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 2 > Part 85
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On Jan. 1, 1876, in Ross township. Jefferson Co., Ohio, Mr. Crabb married Miss Marietta McLennan, a native of Jefferson county, and a daughter of Ken- neth McLennan : her family is of Scottish descent. Mrs. Crabb was educated in her native county and in Mt. Union College, near Alliance, Ohio, and like her husband has devoted her life to the teacher's profession, before her marriage engaging in the pub- lic schools of her native county, and since assisting him in his labors. She taught in the Ohio State Reform School, at Lancaster; in the House of Refuge, Cincinnati; and ever since she came to Meriden has been one of the best teachers in the
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Connecticut School for Boys, where her work has received deserved appreciation. She is a woman of marked culture and character, and under her wise direction many boys have been fitted to commence life's battle. Like her husband, she takes more than a professional interest in her charges, and it is the personal element in their work that gives it special value. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Crabb, Janet. She attended public school in Ohio, graduating from the German-American school in Meriden and the Meriden high school, and is now a student at the Ontario Ladies College, at Whitby, Ontario, Canada, where she is receiving instruction in the higher branches. She possesses musical abil- ity of a high order. The family circle is a charming one. Mr. Crabb is a man of pleasing manner and genial disposition, an interesting conversationalist, and is well liked among a wide acquaintanceship. He is a Republican in political faith, and a stanch supporter of the principles of that party. He and his family unite with the First Congregational Church, of which he is a deacon.
FRANCIS LYNCH, or as he was so well known, "Frank" Lynch, was, in his life time, one of the best-known Irish-Americans in Connecticut, and he was well known and highly respected in his home town, Meriden. He was born in County Meath, Ireland, a son of Michael Lynch. When he was but fifteen years old he made the voyage to America, and upon landing came direct to New Hav- en, where he found employment with Rogers, Smith & Co. During this time he was also a member of the Fire Department. The breaking out of the Civil war afforded him an opportunity to prove his devo- tion to the land of his adoption, and he enlisted, becoming a member of Co. A, 9th Conn. V. I., under Col. Cahall and Capt. Duffey. He participated in several battles with Gen. Butler, was in New Or- leans, and fought all through the campaign of the Gulf. After his term of enlistment had expired, he returned to New Haven, and again entered the em- ploy of Rogers, Smith & Co. This company was soon bought out by the Britannia Co. and trans- ferred to Meriden. Mr. Lynch continued in the same position in Meriden, under the new manage- ment, for eight years. He then started out in busi- ness for himself as a cigar manufacturer on Center St., and continued there until 1883, when he gave up the business, becoming agent for the Barbour Yeast in Hartford County, and at the time of his death he was associated with the Francis Gowdy Distillery Co., of Melrose. He died at his home Jan. 3, 1901, and was buried in St. Patrick's cemetery in Meriden.
In his religious views, Mr. Lynch was a devout Roman Catholic, and was identified with St. Rose's parish, to which he contributed freely, and in which he was held in the highest esteem. In the days of the volunteer fire department, he was as stated a fireman, and belonged to the old Washing- ton Hose Co. He was one of the organizers and
a charter member of the First Division, A. O. H., and was also a member of Merriman Post, G. A. R. In his political faith he was a Democrat, and no man in the State of Connecticut was better known as a leader in the party. Unlike the majority of men in the political world, he sought no political office or honors for himself. He loved the battle of the campaign, and was very loyal to his friends. The Meriden Journal of Jan. 3, 1901, speaks of him as follows :
Mr. Lynch was a man of strong likes and dislikes. Loyalty to his friends. those who had done him good turns, was one of his strong praiseworthy qualities. He never forgot a favor and was outspoken against men and methods that did not appear to him to be right. He took an active interest in politics, local and State. He was the spirit of steadfastness to any cause he espoused-a tireless worker. a keen discerner, and a fighter in politics from the drop of the hat to the close of the polls, and when it was over. he held no animosity toward his opponent, but simply pre- pared the way to beat them again at the next contest if he could. That was the way he made so many stanch friends, and that was the secret of his success in winning so many contests in the First ward-unswerving loyalty to friends and eternal vigilance to opponents. Socially he was a big hearted, generous, honest man who took delight in doing favors for friends. and man- were asked of him. When the emergencies of a campaign did not take him away he could always be found at home, for he was strictly a home man, devoted to his family and beloved by every member of it. Frank Lynch was a born leader, and in his plain, blunt way he exercised an influence over men that proved his right to command. He fought in the open, and leaves behind him a record that is clean in every way. He never sought office for himself, being content to let others enjoy the fruits that were in many cases entirely due to his planting and cultivating. He was, taken all in all. a strong, unique personage. who will be greatly missed in the circles in which he moved. He was well known throughout the State. especially in New Haven county. and when the news of his death becomes known. there will be many expressions of sorrow.
Attorney Walter L. Bevins, whose father, Le Grand Bevins, was a life-long friend of Mr. Lynch, paid the following tribute, which appeared in the Meriden Record, Jan. 4, 1901 :
In the death of Francis Lynch, the local Democracy loses one of its most indefatigable supporters, and the community one of its most prominent citizens. For over thirty years Mr. Lynch had taken an active part in political affairs and no Democrat in this section of Connecticut was more widely known. While strongly partisan in his politi- cal views and sympathies, he was as just as he was generous to those with whom he differed in politics. No Democrat of Meriden ever showed greater personal interest in the welfare of his party, or worked harder for its triumphs. Few leaders have more conscientiously. or more intelligent- ly. participated in their party's councils than Mr. Lynch. and in times that tried the stontest hearts of Democracy, when overwhelming defeat temporarily gave the party only remnant stability. the ardent optimism of the man who was always looking to the future for better things made him a central figure around whom the doubting Thomases rallied with even more fervor than before the unlucky election day.
Mr. Lynch will not be longest remembered for his services as a public official, as he held very few offices and these were of minor importance. He will be most grate- fully remembered for his earnest devotion to the interests of others. He was a most kind husband, and a more in- dulgent, or more thoughtful, father could not be found any- where. He was always true to his friends, and hated self-seeking. tricking and double-dealing in others.
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Never a personal claimant in the distribution of the spoils of political meetings, but always a warm advocate of the principle that a "public office is a public trust." and that office should seek the man, rather than the man the office. he gave liberally of his means to campaign funds, and during Grover Cleveland's first canvass for the presidency. it is understood that Mr. Lynch contributed $1.000 to Mr. Cleveland's election.
The tall, spare form of Mr. Lynch and the frank friend- liness of his manner will be missed on our streets. His death will be mourned by a wide circle of friends in this city, New Haven, Hartford, and Waterbury.
On July 3, 1859, Mr. Lynch was married by the Rev. Father Matthew Hart, to Ellen Maloney, who was born in County Limerick, Ireland, a daughter of John Maloney, who died in Westport, Connecti- .cut. Mrs. Lynch is a woman of strong character, and was greatly attached to her husband, to whom she was, in very truth, a helpmeet and companion. Their happy marriage was blessed with eleven chil- dren: (1) Francis W., born April 5, 1860, was educated in Meriden, and now resides in Hartford, where he is engaged in the cigar business. Under President Cleveland, he held the office of deputy collector. He married Mary A. A. Noland, who was born in Portland, Conn., a daughter of Peter and Bridget ( Keeley) Noland. One child, Ellen, was born to this union, but she is now deceased. (2) John, born March 23, 1864, is a cigar manufacturer in Hartford. He married Frances Bennett, of New York, daughter of Fennimore Bennett, and has one child, Francis Fennimore. (3) Ellen, born April 23, 1866, died Feb. 23. 1867. (4) Thomas J., born Nov. 24, 1867, was educated in Meriden, and was graduated from Yale Business College in 1888, and died April 16, 1899. (5) Bernard C., born Feb. 22, 1870, is government storekeeper at Windsor Locks. He married Mary Batten, daughter of Thomas Bat- ten of Meriden, and has two children, Ellen and Francis. (6) Mary, born March 20, 1872, died July 26, 1873. (7) William, born Nov. 11. 1873, died Nov. 22, 1874. (8) Anna C., born Sept. 28, 1875, was educated at St. Rose's school in Meriden, and graduated from Mount St. Joseph's, Hartford, in 1894. She is a fine musician, thoroughly proti- cient in both instrumental and vocal music. (9) James, born Feb. 10. 1878. attended New York City College of Pharmacy. (10) Catharine, born Jan. 20, 1881, was educated at St. Rose's school. (II) Edward, born Jan. 28, 1887, is at home.
CHARLES L. WEIL, one of the prominent business citizens of New Haven; who is also iden- tified with its public, educational and social life, was born in this city. Dec. 19. 1863. Paul Weil. his father, was a native of Berlin, Germany.
of five years. Then, in partnership with his broth- er, Louis P. Weil, he took charge of this business for your years, under the firm style of Louis P. Weil & Brother. conducting it on State Street. He then became connected with the Springfield Brewery Co., being financially interested from 1889 to 1899. When this business was absorbed by the trust, Mr. Weil became connected with the Manilla Anchor, Brewing Co., of Dobbs Ferry, N. Y.
On Sept. 20, 1894, Mr. Weil was married to Miss Delia Zunder, daughter of Maier Zunder, a complete biographical sketch of this prominent family being found on another page. One little daughter has been born to this marriage, Regina Zunder. Mrs. Weil is a lady of superior educational and social graces, and is known and valued in educational en- terprises and benevolent activities in New Haven.
Mr. Weil is one of the prominent members of the Democratic party, in this city, and has served in a number of positions where he has greatly bene- fited the city. From 1890 to 1892 he was council- man from the Sixth ward, and served for two terms as alderman from the same ward. In 1897 he was appointed fire commissioner, for a term of three years, by ex-Mayor Farnsworth, and was re-ap- pointed by Mayor Studley. Mr. Weil is one of the leading members of the Synagogue, the Jewish Ten- ple ; is a director of the Hebrew Benevolent Society ; secretary of the Harmonic Club : member of the A. O. U. W. : Yale Conclave of Heptasophs ; Connecti- cut Commercial Travelers' Association : and the or- der I. O. B. B. In all these orders and organiza- tions, covering the religious, social and business: circles of the city, Mr. Weil is deservedly popular.
RICHARD WILLIAM MUELLER. proprietor of the Vienna Bakery, and one of the leading citi- zens of Meriden. where he is regarded as one of the most prominent German-Americans of the city. was born in Spremberg. Prussia. Sept. 5. 1853. a son of William Mueller, and a brother of William C. Mueller, a well-known attorney of Meriden.
William Mueller, the father of Richard, was born in the same Prussian town as his son, and there he grew to manhood. becoming engaged in a wool manufacturing business, at which he spent many years. securing a large patronage, and forming many associations with all parts of the business world. He was president of a corporation, in which he was a very large stockholder. The affairs of the com- panv. which was a large exporter of manufactured cloth, suffered greatly from the unsettled condition of Europe, especially from the Franco-Prussian War. and in 1870 they suspended business. Mr. Mueller left Germany in 1873, not wishing that his sons should be compelled to serve in the army, and came to this country by way of Holland and Liver- pool. He landed at Boston, and went from there to Meriden, where he found employment in the Malle- able Iron Company's Works. After a short illness
Charles L. Weil was the second in the family born to his parents, and he spent his boyhood days in this beautiful city. Mr. Weil enjoyed superior educational advantages, passing from the Eaton school into the Yale Business College, and gaining a commercial training by associating with his father in the cigar business in this city, for a period he died in 1879, and his remains were interred in the
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West Cemetery. He was a faithful member of the Lutheran Church, and was noted for his integrity and honesty.
Mr. Mueller was married in Germany, to Caro- line Wilhelmina Senkel, who is still living, and has her home in Meriden. In 1874 she came to this country with four children, to make her home in Meriden, where she has lived to the present time. She is a member of the Lutheran Church, and reared her children to be upright and useful members of the community. She was a devoted wife, and of her only the best and kindest words are spoken. She is the mother of the following family: Richard W .; Emma, who married Lewis Krober, of Meriden ; Frederick J., who is connected with the Interna- tional Silver Company, of Meriden; Helen, who married Otto George Hirschfeld, of Meriden; and William C., an attorney of Meriden.
Richard W. Mueller attended school in his native town, where he received a good German education. He was also given a good business school training, and was employed in the office of his father until the removal of the family to Meriden. There young Richard was employed for a time in the finishing department of the Woolen mill, where he rose to be assistant foreman. For a short time he was em- ployed in Philadelphia, and also at Holyoke, Mass. In 1878 he turned to the grocery trade, buying out the establishment of W. Balzer, which he conducted for.seven years with somewhat indifferent success. In 1885 he bought the interest of George Stuck, who was engaged in a bakery business on East Main Street. There Mr. Mueller was located until 1890, when he built his present place, a large brick struc- ture on East Main Street, which cost over $10.000. It is one of the finest bakeries in New England. Here Mr. Mueller has carried on his work to the present time and has built up a very extensive pat- ronage. His supplies are bought in car load lots from the flour mills, and all his transactions are on a most extensive scale. He also has a confectionery business of considerable importance.
Mr. Mueller was married in 1878 to Tina Tartter, of Meriden, a native of Bavaria. Germany, where she was born, a daughter of Frederick Tartter. To this union have come four children: ( 1) Emily, who married George F. Winslow, a foreman of the International Silver Company, at Wallingford. where he has a very pleasant home; (2) Lucy, who died young ; (3) Helen died young ; and (4) Will- iam F., who is at home, and is engaged in the bakery business with his father.
Socially Mr. Mueller is a member of Alfred H. Hall Council, No. 1423, R. A., Meriden : of Meriden Lodge, No. 276, D. O. H. : of the local Turnverein and Saengerbund : and of the Cosmopolitan Club. He takes a lively interest in the welfare of the Ger- man-American School, and for ten years was its treasurer. In politics he is a Democrat. He and his family belong to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church.
Mr. Mueller has reason to felicitate himself upon
his career. Starting poor, he has steadily worked himself up through his own pluck and energy to a very commendable place in the world. Men respect him for his integrity and business ability, and like him for his manly qualities and kindly disposition. Domestic in his habits, he sticks closely to his busi- ness, and gives to the world a most inspiring ex- ample of true worth and character.
WILLIAM C. MUELLER, brother of Richard W., is a lawyer, and a man of mark in Meriden. Born in Spremberg, Prussia, April 27, 1864, he came to this country with his parents when ten years old, and here he continued his education in the Corner and Prattsville District Schools of Meriden. From 1878 to 1884 he clerked for Howard Brothers, ap -. plying his leisure moments to the study of law at home. Fitting himself for entrance, he became a student in the Yale Law School in 1884, and was graduated from that institution in 1886. Immediate- ly he became associated with W. F. Davis, forming the law firm of Davis & Mueller, which still exists. At the age of twenty-three, Mr. Mueller was elected collector of town taxes, defeating the occupant of the office for the ten years previous by the handsome majority of 534, and carrying the strong Republican ward in which the candidate resided by 60 votes. In 1888, and a third time in 1889, he was again elected to that office, which then became appointive. In 1890, 1891 and again in 1892, he was chosen by the board of selectmen to fill the position. In 1888, 1889. and in 1892 and 1893, he was city collector, over a million dollars passing through his hands without the slightest blunder or mistake. For eight vears he was a ward committeeman in the Third ward, and he also served two years as chairman of the Democratic town and city committees, having full charge of the campaign of 1892. The following year he was appointed by Judge J. P. Platt, city. attorney, a position which he had not sought, but which he has so admirably filled, that he is still re- tained therein, and his conservative and careful ad- ministration of the affairs of the office is recognized and highly commended. In 1900 Mr. Mueller was appointed water commissioner by Mayor West, and for two years has filled that position with dignity and marked ability. Mr. Mueller has built up a good private practice in his profession, and in the management of the cases which have been intrusted to him has been very successful. Socially he be- longs to the various German societies, and he is also affiliated with several of the Masonic bodies of the city.
Mr. Mueller was married in June, 1895, to Miss Agnes Yost, a daughter of August Yost, a well- known citizen of Meriden.
FREDERICK S. WARD, one of the prominent business citizens of New Haven, and a member of a family distinguished in the Revolutionary war. successfully conducts a business in real estate and insurance in that city.
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Mr. Ward was born in New Haven Jan. 14, 1851, son of Capt. Frederick S. Ward, and grand- son of Jacob and Henrietta (Kimberly) Ward, na- tives of West Haven, Conn. His father, Fred- erick S. Ward, was born in West Haven in 1812, and died in New Haven in July, 1865, at the age of fifty-three years. By occupation he was a sea captain, and his father before him also followed the sea. At the time of his death Capt. Ward was engaged in the West India trade, and he had traveled almost all over the world, commanding vessels which went to California around the Horn, to South America. and to the Mediterranean, being part owner himself. He married Mary Elizabeth Stevens, a sister of the well-known Samuel A. Ste- vens, of whom more particular mention is made elsewhere. Her death occurred in 1882. Five children were born to Capt. Ward and his wife: Frederick S., subject of this sketch; Elliott, who lives in the city of New York; Harry K., employed in West Haven; Josephine, widow of Charles P. Whitney, living in West Haven; and Frederika, wife of Albert C. Coe, residing in West Haven. In politics Capt. Ward was stanchly Republican. Religiously he and his family were connected with the Congregational Church.
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Frederick S. Ward spent his early boyhood in attendance at a private school in New Haven, later becoming a student in the Whiting street public school, the Webster school, the Washington street school, and the Dwight street school. At the age of thirteen years he was placed in the Winchester Institute, an excellent boarding school in Win- chester, Conn., where he remained for two years. On the death of his father, in 1865, he accompanied his mother upon her removal to West Haven. and lived there until 1869. In 1867 he was employed by the Home Insurance Co., of New Haven, as office boy, and remained with that company for two years. In 1869 he entered the employ of the New Haven Steamboat Co., at Belle Dock, remain- ing one year on the wharf, and then about 1870 going aboard the steamer "Continental." as freight clerk. Until 1880, during this period, he continued in the same position on the steamers "Elm City," "C. H. Northam" and others. In the winter of 1880 Mr. Ward became associated with the North- ampton Railroad Co., remaining for about a year, and in the spring of 1882 he went to work for the L. Candee Rubber Co. as an accountant, and re- mained with this company until 1894. For the succeeding two years our subject was associated with his uncle, W. W. Ward, in the ice business, and in June, 1896, he opened up his present line, in real estate and insurance.
On June 25, 1878. Mr. Ward was married to Miss Jennie L. Smith. of West Haven, who was a daughter of Cornelius and Emeline (Rich) Smith, also New Haven people, although Mrs. Ward's birth took place in Brooklyn, N. Y. One daughter, Harriette Smith, has been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Ward. The entire family belong to the Church of the Redeemer.
Politically Mr. Ward is an active Republican. He is identified officially with the Gounod Society, the leading vocal society of the city; with the Royal Arcaruim, and with the Sons of the Ameri- can Revolution, his mother's ancestry entitling him to membership in the latter society. Lieut. H. H. Ward, who was assigned to assist Judge Advocate Lemly in the Schley investigation pro- ceedings, is a cousin of our subject.
MICHAEL HENRY O'BRIEN, the present superintendent of the town poor, superintendent of the town roads, and of the poor farm, is known as one of the most competent business men and public officials of the town of Meriden. He was born in the parish of Mageely, near Middleton, County Cork, Ireland, March 13, 1847, and belongs to an old Irish family which includes in its various gen- erations many of the noted men of the last two hun- dred years and more.
Henry O'Brien, father of Michael H., was also born in Middleton. He was a tenant farmer, whose struggle for existence was a hard one. and he endured many privations in order to care for his family. Mary Walsh, his wife, was also a native of County Cork, where they were married, and her father. Maurice Walsh, was a native of South Cork. The family were conspicuous for their devotion to their country and faith. Many of Mrs. O'Brien's relatives have become prominent dignitaries in the Catholic Church, both in this country and in Ire- land. To Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien were born three children : Fanny, who married John Lahey, of Meriden ; Michael Henry : and Maurice, in the mar- ket known as the Meriden City Market. Henry O'Brien brought his family to the United States in 1865, and settled in Middletown, Conn., where he spent the remainder of his days in honorable retire- ment, after a long and industrious life, his sons giv- ing him every attention. He was buried in St. Pat- rick's cemetery. He was honorable and upright in his business dealings and his personal and domestic character were beyond reproach. Both parents were devout members of the Roman Catholic Church. Mrs. O'Brien survived her husband some years, and was also buried in St. Patrick's cemetery.
Michael Henry O'Brien had limited opportunity for schooling, the exigencies of the domestic circum- stances necessitating his early application to some money-producing occupation. From an early age he worked with his parents, and remained with them until he accompanied them to America. Here he was first employed in Stevens' factory, at Middle- town, and also at Russell's factory, and for two and one-half years he was employed at the Douglass factory. where he learned the molder's trade. Later in life he came to Meriden, and was given work as a molder in the factory of Foster & Merriam. Here he soon, however, entered the butcher business,
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