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 81
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
EDWIN LUZERN WILFORD, a prominent farmer of the town of Branford, was born March 13, 1846, a descendant of John Wilford, a native of England, who was among the first settlers of Branford, where the family have been representative citizens ever since. Edwin L. Wilford is a son of Samuel and Susan (Cook) Wilford, and his pa- ternal grandparents were John A. and Betsey ( Fris- bie) Wilford, all residents of the same town, and his birth occurred in that part of the town which is known as Indian Neck. He received a common- school education, and began life as a farmer, which vocation he has never forsaken, with the exception of one year when he worked as a sailor along the coast. On Aug. 22, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company B, 27th Conn. V. I., and was wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg on Dec. 13. 1862, and was taken to the College Hospital at George- . town, D. C. From that hospital he was transferred to the hospital at New Haven. where after nine months' service he received an honorable discharge from the government. He is an active member of Mason Rogers Post. G. A. R., of Branford, and has held the offices of adjutant and junior vice-com- mander, and was delegate to the National Encamp- ment of the G. A. R. held in St. Paul, Minn., in
1896. He has traversed the United States from ocean to ocean, having visited the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893 and the Midwinter Fair in San Francisco the following year. In politics he is a Republican.
ALMON I. DEANE, the well-known and pop- ular postmaster of Mt. Carmel Centre, and agent for the New York, New Haven & Hartford Rail- way Co., at that place, was born in Lyme, Conn., June 7, 1857. His father, Daniel Deane, was also a native of this State, and in early life followed the occupation of farming for several years. During the Civil war he enlisted in the 26th Conn. V. I., and participated in several engagements. After re- ceiving his discharge he returned home and later went to Long Island, where he engaged in fishing. While following that pursuit he was accidentally drowned in Long Island Sound, in 1865, but his body was recovered and brought back to Lyme, Conn., for interment. He married Sarah Eggles- ton. a native of New London county, who died in 1866, and was buried in Niantic cemetery. In their family were five children, of whom the eldest died in infancy ; Richard is now a steamboat engineer ; Arthur is deceased; Almon I. is the next in order of birth ; and Henry is residing on the Pacific coast.
Almon I. Deane was but eight years old when he lost his parents, and was thrown upon the world to make his own way at an early age. He first worked on a farm for two years for his board and clothes and the privilege of attending school through the winter season in Lyme, Conn .. this being the only way he could obtain the education which he wished so much to secure. On giving up farm work he found employment in a silver plating shop at Lyme, where he spent one year, and during that time man- aged to save enough money out of his small wages to enable him to study telegraphy with Mrs. Stan- nard, of that town. After mastering the art he ob- tained a position with the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railway Co., as operator and agent at Cobalt, Conn .. where he spent two years. In 1883 he was appointed station agent at Mt. Carmel Centre in the town of Hamden, New Haven coun- ty, and for the past nineteen years he has faithfully filled that position of trust and responsibility, giv- ing general satisfaction to the public and the com- pany. He is courteous and obliging, and his genial disposition gains him many friends. His political support is given to the men and measures of the Republican party, and he takes quite an active inter- est in educational affairs. In February, 1898, dur- ing President McKinley's administration, he took charge of the postoffice of Mt. Carmel Centre, which office he is now filling with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned.
On June 7, 1881, in New London, Mr. Deane wedded Miss Mary Dodge, a daughter of Capt. Daniel Dodge. The two children born of this union died in infancy, and the wife and mother, who was a
11 32
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
consistent Christian, died in Mt. Carmel, and was laid to rest in Hamden cemetery. For his second wife Mr. Deane married Miss Hattie Swain, a na- tive of Hamden, and a daughter of William Swain. They have two children : Inez Gertrude and Will- iam Hudson. Mrs. Deane is a member of the Con- gregational Church, and active in its work. They make their home in the comfortable residence at Mt. Carmel, erected by Mr. Deane in 1900.
-
WALTER N. LOWELL has a position among the skilled workers of this busy city of Waterbury that could only be won and held by genuine merit. He knows his work. is honest and reliable, and. pos- sessing those qualities of directness and force that are much in demand by those who would secure the greatest results from their efforts, has risen to a creditable and responsible place. Mr. Lowell was born in New Bedford, Mass., July 22. 1852, a son of Harrison G. Lowell. The family .... mom England and settled in Massachusetts years ago. and the city of Lowell. Mass., bears its name from some one of the early members of the family.
Jacob Lowell, the grandfather of Walter N., was ·born in Massachusetts. and married Eliza Nichols, also a native of that State, and they settled at New Bedford, where they lived and died. This family was numerously represented in the Revolutionary war.
Harrison G. Lowell, son of Jacob and father of Walter N., was born in New Bedford Aug. 23, 1827, and died there Aug. 9, 1865. . He grew to
. manhood in his native town, and became teller in the old Marine Bank, in the service of which cor- poration he passed his entire business life. Sarah E. Blake, his wife, was the daughter of James H. and Sarah ( Pitts) . Blake, and was born in Dighton. Mass. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Lowell settled in New Bedford, where they reared a family of three children, of whom the eldest was Walter N., whose name introduces this article ; the others were Nellie, who married Clinton E. Stark, M. D., of Norwich, Conn .: and James Harrison, the youngest son, is a sheep raiser at Roswell, Idaho. The mother of the children died Nov. 23, 1865. Harrison Lowell was a Republican in politics, and a strong Universalist in religious belief.
Walter N. Lowell spent his boyhood days in New Bedford, and was a pupil in the public schools until he was seventeen years of age. At that age he left school and went to Hartford, Conn .. where he began an apprenticeship to the machinist trade that has proved the open door for an honorable and useful life in which Mr. Lowell has achieved a very conspicuous success. For ten years he followed his trade in various shops in Connecticut, and in 1868 came to Waterbury, working for the Peter's Lock Co. for some time. Very soon. however. after com- ing here he entered the employ of the Waterbury Brass Co., and has been with them ever since. with the exception of a short time when he was
-
1
absent from the city, his period of service covering some seventeen years. Mr. Lowell began as an as- sistant in the manufacturing department, and is now superintendent of this department, taking the place of the late T. B. Martin.
On Dec. 24, 1879, Mr. Lowell married Miss Nellie L. Wood, who was born in New York City Oct. 19. 1861, daughter of Robert and Fannie (Welton ) Wood. To this union two children were born: Sarah F., born March 2 1885, died July 29, 1893 : and Walter W .. born Aug. 25. 1895. Mr. Lowell is a Republican, and socially belongs to Nosahogan Lodge, I. O. O. F., and the Improved Order of Red Men. With his family he is an at- tendant upon the services of the Episcopalian Church.
DAVID B. WHEELER owns and operates a valuable farm of 114 acres in Oxford, New Haven well indicates nisou.thrifty appearance of which improvements, well tilled fields, and all un sories and conveniences of a model farm are there to be found. The residence, which is one of the modern homes in the town, was erected by cur subject in 1897.
Mr. Wheeler was born March 13, 1844, in the town of Bridgewater, Litchfield Co .. Conn., son of Joel B. and Mary ( Warner) Wheeler. The father was a native of Roxbury, Conn., and a son of Nirom Wheeler, who was born in Newtown. Our subject is third in the order of birth in a fam- ily of seven children, the others being Mary A., Laura J., Ellen A., Flora J., Sarah E. and Martha I.
When quite young Mr. Wheeler accompanied his parents on their removal to Roxbury, where he grew to manhood and acquired his education in the common schools. In 1865 he came. with the family to Oxford, and he remained tinder the pa- rental roof until twenty-five years of age. On Nov. 18, 1869, he was married to Miss Sarah J. Tyrrell, and to them have been born six children, namely: Charles H .. Jane M., Frank B., Frederick L., Morris and Leslie. Charles H. married Jennie Pope, daughter of Jolin B. Pope, and they have had three children. John D., Florence and one that died in infancy. Frank B. married Etta Lockwood. and has three children, Ernest W., Bessie and Sadie B.
After his marriage Mr. Wheeler located on a farm adjoining his father's, and has since success- fully engaged in its operation. In connection with general farming he also works at the mason's and carpenter's trades as a contractor. As a business man he is enterprising, energetic and always abreast of the times, and has been rewarded by a comfort- able competence. In his political affiliations Mr. Wheeler is a stanch Democrat. Though not a member of any religious organization he contributes toward the support .of churches. He is public- spirited and enterprising, and thoroughly inter-
:
1
....
David B Wheeler
II33
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ested in whatever tends to promote the moral, in- tellectual or material welfare of his town and coun- ty. Fraternally he is a member of the United Workmen.
WILLIAM E. QUIGLEY was born Sept. 29, 1847, in the town of Orange, not far from Water- bury, and is a son of Patrick Quigley, who was born in King's County, Ireland, and whose father never came to America, but lived and died a farmer in Ireland.
Patrick Quigley came to the United States early in life, and settled in the town of Orange, where he worked for John D. Davis, a farmer in that region. Later in life he became a farmer and butcher. His wife, Catherine Delaney, was born in Queen's County, Ireland. He was killed in Orange while lifting a telegraph pole, helping in the construction of a line from Derby to New Haven, for which he had furnished all the poles. This was about forty- six years ago, and twenty-six years later his wife died. They were the parents of six children who lived to attain maturity: James, Patrick J., Will- iam E. (whose name appears above), Catherine, Alice and Edward. James learned the pattern- maker's trade in Derby, and when the Civil war broke out enlisted, Aug. 9, 1862, in the 20th Conn. V. I., came home in 1863, and died as a result of his army experience. Patrick J., a farmer, enlisted in the 15th Conn. V. I., serving until the close of the war; he is living in Meriden, Corin. Catherine married Owen Flannegan, and has her home in Mer- iden, Conn. Alice married John B. Gardner, and lives in New Britain. Edward lived in Waterbury ; he was sun-struck in Bridgeport.
William E. Quigley left the parental home when twelve years of age and worked for A. H. & C. B. Alling, in their yarn factory. When this exten- sive concern was moved to Derby, Conn., the young man went with it, spending altogether five and a half years with the Allings, and he thoroughly mas- tered the art of making stockings by machinery. From there Mr. Quigley went to Ansonia, where he was engaged in learning the blacksmith trade at the beginning of the war of the Rebellion. Mr. Quigley desired to enlist, and made several efforts, but was rejected each time on account of his ex- treme youth. On Aug. 9, 1862, he enlisted in the 20th Conn. V. I., but was turned back. On Sept. 8, 1862, he enlisted in the 25th Conn. V. I., after an ineffectual application to the 15th Conn., and was transferred to the 22d Conn. V. I. In order to be accepted he had to make oath that he was eight- een years of age. though in reality he was nearer fifteen. Mr. Quigley was discharged July 13. 1863, and at once returned to Ansonia, where he resumed his apprenticeship at the blacksmith trade. When he had finished his trade he went to Bristol, Conn., and established himself in a blacksmithing business which he carried on for about three years. At the end of that time he sold out, and bought the Terrill
& Wilcox business, at Ansonia, where he remained two and a half years. About 186y he came to Waterbury, and has been there ever since, for a time having his shop on Jefferson street.
Mr. Quigley and Mary E. A. McNeil were mar- ried Sept .. 12, 1867. Mrs. Quigley is a daughter of William McNeil, and was born in Waterbury, Conn. She is the mother of one child, Charles V. J., who is now an eminent physician in Chicago, and a lecturer on medical topics in a university in that city. Mr. Quigley was a Democrat until 1884, when he voted the Republican ticket, and has since cast his ballot for the men and measures of that party. He is a member of Wadhams Post, G. A. R., and of the Army and Navy Club. As commander of Wadhams Post he has enjoyed an honor that has so far fallen to no other man, that of re-election to this position. He is also a member of Interna- tional Lodge, No. 6, I. O. O. F., and is a charter member of Lodge No. 265, B. P. O. E., and in the I. O. F. he is past high chief ranger of the high court of Connecticut, and a member of the high standing committee; his wife is also a member of the high court. Mr. Quigley also belongs to the Foresters of America and the New England Order of Protection. He is in the Service Union, and the Masonic Mutual Benefit Association, of New Haven, the New England M. A. A. and the I. O. H. He belongs to the Second Company, Gov- ernor's Foot Guards, and also belongs to the vet- erans' corps of the First Company of the Foot Guards. In religious faith he is a Roman Catholic, being a member of the Immaculate Conception Parish, and has owned a pew there since the erec- tion of the church building. Mr. Quigley has fre- quently gone from Waterbury as a representative to national conventions of the various orders with which he is associated.
Mrs. Quigley is also prominent in social mat- ters, and takes a prominent part in many good en- deavors.
ADRIAN F. WOLFF, whose name is well known in Waterbury as that of a thoroughly hon- orable and upright man, whose word needs no bond, was born in France in 1853, son of Francis F. Wolff, who was born in that country in 1818, and who died in Waterbury Feb. 1, 1870. The an- cestors of this family left Switzerland some two hundred and seventy years ago, and settled in Lor- raine, France. They were a sturdy and upright race, and many of them were ironsmiths by occupa- tion. The grandfather of Adrian F. had a factory in which he made all kinds of edge tools and agri- cultural implements. This rugged representative of the family was born in 1777, and died in France. Adolph C. Wolff, a brother of Francis F. Wolff, came to this country in 1851, and died recently in Bridgeport.
Francis F. Wolff, the father of Adrian F., married Celestine Wolff, a cousin, and they reared
II 34
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
a family of three children: . Lucian F., who is a machinist in the employ of the Scovill Manufactur- ing Co .; Adrian F., whose name introduces this article; and Alfred J., whose sketch appears else- where. Mrs. Celestine Wolff died in Waterbury in 1898.
Adrian F. Wolff was reared in France until he reached the age of twelve years, and received such schooling as was afforded the children at that time. The father came to this country in 1861, and was engaged as a blacksmith in Bridgeport and Water- bury, Conn. At the close of the war he sent for his wife and children, and they arrived in 1865. Young Adrian F. went to a private school in Bridgeport for two months, and then attended the public schools in Waterbury, where he com- pleted his schooling. In 1871 he entered the factory of the Scovill Manufacturing Co. as · an apprentice at the toolmaker's trade, and he has never changed his work. He is now fore- man of the machine and tool department of that extensive plant. As a capable and energetic work- man, and as a public-spirited and progressive citi- zen, he ranks deservedly among the respected resi- dents of his adopted city.
Mr. Wolff and Miss Elizabeth Lavin were mar- ried Jan. 13, 1882. Mrs. Wolff was born in An- sonia, this county, daughter of Terence Lavin, who was born in Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Wolff have two children, Adrian L. and Victor A. Mr. Wolff is independent in politics, preferring to select the best men at every election, and not to be bound by party ties. As a member of the Royal Arcanum and the Woodmen of the World he has secured financial protection for his family in case of his sud- den death ; and as a member of the Catholic Church he is loyal to the faith in which he was reared.
CHARLES S. BUCK, an energetic and capable machinist of Ansonia, who is also engaged in the manufacture of emery wheels, was born in New York, March 25. 1854.
-
William J. P. Buck, his father, was born in Connecticut, and was early trained to the trade of a blacksmith, to which his time was given. until 1869, when he came to Ansonia, and bought a va- riety store. This enterprise he conducted for sey- eral years and then retired from business, to make his home with his son, Charles S. Mr. Buck was an honored veteran of the Civil war, and served in both the 2d Heavy Artillery and the 19th Conn. V. I., participating in many hard-fought battles, hundreds of men being lost from his regimental and company organizations ; he was a good soldier, and made a fine record. He married Mary Collins, one of the family of four children born to Henry and Elizabeth (Cooper) Collins, the former of whom studied medicine, and then became a clergyman, preaching at many different points in New York, where he died at the age of seventy years. Will- iam J. P. Back, though at the advanced age of
seventy-seven, is still living ( 190t ), and is enjoying the best of health. To Mr. and Mrs. William J. P. Buck were born four children: William, who is working in the foundry at Ansonia; Anson, who is in Kansas; Charles S .; and George, who is in Milford. The mother died at the age of sixty-four years. She and her husband belonged to the Meth- odist Church, in which they were active workers. Mr. Buck was a much respected member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Charles S. Buck spent his earlier years under the parental roof, and secured his education in the public schools and in Thomaston Academy. In 1869 he entered. a store at Ansonia. After spend- ing some time in that position he took up factory life, working in several shops. He was in the hat factory at Bridgeport, and with the A. B. C. Co. at Ansonia; and in 1872 became a roll grinder with the Farrell Foundry, which position he holds to the present time. Since he went into the trade Mr. Buck has performed about every part of its work with credit to himself and satisfaction to his employers. When he entered the roll room there were only twelve men employed in it; now there are about 350. Of this number he is the oldest, and is highly esteemed as a workman throughout the city. Mr. Buck makes the emery wheels which are used in the roll department, and he began this line of work in 1887. His wheels are especially adapted for rolls made of chilled iron and steel, used in the manufacture of paper and metal goods. Many of his emery wheels go to remote parts of the world, even into Europe and Australia. These wheels are being constantly improved, and Mr. Buck has a reputation in this line that is world-wide.
In 1880 Mr. Buck was married to Margaret Jackson, who was born in England, one of the eleven children of John Jackson, a rollmaker and. turner, who spent many years in Derby following his trade, and in 1857 came to Ansonia, where he died at the age of sixty-four. Mr. Buck belongs to the I. O. O. F., in which he has been an efficient worker, and has held several official positions. He is a member of the Golden Cross, and was a char- ter member of the Sons of Veterans, of which order he is chaplain. In his political relations he is a Republican. He has dealt considerably in real es- tate, and built the home in which he lives in 1885. He is junior warden in the Episcopal Church, which position he has filled for eighteen years, and he also served on the Building committee. He takes much interest in the Sunday-school, and was acting superintendent for two years. Mrs. Buck is also an active worker in all church and society affairs, and is known as one of the most reliable and earnest workers connected with that religious body.
PATRICK T. COOGAN, proprietor of a pros- Perous grocery store in Waterbury, is a native of Ire- land, born July 16. 1847, in County Kilkenny ..
Joseph Coogan, father of our subject, also a
1135
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
native of that county, was a farmer there, as was his father before him. John Coogan, an uncle of our subject, was a physician in Ireland. Joseph Coogan married Catherine Clancy, of the same na- tivity, and five children were born to them: Mar- garet, Thomas, Patrick T., Annie and Joseph. Of these, Margaret, deceased, was the wife of John Brennan, who lives in Ireland ; Thomas lives on the homestead in Ireland ; Annie, deceased, was the wife of John Lawlor. of Waterbury; Joseph is a ma- chinist in Philadelphia.
Patrick T. Coogan received his education in his native land, and at an early age came to the United States, first locating in Schuylkill county, Pa., where he followed mining about fifteen years. At the end of that time he came to Waterbury, Conn., and for twelve years was employed in various departments of the brass works, then engaging in his present grocery and liquor business, at No. 34 Washington street, in which he has met with the most desirable success. In the city he has put up quite a few build- ings, which he rents.
On May 9, 1865, Mr. Coogan married Mary A. Burns, who was of Pennsylvanian birth, and thirteen children were born to them, of whom the following are living: Catherine. Patrick, Bridget, Margaret. Annie, Nellie, Elizabeth, James J., Thomas. Joseph and Loretta. Of this interesting family, Bridget is highly accomplished in music, and is the leading or- ganist in the church. The mother died Jan. 12, 1898. On Nov. 22, 1900, Mr. Coogan wedded Mary Dahill, who was born in County Cork, Ire- land, and they have one child, Cornelius. Our sub- ject is affiliated with the Foresters of America; in religious faith he is a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.
ROGER CONNOR. manager of the Water- bury Base Ball Club, and a successful player of na- tional reputation, resides in Waterbury, and is a native of that city, born July 1. 1857.
Jeremiah Slattery, of Waterbury; Ellen is the wife of Lawrence Rubanna, of New York ; Julia ( 1) and Julia (2) both died young. The mother of these is yet living.
Roger Connor attended the local schools of Waterbury until he was seventeen years old, and then commenced learning the trade of blacksmith with his father, working on Dix Island, Maine, where the stone for the New York postoffice build- ing was quarried. He was there some eighteen months, and on his return home commenced "play- ing ball" with the Monitor Base Ball Club, work- ing in the factories in winter time. This was in 1875-76-77. In 1878 he went to New Bedford and played with the club there ; was also with the Holy- oke Nine, American Association, and was captain of that team in 1879. In the following year he went to Troy, N. Y., and played in the League three seasons-1880-81-82; then signed with the New York Club, and remained with them until 1891. In 1892 he went to Philadelphia, and played with the club there in 1893: returned to New York and played with the club there, 1894; fall of that year went with the St. Louis team, and played with them three seasons, during the last year being their cap- tain. In 1897 he went to Fall River, Mass., and had charge of the team there that season, in the fol- lowing year returning to Waterbury, where he has since managed and played with the Waterbury Club.
On June 15, 1882, Mr. Connor married Angelina Mayer, of Oneonta, N. Y., daugliter of Jacob Mayer, a native of Germany. Two children have been born to this union, Cecelia and Mary; the last named died at the age of one year. As was his father be- fore him, Mr. Connor is a Democrat.
HARRY I. CRAMPTON, the well-known and efficient assistant superintendent of the Goodyear Metallic Rubber Shoe Co., of Naugatuck, was born in Waterbury Feb. 12, 1860, and belongs to an old Connecticut family probably of English descent. His grandfather, Jesse Crampton, was a native of Madison. New Haven county, and was a tanner and currier by trade. He filled the office of justice of the peace and was quite a prominent man in his community. He married Ruth Bradley, and con- tinued to make his home in Madison. His children were Jonathan, father of our subject: Samuel, who is living retired in Madison; Henrietta, deceased wife of Samuel Griswold, of New Haven; Will- iam, a farmer and manufacturer of Madison, now deceased ; and George, a carpenter of Madison.
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.