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 11
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Isaac P. Howe, son of William and father of Alfred F., was also born in New York City, on Sept. 12, 1843. While a young man he married Miss Emma Fraser, who was of Scottish descent, daughter of Alfred A. Fraser, who was for thirty years cashier and president of the Seventh Ward- National Bank of New York City. In 1869, short- ly after their marriage, Mr. Howe brought his young wife to Derby, and he has never lost his in- terest in the town of his adoption. His first busi- ness venture there was as a member of the manu- facturing firm of Somers & Howe, with which he was connected for three years. In 1875 he entered into partnership with Darius Wilcox, the style of the co-partnership being Wilcox & Howe, and the business being the manufacture of carriage hard- ware; the works were located at Shelton. In 1891 the business was re-organized and a stock con- pany formed, Mr. Howe becoming secretary, treas- urer and manager, which position he held until . the concern went out of business, in 1899. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Isaac P. Howe: Adalina R., William, Alfred F. and Lillian.
sition which he filled with distinguished success. For two years and during the World's Fair his headquarters were in Chicago. He invented and copyrighted a game to which he gave the name "Cities of Our Country,' and which proved im- mensely popular. The "Youth's Companion" bought five thousand copies, and the venture netted him several thousand dollars. On his return to Derby Mr. Howe permitted himself to be controlled by his inborn proclivity toward the journalistic field. For a time he was engaged on the Farmer and Standard of Bridgeport, and was editorial writer and reporter on the staff of the New Haven Union. In 1808 he became city editor of the Daily Newes, which position he still holds. Mr. Howe has been a special correspondent for many years for the New York Herald, Tribune, Journal and Press, and was a correspondent of the Associated Press for several years.
As a man and a citizen Mr. Howe's reputation is unassailable. Generous and genial, he com- mands popularity. Public-spirited and philan- thropic, the community holds him in high esteem. As a striking illustration of the regard in which his fellow townsmen hold him, it may be pointed cut that at the age of twenty-three he was chosen a member of the board of aldermen, and held that office four years, through re-election, serving two terms as president of that body. In 1900 Mr. Howe was nominated on the Democratic ticket for the Legislature. Although Derby went Republican, Mr. Howe was elected representative by the larg- est majority ever given a candidate for that office in Derby: While in the Legislature he was chair- man of the committee on Federal Relations. He worked hard for the New Haven-Derby trolley, introduced several measures in the interest of the volunteer firemen, had a law passed to preserve bass in the Housatonic river, introduced a bill providing home rule for cities, and labored hard but unstic- cessfully against amendments to the charter of Derby which the people did not want. He has a mind of no common order, and his naturally keen intellect has been well trained.
Mr. Howe has been financial secretary of the Derby Lodge of Elks since its formation, is a member of the executive board of the State Asso- ciation of Elks, and is regent of Ansonia Council, Royal Arcanum. He also belongs to the Ancient Order of the Essenie, and is a member of the Press Club of New Haven. In religious faith he is an Episcopalian, being a member of St. James Church. Mr. Howe is unmarried. He is the only member of the Howe family now residing in Derby, his parents having removed to New York.
ALBERT BLEY, proprietor of the popular meat market at No. 420 North Main street. Water- burg, was born in Kirchberg. Saxony, Germany, Nov. 18, 1806. He is the eldest of the five chil-
Alfred F. Howe was educated in the common schools of Derby and was at Yale University for one term. On leaving college he entered the em- ploy of his father as a traveling salesman, a po- | dren born to Herman and Alvina ( Groman ) Bley,
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the others being Alban, a resident of Waterbury : Albin, now a soldier in the Philippine Islands ; and Anna and Hildagrath, who still have their residence in Germany. The father of this family, Herman Bley, was a merchant by vocation, passed all his life in his native land, and is now deceased. The mother has her residence in Leipsig, and is still in the enjoyment of excellent health.
Albert Bley was educated in the excellent public schools of his native city, and afterward learned the butcher's trade, which he followed at home until his coming to America, at the age of seventeen years. He reached Waterbury in 1883, and here found employment with V. Bohl, with whom he worked about six years. He then worked for Louis Meyer about one year, and then for a time with William Riether, in each shop becoming a favorite with the patrons and adding to his reputation as a salesman. On March 7, 1898, lie engaged in business on his own account at the street and nun- ber already given. His market is the finest in town, and he has several assistants.
On Ang. 15, 1888, Mr. Bley married Miss Fan- nie L. Vogel, a native of Waterbury, and a daugh- ter of Frederick E. and Louisa ( Blackburn ) Vogel. Mr. Vogel was born in Ruhla, Germany, was a die- sinker and engraver by trade, and died in Water- bury March 7, 1890. His wife is a native of Ire- land. To their marriage were born two children, Fannie L. ( Mrs. Bley) and Louisa, the latter dy- ing when eighteen months old. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Blev, Edmund V. and Viola A. The family attend Trinity Church. In politics Mr. Bley is a Republican. Fraternally he is a member of Waterbury Lodge, K. of P.
CHARLES FENN WOODING, one of the youngest but busiest contractors and builders of New Haven county, was born in Wallingford, Nov. 21, 1869, a son of the late Newton Calvin Wood- ing, also a native of that town.
Newton Calvin Wooding was born in the west- ern part of Wallingford, May 19, 1831, son of Da- vid A. and Flora Wooding, grandson of David Wooding, and great-grandson of Jolin Wooding. He was educated in the public schools, after which he worked for Fenn & Gladwin making planes in a shop on Center street, until Mr. Gladwin sold out to Mr. Fenn, who moved up to the mill then known as the "Sawheag Works." There Mr. Wooding worked until the mill was closed. He then learned the carpenter's trade from Calvin Harrison. after which he went to work for Deacon Harvey Hall. making wagon parts. At this time he lived in the eastern pårt ot Wallingford, where he remained un- til his death. About the year 1867 he started in the carpenter business with Hubbard Fenn, with .whom he continued until the latter's death, in 1884. when he went into the building and construction business for himself, so continuing until he died. May 12. 1891, at the age of sixty years. Among the many
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building's he erected may be mentioned the Simp- son block. Politically he was a Republican, and he was an honorable and upright citizen. Socially he was a member of Accanant Lodge, No. 71. 1. O. O. F., and also of the Encampment. An active and devout member of the Baptist Church, his manly and straightforward life reflected no discredit on his religious connections. For fifteen years he was a trustee and for many more an efficient worker in the church.
On Nov. 28. 1856, at the residence of Nathan Gunn, in Milford, Conn., Newton C. Wooding was married, by Rev. W. H. Boole, to Miss Julia Frances Fenn, who was born in Orange, May 12, 1839, a daughter of John and Susan ( Daly ) Fenn. She died Oct. 26, 1892, the mother of the following children: (1) John N., born Dec. 14, 1857, was married Oct. 30, 1884, at Center Brook, Conn., to Gertrude M. Bushnell. (2) Fannie Julia, born March 4, 1861, died Aug. 3, 1893. (3) Nellie E., born Oct. 22, 1863, was married Nov. 25, 1891, at Wallingford, by Rev. F. E. Marble, to Harry B. Dudley, of Guilford. (4) Charles F. is mentioned below. (5) Mary E., born Dec. 14, 1873, was a teacher in the public schools of Hartford, and was married Jan. 8, 1901, to William Henry Franchum, Jr., of Montreal, Canada. (6) Benjamin Harrison, born July 29, 1875, was married in Smith's Cove, Digby Co., N. S., Jan. 24, 1898, by Rev. J. T. Eaton, to Carrie T. Bryant, of Nova Scotia, and is the father of one child, Frances Thornton, born July 11, 1899.
Charles Fenn Wooding was reared in Walling- ford, and, with the exception of one term at Ho- garth Academy, New Haven, received his educa- tion there. For three years he was employed by Marcus E. Cooke, and then worked with his father at the carpenter's trade. Upon the latter's death, in 1891, the young man assumed control of the busi- ness, which he inherited, and has retained the un- sullied reputation his father won. Among his more substantial undertakings may be mentioned the homes of F. A. Wallace, D. W. Burke, Prof. Franze Milcke, and his own handsome and commodious structure, which he put up in 1897. The very at- tractive residence of Mrs. Potter, on South Main street, in Wallingford, was one of his most satis- factory and creditable erections, as is also the Free Public Library buildings in Southington. One of his largest contracts was for the H. L. Judd & Co.'s buildings, amounting to over $40,000. He keeps from twenty-five to thirty men at work continu- ously, and is a popular and successful business man. On Dec. 13. 1900, Mr. Wooding formed a corpora- tion under the title of The C. F. Wooding Co., which includes the business of C. F. Wooding. The officers are C. F. Wooding, president and treas- urer : B. H. Wooding, secretary.
Mr. Wooding is a member of Compass Lodge. No. 9. A. F. & A. M., and of Accanant Lodge. No. 1 71, I. O. O. F., of Wallingford, also of the En-
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
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campment ; he is highly strumen as a faithful and efficient worker in these two great organizations. Politically he is a Republican, but he has been much too busy to devote much time to practical politics. For three years he has been a trustee of the Baptist Church, of which he is a consistent member.
On Feb. 24, 1892, Mr. Wooding was married, by Rev. C. H. Dickinson, of Wallingford, to Miss Elizabeth Marshall Gooding, and to their union have come the following children: Herbert Mar- shall, born Feb. 5, 1893; Raymond Fenn, born April 22, 1895 : and Newton William, born Aug. 14, 1900. Mrs. Elizabeth MI. (Gooding) Wooding is a daughter of William James and Abby Taylor (Dearth) Gooding, the former of whom was born in Bristol, R. I., July 24, 1842, son of James Madi- son and Charity (Sprague) Gooding.
Mr. Wooding is an energetic and progressive young man, and his genial manners and high char- acter have made him very popular wherever he is known.
CHARLES VICTOR ALEXANDER DEX- TER, collector of city taxes in Meriden, is a man whose personal character and business abilities rec- ommend him to the favorable consideration of the public.
Mr. Dexter was born Jan. 12, 1851, in Nord- hausen, a town of Prussian Saxony, Germany, son of Charles Dexter, a native of the same town, who passed most of his business life in Wittenberg, where he died at the age of seventy-nine years. Charles Dexter was a manufacturer of furniture and a very successful man. He was broad spirited and progressive, liberal in his church views, a men- ber of the Masonic fraternity and a kind friend and neighbor. Mrs. Dexter died in Berlin at the age of seventy-seven years. Four children were born to them: Oscar, who died in Nordhausen ; Charles V. A .: Olga, widow of Herman Von Hoff ; and one that died in infancy.
Charles Victor Alexander Dexter obtained his education in the home school and in Goerlitz Col- lege, from which he graduated at the age of nine- teen years. During the Franco-Prussian war he served bravely and loyally as a soldier. Beginning as a volunteer private, he was raised to the rank of first lieutenant, and was in the service ten years before he resigned. Leaving the army in 1880 he spent some time in visiting his parents at Witten- berg, and was for a time at Hull and Liverpool, England. The following year he came to the United States, remaining a short time in New York, and then making his appearance in Meriden, where he secured employment with the Bradley & Hubbard Mig. Co. This position he held two years, and in 1883 became attached to the Meriden Britannia Co .. in whose employ he remained seventeen years. In 1802 he was made transliter of i reign corre- spondence for that concern, as lie is an accomplished linguist and has ready command of several modern
languages, German, French, Spanish and others. In June, 1900, Mr. Dexter was elected city tax collector. He was time keeper of the sewer depart- ment in 1896 and 1897; has been deputy registrar of voters for the Fourth Ward for five years; and was city sheriff for one term, elected in 1898. Mr. Dexter is a Republican in his political principles and is a stanch supporter of the party.
Mr. Dexter and Miss Louisa Schneider, a na- tive of Germany, were married in Yalesville in 1892, and they have one child, Carlos. Mrs. Dexter is an accomplished and genial lady and has many friends who appreciate hier womanly and housewifely char- acter. Mr. Dexter belongs to the Foresters of America and to Meridian Lodge, No. 77. A. F. & A. M. He is a member of the Baptist Church, where he organized the choir upon a high plane eighteen years ago, and during this time has been the organist and leader of the church music. As a mu- sician he attracts admiration, even among his music- loving race. For four years he was secretary of the Sunday-school. He is widely known as a gen- tleman of unusual educational attainments and is regarded as a learned man by those who are them- selves deeply versed in literature and science. His culture and refinement are the more noticeable be- cause of his modest and unassuming character. He is well acquainted in Meriden and is the fortunate possessor of a host of friends.
ANDREW G. PARKER belongs to the num- ber of gifted mechanics and forceful characters that the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. has called into. its service to help make it the great and widely known institution it is. Its employes are the pick of the industrial world, and to be a workman in the Winchester factory is a certificate of mechanical ability. Mr. Parker was born in Naugatuck, Conn., Aug. 25, 1850, son of Giles Parker, a native of Woodbury, Conn, and a tailor by trade; he pos- sessed a rare musical ability, and at Waterbury lead the band. He worked at his trade in Naugatuck and at Bridgeport, dying in the latter city in 1856. Sa- ralı J. Alaby, his wife, was born in Stratford, Conn., a daughter of Daniel R. Alaby, a native of New- town, and of English extraction. Charles Parker, the father of Giles, was a son of that Parker who came to this country from England at a very early day; he was the first man in Connecticut to perfect a pump that would draw water. To Giles and Sa- rah Parker were born three children: Andrew G., whose name appears above ; Charles N. : and Sarah J. Charles N. is a mechanic in New Haven ; and Sarah J. died at the age of twenty-six, unmarried. : The father was a Whig, and in religion both he and his wife were devoted Baptists.
Andrew G. Parker spent his early years in Bridgeport, where he attended school. When he was nine years of age his parents removed to Ham- den, Conn., and there he continued his school at- tendance until he reached the age of thirteen. His
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first work was done in Mount Carmel, Conn., where he found employment in a bolt factory, remaining there for about four and a half years. His next engagement was with George T. Newhall as a car- riage blacksmith, serving a five years' apprentice- ship with him and following that trade two years in the city .. For two years he was a driver on the horse cars ; conductor three years ; and was driver and conductor of the State street line two years. Mr. Parker entered the employ of the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. in March, 1879, and has proved himself one of the most reliable and trust- worthy men connected with that great corporation. Entering as a common laborer, he has steadily ad- vaneed, until now he is foreman of the gun barrel department and is inspector of that room, a most delicate and responsible position.
Mr. Parker was married Sept. 2, 1873. to Hul- dah M. Cooper, a native of New Haven, and a daughter of Horace W: Cooper (who was born in Fair Haven), and his wife, Matilda F. Dorman. To this marriage have been born six children : Stella M., Arthur C., Harry . E., Andrew G., Jr., and Rean O., living : one child, Eva M., died young. Mr. Parker belongs to the Republican party and is a member of the Montowese Lodge, No. 15. 1. O. O. F., the Golden Rule Encampment, No. 24. Olive Branch Lodge, No. 84. F. & A. M .. the N. E. O. P., and the Winchester Lodge of the Order of Good Fellows.
Commodore Perry was the great uncle of the mother of Matilda F. ( Dorman ) Cooper.
JOHN A. RYAN, architect, contractor and builder, of Waterbury, was born in Newport. R. I., June 14, 1858. Ilis father, James Ryan, a na- tive of Limerick, Ireland, came to the United States in 1849 and worked in various towns in the East. In Newport, R. I., he married Johanna Sullivan, who was also a native of Limerick, and they had ten children, seven of whom died young. The three surviving are Dennis, who is a carpenter; Daniel, a butcher, both living in Newport; and John A., the subject of this biographical notice.
John A. Ryan was educated in the parochial schools of Newport. In early life he passed six years on the stage, or in the ring, as a general per- former, and also spent some time at sea. He then served an apprenticeship of four years at the car- penter's trade with P. E. Reed, of New York City, and afterward worked eleven years at that trade with Morton & Chesley ( later W. P. Chesley & Co. ), of New York City. In 18)5 he came to Waterbury and at once engaged in contracting and building on his own account, all his structures being from his own designs. One of his many edifices in Water- bury is the house of J. H. Mulville on East Main street ; he also designed and executed the grill work and furnishings of the J. II. Mulville undertaking establishment, and numerous cottages give evi- dence of his taste and skill.
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In 1885 Mr. Ryan was joined in matrimony with Mary Kennedy, a native of Ireland, and this union has been blessed with four children, James J., Mamie, John A. and Christopher.
Mr. Ryan is independent in politics. He is a jovial, genial gentleman and fraternally is an es- teenied member of the B. P. O. E. and of the Hep- tasophs. He is a devout Catholic in religion. As a business man he is what is known as a "hustler," having through his industry and skill realized a competence which has been augmented by the in- heritance of a valuable property. He and his family stand very high socially, being respected by all classes within and without the pale of their church.
GEORGE LEWIS DICKERMAN, of New Haven, a prominent member of the New Haven County Bar, is a son of the late Charles Diekerman, of New Haven, who descended from that branch of the Dickerman family which has been identified with New Haven from Colonial times.
Thomas Dickerman, the emigrant ancestor of the family, and his wife, Ellen, came about 1635, to New England and to Dorchester, Mass, where he died in 1657. Our subject is a descendant of this settler in the seventh generation, his line being through Abraham, Isaac, Stephen, Elisha and Charles.
Abraham Dickerman, son of Thomas, the set- tler, was born in 1634, and was married in 1659, to Mary Cooper, who was born about 1636, daughter of John Cooper, of New Haven. It is supposed she was born in England. They lived in New Haven. Mr. Diekerman died in 1711, and his wife in 1706.
Isaac Diekerman, the son of Abraham, born in 1677. in 1700 married Mary Atwater, who was born in 1686, daughter of Jonathan and Ruth ( Peck) Atwater.
Stephen Diekerman, son of Isaac, was born in 1721, and in 1752 married Eunice Tuttle, who was born in 1733, daughter of Andrew and Eunice ( Sherman ) Tuttle. They lived in New Haven. He died in 1779. his wife passing away the same year.
Elisha Dickerman, son of Stephen, was born March 5. 170g, and was married Dec. 27, 1794, to Anna Scott, who was born about 1770, daughter of William and Mary Scott. She died March 6, 1798. His second marriage occurred Jan. 20, 1800, at Branford, when Pamelia Goodrich became his wife. She was born in December. 1774, daughter of Bar- tholomew and Hannah ( Baldwin) Goodrich. Mr. Dickerman died July 26, 1855. in the eighty-seventh year of his age, his widow survived until June II, 1861, also reaching the age of eighty-seven.
Charles Dickerman, son of Elisha, was born Sept. 10, 1816, and was married in Branford. this county. Feb. 22. 1818, to Tane Foote, who was born Oct. 24, 1826, daughter of Merritt and Betes ( Pal- mer) Foote. Her father, who was born in 1795. was married June 18, 1818, to Betsy Palmer, and
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died March 4, 1876. Mrs. Foute was born May 6, 1794, and died April 25, 1837. Along in the mid- dle thirties, Charles Dickerman, accompanied by two of his brothers, Edmund and William, went South, establishing themselves in mercantile business at Natchez, Miss. After some ten successful years William Dickerman returned to New Haven, while Charles and Edmund Dickerman went to the city of Milwaukee, Wis., where they made paying invest- ments of real estate. About 1850 Charles Dicker- man returned to his old home in New Haven, where he passed the remainder of his life. Here he and William associated themselves together and engaged in the manufacture of carriages, continuing in that line until the breaking out of the Civil war made it unprofitable.
Charles Dickerman gave much attention to fruit culture, and became an expert in pomology. He fruited nearly 300 varieties of pears, besides other fruit, and received a number of medals for exhibits on various occasions, among them the Wilder medal of 1873. He took great delight and pleasure in giving to others grafts from his trees, and thus en- couraged an important industry. He was quite an 'antiquarian and took delight in preserving memor- ials of early days. Mr. Dickerman passed away May 6, 1897, when past eighty. His wife died in 1875; she was a member of Centre Church. He was a member of the Republican party. To the marriage of Charles and Jane Dickerman came three children : Ellen Palmer Dickerman, born Nov. 12, 1848, was married in 1870 to Charles W. Bardeen, of Fitchburg. Mass., now a resident of Syracuse. George Lewis Dickerman is mentioned below. Caroline Ives Dickerman, born Sept. 23, 1856, lives in New Haven.
George Lewis Dickerman was born April 12, 1852, in New Haven, where he was prepared for col- lege at the Hopkins Grammar School and was grad- uated from the Academical Department of Yale College in 1874, completing the course of the Colum- bia Law School, New York, in 1876. His studies in law were pursued under Hon. Benjamin D. Sill- iman, of New York City, and he was admitted to the Bar in New Haven May 17, 1878, since which time he has been actively and successfully engaged in the practice of law in that city. For four years he served most efficiently as an alderman.
Mr. Dickerman was married Oct. 14. 1885. at Wilkesbarre, Pa., to Elizabeth Shoemaker, who was born Feb. II, 1856, daughter of L. D. and Es- ther ( Wadhams ) Shoemaker, of Wilkesbarre.
HON. JAMES P. BREE. lawyer of New Ha- ven, who at this writing is State senator from the Eighth District, has taken high rank in his pro- fession and in the councils of the Democratic party. in Connecticut to-day, and is one of the most prom- ising of the young men of New Haven county.
and received his preliminary education in the city's public schools and the Hillhouse high school. Early in his life career he learned the printer's trade and wrote some for local newspapers. Having decided upon the law as a life work, after some reading, he entered the Yale law school, completed the course and was graduated therefrom in 1890, being ad- mitted to the Bar the same year, and began the practice of his profession in his native city, where now, after more than a decade of study and earnest effort, he has become established in a good and growing practice.
Mr. Bree has given considerable attention to city affairs and to the interests of charitable organiza- tions, being a director for some years and at present, of the St. Francis Orphan Asylum Corporation, and of the St. Lawrence Cemetery Association, and director of Organized Charities, as well as being ac- tively identified with temperance work in New Ha- ven, both city and county, as well as Connecticut. Mr. Bree has the distinction of being the last town auditor in New Haven, remaining in that position until the office was abolished by an act consolidating the city and town governments. From boyhood he has been a total abstainer and has held office in various temperance organizations, for two terms being the president of the Catholic Total Abstinence Union. of Connecticut. He has been seen and heard on the temperance platforms in many towns of this and other States, and has also held office in the An- cient Order of Hibernians, and is at this writing the national secretary of this order in America. He holds membership in the Knights of Columbus, and in the American-Irish Historical Society.
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