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 7
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Dr. Randall is a member of King Iliram Lodge I and of many of the higher Masonic bodies, includ- ing Hamilton Commandery, Knights Templar, and Pyramid Temple, Order of the Mystic Shrine. Yet with all his varied interests in the business world, and in active practice, lie still finds time for the cul- tivation of the higher educational and religious life of the community, being a director of the Plumb Memorial Library, and a cheerful supporter of the Church of the Good Shepherd.
Dr. Randall was married, Sept. 7, 1887, to Miss. Hattie L. Beers, a charming lady, of culture and refinement, daughter of the late Daniel G. Beers, of Brookfield, Conn., and two bright children give the joy of childhood to their pleasant home: Har- old Beers Randall, born March 12, 1889; and Helen Starr Randall, born Dec. 30, 1892.
JOHN D. FRENEY, M. D., one of the best ap- pointed and most thoroughly equipped representa- tives of the medical profession in Waterbury, was born in that city Oct. 29, 1870. His father, James Freney, was born in Greenfield, Mass., in 1842, and died in 1877. James Freney, his grandfather, was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, emigrated to this country, and engaged in farming near Green - field, Mass. He died in that State. .
James Freney, the Doctor's father, was a con- ductor on a railroad in his earlier life, and later engaged as a grocer in Waterbury. He married Mary Allman, who was born in County Kerry, Ire- land, and is still living. They were the parents of four children : Thomas, James, John D. and Cath- erire. Thomas is an architect in Waterbury. James is a clerk in a store in Hartford. Catherine is un- married. James Freney was a Democrat, and in re- ligion a devout member of the Catholic Church.
Dr. Freney was reared to manhood in Water- bury, and obtained his education in the local schools. Graduating from the city high school at fifteen, he completed his literary education in Niagara Uni- versity, from which he was graduated in 1890. He attended Long Island Hospital College, New York City, and was graduated there in 1893. He se- lected the city of Waterbury as the most fitting place for his professional career, and in the year of his graduation commenced his practice there. As an all-round and well prepared physician, adapted to his work not only by special study and thorough preparation, but by natural inclination and high moral standards, Dr. Freney has won a very en- viable position during the last eight years. He makes a specialty of diseases of the nose, throat and ear, and is attaining eminence in this line. He is an assistant surgeon at the Metropolitan Throat Hos- pital. New York City, and also at Bellevue Dis- pensary, nose and throat department, being a week- ly attendant at both institutions. Politically the Doctor is a Democrat. Dr. Freney is quite active in fraternal circles, being a member of the Knights | of Columbus, For sters of America, Modern Wood-
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men, and the Acme and Union Clubs, of Water- bury; he is a charter member of the last named organization. In the various city, county and State medical societies he is a prominent figure and takes an active part in their work. Dr. Freney is a Cath- olie, a member of the Immaculate Conception Parish. For four years he was a member of the board of education, and for three months was act- ing superintendent of schools. His interest in the cause of education is pronounced, and his work for the improvement of the public schools decidedly helpful.
CORNELIUS GRANGER has an assured po- sition in Waterbury, where he is widely known as an expert machinist, and where his services are in. much demand, for he is regarded as a trustworthy and reliable man, painstaking and watchful of the interests of his employers.
Mr. Granger was born in Birmingham, Eng- land, July 17, 1862. William Granger, his father, was born in London, England, where his father was a shoe merchant. The latter died in London when Cornelius was a small boy. William Granger is now a commission merchant in New Haven, Conn., buying fruit in the city of New York in large quantities, and disposing of it to local dealers. He married Mary Oakes, who was born in Bir- mingham, England, and is still living. Her father never came to this country, and died in England. William Granger and his wife lived for some years in England, where some of their children were born, and where he followed his trade of a boltsmith. They have had twelve children : Cornelius ( whose name appears at the beginning of this article ). John W., George, Samuel, Mary A., Annie, Emma, Clara, Hattie and three who died young. John is super- intendent of the Long Hook & Eye factory in Phil- adelphia. George is a machinist and a waterman. Samuel is a farmer in Stratford, Connecticut.
Cornelius Granger was eleven years old when he came to this country with his parents. He at- tended school at Newark, N. J., where his father had found work in a bolt factory, and when his school days had ended went to Birmingham. Conn., and served three and a half years in the Birming- ham Iron Foundry, thoroughly learning the ma- chinist trade. From there Mr. Granger went into a rolling-mill. where he made bolts and similar goods for three and a half years. In 1886 he came to Waterbury, and worked for Blake & Johnson six months, and was then employed by the E. J. Manville Co. three years. Leaving that firm he returned to Blake & Johnson, and for ten years was foreman in the machine department. For some time he has been with the Waterbury Farrell Foundry & Machine Co., and at the present time is foreman of their machine department.
Mr. Granger and Miss Ellen Enright, of Derby. Conn., were married Oct. 18, 18St. and to this union have been born two children, Charles and Harold
T., both of whom are living. Mr. Granger is a Republican, and fraternally he is an active mem- ber of Comstock Lodge, K. of P., and of the A. O. U. W. In religion he is a devout adherent of the Congregational Church.
WILLIAM T. DAVIS, who is now successfully engaged in the grocery business on Main street, Naugatuck, was born at Mount Sinai, Long Island, N. Y., May 17, 1867, son of George E. Davis, a native of the same place. The grandfather, Isaac Davis, was engaged in farming on Long Island and there died. He reared a family of seven children, namely: Lorenzo and Charles, both farmers of Mount Sinai: John, a farmer of Setauket, Long Island; George E., father of our subject ; James, a farmer, now deceased: Mary, who first married Capt. Haven Jones, of Port Jefferson, and second Capt. Woodell, also now deceased ; and Helen, wife of Victor Smith, a farmer of Smithtown, Long Island.
George E. Davis, our subject's father, was reared upon a farm, but throughout his active busi- ness life he engaged in contracting and building. He is now living retired. He married Ophelia Tooker, also a native of Mount Sinai, and a daugh- ter of Brewster Tooker, who was a farmer by oc- enpation, and a representative of one of the old Long Island families. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have four sons: Edwin, a carpenter of Miller's Place, Long Island; Charles, who is a member of the Grant Grocery Co., of Naugatuck; William T., our subject : and Mark, who is clerking in a grocery store on Long Island. The parents are both faith- ful members of the Congregational Church. The father is a supporter of the Democratic party, and has been honored with many town offices.
William T. Davis spent the first sixteen years of his life in Mount Sinai, and acquired his literary education in its public schools. On leaving home he went to Port Jefferson, N. Y., where he clerked in a grocery store for one year, and in the fall of 1882 came to Naugatuck, where he was similarly employed by J. H. Bilson for six years. Subse- quently he clerked for Barron & Davis about eight years, and for H. H. Schofield one year. In April, 1898, he embarked in the grocery business on his own account, and is now enjoying a fine trade. He carries a large and well-selected stock of staple and fancy groceries, and by fair and honorable dealing has secured a liberal share of the public pat- ronage.
Mr. Davis was united in marriage with Miss Enima Noble, of Naugatuck, a daughter of John Noble, a native of England. She is deceased, as is also their only child, Batena. MIr. Davis was again married, in 1896, his second union being with Miss Minnie Noble, a sister of his former wite, and by her he has one child. Wilfred. He and his famil attend the Congregational Church, and he affiliates with the Democratic party. As a business
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
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man and citizen he stands higli in the community | where he makes his home, and he has many friends throughout the county.
FRANK P. CLOUGH, a well-known general farmer and dairyman of Bunker Hill,. town of Waterbury, was born in Springfield, Mass., May 24, 1862.
Ira E. Clough, his father, was a native of New Hampshire, born in Landaff, Gratton county, March 2, 1831, son of Jeremiah and Fanny ( Abbot) Clough, also natives of the old Granite State. Ira E. Clough attended the common schools of Landaff, and was nineteen years of age when he left his birthplace and moved to Springfield, Mass. For some time he was employed as fireman on the New Haven & Hartford railroad, and as brakeman on the Boston & Albany railroad, during which period he was in several wrecks. Later he worked in the railroad shops at Hartford, and as stationary engineer in the papermills at . Windsor Locks for two years. During the early part of the Civil war he was employed in the armory at Springfield, Mass., and on Feb. 22, 1864, he enlisted, in Com- pany E, 6th Conn. V. I., under Capt. John P. Cor- nell and Col. Rockwell. He remained in the service until hostilities ceased, being mustered out Ang. 27, 1865, as quartermaster, sergeant. He partici- pated in several engagements, including the battle of Fort Fisher.
After the war Mr. Clough came to Waterbury, Conn., and was employed as caster by the Water- bury Brass Co. until April, 1879, when he removed to Seymour, Conn., working for the Seymour Brass Manufacturing Co. two years. On disposing of his interests at that place he came to Bunker Hill, Waterbury, and bought the Eli Baldwin farm of 100 acres, upon which he made many improvements. There he continued to successfully engage in agri- cultural pursuits until his death, whichoccurred Jan. 3. 1894. His remains were interred in Riverside cemetery. Fraternally he was an honored mem- ber of Wadhams Post, G. A. R., of Waterbury ; Harmony Lodge, F. & A. M. ; and Eureka Chapter, R .. A. M. He was a member of the Waterbury Fire Engine Company seven years. In his polit- ical affiliations he was a Republican. Mr. Clough always manifested a commendable interest in anv enterprise calculated to advance the welfare of his town or county, and was therefore numbered among the valued, as well as the highly respected, citizens of liis community. On July 19, 1860, in Spring- field, Mass., he married Miss Jane Putnam, a na- tive of that place, and a daughter of Horace and Clarinda ( Boice) Putnam. Her father died in Springfield in 1899, at the advanced age of ninety years. He was a son of Cyrus Putnam. Mrs. Clough, a lady of marked intelligence and culture, is still living on the home farm on Bunker Hill.
bury for his educational advantages. He worked in the brass mills until the family located upon the farm, and then, in partnership with his father, en- gaged in the dairy business. After the latter's death lie assumed entire charge of the land, and has met with most gratifying success in its operation. He carries on dairying quite extensively, keeping twenty-eight cows for that purpose. Enterprising, progressive and industrious, he will no doubt achieve far greater success in the future. Fra- ternally he is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Waterbury, and Mad River Grange, of Mill Plain. In politics he is independent, and in re- ligious views is liberal. In 1890 Mr. Clough mar- ried Miss Cora, daughter of Almon and Barbara Forbes, of Brooks, Maine, and to them has been born one child, Inez Louise.
HON. FRANK P. BRETT, clerk of the town of Waterbury, and prominent as an attorney at law, was born in that town Dec. 13, 1869, of Irish descent.
Patrick Brett. his father, was born in County Sligo, Ireland, about 1830, a son of a county sur- veyor in that county, who was a landed proprietor, and the father of several children, of whom one was a Fleet surgeon, another a county surveyor, and another a Queen's counsel. Patrick Brett came to America about 1850, and located in Newark, N. J., where he was employed as a bookkeeper until called to Waterbury to take charge of the accounts of the Waterbury Buckle Co. He was an expert accountant and straightened out many sets of books in the city. In a short time he became a stock- holder in the Buckle company and was elected its secretary and treasurer, a position he filled until his death, which took place in April, 1871. Mr. Brett married ( first ) Elizabeth Henry, by whom he had several children. After her death he wedded Eliza- beth Slater, of Massachusetts, a native of Vermont, and a daughter of John Slater, who was born in Ireland. This marriage was blessed with two chil- dren, viz. : William H., who died in 1894; and Frank P., the subject of this sketch. The mother passed away in 1895.
Frank P. Brett was educated in the local and high schools of Waterbury, graduating from the latter in 1888. Having determined to enter the legal profession, he read law in the office of Charles A. Colley for two years, and then entered Yale Law School, graduating with the class of 1892. He was admitted to practice in June of the same year, and came at once to Waterbury, where he has been very successful, both as a lawyer and poli- tician. A stanch Democrat, as was also his father, he has held a number of offices, among them being a member of the board of school visitors for six years ; in 1899 representative in the State Legisla- ture, and in the fall of the same year he was elected clerk of the town of Waterbury, in which office he
Frank 1. Clough, subject proper of these lines, is indebted to the public and high schools of Water- | is still serving. He has never married. Mr. Brett
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is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the For- esters of America, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Connecticut National Guards. An ardent Catholic, he is a member of St. Patrick's Church, and freely contributes to the maintenance of its sodalitics. He is popular with men of all parties and creeds through his intrinsic personal merits.
John Slater, maternal grandfather of Hon. Frank P. Brett, was born in County Sligo, Ire- land, and about 1832 located in Quebec, Canada, where he was employed as supervisor of public works. At that time, however, there occurred an epidemic of cholera in the country, and Mr. Slater resigned his office and came to the United States. He lived in Vermont for some time, thence moved to western Massachusetts, where he followed farm- ing, and was one of the pioneer Catholics of that section. There was no priest stationed nearer than Boston, but wherever Mr. Slater located some good clergyman would travel.on horseback to his house, to say mass to the assembled neighbors of the faith. When Mr. Slater later moved to Amherst he be- came a leader among the Catholics for a radius of fifty miles; and here, also, he would gather the faithful together, and have the priest come to min- ister to them. Mr. Slater reared a family of six daughters and one son. All the daughters were school teachers; five of them came to Waterbury and taught in the first parochial school under public school management, in Connecticut, remaining a number of years. Mrs. Elizabeth ( Slater) Brett, mother of Hon. Frank P. Brett, taught in Newark, N. J., and in Wooster, Mass., and was universally recognized as a lady of unusual accomplishments and rare intelligence.
JAMES REGAN, a trusted employe of the Derby Gas Co. and a prominent alderman of Derby, who is efficiently representing the Second Ward in the city council, was born in County Limerick, Ireland, June 16, 1864, a son of David and Ellen (Carroll) Regan, both natives of County Tipperary, who are still living in Ireland engaged in farming. As a politician the father took quite an active part in the land troubles of that country. Our subject's paternal grandfather was David Regan, Sr., who was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and in con- nection with that work he also operated a sawmill. The maternal grandfather, James Carroll, was a farmer. Our subject is the second in order of birth in a family of eight children, the others being David, who is connected with the electric light company of Ansonia, Conn .; Margaret, who is a Sister of Mercy in a convent at Meriden, Conn .; Honora, wife of William O'Brien, of Ireland; Michael, a farmer of that country; John, who died young ; Mary, a resident of Ireland; and Kate, wife of Patrick Fitzgerald, of Ireland.
In his native land James Regan grew to man- hood, and after completing his education in its pub- lic schools he was employed in his uncle's sawmill.
In 1882 he came to the New World and located in Ansonia, Conn., where he obtained a position in the brass and copper works of Wallace & Sons, re- maining with them until he entered the employ of the Derby Gas Co., with which he has now been connected. for four years.
Mr. Regan was married. July 11. 1886, to Miss Julia McCarty, a native of County Kerry, Ireland, and a daughter of John McCarty. The children born of this union were Mary, deceased; Nellie ; David C .; John, deceased ; Maggie ; and James E. The parents and children are connected with the Roman Catholic Church, and Mr. Regan is also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Foresters of America, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Hibernian Rifles and the Celtic Literary Association. He is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party and its. principles, and in the fall of 1898 was elected alder- man of Derby from the Second Ward, which office he is now most creditably and acceptably filling.
FRANK WILCOX, ex-collector of taxes for the town of Orange, and proprietor of the "Pier" restaurant, at Savin Rock, was born Sept. 22, 1849, in Milford, this county.
Charles H. Wilcox, his father, was born March 18, 1823, in Westville, and for a number of years in early manhood traveled through this section as a tin merchant. Since 1896 he has made his home . in West Haven with our subject. He united with the Masonic Lodge at Milford, and was also an active worker in the M. E. Church, where he played the bass viol for a number of years. He married Sarah M. Lum, who was born Sept. 16, 1823, in Southbury, and died April 15, 1901. Of their five children, three are yet living, viz. : Charles H., who. resides in Milford ; Frank, our subject ; and Nathan E., of West Haven.
Until he reached the age of fifteen our subject remained at home. His education was secured in tne district schools. For a few years he was em- ployed on farms in his own and neighboring towns. From 1866 to 1869 he served an apprenticeship to. the blacksmith's trade in West Haven, and fol- lowed same for five years. Later he conducted a milk route, and since selling that business he has been interested in different enterprises in West Haven and vicinity. In 1896 he took a lease of Savin Rock Grove, with all its attractions and privi- leges, for a term of three years. In 1899 he pur- chased the Skcele's Restaurant and dwelling house and the long pier with its established reputation as a pleasure seekers' resort, and the business bids fair to increase under his management. The restaurant is situated at the foot of Summer street. Mr. Wil- | cox has two houses, rooming about twenty-five guests. He makes a specialty of "shore dinners," which are highly praised and have attracted many patrons.
On June 7. 1876, Mr. Wilcox married Fanni . . M. Bishop, and they have one daugliter, Ora Lec,
Frank Wilcox
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born Feb. 7. 1881. Mrs. Wilcox was born Oct. 23. 1845. in Birmingham. She was the daughter of Sherlock H. Bishop, of North Haven, who resided for some years in New Haven and Birmingham, and died in West Haven at the age of eighty-three. By his second wife, Mary J. ( Domkee), he had four children, as follows: Mary K., wife of Ed- ward W. Russell, of Orange, Conn .; Fannie M .: Lee B., of West Haven ; and Yale D., who also re- sides in West Haven.
Mr. Wilcox is popular among his fellow towns- men, and has been frequently elected to office on the Democratic ticket. For three years he served as grand juror in the town of Orange: he was elected tax collector of the borough in 1894, and re-elected in 1895; and was elected collector of the borough and town in 1897 and 1898. In 1899 he served as justice of the peace in addition to his other public offices. In March, 1874, he united with Annawan Lodge, No. 115, F. & A. M., of which he was mas- ter in 1896, and he has been an active worker in the fraternity, holding all the offices at different times. He joined Pulaski Chapter in New Haven ; was a charter member of Joseph Andrew Chapter, No. 46, R. A. M., and was its first king; was knighted in 1897 in New Haven Commandery, K. T., in which he held the office of standard bearer in 1898: is a member of LaFayette Consistory, and Pyramid Temple, Order of the Mystic Shrine, at Bridgeport. He has attained the thirty-second de- gree, passing through the Scottish Rite. Mr. Wil- cox was a charter member of the I. O. R. M. in New Haven, asd is a member of the Second Com- pany, Governor's Foot Guard, of New Haven.
NELSON ASA POMEROY, M. D., was born in Suffield, Hartford Co., Conn., Aug. 22, 1868, and is a son of George L. Pomeroy, who was born in Suffield in 1843 and died in 1875. Asa E. Pomeroy, the latter's father, was born in 1803 and died in 1871 .. He was also a native of Suffield, where he was a large land owner and a farmer by occupa- tion. Harriet Kent, his wife, born in 1808, died in 1862. They had three children. Charles E., George L. and Louisa. The Doctor's great-great- grandfather was one of the first settlers in Suffield and one of the company that marched to Lexington at the time of the "Lexington Alarm," in 1775.
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College in 1054, and a captain in King Philip's war, 1676. His great-grandson, also named Philip, was born in Rowley in March, 1690, and in 1732 moved to Suffield, where, in 1733, he married Sarah, granddaughter of Rev. John Younglove. He was a physician, and the founder of the Nelson family in Suffield. Horatio K. Nelson married Mary Owen, who was born in 1813. and died in 1847, and they had three children, Clinton H., Helen J. and Mary L. To Mr. and Mrs. Pomeroy were born two children, Dr. Nelson A. and Herbert ; the latter died young. George L. Pomeroy was a Dem- ocrat. He and his wife belonged to the Baptist Church.
Dr. Nelson A. Pomeroy spent his boyhood days in Suffield, and attended the common schools and the Connecticut Literary Institution until he was eighteen years of age. In 1886 he came to Water- bury, and for six years was interested in the drug business, the last three years of that period as a member of the firm of Lake & Pomeroy. After the expiration of this time he went to New York to study medicine, and graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, in the class of 1896. He won an appointment to. Bellevue Hospital, and was house surgeon there for two and a half years, and served in other in- stitutions of the kind till January, 1900, when he returned to Waterbury and opened an office for the practice of his profession. Dr. Pomeroy is medical examiner for the New York Mutual Insurance Co. He belongs to Harmony Lodge, No. 10, F. & A. M. He is a member of the Bellevue Hospital Alumni Society, the New York State Medical As- sociation, the Waterbury Medical and the New Haven County Medical Societies. Dr. Pomeroy is a Republican. In religious connection he is. a member of the Baptist Church.
GEORGE C. BRADLEY, an energetic and successful farmer of East Haven, was born Dec. 3. 1862, where he now resides. the house having been built by John Davenport in 1795. J. Chester Bradley, father of George C., was also born in the same house in 1832, as was also his father, Dana Bradley, the son of Edmund Bradley. The father of our subject was one of a family of six chil- dren, the others being Dana ; Lydia, wife of Willet Hemingway ; Jennette, wife of Edward Parmalee. of Syracuse, N. Y .: Stephen D., who lives on Grand avenue, New Haven ; and Warren, deceased.
George L. Pomeroy lived and died in Suffield, where he followed the occupation of farmer and' wholesale dealer in leaf tobacco. He married Mary L. Nelson, who was born in Suffield in 1846, and J. Chester Bradley devoted his entire life to ag- ricultural pursuits upon the old homestead, and most efficiently and acceptably served as selectman of East Haven for three terms. He was an ardent Republican in politics, and a faithful member of the Second Congregational Church of Fair Haven. 'He died very suddenly of heart disease Aug. 9, 1888. In early manhood he married Miss Cornelia Dorman, of Hamden, New Haven county, a daugh- died in 1885. Horatio K. Nelson, her father, born in Suffield in 1808, died in 1893: he was a farmer and a prominent man of affairs, holding many of- fices of trust, and twice representing his town in the State Legislature. He was a lineal descendant of Thomas Nelson, who came to this country from Yorkshire, England. in 1638. with Rev. Ezekiel Rogers' company, and settled in Rowley, Mass. Ilis oldest son, Philip, was a graduate of Harvard . ter of George Dorman. She was born in 1830, and
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