USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Commemorative biographical record of New Haven county, Connecticut, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens and of many of the early settled families, V. I, Pt 1 > Part 71
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91
(V) Charles Prouty, son of Joseph, born May 7, 1800, married Eunice Watson. Their children were (dates of birth unknown) : Elizabeth, Charles, Elmira, Henry J., Mary Ann and Calvin Luther. .
(VI) Henry J. Prouty, son of Charles, born Oct. 16, 1838, is also a native of Spencer, where he was educated and has spent his life. For many years he was connected with the shoe trade in one of the factories in that line, in Spencer, and he is a man of high morality and excellent business qualifica- tions. He was married in June, 1864, to Miss Parmelia Roberts, of Waltham, Mass., who still sur- vives, the family home in Spencer being one of do- mestic comfort and Christian living. Both Mr. and Mrs. Prouty are consistent members of the Uni- versalist Church.
(VII) WILLIS JAMES PROUTY, A. M., son of Henry J., was born in Spencer May 22, 1865, and was reared in his native town, receiving excellent educational advantages. After finishing an ele- mentary course in the public schools he graduated from the Spencer high school. in 1883. Shortly after he entered Tufts College, at Medford, Mass., where he pursued a regular academic course, graduating in 1887 with high honors, a specialty having been made in Latin. In 1896 his Alma Mater conferred on him the degree of A. M. In the fall of 1887 Prof. Prouty located in Meriden, Conn., accepting at that time a position as teacher in the high school, as instructor in mathematics and bookkeeping. Dur- ing 1887-8 he also had charge of the evening school.
In 1889 Prof. Prouty's ability as an educator was so universally acknowledged that it was a matter of congratulation with the school board when he ac- cepted the position of assistant principal. Through a number of years he constantly grew in the confi- dence and esteem of the community, until, in 1899, he succeeded Prof. S. T. Frost as principal of the Meriden high school. This position carries with it responsibilities of no mean order, requiring scholar- ship, business ability and social attributes, not often combined in one person so fully as they are found in Prof. Prouty. It is generally conceded that there has never been a better qualified, more conscientious or tactful teacher connected with the Meriden high
school. His standard is high, and his constant aim is to bring his pupils up to it.
Fraternally Prof. Prouty is connected with Zeta Psi, of Tufts College; is treasurer of the Home Club ; has served on the executive committee of the Meriden Tennis Club ; is a past regent and collector of Alfred H. Hall Council, Royal Arcanum; and past councilor and collector of Invincible Council, Loyal Additional Benefit Association. He is aiso librarian of Meriden Scientific Association.
In 1890 Prof. Prouty was married, in Meriden, Conn., to Miss Jennie W. Smith, a lady of educa- tion, culture and refinement. She is a daughter of Henry G. Smith, of this city. One child, Marilla, was born to this union. Both Prof. and Mrs. Prouty are prominent in social circles, and in all educational and progressive movements are among the leading spirits. Prof. Prouty has been especially interested in the Y. M. C. A., and has been a teacher and lecturer in this association. In politics he is a Republican, but his busy life leaves him no time to accept office, although he is so well qualified to fill many positions where there is a need of trained minds and honest service.
SMITH. The Smith family of which Mrs. Prouty is a representative, is one of the old and prominent ones in Massachusetts. Alanson Smith, the grandfather of Mrs. Prouty, was born in Worth- ington, Mass., and was a carpenter and joiner by occupation. He spent the greater part of his life in his native town, coming only in advanced years to Meriden, where he died, his remains being taken back to his old home. He married Judith Graves, and their family of nine children were: James ; Justus ; Henry G .; Asa, of New Haven; Augustine, deceased; Abbie, who married E. D. Castelow, of Meriden ; Eldridge; Albert, deceased; and Myron, deceased.
Henry G. Smith, the father of Mrs. Prouty, was also born in Worthington, Mass., where he was ed- ucated. In young manhood he located in New Hart- ford, working at the machinist's trade. and later came to Meriden and entered the employ of the Meriden Britannia Company. Mr. Smith now lives retired from activity, and makes his home with Prof. and Mrs. Prouty, on Hanover street. Mr. Smith was married, in 1862, to Miss Anne Whit- ney, who was a daughter of Theodore Whitney, of Agawam, and their only child was Jennie W., the wife of Prof. Willis Prouty. Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith are consistent members of the Congre- gational Church. In political sentiment Mr. Smith is a Republican, and he is one of the most highly esteemed older residents of Meriden.
NICHOLAS W. HUBINGER. While the disposition to do honor to those who have served well their race or their nation is prevalent among ali enlightened people, and is of great value every- where and under all forms of government. it is particularly appropriate and to be fostered in Amer- ica, where no man is born to public honor or comes
.
1
Mr Hubingen
305
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to it by inheritance, but where all men are equal before the law; where the race for distinction in either public or industrial life is over the road of definite usefulness and is open to everyone who chooses to enter, however humble and obscure he may chance to be; and where the adventitious cir- cunstances of family and wealth count, in the vast majority of cases, for but little or nothing. Ac- cording to true democratic doctrine they should never be taken into account. Under our system, whose very existence depends upon the virtue of the people themselves, who are not only the source of all political power, but upon whom also depends the very existence of our free institutions, those who have distinguished themselves in any sphere of usefulness should not fail of recognition. In hon- oring those who have deserved well their prestige or success the people do credit to themselves and thus also supply a powerful stimulus to honorable ambition.
As in America is to be found the true and noble type of the self-made man to a greater extent than in any other nation, so here is to be found a greater popular appreciation of the intrinsic ele- ments of individual character which have made great accomplishment possible. In any work touching those who have won precedence and honor in connection with the industrial activities of the city of New Haven, it is imperative that a tribute of respect and appreciation be accorded to the Hub- inger brothers who, with that city as their head- quarters, have attained a high reputation in the in- dustrial wor' 1, winning exalted success through their own efforts and abilities and standing for the miost inflexible integrity in all the relations of life. The wise syst :m of industrial economics which they have brought to bear has challenged unequivocal admiration, and none can regard with aught save satisfaction the magnificent results which they have attained through the exercise of determinate pur- pose, indefatigable industry, consecutive applica- tion and honorable methods. In fact, it may be said that in the field of legitimate and straightfor- ward business enterprise their degree of success has seldom been equaled in so brief an interval of time. while the products of their great factories are found in every quarter of the Union and command a large export trade.
In the year 1880 the three Hubinger brothers, John C., Nicholas W. and Joseph E., founded the Elastic Starch Co. in New Haven, under the firm name of J. C. Hubinger & Brothers, under which title the enterprise was conducted for some years. then becoming the J. C. Hubinger Brothers Co., with Nicholas W. as president of the concern and Joseph E. as secretary and treasurer. In this reor- ganization was included the business at Keokuk, Iowa, all becoming the sole property of the J. C. Hubinger Brothers Co. The original firm were the pioneers in the manufacture of elastic starch and the product bearing the name of Hubinger has con-
tinued to have a field of its own, in contradistinc- tion to all similar and imitative preparations, its superiority over all others being unmistakable. The business, while now the foremost of the sort in the Union, had its inception in a modest way and in pushing it forward to the goal of so great success many obstacles were to be overcome and the strug- gle for supremacy was long and arduous, so that the victory is but the just recompense for the rare business acumen, determination and excellent exec- utive ability which have been from the start shown by the interested principals. To win such a success to-day implies the interposition of men of strong mental and moral fibre, and those whose tenacity of purpose is sufficient to endure the maximum tension, for modern business life can not but be strenuous in the extreme. Men of average ability and spirit would have turned aside or been deflected from their course by the exigencies which seemed sim- ply to augment and intensify the powers through which the Hubinger brothers have pressed forward to the success implied not only in large wealth, ab- solute financial stability and a national reputation, but also in their foremost rank among New England manufacturers, and this is no equivocal or uncer- tain distinction.
The Hubinger brothers are sons of John F. and Catharine (Girard) Hubinger, natives, respectively, of the Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, and the town of Metz, France. This venerable couple now re- side in Keokuk, Iowa, where, in December, 1900, they celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their mar- riage. That city is likewise the residence of their son. John C., who is one of its leading capitalists and most prominent and influential business men. John F. Hubinger is one of that type of sturdy, up- right, wholesome, honest and self-respecting Ger- mians who have contributed so valuable an element to the composite make-up of our national fabric of social life. For many years after coming to Amer- ica he followed mercantile pursuits, and at one time successfully conducted a brewery at Ripley, Ohio. Business reverses came to him, however, through circumstances beyond his control, and this depriva- tion may not be held as altogether an ungrateful contingency as affecting the lives of his sons, who were thus impelled to depend upon their own re- sources and to develop those inherent and intrinsic attributes of character which have made for strong manhood and definite accomplishment-attributes that under circumstances superficially more favor- able might have lain perpetually dormant. The reader can well imagine with how great pride and satisfaction the aged parents must view the posi- tions attained by their worthy sons, by whom is rendered to them the deepest veneration and filial solicitude. As the shadows of their earnest and devoted lives lengthen with the declining sun their sons delight to surround them with all the con- veniences and tangible. evidences of affection and tender care that grateful and loving hearts can sug-
20
·
306
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
gest and, true to the conditions under which they were reared and frugality born of necessity, the old folk are sometimes constrained to chide their sons for the lavish expenditures made in their behalf. They have been sober, God-fearing people, without pretension and without undue humility, never look- ing down on any of their fellow beings, and never feeling it possible that they could be looked down upon. Their home has ever been the home of prob- ity, piety and patriotism, and in the evening of their days their sons honor in their lives and characters the noble parents who bore them and taught them by both precept and example.
Nicholas W. Hubinger, the immediate subject of this sketch, was born in the town of Madison, Ind., May 20, 1856, and was a mere lad when his parents removed thence to Falmouth, Ky., in whose public schools he received a good English education, passing the major portion of his youth in that fine old Southern commonwealth. When he was six- teen years of age his parents removed to Ripley, Ohio, where his father was successfully engaged in business for some time. The family removed from that place to Quincy, Ill., where our subject was associated with his father in the bakery and confectionery business, and later he engaged in the same line of enterprise in Keokuk, Iowa. The year 1880 witnessed the advent of Nicholas William Hubinger in the beautiful city of New Haven, Conn., where his elder brother, John C., had preced- ed him. In view of the position which he to-day occupies in the financial world, it is interesting to note the fact that at that time his available resources were summed up in an exchequer of less than fifty ·dollars capital. That, however, was not his only asset, for he was equipped with the endowment of energy, determination, alert mentality and mature judgment as to the springs of human thought and action, knowing men as they are, and having the powers of initiative and executive ability already waiting for a proper sphere of action.
The full and complete history of the founding and subsequent expansion of the now immense bus- iness of the J. C. Hubinger & Brothers Co. would fill a volume in itself, and lies outside the province of a work of this nature. Still it is incumbent that an epitomized review be here entered. No con- cern in New Haven has had, perhaps, such a modest beginning or such a struggle for existence and finally attained so pronounced a success. No other such demonstration of pluck and determination, no other such rise from a scarcely appreciable begin- ning to such a height of commercial precedence has been seen by the present generation in New Haven. The idea of an elastic starch was suggested to them while acting as salesmen of the old style of product. They were often assailed in those days with the housewife's complaint that the starch would "stick to the irons," and in seeking a remedy for this difficulty came to them the idea of an elas- tic starch. Lack of capital and the superadded diffi-
1
culty to be experienced in the introduction of an entirely new article, a distinct innovation, were the elements which brought about serious obstacles and such trials as seldom fall to the lot of those who have gained an equal measure of success in later years and through the medium to which they clung with tenacious confidence. The brothers were prac- tically strangers in New Haven, without recourse to fortuitous aid from any source. Their credit had not been established and among the incidents of their early difficulties and herculean struggles was that involved in their being refused credit for a barrel of starch valued at less than four dollars, which amount was later made up only by extraord- inary effort, and they also had to pay for the paste- board containers in which their manufactured prod- uct was placed at the time the same were delivered them. Dealers refused to handle what was consid- ered an experimental product and the Hubinger brothers secured their first customers by a house to house canvass, in which they personally took part, and often stopped to demonstrate in a practical way the method of using and the superior value of the elastic starch of which they were the originators. One secret of their success lies in the fact that they have never been afflicted with false pride, and that they have never been afraid of work, having an abiding respect for the dignity of honest toil, in whatever line. No detail of their manufacture has ever been too unpleasant or too difficult for them to personally attend to when occasion has required. Of the many who witnessed their early struggles few probably felt that success might eventually crown their efforts, while it is doubtful if anyone, not excepting themselves, ever conceived that the future had in store a success of so magnificent scope and importance. The business began to ex- pand consecutively almost from the time of its in- choation, for their product fell into the hands of the best judges of the value of a household commodity, the housewives themselves, and they pronounced un- equivocally upon its superiority over all other man- ufactured articles in its class. Notwithstanding this fact, to attain more than a circumscribed field and more than a modest business, executive and admin- istrative ability were demanded. This the brothers were able to supply in a high and potent degree, and in the supervision and direction of their present business, ,with its manifold details and great magni- tude, they still find no time when they are not equal to the handling of the work and the solving of all problems that present themselves.
Nicholas W. Hubinger has made this business the vocation of his life, giving his energies and abilities to its development. Several years after the founding of the business in New Haven the firm established another factory, at Keokuk, Iowa, which now forms a part of the business, as previ- ously stated. From what may be most consistently designated as an "infant industry" the business of the Hubinger brothers has grown to immense pro-
.
307
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
portions, in both the East and West, the firm dis- posing of an average of more than twenty-five million packages of their product annually, and their operations in this and other lines of enterprise involve transactions aggregating several millions of dollars each year. The men to whom this great success has come have a high sense of their stew- ardship and their characteristics have suffered no change as prosperity has crowned their efforts. Their unostentatious manners and democratic spirit are yet in constant evidence, and they have no pride of wealth, no sycophantic regard for the pomp and majesty of superficial show. They are mindful of the simple and worthy lives of their parents and of. the struggles which they themselves have made, and thus has been deepened their appreciation of true character, and they value the man, not his rank, wealth or position. In short, it may be said that if our Republic has as yet developed a distinct type, then are they typically American, for they represent the truest element which enters into our national life. The subject of this sketch is ever fair and honorable in his business relations of every order, and this fact has never failed of objective realiza- tion; in his social life he is generous, outspoken and without dissimulation. Of strong convictions and distinct individuality he hates trickery and decep- tion of every sort, and his friendship is given with- out reservation to those whose characters are worthy, while he is an equally stanch enemy to those who merit this attitude on his part.
As an owner and admirer of fine horses Mr. Hubinger is well known on the trotting turf, where to him is applied the familiar title of "Nick," an abbreviation of his name, which bespeaks good fel- lowship and admiration. He has owned a number of the celebrated turf campaigners of recent years, and in his stables are always to be found some of the speediest of standard-bred stock, the number varying according to sales and purchases, for he takes a deep interest in his horses and in maintain- ing the noble sport of track racing at its highest standard. His connection with the turf has been purely from the standpoint of a gentleman and an enthusiastic admirer of the horse, and the pecuniary interest has been of subordinate character, though his judgment in regard to racing matters has con- sistently been backed by his money, and his win- nings are taken modestly, his losses met with the spirit of the true sportsman. Horses and the breed- ing of fine stock in that line constitute his recrea- tion and a source of much pleasure, and his means enable him to indulge his taste to whatever extent he desires. As a backer of horses Mr. Hubinger is one of the heaviest betters on the American turf to-day, and his judgment in this line is such that it has won him a fortune in a single day. While he is unassuming in his personality, Mr. Hubinger shows his good taste by living in harmony with his ample fortune. In the days when he was less pros- perous his judgment led him to then follow the
same planı, and he is generous of his own, even as he was provident when necessity or business exi- gencies demanded. His beautiful mansion, in Whalley avenue, was erected by him in 1895, is surrounded by spacious grounds, and is one of the finest homes in the city. Mr. Hubinger has spent no little time in travel, having visited nearly every section of the Union and nearly every place of def- inite interest, his idea being that a man should be- come familiar with the beauties and attractions of his own country before seeking those of foreign shores. He is an enthusiastic devotee of rod and gun and when his manifold business interests per- mit his temporary absence he enjoys nothing better than an excursion into the wilds in search of fish or game. That the refined elegancies of life appeal to him is shown in the support which he gives as a patron of art, the interior of his elegant home bear- ing evidence of his discriminating taste in selection and appreciation. Though for a considerable period in each year our subject follows the princi- pal turf events in the Union and has a personal ac- quaintance ,with a large number of sporting men, he has never fallen into habits of intemperance, so common among many of that class. and ever main- tains the dignity becoming a gentleman and a true sportsman.
It is true in the case of the average man who accumulates a competence that he is ever anxious to increase his fortune and to seek new methods of compassing the end. It is not thus with Mr. Hubin- ger, for he is satisfied with what he has and ,with the business in which he is now concerned, and though he is still a young man, with many years of business life before him, he realizes that all is not summed up in the accumulation of mere wealth, and that it is a duty to himself and to the world to make use of his means in the expenditure of a due portion of his income and in the enjoyment of the many legitimate pleasures which his position renders possible. Thus his life is well balanced, and through his personal use of his fortune for the gratification of himself and his family and his friends he does a genuine good by placing his money in circulation and permitting others to profit through his expenditures. It is now with him a matter of comfort and enjoyment rather than the accumulation of more. True to the duties and re- sponsibilities of citizenship, he exercises his fran- chise in support of the Republican party, but has never had taste nor inclination for active participa- tion in political affairs.
On Nov. 20, 1884, Mr. Hubinger was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Eldert, of Madison, Conn., where she was born, daughter of James El- dert. Mr. and Mrs. Hubinger are the parents of six children, all of whom are living, except one, their names in order of birth, being as follows: Lillian R., Nicholas W., Jr., Paul (who died in childhood), Frederick, Mary P. and Jennie. The beautiful family home is a center of gracious and
308
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
refined hospitality, and here is extended a generous welcome to the best social element in the city, while all the graces and advantages of wealth are enjoyed by our subject, his wife and their children, whose home life is of ideal character.
JOHN HENRY CAMIER (deceased) was for almost a quarter century an active factor in the busi- ness life of Meriden and a very successful business man. He was born Oct. 20, 1840, of English par- entage and French descent, near London, England, where he received a good education in his native language, and where he grew to manhood. Being possessed of energy and pluck he resolved, while a young man, to try his fortune in the new world, and set sail for America. He landed at Boston and very soon found a position as shipping clerk with a wholesale gentleman's furnishings house, acquir- ing a thorough acquaintance with the goods and the demands of the trade. In 1878 he became a resident of Meriden and established himself as a retail dealer in clothing and furnishings. He made a success of this venture from the start, and in 1879 admitted Almon J. Fletcher to partnership. The business was subsequently conducted under the title of the Boston & Meriden Clothing Co .; and con- tinued to flourish, through the industry and atten- tion to the wants of customers practiced by the pro- prietors. In 1883 they established a branch house in Middletown, which was quite as prosperous as the original establishment, and was conducted, in charge of R. W. Camp, under the title of the Bos- ton One-Price Clothing Co.
Mr. Camier was a sufferer for several years from a complication of disorders, which ultimately caused his death, and he passed away at his home on West Main street, Nov. 2, 1901. In speaking of him, one of the local papers said : "Personally, he was a man of sunny and genial disposition, ever ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. He was patient in suffering, steadfast in faith, and died in the sure hope of the life eternal which is promised to all those who love Him." Mr. Camier's remains re- pose in Walnut Grove cemetery. In his native home he was attached to the Established Church. In Meriden he became a member and trustee of the Main Street Baptist Church. He was a member of Center Lodge, No. 97, A. F. & A. M .; Keystone Chapter, No. 27, R. A. M .; Hamilton Council, No. 22, R. & S. M .; and St. Elmo Commandery, No. 9, K. T .; and was also identified with Myrtle Lodge, No. 4, Knights of Pythias. While supporting the principles of Republicanism, he asked no political favors, and spent the little leisure he had in the en- joyment of domestic retirement. He left a name which is a synonym for honesty, sobriety and true worth.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.