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 4 > Part 10
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Mr. Cooney has never married, and is a great society man, having membership in Magnolia Lodge, No. 165, K. of P., Lodge No. 265, B. P. O. Elks, and the Foresters of America. He is an | active .worker in the Concordia Singing Society. and is a member of the Y. M. C. A. His parents were Roman Catholics.
LORENZO W. HOUSEL, one of the leading young attorneys of New Haven, and the present representative of the city of New Haven in the Connecticut Legislature, was born in Snow Shoe, Pa., Dec. 30, 1873.
John C. Housel, his paternal grandfather. was a native of Lewisburg, Pa., where he remained all his life, following his trade of tailor. He married Margaret Giles, who was also born in that locality. and attained the age of eighty years. Mr. Housel died when seventy. They reared a large family of children. The maternal great-grandfather. Samuel Clements. emigrated about 1795 from New Hamp- shire to Maine.
William Housel, the father of our subject, was born in Lewisburg, Pa., spent his boyhood and ' young manhood in that locality, but later removed to Tioga county, N. Y., near Nichols, where he still resides. During the Civil war William enlisted as a private in Company C. 52 l'a. V. I., but was pro- moted to sergeant, and served bravely for three
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years. He married Josephine Fendersen, who was born in Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. William Housel five children were born, only two of whom are now living: Lorenzo W. and Robert C.
John Fenderson. father of Mrs. William Housel, was in business near Bangor, Maine, and his wife, Lucy, was a school teacher. Later, about 1830, they removed to Tioga county, N. Y., where Mr. Fender- son engaged in the lumber business, thence to Penn- sylvania, finally returning to Tioga county, New York.
The primary education of Lorenzo W. Housel was obtained at home attending the common schools, but as soon as prepared he entered Owego Academy and later Yale University, from which he was grad- uated with degree of A. B. in 1897. The expenses of the course were paid with money earned by the ambitious young fellow by working on the Journal and Courier, and the New York papers. Later he took a course at the Yale Law school, from which he was graduated with degree of LL. B. in 1900. After being admitted to the Bar Mr. Housel estab- lished himself in offices at No. 318 Washington building, New Haven, where he has since remained, building up a fine practice, and proving himself an excellent lawyer, clear and concise in argument, and thoroughly acquainted with every intricate de- tail of his profession.
A Democrat in politics, Mr. Housel has always taken a deep interest in the working of his party, and in 1900 was chosen to represent it in the State Legislature, receiving the largest vote of any mem- ber of the House of 1901 -- 11.481-and a majority of 990. His thorough understanding of matters of moment being recognized, he was placed upon important committees, and served on the committee on Revision of Statutes, the House committee on Constitutional Amendments, and the Special Joint Committee on Constitutional Amendments. Fra- ternally he is connected with the Hiram Lodge, No. 1, A. F. & A. M., Pulaski Chapter, R. A. M., and the New Haven Grays, Conn. N. G., and is one of the two county auditors of New Haven coun- ty. Pleasing in manner, possessing many friends, regarded as a very able attorney, the future before Mr. Housel is very promising, his past record but faintly outlining what is to come to him socially, professionally and politically.
HENRY B. SANDERSON was born in the State of New York May 4, 1865, the youngest of the eight surviving children of the twelve born to George A. and Margaret ( Brooksby ) Sanderson, who are mentioned elsewhere.
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Our subject was educated in the common schools and assisted on the hom stead until he was eight- een years of age, also learning the joiner's trade. At the age mentioned he came to Waterbury, Conn., and clerked for his brother Charles B. in the meat business until 1893. when he opened a new market of his own, beginning business in a small way. in a basement on Vine street. He successfully con-
Ineted that place a year and a half, and then opencl his splendidly equipped establishment on West Main street, facing also on North Willow street. In other words, his shop runs through the block, from street to street. Besides a choice selection of meats usually found in the best markets, Mr. Sanderson carries canned goods and other delicacies, and caters to a select class of patrons, such as bankers, ministers, lawyers, etc. ; he has indeed a market for those who demand the best. Although Mr. Sander- son started without a peuny, and had many ob- stacles to contend with, he has by his gentlemanly demeanor and inflexible determination reached the summit of success. and now has capital sufficient to meet all contingencies.
On Sept. 1, 1800, Mr. Sanderson married Miss May M. Bailey, who was born in Brewsters, N. Y., daughter of Starr Bailey, a joiner by trade. To this marriage has been born one child, Brooksby R., but the parents were bereft of this beloved one when he was but four years and four days old.
Mr. Sanderson is a Republican in his political views, but not strongly partisan. Fraternally he is a member of the I. O. O. F., of Waterbury. the New England Order of Protection and the Mer- chants' Association. He is highly esteemed social- ly by hosts of friends.
GARDINER G. RIGGS is a man who has ! largely made his own way in the world. Moved by lofty ambitions he has worked hard, studiet deeply into the elements of the business he had in hand, and has achieved a most commendable success. He is one of the younger men of the town, and what he has done may be taken as an indication of a prosperous career opening before him.
Mr. Riggs was born in La Porte, Sullivan Co., Pa .. Jan. 8. 1871, a son of Francis T. Maltby, who was a native of Bristol, Conn. When a young boy he was legally adopted, and assumed the name "Riggs." Ephraim Maltby, the father of Francis T., was a native of Bristol, a lifelong farmer, and a descendant of an old and honored New England family. Francis T. Maltby married Sarah Lee, who was born in Farmington, Conn., a daughter of John Lee, of English extraction, and a repre -. sentative of one of the oldest families in Connecti- cut. Shortly after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Maltby removed to Pennsylvania, where he en- gaged in the newspaper and job-printing business. A family of two children was born to them: Lewis F., who learned the blacksmith trade, and becoming an efficient workman, holds a foreman's position in a shop in Waterbury; and Gardiner G., whose name appears at the opening of this article. The mother died in Wallingford in 1875. and the father now resides in the South.
Gardiner G. Riggs spent his boyhood days with huis adopted parents in North Haven, Con .. and was reared on a farin. A good education in the
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public schools was afforded. him, and when he had reached early manhood a place in the Winchester Armory was given him. This position he held for about a year, and then entered the employ of S. F. Linsley, of New Haven, and under his instructions learned the carpenter trade. This trade once mas- tered, the young mechanic formed a copartnership with J. E. Lane, and worked at the trade for a time. In 1893 Mr. Riggs went into his present business, that of artificial stone making. Mr. Lane being associated with him a year, but then retired, and in 1894 Mr. Riggs moved his business to Wa- terbury. Since that time this city has been the lo- cation of his extensive and growing business. He has a wide patronage, is building up a lasting trade, and has from twenty to thirty men constantly en- gaged in his various departments of labor. It is a flattering success for so young a man, and, as Mr. Riggs says, has been brought about by his own efforts. At the age of thirteen he worked all day and studied nights, and this habit he still main- tains. He believes in doing his work scientifically, and wants to keep in touch with the latest knowl- edge on all mechanical subjects.
Mr. Riggs and Miss Julia Bannell were mar- ried June 24. 1891. She was born in Chicago, and was a daughter of Samuel Bannell, a farmer of Mountainville, N. Y., who is now engaged in the brick business at North Haven. Four children were born to Mr. Riggs and his wife: Sterling, Bessie, Mildred and Laura. Mr. Riggs is a Republican as far as national and state politics are concerned, but believes in a business administration of local affairs. On the roll of membership of the I. O. O. F. fraternity his name appears as that of a re- liable and esteemed member. At the Episcopal church he is also known as a conscientious attend- ant. As a business man and a good citizen he has made a record worthy of all commendation. He is energetic and pushing, knows how to hustle for business, and means to keep abreast of the day in every respect.
THOMAS DENNIS WILLIAMS, the pro- prietor of the Williams' Cafe, a popular resort in Branford, was born here May 31. 1875. a son of John and Ellen (Gallahue) Williams.
present cafe. This enterprise he has conducted from the beginning, and displayed in its business management such admirable qualities that to-day he has a host of friends in the community, who are always ready and willing to bespeak trade and business for him.
On Nov. 23, 1896, Mr. Williams was married to Miss Anna L. Mckeon, daughter of Frank and Mary ( Reiley) Mckeon, of Branford, and a young lady of many charming characteristics. To this union have come two children: John and Mary, both bright and winsome little people. Mr. Will- iams belongs to the Catholic Church, and socially to the A. O. H. He was instrumental in the or- ganization of the Catholic Club, and was elected its first president in 1899. In politics he is a Demo- crat.
CHARLES H. BROWN, M. D., belongs to that younger race of physicians whose scientific ac- quirements are infused with a love of the great profession and touched with a fire of devotion to suffering humanity. Men like him are doing a wonderful work in the redemption of the healing art from the sway of commercialism, and in build- ing it up for its own sake. Dr. Brown is one of the most popular and successful voung physicians in his part of New Haven county, and he has a wide patronage in Waterbury and through the adjoining sections, where his professional ability, which is of the very highest grade, and his personal modesty, which is as rare as it is commendable, have alike won him a host of friends.
Dr. Brown was born in Bridgewater, N. Y., Oct. 26, 1866, son of William H. Brown, and a grand- son of William L. Brown, both of whom were born in Otsego county, N. Y. William L. Brown mar- ried a Miss Wood, a descendant of the MacFarlane clan, and became the father of three children : Will- iam H., Alonzo and Mary. As will be seen, the Doctor is descended through his grandmother from "the wild MacFarlane's plaided clan," which occu- pied the land forming the western shore of Loch Lomond from Tarbet upward. From Loch Slov they took their battle cry, "Loch Sluia." Sir John MacFarlane was knighted by the King the night before the battle of Flodden, and was slain in that battle. Walter MacFarlane, of that clan, was born in 1734, and died in 1804. He was the author of several historical works, and one of the most learned antiquaries of the last century, and his portrait, presented by his son Walter in 1704, hangs on the wall of the Antiquarian Society of Scotland. Another of the clan, Major Gen. MacFarlane, un- der fire of the guns of H. M. Ships "Warrior" and "Success," in 1800, led the British troops with dis- tinguished bravery at the storm and capture of the Island of Ischia, in the Bay of Naples, and after- ward at the capture of Procida.
John Williams was a native of County Tipper- ary, Ireland, a son of Edward and Margaret (Casey) Williams, both born in County Tipper- ary, Ireland. He emigrated to this country in 1867, locating the same year in Branford, where he died May 5. 1883. He married Ellen Gallahue, a daughter of Patrick and Mary ( Kiely ) Gallahue, of County Limerick, Ireland. Thomas D. Will- iams was reared in Branford, and had his educa- tion in the excellent public schools of his native place. All his ancestors were thorough Irish, and he inherits and exhibits many of the best character- istics of his gifted and versatile race. In 1807 William H. Brown. the father of the Doctor, he embarked in business for himself, opening his , married Miss Hannah Penny, and four children
C.H. Brown
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were born of this union: Dr. Charles H ; Myron P. and Mary, twins; and Grace. William H. Brown is a Republican. He has served as justice of the peace in his own community. Farming has been his.life work. In religion he has always been associated with the Congregational Church. Mrs. Hannah ( Penny) Brown was born in Otsego coun- ty, N. Y., a daughter of Alva and Eliza Penny, farming people ot that section. On her mother's side she is an Allen, and related to Ethan Allen, the hero of Ticonderoga. The Allens have left many names famous besides that of Ethan Allen, par- ticularly in literary and scientific fields. The Pennys are of English origin. Thomas Penny came to America in 1633 with the Massachusetts Colony, and settled at Newbury Neck, Mass. His wife's name was Judith. He was a direct descend- ant of Thomas, of Woodstock, who was the young- est son of Edward the III. Richard, son of Ed- ward IV, caused Thomas of Woodstock to be be- headed, because he feared his influence, he being next heir to the throne. The descendants of Thomas of Woodstock renounced their title and estates, fearing the same fate. William Penn was a mein- ber of the same family, the name being spelled in several ways, Penn, l'enne, Penny and Penney.
Dr. Brown passed his boyhood days in Bridge- water, where he attended the local schools, and was a pupil in West Winfield Academy and the Caze- novia Seminary, two institutions of high grade, and of more than local reputation a generation ago. His predilection for medical studies early mani- fested itself, and after leaving the academy at Caze- novia he passed three and a half years in a drug store in Bridgewater. Then attending the College of Pharmacy in New York, he graduated from that celebrated school. The young student, ambitious of learning, took a summer course in analytical chem- istry in the same school, and pursuing his studies farther became a student of the Medical Depart- ment of the University the same year. The grad- uating class of 1803 sent forth from that widely- known school numbered Dr. Charles H. Brown among its most conspicuous members. Dr. Brown located at Waterbury, Conn., and began the practice of medicine in that city, where his success was im- mediate and flattering in the highest degree. Dr. Brown enjoys a very fine practice, and is counted one of the most successful physicians in the city. A student of the newest ideas in medicine, he keeps abreast of the times, and is often seen in the class- rooms of the New York medical schools. engaged in special investigations. His library is filled with the latest and most reliable publications in the medical world, and his medical apparatus includes the most modern appliances. . The Doctor is a Republican pohtically, and in religion he is associated with the Congregational Church.
Dr. Brown and Emily S. Rich, a native of Mount Vernon, N. Y., were married July 17, 1894.
To this union have been born two children, Charles Alfred and Eleanor. The family residence on Columbia Boulevard is one of the finest in the city.
HENRY DOWNS SAWYER, a citizen of Derby, New Haven county, was born there May 3, 1873.
Henry S. Sawyer, his grandfather, was born in Windsor, and removed to Derby, where he en- gaged in the milling business, carrying it on until his death. He married a Miss Nooner, and they had five children, of these the first-born, Warren H., was the father of Henry D. Sawyer; Jennie . is the wife of Cyrus . Whitcomb, of Brooklyn, N. Y., formerly a elergyman, but now engaged in the practice of law; Helen ( deceased) became the wife of William Downs, of Boston, who is art eritie on the staff of one of the leading journals of that eity; Charles S., the youngest of the fam- ily, resides in Brooklyn, New York.
Warren H. Sawyer was born in Hartford, and was a shoe dealer there, but after the death of his father he removed to Derby, where he carried on the latter's business. He married Jennie Bassett, a daughter of Robert N. Bassett, and a grand- daughter of David Bassett, and a member of one of the influential families of New Haven county. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. War- ren H. Sawyer: Robert B., Helen E. and Henry Downs. Robert B. is connected with the Robert N. Bassett Co., of New York and Derby. Helen E. is married to Frederick S. Martyn, of Brooklyn, N. Y. The parents are both deceased.
Henry Downs Sawyer was educated in the schools of Derby and at the Military Academy in Sing Sing, N. Y. Leaving school at the age of seventeen, he spent the years 1890 and 1891 as a clerk with Howard & Barber, dry-goods merchants, and in 1801 became bookkeeper for his grandfather, the late Robert N. Bassett. Mr. Bassett was a manufacturer of corset manufacturers' supplies, and was the first to cover wire with cloth for use in garments of that description. He died in De- cember, 1892, and the charge and management of the business thereupon devolved upon Mr. Sawyer. The responsibility was a grave one for so young a man, but he met it with the intelligence, energy and fidelity to duty which have distinguished him throughout lite. In May, 1895, it was decided that the manufactory and the disposition of its output should be placed in the hands of a corporation, and the Robert N. Bassett Co. was organized. Mr. Sawyer was made secretary and treasurer, a dual office, the arduous and responsible duties of which he continued to discharge until May, 1901. when he severed his connection with the R. N. Bassett Co. and bought out the Derby Trucking Co., of Derby, and the Harris Express, of Shelton.
Mr. Sawyer was married Sept. 12, 18)3. to Miss Grace Carleton, a daughter of Edward Il.
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and Mary P. Carleton, of Brooklyn, N. Y. They have had no children. Mr. Sawyer is a Republi- can in politics, and in religious faith is a Congre- gationalist. He is genial, whole-souled and hos- pitable, and fond of the legitimate pleasures of life. He loves driving, and owns some of the finest trot- ting stock in Derby.
WALTER J. WARRICK, one of the intelligent and progressive skilled workers of Waterbury, and a man of fine character and honest spirit, was born in Cayuga, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Sept. 5, 1862, son . 'of John Warrick, a native of New Jersey.
William Warrick, the father of John, was also born in New Jersey, in 1794, and was a life long farmer. His wife, the mother of John; was born in New Jersey in 1802, and died in 1876. With his family William Warrick moved into Cayuga coun- ty, N. Y., secured a farm, and devoted himself to its cultivation. He died at the age of eighty-six. All his life he had been a remarkably sound and healthy man, and it is a family tradition that until his last illness he never knew from his own experi- ence the meaning of sickness. The father of Will- iam Warrick was one of three brothers who left England and settled in New Jersey.
John Warrick, the father of Walter J., was a farmer during his active life except for about twelve vears, which he spent in Waterbury. He is now re- tired, and living in Cayuga, N. Y. He married Sarah E. Howell, who was born in Union Springs, N. Y., in 1837, and died in 1883. Her father, Brit- on Howell, was a carpenter, and died about 1860; his wife died in 1878. After their marriage John Warrick and his wife settled in Cayuga county. N. Y. They had a family of three children: Walter J., our subject : Josephine, who died unmarried in Cayuga, N. Y .; and Grace N., who is unmarried. and living at home with her father, who re-married in 1884. John Warrick is a Democrat, and has held various local offices in the years past. His religious connection has been with the Methodist Church, and he has been one of the earnest workers of that de- nomination.
Walter J. Warrick grew to manhood under the fostering care of his parents, and attended school at Cayuga, Seneca Falls and Auburn, N. Y. When he was eighteen years of age his school days ended, and he began his career in business by clerking in a store at Cayuga. N. Y., where he worked three years. In 1882 he came to Waterbury and clerked in a grocery store for a few months, and then en- tered the Waterbury watch factory for a few months. Mr. Warrick began work for his present employers, the Platt Brothers Co., in 1882, as a helper in the packing department. Here his ser- vices have been so valuable, and his appreciation of the work of the department so quick and ready, that for several years he has had full charge of the work, and is one of the most valued foreman of that large concern.
On Sept. 1. 1885. Mr. Warrick married Minnie J. Poulter, who was born in Waterbury, daughter of Henry and Margaret Poulter, natives of Eng- land. To this union have been born five children : Josie May, W. Merwin, Gladys H., Ernest ( who died in infancy) and Marian R. These children are a bright and entertaining set of young people. Mr. Warrick is a Republican, and takes an intelli- gent interest in political affairs. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and with his family attends the Second Congregational Church.
PATRICK J. COOGAN, who is engaged in the drug business in Waterbury, is a native of Pennsylvania, born March 23, 1868, in Upper Le- high, Luzerne county.
Patrick T. Coogan, his father, was born in County Kilkenny, Ireland, coming thence over thirty years ago to the United States, and settling in Pennsylvania, where he was employed 'as a coal miner. In 1877 he came to Waterbury with his family, and about the year 1886 established his present grocery business on Washington street, which he still conducts. While in Pennsylvania he married Mary A. Burns, who was born in Heck- scherville, Schuylkill Co., Pa., daughter of James Burns, a native of Ireland. She died Jan. 11, 1898, at the age of forty-eight years. To this union were born thirteen children, two of whom are deceased, the names of the others being: Catherine, Patrick J., Bridget, Maggie, Annie, Mary E., James, Thomas, Joseph, Loretta and Elizabeth. Catherine married Michael Ryan, of Waterbury, who was born in Pennsylvania. Bridget is the wife of George A. Gibson, of Waterbury, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere. Maggie married Fran- cis Grimes, of Waterbury. Annie married L. O'Laughlin, a Philadelphia merchant.
Patrick J. Coogan, our subject, was about eight years old when the family came to Waterbury, and here he received his education, at the age of twelve vears commencing to work in factories. In that line he continued until he was twenty-one years of age, when he engaged in the grocery and liquor business on Washington street, whence, some three or four years ago, he removed to his present loca- tion, No. 839 Baldwin street. On July 5, 1901, he changed his line, engaging in the drug business. He has been remarkably prosperous, and although yet a young man has accumulated considerable property in Waterbury. In 1896 he erected his store. in 1808 three tenement buildings, and in 1800 one, having altogether as many as seventeen tenements.
On Oct. 23, 1893, Patrick J. Coogan married Sarah Dunn, who was born in Ireland, a daughter of Michael and Susan Dunn. She died in 185. leaving no children. On Sept. 23, 1896, Mr. Coogan married Mrs. Mary Russell, daughter of Anthony Winte, and widow of Michael Russell. ; and two children, James and Eileen, have been
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born to this union. D. her first husband Mrs. Coogan had one son, Roy. Our subject and his wife attend the services of Francis Xavier Catholic Church, of Waterbury. Ile is a Democrat in pol- ities, but in local affairs always casts his ballot for the best man regardless of party lines. Socially he is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Foresters of America, and no one in Waterbury is more highly honored or respected.
ALFRED F. HOWE is one of the most intel- lectual and energetic young men of Derby, where he was born April 25, 1873. His ancestors were distinguished for business sagacity, pluck and vim. Both his grandfather, William Howe, and his fa- ther, Isaac P. Howe, were prominent in business life, and our subject is not inferior to them in pertinacity of purpose and sound sense.
William Howe, the grandfather, was born in New York City, and was a brother of Dr. John I. Howe, who was the organizer of the Howe Manu- facturing Co., a concern whose fame is world- wide as owning and conducting the first establish- ment in the United States to manufacture pins. William Howe was one of the most successful showmen and farmers of his dav, and accumulated a handsome fortune, most of which he invested for the benefit of his children. He was one of the original stockholders in the "Shelton Company." and was identified with the management of various other enterprises. He represented Ridgefield in the State Legislature. His death occurred in Ridge- field.
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