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 3
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John J. Gorman was educated in the schools of his birthplace, and after his school days were over learned the trade of carpenter from Michael Shana- han. His apprenticeship completed, he worked for some years as a journeyman. But he possessed en- ergy and ambition which would not permit him to pass through life in a subordinate position, and in 1889 he began taking contracts in his own name. He is still engaged in that business, in which his capacity, industry and integrity have brought him success.
Mr. Gorman was married, July 20, 1887, to Miss Lillian Casey, of Waterbury, whose parents. Chris- topher and Margaret (Conlon ) Casey, were born in Ireland. To the union have been born eight chil- dren. namely: Thomas, John, Margaret, Henry. Joseph ( deceased ), Francis, George and Genevieve.
The respeet in which Mr. Gorman is held by the
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citizens of the town in which he was born and where he has passed a life of hard work and hon- esty is attested by his repeated elevation to offices of high trust and serious responsibility. During 1892-93 he served as town clerk. In 1893 he was elected selectman, and in 1894 first selectman. Two years later he was chosen warden of Naugatuck, and in 1898 represented his town in the Legislature, a position which he filled with singular ability. He is a Democrat in politics, and fraternally is a mem- ber of the Foresters of America. He and his fam- ily are devout Catholics.
FREDERIC N. PERRY, proprietor of the Waterbury Steam Carpet Beating Co. and the City Steam Laundry & Dye Works, Waterbury, is a na- tive of that city, born Nov. 16, 1857.
George F. Perry, his father, was born in New Milford, Conn., a son of Nathaniel Perry, a native of Litchfield county, Conn., and a lawyer by pro- fession, who died in New Milford. When ten years of age George F. removed to Watertown, Conn., and there worked for some time in the shops of the place. For a few years he was station agent at Oak- ville, Conn., eventually removing to Waterbury, where for several years he was superintendent of the American Suspender Co. He married Aurelia M. Sprague, who was born in Waterville, Conn., daughter of David Sprague, and two children blessed their union : Frederic N., our subject : and Sarah A., deceased at the age of twenty-two years. The mother of these died in 1862, at the age of twenty-six. In church connection she was a Con- gregationalist. The father passed away in Water- bury in 1890, aged sixty years. In politics he was a Republican, and he served as county commissioner and selectman. In religious faith he was an Episco- palian.
Frederic N. Perry attended the public schools of Waterbury until the age of fourteen, at which time, his father being station agent at' Oakville, Conn., he did the work in the office for three years, also attending during two seasons of the time the National Business College of New Haven. At the | end of that time he entered the employ of the Elton Banking Co., Waterbury, and remained with that firm until they ceased to do business. He then be- came bookkeeper for the Novelty Manufacturing Co., with whom he remained some ten years, re- signing in order to organize, March 1, 1886, the Waterbury Steam Carpet Beating Co., of which he is sole proprietor. On Jan. 1, 1896, he added the laundry and dyeing business, under the style of City Steam Laundry & Dye Works. The works were located at first on Mill street, but in 1800 he built his brick plant at No. 43 Jefferson street.
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On Dec. 9. 1880, Mr. Perry married Lucy M. Hickox, who was born in Waterbury, a daughter of Sherman Hickox. of the same city. The Hickox family have re-ided for generations in Waterbury. Five children have come to this union: Willfred , birth.
S., born Oct. 25, 1883; Sarah A. and Lucy H., twins, born Nov. 10, 1884: Sherman HI., born July 28, 1886; and George F., born Dec. 26, 1887, who died Oct. 20, 1891. The family attend the services of the Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Perry is a Republican ; socially he is a member of Nosa- hogan Lodge, No. 21, I. O. O. F., of Waterbury.
RICHARD HENRY MORGAN is a leading market gardener of Cheshire, where he has ten acres of his twenty-acre farm devoted to garden produce. A portion of the plat is covered with hot houses, containing some 10,000 square feet of glass. During the busy season he gives employment to six men. He thoroughly understands the occupa- tion he lias chosen as a life work, and is a business man of more than ordinary ability.
Mr. Morgan was born in the town of Colchester, New London Co., Conn., Oct. 20, 1866, a son of Edward Payson and Emma M. (Loomis) Mor- gan, and grandson of Frederick and Caroline ( Watrous ) Morgan, also natives of Connecticut. The progenitor of the family in America was James Morgan, who was born in Wales in 1607. In March, 1636, with two younger brothers, John and Miles, he sailed from Bristol, England, and ar- rived in Boston the following month. He was a freeman at Roxbury, May 10, 1643; and in that town, Ang. 6, 1640, married Margery Hill. In 1650 he removed to New London, and soon after settled in what is now Groton. He was ten times a delegate to the General Court, and was the third largest taxpayer in New London. He died in 1685. His homestead descended through an unbroken line of James Morgans for six generations.
Capt. James Morgan, eldest son of James, was born March 3, 1644, and in November, 1666, mar- ried Mary Vine.
Deacon William Morgan, second son of Capt. James and Mary ( Vine ) Morgan, was born March 4. 1669, and on July 17. 1696, married Margaret Avery, by whom he had nine children.
Deacon Solomon Morgan, seventh in the family of Deacon William, was born Oct. 5, 1708, and mar- ried Mary Walworth, July 1, 1742. Eight children blessed this union.
Dr. Elisha Morgan, youngest in the family of Deacon Solomon, was born March 7, 1762, and was married in October, 1790, to Abigail Morgan. Two sons and one daughter came to gladden their home.
Dr. Frederick Morgan, son of Dr. Elisha, was born Sept. 6, 1791, and died June 18, 1877. Like his father before him, he entered the medical pro- fession, and engaged in practice in Colchester. He was married May 20, 1823. to Caroline Watrous, who was born in Colchester, June 30, 1707, and died in New London, July 25, 1889. She was a daugh- ter of Dr. John R. Watrous, a prominent citizen of Colchester Eight children were born of this union. of whom Edward layson was fifth in order of
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Edward Payson Morgan was born in Col- chester, Feb. 21, 1834, and was reared and educated in New London county. In early life he learned the carpenter's trade, and in 1854 he went to Califor- nia, where he worked at his trade for a time, on his return East locating in Colchester, where he re- mained until coming to Cheshire. His home is now in Cheshire Centre. Ile married Emma M. Loomis, who died in Colchester, Nov. 23. 1867, aged twenty- four years, leaving one child, Richard Henry. Mr. Morgan was married Oct. 2, 1880, to Miss Olivia Laing, who died in 1883. leaving no children. On May 21, 1884, he married Mahala Hewitt, of Pres- ton, Conn., who is still his companion and helpmeet. Edward Payson Morgan enlisted Aug. 25, 1862, in Company C, 24th Conn. V. I., and served until Sep- tember, 1863, under Gen. Banks, participating in the siege of Port Hudson, where he received a slight wound.
Richard Henry Morgan passed the first ten years of his life in his native town, and then accompanied his father to Santa Rosa, Cal., where he lived two years. In the fall of 1878 he went to Grinnell, lowa, to attend school, remaining until July, 1879, when he returned East, locating in Newton, Mass. ; there he pursued his studies until coming to Ches- hire, in 1881. During his entire residence here he has engaged in gardening, and since 1884 has fol- lowed that pursuit in his own interest, meeting with marked success in the undertaking. He was a resi- dent of Meriden from 1889 to 1892, and subse- quently lived two years in Waterbury; Conn., since which time he has made his home uninterruptedly in Cheshire.
On Nov. 23, 1887, in Meriden, Conn., Mr. Mor- gan was united in marriage with Miss Mary Mc- Elroy, a native of that city, and a daughter of Theo- dore and Mary ( Turner ) McElroy, the former a native of Orange county, N. Y., whence he removed to Meriden ; he now makes his home with Mr. Mor- gan, in Cheshire, the mother having died in 1889. To Mr. Morgan and his wife have been born three children : Bessie Loomis, Ethel May and Edward Payson. Mr. Morgan is an active, public-spirited citizen, who commands the confidence and respect of all with whom he comes in contact, either in busi- ness or in social life. Politically he is independent, and fraternally he is a member of Hancock Lodge, No. 28, I. O. O. F., of South Meriden, and Lee Lodge, No. 81, A. O. U. W.
FREDERICK E. WARNER, one of the most capable and trustworthy machinists of Waterbury, descends from an old and historic Connecticut fam- ily, established in the Colony long before the Revo- lution, and its various generations have given the public many prominent and useful citizens. The gentleman whose name appears above worthily maintains the family name, and is, himself, an hon- orable and capable man. He was Born Oct. 23. 1865, at Roxbury, Conn., which was also the birth-
place of his father, Charles F. Warner, born May 1, 1844, and of his grandfather, Ezra Tilden War- ner.
Ezra Tilden Warner was a direct descendant of Seth Warner, of Revolutionary fame, who won an enduring place in the annals of that great struggle as colonel of a regiment of the famous "Green Mountain Boys." Ezra T. Warner followed farm- ing as an occupation, in Roxbury. and died there at the age of seventy-nine. He married Betsy Ann Pulford, who was born in Milton, Conn., a daugh- ter of David Pulford, and died in Oakville, Conn., at the age of seventy-one. This union was blessed with six children: Sarah M., deceased; Mary, de- ceased : Fannie C., unmarried and living in New Milford, Conn .; Emily, deceased; Henry, a con- tractor and builder in Oakville; and Charles E., the father of Frederick E.
Charles E. Warner was married on Sept. 14, 1864, to Miss Julia F. Capewell, who was born in Woodbury, Conn., May 23, 1844, a daughter of Joseph T. Capewell, who came from Birmingham, England to Woodbury, Conn., in 1840, and there engaged in the manufacture of shot belts, powder flasks and pouches until in 1876, when he removed the works to Oakville; he died there, July 19. 1882, at the age of sixty-four years. Sarah ( Pitt ) Cape- well, mother of Mrs. Warner, died in Oakville, May 30, 1882, at the age of sixty-two. To Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Warner were born six children: Fred- erick E., born Oct. 23, 1865 ; William N., born July 3, 1867 ; Charles L., born April 28, 1874: Berton C., born Nov. 11, 1877; Edwin F., born Jan. 5, 1883 ; and Kenneth L., who died in infancy. Of these, William N. is a merchant in Oakville; Charles is a mechanic in the same place, and associated with the Baird Machine Co .; Berton C. is a machinist with the Baird Machine Co .; and Edwin F. re- mains on the home farm, where the father of this family has made his residence since April 16, 1866.
Frederick E. Warner spent the earlier years of his life on the farm in Oakville, attending the dis- trict school until about the age of fifteen, at which time he entered the employ of the Oakville Pin Co., and learned the trade of pin making. At the age of eighteen he entered his father's store in Oakville, and became quite an efficient clerk. His taste, how- ever, was for mechanics rather than merchandise, and, leaving the store, he entered the employ of the Waterbury Machine Co., then located in Oakville. Mr. Warner became an expert machinist under the instruction of the principal owner and manager, J. H. Baird, in whose interest he for a time had charge of the shop, remaining until Mr. Baird re- linquished his holdings in 1880. Mr. Warner re- mained under the new management for a short time, leaving to enter the employ of the Holmes, Booth & Haydens Co., of Waterbury, Conn., where he remained for a period of two and one-half years. Mr. Warner had by this time become quite widely known as an expert and capable machinist,
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with modern ideas and progressive methods, and in 1892 Mr. Baird, his former employer, entered into partnership with him. They engaged in business in Waterbury, under the firm name of Baird & War- ner, for the manufacture of automatic wire and metal forming machinery. After doing business for a year in Waterbury they removed to Oakville and the business was continued in the old Cape- well plant. This partnership existed for about three years, and in 1894 a joint-stock company was formed under the name of the Baird Machine Co. Mr. Warner remained with the new company for about six months after disposing of his interests in the concern, and then re-entered the employ of the Waterbury Machine Co. in Waterbury, only to sever his connection with this concern one year later and assume a position with the Plume & At- wood Mfg. Co. With them he spent a year in tool- making and subsequently for two years had charge of the machine department of the Anglo-American Cycle Fittings Co. For the third time Mr. Warner has entered the employ of the Waterbury Machine Co., as foreman of the automatic machine depart- men for the building of automatic wire and metal forming machinery and the making of tools for the same. It is a responsible and delicate position, de- manding unusual qualifications, and he is meeting all its requirements to the satisfaction of the man- agement.
On Oct. 23, 1887, Frederick E. Warner was married to Miss Etta F. Smith, of Norwich, Conn., a daughter of Charles F. and Lydia ( Chap- man ) Smith, residents of Norwich and descendants of good old English stock. Mr. and Mrs. Warner have one son, Kenneth J. B., born at Oakville, Conn., Oct. 3, 1890. Politically Mr. Warner is a Democrat, and socially is a member of Speedwell Lodge, No. 10, Knights of Pythias. The family are all attendants at the Second Congregational Church in Waterbury.
COL. ISAAC M. ULLMAN was born in the city of New Haven, Aug. 29, 1863. a son of Morris and Mina Ullman, both now deceased. The par- ents, who were natives of Germany, lived for many years prior to their deaths in New Haven. Mr. Ullman's education was obtained in the public grammar schools of New Haven and in the New Haven high school, which he attended for a short period of time, having entered the latter institution at the early age of twelve years. It was Col. Cll- man's hope and ambition to secure a good, liberal education, but the death of his father, leaving a widow and five small children, made it necessary for him to put an end to his school days and go to work to earn money with which to help his mother support the family. He entered the employ of Mayer, Strouse & Co., the well-known large corset concern of New Haven, now Strouse, Adler & Co., as an office boy, but it was not long before the natural ability of the young man became so manifest
that he was rapidly promoted from one position to another, eventually becoming superintendent of the whole establishment. In December, 1899, the firm of Mayer, Strouse & Co. was reorganized, and Col. Ullman was at the time admitted to the co-partner- ship, retaining, however, his former position of superintendent.
Even before he had obtained his majority Col. Ullman took a strong and active interest in all mat- ters of a public nature, which interest he has con- tinued to the present time. In politics he is a Re- publican, and one of the prominent men of his party in New Haven county and throughout the State. Of a strong and vigorous personality, and of great executive ability, he is easily a leader among men and the affairs in the community in which he re- sides. While always manifesting this strong inter- est in public affairs, Col. Ullman has never sought political office for himself, the only position of a public nature he has held being that of an aide on the staff of Gov. Lounsbury during the two years in which the latter occupied the office of chief magis- trate of the State. Col. Ullman is a member of the Union League, the Young Men's Republican Club, and the Harmonie Club in New Haven, and a number of fraternal organizations.
On Feb. 2, 1892, the Colonel married Flora A. Adler, a daughter of Max Adler, of New Haven, :
and they have one child, a daughter, Marion B.
FREDERICK EUGENE PRENTICE. The fine pasture and fertile farm land of North Haven town, in New Haven county, is well known to all residents of southeastern Connecticut, and the dairy- ing interests are among the most flourishing indus- tries. Among those who have very successfully pursued this line here is Frederick Eugene Prentice, the subject of this sketch.
Mr. Prentice was born on Nov. 15, 1865, near Binghamton, Broome Co., N. Y., a son of Luther and Katherine ( Darling) Prentice, the latter still residing there. The other children in this family are: Frank, Charles, Walter, Burt, Grace and Alice. In the district schools of his native town our subject obtained his education, and he worked on his father's farm until 1886, when he came to Connecticut, resolving to make his own way in the world. Stopping at Goshen, he was there em- ployed by Sherman Kimberly, remaining with him for some time. He then came on to Hamden, where he found congenial work on the large dairy farm of Robert Dickerman. Later he engaged in the ice business, under a brother of his former en- ployer, continuing with him four seasons, when he went to New Haven, where the firm of S. E. Mer- win & Son engaged him to drive a delivery wagon for them, which he continued to do for the follow- ing three years.
Locating in Woodbridge on the Bradley farm, he entered the milk business, having a milk route in New Haven, which he followed two years, and
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Nov. 1, 1898, became the purchaser of the Bradley place in North Haven. This comprises seventy-five acres, on which Mr. Prentice carries on general farming and dairying, having a great number of cows, and possessing every convenience for the most modern way of conducting the business. During 1899 he ran a milk wagon in New Haven, but since that time disposes of his milk to dealers, its superior quality causing a great demand. Mr. Prentice is a very practical farmer, is energetic and industrious, and the time is not far distant when his farm will be one of the most valuable in the county.
Mr. Prentice was married Oct. 7, 1896, to Jessie Wooding, who was born May 7, 1864, in Wood- bridge, a daughter of Dennis M. and Elizabeth S. ( Munson) Wooding. Two sons, Clifford D. and Frank L., were born of this union, Dec. 20, 1897, Dec. 12, 1900, respectively. In politics Mr. Prentice is a stanch Republican, although he desires no party recognition. Fraternally he is connected with Olive Branch Lodge, No. 84. A. F. & A. M., of West- ville. In the Congregational Church both Mr. and Mrs. Prentice are highly valued, the latter being a member ; and throughout the community they are highly respected and esteemed.
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DR. CHARLES HOWE PORTER, the lead- ing and most successful dentist of Branford, was born in the city of Bridgeport. Conn., Aug. 23, 1871. Dr. Porter's paternal grandfather was Dr. Daniel H. Porter, a native of New Haven, and for many years a resident of Bridgeport, where he was a leading dentist, also a manufacturer of porcelain teeth.
Dr. Porter received his education in the public schools of Bridgeport. In 1888 he began the study of dentistry in the office of Dr. J. S. Cairoli, and for eight years was a student and assistant in the office of that distinguished practitioner of dentistry. Dr. Porter was.licensed to practice in 1803, and three years later, came to Branford to manage a dental office for Dr. D. W. Johnston. This position he filled until Jan. 27, 1900, when he opened an office for himself in the Griswold block, where he succeeded in winning the favor of the public to a marked de- gree. He is up-to-date in everything that pertains to his profession and is regarded as one of the most trustworthy dentists of the day.
THOMAS A. BASSETT. Prominent among the citizens of New Haven, both in business circles and social life, is Thomas A. Bassett, proprietor of Thomas Phillips & Son, manufacturers of fine mon- umental work. Mr. Bassett was born Oct. 17, 1869, a son of Samuel. A. Bassett, a native of what is now Seymour, Conn., and the efficient vice-president of the New Haven Shoe Co. During his boyhood our subject attended the excellent schools of New Ha- | Henry H., our subject. The widowed mother is ven, including the high school, and then entered the . office of L. W. Robinson for a course of study. In 1887 he became identified with the Thomas Phillips
& Son's marble and granite works, becoming a member of the firm in 1894. Upon the death of Mr. John Humphrey Phillips, his uncle, Sept. 7, 1900, Mr. Bassett assumed complete control, and has most successfully managed the great business since that time. He is of the third generation to engage in business in the same location, No. 143 High street.
On Oct. 30, 1895, Mr. Bassett wedded Miss Natalie Wilson, of Bridgeport, and one child has been born to them, John Humphrey Phillips, born July 28, 1896. Politically Mr. Bassett is a stanch Republican and a member of the Young Men's Re- publican Club. In his fraternal relations he is a Mason, being connected with Wooster Lodge, No. 79, F. & A. M., and Franklin Chapter, No. 2, R. A. M .; he also belongs to Hillhouse Council, Royal Arcanum, and Pyramid Lodge, Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is an expert golf player on the local field, and belongs to the New Haven Golf Club ; and also is a member and governor of the Quinnipiac Club, of which his uncle was one of the founders. Mr. Bassett is an ex-sergeant of the New Haven Grays. In his religions connections he is a regular attendant upon the services of the Epis- copal Church, to which both he and his wife belong. Mr. Bassett is a true representative of the progress- ive and successful young men who will leave an im- press upon the 20th century. While a thorough business man, showing decided enterprise and pub- lic spirit, he permits himself the relaxation to be found in athletics and social functions, these round- ing out the character and making a representative of a class destined to produce its effect in the so- i ciety and in the business world of the future.
HENRY H. WILSON, head bookkeeper for the Ansonia Brass & Copper Co., Ansonia, was born in Norwalk, Conn., Feb. 25, 1868.
Joseph W. Wilson, his father, was born in Natick, Mass., a son of Robert G. and Rebecca , ( Conant ) Wilson. He studied law at Yale Col- lege, and for twenty-five years practiced his pro- fession in Norwalk, Conn., where he died in 1886. He was a justice of the peace and notary public for many years, also member of the school board. In politics he was a Whig and Republican. He mar- ried Julia V. Phelps, a native of New Haven, and daughter of Erastus R. Phelps, who was born in Hebron, Conn., and was a mason by occupation. following his trade in Hebron, New Haven and ยท Norwalk, in which latter city he died at the age of seventy-eight. Mr. Phelps married Nancy Wilmot, of Milford, and by her had two children, but Julia V. was the only one to reach maturity. To Joseph W. and Julia V. Wilson were born four children, two of whom are yet living: Robert G., who is with the New York Condensed Milk Co .; and now living in Norwalk: she is a member of the Congregational Church, as was also her husband. Henry II. Wilson attended the common and
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high schools of Norwalk, graduating from the lat- ter, after which he entered the National Bank of Norwalk as bookkeeper. He remained in that po- sition three years, at the end of which time, in 1888. he came to Ansonia and entered the employ of the A. B. & C. Co., with whom he has since remained, being now one of the oldest, in point of service, in the office.
In March, 1891, Henry H. Wilson married Car- rie L. Miles, daughter of H. C. Miles, an extensive real-estate dealer in Ansonia, where she was born, the eldest of three children. To Mr. and Mrs. Wil- son have been born two children, Warren and Ger- trude.
In politics our subject is a Republican. In 1897 he was elected to the common council, and was re-elected in 1899, to serve till 1901, acting as presi- dent of the board the second term. Socially he is affiliated with the N. E. O. P. and with the Ansonia Club. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are members of the Congregational Church.
THOMAS S. ELLIS, Chief of Police of the city of Ansonia, and railroad police for the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railway Co., was born in Croghan, N. Y., Feb. 16, 1848, a son of Benjamin R. Ellis, who was born in New Bedford, Mass., and whose father had long been settled in Fairhaven, that State.
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