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 12
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Shortly after casting his first vote Mr. Bree was elected a member of the common council, following which he was for some years an auditor of town ac- counts for New Haven. His political affiliations have always been with the Democratic party, al- though he has many ardent admirers and friends among the Republicans, which his consistency as a Democrat, his high character and conspicuous ability have won for him. In 1899 he was elected a member of the Legislature, and in that body made many friends, earning a reputation as an indus- trious and hardworking member. During the ses- sion of 1899 Mr. Bree was heard from in debate a number of times, and was always listened to with interest and respect. Among other bills he advo- cated the one for one-half fare for school children on the street cars, and also offered an amendment in that session to the report of the Committee on Rail- roads, which was adopted by practically a unanimous vote. He secured an amendment to the charter of the city of New Haven, requiring that all the streets be sprinkled by the municipality, at general ex- pense, a practice which has proved to be of much convenience and benefit. Being a ready and plas- ing speaker he fen rises to a high plate of gonun . el quence. In his style of speaking he has an in-
Senator Bree was born Dec 10. 1804. in New Haven, a son of Patrick and Mary ( Hart) Bree, ' dividuality that is effective. His diction is pure and
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graceful and his voice is of a pleasing quality and · wide compass. Mr. Bree was elected to the State Senate for the session of 1901 and was also elected auditor for the State in that session. During this session he introduced the Bree bill, providing for the establishment of hospitals for consumptives, which, in a modified form, has become a law. The Evening Leader of Jan. 17, 1901, editorially speaks of Senator Bree as follows:
"The Senator two years ago was one of the brightest and most active members of the House, and the start he has made in the Senate this year justifies predictions that no district will be better represented than this of New Haven, which has the biggest population of any district in the State."
Senator Bree has been twice married, first in 1890 to Nellie A. Leddy, of New Haven, who died in March, 1894, leaving one son, Vincent ; and sec- ond, in December, 1898, to Annie E. Gray, of Forest- ville, a most charming lady, by whom he has had one child, a bright little fellow named Paul.
LOUIS CONRAD PFAFF. Among the pron- . inent, highly esteemed and substantial citizens of New Haven, Conn., is Louis Conrad Pfaff, who is the owner of one of the largest business enterprises in this city.
The story of the life of Mr. Pfaff reads almost like a romance, although, when it is calmly consid- ered, luis career shows that his remarkable success is but the natural result of honesty, energy, cour- age and industry. The birth of Mr. Pfaff was in Harthausen an Schr. : Hohenzollern, Segmaringen. Germany. Nov. 26, 1830, and he was a son of Ig- natz and Francisca ( Knaus) Pfaff, the former of whom was a mason and contractor, like his father, and followed this trade in his own land all his life. Three children were born to the worthy parents of Mr. Pfaff : Katherine, who married Sebastian Pfister, died in Germany: Cecelia, who married Hubert Gauggell, and lives in Hartford ; and Louis Conrad, of New Haven. Until he was fourteen years old Louis Conrad Pfaff attended the village schools and then went to a neighboring city where he thoroughly learned the butcher business, serving a long apprenticeship, as is the custom in that coun- try, where each workman must learn every detail of a business before he is considered ready to offer his services to the public. Until 1851 the young man worked in various cities at his trade and then served in the army for three years.
When Mr. Pfaff left the ranks and was pre- pared to return to private life again he decided to seek his fortune in America, and July 9. 1854. he reached New Haven. It required almost as much courage as it did to face the guns of the enemy for the young German to come to a strange country with its unknown laws and unrecognizable speech. and there to attempt to carve out a successful career without either money or friends. Although he was not able to speak a word of English, Mr. Pfaff had
a genial and pleasant manner, found his way to New Haven and soon secured employment in a slaughter house owned by Alois Young in Fair Ha- ven, where he remained for one year, coming then to New Haven where he entered into the employ of Richard Platt in the same business. This firm was located on the corner of George and Church streets, and with energy Mr. Pfaff began his labors here. determined to do his whole duty, and satisfying his employers so well that he continued with them for five years.
Mr. Pfaff relates that one day he was in the neighborhood of the business. house of his former employer, Richard Platt, and was trying to see his way clear to renting this business, when he was accosted by a financier of New Haven who had watched his honest efforts. The wealthy friend questioned him as to his prospects and desires, and then showed his confidence in his integrity by sav- ing: "Buy the business and I will back you." In 1859 Mr. Pfaff embarked in the retail meat business for himself on Congress avenue, where he pros- pered for two and one-half years. It is needless to say the capitalist never had cause to repent of his generous act. The close confinement told so seriously on Mr. Pfaff's health that he was obliged to sell out and prepare to take a rest. Somewhat homesick he decided to build up his health in his old home, and the next four and one-half years were spent in Germany, but the attractions of his adopted land proved too strong to keep him in the old country and he returned to New Haven with health restored, but not yet in very prosperous finan- cial condition.
Since that time Mr. Pfaff has shown what indus- try and economy can accomplish, now owning some of the most valuable real estate in New Haven, con- ducting a double store on the leading business street of New Haven and operating a large and constantly increasing business which enjoys the patronage of the most desirable residents of this community. It is but just to ascribe Mr. Pfaff's unusual success to his own efforts, and his prosperity surely shows what may be accomplished when a young man puts energy and honesty at the helm of his life boat.
In 1857 Mr. Pfaff was married to an old school mate, Miss Elizabeth Wern, who was born in the same village as himself. Of the children born to the marriage, four lived to maturity: George H., Louis, Charles and Elizabeth, all of whom have been afforded excellent business advantages. The eldest son, a very capable young man, has been his father's business partner since 1883, the firm style being Louis Pfaff & Son. George H. Pfaff married Mary A. McCheane, of New Haven, and they have had two children : Florence E., born Oct. 17, 1887; and George H .. Jr., born Oct. 27, 1891.
In his political sympathy Mr. Pfaff has remained independent, voting as his judgment decides, and being bound by no party tie. With his wife and children he belongs to the German Catholic Church,
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of which he is one of the liberal supporters. So- , for nine years was city treasurer, and for the same cially Mr. Pfaff belongs to the Germania Lodge length of time was treasurer of the Center school district. As chairman of the committee that insti- tuted the present electric light system his work was and the I. O. O. F. and the Encampment, taking an active interest in these organizations and being de- servedly popular in both. Mr. Pfaff is called upon to pay a heavy property tax in this city, his hold- ing being of much value. He is a good citizen and his assistance may always be relied upon in the fur- therance of public spirited enterprises. Few men in New Haven have so successfully conquered ad- verse circumstances, and he enjoys the esteem and confidence of his whole circle of acquaintance. Mr. Pfaff has never used tobacco in any form and is regular in his habits, which accounts for his fine physical condition at the present time.
WILLIAM C. KEENAN, one of the leading factory men of Waterbury, and for many years a worker in the industrial world of that city, a man whose name and character are beyond question, was born there Jan. 1, 1852, son of Patrick Keenan.
Our subject's father was born in Queen's County, Ireland, son of Patrick Keenan, a farmer in Ire- land, who never came to this country. Patrick Kee- . nan, father of William C., married Mary Keenan, also a native of Queen's county, Ireland, and both died in 1867. The following named children were born to them: Dennis, William C. ( whose name appears above), Dennis (2), Mary A., Annie and Mary A. (2): All died young, excepting our sub- ject, and Mary A. (2), who married William C. Kelly, of Waterbury, and died in 1892. Patrick Keenan was a gardener and followed that occupa- tion throughout life.
William C. Keenan passed his boyhood and youth in Waterbury, attended the public schools and was thrown upon his own resources at the age of fifteen years by the sudden death of his parents. A place as errand boy in Booth & Haydens was given him, and, demonstrating at once his reliability and efficiency, he rose step by step until at present he is the head time-keeper for that concern. It is a record of a long and faithful service, and one that should have its lesson for a restless and uneasy gen- eration.
On Nov. 27. 1873, Mr. Keenan was married to Miss Mary E. Kelly, a native of Waterbury, and a daughter of Patrick and Mary E. ( Moore) Kelly, natives of King's County and Queen's County, Ire- land, respectively. Both died in Waterbury. To Mr. and Mrs. Keenan have been born a family of twelve children, eight of whom are living, viz : Mary E .; Anna R. ; Patrick D .. deceased : William, deceased; Margaret M .: John J .. deceased; Sara ; Lauretta C., deceased ; William C .: Emiline : Rosita ; and Ruth. Margaret is a graduate of the New Britain Normal School. Mary and Anna are teach- ers in Waterbury.
1 important and valuable. Mr. Keenan belongs to several societies and social organizations, in all of which he is active and influential. He belongs to the W. R., C. T. A. and B. Society, the Catholic - Literary Society, the Foresters of America, the Knights of Columbus, the A. O. U, W., the Mu- tual Benevolent Society, the St. Vincent De Paul Society, and is a member of the Immaculate Concep- tion Catholic Church. Mr. Keenan has been presi- dent of the National Land League many years. Mr. Keenan is a man of broad views, sound infor- mation and good judgment. Thrown upon the world by the loss of his parents, he continued his studies in the night schools and has for many years been a deep reader.
FREDERICK L. AVERILL, clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, was born in Branford, Conn., July 15, 1865, a son of George and Harriet E. ( Babcock) Averill, the former of whom has been a captain in the coasting trade nearly all his I life and who still resides at Branford, Connecticut.
John Averill, the grandfather, was a resident of Branford all his life and was a man highly respected in the community, where he was so well known.
Frederick L. Averill spent his early school days in Branford, but removed to New Haven when nine- teen, engaging with Smith Bros., oyster merchants. Later he became bookkeeper for Peck Furniture Co., and while thus employed attended Yale law school, being graduated therefrom in 1895, at which time he was elected clerk of the Court of Common Pleas. Mr. Averill was the Republican General Register of voters for several years, and in 1896 was elected to the General Assembly, serving on the distinguished Judiciary committee of that year. When the Connecticut Naval Battalion, Naval Mi- litia, was organized June 30, 1894. Mr. Averill en- listed as a seaman, and he has passed through vari- ous promotions in that body until he is now Com- mander of the Battalion. On July 11, 1808, he was made a paymaster in the United States navy. Re- cently he was elected a companion of the Naval Or- der of the United States, of which Admiral Dewey is commander.
Since his admission to the Bar in 1895, Mr. Averill has practiced his profession and is regarded as one of the rising young attorneys of New Ha- ven. His political influence is wide, and many higher things are spoken of for him by his asso- ciates who recognize his ability and popularity.
Fraternally Mr. Averill is connected with various fraternal organizations, among which are Wooster Lodge. A. F. & A. M., Harmony Council, Franklin Chapter. Pyramid Temple, Mystic Shrine, and New Haven Commandery. K. of T .: City Lodge. I. O. O.
Mr. Keenan has always been a Democrat and has taken an active part in political affairs. For four years he was alderman from the Fourth Ward, F .; Sheffield Lodge, K. of P .; Yale Conclave Hep-
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tasophis ; Washington Council O. U. A. M. : Roger Sherman Lodge, Knights of Honor ; Sterling Lodge, A. O. U. W .; Pequoit Camp, Woodmen of the World. Mr. Averill is also a member of several clubs, among which are: Country, Quinnipiac, An- santawae, Union League and Young Men's.
On Dee. 18, 1890, Mr. Averill was married in New Haven to Emma E. Button, of this city, a daughter of John M. Button, and to them has been born one child, Helen, April 1, 1894. Mr. Averil! is one of the most progressive young men of New Haven and commands the respect as well as admir- ation of a large circle of friends.
WALTER S. CROSBY. proprietor of the Cedarhurst Poultry Yards and Jersey Milk Dairy, at West Haven, was born Oct. 1. 1854. in Charle- mont, Mass., a son of Joshua and Nancy ( Smead ) Crosby.
Joshua Crosby was a native of Hawley and fol- lowed farming there for some time in connection with an extensive lumber business and a stage line from Northampton to Greenfield. Later he re- moved to Saratoga Springs, N. Y., and conducted a large truek farm until his retirement from active business, his death occurring there at the age of seventy-seven. In politics he was a stanch Republi- can and he held office of selectman in Hawley, and later was prominent in local affairs at Saratoga Springs. Through the war times he was one of the leaders in building a colored church in that see- tion. as his sympathies were warmly enlisted in behalf of that race, and he assisted materially in other ways in the Abolition movement. He was a Congregationalist in religious belief and was deacon and superintendent of Sunday-school for many years. As a citizen he was highly respected by all, his sound judgment making his opinion of value, and his memory is revered in the community where he resided so long. The mother, Naney Smead. was born in Charlemont, Mass .. one of eleven children of Elihu Smead and his wife, Maria Hatch, who died aged eighty-six years. Mrs. Naney ( Smead) Crosby is living and makes her home with her three children, of whom our subject is the eldest; the others being, Arthur S., who resides in Orange; and Kate, who. is a dressmaker in New Haven.
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Elihu Smead, our subject's grandfather in the . old and respected one in this State, and his grand-
maternal line, was a farmer at Charlemont, where he lived to the good old age of eighty-eight. He was a descendant of John Turner, a governor of Massachusetts, and his ancestors in this line came over in the "Mayflower."
The early life of Walter S. Crosby was spent with his parents, and after attending the common schools for a time he entered Saratoga Academy, but illness compelled him to leave before the end of his course. For a number of years he was a market gardener and also bought. s Id and trained horses to some extent. In 1882 he removed to New Haven as traveling salesman for a wholesale fruit house,
and later the firm of Crosby & Seward was formed. ! continuing four years. His next venture was the purchase of a bakery, and on selling this two years later he went on the road for a decorating firm, five years being spent in traveling through all parts of the United States, Canada and Cuba. On his re- turn to West Haven in 1893 he purchased his pres- ent homestead and engaged in the poultry and milk business. He keeps about twenty-two head of Jer- sey cattle and conducts a retail milk route in West Haven, while his poultry business is carried on ae- cording to modern methods, with an incubator of 500 egg capacity. At times the yards contain as many as eight hundred fowls, including his special breeds of Barred Plymouth Rocks, Langshans, Buff Leghorns and Gold and White Wyandottes, and his market for this line of business is in New Ha- ven.
In 1870 Mr. Crosby married Miss Carrie N. Es- mond, daughter of John W. Esmond, a native of Saratoga, and a farmer there throughout his life. Her mother, whose maiden name was Kathrine Nor- ton, is still living. Mrs. Crosby is the eldest of a family of three children, the others being Jennie. wife of Ferdinand W. Potter; and Wesley J., all residents of Saratoga. Our subject and his wife have had three children: Gertrude P .. a graduate of the local schools ; Lena ; and Jennie. The family is prominent in social life and is connected with the Congregational Church. Politically Mr. Crosby is a Republican and for some years has been consta- ble of West Haven, where he has also been nomi- nated for other offices. For five years he served in the Twenty-second N. Y. N. G. at Saratoga, and fraternally he is identified with the A. O. U. W. and the K. of P., having passed through all the chairs in the latter and attained the Uniform Rank. He is a member of the West Haven Engine & Hose Co., of which he has been first lieutenant for some time.
JAMES E. TODD. One of the prominent and representative business citizens of New Haven, Conn., is James E. Todd, whose steam planing mill and offiees are located at No. 546 State street in this city. Mr. Todd is a native of North Haven. where he was born Oct. 7. 1857. The family is an father, Capt. William Todd, was a native and life- long resident of Wallingford.
James R. Todd, the son of Capt. William Todd. and the father of James E. Todd, was born in Wall- ingford, Conn., July 12, 1823, and died in New Haven, Conn., March 17, 1899. For many years he was a builder, like his father, his operations be- ing both in New Haven and in North Haven. He married Lucretia G. Willey, of Tolland, Conn., a daughter of Hon. Calvin Willey, a lawyer of ability. who honorably represented his district in the United States Senate. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Todd settled in New Haven, where they reared their two
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children . Frank E. and jamies E. In politics Mr. Todd was a stanch Republican, and both he and his wife were most worthy members of the Baptist Church. The death of Mrs. Todd took place in March, 1874.
The educational advantages enjoyed by James E. Todd in boyhood and youth were the best af- forded by the Eaton and the Webster schools, this instruction being supplemented by that of Peck's private school, and later that of the F. A. Cargill Business College. Inheriting a love of tools and of work in wood, Mr. Todd early turned his attention to carpentering, receiving instruction from his father, and remaining with him for some years. In 1879 he embarked in the business of building and contracting on his own account, and through energy and perseverance has built up a very large and im- portant business industry. Many of the largest and most important business buildings and residences of New Haven were erected by Mr. Todd, prominent among which are Young Men's Christian Associat'n building : Washington building ; Tuttle, Moorehouse & Taylor building ; palatial residence "Kenmore" for N. W. Kendall ; marble house of H. F. English ; T. G. Bennett mansion : Yale University building ; "Pierson Hall"; "York Hall": "The Colony"; and many others. Adopting modern methods and ma- chinery, Mr. Todd has been able to compete with much older establishments, his work now having a recognized valuie in the market and continually growing in demand. His steam planing mill is kept running full time and he gives employment to a large and skilled force.
In April, 1899. Mr. Tocdl was married to Miss Katherine H. Banks, of Washington, D. C., a daugh- ter of Mrs. Julia B. Banks, of that city. One son, James W., was born of a former marriage. In poli- tics Mr. Todd is an active Republican, without be- ing in any way a politician, his business and social connections leaving him little time to manage pub- lic affairs. Fraternally he is connected with, and is popular in the Quinnipiac Lodge: I. O. O. F .; Chamber of Commerce ; and the l'equot and Union League clubs. As a business man and as a rep- resentative and public-spirited citizen Mr. Todd is held in high esteem in New Haven.
ROBERT P. JOHNSTONE. a well-known flor- ist and representative citizen of Hamden, respected alike for his industry and integrity. may properly be called among the self-made men of New Haven county, as he came to this country with no capital and through his own unaided efforts has achieved success. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland. March 6, 1857, son of Robert P. and Sarah ( Parker ) Johnstone, and at the age of thirteen years began work as a gardener. He soon mastered the business in all its branches, becoming a practical landscape gardener of excellent ability. He continued to work at his chosen occupation in his native land until the spring of 1876 when he crossed the broad Atlantic
and first located in Jersey City, N. J. Subsequently he went to New Brunswick, that State, and from there to Chicago, Ill., where he was private gardener for Potter Palmer for three years. During the following four years he was similarly employed by james B. Colgate, of Yonkers, N. Y., and then was employed at the summer home of J. P. Robinson, near Narragansett, R. I., for three years. Coming to New Haven in 1890 he was private gardener for Dr. Crane at his beautiful home called "Ivy Nock," on Whitney avenue, until 1806, when he embarked in his present business at Whitneyville. Here he owns three acres of land and has over 8,000 square feet of glass in his green houses. He has a general assortment of potted plants and deals extensively in cut flowers, raising all kinds of carnations, roses and violets. He is a man of artistic taste and he thoroughly understands the business he pursues.
In Yonkers, N. Y., in 1881, Mr. Johnstone was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Luke, who is also of Scottish birth, born in Dollar, near Stirl- ing, Scotland, and they now have a family of six children, namely : Eldred J., Robert P., Jr., Edith, Arthur D., Frederick L. and Bruce D. Mr. John- stone is a Republican in his political views, and is a member of the Congregational Church. Fratern- ¡ ally he belongs to Day Spring Lodge, No. 30, F. & A. M., and is also a member of New Haven Horti- cultural Society, being member of the board of man- agers of the latter organization.
FERDINAND PFLEGHAR, an honored vet- eran of the Civil war and a skilled iron worker, is a resident of New Haven, where his industry and straightforward character have made him many friends and won him the confidence and esteem of those with whom he is most intimately associated. He was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, Oct. 20. | 1845, a son of Frank Pfleghar, also a native-born German, who came to New Haven, where he died ' in 1875. His father was a millwright and died in France. Frank Pfleghar followed his father's trade, and married in Germany, Anna, his wife, being a native of the same country with her husband. To them were born six children : Frank P. is a ma- chinist on Crown street, New Haven : Frances never married, but retired to a convent ; Ferdinand : Bar- ney is a resident in New Haven ; two others died young.
Ferdinand Pfleghar spent the first fourteen years of his life in Germany and attended school after the old country fashion. In 1859 he came to New Haven and secured work in Whitney's gun fac- tory, at Whitneyville, where he remained until his enlistment in Company K. 27th Conn. V. I., in 1862. for a term of nine months. When that time expired he promptly re-enlisted in Ist Conn. Heavy Artillery, and served until the close of the war. He saw much hard fighting and was in many bloody conflicts but escaped unhurt.
When the war was over Mr. Pfleghar came back
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to New Haven and resumed his work at Whitney- ville. For three years he continued there and then went to Watertown, N. Y., to take a place in a gun factory in that city, where he remained a year. Mr. Pfleghar next came back to New Haven to help his brother as a machinist, and for three years worked in different .factories in Bridgeport. In New Mil- ford, Conn., he was the foreman of the Bostwick Brothers button factory. Leaving Bostwick Brothers he again entered the employment of his brother, and about 1885 became an employe of the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. and has risen to become the foreman of the loading department of that important and world-known concern.
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