Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 215

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 215

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ness - that of a retail liquor deals. He is very promment among his colleagues, and has served !

try, and they had four children: Harry, Frederick. George and Martha. The mother of these dy- as treasurer of the Liquor Dealers Association. 'ing. he married Miss Christina Heisterberg, a na- In his political faith he invariably uses his right

tive of New York City, and by this union he has of franchise in support of the Republican party. , two children. Emma and Florence. The family He is a man of good family, highly respected by t is connected with the German Lutheran Church, all with whom he comes in contact. His sterling of which Mr. Hanson is a prominent member. integrity and manly courtesy have won him a , and he also affiliates with the I. O. O. F., be- high place in the estimation of his fellow-men, , longing to Steuben Lodge No. 83, and Bridge- and his genial humor makes him popular socially. ; port Encampment No. 22.

But it is in the Grand Army of the Republic that he finds his greatest pleasure, and around the camp tites to recall those days when he and the old comrades drank from the same canteen. For several years he served the G. A. R. as quartermaster, and many an unfortunate com-

C HARLES F. WATERBURY. Prominent among the merchants of Stamford who at- tend strictly to their own business interests, and by this singleness of purpose have won success, rade has reason to bless the hand that so closely ; is Charies F. Waterbury, who was born May 15. followed the motto F. C. & L .. 1855. a son of David Waterbury, grandson of William Waterbury. and great-grandson of Gen. David Waterbury. of Stamford. Connecticut.

CHARLES HANSON, a well-known retired

were spent in Stamford, and in the public schools of that town he secured his literary training. After leaving the school room he engaged in the

David Waterbury was born April 17. 1819, business man of Bridgeport, is one of the ; and died November 22, 1894. His early days leading German-Americans, and in both private and public life has shown the admirable qualities - of that enterprising race of people.

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was a fine linguist. speaking French, German and . an education in the schools of Hamburg, and

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market trade, running the sloops " Rival " and " Henry Gesner " to New York City. With the advent of steamboats he changed his work and began to run steamboats from Stamford to New York City. This he continued until 1867, when he engaged in the coal business, which he con- tinued until his death. He married Sarah M. Selleck, daughter of John Selleck, one of the prominent residents of Stamford. Eight chil- dren blessed this union: William T., an em- ploye of the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. R. at Stamford; Mary J. and Emily, both deceased; John S., a farmer; Mary E:, wife of E. S. Webb, of Stamford; Sarah M .: Charles F. and Lottie A. Though prominent in business circles, and active in the promotion of every movement that tended to the advancement of the moral or material welfare of the community, Mr. Water- bury invariably declined to accept public office.

Charles F. Waterbury received his education first in Miss Webb's private school, and later in the public schools, finishing his school days as a pupil in the private school of G. B. Glendinning. Sometime after leaving school he entered his father's coal office and there mastered, in a most practical way, the details of a commercial life. On October 1, 1887, the firm became D. Water- bury & Son, and so remained until 1891, when i a member of its official board. Politically he s the father retired, and our subject has since conducted the business successfully.

At Long Ridge, in the town of Stamford. Mr. Waterbury was united in marriage with Miss Annie S. Lockwood, a daughter of Charles A. Lockwood. This union has been gladdened by two children: David and Josephine. Mr. Waterbury has greatly extended the scope of his business, and now deals not only in coal, but also

in wood. drain pipe, etc. He attends faithfully | his removal here in 1882, but he has neverthe ess to his business himself and manages the whole · established a reputation most enviable as a ther- 1 oughly experienced and successful agricultunst. I and he is regarded by all as a citizen of genuine in a most capable manner, keeping close in touch with all parts of the work. Of unquestioned in- tegrity, and in politics an Independent, he has : worth to the community.

often been asked to accept public office; but he prefers the quieter life of a private citizen. He | ing been born September 18, 1839. in the Grand takes no active part in politics, though, well- | Duchy of Baden, where his parents. John and posted as he is on all topics of the day. his ad- ! Magdalena (Bowman) Gieser, were well-to-do vice is often sought by the party leaders.

A ARON B. GILBERT has for about forty | America. He received his education in the years run the principal feed mill at Ridge- , country of his birth, and was there seared I field, and has also engaged in farming and car- ' farm work, which has been his life occupation. pentering during this time .

i farming people. They had a family of seven children, six sons and one daughter. of when. : Henry is the only one who left Germany to"

: bidding farewell to his home in the spring of 1 86. . when he set sail from Bremen on the "America. which landed him in New York nine days late:

Mr. Gilbert was born August 15, 1838, in Ridgefield, son of Harry Gilbert, and grandson of Ebenezer Gilbert. In his boyhood he received | Proceeding to Westchester county, N. Y .. he be- the advantages afforded by the public schools of i gan life here as a farm hand, but it was not long

his birthplace, attending until he was sixteen years old. He commenced to learn his trade. carpentering, with his father, and finished same under Clark Scott, of North Salem. After the close of his apprenticeship he followed his trade for several years, finally, in 1858, taking charge of the mill which his father had established. and which he has ever since conducted. It is the most important mill of the kind in the vicinity. and has the largest patronage. In the meantime Mr. Gilbert has not neglected his trade, but has been engaged at same and in farming. in add :- tion to looking after his mill interests. Alto- gether he has succeeded through his unceasing industry and good management in gaining a com- fortable competence.

On June 26. 1861, Mr. Gilbert was married to Miss Sarah E. Loder, who is the daughter c: Darius Loder, and granddaughter of David Loder. Three children came to bless this mar- riage, viz .: Mary E., born June 17, 1863. died September 4. 1863. Harry, born July 18. 1865, died September 23, 1867. Roland L., born No- vember 11, 1875, was married October 14, 1895. to Miss Adella Shultis; he is depot agent at Cannon Station. Mr. Gilbert is an active mem- ber of the Ridgefield M. E. Church, and has been a Democrat in sentiment, but he takes little practical interest in party affairs beyond casting his vote.

H TENRY GIESER, who owns and occupies what is considered by many as the best- kept estate in the town of Greenwich, Fairfield i county, has led a comparatively retired lite since

Mr. Gieser is a native of the Fatherland. hav-

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before, by industry and frugality. he was enabled years in railroad work, going to different States as trackman. He married Hannah Gardiner. and they had four children: Merritt Arthur. Charles L ... Frederick S. (our subject) and Jennie. to buy land for himself and take up farming on his own account. He prospered from the start. and he continued to carry on agricultural pur- suits in Westchester county until April. 1882. Frederick S. Jewell spent his early life in New Milford. where he received a common-school education At the age of sixteen he began to work upon a tarm, and as the life proved con- genial he continued for several years with differ- when he came to Cos Cob, in the town of Green- ' wich, Fairfield to .. ( onn , with the intention of settling down to peaceful retirement. His in- dustrious disposition and habits, however, were not long in re-asserting themselves, and, having . ent farmers. He wasted neither his time nor his bought the John J. Budd property. he has devoted his time and attention to its care and improve- ment, and has also added to the original purchase. 1 He has remodeled the dwelling and made numer- ous other changes for the better in and about the piace, earning for it the distinction it now en- money, and on March 5, 1885, he invested his savings in his present place of eighty-five acres. going in debt. of course. to a large amount. The place has cost him about $7.000 altogether, but he has met every obligation, and now has laid by considerable for a rainy day. For years he de- joys. that of being the best kept in the town. . voted his attention to raising tobacco, and for Mr. Ganser is quiet and une stentations in his walk five years he packed the leaves for a Buffalo through life, but he is a man who commands re- , firm, employing fifteen men throughout the spect wherever he goes, and he and his family stand high among the best residents in the neigh- borhood

winter time. At present he is especially inter- ested in dairy work, keeping from twelve to I fifteen cows

While living in Westchester county Mr. Greser Mr. Jewell married Miss Almira H. Shute, met and married Miss Caroline A. Gescheidt, . daughter of Gilbert and Mary C. (Birdsall) Shute. and she has been an admirable helpmeet. They attend the Baptist Church. Business cases have prevented Mr. Jewell from taking an active part in local affairs, but politically he is a firm ad-

daughter of Dr. A. Geschendt, and six children have blessed this unten. amely: Louis H., born in August. ISSO: G. Ernst, born in June, 1884; Caroline D. born in July. 1885: Mane L., born in September, 1886; Herbert E .. born January 2. : herent of the Democratic party.

1859, who died at the age of four years; and Rosa J., who died when eleven months old. Mrs. Grever was born in New York State, of French 1 and German extraction, and comes of an excel- lent family; she is hiphiveducated and speaks three languages fluently. In religious connection . Mr. Grever is a member of the Lutheran denom- . mation, but he and his wife attend the Episcopal Church, to which she belongs. He is a Demo- crat in political sympathy, but beyond voting regularly he takes little active interest in politics, and in local affairs be stiects the best men re- gardless of party ties

F 'REDERICK S. JEWELL is an agriculturist who has proven that farming pays, even in these times. His pleasant homestead in Pem- broke District, town of Danbury, has been ac- quired by his own well-directed efforts, and his career is an abject lesson in perseverance and in- dustry for all who are tempted to think that in agricultural work at least there is no hope for advancement.

H ENRY B. WHEELER, proprietor of the foundry for the manufacture of agricultural implements and hatter's tools at Lyons Plain, Fanheld county. is by virtue of his distinguished position in public life, his long residence in the locality, and his extensive business interests, en- titled to prominent mention in the pages of this work.

Our subject is a native of Fairfield county, ( onn .. born June 9, 1831, in the town of Weston, where he received his elementary education at the district schools, subsequently attending Eas- ton Academy, from which he graduated. After leaving school he learned the trade of molder, and in 1873 he bought out the foundry of Brad- icy Hull at Lyons Plain, which he has since suc- cessfully conducted, manufacturing chiefly agri- cultural implements and hatter's tools.

Mr. Wheeler is well-known as a leader in the ranks of the Republican party. and his political Capacity and judgment are held in highly esteem by men who are to-day in authority in political Mr. Jewell was born August 26, 1851, in New Milford. Conn .. the son of Richard and grandson of Peter Jewell. His father was a farmer by campaigns. In 1895 he was elected to the State Legislature, his services in that body abundantly ' justifying the selection of his constituents. He occupation, but was also employed for many I has been selectman of his village three terms,

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and in all respects justly merits the esteem in which he is held. In religious faith he is identi- fied with the M. E. Church of Easton.

In 1853 Henry B. Wheeler married Miss Mary A. Hull, daughter of Bradley Hull, a manufacturer of Weston, and two children came | to this union: Mary B., born in the town of Weston, November 25, 1859, married Arthur Mead, a hatter of Bethel, Conn., and they have two children: Estelle R., born June 12, 1884; and Clifford H., born July 18, 1886. Henry F., born in the town of Weston, May 25, 1871, graduated at the Danbury high school, afterward learned the trade of molder, and is now in busi- ness with his father; he married Miss Elsie L. | Perry; they have no children. Mrs. Mary A. Wheeler died in 1871, and in 1872 Mr. Wheeler married Miss Elsie M. Babcock, who was born at | Homer, born February 20, 1845.

Red Hook, Dutchess Co., N. Y., June 1, 1851,

and they had one child, Robert B , deceased in | born in the town of Morris March 4, 1828, and infancy.

Daniel Wheeler, grandfather of our subject, I he enlisted in the army from the town of Eastor. was born in the town of Weston, Fairfield county. | He was a member of the M. E. Church of and learned the trade of blacksmith, at which he | Easton. He married Miss Sarah Palmatier, who worked all his life. He was twice married and i was born in 1831, a daughter of Francis and had three children: Eli, Daniel and George. I Catherine Palmatier, and their children were as Eli. father of our subject, was born in the town | follows: Alice L., born August 1, 1853. whe of Weston, Fairfield county, and followed agri- I married Cyrus Cook; Robb B., born August 1, | 1855. deceased in infancy; Frederick, born Janu- ary 8, 1858, married to Hattie Reynolds; and | Elsie M., born June 1, 1851 (Mrs. Wheeler). cultural pursuits all his life. He married Miss Cynthia Banks, of Greenfield Hill, and children as follows were born to their union: Paulina, born April 7, 1816. married Morris Gould; Sarah A., born March 30, 1818, married William Cogswell; Charles, born April 17, 1821, mar- ried Pamelia Baird, and was a manufacturer of 0 L. MASSINGER, M. D., a prominent phy- sician and surgeon of Bridgeport, is a soc- cessful exponent of the theories of the homeo- pathic school, and his ability and skill are gen- erally recognized in the community. boots and shoes; Mary, born July 14, 1823, mar- ried Isaiah Burt; Eliza, born December 16, 1826, died January 29, 1827; Ezra B .. born August 7, 1828, married Julia Stebbins; Henry B., our subject; and William A., born August 19, 1835, wedded Helen Whitlock.

Daniel Hull, grandfather of Mrs. Mary A. Wheeler, was born in the town of Weston. He was proficient in several trades, but engaged chiefly in farming. He was a Democrat in poli- tics, and he served in the war of 1812. We have the following record of his children: Mary mar- I ried Aaron Bennett; Chloe married William Ben- nett; Eliza married Nathaniel Wood; Maria married John Wheeler; Bradley was Mrs. Wheel- er's father; David married (first) a Miss Taylor, and (second) Eliza Finch; Silas; Arthur; Aaron .married a Miss Lockwood; Samuel was twice married, first to Rosetia Brown; Antoinette married (first) Lonis Rundall, and (second) Aaron | ler, is a native of Hilltown, Penn., where her Bennett.

Bradley Hull, father of our subject's first

wife, was born in the town of Weston and learned the trade of molder, at which he worked all his life, establishing a foundry at Westor | He was an ardent Republican and held varices town offices. He married Miss Fannie Fantot. and their children were: Harriet, wife of Dar; S. Bartram; and Mary A., wite of Henry B Wheeler.

Stephen Babcock, grandfather of Mr. Whee' er's present wife, was born in the town of Mer- ris, Conn., and married Phoebe Northrop, br 1 whom he had children as follows: Abbie, bors May 20, 1818; William, born June 5. 1Sxc. Mary S., born November 26, 1821; John, born March 4, 1828; Charles, born May 11, 18 ;:: | Laura, born August 22, 1834; Edwin, born May | 3. 1837; Belinda, born December 17, 1838; and

John Babcock, father of Mrs. Wheeler, w2.5 | was a lifelong carpenter. During the Civil war

The Doctor was born November 13, 1870, 21 Chalfont, Penn., and is of excellent ancestry. One of his ancestors on the paternal side was an English dramatist of note, and his grandfather Massinger, who lived in Germany, was a vel- | erinary surgeon during the Napoleonic wars, and later was extensively engaged in business as a tanner and manufacturer of boots and saddles. filling contracts for the German army.

Charles Massinger, the Doctor's father, was born in Germany, and came to America at the age of sixteen years. In 1849 he located in Col- orado, where he became interested in some profitable mining ventures, and at present he is living in retirement in Pennsylvania. His estima- ble wife, whose maiden name was Mary A. Heck- father was a prominent agriculturist. Of their children, the eldest, Charles J., is a physician

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and surgeon at Collingswood. N. J .: Eber M. is Dr. A. G. Weed. Jr., a dentist, where he re- a veterinary surgeon at The maville. Jenn. : Wes- maimed over six years, acquiring in the meantime ley H. follows the same profession at Chalfont. , a practical knowledge of the demands of the pro- Penn .: O. L .. our subject. is the fourth in order fession, which he had decided to make his life- work Entering the New York Dental School, he of birth: Witham J. is now studying law; Miss Catherine M. is taking a course in vocal culture. I was graduated therefrom June 3. 1896, and the The ancestors in the paternal hne were Catholics, I following month he opened an office for practice while the mother's family were Protestants.

at No. 48 Cottage Place, in Stamford, Conn .. : ! where he has since been located. Though bis residence here has so far been a brief one. Doctor Schlechtweg has made flattering prog- i ress in his line, and has established himself as a reliable dentist, worthy of the patronage took a course in the New York Veterinary Col- , of the people among whom he has settled.

During his boyhood Doctor Massinger attend- ed the schools of his native town, and when six- teen years old entered Brown's preparatory school in Philadelphia. later attending Jefferson Medical College, in the same city, for a time. He then lege and in Pierce's Business College in Phila- delphia, and completed his medical studies at the Southern Homeopathic College, at Baltimore, graduating in 189 ;. Since having that institu- tion he has been in successful practice in Bridge- port. where he already enjoys a high reputation. He is popular in social life, being identified with the Foresters of America. Marina Council; the Knights of the Golden Eagle, at Challont, Penn., and the Independent Order of Red Men, Kon- chapotanauh Tribe No. Ac. at Bridgeport, of which he is " medicine nat. " The Doctor is unmarried.

C HARLES B. SCHLECHTWEG, D. D. S., of Stamford, Fairfield ( o., Conn., is one of the rising young men of that town, and one of its native-born citizens, the date of his birth being January 30, 1871.

Doctor Schlechtwer descended from German ancestry, and is a son of Andrew Schlechtweg, who was born in Staat-Lingsfeldt, Germany, in 1837. and was scared and edu- Our subject was educated in the schools of his native land, and as his father was a shoe- maker he was made familiar with the details of that business during his boyhood. At the age of twenty-one be crossed the ocean to seek his fort- une in this country, and locating at Norwalk he 1 entered the employ of an uncle, O. S. Eskelsen, an extensive manufacturer and dealer in shoes. cated in that country. At the age of seventeen years he came to the United States, and finally settled at Glenbrook, Conn .. where he resided for many years. For twenty-five years he was connected with the Phillips Chemical Works at Glenbrook, of which he was foren.an for twenty- two years. At Glenbrook he married Miss Amelia Hoffman, a native of Germany, and five | On his arrival Mr. Olsen was entirely without children were born to their union, namely: Libbie, John (who is a machinist, and lives in Stamford), Andrew ta gold and silver plater, of Stamford). Charles B. and Amelia. John Schlecht- weg, grandfather of Doctor Schlechtweg. was a shoemaker in Germany. He was blind for ten years.

Dr. Charles B. Schlechtweg received his rudi- mentary education in Gienbrook, and subse- quently attended the public schools at Stamford. When fifteen years old he entered the office of

Ţ HEODORE H. OLSEN. There is no bet- ter class of citizens than those members of the Scandinavian races who have settled among us, and by their thrift and untiring industry have gained prosperity. The career of the subject of this brief biography might well serve as an ex- ample to any ambitious youth who must .. find a way or make it," if be would escape the pressure of poverty.

Mr. Olsen was born April 25. 1846, in Christiania, Norway, the son of Ole and Mathea Olsen, who remained in the old country through- out their lives. Theodore H. is the eldest of three children, the others being Joseph A., who came 10 New York City, becoming a successful shoe manufacturer and, later, a restaurant keeper, but mysteriously disappeared a few years ago, nothing having since been heard from or of him (he was an active member of the Masonic | Fraternity); and John, who died in early man- hood.

funds, so that he had to begin at the very foot of the ladder. For many years be worked at the bench, occasionally being called upon to wait upon customers, and when his uncle sold the establishment to A. H. Hoyt, the latter was glad to retain the services of such a faithful and com- petent helper. After working for Mr. Hoyt for about twelve years Mr. Olsen formed a partner- ship with Moses H. Glover, and opened a shoe store and shop in Norwalk. This venture proved successful, and after a time they purchased

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I tails of the trade. Later he engaged in carper-

another establishment in that city, known as the "Star Store." Not long afterward they bought i tering and boxmaking. but thinking a country life a store in South Norwalk from Lounsbury. I more desirable than that of the town, he began, Matthewson & Co., and transferred to it the in 1882, to work upon a farm, and in 1884 he purchased the estate upon which he now resides. It contains about sixty acres of excellent land, which he devotes to general crops, including corn and hay, and he also keeps from fifteen to twenty cattle. He sells his milk, and for that branch of his business and other work upon the farm he keeps three horses. stock from their previous purchase. For about eight years the partnership was continued, Mr. Olsen taking charge of one store, Mr. Glover taking the other, and then the firm was dissolved, Mr. Olsen receiving the South Norwalk estab- lishment as his share. The agreement went into effect July 1, 1893, and since that date Mr. Olsen has been in business alone. Without Mr. Stevens married, for his first wife, Miss Lucy J. Birdsall, daughter of Sheldon and Eunice (Knapp) Birdsall, and after her decease wedded Miss Mary J. Shute, daughter of Gilbert and Caroline (Birdsall) Shute. One son came to the first marriage, Ernest P., born June 22, 18;2: he was killed March 23, 1893, on the Danbury & Norwalk railroad. doubt his store is now the best of the kind to be found in that locality. He has a large and profitable trade, and it is interesting to observe that he attributes his success to hard work, judicious management. and close attention to business. In fact, as he says, one word covers it all, and that is " attention."

While Mr. Olsen stands high in business cir- cles, he is no less esteemed as a private citizen, ; and in political matters he follows his own judg- being always ready to encourage any worthy i ment as to the best men and measures, voting I according to the issues at stake at the particular time. Socially he is a member of the A. 0. U. W. movement. He has not entered into practical politics, but takes much interest in the questions of the day. and is a strong believer in Repub- lican principles. His first wife, whose maiden name was Theresa Colgrove, was of English descent, but born in this country, her family having been identified with New York State for M AJOR MICHAEL KELLY, a veteran of the Civil war, is now a prominent resident of Bridgeport. and this brief vet suggestive story of his honorable and useful career will be read 1 with interest. many years. She died in August, 1891, and on May 30, 1892, Mr. Olsen married Miss Lucinda June. a cousin of his first wife. He has had three children, all by the first marriage: William and Theodore are now conducting a shoe business at Norwalk, under the firm name of Olsen Brothers, and Miss May is at home

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Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 215

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

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