USA > Connecticut > Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography, genealogical-memorial; representative citizens, v. 4 > Part 14
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HEITMAN, Henry Herman, Public Official.
In 1892 Mr. Heitman entered the em- ploy of the city of Waterbury, Connecti- cut, in the fire department. Nearly a quarter of a century has since elapsed since that first appointment, years that have witnessed one continuous series of promotion in rank until there was no higher post in the department for him to fill. There is no department of the public service in which merit alone determines a man's rise in rank to the same extent as in the fire departments of American cities, and to record the fact that Mr. Heitman has risen from hoseman to chief engineer of the Waterbury Fire Depart- ment is to also record the fact that his service to the department had been of a character which had deserved advance- ment to the highest position from the governing body.
It is a peculiar feeling that the public entertains toward a fireman and one that comes from the fact that he is their reli- ance in time of extreme peril, and that to save their lives and their property he freely offers his own life. That spirit of devotion to duty fills the heart of the true fireman, and it is so well known to the public that of all public servants he is their idol. To become chief of such a department as Waterbury boasts, a man must possess in a high degree qualities of mind and body that balks at no danger. no sacrifice and knows no such word as "impossible." He must have the courage to face the known and the unknown dan- ger, the readiness of resource to attack his fiery foe under conditions most favor- able to victory, and the dogged determin- ation that fights to the last. Physical strength and endurance, moral as well as physical courage, the ability to command men and to lead as well as send them into
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Henry. H. Heitman.
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danger are all needed qualities, and it is only a just estimate to state that the foregoing attributes are all proven pos- sessions of Henry H. Heitman, chief engi- neer of the Waterbury Fire Department.
Mr. Heitman is a son of John Cord Heitman, who was born in Hamburg, Germany, died in New York City at the age of forty-five years. He settled in Brooklyn, New York, on coming to the United States, obtained a position as en- gineer upon a ferry boat plying the East river between the twin cities now consoli- dated. Later he moved his residence to New York City, but held his position as marine engineer until his death. He mar- ried Margaret Muller, who like her hus- band was born in Germany and died in New York City. They were the parents of three sons, Henry Herman being the only one to reach man's estate ; John, the elder son, dying at the age of sixteen years ; Charles, at the age of twelve.
Henry Herman Heitman was born in Brooklyn, New York, August 14, 1864, but in 1874 his parents moved to New York City where he attended the public schools and resided until he was seven- teen. The years from 1881 to 1887 were spent in the West, his residence in Water- bury beginning in the latter year. He was employed as street car driver for eighteen months after his becoming a resident, then until 1892 was employed in the Bene- dict and Burnham manufactory, leaving that concern to accept an appointment in the fire department. Mr. Heitman was appointed fireman, October 30, 1892, and two years later received his first pro- motion as assistant engineer of Engine Company No. 2, made on August 14, 1914. Three years later lacking one month he received his next promotion, being ap- pointed driver of Hose Wagon No. 2, on July 29, 1897. Six years after first enter- ing the department he had so faithfully
and efficiently filled the positions in which he had been placed and so demonstrated his fitness to both serve and command that he was chosen to lead Engine Com- pany No. 2 as captain, the appointment being made October 12, 1898. Seven years he commanded that company in their battles with the fiery element win- ning the high encomium of his chief and the truest regard of his men. The good of the service then demanded a change. and on August 3, 1905, he was transferred from Engine Company No. 2 to the com- mand of Hose Company No. I, there serv- ing until July 14, 1909, when he was ap- pointed drill master. On November I, IQII, he was appointed assistant chief engineer, and three years later, on No- vember 1, 1914, was appointed to the highest and culminating honor of his career, chief engineer, which responsible position he now holds (1916).
Chief Heitman and his family are mem- bers of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, and he is fraternally con- nected with the Modern Woodmen and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He is a man of warm friendships, open hearted and genial although the marks of his nearly a quarter of a century of fire-fight- ing and responsibility have engraved his features with a grave and a serious ex- pression not naturally his.
He married, in Waterbury, October 4, 1899, just a year after his appointment as captain, Jennie Hughes, born at Water- bury, March 31, 1875, daughter of Patrick and Helen (Topping) Hughes, both born in Ireland and both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Heitman are the parents of a family of six: John Herman, a high school stu- dent, born September, 1901; Charles Stuart, born 1902; Henry Muller, born 1906; Felix Hughes, born 1910; Meta Mary, August 4, 1913; Margery Louise, twin of Meta Mary.
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Now just in life's prime Chief Heitman has the best wishes of a host of warm friends and supporters for his long con- tinuance in the post he so efficiently fills. He has fairly won the esteem of the city which he so devotedly serves, and has no higher ambition than to always merit that good will and confidence.
McLINDEN, James John, Physician.
The city of Waterbury, Connecticut, is in many ways a monumental piece of evi- dence of the enterprise and intelligence of the large Irish element that is so im- portant a factor in its life. Men of Irish birth or parentage form a great propor- tion of its population and fill its various positions and places of responsibility and trust with the utmost efficiency in all cases and brilliancy in not a few. But of all these capable and talented men promi- nent in every walk of life, perhaps the city may be most proud of her profes- sional men who maintain a standard of professional ethics and etiquette difficult to match elsewhere. The physicians of Waterbury, for example, number in their ranks many brilliant practitioners whose devotion to the duties and obligations of their altruistic calling may well cause the city to feel a creditable pride. Among these the career of Dr. James John Mc- Linden is conspicuous, and the more so in that he is still a comparatively young man whose success has been achieved in a period that seems remarkably brief for its degree.
James John McLinden, M. D., is him- self a native of Waterbury, having been born there on December 1. 1876. He is of Irish parentage, however, both his father and mother coming from County Armagh. Ireland, where their ancestors had dwelt before them for many generations. The father, John McLinden, spent the early
years of his youth in his native region. but while still a young man came to the United States and located at Waterbury, Connecticut, where he secured employ- ment in the wealthy family of R. K. Brown as a superintendent of the great Brown estate. He continued in this ca- pacity during his entire active life, his death occurring at Waterbury, April 13, 1908. He married, at Waterbury, Alice Elizabeth Quinn, who died there, Decem- ber 24. 1909. She, like himself, was a native of County Armagh and had come to this country as quite a young girl. To them were born four children, of whom James John McLinden and a younger brother, Hugh Patrick, are living. Hugh Patrick McLinden is in charge of the drug store in Waterbury founded by himself and his brother and known by the name of McLinden Brothers. A third brother. Francis Edward, died at the age of thirty- seven years. He was also engaged in the drug business and as a traveling salesman. The fourth child was a sister, Mary Ann. who died in infancy.
Dr. McLinden has made Waterbury his home during his whole life up to the pres- ent time save for a few short intervals. most of which were spent at educational institutions in preparation for his medical practice. The first part of his schooling was obtained in the fine local schools of his native city from which he graduated. He then entered into a partnership with his brothers and founded the drug com- pany of McLinden Brothers already men- tioned, situated at No. 816 North Main street, Waterbury. He was a very am- bitious youth and his interest being very strongly directed to the subject of medi- cine by his business, he determined upon a professional life and chose medicine as the profession. Accordingly he went to Philadelphia and there matriculated at the Medical School of the University of Pennsylvania. He made a splendid rec-
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ord as a student during his course in this DILLON, Charles J., institution and graduated therefrom with the class of 1898, taking his degree of M. D. Upon leaving college he became private physician to a retired English clergyman, and went to Newport, Rhode Island, to his patient's home. He did not remain more than eight months there, however, but returned to Waterbury and at once took up the practice of his pro- fession. His office has always been lo- cated on North Main street and is at pres- ent situated at No. 858 North Main street, in his handsome residence. He has been highly successful in his practice and is already regarded as one of the leaders of his profession in the city, while the future seems to promise even brighter things.
The profession in which he is so promi- nent is not by any means the only point of contact of Dr. McLinden with the life of the community. On the contrary he is a leader in many movements and is particu- larly active in connection with the affairs of his church. He is a Catholic in belief and attends the Church of St. Thomas in Waterbury, and is a member of the Cardi- nal Newman Catholic Club, of the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, a member of various medical societies, the Water- bury Medical, New Haven County, State, and American Medical associations.
Dr. McLinden was united in marriage, May 7, 1902, at Waterbury, with Mary Alice Lott, a native of Port Jervis, New York, and a daughter of John and Cath- erine (Cummins) Lott, both deceased. Mr. Lott was a native of New York City and Mrs. Lott was born in Ireland and came to this country in her early youth. To Dr. and Mrs. McLinden two children have been born as follows: John Francis, August 4. 1904, and Alice May, February 16, 1908.
Conn-4-7
Representative Citizen.
Charles J. Dillon, of Hartford, is num- bered among the active and enterprising citizens of that city. He is a man of strong, forceful character, his plan of life being along broad, liberal and honorable lines, from which course he has not de- flected in the years of his active business career, and his record for integrity has given him a firm hold upon the regard and confidence of the community.
Charles J. Dillon was born in Hartford, Connecticut, March 13, 1854, son of James and Catherine (King) Dillon, and grand- son of James Dillon, a native of West- meath, Ireland, from whence he emigrated to the United States, but did not engage in active pursuits in this country, living a retired life with his seven sons. James Dillon, Jr., father of Charles J. Dillon, was a native of Westmeath, Ireland, came to the New World at an early age, and completed his schooling in the public schools of Hartford, Connecticut, in which city his parents made their home. His first occupation was as coachman for Isaac Towsey, whose residence was lo- cated on the site of the Ætna Life Insur- ance Company Building, and he served in that capacity for three years. He then accepted a position as fireman in the Woodruff & Beach Engine Works, but being of an ambitious nature, always striving to improve his condition in order to give his family the best possible ad- vantages, he devoted his time and atten- tion to the study of engineering, and in due course of time was advanced to the position of engineer in the company and so continued until the business was dis- solved. He then secured employment along the same line with Peter Armom- man, remaining in his employ until his decease, which occurred December II,
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1888. James Dillon, Jr., married, in 1840, Catherine, daughter of John King, and they were the parents of five children, hamely: Mary, died in infancy; Cather- ine, became the wife of James F. Harri- son, of Hartford; Ellen, became the wife of Willis P. Barker, of Hartford; Charles J., of whom further ; and Maria, who be- came the wife of Richard Reardon, of Springfield.
Charles J. Dillon acquired a practical education in the public schools of Hart- ford, this qualifying him for an active business career. His first experience along the line of business pursuits was obtained in the employ of James B. Stone, proprietor of a wholesale paper business, with whom he was employed for eleven years, from 1869 to 1880. In July, 1880, he formed a partnership with Morton Kenney in the undertaking business at his present location, No. 559 Main street, Hartford, and this connection continued until the death of Mr. Kenney, which oc- curred in 1898, and on January 1, 1899, Mr. Dillon purchased the interest of his former partner and has since conducted the business under his own name. It is the oldest and best known undertaking establishment in Hartford, having the patronage of many of the best citizens and they have attended to more inter- ments than any other one firm in the city. Mr. Dillon was one of the first men in his profession to embalm the bodies of de- ceased people, beginning that branch of the work about the year 1885. Mr. Dillon is staunch in his advocacy of Democratic principles, having affiliated with that party since young manhood, at which time he was an active worker in the Fifth Ward, now the First Ward. He served as chairman of the town committee of the Sixth Ward ; as member of the State Cen- tral Committee for twenty-three years ; served one term as fire marshal; was fire
commissioner for three years ; member of the fire department for nine years, in all of which offices he rendered efficient serv- ice. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Hartford Tent of Maccabees, City Club, Chamber of Commerce, Deep River Asso- ciation. Hilliard Guards, with which he has been connected for six years ; Hilliard Guard Veteran Association, of which he is past major ; and was adjutant of the Hibernian Rifles under two different colo- nels.
Mr. Dillon married, February 19, 1896, Hannah, daughter of Eugene and Jane Donovan. They are the parents of one son, James C. E., who is now (1917) a member of the senior class of the Hart- ford High School. Mr. Dillon and his family are members of St. Peter's Parish, Hartford.
KNOEK, Leviat Samuel,
Merchant.
Leviat Samuel Knoek, wholesale and retail hardware merchant of Hartford, is the present head of a family, the history of which is a striking example of the bene- fits accruing to those who with thrift and intelligence apply themselves directly and wholly to that industry which comes to their hand presently to perform, confident in the knowledge that the present task well done will make future tasks the easier to undertake.
Joseph L. Knoek, father of Leviat Sam- uel Knoek, was born in Amsterdam. Hol- land, in 1827, the son of Levi Samuel Knoek. The Knoek family is of Rabbini- cal antecedents, and for many generations had resided in Amsterdam, poorly cir- cumstanced. At least, such was the con- dition of Levi Samuel Knoek, who ap- prenticed his son to an Amsterdam tailor
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at an early age. In 1850, however, the son, Joseph L., decided to emigrate, and in that year reached America, locating in Hartford, Connecticut, where he found employment at his trade with a Hartford tailor named Goodhart. Later, with a self-reliance characteristic of his people, he ventured into independent business, opening a store opposite that of his late employer, and there supplemented tailor- ing commissions by dealing in second- hand clothing. In course of time, by dint of praiseworthy thrift, he was enabled to purchase the building at the corner of Front and Ferry streets, immediately ad- joining the Engine House. He next pro- gressed to State street, to a store next that occupied for so many years by the firm of Smith, Northam & Company. The property was then known as the Glazier property, and in 1866, four years after en- tering into occupation, Mr. Knoek pur- chased the block, 161-67 State street. There he had his residence, as also his business, the next building being then occupied by the Kibbe Company, whole- sale grocers. In 1873, Mr. Knoek pur- chased a property on the north side of State street, and there, at No. 188, con- tinued in active business to the end of his days, his death coming on May 1, 1893. At the same address, the son, Leviat Sam- uel Knoek, has ever since conducted the business, though with the years has come much evolution in the business itself.
Joseph L. Knoek married Hannah Blodes, who was born at Lissa, Germany, the daughter of S. Blodes. To the union came seven children, five of whom grew to maturity : Gilbert J. ; Hulda, who mar- ried Mark Sherick, of New York City; Celia, who married Hyman P. Levy, to whom she bore two children, Mr. Levy is a partner in the firm of L. S. Knoek & Company; Pearl, wife of Dr. H. H. Har- ris, of Jacksonville, Florida ; Joseph A., a
counsellor-at-law, graduate of Yale Col- lege and of the Harvard University Law School; Leviat Samuel, of whom further ; and Adaline.
Leviat Samuel Knoek was born in Hartford, August 7, 1863, and when old enough attended the grammar and high schools of Hartford, after passing through which he became associated in business with his father. In course of evolution, the business entered the jewelry and brok- ing lines, and in this connection, as in others, the activities of Mr. Knoek assumed state proportions, the Pawn Brokers' State Association, of which he was president for four years, having been organized mainly through his instrumen- tality. In the course of loaning opera- tions, the firm became conversant with many branches of the hardware and ma- chine tool lines, and eventually it ceased handling all other lines, and embarked ex- clusively in the hardware business. That has been the direction of the firm's opera- tions since 1900, attaining such success that to-day the company uses a larger floor space under one roof than does any other hardware firm in the city of Hartford. The building owned by the firm was re- modelled in 1914, so as to give a floor space of forty-six feet by ninety-three feet, four floors and basement, and in the regular employ of the company are six- teen people. L. S. Knoek & Company's operations are extensive, both in the wholesale and retail branches of hardware trading ; they sell very largely to five and ten-cent stores, and are sole general agents for the United States for the Stan- ley Rule and Level Company's second quality products. Typical of the initiative of the firm is a very complete catalogue issued by them, in which are listed about forty thousand items.
As a responsible and public-spirited member of the community, Mr. Knoek
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has participated in public work; he was for three years (1891-93) a member of the Hartford Common Council; he belongs to St. John's Lodge, No. 4, Ancient Order of Free and Accepted Masons; Pytha- goras Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ; Wol- cott Council, Royal and Select Masters ; Hartford Lodge, Benevolent and Protec- tive Order of Elks, and served on the ways and means committee for ten years ; and is a member of Crescent Lodge, Knights of Pythias; and of the Touro Club of Hartford, having been treasurer of the latter for ten years. Politically he is a Democrat, loyally following the party of which his living principle has declared him a member.
BUCKLEY, Dennis Francis, Insurance Superintendent.
For twenty-two years Mr. Buckley has been in the continuous employ of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in New England territory and is now well known to the Waterbury public as the efficient superintendent of the Water- bury district, a position he has ably filled since 1907. He has worked his way up- ward from the lower positions in the agency department of the company to his present position, and is rated one of the strong men of that department. He is a splendid organizer, has the happy faculty of imparting his own superabund- ant enthusiasm to the agency force which he controls, and has made the Waterbury district one of the banner dis- tricts of the State. Master of every de- tail of the business he superintends, he is always in a position to advance, and while the business of the agency is a large and important one, the volume of new business shows a constant increase. Personality is an important factor in life insurance and in determining the causes
which made the Waterbury district so successful, the personal attributes of Superintendent Buckley must be given great credit. He is very popular socially, while his energy, quick comprehension of their problems, his sympathy and con- sideration have won him the highest respect of the agency force.
He is a son of Daniel Buckley, born in County Cork, Ireland, a farmer, who leaving his family in Ireland came to the United States, but was stricken with typhoid fever on shipboard and died soon after his arrival at Buffalo, New York. His widow, Ellen ( Danahy) Buckley, came to the United States with her children in 1883 and is now living at North Adams, Massachusetts, aged sixty-five years. Daniel and Ellen Buckley were the parents of five children, four of whom are living : Dennis Francis; Timothy, a resident of Los Angeles, California ; Nellie, wife of William Seasons: Anna. wife of Matthew McGlynn, of North Adams, Massachusetts. A daughter Minnie died unmarried at the age of thirty-five.
Dennis Francis Buckley was born in County Cork, Ireland, October 17, 1872, and there lived until he was eleven years of age. In 1883 he was brought to the United States by his widowed mother, who for several years lived at Palmer, Massachusetts, where the children at- tended public school, and Dennis F. re- mained until his twentieth year. The family then moved to North Adams, Massachusetts, where he worked in a shoe factory for two years. At the age of twenty-two years he entered the em- ploy of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company of New York as agent at North Adams, and from that year, 1894, he has been continuously in the service of that company. From North Adams he was transferred to Pittsfield, Massa-
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Jas. A. Newlands
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
chusetts, and after four years there was sent to Fitchburg, Massachusetts, re- maining five years, having been pro- moted to higher position with each change of location, as his ability to both produce and manage was demonstrated. In 1907 he was appointed superintendent of Waterbury, Connecticut, district, and now holds that responsible position, one to which he has risen through personal ability and merit. He is a member of St. Margaret's Roman Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks.
Mr. Buckley married, at Lee, Massa- chusetts, September 15, 1903, Elizabeth V. Bossidy, daughter of Barth Bossidy, deceased, and a sister of Judge Barth Bossidy, of the Massachusetts courts located at Lee. Mr. and Mrs. Buckley are the parents of Edmund Collins, born July 5, 1904; Walter William; Donald Francis, deceased ; and William.
NEWLANDS, James Andrew, State Chemist.
James Andrew Newlands, president of The Henry Souther Engineering Com- pany, director of Newlands Sanitary Laboratory, and State Chemist at Hart- ford, Connecticut, was born in Edin- burgh, Scotland, April 23, 1877, that city having been the seat of the Newlands family or clan for generations. Mr. New- lands is a worthy representative of that sturdy race of people, noted for their per- sistence in whatever they undertake, thoroughness in detail, and great effi- ciency in the performance of duties and obligations, essential factors in business success, and they are also noted for their high type of citizenship, being willing to sacrifice their lives, if necessary, to up- hold the honor and integrity of their adopted land.
James W. Newlands, father of James Andrew Newlands, was born in Edin- burgh, Scotland, in 1848. After acquir- ing a practical education in the schools of his native city, he learned the trade of pattern maker, which line of work he followed in Edinburgh until the year 1881, when the family emigrated to the United States, locating in Mckeesport, Pennsylvania. In that city James W. Newlands secured employment in the United States Steel Company as a pat- tern maker, and shortly afterward his skill and ability led to his promotion to chief pattern maker. After about fifteen years' service with that company, he left to accept a similar position with the Car- negie Steel Company, Duquesne, Penn- sylvania, with whom he remained until 1908, in which year he retired from ac- tive mechanical pursuits, taking up his residence at Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, where he is residing at the present time (1917). He married Helen Frances Mar, daughter of Peter Mar, of Jedburgh, which has been the seat of the Mar fam- ily for a number of generations. They were the parents of five children, four of whom attained years of maturity, as follows: John, of Burgettstown ; James Andrew, of whom further; George, of Pittsburgh; Harold, of Burgettstown. The members of the family attend the Presbyterian church.
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