USA > Connecticut > Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography, genealogical-memorial; representative citizens, v. 8 > Part 49
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On March 3, 1861, Mr. Gillespie was married, in New York City, to Elizabeth J. Reilly, of New York. This union was
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blessed with two sons : Edward F. W. and George R., and two daughters: Mary L. and Lillian M.
Mr. Gillespie's creed-and his practice was in accord with it-the message which he sought always and everywhere to pro- claim, and which is universal in its ap- plication, is summed up in the following brief quotation from his lecture on Ire- land :
The promulgation of the gospel of peace and good will, of kindly spirit, and the brotherhood of mankind, is to be the gospel of salvation for Ire- land. If men only understood the true relation- ship there exists between them as children of a Universal Father, and practised the Golden Rule of life as taught by Him "who spake as never man spake," if they only brought to bear on the settlement of all disagreements the all-conquering power of fraternal love, how quickly would the still open wounds of centuries be healed, the transmitted sores and heartburnings of genera- tions, long sleeping in their native clay, be dried up and assuaged by the soothing potency of the truth-practiced and believed-that God is our Father, and all we are brethren.
GILLESPIE, Edward T. W., Journalist.
As editor of the "Stamford Advocate," Mr. Gillespie has for more than half a century wielded an influence which has rendered him one of the political and in- tellectual forces of his community and his State. As president of the widely known firm of Gillespie Brothers, Inc., he is numbered among the leading busi- ness men of the city of Stamford, Con- necticut.
Edward T. W. Gillespie, son of John (2) and Mary J. (Cunningham) Gillespie (q. v.), was born August 27, 1841. He received his preliminary education under the tuition of his parents. In 1856 he and his brother, William W. Gillespie, ac- companied an uncle to Canada, settling in Guelph, Ontario, where their brother
John was already established in business as a merchant. By this elder brother Mr. Gillespie was employed as a clerk until 1859, when he removed to New York City, at which port he had landed upon arriving in the New World. For a time he was employed as a clerk in mercantile estab- lishments, but it was not long before he found an opening into that sphere of action for which Nature had especially designed him. This opening was a hum- ble position in the pressroom of an old paper called "Vanity Fair," but his stay there was of short duration. Early in 1860 his brother, William W. Gillespie, came to Stamford, Connecticut, and en- tered the office of the "Weekly Advocate" as foreman. His fitness for the work quickly became apparent, and in the au- tumn of the same year he induced his mother and his brother Edward T. W. to make Stamford their home.
This removal might be called the turn- ing point in Mr. Gillespie's life. The lit- tle village weekly, which had been established in 1829, was known as the "Stamford Advocate," and was one of the oldest newspapers in the State. In Oc- tober, 1862, Mr. Gillespie wrote his first article for the paper. It was entitled "A Visit to the Seat of War," and from that time forth he assumed the editorial man- agement. During the many years which have since elapsed he has devoted the best that was in him to furthering what appeared to him to be the highest inter- ests of the city. Possessed of natural literary talent and having a strong liking for the work, he cultivated his gift by years of assiduous, practical endeavor in the development of his newspaper. Al- ways a fluent and forceful writer, his evident sincerity of purpose has given weight to his editorials, carrying convic- tion to his readers. With his powers as a reasoner he combines the poetic gift,
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and when he gives ear to its promptings the product of his pen is graceful and in- spiring. Nor is Mr. Gillespie lacking in a sense of humor. His ready wit and his inexhaustible fund of anecdote contribute greatly to the entertainment and happi- ness of every gathering at which he is present, and his keen sympathies make him a friend well worth having in time of need.
With advancing years Mr. Gillespie has gradually permitted the burden of his strenuous duties to fall upon younger shoulders, but with interest unabated and mind as keen and alert as ever he con- tinues to write, as the spirit moves him, virile editorials on topics of current inter- est that attract wide attention. For a number of years Mr. Gillespie has been president of Gillespie Brothers, Inc., who in addition to publishing the "Stamford Advocate" operate one of the best equipped printing plants in Connecticut and carry on a large retail stationery business. His brother, William W. Gil- lespie, was connected with the firm for nearly twenty years, and when he with- drew, in 1883, the business was taken over by Edward T. W. and Richard H. Gilles- pie. In June, 1906, it was incorporated under its present title.
During the half century and more of his residence in Stamford, Mr. Gillespie has witnessed the marvellous growth of every department of the city's life. One instance in his own career forcibly illus- trates this. From 1865 to 1867 he served as Postmaster Daskam's assistant, and by these two all the work of the office was accomplished. There are today seventy- eight men on the payroll of the Stamford Post Office. The only fraternal affilia- tion of Mr. Gillespie is with Rippowam Lodge, No. 24, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and his only club is the Stamford Yacht. He is vice-president of the Stam-
ford Historical Society, and he attends and contributes to the support of the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Gillespie married, September 12, 1872, Emma Meudell, daughter of Wil- liam F. and Margaret (Mitchell) Meudell. Mr. Meudell was for many years collector of the port of Toronto. Mr. and Mrs. Gillespie are the parents of the following children: I. Edward Lathrop, graduated from Yale University in the class of 1903, and is also a graduate of the Law School of the New York University ; now a resi- dent of San Francisco, California. 2. Gardner Wynne. 3. May L. 4. Evelyn C. 5. Dorothy R., graduated at the Nor- mal School, New Britain, and is now a teacher in the Stamford public schools.
The memories of Mr. Gillespie, enriched by the experiences of long and wide ac- quaintance with men and affairs, embrace a period of more than three score years, one of the momentous eras in our national history, and throughout this long ex- tended time his attitude toward the great problems presented for solution to three successive generations has been that of a man whose fidelity to high ideals has inspired his pen and determined every action of his daily life.
GILLESPIE, Richard H.,
Printer, Publisher.
The debt which America owes to its citizens of Scotch-Irish ancestry is widely recognized and is past computation. Characterized by deep piety, thrift, ambi- tion and industry, immigrants of this sturdy race, cherishing the same ideals of freedom, religious and personal, as brought the Pilgrims and Puritans to our shores, have never needed to be assimi- lated ; they are naturally one with us. Of such stock came the late Richard H. Gil- lespie. He was born in Collon, County
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Louth, Ireland, August 13, 1848, son of John (2) and Mary J. (Cunningham) Gil- lespie (q. v.).
Richard H. Gillespie went to Brooklyn with his mother, and was employed in various lines of business for some years. He then returned to Canada and with his brothers established a hay pressing busi- ness in Hespeler. Some years later he removed to Stamford, Connecticut, where members of the family were already resi- dent, and became a clerk in the grocery store of A. G. Weed & Company. Later he became a member of the firm of Gil- lespie Brothers. When the business was incorporated in 1906, he became vice- president, treasurer and general manager. At the time he became a member of the firm, the "Stamford Advocate" was a weekly newspaper, and the job printing business, while satisfactory in volume for those days, would now seem to be a small business. From that time on the enter- prise had a healthy, steady growth until it reached a high position among the lead- ing printing establishments in that part of the State. In 1892 the paper became a daily, and in 1895 the company erected its present commodious three-story build- ing on Atlantic street. Those who are in a position to know credit the develop- ment of the business largely to his energy, enterprise, industry and business sagacity. Among the master printers of Connec- ticut he was recognized as a leader in the industry. His thoughtful solicitude for all in his employ, the kindness and gen- erosity that were part of his nature, his true friendship and his loyalty to all that was right and noble, and above all his cheerfulness and industry, will ever be remembered by those who were associ- ated with him.
Notwithstanding the exacting demands upon his time and attention made by his newspaper and printing business, Mr. Gil-
lespie found time to interest himself in public affairs. He was an active and use- ful leader in numerous movements for the general benefit of the community. His sound business judgment and diplomacy, coupled with unswerving loyalty to what he considered to be the right, made his counsel sought by important business in- terests. He was an active member of the organization of master printers known as The Typothetae, and his death occurred on September 7, 1911, while he was at- tending as a delegate the convention of that organization held in Denver. He was vice-president of the Fidelity Title and Trust Company of Stamford ; presi- dent of the Shippan Point Improvement Association from the date of its organiza- tion, and was identified with numerous other business and social organizations.
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 January 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, IgII; 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.W.
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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.
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