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 47
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Zadoc Lyman Wright, eighth in the order of birth in the above named family, was married Jan. 29, 1810, to Rebecca King, who was born Sept. 10, 1790, daughter of Thaddeus King, of Westhamp- ton, and died Aug. 15, 1858. The children of this union were: Naomi, born Oct. 13, 1812, died Jan. 16, 1892 ; Thaddeus King was the father of Charles L. Wright; Elmina, born Aug. 30, 1818, died Dec. 25, 1863; Ansel, born Oct. 3, 1821, died Aug. 17, 1872.
Thaddeus King Wright was born Dec. 18, 1815, and died Dec. 20, 1861. He was a farmer by occu- pation, although to some extent he followed his trade, that of wood turning. On the breaking out of the Civil war he organized a company for the front, and was engaged in drilling it when he sud- denly died. At one time he was a school teacher, and he had a reputation for scholarly attainments of a high order. Prominent in public affairs, he served his town as selectman and as a member of the school board. Nancy E. Lyman, who became his wife, was born in the town of Williamsburg, Mass., daughter of Elihu Lyman, a manufacturer of garden implements, baskets and similar goods. They had five children : Francis H., born Dec. 20, 1839, became a soldier in the 37th Mass. V. I. in the Civil war, and died while in the army, at Fal- mouth, Va., Feb. 17, 1863; Harriet married Henry L. Nichols, and resides in New Haven ; Charles Ly- man is the gentleman whose name introduces this article; William K. is superintendent of the O. B. North Manufacturing Co., of New Haven; Mary Jane married James B. Moran, of New Haven. The family were all identified with the Congregational Church. Thaddeus K. Wright was a leader in the movement that resulted in the organization of the Republican party in Massachusetts in 1856.
Charles Lyman Wright spent his boyhood days in Westhampton, Mass., where he attended the local schools until he was fifteen years of age, going to work on his father's farm at that time, and con- fining his schooling to the winter term. In the spring of 1862 he enlisted in Company C, 52d Mass. V. I., and was in the service until the close of the war. Participating in many fierce and bloody bat- tles, he experienced the fortunes of war, and was taken prisoner by the Rebels and confined in Libby prison. When his term of enlistment expired he was mustered out of the service, and came to East- hampton, where he became a carpenter, working at the trade for three years. Then he took up the molding trade, which he followed some two years.
Ephraim Wright (2), son of Ephraim, was born Jan. 1, 1747, and died March 30, 1814. On July 4, 1772, he wedded Abigail Lyman, and in 1773 moved to Westhampton. Of their children we have the following record: Levi. born Aug. 19. 1773, died Jan. 9, 1825: Preserved, born July 2, 1775, died Sept. 8, 1839; Luther, born April 10, | For seven years he worked as a carpenter, and then
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engaged as foreman of the C. Roger Bros. Manu- facturing Co., makers of casket hardware. He held this position seven years. Mr. Wright then came to New Haven and entered the contracting business for J. B. Sargeant & Co., a work in which he was en- gaged for nineteen years. In 1892 he formed and founded his present business, and under his capable management the steam laundry has become one of the successful enterprises of the town.
Charles L. Wright was married Aug. 10, 1869, to Sarah E. Whitney, of South Meriden, a daugh- ter of Joseph H. Whitney. She died Jan. 2, 1901, leaving two children : Etta M., who married George H. Rogers, of New Haven ; and Francis I. Politi- cally Mr. Wright is a Republican, and has served two years on the board of aldermen from the Eleventh ward. He belongs to Pacific Lodge, No. 87. I. O. O. F .; the Royal Arcanum; the .A. O. U. W .; the O. U. A. M. ; the N. E. O. P .; the B. P. O. E .; and Admiral Foote Post, G. A. R., of New Haven. In these various relations he is highly esteemed and possesses a host of friends.
HON. WILLIAM HENRY GOLDEN, ex- State Senator and an able and successful contractor in the metal department of the International Silver Co.'s factory, Meriden, was born in that city Dec. 6, 1845, son of the late William H. Golden, and a brother of Eugene P. Golden, of Meriden.
Mr. Golden attended school during boyhood in his native city, and he began his business career in the metal spinning department of the Meriden bri- tannia factory; his first wages were fifty cents a day. Here lie learned the trade and continued to engage in it, working as a journeyman until 1900, at which time he took up contract work in that department, to which line he now gives his entire attention.
In political life Mr. Golden has been very pronti- nent, and he is a man of importance and influence in his locality. Prior to the candidacy of Horace Greeley he was a Republican, but has since been a Democrat. In 1883 he was honored by his Demo- cratic fellow citizens with election to the State Legislature, and faithfully served on the committees on Forfeited Rights and Woman Suffrage. In 1884 he was again honored, by election to the State Senate, representing the 6th District. He served in the sessions of 1885 and 1886, and during his term of office was chairman of the committees on Woman Suffrage and Manual and Rules, and in the latter year was on the Military committee. Senator Golden was noted for his close attention to the matters given into his hands, and much of the favorable legislation on the subjects named had his hearty support. For one year he served as assessor of the town of Meriden, and acquitted himself with credit in this official relation, as in every other to which he has been chosen.
In 1866 Mr. Golden was married to Miss Nellie C. Crane, who was born in Killingworth, Conn.,
daughter of Capt. Rufus Crane. The only child of this union, Mary Ellen, died in infancy. The death of Mrs. Golden occurred in June, 1896, and she was buried in the East cemetery. Originally she was a member of the Baptist Church, but later became connected with the Christian Science Church of Bos- ton, and was the founder of that faith in Meriden. She was known for a long period as a lady of great literary ability, her writings appearing in many of the leading journals of the country. Her life was an exemplification of the doctrines to which she subscribed, and her death was lamented by a large circle of devoted friends.
The second marriage of Senator Golden, cele- brated in 1897, was to Miss Elizabeth Scranton, who was born in Madison, Conn., a daughter of the late Hubbard Scranton, and a sister of Arthur Scranton, of Madison. The beautiful family home, located on Fourth street, Meriden, presided over by the estimable wife of Senator Golden with ease and graceful hospitality, was erected after her plans.
Fraternally Senator Golden has long been con- nected in good comradeship with Meriden Center Lodge, No. 68, I. O. O. F., and also with Silver City Lodge, No. 3, A. O. U. W. He was a charter member of Company I, C. N. G., and is a popular and highly esteemed resident of his native city. His religious connection is with the Boston Chris- tian Science Church.
JUDGE MUNGER, a prominent attorney and counsellor at law, is the Judge of the Municipal Court of Ansonia, and was born in Litchfield, Conn., Feb. 11, 1847.
Rufus E. Munger, his father, was born in Litch- field county, and was a shoemaker by trade. He had a fine patronage, and for many years made cus- tom shoes in Waterbury, Derby and Naugatuck. His death occurred when he was aged seventy-two. In politics he was an old-school Democrat, and was regarded as a man of much intelligence and sound judgment. Fanny Fuller, his wife, was born in Coventry, one of a numerous family of children born to Henry Fuller, a representative of a family long and favorably known in that part of the State. She became the mother of three children, two of whom are living, the Judge and Edward G., who is a carpenter by trade. The mother died at the age of seventy-two years, in the faith of the Methodist church. The father attended the Episco- pal Church.
Judge Munger lived at home until 1862, ac- quiring his education in the public school. That year he went to Waterbury, and for a year was em- ployed in the Buckle company ; from there he went to Naugatuck, where he remained for a time, and then returned home to help his father on the home place, where he spent two years. For a time he worked at farm work, and then came to Derby, tak- ing a position as cook on a coasting vessel, under Capt. Bailey. In 1865 he was again employed on
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a farm. At this time his ambition was turned to the study of law, and he devoted himself to the gaining of a practical knowledge of its principles. That he might work to the best results, he left the farm and secured a place in a factory. He worked days and studied nights. Such application as he ex- hibited could not fail of results, and presently he was ready for admission. Feeling the need of a bet- ter literary preparation, he attended the high school in Naugatuck. In 1868 he was admitted to the Bar in Naugatuck, and began a general practice. Four years later he established himself in Ansonia, and for twelve years he followed his profession in this city. In 1884 his health broke down. and for three years he was compelled to devote himself to the restoration of his health. In 1889 he located in his present office on Main street.
Judge Munger is a Republican, and since 1872, when he was defeated for town clerk by the narrow margin of two votes, has been in politics to a greater or less extent. In the spring of 1873 he was elected Judge of Probate, and was re-elected in 1874, 1875 and 1876. During the years of his act- ive professional labor Judge Munger was associ- ated with a number of celebrated cases, among which may be mentioned the prosecution against C. Smith for the murder of Dr. J. Hayes, which re- sulted in the conviction of the murderer. In 1889 he was elected Judge of the Municipal Court, and was re-elected in 1891, 1893, 1895 and 1897.
Judge Munger is a director and secretary of the Ansonia Teleplione Company, and has many strong friends in the business world, who are attracted by his manly character and manifest integrity.
In 1871 Judge Munger was married to Jennie C. Lewis, who was born in Naugatuck, and is a daugh- ter of Leonard S. Lewis, a farmer of some means. Mrs. Munger was one of six children, and is the mother of a boy and a girl, Edith L. and Robert L. The son is now in the Yale Law School. Judge Munger has long been a member of the I. O. O. F., and has filled all the chairs of the lodges at Nauga- tuck and Ansonia. With his wife he belongs to the Congregational Church, and is an active worker in both the society and the Sunday-school. The Judge is an active and earnest worker not only in the church but in every forward movement in the community. He has taken a great interest in the Y. M. C. A., whose fortunes he has done much to advance.
BENJAMIN SLADE. Among the success- ful younger lawyers of New Haven county promi- nently stands the name of Benjamin Slade. Pos- sessed of natural ability and unswerving tenacity of purpose, he has, in a few years, gained an enviable position in the legal fraternity of Connecticut.
He was born in Elisabethgrad. Southern Rus- sia, Sept. 3, 1874. His father was a merchant and government contractor for the Russian army. His mother is a practicing physician in Switzerland.
Benjamin Slade obtained his early education from private tutors, and in 1880 came to New Ha- ven, where he attended the public schools, and spent two years in a private preparatory academy. Re- turning to Europe, he was interpreter in the Rus- sian custom house service, stationed at Nikolaiev. from 1889 to 1891, a portion of this time being spent in further educational research. He also trav- eled considerably in Europe, Asia and Africa, and upon returning to New Haven, Conn., in 1892, en- tered the Yale Law School, from which he was graduated in 1895. The same year he was admitted to the Connecticut bar, and has since practiced law in New Haven.
In 1897 Mr. Slade was elected councilman of New Haven and served two years, and in 1900 was elected selectmian of the city and served one year, at the time being the youngest man ever elected to that office in New Haven.
MRS. MARY F. RICHARDS, whose pleasant and hospitable home is at No. 796 State street, New Haven, belongs to the Hagaman family, prominent in the annals of Knickerbocker days in New York, being a daughter of Henry Hagaman.
Henry Hagaman, who was a native of Pough- keepsie, N. Y., married Ellen Swarthout, and they were living in Dutchess county, N. Y., at the time Mary F. was born. Their family consisted of seven children, five of whom lived to mature years: Mary F. (now Mrs. Richards), Maria, Henry, Theodore and Isaac. Maria is married and lives in East Ha- ven. Henry, Theodore and Isaac were landlords of the "Albemarle Hotel" in New York for years. The- odore was a banker and broker in New York and when he died was worth more than three-quarters of a million dollars. Isaac is now living retired in East Haven. Henry Hagaman, the grandfather of Mrs. Richards, was born in Poughkeepsie, and fol- lowed the business of hotel-keeping. The Haga- mans are among the most noted old Dutch families in America.
Mary F. Hagaman has been twice married. Nathan Andrews, her first husband, came from East Haven, and belonged to the old and honorable An- drews family of New Haven county. He was a farmer and oyster dealer, as was his father before him, and his grandfather was also a farmer. The New Haven Palladium, bearing date of Oct. 7, 1879, spoke in the highest terms of the character and popular appreciation of Nathan Andrews when it announced his death: "Seldom does death re- move from our midst one who was more univer- sally beloved and esteemed than was Nathan An- drews. Many hearts were filled with sadness, and many eyes dimmed with tears, when last evening the news of his death was spread through the town. Many lost a true friend. He was a most honorable and upright citizen, and has held many local offices in this town, which he represented in the State Legislature of 1861. He was one of the
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Board of County Commissioners in New Haven county from 1872 to 1875. He was possessed of many endearing qualities of mind and heart, and was affable to all. He was ever ready to sacrifice his own interests to promote those of his friends. In a word, he was a friend of all, the enemy of none, loved and honored while he lived, whose life work will long be remembered, and whose mem- ory will long be cherished by those who knew him best."
Mrs. Mary F. Andrews was married the sec- ond time to Major J. P. Richards, Jan. 31, 1884, who died Sept. 28, 1897, after a long and painful illness, which finally developed into consumption. Major Richards was sixty-five years old at the time of his death, and had led a very active and busy life until his failing health interfered. Born in Germany, he came to this country in his youth, and made his home in New Haven, where the remainder of his life was spent. For a number of years he had been engaged in the meat business, having been lo- cated at first in a frame building that stood at one time on the corner of Court and State streets ; then he was in the City Market, and for years car- ried on business in the store now occupied by Coe & Field; and was at last established in a building on Union street, owned by himself.
Major Richards was in his early manhood cap- tain of the City Guard, and major of the Second Regiment. He was twice married. His first wife died in 1875, and he married Mrs. Andrews, as noted above, who survives him, and is still hale and hearty.
Major Richards was a man of fine character, honest heart and genial spirit. His business ca- pacity was marked, his integrity manifest, and he possessed the confidence and esteem of all with whom he came in contact.
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THOMAS F. LUNNY, proprietor of the Waterbury Rubber Tire Coach Co., Waterbury, is a typical American hustler, and one of the most aggressive and progressive citizens of New Haven county.
fancy; Annie married Edward F. Flynn, of New York City; and Thomas F., twin of Annie, is the subject of this sketch. The entire family are mem- bers of the Immaculate Conception Roman Cath- olic Church, and the father in politics was a stanch Democrat, as are also the sons, with the exception of Thomas F. and Patrick F., who are Republicans.
Thomas F. Lunny, the subject proper of these lines, was born in Waterbury, Conh., May 6, 1860, and attended the public schools of the city until he was thirteen years old, at that time commencing a course at Masson College, Terrebonne, near Mon- treal, Canada ; he then attended Holy Cross College at Worcester, Mass., two years, and the Seminary of Our Lady of Angels, Niagara Falls, one year. Having now concluded his studies, Mr. Lunny opened a retail grocery business on East Main street, Waterbury, and carried on same about twelve years, or until the fall of 1889, when he abandoned that line and took up the hack business, commenc- ing with a single horse conveyance driven by him- self until 1897, in that year putting on another hack, in 1898 adding yet another, in 1899 adding two, and in 1900 five, besides an elegant and costly am- bulance; in 1901, five more were added. His rigs are the finest in the State, and quite new, some of them having cost as much as $2,600 each, while the ambulance, so he claims, is the finest in the New England States. All the hacks are handsomely and comfortably upholstered, and are equipped with electric lights and bells. The business is known as the Waterbury Rubber Tire Coach Co., and so great is the demand for conveyances that they are out at all hours of the day and night, there being a contin- uous call by 'phone for vehicles, and Mr. Lunny is always there himself to receive the calls. He at- tributes his wonderful success to hard work, per- severance and sound judgment in all his transac- tions, and he well merits the patronage accorded him by the public.
On Feb. 2, 1879, T. F. Lunny was united in mar- riage with Nellie Carroll, who was born in Wells- boro, Penn., a daughter of William Carroll, a na- tive of County Queens, Ireland. Two children have graced this marriage: Mary K. and Arthur J. The family are all members of the Catholic Church, Immaculate Conception Parish. Socially Mr. Lunny is affiliated with the K. of P., the Knights of Columbus, and the Foresters of Amer- ica, while in politics he is a stanch Republican.
Mr. Lunny is of Irish descent, his father, James Lunny, having been born on a farm in County Fermanagh, Ireland, whence he came to the United States in May, 1844, settling in Waterbury, Conn. Here he worked in a brass factory about ten years, and conducted a grocery business some thirty years, dying June 8, 1896, after living retired about ten years. In 1845, in Waterbury, he married Ann JAMES MICHAEL DUNN, manufacturer of soda and mineral waters and bottler of California wines, with a place of business on Hanover street, Meriden, was born in Middlefield, Middlesex Co., Conn., April 9, 1859, and is of Irish extraction, the Dunns having long been native to the Emerald Isle. Kennaugh, who was born at Abelace, Queens coun- ty, Ireland, and came to America in 1843. She died Sept. 18, 1895, the mother of ten children, as follows: Mary married M. J. Brzezinski, a reporter in Waterbury; John G., a liquor dealer in Water- bury, married Elizabeth Gagen : James is a constable Patrick Dunn, the father of James M., was born in Ballyadams. Queen's County, Ireland (of which .community his father was also a native), and emi- in Waterbury : Maggie, twin of James, die 1 single ; Frank and Katie ( twins ) died young : Patrick F. is city auctioneer in Waterbury; Thomas died in in- | grated to this country at the age of sixteen years,
J. F: Sumy
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locating at Middletown, and going from there to Middlefield, to work at farming. Farming became his life occupation, and he was for many years a resident of Middlefield. Among the very earliest Irish settlers in this part of the State, his lionest dis- position and industrious habits commanded the pub- lic respect. He came into the ownership of a farm, on which he died full of years and honor, and was buried in the Catholic cemetery at Middletown. He was always a devout member of the Roman Catho- lic Church, and died in the faith in which he had lived. Mr. Dunn was married in Middletown to Mary Dorgan, and they became the parents of seven children, of whom James M. is the eldest. Michael is a meat dealer in Southington, Conn. Miss Mag- gie is a resident of Meriden. Mary is the widow of Prof. John Reagan, of Rockville. Bridget is a saleswoman in Meriden. John and William are residents of Meriden. Mrs. Dunn passed her clos- ing years in Meriden, lovingly cared for by her children, died there, and was buried in the Catholic cemetery at Middletown. With her husband she belonged to the Roman Catholic Church, and was known as a devout Christian woman.
James M. Dunn received the education afforded in the public schools of Middlefield, where he grew up, and where he began working at an early age in the Metropolitan Washer & Wringer factory, spending two years there. His next engagement was in New Haven, with the L. Candee Rubber Co. The factory was destroyed by fire while Mr. Dunn was in connection with it, and he came back to Mid- dletown to work on rubber boots until the rebuild- ing of the extensive works at New Haven, upon which he resumed his old place. There he was em- ployed until he came to Meriden to take a position with Pitkin & Thomas, in the fish business; and later he became attached to the house of Preston & Brown, with whom he remained nine years. In 1887 he bought an interest with Michael Higgins & Son, as bottlers and manufacturers of mineral waters, and had been a year with this firm when the senior partner retired and it became Higgins & Dunn. At the end of the second year Mr. Dunn bought out the interest of Mr. Higgins, and became the sole owner of a very successful business, which has greatly increased under his admirable manage- ment.
Mr. Dunn was married Sept. 23, 1885, to Mary Elizabeth Higgins, who was born in Meriden, daughter of Michael and Mary Higgins. They have become the parents of three children: Charles P., who is a student in the parochial school; Walter, who died at the age of seven years ; and Florence, a student in public school.
Mr. Dunn was one of the charter members of Silver City Council, No. 2, Knights of Columbus, and has been one of its officers for several years; he is also a member of Division No. 2, A. O. H .; the Foresters of America ; the Elks: the I. O. H .; and also the John Dillon Literary Club, the Ama-
ranth Club, the Star Social Club and other social organizations intended to promote good fellowship and brotherhood. Mr. Dunn is a Democrat, politi- cally. He and all his family belong to the Roman Catholic Church.
WALKER FAMILY. "Widow Walker," of Rehoboth, Mass., was one of the first purchasers of the town. Her name is on the list of those who, in 1643, gave in the value of their estates for a pro rata division of the lands. When she came to New England is not known, but records show that she was one of a company that went out from Wey- mouth, Plymouth Colony, under the leadership of Rev. Samuel Newman. She had two sons, after- ward known as James, of Taunton, and Philip, of Rehoboth.
Of Philip Walker the earliest record made is a deed with his signature, dated at Rehoboth in 1653. In 1659 his occupation was that of a weaver. As tlte records of the town show, he held various posi- tions of trust and honor, and in the time of King Philip's war his subscription to the town's fund for the prosecution of the war was twenty-six pounds. ! His wife, Jane Butterworth, bore him the following family: (1) Samuel, born in 1655, died in 1712; (2), Sarah, born in 1657, died in 1693; (3) Phillip, born in 1661, died in 1739; (4) Elizabeth, born in 1662, died in 1664; (5) Mary, born in 1663, died in 1694; (6) Experience died in 1674; (7) Elizabeth, born in 1666; (8) Michael, born in 1667, died in 1677; (9) Ebenezer, born in 1676, died in 1717; and (10) Martha.
Samuel Walker, the first of the above family, was married in 1681 to Martha Ide, who was born in 1654, and died in 1700. To them were born : ( I) Samuel, who was born in 1682; died in 1712; (2) Patience, born in 1685, died in 1730; (3) Timothy, born in 1687, died in 1745; (4) Peter, born in 1689, died in 1760; (5) Ephraim, born in 1692, died in 1731; (6) Martha, born in 1696. By his second marriage Mr. Walker had the following fanily : (7) Elizabeth, born in 1702; and (8) Benjamin. born in 1703. Samuel Walker was admitted a free- man in 1682. He served under Major Bradford as lieutenant and captain in King Philip's war.
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