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 8
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died March 22, 1899. She, too, was an earnest and consistent member of the Second Congregational Church of Fair Haven, and a most estimable lady.
George C. Bradley, the only child of J. Chester and Cornelia ( Dorman ) Bradley, was educated in private and public schools, and pursued a com- mercial course at the Yale Business College. At the age of twenty years he accepted the position of bookkeeper for the firm of Peck & Bishop, of 'New Haven, and later was employed in the same capacity by the Fair Haven Key Co .- in all about five years. After his father's death he returned home and took charge of the farm, comprising thir- ty acres on Easton and Essex streets. East Haven, and he has since successfully engaged in dairy farm- ing, to which branch of agriculture his father also dlevoted his attention. Our subject also deals in farm machinery.
On Jan. 2, 1893, George C. Bradley was united in marriage with Miss Alice Wheeler, of New Ha- ven, a daughter of Parsons and Mary ( Chase) Wheeler, of Rochester, N. Y., now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley are both active members of the 'Second Congregational Church, of Fair Haven, and are quite prominent in social affairs in the community where they reside. In political senti- ment he is a Republican.
JOSEPH MARTIN, one of the most enterpris- ing and progressive business men of a city noted for enterprise and progress, holds a prominent place in Waterbury, where he is interested in various un- dertakings involving large labor and giving em- ployment to many men.
Mr. Martin was born in Hamilton, R. I., Dec. 7, 1863, son of Edward Martin, a native of St. John's, Canada, who is now living in Waterbury, where he is engaged as a mason. The grandfather was born in Canada, where he was a farmer all his life. The father came to Rhode Island when he was a young man seventeen years of age: he had just returned from a whaling voyage of four years. He married Josephine Menard, a native of his birthplace, who is still living. Mr. Martin learned the mason's trade in Rhode Island, where he fol- lowed it for a time. They lived fourteen years in Fall River, and there Mr. Martin did a contract- ing business for eight years. For three years they lived in Willimantie, where Mr. Martin worked at his trade. In 1882 they moved to Waterbury, in which place he has worked at his trade up to the present time, and is still hale and hearty. Of his eleven children, five are now living: Joseph, Miss Mary, Edmund ( a mason ), Lora and Fred (a ma- son ).
Joseph Martin spent his boyhood in various places, and received the principal part of his school- ing in Fall River, Mass. At the age of seventeen he came to Waterbury. learned his trade of W. Gaffney, and actively followed it until he ent red! into partnership with James F. Gatiney, in the spring of 1892. The firm, Gaffney & Martin, have
had from the beginning a flattering business. From fifty to sixty men are employed by them the year around, and on occasion many more. More than half of their work is done out of the city, and the firm is known throughout the State as thoroughly honorable and reliable.
In August, 1888, Mr. Martin married Miss Exerine Rock, a daughter of Stanish L. Rock, and a native of Canada; her people were of French ex- traction. Mr. and Mrs. Martin are the parents of five children. Edward, Willfred, George, Irving and Joseph, Jr.
PORTER L. WOOD, attorney at law, Water- bury, who has been prominently and professionally identified with educational interests, is a native of Pittsfield, Mass., where he was born Feb. 19. 1852.
Richard A. Wood, father of our subject, was born in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, England, Nov. 30, 1828. He was the second son of Richard Wood, who was employed in the manufacture of woolen goods, principally broadcloths, in England, and passed all his days there. Richard A. when about sixteen years of age came to the United States, mak- ing his first New World home at Great Barring- ton, Mass., where he had a cousin by the name of Richard Wood. There he followed the woolen busi- ness until 1850, when he removed to Pittsfield. Until 1856 he was foreman in the woolen mills of Barker Brothers, at West Pittsfield. He then went West, to Illinois, where for three years he fol- lowed farming at Galva. In 1850 he returned to Massachusetts, and in Hinsdale took charge of the woolen mills of Frank Hinsdale until 1863, in An- gust of which year he went to Waterbury to take charge as superintendent of the Great Brook Man- ufacturing Company's mills, and continued in that position until his death, on Aug. 19, 1867. In polities he was a Republican, and at one time served as an alderman of the First ward in Waterbury.
In 1851 Richard A. Wood married Mary E. Johnson, a descendant of a well-known New Eng- land Puritan family by the name of Baker, and a daughter of John and Wealthy ( Baker) Johnson. Mr. Johnson was an Englishman, and served at the battle of Waterloo as an officer under the "Iron Duke." Wellington. Mrs. Mary E. Wood died June 20, 1876. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Waterbury, as was her husband also. To Richard A. Wood and his wife were born eight children, as follows: (1) Porter L., our subject : (2) Frederick J., who is engaged in the coal, wood, hay and grain business in Waterbury; (3) Jessie, who died at the age of five years; (4) William R., a coal dealer in Meriden, Conn .: (5) Mary E. Parker, widow of Charles H. Camp, re- siding in Waterbury: (6) Frank H., who is con- nected with the Standard Oil Co., with residence in Waterbury: (-) Charles H., formerly superin- tendent of the Pope Tool Works, at Hartford. Conn., now of Detroit, Mich .; and (8) Richard, who died in infancy.
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Porter L. Wood, the subject proper of this sketch, received his early education in Waterbury, and was fifteen years old when his father died. Being the eldest of the children he had to com- mence work at that age, his first experience being in the shops of which his father had been super- intendent, where he worked two years. The year following he was employed in the Waterbury post- office, under Dr. J. J. Jacques as postmaster. He then went to Lowville, N. Y., where he attended school at the academy under Prof. A. J. Barrett for two years. His studies were continued at the Connecticut Literary Institute, in Suffield, under the instruction of Prof. F. Benjamin Andrews, and he graduated with the class of 1872, taking first prize in public debates. He entered Brown Uni- versity in the class of 1876, but in the summer of 1874, owing to a serious illness, he was obliged to abandon his studies at Brown. Before he had recovered his health sufficiently to return to college his mother died and the charge of the younger members of the family fell upon him. In the fall of 1875 he took up the profession of teaching and for a year taught the Town Plot district school in Waterbury. From 1876 to 1879 he was principal of the schools at Union City, in the town of Nauga- tuck. From there he went to New Milford, where he was principal of the public schools and taught high school. Next he was principal of the schools of the first district in Bristol, Conn., where he also taught high school for three years. Mr. Wood then began the study of law in the office of Judge Robert A. Lowe, Waterbury, remaining there until the fall of 1886, at which time, having been admitted to the Bar, he opened his present law office in that city.
On Aug. 12, 1879, Mr. Wood married Jennie S. Gridley, a graduate of the New Britain Normal 1 School, class of 1875, who had taught with him for three years at Union City. Miss Gridley was the second daughter of Senator Silas R. Gridley, of Bristol, Conn. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wood: Lena Emily, Ethiel Cynthia and Richard Porter, who are living; and Amy, who in public favor. His professional standing was of died in infancy. The devoted wife, mother and the highest, and his character as a man without re- friend was called from earth to heaven Nov. 28. ; proach. He was city health officer for four years, 1899. "None knew her but to love her." She was a member of the First Baptist Church, as is also her husband. In politics Mr. Wood is a Republican and has served as member of the board of school visitors. Socially he is identified with the New England Order of Protection. the United Order of the Golden Cross, and the Sons of Temperance. As a lawyer he is engaged in general practice, and is widely known and respected.
LOUIS DE GONZAGUE LA BONTE, M. D. ( deceased ), attained that measure of distinction and success which can be commanded only by mn- born talent, when developed and sustained by scien- tific training, though at the time of his death he was,
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comparatively speaking, only on the threshold of the great humanitarian profession which he had chosen tor his life work. He was born Aug. 3, 1870, and, as may be inferred from his name, he was of French descent. Both his father and grandfather were born in the New World, being natives of Canada. The father, Godfrey La Bonte, was a successful merchant, engaged in the sale of boots and shoes in Manchester, N. H., to which city he removed after his marriage. He also conducted a store at Stafford Springs, Conn., and through integrity, ap- plication to business and hard work he achieved moderate success. He married an American-born girl, of French descent, Miss Elizabeth Metro, of Benson, Vt .. but born in New York State. God- frey La Bonte died in 1878, his widow Aug. 13, 1900. Three children were born to them: Francis, who has received priest's orders in the Catholic church, and is stationed at New Haven, Ind .; Louis D., our subject ; and Mary, who was married Aug. 13, 1900, to Edward Gladienx, of Zulu, Indiana.
Like his brother Francis, Louis D. La Bonte was anxious for a higher education, yet unlike him, he felt no vocation for the priesthood. His boyhood was passed at Stafford Springs, where he attende 1 the parochial schools. From 1884 to 1889 he was a student at the College de L'Assumption, at Mon- treal, Canada, where he took an academic course. After his graduation from the college, in 1889, he accepted an offer of a clerical position in a drug store. However he felt no special fondness for the pursuit, and in ISoo he matriculated at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York. After one year spent at that institution he concluded to prose- cute his studies at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, in Baltimore, Md., and completed his four-years' professional course there, receiving liis degree in 1894. After graduation he located at Shelton, but very soon removed to Derby, in which city he afterward engaged in active and successful practice. Dr. La Bonte was a man of kindly impulse and genial temperament, popular and re- spected, beloved by his friends, and constantly grew
a member of the board of education, and surgeon . for the Hook and Ladder Company. He was a Democrat in politics, and in religion a devout, prac- tical Catholic. He belonged to various societies, which, recognizing his distinguished professional attainments, made him examiner as to the physical qualifications of applicants for membership. Among these were the A. O. C. W., the Foresters of Amer- ica, the Catholic Benevolent Legion, the Knights of Columbus and the St. Louis French Society.
On June 12, 1895, Dr. La Bonte was married to Miss Cora I. Goodwin, of Yonkers, N. Y .. for- merly of Ansonia, Comn., a daughter of L. P. God- win, Esq. of Bristol. The Goodwins are an old family, of English stock, well known and univer-
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sally esteeried. Dr. and Mrs. La Bonte became the parents of one child, a daughter, Lucile E. After an illness of but two weeks Dr. La Bonte entered into rest Oct. 21, 1901. The Daily News of that date says of him :
No death in Derby except that of Dr. O'Sullivan has called out such universal expressions of grief and sorrow as that of Dr. La Bonte. His bearing in his fatal affliction has challenged admiration and inspired faith in the greatness of human nature. During all his painful illness the example of his patience, his meekness, his fortitude, and above all of the tenderness and sweetness of his domestic relations has moved his many friends to tears. His devoted wife and sor- rowing friends can have but one thought to-day, and that is of the cruelty of his taking off, and the loss 'they have sustained, a loss unmitigable only by the consolation that comes from above.
GEORGE A. EDWARDS, one of the ener- getic and enterprising workers in Waterbury, to whom that city is largely indebted for industrial supremacy, was born in New Preston, Litchfield Co., Conn., Feb. 9, 1860, son of Jerome S. Ed- wards, a native of the same county. Abel Ed- wards, the grandfather of George A., was born in Fairfield, Conn., and was a shoemaker by trade. The Edwards are an old English family.
Jerome S. Edwards grew up in New Preston, and was a carriage painter a number of years. For the last thirty-seven years he has lived in Hart- ford county, Conn. He married Louisa M. Holt, who was born in New Preston, daughter of Syl- vester G. Holt, a. native of Waterbury. The first few years of their married life were spent in New Preston, where George A. was born. They then moved to Burlington, Hartford county, where their second son, Milton H. was born; he is at present engaged in the dairy and gardening business. Jerome S. Edwards is a Republican, changing from his original political affiliation, which was with the old Democracy. The family are all associated with the Episcopal Church.
George A. Edwards spent the first twelve years of his life in New Preston, where he received his schooling, and was graduated from the Whittlesey Academy. As a teacher he was engaged about five years in. Litchfield county, and then came to Water- bury to serve his apprenticeship at the machinist trade with the Farrel Foundry Co. With that in- stitution he worked some ten years, and was a fore- man in one of their departments for three years. At the expiration of his connection with the Far- rel foundry Mr. Edwards, in company with four other gentlemen, started what is now known as the Waterbury Machine Co., and has been connected therewith to the present tinie. His associates have made him superintendent of the enterprise, which is in a flourishing condition.
Mr. Edwards and Miss Addie M. Elton were married Oct. 30, 1882. and of the four children born to them Harrict L. and theory. E. are living: Leo and Charles S. died in early childhood. Mrs. Ed- wards was born Jan. 22, 1862, in West Burlington,
I'a., where she lived until she was twelve years of age. Her father, James Elton, then returned to Burlington, Conn., his native town.
In national politics Mr. Edwards is a Repub- lican, but he supports the men best qualified for the office in all local affairs
HUGH HEARNS, the present efficient and popular town clerk of Naugatuck, was born in that town April 4, 1867. His paternal grandfather was James Hearns, a native of County Kilkenny, Ire- land, who died in Naugatuck; his wife, who bore the maiden name of Julia Glendon, died in Bristol, Conn. They had four children: John, the father of our subject : Michael, a laborer, who died in Bristol ; Mary, widow of David Wise and a resident of Bristol ; and one who died young. John Hearns, our subject's father, was born in County Kilkenny, Ireland, is a rubber worker by trade, and makes his home in Naugatuck. When a young man he married Catherine Murray, who was born in County Louth, Ireland, and died in Naugatuck Jan. 17. 1899. To them were born eight children: James, a rubber shoe maker of Naugatuck : Hugh, our sub- ject ; Michael, who died young : John M., .a rubber shoe worker ; and Catherine, Julia, Mary and Mar- garet, all at home with their father. In politics he is a Democrat.
Hugh Hearns grew to manhood in Naugatuck, and attended the local schools until fourteen years of age, when he entered the employ of the Goodyear Metallic Rubber Shoe Co., and remained with them for twelve years. In the fall of 1893 he was elected town clerk, and has since most faithfully and ac- ceptably discharged the duties of that office. In January, 1895, he was also appointed clerk of the probate court for the district of Naugatuck under Judge Thomas H. Benton, and filled that position in a most satisfactory manner. In fact, he has al- ways been found true to every trust reposed in him, and merits and receives the confidence and respect of the entire community.
On Sept. 15, 1898, Mr. Hearns was married to Miss Mary Walsh, of Naugatuck, daughter of Michael and Johanna ( Burke) Walsh, natives of Ireland. He is a charter member of Division No .. 2. A. O. H., and was its first treasurer. He is also a member of Ojeda Council, No. 33, K. of C., and St. Francis Catholic Church, in which he is serving as pew collector at the present time, and is one of the incorporators of St. Francis Cemetery As- sociation.
FRED M. SMITH, one of the prosperous and well-known citizens of New Haven, who carries on a large retail feed business in Congress avenue, is the oldest merchant in his line in that city, where he has led an honorable and successful mercantile career for over a quarter of a century.
Mr. Smith was born in that city April 9, 1846. Samuel M. Smith, his father, was a native of Mil-
Fred Mu Smitte
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ford, Conn., born in 1808, and died in New Haven in 1893. When a young man he came to New Haven, and conducted a cabinetmaking and under- taking business for a number of years. He was a highly respected citizen, a Republican in politics, and a consistent member of the Baptist Church. He married Miss Mary Main, of Wellington, Conn., who became the mother of six children: Edward A., S. Miles, Jennie P., Fred M., Dryden P. and Elias M. The three last named are living.
Fred M. Smith grew up in the city of New Haven and attended school until he was thirteen years old, when he engaged as clerk for A. J. Beers in a fruit store, remaining there until he was six- teen. He then enlisted for service in the Civil war, in spite of his youth, entering Company 1, 27th Conn. V. I., and faithfully served nine months. After he was honorably discharged he returned to New Haven, and later went into business in Hart- ford, where for some years he was engaged on his own account in contracting. In 1876 he returned to his native city and opened up a retail feed business, locating on Congress avenue, and since that time has been one of the leading men in his line in the city. When he first entered the feed business it was as a member of the firm of Allen & Smith, which later became Smith & Fowler, after which Mr. Smith continued alone. Mr. Smith built his home on Howard avenue as well as his business block on Congress avenue. He is a substantial citizen, mod- est, has fought his own way in the world, and has acquired a comfortable competence and an excel- lent name as a straightforward business man, up- right in his dealings. He is thoroughly progress- ive, and, all in all, a valuable citizen. He enjoys life thoroughly, and, being a courteous gentleman, has the unqualified esteem of a large circle of friends.
Mr. Smith was married Oct. 23. 1883, to Lizzie A. Maltby, of New Haven, a daughter of George Maltby, and three children have been born to this union, of whom two are living: Percy MI., born Oct. 7, 1885: and Florence M., born Sept. 5. 1888. In politics Mr. Smith has always upheld the prin- copies of the Republican party, and has taken a deep interest in its success. However, he has declined to engage actively in politics beyond voting regu- larly and taking an interest in supporting good issues and men. The religious connection of the family is with the Congregational Church, in which they are highly esteemed.
MICHAEL J. RYAN, city clerk of Waterbury. Conn .. is a native of this city and was born March 28, 1874. a son of Michael and Catherine ( Moran) Ryan, who were both born in County Qucens, Ireland, but married in Waterbury.
Michael Ryan, the father, came to Waterbury about the year 1860, and entered the service of Brown & Brothers, now known as the firm of Randolph & Clowes, remaining forty years. In this city he met and married Miss Moran, who,
although born in Ireland, had been reared in Engr- land, and was a daughter of Michael and Ann Moran, and a sister of Thomas Moran, keeper of the almshouse, whose life sketch may be found on another page of this volume. Three children came to bless the marriage of Michael Ryan and wife, but two of these. Catherine and Thomas, died young, leaving Michael J., our subject, as the only survivor of the family. The father died in 1900, and the mother passed away Nov. 26, 1897.
Michael J. Ryan attended the public schools of Waterbury in his boyhood, also the Mattoon Busi- ness College, of the same city. After quitting school he was employed by the White & Wells Co., as stenographer and clerk for about seven years, and then became a reporter for the Evening Dem- ocrat. acting in this capacity for two years. In October, 1899. he was elected on the Democratic ticket as city clerk of Waterbury, taking his office Jan. 1, 1900.
In his societary connections Mr. Rvan is a mem- ber of the Union Club of Waterbury, also of the Concordia Singing Society, and of the Foresters of America. He is a faithful member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and contributes liberally of his means to its support. He is genial in his manners, pleasant in disposition, and has made many warm friends. He is unmarried.
RICHARD F. CUDDIIIY is one of the pros- perous and rising young business men of Derby, in 'which city he was born. He comes of strong, sturdy Irish stock, and throughout his life of forty-four years has manifested that courage, industry. reso- luteness of purpose, and fidelity to duty, for which his race has long been pre-eminently conspicuous. His father, Michael, was born in County Water- ford, Ireland, where his ancestors, for many genera- tions, lived and died. His mother, before marriage, 'was Hannah Gallagher, and both parents came to 'America in 1847. Michael Cuddihy was a skill- ful machinist, and settled first in Boston. From that city he removed, first to Lowell, Mass .. and afterward (in 1853) to Derby. Conn .. following his trade at all three points, until he gave up active toil to enjoy the rest earned by a well spent. useful life. He and his wife, both of whom are still liv- ing, have been the parents of eleven children, of 'whom six have died. Those who survive are Rich- ard F., Anna, Mary. John and Agnes. Anna has remained single : Mary became the wife of W. A. Dibhell, who was born in West Brook. Conn., but afterward moved to Brooklyn, N. Y. : John is emt- | ployed in Derby ; and Agnes, the youngest, married James Ennis, of Ansonia, Connecticut.
At the age of fourteen Richard F. Cuddihy's school days ended, and during the next three years he worked in various shops in Ansonia and Derby. When he was seventeen years old he followed the advice of Horace Greeley to "go West:" but not meeting with the success which he had anticipated
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in that 'section, after -Jon years he returned to Connecticut, and for the three years following found desultory employment in Derby and Ansonia. His next situation, which was more permanent in dura- tion, and its character really moulded the whole, future course of his life. This was in the bakery of J. H. Wise, of Derby, in whose employ he remained for three years and eight months. He was industrious, temperate and economical, and al- though his earnings were small he found himself, in 1892, possessed of sufficient capital to enable him to embark in modest business of his own as a dealer in confectionery and school supplies. It was not long before he opened a grocery, which he still conducts, at the corner of Anson and Sixth streets. Under his personal supervision the business has greatly flourished. His enterprise and integrity have built up a remunerative trade, and his repu- tation in business circles is such that for several years he has been the treasurer of the Retail Mer- chants' Association. His career is an interesting and instructive one. Born on July 9, 1856, he is yet in the prime of life, and enjoys the gratifying reflection that the success which he has achieved he owes to no adventitious aid. He is a Democrat in politics ; and in religious connection both he and his family are earnest members of St. Mary's Cath- olic Church. In the community at large he is both popular and respected. He is a member of Court Housatonic, of the Foresters of America, the Knights of the Maccabees, and the A. O. U. W.
On April- 22, 1880, Mr. Cuddihy was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Fanning, of Derby. whose father, Michael Fanning, was a native of Ireland. Two children-Edward and Alice-have blessed their union.
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