USA > Connecticut > Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography, genealogical-memorial; representative citizens, v. 9 > Part 30
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Mr. Turbert married Eleanor Dillon, daughter of James H. Dillon, and they were the parents of two children: Ed- ward J., Jr. and Mary. With his family Dr. Turbert attends Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church.
LAWTON, James,
Business Man.
One of the most substantial and promi- nent business men of the city of Middle- town, Connecticut, Mr. Lawton owes all that he has achieved to his own unaided efforts, so that he deserves in its best sense, the appellation of a self-made man. He began with scarcely any thing, and has developed, not only in the matter of business, but in the public and private life of his community as well. The best asset in a community is its strong men, men of honor and integrity, the type of men who realize that success depends upon character as well as upon knowl- edge.
Patrick Lawton, father of James Law-
Conn-10-14
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ton, was a native of County Cork, Ire- land. He came to America about 1833, settling at Portland, Connecticut, where he worked in the stone quarries. While in the prime of his life, Mr. Lawton was called by death, in November, 1859. His premature decease left a saddened family, consisting of the mother, who was Margaret Barry, also a native of County Cork, and five children. The only daughter of this marriage, Mary, died at the age of twenty years. Michael W., the eldest son, was a very active citizen of Middletown; served several years as se- lectman, as member of the City Council; and as representative in the Legislature. He was appointed by the governor as trustee of the State prison at Wethers- field, and served faithfully and with credit. He was a member of St. John's Roman Catholic Church and of the Knights of Columbus. He married Mary Murray, daughter of Patrick and Mar- garet (Keogan) Murray, and sister of Mrs. James Lawton. She is now de- ceased. James, receives extended men- tion below. John, died in early manhood. The others died in infancy.
The mother of this family came to America with her husband, and through the years of her widowhood was a faith- ful, loving mother, devoted to her chil- dren and their interests. She died in 1898, having lived to see her sons suc- cessful business men.
James Lawton, who is more particu- larly the subject of this review, was born August 12, 1842, in Portland, Connecticut. His elementary education was received in the public and parochial schools of Port- land, and Middletown. Upon leaving school, he secured employment in a cigar factory which was followed by a clerk- ship in a grocery store. In both of these positions Mr. Lawton devoted his energy to the business in hand, and was quick to
perceive and learn. By his thrift and in- dustry he was in a position to engage in business on his own account in 1867, starting with a small grocery store. For thirty-five years, a really remarkable record, Mr. Lawton continued actively en- gaged in this business. The friends he gained through his uprightness and busi- ness integrity were legion. In 1902 he widened his scope of business, by pur- chasing the retail coal business and in- surance agency of his deceased brother, Michael W. Lawton. Mr. Lawton took into partnership with him at this time, his son, Walter F., and the business is con- ducted under the name "James Lawton & Son."
Mr. Lawton married Katharine M. Murray, daughter of Patrick and Mar- garet (Keogan) Murray. Mr. and Mrs. Murray were also the parents of the fol- lowing children : Margaret, died in 1919; Mary, wife of Michael W. Lawton, brother of the subject, James Lawton; Josephine, married John Cox of Bos- ton. Mr. and Mrs. James Lawton are the parents of the following children: I. Mary E., an instructor in the Middletown public schools. 2. James A., a practicing dentist of Middletown. 3. Michael George, a graduate of Wesleyan University, Mid- dletown, now an expert accountant in New York City. 4. Walter F., associated in business with his father, above men- tioned. 5. Marguerite G., the wife of Patrick B. O'Sullivan, an attorney of Derby, Connecticut. Mrs. O'Sullivan is a graduate of Wesleyan University, and previous to her marriage was an instruc- tor, in the Norwich Free Academy, Nor- wich, Connecticut, and prior to that was at Newtown, Connecticut. She is the mother of two sons, Thomas Jefferson and James Lawton O'Sullivan. 6. Kath- arine, unmarried, an instructor in Middle- town public schools. 7. Joseph I., teller
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ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
in the Middletown National Bank. 8. ' Leo Paul, an expert accountant in New York City. Joseph I. and Leo Paul served their country in the World War, the former in the army, and the latter in the Naval Reserve Force.
Mr. Lawton has been a life-long Dem- ocrat, and has several times been called upon to serve his city and State. He was a member of the Legislature for two terms, 1881 and 1882, discharging his duties in a manner which brought satis- faction to its constituents. For two de- cades he has been a member of the Water Board, and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce of Middletown. With his family he is a regular attendant of St. John's Roman Catholic Church, and is a member of Council No. 3, Knights of Columbus, and also a trustee of St. John's Parish Corporation.
Despite his advanced age Mr. Lawton is active and exceptionally well pre- served. Time has dealt gently with him, and his hair, which is thick and heavy, is hardly tinged with gray. He is a familiar figure to many of the older residents, and wherever he goes he is welcomed for his geniality. To the youth who aspires, there is much in the life and career of Mr. Lawton, worthy of emulation.
O'BRIEN, Dennis,
Contracting Builder.
Many of the principal buildings in Middletown and vicinity have been erected by this industrious worker, who has made his way entirely since coming to this country as a young man. He was born August 16, 1849, in the town of Clonokeltz, county Cork, Ireland, a son of Patrick and Honora (Donovan) O'Brien. The father was a mason builder and died in Ireland, after which his widow with two sons and a daughter came to
America. One daughter had married and came to this country before that and the family immediately located in Middle- town in 1871. Dennis O'Brien at that time was twenty-two years of age and had become master of the mason's trade under his father's instructions. Within a few years the mother died at the age of eighty years. The daughter, Mary, the eldest child, passed her last years with the brother, Dennis, and died in October, 1918. The third child, Eugene O'Brien, lived in Philadelphia, where he died ; Catherine, widow of John Hennessey, re- sides in Middletown.
Dennis O'Brien attended school until fourteen years of age, at which time he was given his preference of continuing or of going to work. His father admon- ished him that he would rue it if he did not continue in school, but he had no taste for books and entered keenly upon the task of mastering the mason's trade. After he had been in Middletown three years, he began taking contracts for mason work, and has since continued there with great success. In 1911 he formed a corporation, including all his four children, of which the father is the president. One of his greatest operations was the construction of the various mod- ern mills of the Russell Manufacturing Company, including some sixteen acres of floor space. Other buildings constructed by Mr. O'Brien were St. Joseph's School and Convent Chapel, St. Mary's School of Portland, the handsome residence of T. M. Russell and that of Colonel Joseph Wadsworth of West Long Hill. He also constructed the factories of the Royal Typewriter Company and the Majestic Theatre in Hartford. These are only a few of the many buildings erected by Mr. O'Brien during his long and busy life. He is now chiefly retired from activity, but retains a keen interest in all the affairs
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of the day. He and all the members of his family are members of St. John's Roman Catholic Church of Middletown. He is a member of the local lodges of the Knights of Columbus and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Politically, he is a staunch supporter of Republican prin- ciples, but has never desired nor accepted any nomination for office. In his busy life, there was no time for matters of this kind. Mr. O'Brien is a man of genial nature and affable manners and is popular among a wide circle of acquaintances. His life has been one of industry, sterling integrity and cheerful promotion of the public interests.
Dennis O'Brien married, in 1882, Nora Murphy, born in the city of Cork, Ire- land, daughter of John Murphy. She is deceased. Their children are: Margaret, Patrick, Stephen, Dennis J., and Eugene John. The daughter makes pleasant the declining years of her father by caring for his household. The sons are all actively engaged in prosecuting the building busi- ness, and are among the esteemed resi- dents of Middletown.
MUNSON, Edward Henry, Real Estate and Insurance Agent.
A prominent citizen of New Britain, Connecticut, and a worthy scion of an old and honored family, Edward Henry Munson was born in Hamilton, New York, July 7, 1846, son of Edward Wales and Althea A. (Jones) Munson, and a direct descendant of the immigrant, Thomas Munson.
(1) The latter was born in England about 1612, and his first appearance in this country was in 1637, when he is listed as a resident of Hartford, Connecticut. He performed valorous duty in the Pe- quot War in that year, and record is found of him on several occasions subsequent to this time in civil and military service. He
was granted land for his services, and be- fore February, 1640, removed with others to Quinnipiac. In 1642 Thomas Munson served as sergeant of the train-band holding this office for nineteen years. He was very active in town affairs and held numerous offices. He also saw active service during King Philip's War, and was in command of the forces which marched to Northfield, and when it was decided that a standing army should be raised, he was appointed captain. He married Joanna, born about 1610, died December 13, 1678. Thomas Munson died May 7, 1685. He was buried on the Green, and his monument can be seen in the Grove street burial ground.
(II) Samuel Munson, son of Thomas and Joanna Munson, was born the eldest son of the family. He was baptized Au- gust 7, 1643, and died between January IO and March 2, 1693. In 1667 he was made a freeman of New Haven, Connecti- cut, and was one of the founders of the plantation of Wallingford, Connecticut, of which town, in 1679, he was the first schoolmaster. Samuel Munson also held several town offices and served in King Philip's War. In 1684, he was made rec- tor of the famous Hopkins Grammar School. He married, October 26, 1665, Martha Bradley, daughter of William and Alice (Pritchard) Bradley.
(III) Theophilus Munson, son of Sam- uel and Martha (Bradley) Munson, was born September 1, 1675, and died Novem- ber 28, 1747. He was a locksmith, and lived at New Haven, Connecticut. He married Esther Mix, daughter of John Mix, and she died September 16, 1746.
(IV) Daniel Munson, son of Theo- philus and Esther (Mix) Munson, was born January 12, 1708-09, and died June 21, 1746. He was the first of the Amer- ican Munsons to become a physician, and graduated from Yale College in 1726,
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with the degree of A. B., receiving his degree of A. M. three years later. Dr. Munson married, April 27, 1730, Mary Gorham, daughter of Joseph Gorham, of Stratford.
(V) Daniel (2) Munson, son of Daniel (1) and Mary (Gorham) Munson, was born April 4, 1745, and died October 27, 1827. As early as 1782 he was settled in Milford, Connecticut, and married, May 22, 1766, Mary Sears, whose death oc- curred in October, 1833.
(VI) Ransom Munson, son of Daniel (2) and Mary (Sears) Munson, was born June 8, 1789, in Milford, Connecticut, and died February 9, 1830, in Westville, Con- necticut ; he was a bootmaker, and in poli- tics a Whig. For many years he lived in Canton, Connecticut, and married, No- vember 24, 1810, Charlotte Jenneat Way, daughter of Jacob Way, of Westville, born April 4, 1789, died January 22, 1865, in Southbury, Connecticut.
(VII) Edward Wales Munson, son of Ransom and Charlotte J. (Way) Munson, was born July 14, 1818, and died in Meri- den, Connecticut, July 13, 1889. His younger days were spent in the business of carriage and wagon building, and after his marriage he engaged in this business on his own account in Hamilton, New York. In 1856 Mr. Munson was ap- pointed a keeper at Sing Sing Prison, remaining there for seven years, and then engaged in business in the same town, although he only remained a year. In 1864 Mr. Munson went to Waterbury, Connecticut, and there brought into play the mechanical skill he learned in earlier years and followed the trade of carpenter in Benedict & Burnham's factory. After about two years he entered the plant of the Smith Company, as carpenter, and in 1872 became associated with Bradley & Hubbard, prominent carriage manufac-
turers of that day, at Meriden, and there continued until his death.
In politics Mr. Munson was a Republi- can, and was a member of the City Coun- cil for two years, 1878-1880. He was an ardent worker for his party, but not a seeker for office, and in early days had been a strong Abolitionist. Fraternally he was a member of the Masonic order in Hamilton, and of the Senior Order United American Mechanics, in Meriden, in which organization he was very promi- nent.
Mr. Munson married, at Killingworth, Connecticut, July 9, 1837, Aletha Ann Jones, daughter of Daniel Jones, born in Essex, Connecticut, and they were the parents of the following children : I. Adelaide A., born September 15, 1841, at Oxford, New York ; married Thomas Ash, of Sing Sing, New York, and both are now deceased. 2. Emeline N., born De- cember 14, 1843, at Hamilton, New York; married, April 20, 1865, Theodore Mal- lory, of Southbury, Connecticut, and both are now deceased. 3. Edward Henry, of further mention. 4. Charlotte A., born October 12, 1848, at Hamilton, New York; married Miles L. Pritchard, of Waterbury, Connecticut, and both are now deceased. 5. Bertha A., born Sep- tember 13, 1851 ; married Amasa Mack, both deceased. 6. Mary A., born Septem- ber 22, 1853, at Hamilton, New York; married Henry C. Hennigan, of Meriden, Connecticut. 7. Harriet E., born June 7, 1855; married, May 16, 1877, Herbert C. Frisbie, of Meriden. 8. Lillian, born at Sing Sing, New York, August 31, 1858; married (first) Edward C. Hull, and at his death she married (second) Zachary T. Strong, of New Haven, Connecticut. 9. Charles D., born August 25, 1860, at Sing Sing; married Minnie H. Curtis, of New Haven. 10. Helen C., born August 23, 1862, at Sing Sing ; married Harrie H.
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ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
Munger, of Meriden. With his family Mr. Munson attended the Methodist Episcopal church of which he was a lay preacher.
(VIII) Edward Henry Munson at- tended the public schools and after com- pleting his schooling drove a team for a time; he had always been a great lover of horses and naturally turned to this line of work. The Civil War coming on at about this time caused him to leave and enlist ; he was a member of Company H, 32nd New York Volunteer Infantry, serv- ing a little over a year, when he was transferred to the 12Ist Regiment ; he was a member of the Grand Army of the Re- public Post in Meriden.
Subsequent to the war, Mr. Munson went to work for Holmes, Booth & Hay- den, of Waterbury, Connecticut, where he learned the trade of machinist and tool maker, thence going to New York City, where he was a foreman in a shop there for some time. Mr. Munson next went to Meriden, Connecticut, where for twenty-two years he followed his trade with different concerns, part of the time as foreman and part of the time in busi- ness for himself. He manufactured a paper box covering machine. Mr. Mun- son came to New Britain in the early eighties and was employed by the Stan- ley Works for two years, when he formed a partnership with John M. Brady, under the firm name of Brady & Munson, this arrangement continuing about a year, when Mr. Munson withdrew to enter the real estate and insurance business on his own account and in which he has engaged with gratifying success, handling all kinds of insurance.
In politics Mr. Munson is a Republican and keenly interested in all matters of public welfare; he has played an influ- ential part in local party affairs, but is not a seeker for public office on his own
account. He is a member of Harmony Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of New Britain.
On March 25, 1866, he married (first) Emily Jane Tuttle, daughter of Philo Tuttle, of Woodbury, Connecticut, born February 15, 1845, died July 7, 1870, leav- ing no children; he married (second), July II, 1878, Rebecca A. Hayes, daugh- ter of John Hayes, a native of England, and by this marriage there were two chil- dren : Edward J., assistant postmaster of New Britain ; and Alice, wife of William Cottrell, and the mother of two children.
RILEY, DeWitt Atwater,
Business Man.
One of the younger business men of New Britain who has made a success of his chosen calling is DeWitt Atwater Riley, also a scion of two of the oldest families of that vicinity. He was born in the neighboring town of Berlin, February 19, 1891, son of William H. and Carrie Isabel (Atwater) Riley, and grandson of William H. Riley.
His father, William H. Riley, was born in Berlin, Connecticut, and died in 1895. He was engaged in business as a buyer of steel for the American Bridge Com- pany, and fraternally was a member of the Masonic order in Portland, and of the Royal Arch Masons Chapter there. He married Carrie I. Atwater, daughter of Mary Jane (Sage) and Bryan A. Atwater, born in Brooklyn, New York. The At- water residence in Berlin is a famous landmark, and was long known as the Fuller Tavern. Mr. and Mrs. Riley were the parents of three children: Pauline Sessions, wife of Norman Bigelow, and residents of Berlin, Connecticut ; Ann, married Albert Scripture and is the mother of Barbara Scripture ; DeWitt A., of further mention. Mr. Riley and
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his family attended the Congregational church of Berlin.
DeWitt Atwater Riley was educated in the public schools, and graduated from the New Britain High School, class of 1912. He entered the employ of the Aetna Life Insurance Company for about one and one half years, and was then in the employ of Charles Gillin, of New Britain, who was in the insurance busi- ness also. After four months he left Mr. Gillin's employ, and started in for him- self as an agent to sell real estate, also engaging in all lines of insurance. Mr. Riley embarked on his venture with a very meagre knowledge of the real estate business, but with the basis of square dealing, and along these lines he has built up a most successful business, and has overcome every obstacle and handi- cap, by courteous and intelligent service.
He is a member of Centennial Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of New Britain; and of Aziz Grotto. Mr. Riley married Helen Eaton, daughter of Bertha (Hamlin) and William S. Eaton, of Plainville. They are the parents of a son, William Eaton Riley, born Septem- ber 10, 1920. They attend the Congrega- tional church.
DELANEY, William Francis, Lawyer, Public Official.
It seems very fitting to find the holders of public office in a city the native sons of that city, as is the case with William Francis Delaney, postmaster of New Britain, Connecticut. He was born there August 23, 1870, son of Edward and Margaret (McMahon) Delaney, and grandson of Dr. James Delaney. The latter practiced medicine all his lifetime in Ballacolla, a profession which his an- cestors had followed for generations, this
branch of the Delaney family being known far and wide as physicians.
Edward Delaney, son of Dr. James Delaney, was born in Ballacolla Parish of Upperwoods, County Queens, Ireland, and died at the age of sixty years, in 1899. When a boy of fifteen or sixteen he came to America and located on Staten Island, soon removing to Waterbury, Connecti- cut, where he worked in a factory, mak- ing leather powder flasks. From there he removed to Farmington, and there en- gaged in farming until 1865, when he bought the homestead, which is now occupied by his daughter, Mrs. W. J. Farley, in New Britain, and during the remainder of his life was engaged in truck gardening there. Mr. Delaney married Margaret McMahon, and they were the parents of four children, of whom the three following grew to maturity: Wil- liam Francis, of further mention; Maria, wife of George W. Moffatt, of New Britain ; and Sarah E., wife of W. J. Far- ley, of New Britain. The family have always been members of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church of New Britain. Mrs. Delaney died in March, 1912, at the age of seventy-three years.
William F. Delaney attended the pub- lic schools of New Britain, Connecticut, and graduated from the high school in 1899. He then matriculated at the Uni- versity of Niagara Law School, which was changed in name to the University of Buffalo Law School, from which he was graduated LL. B. in 1902. After a year's clerkship in Connecticut, to comply with the legal requirements, Mr. Delaney was admitted to the bar in 1903. He was in the office of Judge Bernard F. Gaffney, and after two years there, opened an office of his own. Until 1912 he was engaged in general practice, and in the latter year became associated with William F. Man- gan.
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In politics Mr. Delaney is a Democrat and has been one of the most active citi- zens of New Britain in public affairs. In 1896-97-98 he was a member of the Com- mon Council ; town auditor, 1897-99 ; clerk of the Board of Selectmen from October, 1898, to May, 1906, when the town and city governments were consolidated. During all this time Mr. Delaney was associated with the Democratic Town Committee, either as secretary or chairman. In 1915 he was appointed postmaster by President Woodrow Wil- son, and in order to give his undivided attention to the duties of this office, Mr. Delaney temporarily gave up his law practice.
Mr. Delaney served on all the Liberty Loan committees and was one of the "four-minute" speakers during the World War. He is a wide reader, a student of the best in literature, and is known as one of the best-read men in New Britain. This gift gives quality to his public speaking and writing, and he is always in demand at public gatherings.
Mr. Delaney's fraternal affiliations are with the following: He is past grand knight of Carmody Council, Knights of Columbus, which with Ferdinand and New Britain Councils were united to make Daly Council, of which he is now a member; he was grand chief ranger of the Foresters of America from 1899 to 1901, and was the first New Britain mem- ber to gain that recognition; is past exalted ruler of the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks of New Britain, which office he held from 1911 to 1912. Mr. Delaney is also a member of a num- ber of local clubs. He is president of the Young Men's Total Abstinence and Ben- evolent Society.
Mr. Delaney has always taken a keen interest in athletics, baseball and the run- ning track being his special interests in
this line at school. Since that time he has frequently coached the local high school teams and represented the Ama- teur Athletic Union in his district for several years.
Mr. Delaney married, October 9, 1900, Anna E. McCabe, daughter of Patrick and Catherine (Coogan) McCabe, and they are the parents of two sons: Fran- cis W., born July 15, 1902, now a senior in the New Britain High School; and Ed- ward Patrick, born July 14, 1904. The family attend and aid in the support of St. Joseph's Parish of New Britain.
ZIMMERMAN, Frank M.,
Business Man.
The Zimmerman family, of which Frank M. Zimmerman, a leading New Britain business man, is a scion, was founded in Connecticut by the father, Matthias Zim- merman. The family, one of excellent standing, was long established in Bous, Rhine Province, Germany. The sur- name is derived from occupation, being formed from the two German words, zim- mer, meaning timber, and mann, meaning man, and was a name given to one who followed the trade of carpenter.
Matthias Zimmerman was born in Bous, Rhine Province, Germany, April 2, 1839. He married in 1867 and came to America in 1870, locating in New Britain, Connec- ticut, where an uncle already resided. During all the years of his active working life Mr. Zimmerman was employed by the Stanley Works of New Britain, but was forced to discontinue his labors a few years before his death because of ill health. He took much interest in the pub- lic affairs of his adopted land and served as a member of the Common Council for two terms.
Mr. Zimmerman was a member of the old German Benevolent Society; of the
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