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 78
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Roger S. Wotkyns passed the first eleven years of his life in Troy, where he began his schooling, and then went to Chicago, where he remained until 1886. In that year Mr. Wotkyns came to Water- bury to take a clerkship in the Manufacturers' Na- tional Bank, and put in nine good years in that in- stitution. About this time the Waterbury Machine Co. was taking shape, and Mr. Wotkyns became connected with same as secretary. Much of its success is due to his push and energy, and he is one of the leading men in his line in the city.
Roger S. Wotkyns and Miss Mary E. Steele were united in marriage Oct. 12, 1887. Mrs. Wotkyns was born in Waterbury, daughter of Ed- ward S. Steele, of that city. To this union has come one child, Steele, whose birth occurred Dec. 26, 1890. Mr. Wotkyns is an independent voter, and at the polls prefers to support the men he most approves. His Masonic affiliations are with Con- tinental Lodge, No. 76. F. & A. M., and with Nosa- hogan Lodge, No. 21; I. O. O. F. He is a member of the Psi Upsilon, a Greek letter fraternity of Yale College, and he has long been a member of the Waterbury Club, of which he was treasurer seven years. With his family Mr. Wotkyns attends Trin- ity Episcopal Church, in which he has served as vestryman and member of the finance committee.
MORTON TRACY, one of the most respected born in Goshen. Litchfield county. April 9, 1845. and is a brother of George Tracy, whose biography is given in full on another page, and in which will be found the genealogy of this subject.
ducted by F. W. Gunn. After finishing his school- ing young Morton worked for the neighboring farmers by the month for three or four years, strengthening both brain and muscle, and in 1869 came to Waterbury, entered the employ of the Benedict and Burnham Manufacturing Co., to learn rolling, and there he has been ever since.
On Jan. 1, 1872, Mr. Tracy married Miss Ida M. Kilborn, who was born in Litchfield county, and is a daughter of Rollin F. Kilborn and his wife Louisa (Cogswell) Kilborn, the former of whom was born in Litchfield city, and the latter in New Preston, same county, and who were the parents of six children, viz: Angeline, who was married to Ira A. Emmons, of Morris, but who died in July, 1895; Ida MI., now Mrs. Tracy; Freeman, who died at the age of thirteen years; Riley, who died at the age of one year and nine months; Alice, who married Robert Skilton, of Morris; and Edith, who was called away at the age of four years. Rollin F. Kilborn died Nov. 12, 1884, leaving his widow and the surviving children mentioned above to mourn his loss. He was an Episcopalian in re- ligion, and a Democrat in politics, and had wielded a strong influence in the community in which he had passed his useful life. Putnam Kilborn, the fa- ther of Rollin F., was born in Litchfield, was of English descent and married a cousin, Catherine Kilborn. His death took place in the city of his birth.
To the marriage of Morton Tracy and Ida M. Kilborn have been born two children, Ellsworth M., and Carrie L. : the former graduated from Trinity College, Hartford, in 1900. In politics Mr. Tracy is a Democrat, but has never been an office seeker, preferring the quiet of his domestic circle to the tur- moil of politics. He and wife and children are members of Trinity Episcopal Church, and exhibit in their daily life the sincerity of their faith in the religion they profess.
WILLIAM J. NEARY is one of the ablest lawyers practicing at the Naugatuck Bar, and is a man of sound judgment who manages his cases with masterly skill and tact. He is also a logical reasoncr and has a ready command of English, which enables him to appear well before a jury.
mechanics in the city of Waterbury, Conn., was a native of Ireland. In their family were seven
Mr. Neary was born in Naugatuck, June 12, 1868, a son of Thomas Neary, a native of Ireland, who came to America when a young man, and in Naugatuck, Conn .. married Elizabeth Buggy. also children : John, who died in Naugatuck at the age of twenty-nine years: Richard, who is engaged in the liquor business with his father in Naugatuck ; Catherine MI., deceased wife of John F. Butler, of Meriden, Conn. : Thomas, who died when about two years old: Elizabeth, who died young; Julia G., at home ; and William J., our subject.
When his father moved his family to Morris, Conn., Mr. Tracy was a child of perhaps three years, and there he grew to manhood. Ile attended the local schools, and also the "Gunnery" at Wash- The early life of William J. Neary was passed ington, Conn., a school famous in its day, and con- | in Naugatuck, and after attending the local schools
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
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for some time, he entered Holy Cross College, Worcester, Mass., from which he was graduated in 1800, receiving the degree of B. A. He then attended the law department of Yale University, and was graduated there in 1892, with the degree of LL. D. He was admitted to the Bar the same year, and immediately opened an office in Nauga- tuck, where he has since successfully engaged in the practice of his chosen profession.
Mr. Neary was married, Oct. 30, 1894, to Miss Marie J. Ryan, of Meriden, a daughter of Daniel B. Ryan, a native of Ireland. By this union has been born one child, Vyvian M. Mr. Neary is a member of St. Francis Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, and is identified with the Democratic party. He has efficiently served as borough clerk, chairman of the school committee, and member of the board of education, and in 1897 represented his town in the State Legislature with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents.
WILLIAM RITCHIE, builder, 117 Bishop street, New Haven, Connecticut.
BERNARD J. McMANUS, a prominent whole- sale and retail liquor dealer now located at No. 93 Elizabeth street, Derby, was born in that place, March 25, 1863, and is of Irish descent, his pater- nal grandfather being a life-long resident of Ire- land, and a farmer by occupation. The father was a native of County Leitrim, Ireland, and when a young man emigrated to America, locating in Derby, Conn., where he continued to make his home throughout the remainder of his life, dying here in March, 1897. Ile was employed as a molder in a foundry during his residence in this place. Politically he was a stanch Democrat, and religiously was a Catholic, to which church his family also belong. He wedded Miss Mary Briordy; a native of County Cavan, Ireland and to them were born nine children, but five died young. Those living are Eliza: Bernard J., our subject ; Thomas F., a resident of Derby ; and Mary.
During his boyhood and youth our subject at- tended the public schools of Derby, and at the age of eighteen years. began life for himself as an em- ploye of the Shelton Bolt Company, with which he was connected for about two years. after which he turned his attention to the carpenter's trade and followed it for about three years. The following year he engaged in the butcher business in Derby, and in 1886 embarked in his present business as a wholesale and retail liquor dealer, in which line of trade he has met with excellent success.
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members of the Roman Catholic Church, and Mr. McManus also belongs to Court Otter Rock, No. 35, Foresters of America, and Storms Engine Com- pany, No. 2. His political support is always given the men and measures of the Democratic party, and he was one of the first city fire commissioners of Derby, which office he acceptably filled for one vear.
WALTER E. BROWN, one of the leading young business men and representative citizens of Naugatuck, was born in Stamford, Conn., Oct. IO, 1871, and is a son of William R. Brown, who in early life worked at the cutler's trade, but is now a machinist living in Union City, this county. The father married Ellen Potter, who was born in Sharon, Conn., a daughter of Edwin Potter. A family of five children blessed this union, namely : Celia, now the wife of George F. Fenn, of Water- bury, Conn .; Walter E., our subject; Mabel, who died at the age of three years; Ernest, who is clerking for our subject; and Anna, who died in infancy.
Walter E. Brown was only a year old when brought by his parents to Naugatuck, where he was reared and educated, pursuing his studies in the public schools until sixteen years of age. He then clerked in the grocery store of C. H. Booth, of Naugatuck, for two years, and in the meat mar- ket of H. R. Church for three years. For the fol- lowing three years he had charge of a market in Naugatuck belonging to George Hotchkiss' Sons of Ansonia, and in 1892 opened a market of his own, which he has since successfully carried on, having built up a good trade.
On Oct. 4, 1893, Mr. Brown married Miss Emma J. Nichols, a daughter of F. S. Nichols, of Naugatuck, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume. They have a lovely home on High- land avenue, which was purchased by Mr. Brown in 1897, and there they take great delight in en- tertaining their many friends. Our subject was reared in the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which, his ancestors belonged, but he and his wife now attend the Episcopal Church. He is a sup- porter of the Republican party, and a member of Shepherd Lodge, F. & A. M .; and of Centennial Lodge, I. O. O. F. Mr. Brown also belongs to the A. O. U. W., and the Heptasophs. He is quite .prominent both in business and social circles, and . by all who know him is held in high regard.
HENRY J. FLANAGAN, in his lifetime a ¡, wide-awake business man of Waterbury, was a na- tive of the city, born April 8, 1862, a son of Michael | and Julia ( Ronan ) Flanagan.
Mr. McManus was married, in 1880. to Miss Alice Dowling, of Derby, a daughter of Joseph Michael Flanagan was born in Queen's county, Ireland, and in 1860 emigrated to America, settling in Waterbury. Corn .. where he lived retired for some years. To himself and wife were born four Dowling, now deceased. who was a native of Ire- land and a wood turner by trade. Our subject and his wife have a family of four children, name- Iy : Mary, Alice, Charles and George. They are | children: Thomas is deceased; Margaret married
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Richard Mulcahy, and lives in Waterbury; James is deceased; and Henry J.
Henry J. Flanagan received his education in the schools of his native city, and at the age of twelve years commenced to work in a factory. In 1886 he opened a saloon and bottling establishment on Bishop street, in which he met with unqualified suc- cess.
In March, 1886, Mr. Flanagan was united in marriage with Nellie O'Connor, who was born in New York, of Irish parentage, but reared and ed- ucated in Waterbury. Three children have been born of this union, Michael, Honora and one that died in infancy. Mr. Flanagan was identified with St. Thomas Roman Catholic Church, Waterbury, with which his widow is also connected. In pol- itics he was a Democrat. was register of voters four terms, and town constable for a short time. Socially he was a member of the Union Club, and of the Liquor Dealers Association.
FRANK W. SPERRY, a member of the well- known firm of Sperry & Amos, and one of the most successful among the young business men of New Haven, was born in this city, at No. 95 Bradley street, Feb. 20, 1874, a son of Foster W. Sperry, a well-known resident of New Haven, and a brother of Edson N. Sperry, a prosperous druggist of New Haven.
Frank W. Sperry grew up in this city, and is one of the pupils who reflects credit upon the in- struction of the Skinner school, from which he went through the High school, finishing at the age of six- teen years, in the meantime graduating from Car- gills Business College, now the Child's Business College. Immediately young Mr. Sperry engaged with the Bradstreet Mercantile Agency, at $15.00 per month, but left there to enter the A. B. Hen- drick Manufacturing Co., as clerk. At the end of six months, he was obliged to make a change owing to impaired health from close confinement, and thus entered the employ of J. Gibbs Smith & Co., lumber dealers and manufacturers. For nine years he con- tinued with that firm, entering as salesman. and leaving as superintendent of the molding depart- ment.
Alert, self-reliant and resourceful, Mr. Sperry now felt himself capable of engaging in business for himself, and in January, 1899, in association with Alexander R. Amos, started his present business, the firm being The Sperry & Amos Co. The firm manufacture moldings, turned work, inside and outside trimmings, cabinet work, office and store fixtures, veneered doors, and general builders' accessories, and have a large steam plant, on Water street, which gives employment to a large number of workmen, thus contributing materially to the in- dustrial prosperity of the city.
The marriage of Mr. Sperry and Estelle N. Pot- ter, of Hamden, Conn., occurred June 12, 1806, Mrs. Sperry being a daughter of M. C. Potter, also
of Hamden. Two children have been born of this union : Charlotte E. and Gladys N. In politics, Mr. Sperry is Independent, and he is fraternally connected with the Heptasophs, and is Past Archon of Whitney Conclave. He is a member of the Epis- copal Church, and a vestryman at St. John's.
Mr. Sperry and his partner belong to that class of progressive, energetic and successful young men, who, while not indigenous to this country, are nevertheless represented here with greater fre- quency, and are perhaps better appreciated than in other lands. It has been well said that our young men require an education, then a trade, then a busi- ness field, and that then the world is theirs. Judg- ing by what this young firm has already accom- plished the prediction of future success is fraught with unquestioned certainty.
HENRY B. CARTER, one of the well-known citizens of Waterbury, who is rapidly coming to the front in politics and business, was born in West Hingham, Mass., March 21, 1866, and is a son of William M. Carter, and grandson of Benjamin Car- ter. The grandfather came from Germany and set- tled in Maine, where he followed the coopers' trade for the remainder of his life. In the War of 1812 he did valiant duty for his adopted country. His wife, formerly Charlotte A. Curtis, was born in Maine in 1796, and reared a family of three boys and two girls, the former of whom followed farm- ing, and proved good citizens.
William M. Carter, the father of Henry B., was born in Liberty, Maine, March 14, 1840, and grew to maturity among the scenes of his birth. A rov- ing disposition led him to adopt the occupation of sailor, and in time he became a seasoned "salt," at the unusual age of twenty-one filling the position of First Mate of the brig "Eagle," plying between Boston and South American ports. At the out- break of the Civil war he donned the Union blue, and served two years as a member of the 58th Mass- achusetts Veteran Volunteers, and when the war was over came to Hingham, Mass., and married Mary A. Burkhitt, who was born in Nova Scotia, a daughter of an officer in the English army sta- tioned at that point. Shortly after their marriage the young couple settled in West Hingham, Mass., where they reared a family of five children: Henry B., Carrie E., Edward L., Florence and. Ella M. Carrie E. is the wife of Herbert J. Phillips, and lives in Waterbury ; Edward L. is a foreman in the works of the Waterbury Clock Company; Florence married John Dagnan. of Waterbury; and Ella married Charles E. Mann, of Waterbury, Conn. William M. Carter is a Republican, and is still liv- ing in Waterbury.
Henry B. Carter was but a child when his par- ents moved to Nantasket, near Hingham, where he grew to manhood, and where he attended the local schools until fourteen years of age. He then as- sumed the burden of self support, and from fourteen
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to sixteen worked in a shoe factory, coming to , dren were born of this union, viz .: Elizabeth died Waterbury March 22, 1883, to assume a position single : William J. is deputy county sheriff ; Hubert M .; Mary is the deceased wife of Dennis Hayden, of Waterbury; and Teressa is the wife of Patrick F. McAvoy, of Waterbury. with the Waterbury Watch Company. At the end of seven years he worked on the bench for two years, and then entered the office, eventually be- coming foreman of the case department. As col- lector he worked for Ralph N. Blakeslee for four months, and in October, 1890, entered the employ of the Waterbury Clock Company, with whom he is serving as foreman of several small departments.
Feb. 16, 1888, Mr. Carter married Jennie M. Bennett, Mrs. Carter being a native of Jackson, Mich., and daughter of Hon. Austin W. Bennett, prominent in affairs of the Michigan town. Mr. Bennett is a man of leading characteristics, and his executive and diplomatic ability have received more than local recognition. At one time Probate judge. he was Consul to one of the German cities under President Pierce, and has been secretary for one of the larger railroad corporations. To Mr. and Mrs. Carter have been born two children, Edith A. and Harry B.
As a Republican, Mr. Carter has taken an active part in politics since casting his initial vote, and he is now senior member of the Republican town committee from the Second ward. He was presi- cient of the Waterbury Republican Club in 1898 and : and William J. Socially Mr. Rigney is a member 1899, has been auditor and a member of the Board of the Foresters of America, and is a charter mem- ber of Court Welch No. 84. He is a member of St. Patrick's Parish Catholic Church, at Waterville, and in politics is a Democrat.
of Public Safety, and has frequently represented the county in State conventions. As an Odd Fel- low he is Past Grand of Nosahogan Lodge, No. 21, and he is identified with the Continental Lodge, No. 56, F. & A. M .. Eureka Chapter, R. A. M., Waterbury Council, No. 21. R. & S. M. M., Clark Commandery No. 7, Mystic Shrine, and the Eastern Star. With his family he is a member of the Meth- odist Church, towards whose charities and support he is a liberal contributor.
Dec. 24, 1883. Mr. Carter united with Company A,, of the State, Militia, and was made a corporal Aug. 12, 1885, a sergeant, Nov. 15, 1888, and first sergeant, Aug. 9. 1890. The rank of sergeant major of the Regiment was conferred upon him March 10, 1891, and that of second lieutenant Jan. 2, 1893. He became first lieutenant March 15, 1893. and Captain, Dec. 26, 1890. Personally he is an erect and soldierly man, thoroughly conversant with military tactics, and has vastly promoted the effi- ciency of the citizen-soldiery of the State.
HUBERT M. RIGNEY. one of the well-known native sons of Waterbury, was born Nov. 25, 1856, and is of Irish descent.
John Rigney, his father. was born in County Queen's, Ireland. a son of John Rigney, who never emigrated from his native land. John, Jr., came to the United States in 1847, settling in Waterbury, where he died in 1872, and was survived by his wife until 1895. Ile married Anna T. Coin, who was born in Middlebury, Conn., and whose father emi- grated from County Queen's, Ireland. Five chil-
Hubert M. Rigney received his education at the public schools of his native city, and from youth up took an active interest in athletics. For seven years he was a professional foot racer, and for one year was instructor in that line at Yale College. The claim is made that of sixty-five races run by him only one was lost. In 1884 he engaged in the liquor busi- ness in Waterbury, continuing in same five years ; then went to Oregon for a year, to recuperate his health. Returning to Waterbury in 1890 he com- menced collecting the city garbage, and at the end of seven years and three months made a change to farming, in which he engaged with varying success up to 1900. Since then he has been again collecting the city garbage, and in this capacity has shown a i high appreciation of cleanliness and all around sani- tation.
On Feb. 21, 1883, Mr. Rigney married Nellie M. Holly, of Portland, Maine, a daughter of John and Elnora Holly, natives of Ireland. Two chil- dren have been born of this union, Hubert M., Jr.,
HENRY C. COOK is engaged in the manu- facture of presses, small lathes, combination dies, clock tools and special machinery, and in German silver, brass and iron monitor turning. His shop is located in Gardner's Block, Ansonia, New Haven Co., Connecticut.
HENRY C. RICE, a progressive and enter- prising agriculturist of Southington, was born in Cheshire, New Haven county, June 27, 1835, son of Lemuel and Maria (Andrews) Rice. His pa- ternal grandfather, Amos Rice, was a native of Vermont, and from that State came to Cheshire, where his last days were passed. The maternal grandfather, Abel Andrews, was a farmer and old resident of Cheshire. The Christian name of his wife was Roxanna.
The school experience of Henry C. Rice ter- minated after a course at the Mt. Carmel high school, and he began his business career as a shop hand on government work, in the shops of the Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co., of Southington. He was thus employed for three years, and the following two years he spent in Cheshire, being a resident of Southington, since 1869. As a blacksmith he worked for the leading manufacturers of carril .. hardware. bolts, etc., until 1880, and has - gaged in farming aud stock raising.
Sept. 30, 1839, Mr. Rice married Caroline Rive.
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a daughter of Lewis and Caroline ( Preston ) Royce, of Cheshire, and to them have been born two chil- dren, Carrie M., now the wife of Dwight H. Ben- nett, and George, who married Lena Miller, of Waterbury. In his political affiliation Mr. Rice is a Republican, and in religion he is a Baptist. He is one of the leading and popular citizens of his community, and wherever known is held in high regard.
ALLEN L. HALL was born March 20, 1873, in Wallingford, Conn., where he was educated in the public schools and in Cargill's Business Col- lege. When sixteen years old lie started a livery business, which he disposed of at the end of a year to Walter Clark, since which time he has conducted a similar business at his old homestead on South Elm street. He has been very successful and is regarded as a reliable and thoroughly trustworthy man .. In politics he is independent. but has never been an aspirant for office. He attends the Episco- pal Church.
Allen L. Hall and Ida May Rawson were united in marriage April 17. 1894. Mrs: Hall being a na- tive of Wallingford, and a daughter of William Rawson. Of this union there is one child, Henry Leroy Hall, born Jan. 25, 1896.
Henry Lyman Hall, the father of Allen L., was born in Wallingford, Oct. 1, 1840, and after leav- ing school was employed for a time in the Wallace factory, later clerking for his uncle, Philip Talcott, a grocer. In time he assumed charge of the pa- ternal homestead, and in connection therewith be- came a very successful coal dealer. Emma L. Al- len, his wife. the daughter of John Allen, of Pond Hill, died after the birth of her son. Allen L., and Mr. Hall married for his second wife Ann Looper, of New Haven, who died leaving no children. April 25, 1895, Mr. Hall married for a third wife, Catherine ( Waynes ) Banks, the widow of Dr. Ne- hemiah Banks. At the time of his death, Sept. 10. 1898, Mr. Allen was a vestryman of the Episcopal church, and at the time of the erection of the new edifice he was a member of the Building Commit- tee. In early life he was an Odd Fellow. A Demo- crat until 1896, the changed conditions of the party impelled him to cast his vote for a candidate rep- resenting other principles. For several years lie was a selectman of the town, and filled other offices of trust and responsibility.
. The Hall family is one of the oldest in New England. Its progenitor, John Hall, came from England to Boston, and was one of the original proprietors of the town of Wallingford. John, Thomas and Samuel, sons of the emigrant, signed the Plantation Covenant in 1670, and two years later, his own name appears upon that historic document. In 1675 he was chosen selectman with his son John, and his death recurre I the following year, at the age of seventy-one. Ile married Jane Woolen, and their children were: John was bap-
tized Aug. 9, 1646, and died Sept. 2, 1721 ; Richard was born July 11, 1645; Samuel, born May 21, 1646, and died March 5, 1725; Sarah, was baptized Aug., 1646: Thomas, born March 25, 1049; Jona- than, born April 5, 1651 ; and David, who was born March 18, 1052, and died July 17, 1727.
Samuel Hall, one of the original settlers of Wallingford, in 1668, married Hannah Walker, who died Dec. 20, 1728. The following children were born to them: John, born Dec. 25, 1670, and mar- ried Mary Lyman; Hannah, born March II, 1673, married Ebenezer Doolittle; Sarah, born Jan. 20, 1677, died March 18, 1712; Samuel, born Dec. IO, 1680; Theophilus, born Feb. 5. 1686; and Eliza- beth, born March 6, 1690, married John Moss.
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