Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 237

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

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J M. LUND, of Bridgeport, is one of the en- terprising foreign born citizens, and his career shows that he has inherited the thrift and good judgment characteristic of the inhabitants of his native land.

Mr. Lund was born June 26, 1863, in North Schleswig, Germany, son of Niels M. Lund, who was born and reared there and, like his father, was for many years engaged in agriculture, his death occurring at the old home in 1876. Our subject's mother, whose maiden name was Botille Peter- son, was born in the same province and is still living there. Of the seven children of Niels M. and Botille Lund, the eldest, Jacob M., is a farmer in Germany; Mads, who served three years as cavalryman in the German army, is also engaged in farming in the old country; J. M., our subject, is mentioned more fully below; Christian M. is deceased; Jesse P. M. is a merchant in Bridgeport; Louis is a clerk in the | born in the town of Fairfield, this county, Decem- employ of our subject, and Marie died at the age of three years.

As a boy J. M. Lund attended the public schools of his native place, but at the age of four- teen he began to earn his own livelihood by farm work. His ability soon brought him promotion and for some time he held the position of fore- man on a farm. Coming to this country at the age of about twenty-two years, he was for a short time employed as a gardener at Cleveland, Hon. Ebenezer Silliman Judd, our subject's Ohio, but in June of the same year he located at | father, was born January 21, 1802, in the town Bridgeport. His first employment there was as a | of Bethel, and became a well-known agricultur- day laborer, and he also worked three months in 1 ist, His home being on Chestnut Ridge. His a livery stable, but during the following winter | business dealings were characterized by strict

he conducted a cigar store. He then began working for the Bridgeport Beef Company, remaining with them about two years, and in 1888 he rented a building on Wood avenue and opened a retail meat market, which he carried on for three years and a half. In 1892 Mr. Lund bought a lot on Wood avenue and built his present store, to which he transferred his market, and in 1894 he built another store on the lot, opening a grocery and feed store, which he has since conducted successfully.

On December 25, 1891, Mr. Lund married Miss Christina Jepson, a native of Germany, and three children have blessed the union: Botille C. and Marie J., who are living, and Jennie M .. deceased. Socially Mr. Lund and his wife are I much respected, and he is a leading member of I the Danish Lutheran Church, being at present a I trustee of same. He is also connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the 1. O. O. F., Arcanum Lodge No. 41, of Bridgeport. Politically he is a Republican, and since making his home in this country he has taken keen interest in all questions relating to the national welfare.

A RTHUR S. JUDD, a leading citizen of Bethel, has held the office of first select- man in that town since 1884, his fellow towns- men demonstrating their appreciation of his able and faithful service by re-electing him at the ex- piration of each term.

Mr. Judd comes of good Colonial stock, and his grandfather, Phineas Judd, who was born in the town of Bethel April 4, 1773, spent his life in that locality, engaged as a farmer and mer- chant. In early manhood he taught school for a time. He took an active part in local affairs, being frequently chosen to fill town offices, and he was also a prominent official in the Congrega- tional Church. His wife, Sarah Silliman, was ber 18, 1782, daughter of Ebenezer Silliman and niece of Gen. Gould Selleck Silliman. She died April 28, 1828, and Mr. Judd's death occurred September 7. 1858. Their children were: Eb- enezer S .; Mary Penfield, deceased; Eliza, who married Eli Trowbridge; Julia, who died young; 'Willis, deceased: Sarah, who married Elisha Sirrine; Almon, deceased; and Julia, who mar- ried Fairchild Judd.

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b news, and he was influential in the advance- nent of the temperance cause and the work of the timerational Church. In politics he was a stanch Republican, and in 1sex, he was circled to represent his town in the State Legislature. He died Jane go. I've, and his wife, Harriet So we, who was In December 8. ISes. died April 10, 1800 They had the following nared ch'ten: Charies - and Sarah, both deceased. Incane, who n atried William H. Jadson, Henry C., Frederick S. deceased, Hegate. a veteran of the Civil war, who is now a Methodist m.in- ster at Huntington. 1. 1., Frank A., a resident df bethel. Sarah Fa and Adeine, deceased; and Arthur $ . our sulvect

Arthur S. Judd was to in November 26. 1549. in Center District, town of bethel, on the farm where he now reste .. His education was at- cared in Bethel, in the public schools and the academy, and on leaving school he served an apprenticeship to the Latter & trade with Orrin benedict, of the same pince When atout twenty wars old he went to Mates ta on account of ill health, sper ling a year there, and on his te- turn home he worked upon the farm for a year OF THE later he was umpicted in the hat fac- tory of G. A. Hickok for some time, and for twelve seats he werand in the cutting depart- ment for Judd art . Mr. Judd has always made his he me at the old farm, and is regarded as one i chat, and in 1898 he served as a delegate to the of the substantial apreciturants of his locality. county convention, but he does not aspire to offi- cial honors, and when elected justice of the prace in 1886 he refused to quality. He takes a been interest in all the questions of the day, and politically he is a steadfast Repub- lican.

On November 25. 18;2. Mr. Judd was mar- ned in Bethel to Max Sarah L. Allen, daughter of Alexander Alan, a well- known citizen. Five children have bienved the union, of whom, the first three. Allen, Patente and Horace, are de- ceased. Helen K. and I'hihp 1. are at home. . fluential friends.

The family attend the Congregational Church at Bethel, of which. Mr. Judd is an active member.

W ILLIAM Khi.li .. a well-known citron of Bridgep It. enjoys the distinction of having been elected notre of the peace at an carher age than any other man in this State, hav- ing barely attained it's a.fonty at the time. He is a man of the match :. i.e. and well-posted on the issues of the day.

Mr. Keele was torn in Bridgeport April ;. 1865, and is of lich bieod in both paternal and maternal lines. Hispaternal grandfather passed his entire life in Ireland. David Keefe, his father. was born at Limenich, heland, in 1832, and emi-

prated in early manhood to the United States, incating in Bridgeport, where he followed the m.arbie cutters trade many years. His death occurred August 19. 1879. His wife, Rosanna Donahue, who died December 8, 1891, was born May 1. 1832, at Killachandra, County Cavan, Ireland Of their six children. Stephen and David (twins, died in infancy; John is employed in the Graphophone works in Bridgeport; Nellie is in a convent in Prescott, Arizona; William. our sulvect, is mentioned more fully below; and Margaret married Thomas Hayden.

Mr. Keele was educated in Bridgeport, attend- ing the Golden Hill school, and began his busi- It's cafeer tending bar for Colonel Sheridan, by whom he was employed eleven years. On May 18. 1566. he opened a retail liquor store on Main street, and he has built up a profitable trade. He married Miss Augustine Berger, a native of Sharon, Mass., whose father, Francis Berger, was born in France, and four children have blessed this union: Edna, Ethel, William, Jr., and haymond. The family is identified with the Catholic Church at Bridgeport, of which Mr. Keefe is a leading member. He also belongs to Various societies, including the Foresters of America and the B. P. O. L .. Bridgeport Lodge No. 30, and he is now the president of the Third Ward Literary Club. Politically he is a Demo-

J OHN C. O'NEILL, a well-known resident of Stamford, is one of the enterprising self- made men, whose success has been won without the assistance of inherited capital or in-

Mr. O'Neill was born in Stamford July 3. 1852, and the greater portion of his life has been spent in that city. His father. Patrick O'Neill, was a native of Ireland, coming thence to the United States in early manhood, and making his home at Stanford. Our subject was educated in the public schools of Stamford, and at an early age began earning a livelihood by working upon a farm, where he spent about five years. He then for some time tended bar for John H. Hicks, of Stamford, and in 1873 he engaged in the liquor business on his own account at the location now occupied by " The Silver Dollar." This enterprise proved successful, and on April 16, Is1, he opened a saloon and grocery at No. 47 Elm street, which he conducted until 1895. Since that date he has devoted his attention ex-

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clusively to the liquor business, discontinuing the grocery, and he enjoys a large and lucrative trade. He is a prominent member of the Stam- ford Liquor Dealers Association, and for some time he has been connected with the Board of Trade of that city. In politics he is a Republican, and he takes much interest in all questions relat- ing to local improvement, while he is also active in religious work, being a leading member of St. John's R. C. Church, at Stamford.

On November 14. 1875, Mr. O'Neill married Miss Sarah E. Bennett, and their home is bright- ened by four children, namely: Mary, Sarah, Helen, and John C., JI.

W ILLIAM J. BEEHLER. From an Amer- | in the county, doing a business of about $18,000

ican point of view the commercial inter- ests of a place play an important part in the I embalmer in the town, obtaining his diploma in great drama of the world's history, and the | this line from the Champion College of New merchant holds an honorable social position. | York City. Among the merchants of Fairfield county who

Mr. Beehler is one of the self-made men of have by their own ability and energy molded i which this country can boast: he started out in their fortunes we find the name of William J. Beehler.

Christian William Beehler, father of our sub- ject, was a native of Germany, whence over half a century ago he came to America. He first set- tled in New Jersey. later moving to Sandy Hook, in the town of Newtown. Fairfield Co., Conn. In his youth he served his time as a weaver, though his ancestors were all blacksmiths. Since his residence in this countryhe has worked many years with a rubber company. In politics he is a Republican, and in his religious views he is a

' faithful follower of the teachings of John Wesley. I of Danbury, of the Good Templars, at Sandy He was married in Germany to Miss Elizabeth Hook, and St. Peter's Lodge, F. & A. M., at New Milford. Religiously he is a faithful mem- ber of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, of which he is now serving as vestryman. Though young in years, Mr. Beehler has acquired the steady poise and sound judgment that usually comes only to men of large experience, and his public spirit ! would make him a leader in any community. Stahl, and their family consisted of the following named children': F. T., who is the proprietor of a hat store at Stamford, Conn .; Christian W., | of the Wolfe American Bicycle Company, at Brooklyn, N. Y .: George, of Newtown, Conn .; Elizabeth; Sophia, an operator in a shirt factory at Bridgeport: Amelia, of Newtown; William J .; and Albert C .. of Newtown. Mr. Beehler, the father, though now eighty years old, is still strong and vigorous, and his mind is keenly alive to the interests of the day.

P ETER FOX, a prominent resident of Stam- ford, was born May 13, 1849, in the King- | for several generations. His father, Charles Fox, also a native of Prussia, was engaged in business

William J. Beehler was born December 4, I dom of Prussia, where his ancestors had resided 1866, in the town of Newtown, Conn. He ac- quired his literary training in the district schools of Sandy Hook and the private school of C. M. I as a grain dealer. Parson, and after leaving school be began his

Our subject was educated in the public schools. business education with a year and a half in the | of his native place, and at the age of fifteen came shops of the New York Belting & Packing to America to seek his fortune. On landing in New York City he secured employment in a hat Company. For a similar period he was em- ployed in the store of James M. Blackman at | factory, and for eight years he worked at that

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Sandy Hook, and in the spring of 1885, when eighteen years old he came to Brookfield and went to work for Henry S. Beers, in the capacity of clerk, remaining with him some eight years. Mr. Beers was a man of fine personality, and it is to his interest and careful training during this period that Mr. Beehler attributes much of the success which has since marked his business ca- reer. In the fall of 1892 this store was struck by lightning and burned; almost at once the present store building began to arise from the ashes of the old, and in the spring following the fire Mr. Beers sold his interest to Mr. Beehler and removed to Middletown, Conn. Mr. Beehler has been prosperous in his undertaking, and car- ries one of the finest lines of general merchandise per year. He is also the only undertaker and

| life without any financial support, and by dint of grit, energy and perseverance he has secured a competence, while his honorable business meth- ods have won for him an enviable place in the 1 estimation of the commercial element of Brook- field. He is actively interested in the advance- ment of the Republican party, and is at this writ- i ing serving as clerk and treasurer of the town I and as postmaster at his home, Brookfield Iron | Works; for two years he was on the school com- mittee of the district. In his social relations he | is a member of Samaritan Lodge, I. O. O. F.,

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trade as a journeyman. In 1874 he located at Stamford and opened a liquor store in Gay street, where he has ever since conducted a thriving business. He is an active member of the Stam- ford Liquor Dealers Association, and is justly regarded as one of the leaders in his line of trade.

In February, 1873, Mr. Fox was married, in New York City, to Miss Hedwig Hirshson, and in 1898 they celebrated their silver wedding anni- versary, the occasion being marked by great re- joicing among their relatives and friends. Six children have blessed their union: Rosie (now the wife of Sol. Bernard, of Trenton, N. J.), Henry, Pauline, Regina, Charles, and Helen.

HOMAS B. DE FOREST, president of the Bridgeport National Bank, and one of that city's foremost business men, has won the dis- tinction he now holds by his own achievements. The brief recital of his life's history is an inter- esting one, for it aptly illustrates the opportuni- ties and the rewards that await the young man of pluck and determination.

Mr. De Forest was born April 22. 1831, at Bridgeport, Conn., a son of Isaac and Sarah Ann (Bartram) De Forest. Isaac De Forest was born in Easton, Conn., in 1798, a son of Will- iam and Sarah (Nichols) De Forest; Sarah Ann Bartram was the daughter of Thomas and Sarah Bartram. Isaac De Forest was an early resi- dent of Bridgeport, and died in 1874. He and his wife had two children: Thomas B., subject of this sketch, and William L .. now deceased.

Thomas B. De Forest received his education partly in the academy at Fairfield, whither his father had moved when he was nine years old, and he also attended private schools at Bridge- port. The sea has fascinations for many boys, and the subject of this sketch was attracted by its witching glamor. For three years he was a sailor before the mast on a line plying between New York City and Savannah. Then the young mariner deserted this calling and became a lands- man. He entered a clothing store in New York City as a salesman, and subsequently traveled several years for a clothing house at Charleston, S. C. Next he went to Chicago, where he se- cured a position in a bank, and he later filled similar positions in a bank in Minnesota. In 1857, at the age of twenty-six years, Mr. De Forest returned to Bridgeport and embarked in the insurance business, which he has since fol- lowed uninterruptedly to the present day. In 1871 he established a business relationship with W. R. Higby, under the firm name of Higby & De Forest. His interests have grown and pros-

pered with those of the city, and he is now prominently associated with many institutions of great influence and value to the community. For twenty-three years he has been a director of the Bridgeport National Bank, of which he is now president. He is also first vice-president of the Bridgeport Savings Bank. He is vice-president of the Consolidated Rolling Stock Co., and is treasurer of the Bridgeport Hydraulic Company.

Mr. De Forest was married, in 1857, to Miss Martha Crocker, daughter of Capt. Charles and Julia Crocker. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. De Forest: Marian; Julia, wife of B. D. Pierce, Jr., of Bridgeport; Sarah M., wife of Justus B. Entz, of New York City; Thomas; and William. Our subject is a member of the South Congregational Church, and for a number of years has served on the board of that society. In politics he is a Democrat. He was a member of the common council of Bridgeport during the Civil war, and during the term that P. T. Bar- num served as mayor. Subsequently Mr. De Forest was elected a member of the board of aldermen; he has acceptably filled the position of road and bridge commissioner, and in various other capacities has contributed to the public service that ripe experience and judgment which has won for him the present high esteem in which he is held by his fellow men.

C E. SMITH. In the complicated activities of modern commercial and industrial life there is need for the employment of widely diversified talents, the practical business man, skilled in the conduct of affairs, being of no less service than the man who works with his hands. Each is essential to the success of the other, each must aid in order to bring any enterprise of magnitude 'to a profitable conclusion. As a promoter and manager of large interests, the subject of this sketch, now a prominent resident of Stamford, has won an enviable reputation, his success being mainly due to his clear judgment as to the right means for carrying out his plans and to his fine executive ability. which gained for him the con- fidence of his associates in business.

Mr. Smith belongs to one of Stamford's old and respected families, the Smith homestead, which is still standing on Stillwater avenue, now 150 years old, being a well-known landmark there. The family is of English descent. Isaac Smith, the father of our subject, was a native of Stamford, and throughout his life was engaged in agricultural pursuits in that locality. He and his wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Webb, died in Stamford.

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Our subject was born April 5, 1809, at the old homestead, and his youth was spent in the manner common to country lads of that day, the summers being devoted to work on the farm, while in winter he attended the local schools. In his sixteenth year he went to New York City and entered the employ of Smith & Dimond, the well-known shipbuilders, with whom he served a regular apprenticeship. from 1828 to 1831, un- der the old system of work "from sun to sun." On completing his term he worked for two years at lump work, jobbing certain pieces of work, and later he engaged in merchandising at Smith- town, N. Y., conducting a general store and ship chandlery. He also owned a set of ways for hauling up vessels in need of repairs, and for two years he carried on these lines of business suc- cessfully. He then returned to New York City to engage in ship repairing, which he continued until 1847, one of the first boats constructed by him being the "New Brighton." and he followed that business in all ten years, clearing in that time about $10,000.

In 1847 Mr. Smith became interested in the whale-oil business, in which he continued for six- teen years. Meanwhile he organized the Vulcan Mining Company, for the purpose of exploring the copper region of northern Michigan; and later, having secured a lease of some valuable copper land, he organized the Minnesota Mining Company, with which he operated the property from 1847 to 1864. At first he held two hun- dred shares, but as time passed he became the owner of 1,333} shares in the company, the in- vestment proving to be a most profitable one. Mr. Smith also held interests in other mining properties, and at present he owns nine hundred shares in the Central Mining Company of Mich- igan. At various times he has been interested in other lines of investment, and for some years he was a director in the Fulton Fire Insurance Company of New York City.

In February, 1837, Mr. Smith was married, in New York City, to Miss Mary Egerton, with whom he became acquainted when she was but twelve years old. In 1857 he purchased a resi- dence in Fourteenth street, New York City, and i in the " seventies" he built his present handsome home in Schuyler avenue, Stamford. He and his family have always held a prominent place in social life, and since 1879 he has been a member of the New England Society. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian, identified for many years with the Fourteenth Street Church in New York City. In 1885, after nearly half a century of happy wedded life, his beloved wife passed to the unseen world. Of their four sons, the eldest,

Egerton, died in New Orleans, of yellow fever. Henry married Miss Fannie Bogardus, and both died some years ago, leaving one son, James B. George married Miss Helen Hudson; he is also deceased. Schuyler died in Stamford. Mr. Smith is still active, and enjoys remarkable health for a man of ninety years.

JOHN J. RYBURN, one of Bridgeport's native sons of whom that city is justly proud, was born December 29, 1855. His father, Will- iam H. Rvburn, was born in 1824, in Charleston, S. C., where his father, a seafaring man, had settled.

William H. Ryburn grew to manhood in his native town, and thence went to New York, where he learned the cabinet maker's trade. Years ago he made the woodwork on the piano that drew the first prize at the World's Fair. He fol- lowed that trade until 1872, in 1850 removing to Bridgeport, where he made his home until his death, in March, 1877. In New York he married Margaret McGovern, who was born in Ireland, and a family of seven children came to them: One that died in infancy; William H., who is a night watchman in Bridgeport; Annie A., de- ceased wife of William Clampitt, of Bridgeport: Isabella, widow of James Henderson, of Boston (he was her second husband); Margaret. the wife of Nicholas Desmond, of Port Chester, N. Y .; John J., our subject; and Mary E., who died un- married. The father of this family was an active Republican in his political affiliations, and in re- ligious connection was a member of the Episcopal Church. The mother is still living.

John J. Ryburn has passed his entire life in Bridgeport. He attended the public schools up to the age of eleven years, when he went to work for C. Capen, a shirt manufacturer on Cannon I street, remaining there four years, after which he went to work for his father, who had previously engaged in the grocery business. On the death of the father our subject assumed entire charge, and he has been conducting the business ever since with almost phenomenal success, dealing, wholesale and retail, in fine groceries, provisions. ale, wine, liquors, house-furnishing goods. crock- ery and tinware. He has also dealt extensively in real estate. embarking in this line of business in 1882. In appraising property he has taken an especial interest, and so well has he informed himself on relative values that he has many times been called into court to testify as an expert. Mayor Bostwick appointed him to serve one year as appraiser of benefits and damages, on the ex- piration of that time reappointing him for a term

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of three years, and he is still serving in that capacity.

On November 8, 1877, Mr. Ryburn married Margaret Downing, daughter of Philip Downing, a native of Waterford, Ireland, and seven chil- dren have been born to this union: William and John (deceased), James, Edward, Mary, Annie and Nellie.

Mr. Ryburn has the true instinct for commer- cial life, and his success in business is the result of his integrity, courtesy and manly bearing. He is a Democrat in politics and a worker in the in- terests of his party, in which he ranks high as a wise counselor. He is particularly noted for his generosity, and his charities, public and private, are quite extensive, the poor and needy never applying in vain for his aid. He is well liked, and men are proud to call him friend.

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Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 237

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