USA > Connecticut > Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography, genealogical-memorial; representative citizens, v. 11 > Part 50
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His favorite recreation was found upon Long Island Sound, on the shores of which he had made his summer home for many years. He served for three years as commodore of the Stamford Yacht Club, and during his term of office did much to advance the interests of that or- ganization. He was a member of Rip- powan Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and for some years was a direc- tor of the Young Men's Christian Associ- ation. Mr. Gillespie was a natural leader and possessed the force of character nec- essary to accomplish his purposes.
On October 4, 1870, Mr. Gillespie mar- ried Sarah E. Scofield, daughter of Charles W. Scofield, of Stamford, Con- necticut, and this union was blessed by the following children: Edna, Elsie, Va- lina, Richard H., Jr., a sketch of whom follows; William F., a sketch of whom follows: Schuyler W., a sketch of whom follows; Kingsley A., a sketch of whom follows.
In his public as well as in his private life, the late Richard H. Gillespie was
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above reproach. He won his place as leader through his own ability, industry and integrity. He was an active member of the Prebyterian church, and sought in his daily intercourse to exemplify the ideals of Christianity.
GILLESPIE, Richard H., Jr., Printer, Publisher.
No resident of Stamford is more fully identified with the business interests of that city than is the representative of those interests whose name heads this article. Not only is Mr. Gillespie treas- urer and general manager of the long established firm of Gillespie Brothers, Inc., but he is also officially connected with the Fidelity Title and Trust Com- pany and the Stamford Rubber Supply Company, holding the presidency of the latter organization. He is, moreover, active in church work, and well known in club and social circles.
Richard H. Gillespie, Jr., was born Au- gust 13, 1877, in Stamford, Connecticut, son of Richard H., Sr., and Sarah E. (Sco- field) Gillespie (q. v.). The education of Richard H. Gillespie, Jr., was received in the Stamford High School, from which he graduated in 1895. He then entered the service of the firm of Gillespie Broth- ers, of which his father was a member. Later Mr. Gillespie, Sr., became vice-pres- ident and general manager, also holding the office of treasurer. Upon his death he was succeeded in all these positions by Richard H. Gillespie, Jr., who had long before that time abundantly proved that he possessed the ability which would en- able him to fill them most efficiently. Many years before, the "Stamford Advo- cate," published by the firm, had been a weekly newspaper, and the job printing business, judged according to the then standards, was not inconsiderable. The
impetus imparted to it by Mr. Gillespie, Sr., caused it to increase rapidly, and the establishment took its place among the foremost printing houses in that part of Connecticut. In 1892 the "Advocate" became a daily paper, and since 1895 the company has occupied its present spa- cious quarters on Atlantic street. Today the printing business of Gillespie Broth- ers, Inc., is the largest between New Haven and New York City. This simple statement furnishes the most convincing evidence of the executive and adminis- trative ability of both father and son.
As president of the Stamford Rubber Supply Company, Mr. Gillespie is increasing the strength and promoting the prestige of an enterprise which was organized by his father and brother, William F. Gillespie, whose biogra- phy follows. Richard H. Gillespie also holds a directorship in the Fidelity Title and Trust Company. Though tak- ing no active part in public affairs, Mr. Gillespie is keenly interested in all that pertains to the prosperity and welfare of his home city and can always be relied upon to do all in his power for 'their advancement. He is a director of the Young Men's Christian Association, and belongs to The Typothetae. His clubs are the Suburban and the Kiwanis. He and his wife are members of the Presby- terian church, in which he holds the office of elder.
Mr. Gillespie married, October 12, 1909, Sarah Barret Pounds, of Paterson, New Jersey, and they are the parents of two children: Richard H. (3), born Jannary 23, 1912, and Elizabeth Barret, born March II, 1920.
In succeeding to the offices held by his father Mr. Gillespie has brought to them full and complete ability to accomplish the work which they involve, and by his manner of fulfilling their important trusts
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and responsibilities has added to the al- ready high reputation of a name long honored in the business world.
GILLESPIE, William Frederick, Manufacturer.
William Frederick Gillespie was born November 10, 1878, in Stamford, Connec- ticut, son of the late Richard H., Sr. and Sarah E. (Scofield) Gillespie (q.v.). In 1896 he graduated from the Stamford High School, and in 1900 received from Yale University the degree of Bachelor of Arts. The same year Mr. Gillespie in- corporated the Stamford Rubber Supply Company and began the manufacture of chemicals for manufacturers of rubber goods. He enlisted in Company F, 4th Military District State Guard, serving with the rank of second lieutenant. He belongs to the Yale Club of New York and the Stamford Yacht Club.
Mr. Gillespie married, November 24, 1908, Mabel Miner, daughter of John D. and Jane (Bennet) Miner, of New York City, and of the children born to them the following are now living: William Frederick, Jr., born October 16, 1909; Bindley McMillin, born November 26, 1911; Robert Miner, born October 8, 1913 ; Jane Elizabeth, born June 21, 1920. Mr. and Mrs. Gillespie are members of the Presbyterian church.
GILLESPIE, Schuyler W., Printer, Publisher.
As secretary of the widely known firm of Gillespie Brothers, Inc., Mr. Gillespie has for a number of years held an assured position in the business circles of his na- tive city of Stamford. He is actively con- nected with her fraternal organizations, and takes an earnest interest in all that makes for her truest welfare.
Schuyler W. Gillespie was born Sep- tember 26, 1884, in Stamford, Connecticut, son of Richard H., Sr. and Sarah E. (Sco- field) Gillespie (q. v.). In 1903 Schuyler W. Gillespie graduated from the Stam- ford High School, and immediately there- after entered the service of the firm of Gillespie Brothers. He acquired a thor- ough knowledge of the art of printing, and also developed a full measure of the business ability characteristic of his fam- ily. Soon after his father's death he as- sumed charge of the mechanical end of the business, including the printing of the paper as well as the job printing plant. To these responsibilities he gives the fullest and most vigilant attention as well as to the duties of his secretarial office. He affiliates with Union Lodge, No. 5, Ancient Free and Accepted Ma- sons, and with Puritan Lodge, Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows.
Since identifying himself with the firm so largely developed by the efforts and energy of his father, Mr. Gillespie has proved to the business world that the sec- ond generation is abundantly able to carry on and extend the work of its predecessor.
GILLESPIE, Kingsley A., Manufacturer.
After serving his country, Mr. Gilles- pie has taken his place as superintendent of the Stamford Rubber Supply Company, among the younger business men of Stamford.
Kingsley A. Gillespie was born August 15, 1895, in Stamford, Connecticut, son pf the late Richard H., Sr. and Sarah E. (Scofield) Gillespie (q.v.). His prepara- tory education was received in the Stam- ford High School, and in 1917 he gradu- ated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with the degree of Bachelor of Science, in Chemical Engineering. Im-
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John C. Clarke M.S.
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
mediately thereafter Mr. Gillespie became associated with the E. I. Dupont De Nemours & Company in the development of military explosives, going from their laboratories to the Chemical War Service. He was stationed for a few months in the Edgewood Arsenal with the rank of sec- ond lieutenant. The professional organ- izations in which Mr. Gillespie is enrolled include the American Chemical Society and the Stamford Chemical Society. He belongs to the Phi Sigma Kappa frater- nity, and is a member of the Presbyterian church.
CLARKE, J. A., M. D., Surgeon, Hospital Official.
The greatest gift that a man can bestow upon his fellowmen is the gift of himself. Whether in the daily offering of little services or in the ultimate sacrifice, the world is better for every life that is spent in unselfish devotion to duty. There is no line of human endeavor which involves more closely the wellbeing of the entire community than that of the physician. And there is no work that demands more of entire self-forgetfulness. That Dr. J. A. Clarke fills well the important place which he holds in the town of Greenwich is evinced by the fact that he is one of the busiest of men.
Dr. Clarke is a descendant of a fine old Irish family. His father was born in Newtownards, near Belfast, Ireland, in 1843, and died in New York City, June 7, 1905. He received an excellent education in the old country, and then learned the business of linen draper. He was ambi- tious, and possessed of more than usual business talent, so desiring to place him- self in more advantageous surroundings he came to America at the age of twenty- one years. In New York City he found ample scope for the development of his
taste and business ability in the great dry goods establishments. He first entered the employ of James McCutcheon, and re- mained for some little time. But he found the appeal of the new country was not confined to one locality, and his thoughts turned to the great West. After a time he went to Lemars, Iowa, and started in business for himself in the same line. He remained there for some years, meeting with the varying success which conditions at the time made inevitable. He then re- turned East, and worked for some years for Altman, in his great New York house ; then later, again, for Mccutcheon. He was a valued and trusted member of the McCutchon force when his health gave way, and lingering only a short time, he died. He married Cassandra Lee, daugh- ter of Rev. William Lee, a devoted Bap- tist missionary engaged in home mission work. The children of this union were: J. A., of whom further; Mary Elizabeth, widow of James Davidson Clarke, of Mount Vernon, New York; and James Matthew, deceased.
J. A. Clarke, M. D., was born in New York City, June 13, 1871, and is the elder son and oldest child of Alexander and Cassandra (Lee) Clarke. He received his early education in the public schools of Mount Vernon, New York, where his parents resided for many years. He made his start in life in the business world somewhat along the lines which his fa- ther had followed. He first entered the employ of J. B. Locke & Potts, large wholesale linen merchants of New York City. In this connection he remained for three years, then became associated with C. E. Rycroft, in the same line of busi- ness, with whom he remained for a year and a half. At this time his father was managing the business of Wellington & Company, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the young man was persuaded to be-
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come a part of that well organized estab- lishment. But he remained there only a year and a half. He felt that he could not command the keen interest in business that is so vital an element of success. His tastes led in other directions, and much of his leisure time was devoted to study along his chosen line-medicine. In 1893 he entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1897. He spent about six months in Har- lem Hospital, gaining the invaluable experience which covers so broad a scope in a large city hospital ; in the fall of 1897 he went to South Manchester, Connecti- cut, and began the practice of medicine. He soon built up a gratifying practice there, but a flattering opportunity was offered him in Greenwich, and he removed there on June 1, 1900. He quickly won the confidence of the people of this vicin- ity, and has built up a very large practice as physician and surgeon. His high standing in the medical fraternity is gen- erally acknowledged, and his advice is much sought in consultation.
Dr. Clarke is a member of the Surgical Division of Greenwich Hospital; a mem- ber of City, County and State Medical societies, and the American Medical As- sociation. Socially he is a member of Acacia Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons ; of Pine Lodge, No. 68, Knights of Pythias ; and of the Improved Order of Red Men. He is also a member of the Amogerome Fire Company. Much of Dr. Clarke's time has been impressed into the public service, where his broad outlook on life and his sound common sense make him indeed an invaluable acquisition. He has long served as coroner's physician ; is a member of the Republican Town Com- mittee, and served on the High School Committee when the new high school building was completed. During the re- cent World War he was chief examiner
of the Exemption Board of the Draft for this district. He is a member of the Young Men's Christian Association, and an enthusiastic worker for the good of that organization.
Dr. Clarke married Lily Glover, daugh- ter of Charles S. Glover, of Mt. Vernon, New York, and they are the parents of two children: Alexandra, and James Sherwood, who died October 9, 1919, at the age of fourteen years. Dr. and Mrs. Clarke are members of the Congrega- tional church.
PECK, Wilbur Marvin,
Head of Electrical Business.
The well established reputation of Greenwich business men for the qualities which make for success in commerce and manufacturing was never more ably sus- tained than it is now by the president and treasurer of the Greenwich Electrical Company, Wilbur Marvin Peck, who is also the president of the Stamford Elec- trical Contractor, Inc. Prominently as Mr. Peck stands before his community in these responsible positions, he is also well known and influential in the fraternal and club circles of both the cities in which he is engaged in business.
The name Peck is probably derived from an ancient personal name, Pack, or Peck, and is said by some to be taken from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning "a deceiver," and by others to signify "a peak." As the Latinization, De Peccato, is applied both to Peche and Peck the names may be identical.
(I) William Peck, founder of the Greenwich branch of the family, was born in 1601, in London, England, or the vi- cinity, and in 1638 helped found the New Haven Colony, becoming one of its influential citizens.
(II) Jeremiah Peck, son of William
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Peck, was born in 1623, in or near Lon- don, and before leaving England with his father received an excellent education. He took charge of the Collegiate Gram- mar School in New Haven, and subse- quently preached at Saybrook and various other places, finally at Waterbury, Con- necticut, where he passed the remainder of his life. He married Johannah Kitchell, daughter of Robert Kitchell, in 1656. His death occurred in Waterbury in 1699.
(III) Samuel Peck, son of Jeremiah and Johannah (Kitchell) Peck, was born in 1659, in Guilford, Connecticut. He was a man of large wealth and influence, hold- ing the office of justice of the peace and other important positions. He married, in 1686, Ruth Ferris, said to have been a daughter of Peter Ferris, and a grand- daughter of Jeffrey Ferris, of Stamford. Samuel Peck died in 1746.
. (IV) Theophilus Peck, son of Samuel and Ruth (Ferris) Peck, was born in 1702. He was the owner of an extensive tract of land in the town of Greenwich, where he spent his entire life. He mar- ried, in 1728, Elizabeth Mead, daughter of Benjamin Mead, of Greenwich. His death occurred in 1783, his wife surviving him but ten days.
(V) Benjamin Peck, son of Theophilus and Elizabeth (Mead) Peck, was born October 10, 1740, and lived and died in Greenwich, Connecticut. He married (first) in 1766, Deborah Sackett, who died in 1769. He married (second) in 1772, Hannah Reed, who died November II, 1783. Benjamin Peck died March 12, 1806.
(VI) Elias Peck, son of Benjamin and Hannah (Reed) Peck, was born May 9, 1779, in Clapboard Ridge, Connecticut. He married (first) in 1804, Deborah Hobby, who was born September 4, 1784, and died May 24, 1818. He married (sec-
ond) Mary Haight. Elias Peck was a farmer. His death occurred May 14, 1846.
(VII) William (2) Peck, son of Elias and Deborah (Hobby) Peck, was born November 6, 1809, in Clapboard Ridge, town of Greenwich, Connecticut, and was a farmer and shoe manufacturer, employ- ing eight or ten men. He was captain of the militia, and a member of the Con- gregational church. Mr. Peck married, in 1838, Caroline Sherwood, born November 28, 1816, daughter of Benjamin and Annie (Anderson) Sherwood, the former a farmer of Riversville, town of Greenwich, Connecticut. Benjamin Sherwood was born May 9, 1773, and died in 1862. His wife was born June 20, 1775, and died in 1848. The death of William (2) Peck occurred March 3, 1885, and his widow passed away, November 28, 1896, the day on which she completed her eightieth year.
(VIII) Elias Sherwood Peck, son of William (2) and Caroline (Sherwood) Peck, was born February 6, 1842, in Greenwich, Connecticut. He received his education in public schools, Button's Academy, and also attended the academy presided over by the Rev. William Peck, of North Greenwich. He afterward learned the tinner's trade. During his' apprenticeship the Civil War began and he enlisted in Company I, 10th Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, serving within a few weeks of three years. After the war he became for a year the assistant of his father in the management of the farm, and then spent three years as a journeyman in New York City, afterward living for a year in Port Chester. In 1870 he went into business in partnership with George La Forge under the firm name of La Forge & Peck. They established the first hardware store in Greenwich, Con- necticut, but at the end of a year the part-
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nership was dissolved and Mr. Peck asso- ciated himself with his cousin, Addison Peck, under the firm name of E. S. & A. Peck. This connection was maintained for a number of years, the firm engaging in roofing and tinning. Eventually Mr. Peck purchased his partner's interest and continued the business alone, continuing until January, 1919, when it was taken over by his son. Elias Sherwood Peck was at that time the oldest man in Green- wich actively engaged in business. He took a prominent part in town affairs, serving at one time as a member of the Board of Burgesses. He affiliates with Acacia Lodge, No. 85, Free and Accepted Masons, for two years holding the rank of master. For two or three years he was commander of Lombard Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and he now fills the position of adjutant. He and his family are members of the Second Congrega- tional Church.
Mr. Peck married (first) Emma R. Ritch, daughter of Justus and (Rodman) Ritch, who died May 20, 1883, leaving two children : Elizabeth, who died in childhood; and Gordon, of New York City. Mr. Peck married (second) Sarah Amelia Marvin, born March 15, 1859, daughter of George Marvin, of Staten Island, and a cousin of his first wife. The children of this marriage were: Wilbur Marvin, of whom further; Walter Sher- wood, a sketch of whom follows; Martha Elizabeth ; and Frank R., of Greenwich. Mrs. Peck died March 10, 1908, and Mr. Peck died September 3, 1920.
(IX) Wilbur Marvin Peck, son of Elias Sherwood and Sarah Amelia (Marvin) Peck, was born December 22, 1887, in Greenwich. He was educated in the schools of his native city, graduating from the Greenwich High School in 1907. For two years thereafter Mr. Peck was in the service of the Greenwich Electric Light
Company, being employed in their testing and inspecting department. He then spent a year with Walter Sheldon, an electrical contractor, at the end of that time becoming assistant to the manager of the New England Engineering Com- pany. A year later he was made manager of the concern, his promotion being a notable recognition of the business ability of a man as young as he then was. This position was retained by Mr. Peck until October 1, 1917, when he resigned in order to accept the presidency and treas- urership of the Greenwich Electrical Company, then newly organized. The concern took over the Greenwich end of the business, which had previously in- cluded both Stamford and Greenwich, and under Mr. Peck's efficient leadership has steadily strengthened and prospered. The company employs about twenty-two men, maintaining a store in which a general line of electrical merchandise is handled and also carrying on an electrical con- tracting business.
On March 1, 1919, Mr. Peck became president of the Stamford Electrical Con- tractor, Inc., a Stamford concern which carries on a business in that city similar to that of the Greenwich company, of which Mr. Peck is also president. They give employment to thirty-five men, and Mr. Peck, as head of this organization, has accomplished by his energy, aggres- siveness and skillful management results fully equal to those which he has achieved as president of the Greenwich company.
It may well be supposed that business positions as onerous as those held by Mr. Peck leave their incumbent little time for aught else. Never does he fail, however, in any of the duties of good citizenship, or abate a jot of his habitually keen inter- est in every plan having for its object any phase of municipal reform. He affiliates with Acacia Lodge, No. 85, Free and Ac-
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cepted Masons, and the Knights of Pyth- ias, in Greenwich. Of the latter he is past chancellor-commander. He is also past commander of the local camp of the Sons of Veterans. His clubs are the Suburban and Kiwanis clubs of Stamford.
Mr. Peck married, June 30, 1920, Ber- nice E. Rockwell, daughter of Frank S. and Elizabeth Rockwell, of Olean, New York. Mrs. Peck was a teacher in the Port Chester schools before her marriage.
The record of Wilbur Marvin Peck, considered as that of a man who has not yet completed his thirty-fourth year, is a notable one and seems to open the way to a future full of promise.
PECK, Walter Sherwood, Plumber, Heating Engineer.
Few names are more familiar to the people of Greenwich than the one in- scribed at the head of this article. As a descendant of ancestors who became two centuries ago residents of the town, and as the head of a flourishing business, Mr. Peck stands in no need of an introduction to his fellow-citizens.
Walter Sherwood Peck, son of Elias Sherwood and Sarah A. (Marvin) Peck (q. v.), was born June 15, 1889, in Green- wich, and educated in the public schools of his native town. He learned the plumber's and tinsmith's trades under the instruction of his father, becoming pro- ficient in both. On February 1, 1919, he succeeded his father as head of the busi- ness which Mr. Peck, Sr., had many years before helped to found and which he had ever since been continuously engaged in building up into a large and flourishing concern. Under the leadership of his son it has steadily increased in strength and in the scope of its transactions.
To his present responsible position Mr. Peck brought the equipment of five years
of valuable experience acquired while serving as manager for his father. The business is conducted chiefly on a basis of local contracts, giving employment on an average to about thirteen men. The establishment, situated on Greenwich avenue, is thoroughly modern in all its ap- pointments.
While never neglecting the duties of a good citizen, Mr. Peck's time is so fully occupied as to render it impossible for him to take an active part in community affairs. He is ever ready to give all the attention possible to any project for ad- vancing the town's best interests.
Mr. Peck married, in April, 1912, Eliza- beth I. Thompson, born in County Long- ford, Ireland, daughter of James Thomp- son, and they are the parents of one child : Hazel K., born March II, 1915.
Mr. Peck, in succeeding to the headship of an old established and flourishing busi- ness, has proved himself to be the right man in the right place, and there is every prospect that under his wise guidance and skillful management the house has entered upon a future which will in all respects be worthy of its past.
DAYTON, Henry, Man of Great Usefulness.
The Dayton family is an old one in the annals of Greenwich, Connecticut. For many generations there have been mem- bers of this family prominent in the busi- ness and public life of the town and vicinity. Especially is this true in public matters, and it seems fitting that the de- scendants of the early settlers should be found at the helm of the town's affairs. Henry Dayton, a worthy scion of the family, has brought honor to his name through his work with the schools, which has extended over a period of three dec- ades. There is perhaps no other man of
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