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 18
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
Joseph Hall, son of Thomas, was born in the town of Wallingford July 8, 1681, and passed his life in his native town, dying there Nov. 3. 1748. His wife, Bethiah Terrell, whom he married Nov. 13, 1706, died Dec. 28, 1753. Three children were born of this union: Temperance, July 15, 1714. " died Dec. 7. 1716; Joseph, Sept. 23. 1718, died Sept. 6, 1737; and Ephraim, April 25, 1723.
Ephraim Hall, son of Joseph, was a farmer and land owner. He was twice married. His first wife, Eunice, died May 9. 1763, and on Oct. 13, following. he married Chiloe Moss, daughter of Daniel and Mindwell ( Doolittle) Moss. Their children were: Temperance. born Aug. 10, 1764; Joseph, March 27, 1766; Ephraim, Oct. 5. 1768: Chloe, Nov. 13. 1770: Comfort. Feb. 25. 1773. settled in Middletown ; Reuben, born May 19. 1775 : David Moss, Oct. 24. 1777 : Content, March 15. 1780 ; and Bethiah, March 29. 1782. Two children were born to Ephraim Hall by his first marriage, namely: Temperance, Oct. 11. 1748, died Oct. 28. 1750: and Thankful, who married John Darrow Sept. 29, 1774.
David Moss Hall was born in Wallingford Oct.
1246
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
.
24, 1777, and upon attaining man's estate, married Mindwell Beach. He removed to Torrington, Litchfield county, where he died Feb. 4, 1842.
Asher Hall, son of David Moss Hall, was born in Litchfield county and moved to Wallingford, whence he went to California in 1849, returning after four years to Connecticut. His death occurred in 1878 in Meriden, where he came to live imme- diately after coming from California. He married Delia Hall, a daughter of John Hall, of Wallingford, Conn. Asher Hall was a farmer and land owner and was an honored and highly respected citizen.
Lewis Hall, son of Asher and father of Wilbur B., was born on a farm in Wallingford Feb. 1. 1836. He received only a district school education, but was self-educated, being an omnivorous reader. He started in life in the Britannia shops in Meriden. which business he thoroughly learned. He spent a number of years with Parker, Casper & Co. and then went to the Wilcox Silver Plate Co., where he was a stockholder and where he remained until the formation of the International Silver Co. He had for over thirty years been superintendent of the .Wilcox Silver Plate Factory, and continued there up to the time of his death. July 5, 1900. He was a man well known and very highly respected. In re- Iigious connection he was a member of the First Baptist Church. Though a Democrat in principle, he voted independently at local elections.
On Oct. 4, 1857, in Meriden, Conn., Lewis Hall was united in marriage with Lucy M. Birdsey, who was born on the Birdsey homestead, a daughter of | G., the subject proper of these lines; Isabelle, who Edwin Birdsey, and two children were born of this union : Lewis Burton, who resides in New York, where he represents the International Silver Co .; and Wilbur Birdsey. Mrs. Hall is still living at her home in Meriden where she is greatly beloved for her kindly sympathy and broad charity.
Wilbur Birdsey Hall received his education in the district schools of Meriden and at an early age he entered the Wilcox Silver Plate factory where he worked for five years. Being a young man of enterprise and progressive ideas he started in the silver plating business for himself in 1882, beginning first in a small factory. Through strict attention to business he was enabled in 1885 to build his pres- ent factory where for the past sixteen years he has been engaged in the White Metal business, building up a successful trade. He employs over thirty hands, but attends to all the details of the business himself.
.
Lodge of Perfection, A. A. S. R., New Haven; Elm City Council, Princes of Jerusalem, New Ha- ven; New Haven Chapter Rose Croix, New Ha- ven : LaFayette Sovereign Consistory, S. P. R. S .: Pyramid Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Bridgeport.
In ISSo Mr. Hall was united in marriage with Lillie E. Beckley, who was born in Clinton, Con., a daughter of George Beckley, and one child has blessed this union: Lewis George, who was edu- cated in Meriden and in a business college at Hart- ford, and is now assistant to his father.
WILLIAM G. SMITH. contractor with the Winchester Repeating Arms Co., New Haven, is a native of Brooklyn, N. Y., born Jan. 29, 1856, son of William Smith and grandson of Jotham Smith. The last named was born on Long Island and fol- lowed farming there until his removal to New Haven.
William Smith was born on Long Island June 17, 1823, and grew to manhood on the farm there. In 1863 he came to New Haven where he passed the rest of his life engaged at his trades of carpen- ter and millwright. Ilis death occurred Oct. 29, 1890. In Brooklyn, N. Y., he married Miss Fannie Brewer, a native of England, and six children blessed this union, namely: Frances, who died at the age of twenty months; Elvira, who married Frederick E. Baldwin, of New Haven; Ida, who married Andrew J. Warner and subsequently Ed- ward Aldrich, and lives in New Haven ; William first married F. B. Clemens, and is now the wife of Arthur H. Sadd, a farmer of Wapping, Conn. ; and Josephine, who died at the age of seven. The par- : ents were Congregationalists in religious connection. and Mr. Smith was a Republican politically. Jolin Brewer, Mrs. Smith's father, was a sawyer in the dockyards in England ; he died in Brooklyn.
William G. Smith was reared in New Haven I and received his education in the public schools of the city, attending the Cedar street school and the Washington school in Howard avenue. After con- mencing work he had employment four years withi the Candee Rubber Co. and then learned the ma- chinist's trade in the establishment of the New Haven Manufacturing Co., with which he also re- mained about four years. In 1886 he entered the employ of the company with which he has since been connected, the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. For the past ten years he has been a contrac- tor. Mr. Smith has made his way in the world by industry and fidelity to every trust, and he has gained the confidence of his employers and the thorough respect of all associated with him, whether in business or in private life.
In politics Mr. Hall is independent and has efficiently served in the city council two years, repre- senting the Fifth Ward, and also served as police commissioner under Mayors Tracy and Wilson. He is a member of the First Baptist Church, in which he is serving as trustee. Fraternally he is a miem- On April 20, 1880, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Minnie L. Roberts, of New Haven, daughter of A. I. Roberts, who was born in Morris, Luchtiell Co., Con. On her mother's ber of Centre Ledge. No. 07. A. F. & A. M. Meri- den ; Keystone Chapter. No. 27. R. A. M. ; Hamilton Council, No. 22, R. & S. M., Meriden; St. Elmo Commandery, No. 9, K. T., Meriden ; E. G. Storer : side Mrs. Smith is a granddaughter of John H.
1247
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1 hosbus, for many years a teacher of music in New Haven. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, only three of whom survive: Roland A., William G., Francis R. and Frederick E., all deceased; Dwight . E., Warren P. and Fannie B. They attend the Howard Avenue Congregational Church. Socially Mr. Smith unites with City Lodge, No. 36, I. O. O. F .; Pioneer Council, No. I, O. U. A. M .; the local order among his fellow workmen, called the Good Fellows; and the Win- chester Mutual Aid Society. His political support is given to the Republican party.
RICHARD LLOYD. One of the successful far- mers and poultry raisers of North Haven, Conn., who has accumulated a fine farm and surroundings by the exercise of energy and industry, is Richard Lloyd, the subject of this sketch. Mr. Lloyd is a native of Wales, born in Moughtre, Montgomery- shire, North Wales, Feb. 11, 1848, a son of Thomas and Ann ( Evans) Lloyd. The other children in the family were: David, who married Ellen Dono- gan, and lived and died in Northford, Conn .; and Mary Ann, who married Edward Edwards, and re- mained in Wales.
Richard Lloyd had but limited schooling, as his health was poor in youth, and he was principally occupied in agricultural labor on his father's farm until he was married. After renting a farm there some years he came to America in May, 1889. Da- vid Lloyd, his brother, had already located in North Haven, and Richard also came here, securing work at once with Mr. E. C. Warner, and so satisfactory were his services that he remained seven years in that place. Mr. Lloyd was economical and indus- trious, and at the end of this time he had accumu- lated enough to purchase his present farm, the land then being owned by Jolin Wiley. Since that time he has been very successfully engaged in general farming and the raising of poultry, the latter branch of the business being managed with great success by Mrs. Lloyd, who takes great care in the breed- ing of many excellent varieties suitable for the market.
In September, 1874, Mr. Lloyd was married to Jane Brown, a most estimable lady, born in Mont- gomeryshire, Wales, the only daughter in the fam- ily of four children born to Samuel and Jane ( Evans) Brown, the sons being. William, John and Samuel, Jr. Samuel Brown, Jr., married Elizabeth Lewis and is engaged in business in Liverpool : Will- iam Brown is deceased. The children born to Mr. Lloyd-and his wife were: Richard, born Sept. 19. 1875. in Wales, came to Connecticut with his wife in May, 1901 ; and Mary Jane, born July 22, 1878, in Wales, came with her parents to America. She is a graduate of the Moody school at Northfield, Mass., and after teaching four years at Woodbridge. Conn., is now teaching im Neth Hay y In wood Mr. Lloyd and family returned to Wales and spent a delightful winter among their old friends and rel-
atives. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd are energetic an I thrifty people and have deserved the success which has attended them. They have never had cause to regret their settlement in Connecticut, and are among the most esteemed residents of North Ila- ven. Their religious connection is with the Epis- copal Church, in which faith both were reared.
JULIUS KUNTZE, a well known successful dealer in tobacco and a manufacturer of cigars, whose place of business is on East Main street, Mer- iden, was born in Wansen, Prussian Silesia, Ger- many, Feb. 14, 1858.
Carl Kuntze, father of Julius, was a native of the same town, where he was engaged all his life in the manufacturing of cigars and died in 1869. He is remembered as an upright and honorable man. Theresa Weiss, his wife, was a native of the same place. Of their children, all are now dead except Herman, who carries on business at the old stand of his father ; and Julius, of Meriden.
Julius Kuntze received a good education in his home town and learned his father's business in the most complete and perfect manner. After the death of his father he and his brother. Herman, con- ducted the business for their mother. In 1881 Julius Kuntze crossed the ocean on the steamer "Vandalia," sailing from Hamburg and landing at New York, in which city he remained six years, do- ing a good business as a cigar maker. At the end of that period he went to the East, stopping at New Haven, where he was located five years. He then spent several months in his native land. In 1893 Mr. Kuntze came to Meriden and established his present business, which has grown to very large proportions. Sixteen hands are now employed and his factory is the most extensive between New Ha- ven and Hartford. Mr. Kuntze is an enterprising and progressive young man.' He is strictly honora- ble in his dealings, kindly and accommodating in disposition and has built up a business which would be creditable to any management.
Mr. Kuntze was married in New Haven to Elizabeth Schwab, a native of Darmstadt, Hessen- Darmstadt, Germany, and their union was blessed with the following children: George: Ludwig and Helen. both of whom died young; August; Eliza and Carl. Mr. Kuntze belongs to the Meriden Saengerbund and the Turnverein. is a member of the A. O. U. W. and of Court Silver City, Inde- , pendent Order of Foresters. He stands high in the ' estimation of the community and his neighbors and patrons have learned to know and appreciate his many excellent qualities.
J. EDWARD BRAINARD, for some years su- perintendent of the city streets of Meriden, is one of the best known and highly respected citizens, and was born in Meriden Ang. 27, 1858, a descendant of one of the oldest families of Connecticut.
In the records of Haddam and East Haddam the
1248
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
family name is spelled Brainerd. but later genera- tions have changed it to Brainard. Daniel Brain- ard, when eight years old. is recorded as living at Hartford in the family of Gov. George Wyllys, and in 1662, when twenty-one years old, became one of the twenty-eight original proprietors of the old town of Haddam, Conn. : he married Haunah Spen- cer, and Nov. 29, 1698, took for a second wife. widow Hannah Saxton, and there is a tradition that her entire maiden name was the same as that of his first wife, who was a daughter of Gerrard Spencer, of Lynn, Mass. Daniel Brainard died in 1715, leav- ing seven sons and one daughter .. Rev. Dr. David D. Field, in his Genealogy of the Brainerd Family (1857), speaks of Daniel as a prosperous, influen- tial and very respectable man, a deacon in the church, a justice of the peace and largest land hold- er in this town. This Daniel Brainard is said to have been the common ancestor of the Brainards of this country. The family became very numerous and has ever ranked among the first in wealth and influence.
Oliver Brainard, grandfather of our subject, was a resident of Glastonbury for many years and was one of the best known citizens of that section. For nearly thirty-two years he was postmaster of the town of Glastonbury, appointed June 15, 1829, and serving continuously until his death, April 10, 1861. His son, Edwin W. Brainard, father of J. Edwin, was born in Glastonbury, where he received his pri- mary education, 'later attending Wilbraham Acad- emy in Massachusetts and Trinity College in Hart- ford, where he graduated in 1842 at the age of twenty, with the degree of B. A. For ten years he was a successful teacher. both in the South and also in Connecticut ; and later he took up the study of medicine in the College of Physicians and Sur- geons in New York, where he graduated. He
this marriage were: J. Edwin, our subject ; Mada- line Clara, who married Frank B. Forbes ; Gertrude, who married George Bradley, of East Haven, a soldier in the U. S. army, who died of wounds re- ceived at Santiago, Cuba, in 1898, in the war with Spain. The widow of Dr. Brainard still survives, a lady of refinement and culture, and a valued and consistent member of the Episcopal Church.
J. Edwin Brainard was born in the old Tuttle homestead on Colony street. When five years of age his parents moved to Branford where his boy- hood was spent. He attended the district schools, was graduated in 1876 from the Hopkins Grammar School in New Haven, and he delivered the salu- tatory at his graduation from the high school. His ambition was to become a professional man, and as a preliminary step he spent five years mastering drug business and materia medica, after returning to Branford to take up the study of medicine with his father. This career was interrupted by the sudden death of the latter, and in 1880 he came to Meriden and entered the employ of the Meriden Malleable Iron Co., where he held an important position up to 1891, then resigning to go into the bicycle bus- iness on Church street. Mr. Brainard formed a partnership with Irving Wilcox, under the name of Brainard & Wilcox, which continued until 1897, ! at which time he sold out to his partner and entered the employ of the Pope Mfg. Co. ; subsequently ac- cepting a position with the firm of Ives, Upliam & : Rand, in charge of their bicycle department. He continued there until Feb. 1, 1898, when he was ap- pointed street superintendent by the board of pub- lic works, under Mayor Ives, which position he filled to the satisfaction of the public until May 18, 1901, at which date he resigned to enter the employ of the H. Wales Lines Company.
Mr. Brainard was one of the charter members practiced his profession in Naugatuck. East Haven of the Meriden Wheel Club when it was organized and later in Branford, where he continued in prac- in 1882. During the past fifteen years he has taken an active interest in every movement which would further the interests of Meriden cyclists, being the promoter and builder of the first cycle path in the State, from Meriden to North Haven, and was the i instigator of the Connecticut Federation of Cyclists, which was organized in this city, and which now has many thousand members, and has shown its power in Connecticut legislation. This organization is recognized as a powerful factor in the good roads movement, and is responsible for the enactment of the first and only distinctly bicycle laws that were ever passed by a Connecticut legislature. Mr. Brain- ard is president of the Federation and his popularity in local wheeling circles has been fully attested. For four years he was treasurer of the Meriden Wheel Club, and has been its efficient president for the last eight years. Conducting to a successful issue. as chairman of the Race Meet Committee, the three national circuit race meets of '05-06-07. Mr. Brainard personally supervised and constructed the track for these events upon original lines, the re- tice until the time of his death. This occurred in January, 1881, and was the result of a melancholy accident. In answering a sick call he was driving across the railroad in the town of Branford, was struck by a train, and died a martyr to the call of duty. Dr. Brainard was one of the best known phy- sicians in the State, a man of character and refine- ment, highly educated and prominent in all educa- tional and progressive movements in Branford. where he was a member of the school board and one of the promoters of the high school. In re- ligious views Dr. Brainard was liberal. following the Golden Rule to the best of his ability. Always a Democrat, he was stanch in the support of his party ; was a lover of music and was the organist of St. Thomas' Church in New York, while he at- tended college. In New York City Dr. Brainard married Madaline S. Smith, wh was born in Chel- sea, Mass., a daughter of Prof. D. D. Smith, who was one of the faculty of the Homeopathic Medi- cal College in New York City. The children of
1249
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHIICAL RECORD.
sult being the lowering of many records and a rep- utation to Meriden of the fastest half mile track in the country.
In 1881 Mr. Brainard was married to Miss Liz- zie C. Bartholomew, a daughter of Rodolphus and Elizabeth (Griffin ) Bartholomew, of Branford, and three children have been born to this union: Hal- sted, a student in the Meriden high school ; Norman, also in high school ; and Spencer. Mr. Brainard has been very active in politics, having toured the State on the good roads and wheelman's rights move- ment ; he has been the choice of the Fifth Ward for alderman, and served two years as chairman of the street committee. Upon his resignation as street superintendent he was presented with resolutions by the board of public works attesting his efficiency, and with an elegant gold chain and diamond studded locket as a token of esteem by the city teamsters. He is liberal in his views and is one of the most popular citizens of Meriden, where he has passed so many years of his life.
1
ALEXANDER R. AMOS, a member of the Sperry & Ainos Co., of New Haven, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, May 12, 1863, but has lived in the United States long enough to have become an American citizen of whom the country is proud. His father, also Alexander, was born within nine miles of the city of Edinburgh, where he graduated from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons ; he practiced in his native land all his life. Alexander Amos, Sr., married Miss Helen Donaldson, who was born in the same parish, where her ancestors for two centuries had resided. A family of seven chil- dren were born to them: John, Margaret, Helen, Annie, Jane, James and Alexander R., and all, with the exception of James, survive.
Alexander R. Amos was the only one of the family to come to the United States. He spent his boyhood days in his native place and was reared carefully . by an admirable mother, as he was but four years old when his father died. The family was left in straitened. circumstances, and at the age of nine years our subject went to work to take care of himself, at the age of thirteen entering as . an apprentice to the cabinet making trade. His educational advantages had been meager, but the spirit of ambition filled the lad, and after his day of labor in the shop, for four years he studied archi- tectural and freehand drawing, graduating in these at the Royal Academy of Science and Art. By the time he had reached his eighteenth year he had fin- ished his apprenticeship and a short time later went to London where he remained some six months en- gaged in work at his trade, and in February, 1882, came to America, reaching this country poor and un- known.
in so short a time. His first location was in Wor- cester, Mass., where he followed his trade for eighteen months and then started out on a trip of sight-seeing through the West, working his way, through his trade, and closely observing and apply- ing his knowledge as to the ideas of the American people on architectural subjects, returning after two years and locating for more than one year at Boston, Mass. Wherever he went Mr. Amos was a student, and in this, perhaps, lies a part of his success. Upon his return to Worcester he was made overseer of the cabinet department of Cutting & Bishop, contractors and builders, and remained with that firm for three years, coming to New Haven in July, 1801, at the request of. J. Gibb Smith, to be- come the superintendent of the cabinet and shop departments of that company. In 1899, in associa- tion with Frank W. Sperry and Edward J. Scannell, the formed the corporation of the The Sperry & Amos Co. for the manufacture of mouldings, turned work, inside and outside trim. cabinet work, office and store fixtures, veneered doors, etc. Their business, now extending all over New England and the Middle West, has proved a great success, and reflects nothing but credit upon its energetic mem- bers.
On Aug. 10, 1887, Mr. Amos was married to Miss Minnie McFarland, who was born in Gardner, Mass., a daughter of Daniel McFarland, of Scotch extraction, and three children have been born to this union, but one, however, surviving, Alexander R .. Jr. An independent in politics, Mr. Amos votes for the best man, and like his ancestors, he belongs to the Presbyterian Church, in which he enjoys high esteem.
CHRIS STROBEL, proprietor of a first class jewelry establishment in Waterbury, is a native of Germany, born Dec. 25. 1866, in Wittenberg.
John G. Strobel, father of our subject, was of the same nativity, and in 1867 left the Fatherland for the New World, settling in Waterbury, where he was employed in factories. He was one of the first settlers of the place and lived there about a quarter of a century, dying Oct. 5. 1893. In Germany he married Lucy Schlegel, and three children graced this union : George J., who is in the employ of his brother; Chris, the subject of this sketch; and Emma. The mother died March 22, 1900.
Chris Strobel was about one year old when his parents came to Connecticut. He received his ear- lier education at the district schools of Waterbury. later attending night school, also a day school for three months in the year. At the age of fourteen che commenced to work with the Benedict & Burn- ham Mfg. Co., remaining with them three year .; then was in the employ of the Waterbury Watch Co. some three years: after which he entered the jewelry business. On Oct. 9. 188y, he purchased the
That such was his condition reflects the greatest credit on Mr. Amos, contrasting as it does with his . store of D. C. Callender & Co, in order to learn .I present honorable and prosperous condition, change I
79
1250
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
interest of D. C. Callender, the firm becoming Lake, Strobel & Co., Mr. Lake having been one of the "Co." previously. In 1895 Mr. Strobel and Mr. Lake purchased the "Co." part of the firm, and the style became Lake & Strobel. On Oct. 15, 1897, Mr. Strobel purchased the interest of Mr. Lake and has since conducted the business alone at Nos. I and 3 Exchange place. He has a remarkably fine store, fully stocked with everything in the jewelry line and conceded to be one of the finest in the State. In 1899 he refitted it at a cost of $6,000.
In politics our subject is a Democrat ; socially he is a member of the B. P. O. E., affiliating with Lodge No. 265, Waterbury, of which he is past exalted ruler. Mr. Strobel has not vet joined the "noble army of benedicts." A public spirited citi- zen and a man of broad and progressive views, the bests interests of the community find in him a friend, and all who know him esteem him for his sterling worth.
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.