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 27
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Alfred Todd was born in Northford, Conn., March 22, 1814, and died March 29, 1882. He married Hannah V. Harrison, who was born in Northford, Conn., June 12, 1819, and who died on Jan. 11, 1896. Her parents were Jacob and Han- nah Harrison, the former of whom was a shoe- maker in Northford. Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Todd came to New Haven about 1848, and there they lived until the time of their death. Mr. Todd was engaged in the butchering and pork packing indus- try, and was well known and highly esteemed. In politics he was a Republican, and the family be- longed to the Episcopal Church.
Edward A. Todd, subject of this biography, spent his boyhood days in New Haven, and was most liberally educated, having advantages in the Cheshire Academy, and later in Gen. Russell's Military Academy in New Haven. After finishing school, Mr. Todd entered into a business life. be- ing employed by Frank S. Andrew & Co., in the pork packing business for some three years, later becoming interested in the business of manufac- turing corsets. In 1887 Mr. Todd became book- keeper for L. C. Bates, in the produce and commis- sion business, and in 1894 a corporation was formed under the firm style of "The L. C. Bates Co.," and our subject became a member of this firm, having previously represented it on the road. Since that time the business has grown to large proportions, and is known over a wide extent of country.
On Oct. 11. 1876, Mr. Todd was married to Miss Ida L. Oviatt, who was born in New Haven, a daughter of Henry and Louise ( Hull) Oviatt, the former of whom was born in Milford, Conn., and the latter in New Haven. Their children were: Nelson F., who died young; Ida L., who is Mrs. Todd; Walter C. ; and Clarence E. Walter resides in New Haven, and Clarence died in youth. Mr. Oviatt was by profession a bookkeeper, and he was a son of Curtis Oviatt, who was born in Mil- ford, Conn., and married Tenty Carrington. On the maternal side, the grandfather of Mrs. Todd was Elam Hull, who by trade was a maker of tal- low candles, and, starting out in life with limited means, by successful methods, later became wealthy and well known. After marriage our subject and wife made their home in New Haven, and their two children are, Louise Hull, and Venelia Har- rison. In his political sympathies, Mr. Todd has
always been connected with the Republican party, and socially he has membership with the A. O. U. W., and the Royal Arcanum; he is also a member of the second company of Governor's Foot Guards. The family are consistent and valued members of the Episcopal Church, Mr. Todd being one of the vestrymen at Christ Church.
M. M. RUSSELL, a well-known citizen and skillful farmer of East Haven, is a native of New Haven county, born in the town of North Branford, July 26, 1841, and is the son of Samuel F. Russell, whose birth occurred in the same town, Oct. 7, 1802. The grandfather, David Russell, was also a native of North Branford; his wife, who bore the maiden name of Betsey Monroe, departed this life at the ripe old age of eighty-five years. The father of our subject was twice married, his first wife being Ann Chidsey, by whom he had one child, Annie, now the wife of Benjamin S. Wood- ward, of Lyons, Iowa. After her death he married her sister, Almira Chidsey, and our subject was the only child born of this union. The father was a carpenter by trade, and followed that occupa- tion until 1852, and then engaged in farming, re- moving to the farm where our subject now resides in the spring of 1869. There his death occurred Jan. 7, 1888. He was a member of the Congrega- tional Church and was held in high regard by all who knew him. Our subject's mother died Feb. 21, 1875.
During his boyhood and youth Mr. Russell, of this review, attended the Guilford Institution and Eastman's Business College, where he acquired a good practical education. He assisted his father in the labors of the farm and on the latter's death came into possession of the place, which he is still carrying on, being successfully engaged in general farming.
Mr. Russell was married, Jan. 27, 1867, to Miss Nellie Luddington, who died in December, 1879. Four children were born of that union, namely : Henry, who died in infancy; Samuel C., a resi- dent of New Haven ; Myra A., of Iowa; and Lewis, who died at the age of two years. On June 10, 1881, Mr. Russell was again married, his second union being with Mrs. E. Augusta ( Hill ) Averill, widow of Jarvis Averill. In his political affiliations Mr. Russell is a Republican, and in his church re- lations is a Congregationalist. He has a large circle of friends in East Haven, and is highly re- spected and esteemed wherever known.
WILLIAM GARLICK, contractor, and presi- dent of the Beaver Lake Ice Co., is one of the self- made men of Meriden and one of the leading citi- zens of South Meriden, where he has long been actively engaged in business. He is a native of England, born Aug. 19. 1847. in Sheffield, West Yorkshire.
William Garlick, Sr., his father, was also born
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in Sheffield, and there his youth was passed. He became skilled in the art of making cutlery, and becoming convinced that he would find larger op- portunities for himself and his children in Amer- ica, he set sail in 1850, accompanied by his family, for these hospitable shores. After a voyage of sev- eral weeks on a sailing vessel, they landed in New York, whence they soon found their way to Meri- den, which town was then establishing the fact that Americans could make a good article of cut- lery. Mr. Garlick at once obtained employment in the grinding department of the Meriden Cutlery Co., and continued faithfully in this service until 1874. Having put aside some of his earnings, he was now able to embark in business for himself, and established a nursery, and also engaged in the ice business, being one of the pioneers in that line in his section. At the end of four years he sold out his ice business to his son, but continued the nursery business until the time of his death. This occurred at his home in South Meriden in 1880, and his body was laid to rest in West cemetery. In his native home he was identified with the Es- tablished Church, but worshipped with the Meth- odist organization in this country. After becom- ing a citizen of the United States he was loval to its government and acted with the Republican party, in political contests. His widow, Harriet Davidson, who was born in Sheffield of Scotch lineage, survived him until April, 1882, and was buried beside him in West cemetery. She was a faithful member of the M. E. Church, a true wife and kind mother. All of their seven children were born in Sheffield, and three died in infancy : Walter, who died in middle age, married Virginia Daly, and had two daughters, Lillian and Emma, who now reside in Baltimore, Md .; Mary is the wife of Henry W. Longden, of South Meriden; Emma married Jolin H. Daly; and William, the subject of this sketch, is the youngest of the family.
William Garlick was only three years of age when he accompanied his parents to this country. He was reared in South Meriden and received his schooling in the district school of that section. When he was fifteen years old he entered the em- ploy of the Meriden Cutlery Co., in the same de- partment in which his father was engaged, and con- tinued there until he attained his majority. He was then employed for a period of three years in the responsible position of inspector at the Aetna Cutlery Works, in New Britain, and returned · thence to take a position as contractor in the shops at South Meriden, where he was formerly en- gaged. This connection has continued for the past thirty-one years, which fact clearly demonstrates his executive ability and integrity. In 1878 he pur- chased the ice business of his father, which he im- mediately began to extend. In his first season he put up 1,600 tons of winter's product, and his harvest now exceeds nine thousand tons, which he disposes of at both wholesale and retail. He has
one ice house in the northern part of the town, on the main line of the Consolidated Railroad, and one in the western part of the town, on the Water- town line. In 1889 he consolidated his business with the Meriden Ice Co., of which he was five years president. In 1894 he withdrew from this connection and formed the Beaver Lake Ice Co., of which he is now sole owner, and which he has ever since conducted successfully. In 1898 he joined a party on a trip to Alaska, and was gone one and one-half years, which greatly benefited his health. Being industrious and enterprising, his af- fairs are conducted along progressive and modern lines, and his rewards have been truly earned. They have not come to him through chance, but as the just and certain result of persistent attention to business and the exercise of wise forethought. His genial nature and pleasant manners make it a pleas- ure to do business with him, and he is everywhere regarded as a good citizen. In 1874 he built his present home on Hanover avenne, one of the finest in that section, where a cheerful hospitality and good cheer are ever found.
Mr. Garlick was married in 1875, at South Meriden, to Miss Nellie Stevens, who was born in South Meriden, daughter of Philander and Eunice Stevens. Mrs. Garlick is devoted to her home, husband and family, a good Christian woman and consistent member of the First Congregational Church. Of the two children in the family Arthur is employed at Hartford, and is a useful member of Meridian Lodge, No. 77, A. F. & A. M., of Meriden : and Mabel, the daughter. was educated in the schools of South Meriden and was gradu- ated from the Meriden High School. Miss Mabel is a lady of much intelligence and good sense, and as her father's confidential clerk, has fully demon- strated her business ability, and she is a valued member of the Congregational Church.
The social and benevolent character of Mr. Garlick is indicated by his associations. He is a steadfast member of Hancock Lodge, No. 28, I. O. O. F., of South Meriden ; of Pilgrims' Harbor Council, No. 543, Royal Arcanum, of Meriden ; and the Home Club. He is also a faithful member of the Methodist Church, making the Golden Rule the test of his actions. As a Republican, he performs the duty of every good citizen, in voting for his convictions, but has never sought any political pre- ferment. His domestic nature finds pleasure in the companionship of his family and friends, and his true worth is best known to his intimates.
JOHN T. HOLIAN, proprietor of "Holian's Inn," Derby, is one of the most genial, obliging and popular landlords, and his hotel is a favorite resort for pleasure parties of all kinds. He was born in Granville, Mass., April 3, 1857, a son of Jeremiah and Catherine ( Hurlihey , Holian, both natives of Ireland, the former born in County Kerry. Our subject's paternal grandfather never came to Amer-
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
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ica but followel farming in Ireland throughout life. After his death his wife came to the New World, and died in Granville, Mass., at the advanced age of ninety-two years. In their family were four children: Timothy, who engaged in farming in Granville until his death; John, who still carries on farming there; Jeremiah, father of our subject ; and Nancy, deceased wife of James Foley. Jere- miah Holian was a farmer and wood turner by occu- pation. He died in Springfield, Mass., in 1897, but his wife is still living. In their family were eiglit children, namely: Timothy, who was a blacksmith of Granville, where he died in 1895: John T., our subject; Annie, wife of Joseph O'Neil, a wire weaver of Springfield, Mass .; Mary ; William, who died in 1891; Catherine; Jeremiah, who died at the age of eight years; and Julia.
John T. Holian was reared on a farm in Gran- ville, Mass., until seventeen years of age, and then learned the cigar maker's trade, which he followed until he was twenty-two. The following two years he was employed as a traveling salesman, and then managed the "Westfield House," at Westfield, Mass., for the same length of time. In 1881 he came to Derby, New Haven county, where he clerked in a shoe store for four years, and on resigning that position he bought the "Birmingham Hotel," which he successfully conducted, though others had failed in the enterprise. In 1891 he also embarked in the livery business, which he still carries on in connec- tion with his hotel, owning a fine stable, well equipped with an elegant line of carriages and good trotting horses. In June, 1897, he purchased the property on Elizabeth street, which he has remod- eled and to which he has given the name of "Hol- ian's Inn." It is recognized as headquarters for parties of all kinds, such as bicycle clubs from the surrounding cities, and he also entertains the Ma- sons, Odd Fellows and other lodges, feeding seven hundred during the reunion of the Connecticut De- partment of the Grand Army of the Republic. Kind-hearted and generous, he is always willing to lend a helping hand to those in distress, and his name has become a synonym for honesty, upright- ness and generosity.
Mr. Holian married Miss Isabelle V. Healey, the only daughter of Capt. Healey, a native of County Clare, Ireland, who was born Dec. 24, 1832, and died Aug. 12, 1872.
. James Healey, grandfather of Mrs. Holian, was a well-to-do farmer of Ireland, where he spent his entire life. The son was educated for the priest- hood, but never entered the Church. At the age of twenty-one he emigrated to America and located in Derby, Conn., where he worked as a laborer until going to California during the gold excitement, and there successfully engaged in mining for some time. On his return to Derby he embarked in the grocery and liquor business, which he carried on until after the Civil war broke out. For three years he was a soldier of the Union army, and for bravery
on the field of battle was promoted to the rank of captain. After the war he engaged in the liquor business up to the time of his death. He was a supporter of the Democratic party and a devoted member of several societies, being a Knight Tem- plar Mason and prominent member of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, Sons of Erin, Hibernians and Derby Pequots. He wedded Miss Mary Monaghan, who was born in County Cavan, Ireland, in 1832, and died May 27, 1898. She was a most estimable lady, charitable and highly respected; in fact, the Healey family is one of the most prominent in Derby. Her father was Patrick Monaghan, one of the early settlers of Derby, who died in Cali- fornia. Mrs. Holian is the eldest in a family of three children, the others being James T., a resi- dent of Derby; and Thomas F., a physician of Bridgeport, Connecticut.
GEORGE I. PLATT, an enterprising and suc- cessful business man of Milford . village, was born in the town of Milford Oct. 20, 1863, a son of David B. and Mary M. Camp Platt.
The Platt family has been identified with the town from an early day, and Richard Platt, our sub- ject's grandfather, was born there, and spent many years in farming in the locality. His death occurred in West Haven, but his remains were taken back to Milford for interment. He married a Miss Al- len, and they had four children, viz .: Richard, a farmer in Milford, now deceased; David B., our subject's father ; James H., a business man in New Haven, who died in the spring of 1899; and Caro- line, who married Richard Platt, a butcher in New Haven.
David B. Platt was born in the town of Milford in 1822, and died there Jan. 17, 1808. He was an excellent citizen, an active worker in the local Re- publican organization, and was frequently chosen to fill town offices. His wife, Mary M. Camp, who died Feb. 16, 1893, aged sixty-six years, was a daughter of Elias Camp, a well-known farmer of Milford. Of their six children Henry died in in- fancy ; Ella J. married F. H. Woodruff, a farmer of Milford ; Charles W. is a farmer and meat dealer in Milford: David E. is a bookkeeper in Bridge- port; George I., our subject, is mentioned more fully below; and Minnie L. married George A. Law, of New Haven.
The district schools of Milford afforded George I. Platt a practical education, and the work of the homestead trained him to habits of industry. As a young man he engaged in the milk business, con- tinuing about ten years, and in 1895 he became in- terested in the ice business, which he has since car- ried on. In 1898 he engaged in the coal and wood business also, and for some time he has carried on teaming and contracting, in addition to his other in- terests. He is a Republican, and takes an active part in town affairs, and is a member of the fire depart-
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ment. Socially he is connected with the I. O. O. F., and the Royal Arcanum.
On Oct. 6, 1892, Mr. Platt married Miss Alice G. Stowe, daughter of Frederick A. Stowe, a na- tive and resident of Milford, and two children have blessed the union: Lizzie M. and Clarence I.
A. CLARK PLATT, a well-known agriculturist of the town of Milford, was born in that town Nov. 19, 1837, son of Newton Platt, and grandson of Fisk Platt.
The family has been prominent in the locality for many years, and Fisk Platt was a farmer there throughout his life. He married Sarah Newton, who was born in Milford, a daughter of Capt. Jonah Newton, and they had seven children, as follows: Newton, our subject's father; Sarah, who married Jeremiah Treat, a farmer in the town of Orange; Richard, a farmer in Milford; Catherine, deceased, who never married; Susan, who married Dr. Hull Allen, of Milford; Jonah, a farmer in Milford; and Maria, who married Samuel Miles, a carriagemaker in the South and later in Milford, where he died some years ago.
Newton Platt was born in Milford in 1792, and died in 1863. During his active years he was en- gaged in farming, and he took an intelligent and loyal interest in local affairs as a member of the First Congregational Church, and as a worker in the Republican party. He married Anna Clark, who was born in the town, and whose father, Abram Clark, was a respected farmer. She died in 1863, and of their nine children only six are now living : Sarah N. married Enoch Clark, a farmer in the town of Orange; Adelia C., deceased, married John L. Merwin, of Orange; Charlotte, deceased, mar- ried David N. Clark, of Milford; Susan married William B. Smith, a farmer in Milford, both now deceased; Henry N., a retired farmer, resides in New Haven : Jonah C., a carpenter, is living in re- tirement in Derby ; George F. is a dentist in Cham- bersburg, Pa .; A. Clark, our subject, was the next in order of birth ; Lenora married David N. Clark, mentioned above.
A. Clark Platt has spent his entire life in Mil- ford, and from early manhood his attention has been given to general farming. His farm, which con- tains about 160 acres, is situated three and a half miles northwest of Milford village, and under his able management is one of the best homesteads in his neighborhood. On Dec. 22, 1863. he married Miss Mary Gilbert, daughter of Agar Gilbert, a car- penter in Derby. Four children have brightened their home: Emma L., now the wife of Fred D. Clark, a farmer, seed grower and cattle dealer in Milford; Lottie G., who married Herbert B. Clark, a farmer and sced grower in Orange; Annie C., wife of Fred M. Clark a farmer and seed grower in Orange; and Miss Berthia M., at home. The fam- ily is prominently identified with the First Congre- gational Church, and Mr. Platt is also an influential
member of the local Republican organization. At present he is a selectman, and he has served many years as assessor, and for nine years as school visitor, and at one time was a member of the board of relief.
ANDREW HAFNER. Many of the most prominent and influential citizens of Derby are of foreign birth, but have become true and loyal Amer- ican citizens who take a deep interest in public af- fairs and do all within their power to advance the welfare of their adopted country. A worthy repre- sentative of this class is Andrew Hafner, who was born in Cassel, Germany, June 16, 1870, a son of S. August and Regina E. (Rothamel) Hafner, also natives of that place. The grandfather, Andrew Hafner, was a traveling merchant of Germany and never came to America. The father followed the same business in his native land until 1883,. when he emigrated to the United States, and after about a month spent in Derby, Conn., proceeded to Cali- fornia, since which time nothing has been heard of him. In his family were seven children: Andrew, our subject; Minnie, now the wife of Alfred Mat- terfis, of New York; Carrie, wife of Frank Kabish, of Derby ; Louise, unmarried; and three who died in infancy.
Andrew Hafner spent the first thirteen years of his life in Germany and attended the schools of his native land. On coming with the family to Derby, Conn., he entered the employ of Dickerman & Bas- sett, bolt manufacturers, with whom he remained about nine months, and then was employed by other concerns for some time. He spent two years with A. H. & C. B. Alling, hosiery manufacturers, and in February, 1887, entered the employ of the Sterling Company, manufacturers of pianos and or- gans, with which he has since been connected.
Mr. Hafner is a member of the German singing society, and of the Lutheran Church, to which his ancestors also belonged. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party, and in 1896 was elected alderman from the First ward of Derby. So credit- ably and satisfactorily did he fill the office that he was re-elected in 1898, and is the present incumbent.
FREDERICK C. GOLDSTEIN, M. D., an able and talented physician of Ansonia, has won deserved prominence in professional circles by his successful treatment of disease. He was born May 22, 1869, in Ansonia, and is a descendant of an old and hon- ored German family which is still numerously rep- resented in the Fatherland.
Frederick Goldstein, our subject's father, was born in Germany, and came to America in early manhood, locating first in Connecticut, and finding employment with the Goodyear Rubber Co., as an expert turner. He worked in Naugatuck for a time and then went south, but there he had the misfortune to get "stranded." On returning to Connecticut he spent some time in Birmingham and
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a. Clark Platt
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Waterbury, being employed in different branches of the plating business, and then went to Ansonia to take a position with Holland & Sons. After a time he engaged in the grocery business on Main street, and on retiring he again took up his former work as a turner. Deciding to engage in the nickel plating and buffing business on his own account, he formed a partnership with a son-in-law, who after- ward purchased his interest, Mr. Goldstein remov- ing to Shelton to take charge of the dipping and plating rooms in the Cheeseman factory. At present he is connected with the japanning department of the Schneller factory. He is a member of the Episcopal Church, and socially of the German Or- der Harugari, while politically he is identified with the Republican party. His wife, Sophia ( Hilde- brandt) was born in his native town. They have had six children, of whom five are living, viz .: Minnie, wife of Carle Schenck, of Ansonia; Will- iam and Sarah, residents of Ansonia ; Frederick C., our subject ; and Carl, also residing in Ansonia.
The Doctor's education was begun in the com- mon schools of Ansonia, and his professional edu- cation was secured in the Medical Department of Yale College and at Berlin, Germany, where he spent a year taking special courses. Since his re- turn he has been continuously engaged in general practice in Ansonia, and he is also medical ex- aminer for a number of insurance companies. He and his wife are prominent socially, and both are active workers in the Episcopal Church, having been in the choir for a number of years. The Doctor is also connected with George Washington Lodge, F. & A. M., at New Haven, the Knights of the Golden Cross, the order of Heptasophs, and with the State and County Medical Societies.
In November, 1897, Dr. Goldstein married Miss Martha L. Johnson, and they have one son, Fred- erick E. Mrs. Goldstein graduated in 1892 from the normal school at Westfield, and prior to her mar- riage taught successfully in Massachusetts, and was employed two years in the schools of Ansonia. She is descended from good Colonial stock, and her an- cestors in the paternal line were early settlers at Ellington, Conn., but removed to Hadley, Mass. Stephen Johnson, Mrs. Goldstein's great-grandfa- ther, born at Hadley, followed farming there throughout his life, and a house which he built on his homestead in 1792 is still kept in good repair. Her.grandfather, Stephen Johnson (2), and father, Elliot Johnson, were both born in this house, which stands in that part of Hadley now known as Hock- anum. Elliot Johnson is a prominent citizen, hav- ing held various official positions in the town, and he and his wife are leading members of the Congregational Church. They have three children, Martha L., George and Jennie. The mother, whose maiden name was Harriet E. Allen, was born in : Hadley, the daughter of George Allen, a native of 1
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