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 3 > Part 78
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CHARLES F. BLUMENAUER, the present keeper of the almshouse at Naugatuck. was born in Ellenville, Ulster Co .. N. Y .. Oct. 1, 1857, a son of Paul and Caroline ( Reitenatier ) Blumenauer, both natives of Germany. Our subject's paternal grand- father, George Blumenauer, emigrated from that country to America and spent his last years as a farmer in Ellenville, N. Y., where his death oc- curred. In early life the father came to the United States, and was employed as a glassblower until
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forty years of age, when he settled down to farm- acting in that capacity. He is also secretary and ing in Ellenville. He and his wife still continue treasurer of the New Haven Web Co., of New Haven, Conn. to reside there. They are members of the German Lutheran Church, and in political sentiment he is a Mr. Smith married Miss Susan Maltby, a daughter of Douglass F. Maltby, of Waterbury. Republican. To this worthy couple were born four children: Mary, now the wife of William Lobdell, of Ellenville; Charles F., our subject; Peter, a farmer of Ellenville, and Helen, wife of Henry Misner, of Greenfield, New York.
Our subject grew to manhood upon the home farm and obtained his education in the district school of the neighborhood. On leaving the par- ental roof, in 1880, at the age of twenty-three years, he came to Naugatuck, where he has since made his home. He first worked on the farm and in the lumberyard of Samuel Platt for twenty-seven months and for the following eight months was in the employ of Henry D. Hotchkiss, of Waterbury, driving a team, farming, etc.
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On Jan. 1, 1884, Mr. Blumenauer wedded Miss Mary J. Frear, who was also born in Ellenville, N. Y., and is a daughter of Henry and Jane (Grant ) . Frear, natives of Ulster and Sullivan counties, N. Y., respectively. Her paternal grandfather, John E. Frear, was born in New York, of French ancestry, and her maternal grandfather, John Grant, was a native of England. Her parents are now deceased. They had a family of six children : David A., a farmer of Ellenville, N. Y .; Frank, deceased; Rachel, a resident of Ellenville, N. Y .; Mary J., wife of our subject; John E., of Ellen- ville, N. Y. ; and Cora B., deceased .: Mr. and Mrs. Blumenauer have one child, Henry P., aged twelve years.
For twelve years after his marriage Mr. Blumenauer was in the employ of the Goodyear Metallic Rubber Shoe Co., and then, in 1896, was appointed keeper of the almshouse, which position he has since filled in a most commendable and satisfactory manner. He is an upright, reliable man, who conscientiously discharges every duty that devolves upon him, and merits and receives the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens. He is a supporter of the Republican party, and fraternally is a member of Centennial Lodge, No. 100, I. O. O. F., of Naugatuck; and Salem Lodge, No. 36, A. O. U. W. His wife holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
ARCHER J. SMITH was born in Waterbury, Dec. 17, 1856, a son of Earl Smith, an old and honored resident of this city, whose biography ap- pears elsewhere.
Archer J. Smith spent his boyhood days under his parental ,roof, and was educated in the public schools and at Williston Seminary, a somewhat celebrated institution of learning at East Hamp- ton, Mass. Entering upon a career for himself, his first work was found in the office of the Buckle Company, and in ISSI he became secretary and treasurer of the American Mills Co., and is still
JOHN WILLIAM ALLDERIGE was born in Birmingham, England, Sept. 5, 1854, and is a son of William Allderige, who was born in Fazcley, Staffordshire, England, April 15, 1829.
William Allderige obtained his early education in a day school conducted by the local Episcopa! Church, and for about two years was a student in a private school at Tamworth, England. On the removal of his parents to Birmingham, he attended the schools of that city for a time. There he did his first work for himself, when about thirteen years old, in the employ of Pickford & Co., at that time the largest carrying company in England. This firm had its headquarters at Burton, and liere Will- iam Allderige had charge of the shipping depart- ment. The hrm appreciated his services, and soon promoted him to a more important work at Bir- mingham. When he had reached the age of nine- teen-still in the same employ-the company was merged into the London & Northwestern Railway Co. Mr. Allderige was offered a position with the Midland Railway Co. as assistant cashier and in- voice clerk, which he accepted, and remained with them six years. Mr. Allderige then became asso- ciated with the London & Northwestern Railway Co. in its bookkeeping department. On March 28, 1856, he came to the United States, and located at Northampton, Mass., where he made but a brief stay, however, going on to New York City to learn the art of making daguerreotypes. He was in New York about a year, and then went back to North- ampton, and from that point went on the road, taking photographs. In this way he entered his business career, in which he has been successful in every way.
In 1870 Mr. Allderige opened a photograph studio in New Britain, where he was in business until 1877, when his son took charge and carried on the business until 1898. In November, 1859, Mr. Allderige removed to Plainville, Conn., where he has practically operated a studio for over forty years, and where he has made his home to the present time. In 1886 he opened a studio in Farmi- ington, Conn., which he has conducted to the pres- ent time, making a specialty of fine work for the students of Miss Porter's School. Mr. Allderige is a Republican, and has served as grand juror and as justice of the peace. Socially he is a Free Mason. He belongs to the Baptist Church, and his wife is president of the Ladies' Aid Society connected with same.
On Nov. 14, 1848, Mr. Allderige married Sarah Dawson, who died April 25. 1887. They had the following children: ( 1) Annie. born Aug. 17. 1849, married Charles Neal, of Southington, and 1
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is now a widow. Frederick [., Her son, was born in 1875, married Rosa Amsden, of Chesterfield, Conn. (2) Jennie, born in May, IS51, died in 1887. (3) Mary, born May 27, 1853, married Smith D. Seeley, of New Haven, and they have two children-Arthur Nelson, born in November, 1880; and Jennie Leola, born in October, 1882. (4) John William was born Sept. 5, 1854. (5) Frederick, born Feb. 23, 1857, married Emma Woodford, of Plainville, and they have one child, Florine, born Jan. 12, 1886. (6) Sarah Christiana, born June 23, 1859, married Charles Dean, of For- estville, and is the mother of one child, Norma Louise, born Dec. 21, 1896. Mr. Allderige was married Sept. 12, ISSo, to Fannie A. Stewart, who was born in Farmington, and is a daughter of John and Fannie ( Reynolds ) Stewart.
Thomas Allderige, father of William, was born about 1802, and died in 1852. He was a calico printer, and followed that business all his active days. Throughout his life he was an exemplary man. In 1827 he married Christiana Allderige, and William was their only child.
John William Allderige came to this country with his parents when about two years old. He attended the common schools of Plainville, and commenced active life at the age of thirteen years, learning the photographer's art under the instruc- tion of his father. While engaged in his father's studio he was also taking private instruction from a retired Congregational minister. When about twenty years old he went to Waterbury, where he conducted the leading gallery for seventeen years, at the end of that time selling out and going to Kenosha, Wis., to continue in the same business. He was there a year and a half, when he sold out to Frank Brown, and spent six months in Chicago operating .for G. F. Taylor. Coming back to Con- necticut, he had a gallery in Thomaston for a year or more, when he removed to Wallingford, and here in a brief time he has built up a very fine busi- ness. His start, in the building next to the post office, was a modest one, but he did painstaking work, and with a desirable location his patronage so increased that he was presently compelled to look for larger quarters. His studio now occupies two floors, completely furnished, and centrally lo- cated, and its resources are already taxed to ac- commodate his business. Recently he has formed a Heliogravure Company, of which he is president and superintendent. Mr. Allderige is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the K. P., and has a host of friends in both orders. He is a Republican. but has never sought office. He is a member of the Episcopal Church, has lived an honorable and up- right life, and is greatly esteemed in the con- munity.
Mr. Allderige was married Feb. 13, 187S, to Ida Harriet Bailey, of Waterbury. Thomas Judd. one of her remote ancestors, was one of the first settlers of the county of New Haven. To Mr. and
Mrs. Allderige have come children as follows: (1) Burton, born June 4, 1880, who died at the age of two and a half years; (2) Norton John, born June 21, 1885; and (3) Clifford Bailey, born Aug. 9, 18SS.
THOMAS KANE, a respected resident of Waterbury and alderman from the Fifth ward, was born in County Cavan, Ireland, in 1847, the eldest of the five children that blessed the marriage of John and Mary ( Smith) Kane. The parents were natives of the same county, and passed their lives on a farm in Ireland, where they died in the Catho- lic faith. Of their children, Michael is a farmer on the old homestead in Ireland; Ann is the widow of Peter Smith, and resides in Waterbury ; Mary mar-, ried Patrick Mulligan, of the same city, and is now deceased; Edward is a member of the Waterbury fire department.
Thomas Kane was educated in the National schools of Ireland and was reared to manhood on the home farm. On May 19, 1869, he embarked for America, and on landing came directly to Wa- terbury. Here he found employment with the clock-case company, with which he remained from 1869 until 1877, when he made a trip to Iowa for three months, on a sort of prospecting tour. In August, 1877, he returned to Waterbury and opened a sample room which he still conducts.
In 1873 Mr. Kane married Catherine Smith, who was soon called away. He next married Bridget Donohue, who bore him two children, John and Thomas, the last named deceased, as is also the mother. For his third wife Mr. Kane married Catherine Galligan. They have no chil- dren.
Politically Mr. Kane is a Democrat, but he is somewhat lenient in local affairs, voting for the best man. In 1888 and IS90 he was a member of the board of councilmen, and he is now alderman from the Fifth ward. Fraternally Mr. Kane is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and has been treasurer thereof twelve years ; is also a member of the Foresters of America. and for twenty-five years has belonged to the Ancient Order of Hibernians, all in Waterbury. He is a Catholic, and holds membership in the Immaculate Conception Church, to the support of which he contributes quite freely. He is genial of disposition, and has hosts of friends within and without church circles.
PETER McGOVERN, a well-known liquor dealer of Derby, Conn., was born in County Leit- rim, Ireland, about fifty-eight years ago, a son of Patrick and Rose ( Farrell) McGovern, natives of the same place, who never came to America but spent their entire lives as farming people in Ireland. In their family were seven children, namely : Michael, who was employed in the iron and steel works at Derby, Conn., for some time, and died in California ; Thomas, who was a fireman on a steamer
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and died in New York : Peter, our subject : Patrick, who was a miner and died in California ; Mary, who died unmarried; Rose, who first married Ber- nard Kalagher, and after his death married John Reynolds, of Derby; and Catherine, who married a Mr. Troy, of California, and died in that State.
During his boyhood Peter McGovern attended the public schools of his native land, but at the age of fourteen years he came to America arriving in Birmingham, now Derby, Conn., in August, 1855. Here he was employed in the Birmingham Iron and Steel Works until the Civil war broke out. He was one of the first to offer his services to the govern- ment to help erush out the rebellion, enlisting in April, 1861, in Company B. Ist Conn. V. I. He was sworn into the United States service at Hart- ford, May 22, and for three long years was one of the gallant defenders of the Union, being discharged at Petersburg, Va., May 23, 1864. He was under the command of Gens. Scott and Mcclellan, and participated in many engagements, in one of which he was wounded by a piece of shell.
After being discharged Mr. McGovern returned to Birmingham, where he worked for William Tansey at the blacksmith's trade for four years, and then embarked in the liquor business at his present location, No. 2 Hawthorne avenue. In 1893 he opened another saloon on Main street in partner- ship with John Donovan, of Shelton, and they are still associated in business, our subject having charge of the saloon on Hawthorne avenue.
In 1866 Mr. MeGovern married Miss Margaret Coyle, a native of New York, whose father was born in Ireland. She died, leaving three children : Sarah; Mamie ; and Catherine, wife of John Doyle, of Shelton. Mr. McGovern is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, and has served as chief of the fire department of Derby. He is a member. of the Foresters of America and the Grand Army of the Republic, and religiously is a communicant of the Catholic Church.
GEORGE D. BUCK. Prominent among the wide-awake, progressive and successful business men of Naugatuck is the subject of this biography, a leading hardware dealer of that place. His life history most happily illustrates what may be at- tained by faithful and continued effort in carrying out an honest purpose.
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A native of Connecticut, Mr. Buck was born in Farmington, Hartford county, Feb. 20, 1842, and is a grandson of Jesse Buck, who made his home in Plymouth, Conn., and was probably a native of this. State. He had only two children, Daniel, the father of our subject, and another son who died young. Daniel Buck was born in Plymouth, Litch-, field county, in 1810, and there grew to manhood. In early life he learned the carriage maker's trade at Burlington, Conn., and subsequently engaged in that business at Farmington. In politics he was first a Whig and later a Republican, and in religious
belief he was a Congregationalist. He died in 1860, honored and respected by all who knew him. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary (or Polly) Hicox, was a native of Waterbury, and a member of an old and prominent family of that town. She died in 1894, at the advanced age of ninety-two years. Her children were Charles H., who died in Farmington in 1894; and George D., our subject.
George D. Buck was reared in Farmington, and acquired a good practical education in its common schools. On starting out in life for himself he en- tered the mercantile world, and conducted a general store in Farmington. In 1861, at the opening of the Civil war, he enlisted in Company K, 25th Conn. V. I., for nine months, and was mustered out in, 1862. During the battle of Irish Bend, La., he was wounded in the leg. In 1879 he came to Nauga- tuck and entered the employ of John M. Page, a hardware dealer, for whom he worked five years, and at the end of that time became a member of the firm, business being carried on under the name of John M. Page & Co. They do a large and profit- able business and our subject still continues his con- nection with the company.
In 1872 Mr. Buck married Miss Eleanor Wood- ford, of Farmington, a daughter of Franklin Wood- ford. She died in 1890, leaving one child, Gertrude, now the wife of John Broderick, foreman for the Goodyear India Rubber Co., at Naugatuck. Mr. Buck was married, in 1894, to Mrs. Emily (Smith ) Hotchkiss, of Naugatuck, widow of D. M. Hotch- kiss. Mr. Buck is a stanch supporter of the men and measures of the Republican party, and has capably filled several local offices. He is a member of the Episcopal Church, and also of the Knights of Pythias, the Improved Order of Red Men, and the Grand Army of the Republic. His life has been one of earnest endeavor, and due success has not been denied him.
MARSHALL DENNISON STEVENS, now retired from active life, was, during his business career, ranked among the skillful mechanics of the town of Guilford, his industrious habits and un- swerving integrity winning him a large circle of friends and patrons, and securing for him the last- ing respect and esteem of the community. Mr. Stevens was born in Guilford Oct. 22. 1846, and the family of which he is a worthy member has long been known in Middlesex county.
Capt. David Stevens, his grandfather, was a native of Saybrook, and spent his life in the com- munity where he was born. By occupation a ship- wright, he built a large number of vessels. He was a captain in the militia. He died in Saybrook, where he was buried.
Alexander Stevens, father of Marshall D., was born Aug. 17. 1808, in Saybrook, where he learned the shipwright's trade, working with his father. He remained in his native place until 1838, when
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he removed to Guilford, following his trade there with Mr. Graves and for several years with Mr. Blatchley. Later he worked in other sections of the country, and finally became a carpenter and joiner, settling in Guilford, where he died Sept. 25, 1880. He was buried in the Guilford cemetery. Mr. Stevens was a member of the M. E. Church, and in politics a Democrat. An honorable and up- right man, he was well regarded in the community in which his honorable and useful life was spent.
In 1832 Mr. Stevens was married, in West- brook, to Rachel A. Dennison. who was born Ang. 8, 1815, at Silver Lake, Pa., a daughter of Edward Dennison; the last named married the daughter of a Revolutionary soldier, Cornelius Chittenden, who died Dec. 24, 1858, aged ninety-four years. To Mr. and Mrs. Stevens came seven children, viz .: (1) Wellington S., born in 1834, is deceased. (2) Hart W., born in 1837, died at the age of seventeen. (3) Marcellus, born in 1839, died in Havana in 1862, of yellow fever. (4) Eckford T., born Jan. II, 1845, is a carpenter and builder in Guilford. (5) Marshall Dennison is mentioned below. (6) Emma R., born Feb. 27, 1850, married Henry Hart, of Guilford, and is deceased. (7) Ella C., born Dec. 22, 1853, married Charles O. Hotchkiss, of Higganum, Conn. Mrs. Alexander Stevens died Oct. 18, 1891, and was buried in the Guilford cem- etery. She was a member of the M. E. Church, a lady of fine character and good Christian life.
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Marshall Dennison Stevens attended the Guil- ford schools, and struck out in life for himself at the early age of eleven years, when he became a cook on a sloop engaged in the coasting trade. For eleven years he followed the sea, rising to the po- sition of mate, and was engaged in the coast trade, for the greater part of the eleven years on the "Sarah L. Thompson" and the "Ann J. Russell," and other well-known vessels of a former genera- tion. When he gave up a sailor's life Mr. Stevens returned to Guilford and became a carpenter and joiner. He is still very active, although at the pres- ent time not engaged in business. He is known as one of the crack shots in the county.
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Mr. Stevens is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and is a valued member of that organiza- tion, where his genial ways and friendly spirit are much appreciated. He is not a member of any church, but his clean life has shown high moral principle. He is a Democrat in political faith, and. though no seeker after position, has been chairman of the town committee and registrar of voters.
Mr. Stevens and Julia A. Splann, a native of Ireland, were married in Portchester, N. Y .; she has proved a devoted wife, and is kind and neigh- borly in her relations with all.
JOHN OLIVER ROWLAND was born Jan. 31. 1844, in New York, son of John Rogers Row- land, a native of the same State. The father was a house and ship carpenter, engaged in contracting,
and did considerable business in Branford, where he died. He was a Whig, and held strong Abolition sentiments ; he was a member of the Baptist Church. In 1850 Mr. Rowland married Miss Mary Ann Lan- fair, of Branford, who died in her native town, where her father, Oliver Lanfair, had long lived. To John Rogers Rowland and his wife Mary Ann were born : ( I) Louise, now living in New Haven, married George Bradley. (2) Martha Jane mar- ried George Calkins, and is now dead. (3) George H. died in 1898, in New Haven, where he had been engaged in the meat business. (1) John Oliver is the subject of these lines. (5) Mary Frances mar- ried Dr. William Beebe, of Bridgeport. (6) Emma O. married Henry Blackley, of Guilford. (7) Charles F. is in the painting and paper business at New Haven. (8) Luther Lee is a dry-goods mer- chant at Guilford. (9) Violetta married Edward Florence, of Birmingham, Conn., and is now dead. (10) Alvira G. is the widow of Seymour F. Benton, of Guilford. Three children died in infancy. John Rowland. the grandfather of John O., was born in Scotland at an early day, and removed to this coun- try while still a young man.
John Oliver Rowland was born in New Dur- ham, N. Y., and received his schooling in Branford and North Haven, Conn. When he was fourteen he worked on a farm in North Haven for about a year, and then worked for F. Mansfield & Co., oyster dealers at Fair Haven, for some six months. At Rome. N. Y., he had charge of the shipping of oysters for Thompson & Rowe, for about a year and a half, and at the expiration of this period came back to New Haven to take a position as conductor on the street-car line. After a time he went back to Rome to manage a new hotel which his old em- ployers had put up during his absence, and for a year or more was thus engaged. At Fair Haven he became interested in a large grocery house and was its general manager for some fourteen years, and then became a member of the oyster-growing firm of H. C. Rowe & Co., the largest oyster-grow- ers in the world. This was in 1878, and in 1900 he left the firm on account of continued ill health to take a position as manager and superintendent of the Masonic Home of Connecticut. This insti- tution is in a very picturesque locality, and is one of the most admirably managed of its kind in the world. All the comforts of a home are provided for the inmates, and Mr. Rowland and his estimable wife are peculiarly fitted for the discharge of the varied and onerous duties of such a place.
Mr. Rowland is a Mason of high degree, and his affiliations are with Adelphi Lodge, No. 63, F. & A. M .: Pulaski Chapter, No. 26, R. A. M .; Craw- ford Council, No. 19, R. & S. M. ; and New Haven Commandery, No. 2, K. T. He is president of the Past Masters Association of New Haven county, and is a member of the Masonic Veterans Associa- tion of Connecticut. Mr. Rowland is past master of his home lodge, past most excellent high priest of the chapter, and past thrice illustrious master
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of Crawford Council, No. 19, R. & S. M. At present he is most worshipful grand master of the Grand Lodge of Masons, most excellent past grand high priest of the Most Excellent Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Connecticut, and P. M. P. G. M. of the M. P. G. C. of Royal Select Grand Masters of the State. He is also enrolled with the A. O. U. W. and the Heptasoplis. Mr. Rowland has served as a director of the Masonic Mutual Benefit Association for nineteen years, and is a director of the Fair Haven Union Cemetery Association. He is a Republican, but would never become a candi- date for any office. In religion he is a member of the Second Congregational Church, and has been president of the Second Congregational Club.
Mr. Rowland was married, May 29, 1866, to Miss Nancy Maria Russell, of East Haven, a daugh- ter of John Russell. They have one daughter, Mary Etta, who is at home: another daughter, Edith Maria, died at the age of sixteen years.
GUSTAVE ADOLPH RAAHRLAPPER HAMRE, who occupies an important position in the commercial world of Branford, as a paint con- tractor and dealer in wall paper, was born in Chris- tiansand, Norway, April 29, 1856, and is a son of G. A. and Christiana (Christianson ) Raahrlapper. Like many other natives of Norway, Mr. Hamre .takes his surname from the town in which he was born.
Mr. Hamre was reared in Norway and at the age of fourteen was set to learn the painter's trade, at which he was apprentieed for four years. His cash income for these four years was ten dollars annually, paid him in addition to his board. For four years he worked as a journeyman painter, and in 1878 came to the United States. For a year and a half following his arrival in this country he worked in New York City for the Manhattan Ele- vated Co. In 18So he came to Branford, on ac- count of ill health. and worked on a farm. After about a year his health so improved that he was able to take up his trade again, and in 1886 to em- bark in business for himself as a painter contractor. Here he has accomplished a large success, and in 1890, in addition to his painting trade, engaged in paper hanging and dealing in supplies. To-day Mr. Hamre has the cream of the trade in Branford, and in the surrounding regions as well.
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