Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 239

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

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Though young in years, being probably the youngest police captain in the country, Captain Ginty is old in experience, and in the knowledge of men. In the Bohemian habits that become essential to the successful newspaper man, he became familiar with the haunts of those who more frequently transgress the law, and if wanted he knows just where to find them. He possesses I rare common sense, with a quick intelligence Danbury and married Miss Johanna Delaney. , ard an honest, open countenance, and he is the Eight children gladdened their home, three of whom are now living: Frank, a hatter by trade; Mary, a bookkeeper; and Edward C., whose name introduces these lines.

Capt. Edward C. Ginty was born March 23, 1870, in Danbury, and grew to manhood in his native place. His education was obtained in the public schools, in which he was enrolled as a pupil until he was seventeen years of age. On leaving school he learned the hatting and silver- plating trades. Captain Ginty achieved a con- s derable share of his popularity as a base-ball umpire. Not only on the local diamond, but in several other cities his services as an umpire were frequently in demand, and he was at one time an umpire in the Eastern and the Con- necticut Leagues. He also attained success as an elocutionist and amateur actor. In local en- tertainments he was always popular, and he managed several dramatic productions with marked success. He found very agreeable em- ployment in newspaper work, and in this active line he made a host of friends. For a time he acted as a reporter on the Dispatch, and later was editor of the Catholic Weekly, besides being a correspondent for a number of out-of-town papers, his work in this field bringing him in contact with all classes of people, and adding

much to his store of practical knowledge. In 1896 he was elected constable, during his service in this office gaining some knowledge of police matters and showing considerable detective abil- ity in that line. On June 6, 1897, he was ap- pointed captain of the Danbury police, and his appointment met with the hearty approval of the citizens. The contest that preceded will long be remembered in Danbury political circles as the most lively struggle that had ever been made for a local municipal office. Captain Ginty had many strong rivals in the race, but as he had the backing of several conservative business and pro- fessional men, and was not the candidate of any political faction, he came out an easy winner. Mayor Kerr was warmly congratulated for taking the independent course he did in the matter of appointing Mr. Ginty in the face of political and factional opposition.

personification of an ideal officer. His executive ability and practical ideas have produced a marked improvement in the condition of the force.

B JOHNSON, the well-known merchant tailor of Bethel, enjoys a practical monopoly there in his line, his success in meeting the demands for good work keeping all others from even attempting to rival him.

Mr. Johnson was born January 7, 1866, in Copenhagen, Denmark, and in his native country his name is spelled Johansen. His youth was spent in Copenhagen, where he had excellent educational advantages, of which he made good use, being now well acquainted with five langu- apes, English, Danish, German, Swedish, and Norwegian. He learned the details of the tailor's trade in early life, but when a young man served his term in the Danish army before engag- ing in business. At the age of twenty-four he established himself in Copenhagen as a merchant tailor, but at the end of three years he decided to see something of the world, and for some time he traveled through Germany, Italy, Switz- erland and other countries of Europe, support- | ing himself in the meantime by working at his

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trade. In 1892 he came to America, and after spending a few months in Brooklyn. N. Y., and in Providence and Newport, R. I., he found his way in July of that year to Danbury, where he found employment in the establishment of John Wagner, on Liberty street. In February, 1894, he located in Bethel, and having met with suc- cess from the beginning he has ever since con- tinued in business there, his establishment being in the Durant Block.

On February 18, 1893, Mr. Johnson was married, in New York City, to Miss Johanna Marie Rasmussen, and two children have blessed the union, Harry, and Adolph, who is deceased. In religious faith Mr. Johnson is a Lutheran, and he is prominent socially as a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle at Danbury, the Sons of Herman, and a Swedish society.

W WILLIAM RAYMOND KEELER, of the livery firm of Adams & Keeler, Ridgefield, was born in that town October 31, 1866. He is a grandson of Jesse Keeler, and the eldest son of Russell Raymond Keeler, who was also a native of Ridgefield, born October 30, 183 ;.

Russell Raymond Keeler lived on a farm at Ridgefield all his life, and was for many years engaged in its cultivation. However, he was also interested in other lines of business, particularly cattle dealing. In 1891 he embarked in the livery business, being associated in same with J. H. Adams, of South Salem, N. Y., under the firm name of Adams & Keeler. They put up the buildings occupied by the present firm, the estab- lishment being one of the finest in this part of the country, and Mr. Keeler continued as a mem- ber of the firm up to the time of his death, which occurred November 4, 1893. He left a comfort- able property, acquired by his own industry and good management of his business affairs, in the conduct of which he showed much skill and keen judgment, meeting with substantial success. He was liberal and broad-minded in all matters, and took quite an interest in public affairs, especially those concerning the welfare of his town and county. An ardent Republican, he was an active worker for his party, and represented his district in the State Legislature. Mr. Keeler was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Hickok, daughter of William H. Hickok, of Wilton, Conn., and three children were born to them, namely: Will- iam Raymond; Mortimer Cole, born August 10, 1868. on the homestead, who married Grace Russell. of Bristol; and Ella Rowena, born Janu- ary 1, 1874, now the wife of N. Bradley Gorham, a business man and speculator of Norwalk, Conn.

The family attended the Congregational Church, of which Mr. Keeler was a prominent member and official for many years.

William R. Keeler received a good education, commencing his studies in the public schools of Ridgefield. He next attended Brown's Boarding School at Wilton, after which he took a more advanced course at Doctor Fitch's Hillside Academy, where he finished his literary training. It had been his intention to follow this with a college course and prepare himself for the pro- fession of the law, but on account of weak eye- sight he gave up this project and instead took a business course at Bridgeport, Conn., completing same when about nineteen years old. Proceed- ing to New York he obtained a situation with the New Haven Clock Company, and later en- tered the employ of the Manhattan Watch Com- pany, also of New York City, with whom he re- mained some five years, part of the time in New Haven, Conn. He commenced with this firm at the bottom of the ladder, gradually rising through various positions to that of assistant superinten- dent of the company, by whom he was held in the highest esteem for his energy, stability. and business ability. In November, 1893, upon the death of his father, he succeeded to the partner- ship in the firm of Adams & Keeler. This firm has not only a lucrative local patronage, but also caters to the New York trade in the sales depart- ment, which is constantly growing. During the summer season they have about fifty horses in the stables. Mr. Keeler is still a young man, but his success in business life is already assured, and he has every prospect of a prosperous future in a promising field for one of his enterprising disposi- tion. Like his father before him, he is a Repub- lican in political faith, and takes considerable interest in party affairs. In religious connection he is a member of the Congregational Church.

J OHN FLAHAVEN, JR., who is now serving his second term as selectman of the town of Bridgeport, is an enterprising young busi- ness man, and the proprietor of a well-patronized grocery and liquor store in Bridgeport city.

Mr. Flahaven was born in 1867, in County Limerick, Ireland, the son of John Flahaven, also a native of County Limerick, who came to America with his family in 1880. Four years later he settled in Bridgeport, where he now re- sides with ten of his twelve children.

Our subject's education was begun in the schools of Limerick, and after coming to the United States he attended school for a time at Cold Spring, Putnam Co., N. Y. Soon after the

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removal of the family to Bridgeport he entered upon an apprenticeship to the plumber's trade with Mr. Daniel Fitzgerald, which he followed, however, only three and a half years. Since that time he has been engaged in the grocery and liquor business at No. 148 Hough avenue, Bridgeport. He is not married. Mr. Flahaven is popular socially, and is connected with Har- mony Circle. Foresters of America, and the Brotherhood of the Union.

T A. BURGESS. Industry, thrift and per- severance are sure passports to success in the business world, whatever believers in "luck" may say, and in the career of this well-known contractor and builder of Bridgeport we find those characteristics fully exemplified. Being left fatherless at an early age. he has had his own way to make from boyhood, and his present prosperity is due solely to his personal efforts.

Mr. Burgess was born June 27, 1868, in Wind- sor, Canada, son of William and Abigail Ann (Card) Burgess. The father, who was a native of England, crossed the Atlantic when eighteen years old, and settled at Windsor. Canada, where he engaged in farming, and also carried on busi- ness as a contractor and builder. His death oc- curred there, and his widow, who was born in Windsor, of good Canadian stock. is now living in Bridgeport. This estimable couple had a large family of children, as follows: Edgar and Ever- ett, who are farmers in Canada: Anna. who mar- ried Anthony Burgess, now employed as foreman by Marsh Bros., of Bridgeport; Leila (deceased), who married William Tomlinson, now in the em- ploy of Marsh Bros. ; T. A., our subject; Robert S., a carpenter by trade, who is engaged in mining in California: Odessa, wife of Benjamin Roberts, a carpenter in the employ of our subject: George, a carpenter. who is now a miner in California; and William A., a carpenter, with Marsh Bros., of Bridgeport.

Mr. Burgess was but thirteen years old when his father died, and, as the family was large, he was obliged to turn his attention to the task of earning a livelihood. For three years he was en- gaged in a greenhouse in Portland, Maine, and then, after spending a winter at home, he went to Fitchburg, Mass., where he spent three years as an apprentice to the carpenter's trade. In the fall of 1885 he returned home, the following May locating at Bridgeport, where he completed his apprenticeship to his trade. For some time he followed contracting and building, in partner- ship with his oldest brother, under the firm name of Burgess Bros., and they carried on a profit-

able business for two years, after which our sub- ject purchased his brother's interest, and he has since continued alone. He is not afraid of work, often taking off his coat and " setting the pace " for his men, and his reliability and thoroughness have brought him an extended custom, some of the best buildings in Bridgeport. Stratford, Mer- iden, Danbury, Derby and other towns in this part of the State having been constructed by him.

On November 4, 1890, Mr. Burgess married Miss Annie B. Marsh, a sister of Charles Marsh, of Bridgeport. and they have had two children: Florence Mannetta and Royal Tweedie. Mr. Burgess and his wife are prominent socially, and are active members of Grace Methodist Church, at Bridgeport, in which for two years he has been superintendent of the Sunday-school. In poli- tics he is a stanch Republican, but his allegiance does not depend upon official favors, as he has no inclination toward public life.

W ILLIAM E. BROWN. There is prob- ably no better known man in the younger element of Stamford, Fairfield county, than the subject of this sketch, who for the past three years has been the efficient cashier of the Stam- ford Co-operative Savings Association, and is also actively identified with the social and religi- ous interests of the town.

Mr. Brown is a native of Fairfield county, born July 5. 1868. in New Canaan, a son of Orange Scott Brown, and a grandson of James A. Brown, who was a farmer at Pound Ridge, N. Y., and died at South Norwalk, Conn., aged seventy- four years. Orange S. Brown was born in Pound Ridge, N. Y., and for the past thirteen years has been a resident of Stamford, where he first carried on a grocery store, after a time taking up the insurance and real-estate business, which he conducted very successfully. During the Civil war Mr. Brown served his country as a member of the 17th Connecticut Heavy Artillery, and later was .in the Infantry, enlisting in Janu- ary, 1864. and remaining in the service until the close of the struggle. He was wounded once in the hand, suffering the loss of one of his fingers. He is a member of W. T. Minor Post, G. A. R., and, socially. of the Royal Arcanum, also of the New England Order of Protection; in religious connection he is a member of the M. E. Church, having joined the congregation at New Canaan. He was married in New Canaan to Sarah Selleck, a daughter of Edwin Selleck, and William E. is their only child.

William E. brown attended public school in the northern part of the town of New Canaan

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during his early years, and for three years was a student in a private academy at Bedford, N. Y. He clerked for a time in his father's grocery store, and later was clerk in the post office under L. S. Begent, after which he entered the office of Lounsbury & Soule, as bookkeeper, re- maining with them for four years. From that time he was engaged in the real-estate and in- surance business in Stamford, succeeding his father, until in 1896, when he discontinued it in order to give his entire time and attention to the duties of his present position, which he assumed in 1895. In this responsible office Mr. Brown's business talent has had ample opportunity for display, and the manner in which he has served in his present capacity is sufficient evidence of his ability in this direction. Mr. Brown takes a lively interest in the progress of the community in which he lives, and is always ready to aid any project for the common good. He is an active member of the Y. M. C. A., equally well-known in Church circles, being a devout member of the M. E. denomination; at present he is organist of the Congregational Church at Stamford. Socially, he is a member in good standing of the Royal Arcanum; the New England Order of Protection, and of Puritan Lodge, I. O. O. F.

On October 1, 1889, Mr. Brown was married, in Stamford, to Miss Henrietta Morgan, daughter of Oscar A. Morgan, of Stamford, and one child, Harold C., born August 5, 1890, has blessed their union.

UGH DONNELLY, a young business man of Norwalk, whose honesty and industry are bringing to him rewards while he is yet in his early manhood, was born there May 28, 1868, the posthumous child of Hugh Donnelly, Sr.

Hugh Donnelly, Sr., was a native of County Meath, Ireland, where he married Elizabeth Lynch, also of that county. Four children were born to them in Ireland: Thomas, now of Nor- walk; John, deceased in 1896; Edward, a clerk in a meat market in Norwalk; and Mary. deceased in infancy. The father of these came alone to this country, and, having secured employment, sent for his family, but died soon after their ar- rival; his wife is still living.

Hugh Donnelly, our subject, was given good educational advantages in the local schools, later in a Roman Catholic parochial school, and he was not slow to use the opportunities for acquir- ing knowledge; moreover, he had considerable natural talent and a retentive memory. On leaving the schoolroom he found his first employ- ment in a lockshop of the Norwalk Lock Com-

pany, at South Norwalk. He worked for this company for about one year, and then became clerk in the grocery and liquor store of John Keena; after six months in this store he was given a position with George Low as clerk, and remained with him five years. Next he entered the store of C. H. Valden, and for nearly two years retained this position, when Mr. Valden sold out to George F. Quintard, and Mr. Don- nelly remained with him during his two-years' proprietorship. The grocery was then purchased by F. S. Ambler, and at the end of two and one- half years Mr. Donnelly, on January 16, 1895, bought out Mr. Ambler, and has since success- fully conducted the store at No. 5 Wall street, Norwalk, with which he had been so many years connected. His pleasant manners had greeted the customers so long during his clerkship, that when he took upon himself the responsibility of ownership, the good will and best wishes of the public were freely extended to him, and his fair, honorable dealing has won for him a large share of the grocery trade of the city.

On October 27, 1896, Mr. Donnelly was mar- ried to Miss Jane A. O'Sullivan, a daughter of John O'Sullivan (a sketch of whom appears else- where). In his political faith Mr. Donnelly is a Democrat, but his busy life has given him but little time to devote to politics. His family for generations have been strict adherents to the Roman Catholic Church, and Mr. Donnelly has had no inclination to deviate from the faith of his ancestors. In fraternal relations he is a mem- ber of the Knights of Columbus and of the Cath- olic Club. He is highly respected by the com- munity in which his entire life has been passed, and is to-day one of the representative young business men of the county.

ARED J. WOLFEL is taking his place among the rising young business men of New Canaan as a member of the prosperous firm of Wolfel & Greenwald, tinsmiths and plumbers.

Mr. Wolfel was born November 11, 1869, in New Canaan, son of Conrad Wolfel, a native of Nuremberg, Germany. His grandfather

Wolfel was a cabinet maker by trade. Conrad Wolfel received an excellent education in the schools of his native place, and there learned the shoemaker's trade, which he has followed all his life. In early manhood he came to America with several others, and he and his wife were among the first German settlers in New Canaan, where they still reside. At first he followed his trade here on his own account, and then entered the William G. Webb shoe factory, where he was

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foreman for six or seven years. Subsequently he worked eight years for Tracey, in Stamford, and for the past eight years he has been in the Fancher factory, at .New Canaan. Mr. Wolfel was married, in New York City, to Catherine Metzger, who was born in Kulmbach, Germany, and five children came to them, namely: John C., Carrie, Louise, Sophie and Fred J. these, John C. is a blacksmith residing at Long Ridge, Stamford; he was first married to Louisa Grupe, by whom he had four children: Harry, Charles, Albert and Mary, and after her death wedded Alice . Carrie Wolfel is deceased. Louise is the wife of Henry Veirrn, of Bridge- port, Conn. Sophie is married to William E. Wilson, of Green Point, N. Y. Mr. Wolfel is a prominent Odd Fellow in New Canaan and is past grand of his lodge.

Fred J. Wolfel was a pupil in the Center District school of New Canaan during his boy- hood. When nineteen years of age he went to Stamford and took a position with the firm of B. D. Lum & Son, plumbers and tinners, and from that time spent seven years learning the plumb- er's trade, working in Stamford, New York City and Brooklyn. On April 1, 1895, he and John Greenwald, Jr., entered into partnership under the firm name of Wolfel & Greenwald, and began business on Railroad avenue. where they were located for about one year. The following April they moved to their present quarters, which were formerly occupied by John E. Whitney, and here they do a successful business in plumbing, tin- ning, steamfitting, etc., receiving the greater share of that kind of work in New Canaan and vicinity. They have also done work in Norwalk and Stamford. Mr. Wolfel is at present serving as superintendent of the water works in New Canaan. He is active in fraternal circles, being a member of Harmony Lodge No. 67, F. & A. M .; the Ridgeley Protective Association, F. & A. M .; Wooster Lodge No. 37, 1. O. O. F., of which he is past grand; and the Knights of the Golden Cross.

J JOSEPH V. BRENNAN, the present superin- tendent of the poor at Bridgeport, Conn., was born in that city, October 24, 1870. Joseph Brennan, his grandfather, was a native of Ireland, and came to this country while quite young. He was married in Fairfield county, Conn., to Katharine McKeegan, and they reared a family of four children: James, the father of our subject; Joseph, who for many years was organist of St. Patrick's Church in New Haven, Conn., where he died in 1896; John, an engineer,

residing in Fairfield; and Edward, who was an organist in Norwalk, Conn., for many years. The father of this family was an agriculturist by occu- pation; he died in Fairfield county.

James Brennan was born in Bridgeport, and was a steamfitter by trade, though for over twenty years he was engaged in the grocery busi- ness. He was united in marriage with Miss Jo- hanna Mead, who was born in Bridgeport, daugh- ter of James Mead, a shoemaker by trade and a highly respected citizen. To this worthy couple were born eight children, namely: William M .; Joseph V .; E. Paul; J. Augustine; Ellen C., wife of G. S. Wildman, of Bridgeport; Mary C .; Grace 1 .. and Julia, all now deceased except Grace 1., Ellen C. and our subject. The mother of this family died June 16, 1892, and the father is now living retired. In politics he is a Demo- crat, and in religious faith the entire family were devout and consistent members of the Roman Catholic Church.

Joseph V. Brennan attended the local schools of his native town during his boyhood days. At the age of sixteen he began the study of phar- macy under Charles E. Shelton, and, after three and one-half years with him, secured the posi- tion of clerk in the drug department of the Emer- gency Hospital. He gave great satisfaction in this position by the careful manner in which he attended to his work, and he remained there, also filling the place of ambulance surgeon, until. April, 1896, when he was appointed superintend- ent of the poor. This responsible position he still retains, and the same careful attention that he formerly gave to the drug business is now turned to the good of the unfortunate.

On January 13, 1891, Mr. Brennan was mar- ried to Miss Lillie Linskey, who was born in Guilford, New Haven Co., Conn., a daughter of Martin and Ellen Linskey. In politics our sub- ject is a stanch adherent of the principles of the Democratic party, in whose interests he has been active ever since he cast his first vote. Socially, he is a member of Court Pequonnock, F. of A. He is a bright young man, whose success in the past gives promise of a brilliant future, with the additional luster of the respect and honest esteem of his fellowmen.

W ILLIAM CABLE. Among the well-edu- cated young men of whom Danbury is justly proud is William Cable, who was born in that city April 9. 1876.

Mr. Cable was educated in the public schools of Danbury, graduating from the Danbury Acad- emy in the class of 1892. Having a decided

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preference for the legal profession, he deter-

Robert T. Wheeler spent his early life in mined to make it his life work, and accordingly, | Stratford, receiving his education in the schools the following year, entered Yale Law School, where for two years he pursued his studies. His law work was completed under the able instruc- tion of Judge James E. Walsh, and in January, 1897, he was admitted to practice at the Fair- field County Bar. He is a young man of much promise, and with his steady, temperate habits, his good education, and a wisdom far beyond his vears, it is safe to predict for him an honorable and successful career. I of that locality, and his business career began with four years of service in the general offices I of the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R., at New Haven. In 1896 he returned to Stratford and took charge of the coal business, which already shows the effects of his energetic management, and he en- joys a profitable trade. Politically he is a Re- publican, but he has not, so far, been especially active in party affairs, although he is in hearty sympathy with all movements tending to pro- mote the general welfare. In October, 1896, he married Miss Marian Beach, and one son, Rob- ert T., Jr., has blessed the union. Mrs. Wheeler was born in Bridgeport, and her parents, George E. and Mary A. (Edmonds) Beach, are also natives of that town.

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Commemorative Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Connecticut, Part 239

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