligious belief, and a Whig in politics. To James and Susan (Marvin) Benedict were born five . children: William Jarvis (of East Morris, Conn.), Roswell and Catherine (both deceased), James (of East Morris, Conn.) and Charles F.


politics he is a Republican, and socially. he is identified with a number of organizations, including the New England Society in the City of New York, the Suburban Club of Stamford; the Students Dramatic Club of New York; the Greenwich Driving Association, the East Side Rod & Gun Club, and the Riverside Yacht Club. He is also a member of the Masonic Fraternity, being connected with Manitou Lodge No. 106, F. & A. M. ; Manhattan Chapter. R. A. M. : Pales- tine Commandery No. 18, K. T .; and the A. A. O. N. M. S., Mecca Temple.


Charles Frederick Benedict, father of our subject, was born September 7. 1830, in Nor- walk, Conn., where he attended the old acad- emy. While yet a young man he taught school


E DMUND B. GODDARD, deputy collector , in the town of Norwalk, after which he for a time filled the position of accountant in the Bank


for the Port of Stamford, and a typical young American hustler, gifted with a vast . of LeGrand Lockwood, Wall street, New York. amount of energy and push, is a native of Con- . At the present time he is in the employ of Hol-


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lister & Babcock. bankers and brokers, also on Wall street, New York. In 1851 he married Miss Mary Seely Dibble (daughter of Solomon Dibble), who died in March, 1895, the mother of the following named children: Charles Clif- ton; Mary G., wife of E. H. Barton, of Cin- cinnati, Ohio: Gilbert Sanford, our subject: and Edward Saltonstal, deceased.


Gilbert S. Benedict. whose name introduces these lines, passed most of the earlier years of his life in Norwalk, attending both public and private school there, and in Washington, D. C. After about two years spent in visiting Boston, New York, Florida and other places of interest, he managed a farm for a couple of years in the town of Norwalk. He then for some fifteen years was engaged in business connected with the railroad in Stamford, and for the past four years has been conducting the leading insurance business in the city, as already related. Re- cently he has engaged in the printing business in New York City under the firm name of G. S. Benedict & Co., besides being interested in the manufacture of patents now extensively used by the telephone companies.


On June 20, 1894, Mr. Benedict was mar- ried at Asbury Park, N. J., to Miss Daisy Parker Morehouse, daughter of Mrs. Adaline Morehouse, of Ocean Grove, N. J. Mr. Ben- edict is widely and favorably known through- out Fairfield county, and is held in the highest regard by all with whom he has come in con- tact, in either business or social life.


S TURGES WHITLOCK was born January 28, 1844, at Ridgefield, Conn., a son of John Whitlock, of Derby. Sturges Whitlock was edu- cated at Jackson's Academy, Danbury, receiving an excellent education, and left school when sev- enteen years of age. In the shop of his father he then learned the trade of a machinist, remain- ing with him until 1868, when he took entire control, and conducted it successfully for twenty years. During the first ten years, or from 1868 to 1878, he was engaged in a general line of ma- chine work, and in the latter year he worked into the manufacture of printing presses, making the Whitlock press, a press designed and patented by Mr. Whitlock in the year 1877. Every year since that time there have been improvements made to it, and at the present time he has about twenty patents to these improvements. The press is now used in most all of the printing offices in the country. The company has put out about one thousand presses, and the factory now turns out about one hundred each year. These presses


average in value about $2,000. Until 1887 Mr. Whitlock continued to manufacture in the plant in Derby, when he formed the present corpora- tion, the Whitlock Machine Company. In 1888 it becoming necessary to greatly increase its fa- cilities, the plant was removed to Shelton. This | enterprise, developed as it has been largely through the efforts of Mr. Whitlock, is one of the prominent and substantial industries of the town.




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