USA > Connecticut > Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography, genealogical-memorial; representative citizens, v. 4 > Part 6
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Rev. Father Gleeson has always been noted for his hard and earnest work. Even while a curate he displayed energy, vigor, zeal and industry which attracted the notice of his superiors. When he became a pastor these qualities seemed to have developed. His years as a pastor at various churches have been marked by the liquidation of debts, by the erection of churches, parochial resi- dences and schools, and by the organization of societies. His work at St. Patrick's Church is too well known to require lengthy comment. The church speaks itself in the most lofty tone of the zeal and patient industry of Rev. Father Gleeson, who is carrying on so auspiciously and capably the work begun by Rev. Father Duggan. * *
* Well may the people of St. Patrick's be proud of their pastor, and well may Rev. Father Gleeson look with pleasure on the work performed so successfully by him during his twenty-five years of serving as a priest.
In an editorial appearing in its issue of December 26, 1901, the "Catholic Tran- script" said :
The Rev. Joseph M. Gleeson, pastor of St. Patrick's Church, Waterbury, observed the twenty- fifth anniversary of his ordination to the priest- hood on Monday. The celebration was character- istic of the man. It was the people's day. The children were present at the sacrifice, and many of them were to participate in the ceremony of Confirmation. Eager parents were there, as well
as interested companions-the personality of the jubilarian was hidden. It would no doubt be offensive to such a one to insist upon his merits. We cannot, however, suffer the occasion to pass without expressing a word in commendation of so many fruitful years. Father Gleeson has been and is a man of few words, but of many works. His industry, perseverance and even-handed pru- dence have wrought notable results. The inde- fatigable rector of St. Patrick's has discovered the patience and ability necessary to perfect the organization of the young and growing parish over which he has been placed. Indeed, one has only to look back over the twenty-five years which ended on Monday to find evidence of consistent endeavor, foresight, discernment, and an undying determination to be all things to all men. Success attends the labors of such a one, and success is written along the milestones of the years of that sacerdotal life. Nor need we search for the key to its manifold achievements. St. Bernard used to ask himself repeatedly why he had retired to Clairveaux. The question brought him to a real- ization of the duty of the moment. He was im- mediately up and doing, and so dismissed the succeeding days of his wondrous life freighted with merits. It would not be difficult to fancy the unrelenting Waterbury pastor addressing him- self in language like that of the great mystic. It is not easy to devote oneself wholly to arduous and never-ending labor. The ever-present sense of duty must intervene to urge on the jaded energies-a strong will and a high purpose the elements of character absolutely essential to days as fruitful as those of the twenty-five years upon which Father Gleeson is privileged to look back. From that honorable eminence he can view the past with satisfaction. The good works achieved will naturally urge him on to higher endeavor, and we need indulge in no surprise if we behold the succeeding years just as laborious, just as fruitful, just as meritorious, as those that have gone before. Such men find their happiness in labor. When that labor is informed with charity, the choicest benisons of Heaven are upon those that carry on the struggle.
With these words it will be appropriate to end this sketch, only adding that the years since they were penned have well fulfilled their prophesy and that a new future is now opening with an even brighter promise.
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McMAHON, Patrick Julius,
Judge of City Court.
With the passing of Judge Patrick Julius McMahon, of Waterbury, Connec- ticut, that city loses one of the finest rep- resentatives of its foreign born sons; a inan typical of that race-which taking so kindly to American ways and opportunity rise to the foremost rank in every commu- nity in which they settle-the Irish. He was a young man of nineteen when he came to the United States at the solicita- tion of one of his brothers, and after a short stay in New York City he located in Waterbury, Connecticut, which ever after- ward was his home. It was not until 1896 that he surmounted the last obstacle and gained admission to the Connecticut bar. and from that time he was almost con- tinuously connected with the City Court of Waterbury as clerk, rising to the judge- ship in 1909. As a judge he met with the peculiar demands of his court with justice and consistency tempered with humanity, sympathy and mercy. No man ever faced him who could justly claim that he re- ceived greater punishment than was his due, while there are many who thank him for the chance which led to a better life. To the lawyers, he at all times extended the courtesy due them, yet never allowed them to overstep the limits due the court. To the lawyers who met him daily in the court room, to the policemen who brought their prisoners before him and even to those unfortunates upon whom he admin- istered correction, he was known as "the judge with the kind heart." Children who defied officers and parents, melted under the influence of his warm, kindly manner and tender voice. He looked upon these youthful offenders as more sinned against than sinning, and to all children and women brought before him he exhibited the kindest and most careful considera-
tion. Under his hand the law became a paternal instrument and to all his way- ward flock he blazoned the way to a better life with his daily proof that: "The qual- ity of Mercy is not strained."
Judge McMahon was born in the village of Portraine, near Dublin, Ireland, on St. Patrick's Day, 1863, and died at his home, No. 36 Connston avenue, Waterbury, Con- necticut. September 18. 1916. He was the son of Owen and Bridget (Garvan) Mc- Mahon, his father dying when he was very young. also leaving a daughter, Katherine. Owen McMahon, born in Carrick Ma- cross, County Monaghan, Ireland, mar- ried (first) a native of Portraine, who bore him several children: he married (second) Bridget Garvan, who bore him the two children mentioned above. The lad's early years were passed under the care of his paternal aunt, who gave him the best educational advantages the vil- lage afforded. After attaining suitable age, he obtained a junior clerkship with the civil government of Malahide, holding that position very satisfactorily for five years. This brought him to his nineteenth year and to the year 1882. A letter from one of his half-brothers, who had come to the United States soon after the death of Owen McMahon, decided Patrick J. Mc- Mahon, to follow his brother's example, and in 1882 he landed in New York. He only remained a short time here. later locating in Waterbury, where he obtained a position in the shipping department of Brown Brothers. He remained in that position for one year. then entered the employ of the Scoville Manufacturing Company, later joining with the Water- bury Manufacturing Company. During these years he had used every opportu- mity to improve his mind and add to his mental equipment. He was an enthusi- astic member of the Catholic Literary So- ciety and always took part in the proceed-
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algumahou
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ings, particularly in the debates. In one of these debates he met John Moriarity, who walked home with him that night and strongly urged him to study law. promising the help of Judge Robert A. Lowe, a promise that he made good. The young man went at his task under Judge Lowe's directions and after much hard study and tribulation won his admission to Yale Law School, completing the needed preparation after one year's study and gaining admission to the Connecticut bar in 1896. He began practice in Waterbury immediately after his admission to the bar, and during the following three years gained a foothold at the bar and had con- siderable practice. In 1899 Judge Lucian F. Burpee, the judge of the City Court, appointed Mr. McMahon clerk of that court, a favor he had never solicited. He held the office of clerk of the City Court under Judge Burpee until 1909, when Judge Burpee was elevated to the Supe- rior Court Bench, Mr. McMahon succeed- ing him as judge of the City Court, an office he held until his death.
From the time he became a citizen, Judge McMahon became an ardent sup- porter of the Republican party and al- ways remained true to that faith. A change of heart would have been easy at times, and would have been productive possibly of political preferment, but he was not of that type, his party affiliations being based on belief in Republican prin- ciples. Other than his court offices he held no political office ; he was prominent in party affairs in the First Ward, serving for some time as town committeeman in that ward. From 1904 until his death, he had been associated with Deputy Judge Charles E. Meigs of the District Court in a suite of law offices in the Odd Fellows' Building.
Judge McMahon was essentially a home man, devoting his every hour not needed
in his law business to the home he so dear- ly loved. Flowers were his passion and his favorite diversion the care and culti- vation of roses. He had over three hun- dred varieties of roses growing in his big garden, all of them imported from Ireland, carefully nurtured until they blossomed forth in all their beauty. He possessed a wide acquaintance and none who were ever privileged to call him friend but were proud of the distinction and careful that no act of theirs should forfeit that friend- ship. But all men, whether fortunate or unfortunate, were his friends in a sense and he never withheld the helping hand.
During his life in Waterbury, he was a member of the parish of the Church of the Immaculate Conception until his removal to No. 36 Conniston avenue which brought liim into the same relation with the Church of the Blessed Sacrament. He was a lead- ing member of the Catholic Literary So- ciety, which years ago was the most promi- nent debating society in Waterbury. Much of his training in oratory and debate was secured while a member of the society, and entrance to the law was an outgrowth of his interest in debate. He was a mem- ber of the Holy Name Society of the Cen- tral Church, also was its president, and when he moved from the parish he was made an honorary president of the society for life.
Judge McMahon was married in Water- bury, June 7, 1899, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Rev. Father Ken- nedy officiating, to Mary A. Walsh, born in Baltimore, daughter of Michael and Mary (Hendley) Walsh, both now de- ceased. Mrs. McMahon survives her hus- band. They had no children.
The Waterbury Bar Association met in special session after Judge McMahon's death was announced, the meeting being a very solemn one, each of the fifty lawyers present seeming to feel keenly the great
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loss the association had experienced. Res- olutions were adopted and voted that the association attend the funeral of their friend in a body. The American flag and the flag of the municipality were placed at half mast, the County Court House was closed all during the day of his burial and every public mark of respect paid the memory of the late City Court judge. Judge Robert A. Lowe, one of the older members of the Waterbury bar, and the man from whom Judge McMahon re- ceived the personal aid, was greatly moved when told of the death of his pupil and friend, and said : "He was a man in every sense of the word and endowed with the biggest heart in the city." Attorney James Lynch said: "He was loved by every member of the bar and universally recog- nized as one of the most conscientious and painstaking City Court judges." Judge Francis T. Revers, of the District Court, said: "Waterbury can ill afford to lose men of his type-Judge McMahon occu- pied an enviable position in his profes- sion, respected not only in Waterbury, but throughout the State." Ex-Judge William E. Thoms said: "He was one of the most conscientious men I ever knew, and especially in dealing with prob -. lems that arise in the care of minors and children. His long experience and natu- ral kindness of heart made him invaluable as judge of the City Court. There are few men who have done more to help to the straight path those who have made a wrong start." Prosecuting Attorney John F. McGrath said: "A man of boundless integrity and of the highest principles, Judge McMahon was an ideal man for the bench. He was scrupulously conscienti- ous, and as honest as the day is long. He meted out justice tempered with mercy, and knew when to extend clemency where it was deserving." Attorney James .\. Pease- ley, prosecuting attorney under Judge Mc-
Mahon, said: "Through coming in con- tact with him daily in the City Court, I was able to gain an intimate acqaintance with him, and it was one I cherished as a leal treasure. He was particularly adapted for the bench, not only because of his fine interpretation of the law, but also because of his personal traits. He was kind, con- siderate and conscientious, quick to pick the deserving from the undeserving of those who were brought before him for trial." Judge William J. Larkin, Jr., as- sociate judge of the City Court, said : "My association with Judge McMahon brought me in contact with a big heart; a heart overflowing with human sympathy and kindness. Many a youth under his guid- ance and advice has started on his life's journey as a law abiding citizen should." Superintendent George M. Beach, of the Police Department. said: "The police have lost a good friend in Judge Mc- Mahon. Many times he objected to the postponement of cases because of the loss of sleep it involved on the night force coming day after day to testify." Rev. Father Fitzimmons thus publicly com- mended his dead parishioner: "They say one's comrades are the best judges of his character and deserts, and surely Judge McMahon's brethren of the legal profes- sion have borne clear and generous testi- mony to his work and influence as a citi- zen, as well as his ability, impartiality and discretion as a judge, and we cordially join our voice to the general chorus of praise, admiration, and gratitude for his noble example and his great and enduring services to this community. As his for- mer pastor, I willingly confess my obliga- tions to him for much loyal and intelligent assistance and cooperation in the mani- fold good works of this parish, and par- ticularly as president of the Holy Name Society. His Christian life combined the humility and simplicity of a child with the
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courage, zeal and enlightened activity of a confessor of the faith, and we will pre- serve his name in benediction and affec- tionate remembrance as long as we live."
HALLAM, Robert William, Cutlery Maker.
Not least among the many industries of Meriden is that of cutlery manufacture, and to that industry Mr. Hallam has given most of the years of his active life. His grandfather, Robert Hallam, was a manufacturer of pocket cutlery in Shef- field, England, where his son, John C. Hallam, was born.
The latter received a good education and a thorough knowledge of the manu- facture of cutlery under his father's in- struction in his native city. At the age of eighteen years he came to America as salesman for his father's wares, and for several years was located in New York City. Being pleased with the country and its people, and perceiving the advantages it offered to young men, he decided to re- main here, and pursued a course of two years in the study of theology, with a view of entering the ministry of the Uni- tarian church. He decided at length, however, to continue in business, and located at Waterbury, Connecticut, where he engaged in the production of pocket cutlery, being the first in the United States to engage in that branch of produc- tion. For sometime he continued this business at Hopewell, and sold out to Hoadley & Company, of Salisbury. Sub- sequently he was active in the organiza- tion of the Northfield Cutlery Company, and was some years one of its stock- holders and directors. Thereafter he was employed in a cutlery shop at Waterville, Connecticut, until his death, in 1880, and was buried in the cemetery at that place. He was a man of the highest character,
possessed of considerable literary ability, and was a frequent contributor to New England periodicals. His family has been known for generations in the world of letters, and one of its members, Henry Hallam, was the author of the "History of the Middle Ages." Arthur H. Hallam, father of the latter, essayist and poet, was an intimate friend of Tennyson, whose celebrated poem "In Memoriam," was written upon the death of Arthur H. Hal- lam. John C. Hallam was firm in the faith of Unitarianism, and compiled a work on its theology, but did not live to see it published. Keenly interested in the progress of the American nation, he acted politically with the Republican party.
His marriage at Boston to Elizabeth Bowles brought him in close relations with a noted literary family, his wife being a sister of Samuel Bowles, editor of the Springfield "Republican." This is a name found in records of times long passed, one appearing in the Roll of Bat- tle Abbey under the spelling Bolls. Un- der the list of conquerors of England under William of Normandy appears the name of Bools. The names of Boll, Bol and Bolle occur frequently in Domesday Book. One family of Bolles, of long standing in the county of Lincoln, was resident there as early as the reign of Henry III., when Alaire, or Alaine Bolle, of Swineshead, was Lord of Swineshead and Bolle Hall in the county of Lincoln. Its principal seat seems to have been Bolle Hall, in Swineshead, until the close of the reign of Edward IV. (A. D., 1483), where the elder branch of the Bolleses be- came settled at Hough, near Alford in Lincolnshire, while a younger branch established itself at Goosberkirke, now Goosberton, in the same county, and from this younger branch descended the baro- nets of Scampton, Lincolnshire. The
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American Bolleses are doubtless descend- ed from this stock, though there is no rec- ord of their English descent. The first of the name to come from. England to America was Joseph Bolles, who first appears of record in 1640, when he was engaged in trade at Winter Harbor, near the mouth of the Saco river, then in the province of Maine. He was afterwards in Wells, Maine, and was town clerk for ten years, during which period the first volume of the town records was con- sumed in his dwelling house, fired by the Indians. He was born 1608, and died at Wells in the fall of 1678. Most of his estate had been given to his children dur- ing his lifetime, but he was possessed of real estate valued at five hundred and thirty pounds at his death. His personal property was appraised at more than three hundred and twelve pounds. Cir- cumstances show that he was a man of high character, respected and esteemed. In 1653 he was appointed clerk of the writs by a court held at Wells. His name appears, wherever written by his own hand, as Bolles, but copyists and record- ing officers have given it a multitude of spellings. It is apparent that he married a daughter of Morgan Howell, who de- vised to Mrs. Bolles and her children all his large estate and appointed her his executrix. Mrs. Hallam was a woman of bright mind and high attainments, a fit companion for her talented husband, a devoted wife and mother, a consistent member of the Protestant Episcopal church. Her death occurred in 1862, at Waterbury, and her body rests beside that of her husband in Waterville. They were the parents of five children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the third and eldest son.
The eldest child, Gertrude Bowles Hal- lam, who became the wife of Charles G. Downs, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, in- herited a talent for letters from both her
parents and is not unknown to literary fame. She died at Los Angeles, Cali- fornia, March 18, 1891, and was interred in Mountain Grove Cemetery, Bridge- port. Like her father she was a frequent contributor to current literature, begin- ning at the age of fourteen years to write verse. Many gems from her pen appeared in the Winsted "Herald," Meriden "Liter- ary Recorder" and Bridgeport "Stand- ard." "Mrs. Downs was a sufferer for several years from ill health, but her cheerful spirit made her a cherished friend to the last, and she penned a num- ber of her compositions in her sick cham- ber." With her pen she earned the beau- tiful home, "Maple Terrace," which she caused to be erected at Seaside Park, near Bridgeport. The following lines serve to show the kind, affectionate, pure nature of her who has gone to "show the way:"
LITTLE CHILDREN. Oh! children fair, With beauty rare,
How drear this earth without them; Their tender eyes, So bright and wise, Bear much of heaven about them.
Their voices sweet, And ways petite,
Their little sayings witty; Their faces bright, With love's own light Naught, so sweet in all the city!
Their dainty feet, Like zephyrs fleet, Skipping lightly o'er the ground ; With dimpled face, And form of grace, What sweeter sight in nature found?
Oh, treasures rare, Beyond compare, Little ones, the Saviour blest, We pray no harm Shall ever come, To these-His arms caressed. -GERTRUDE B. DOWNS.
April 20, 1887.
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Robert William Hallam was born Au- gust 4, 1840, in the city of Waterbury, Connecticut, and was four years of age when his parents removed to Bridgeport, Connecticut. There he passed his boy- hood days, receiving such educational training as the public schools supplied. Before attaining his majority he accom- panied the family to Waterbury, and was there engaged under his father's instruc- tion in learning the art of making cutlery. When he started out to make his own way, at the age of twenty years, in 1860, he was equipped with a sound mind in a sound body, and was fully determined to attain something for himself. He was alert and industrious, and secured the in- evitable reward of his faithfulness and persistence. He at once went to Meri- den, where he found employment as die sinker in the shops of the Meriden Cut- lery Company, at a stipend of one dollar a day. His fifty years of continuous serv- ice in this establishment is ample testi- mony to his industry, faithfulness and upright character. During the last fifteen years of this period he was superintend- ent of the establishment, and retired from active labors in December, 1910. He worked through all the grades of the establishment, mastering every detail, and when he became superintendent of the plant, he was familiar with every part of the work under his supervision. While giving careful attention to his business, Mr. Hallam was faithful to his principles outside of business hours, and did not dissipate his earnings in the frivolities which so often attract young men. It is a matter of just pride that he has never drank liquor, smoked tobacco or used pro- fane language, and his entire example, as well as precept, has been an effort to up- lift others. His record is one of which he may well be proud, and now at the age of seventy-seven years he is living a quiet, contented and peaceful life, enjoying the
fruits of his industry, ability and integ- rity. Naturally Mr. Hallam became popu- lar, not only with the employees, but with the directors of the company which he served, as well as with all whom he met, because of his genial nature and universal fairness. The American youth, who seeks too often for some short road to wealth, may well profit by Mr. Hallam's example. It was by patient endeavor, and satisfac- tion with steady, though slow, rewards, that he worked his way up from a humble laborer to his later station, in charge of over two hundred workmen, whose re- spect and esteem he enjoyed and de- served. In the course of his arduous labors, Mr. Hallam did not overlook the value of mental training, and continued to study, so that he largely made up for his lack of early education, and he is fitted to mingle with the great current of social and literary life in the world. Being of a studious mind, he finds recreation in his own library and home, and has never sought political honors or emoluments, though he seeks to perform his duty as a citizen and acts with the Republican party. He has always maintained mem- bership in the Congregational church, of which his wife was a faithful member during her lifetime. For many years he was chairman of the board of trustees of the South Meriden Congregational Church, and on its disbandment he joined in support of an Episcopal Mission estab- lished at South Meriden, to which he was a liberal contributor. He was also identi- fied with the Order of United American Mechanics. He was a charter member of the local lodge of the Improved Order of Red Men, and a member of the Order of Eagles, but has now retired from all these. After his retirement in 1910, Mr. Hallam made a trip to Europe, accom- panied by his wife, during which they traversed ten countries of that continent. This was their second trip abroad. In
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