USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Bridgeport > History of Bridgeport and vicinity > Part 38
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Mr. Flanagan was married in Danbury to Miss Mary A. Ginty, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Ginty, still residents of Danbury. Mr. Flanagan is a communicant of the St. Augustine Roman Catholic church and is well known in fraternal circles, belonging to the Elks, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Knights of Columbus, the Knights of St. Patrick, St. Joseph's T. B. & L. Association. He also holds membership in the Seaside Club and his large capacity for friendship has made him popular both within and without those organizations.
ERNEST ORTLEPP.
Ernest Ortlepp is one of the oldest undertakers of Bridgeport in years of continuous connection with the business here and he also conducts an upholstering and mattress estab- lishment at No. 2057 Main street. He was born in New York city, May 31, 1857. His parents were natives of Germany and the mother's death occurred in New York city, while the father passed away in Bridgeport.
After acquiring his education in public and private schools at New York, Ernest Ortlepp removed to Bridgeport in 1885, when about twenty-eight years of age, and through the intervening period, covering almost a third of a century, has here made his home. He started in the furniture and undertaking business with his father and brother William H., now deceased, on Stratford avenue and there remained until 1897, when a removal was made to State street. Their next location was on Main street, after which the business was again conducted on Stratford avenue. In fact throughout the entire intervening period the store on Stratford avenue had been maintained, the other establishments being conducted as branch stores. From the beginning their trade steadily grew and their developing interests made theirs one of the most important furniture establishments of the city. In 1902 Ernest Ortlepp purchased the business following the death of his father and brother and removed his business to Burroughs street, while four years ago he located at his present place of business at No. 2057 Main street. There he has a well appointed upholstering and undertaking establishment, carrying a large and carefully selected line of upholstering goods and undertaking supplies. He attends to all the embalming personally and both branches of his business are now being liberally patronized. He is today one of the three oldest undertakers of Bridgeport and has officiated at hundreds of funerals in this city. He is now secretary of the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association, which position he has occupied for eight years.
Mr. Ortlepp has been married twice. He wedded Elizabeth Clinton, a native of New York city, and they became the parents of four children, Charlotte M., Elizabeth, Ernest
ERNEST ORTLEPP
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and Frederick, all yet living. For his second wife Mr. Ortlepp chose Laura Elizabeth Clarke, a representative of an early Bridgeport family and also a member of the famous Rogers family of New London. They have one child, William H., who is now a pupil in the Bridge- port high school and an active boy scout, being scribe of Troop No. 22, B. S. A.
Mr. Ortlepp has an interesting military chapter in his life history, having served for four years as a member of Company B, Fourth Regiment of the Connecticut National Guard, at the end of which time he was honorably discharged. He is prominently known in club circles and has been a loyal adherent of various lodges and societies. He holds membership with the Masons, is a prominent Odd Fellow, having been past noble grand of the local lodge and a member of the Grand Lodge, is a past sachem of the United Order of Red Men and a member of the Grand Lodge, was the first chaplain of the Order of Moose in Bridgeport and is third vice president of the German-American Alliance. He likewise has membership with the Modern Woodmen of America and with the Brotherhood of America. His religious faith is that of the German Evangelical Lutheran church, in which he is past deacon and president of the congregation. He guides his life according to its teachings and is a man whose many admirable traits of character have gained for him the respect and confidence of all with whom be has been brought in contact.
SAMUEL H. PEEL.
Samuel H. Peel is at the head of the firm of S. H. Peel & Company, engaged in plumb- ing, tinning, gas fitting and copper work in Bridgeport. He was born in England, June 11, 1878, a son of George and Sarah Peel. His mother died in England and his father afterward came to the new world, crossing the Atlantic in 1883. He located at Springfield, Massa- chusetts, where he conducted business as a contractor.
Samuel H. Peel acquired a public school education and then began qualifying for life's practical and responsible duties by learning the plumbing trade. He first started in business on his own account at Hartford in 1899 and in 1903 he removed to Bridgeport, where he entered the employ of Henry Bentelspacher. He remained in that connection until 1911, when he purchased the business, which is located at No. 235 Middle street. The company do all kinds of sheet metal, plumbing and copper work and deal in plumbing supplies. They make a specialty of beer work and beer pumps and they employ three skilled mechanics.
In 1900 Mr. Peel was married at Rockville, Connecticut, to Miss Bertha Kuhnly, who was born in this state. He has never had occasion to regret his removal to the new world, for here he has found excellent business opportunities and in their utilization has worked his way steadily upward.
PETER F. HUNT.
Peter F. Hunt, station master for the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railway at Bridgeport for the past twenty-eight years, has made an unusual record for length and efficiency of service. He was born in Dover Plains, New York, in 1860, and is a son of Terrance and Mary Hunt. He attended the public schools of his native town until he was seventeen years old and then learned telegraphy. For four years he was operator for the Harlem road, but in 1882 entered the employ of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railway as night telegraph operator in Bridgeport. During the intervening thirty-five years he has been the representative of that road at Bridgeport and he was given charge of the first signal tower built in the city. This structure was located at the bridge, the only Vol. IT-16
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drawbridge then in Bridgeport, and Mr. Hunt was stationed in the tower for three years. In 1889 he was appointed station master and is still filling that position. During his period of service the old station has been torn down, a temporary station erected and the present modern station completed and occupied. When he first became station master there was only one track, which was on the street grade, and the employes at the station ranged from three to five, while now there are many tracks, all of which are elevated, and the employes number forty-five. As the amount of traffic handled bas grown his duties have increased in difficulty and in responsibility but he has proved more than equal to all the demands made upon his executive ability and has received the commendation of his superior officers.
Mr. Hunt was married in 1883 to Miss Libby Cox, of New York state, and they have a son, Harold James, who is a native of Bridgeport, is a graduate of the high school here and also of the Jones Private Academy and is now connected with the West End plant of the Crane Valve Company.
In politics Mr. Hunt is independent and has never been an aspirant for office. In religious faith he is a Roman Catholic and he takes a commendable interest in the work of the church. He has a wide acquaintance in the city and is beld in bigh esteem.
EDWARD R. HAMPTON.
Opportunity has ever been a call to action with Edward R. Hampton and in his business career he has advanced steadily step by step until he is now secretary of the Fairfield Automobile Company of Bridgeport, his native city. He was born October 21, 1877, and is a son of John and Idell (Hentz) Hampton, who were natives of New York. The father was engaged in the furniture business but is now deceased. The mother, however, still surives.
Edward R. Hampton was graduated from the high school of Bridgeport and then took up the study of law, continuing his reading under the direction of Albert J. Merritt until his admission to the bar in 1907. In 1909 he became connected with the Fairfield Auto- mobile Company, with which he has since been identified, and at the present time he occupies the position of secretary.
In 1904 Mr. Hampton was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Rubey, of Bridgeport, a daughter of Albert Burr Rubey, and they have two children, John Henry and Edward R., Jr. Mr. Hampton is a member of the Masonie fraternity, in which he has taken the degrees of lodge, chapter and commandery, and he is likewise a member of the Mystic Shrine. He is also well known in club circles as a member of the Algonquin and Seaside Gun Clubs and he has a wide and favorable acquaintance in Bridgeport, where his entire life has been passed, the high regard entertained for him being indisputable evidence of a well spent career.
EDWARD SYLVESTER SMITH, M. D.
For more than a quarter of a century Dr. Edward Sylvester Smith has continuously engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Bridgeport, where he opened an office in 1890. Through the intervening period he has steadily progressed and that he is a prominent representative of his school of practice is indicated in the fact that he has been honored with the presidency of the Connecticut State Homeopathie Medical Society. A native of New Haven, he is a son of Sylvester and Harriet L. (Mackay) Smith, both of whom bave passed away. His ancestors lived in Connecticut through many generations and on the maternal side he is of Revolutionary war descent.
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Dr. Smith was reared under the parental roof at the family home in New Haven and there acquired a public school education. In reviewing the vast field of business and pro- fessional activity he determined upon the practice of medicine as a life work and in preparation therefor entered the New York Homeopathic Medical College, from which he was gradnated in 1888 with the M. D. degree. He afterward went abroad and continued his medical studies in the University of Vienna. Since 1890 he has maintained his office in Bridgeport and through the intervening years has enjoyed a large and growing practice, standing as one of the foremost representatives of his school of medicine in the state. He belongs to the Connecticut State Homeopathie Medical Society, and he is also a member of the American Institute of Homeopathy.
Dr. Smith holds membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church of Bridgeport and is serving on its official board. . He has also been the president of the board of directors of the Bridgeport Young Men's Christian Association and does all in his power to further the moral progress of his community. He is a Master Mason, loyal to the teachings of the craft and its purposes. He has a beautiful home at No. 784 Fairfield avenue. In the state of Connecticut there are few practitioners of homeopathy so widely and favorably known, and not only professionally but also in private life does he command the goodwill and confidence of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
THOMAS F. KELLEY.
Thomas F. Kelley, who departed this life November 6, 1913, when but fifty-six years of age, had for many years been prominently identified with contracting and building operations on Long Island and through Connecticut. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, a son of Patrick Kelley of that city, who during the Civil war was in active service as a defender of the Union cause and later was engaged in tailoring in Boston. He wedded Mary McKay, of that city, and there Thomas F. Kelley was reared and educated. After going to New York he entered a school of modeling and designing and thus carefully prepared for his chosen life work. For a time he resided at Floral Park, Long Island, where he built that section for John L. Childs. He was the owner of a large mill there devoted to the manufacture of moldings, etc., and he also did contracting and designing as a member of the firm of Gold- smith & Kelley. They conducted a very extensive and profitable business but on account of his health Mr. Kelley was obliged to sell out there and removed to Southport, where he made his home for ten years. During that period he designed work for the country home of Mrs. Julia Watt Curtis and continued very active in the field of contracting and drafting. In 1905 he removed to Bridgeport and concentrated his energies largely upon architecture. He did not do any more building after coming to this city but made plans for residence property and was recognized as one of the foremost representatives in his line, his skill and handiwork being manifest in some of the most beautiful structures of the city and this part of the state.
Mr. Kelley was married in Fairfield, in 1882, to Miss Mary Josephine Otis, a daughter of Michael Otis, of Southport, who was an early resident there, devoting his time to agri- cultural pursuits. He stood very high in the community in which he lived and his death, which occurred in 1911, was a matter of deep regret to all who knew him. He had wedded Maria Brown, a native of Ireland, and they became the parents of four children: Mrs. Mary J. Kelley; Elizabeth F., who became the wife of John Morgan; Sarah B .; and Michael, who is living in New York city, where he is engaged in missionary work. To Mr. and Mrs. Kelley were born several children: Mary Frances, who is Mrs. Frank P. Devine; Joseph M., who is attending Woodstock College in Baltimore and was ordained to the priesthood in
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June, 1917; and Adeline C., who is carrying on the business of her father under the name of A. C. Kelley, at the same address.
The death of Mr. Kelley occurred when he was yet in the prime of life, having only reached the fifty-sixth milestone on life's journey. He held membership in St. Augustine's Roman Catholic church and was also a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He lived up to his faith and in every relation he displayed sterling qualities which gained for him the respect, confidence and goodwill of all, while his skill, progressiveness and enter- prise carried him into important business relations.
GEORGE S. YOUNGS.
George S. Youngs, who in partnership with his brother, Roy Austin Youngs, is the owner of a large brass and copper-working shop in Bridgeport, is a native of this city and was born September 12, 1883. His parents, Charles A. and Annie (Barr) Youngs, are still living in this city, but both his grandfathers, John Youngs and John Barr, are deceased. He attended the public schools for three or four years and then became a student in the Park Avenue Institute, where he completed his education. His first work was in the employ of the American Graphophone Company, with which he remained for three years, and for a similar period he traveled for the Bridgeport Crucible Company. In 1908 he established himself in the metal-working business on his own account on Stella street, where he remained for a number of years. At length, however, the need for larger quarters led him to buy land at No. 250 North avenue and there he erected his present modern plant, to which the business was removed on the 1st of January, 1917. The plant is conducted under his own name and hrass and copper work is done exclusively. As two shifts of men, each working twelve hours, are used, the plant is never shut down, running twenty-four hours a day, and in all details of its management the most modern and most efficient methods are employed. A liberal bonus system insures the employes of receiving a fair share of the profits of the company and the working conditions in all respects measure up to a high standard. Employment is furnished to one hundred men.
Mr. Youngs was married in 1913 to Miss Sophia Stewart. He belongs to both the Seaside and the Country Clubs and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Trinity Episcopal church. In the management of his business interests he has displayed marked energy and a progressive spirit tempered by sound judgment and as a result has gained a highly gratifying measure of success. He has a large acquaintance in Bridgeport, where his entire life has been passed, and his genuine worth is attested by the fact that those who have known him longest and most intimately are his stanchest friends.
PETER DAWE.
Peter Dawe, devoting his entire attention to the moving picture business, in which connection he operates two theatres in Bridgeport, was born in England, October 20, 1862, and had reached the twenty-second milestone on life's journey when he crossed the Atlantic and came to the United States in 1884, settling in New York. He had previously learned the painter's trade, which he followed in the eastern metropolis for a time but afterward returned to England. In 1886, however, he once more came to the United States and on this occasion took up his abode in Bridgeport. The following year he established business on his own account as a dealer in paints and a contractor in the painting business. Along that line he built up a good trade but in 1910 branched out into another field by the pur-
PETER DAWE
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chase of the Bijou theatre, which he converted into a moving picture house. Success attended the venture and in 1912 he tore down his paint store and built the Palace theatre, sinee which time he has conducted both places, now giving his entire attention to the moving picture business. He has not left the theatres one night in six years. The Bijou is a ten- eent theatre seating eight hundred and fifty people, and the Palace is of equal capacity and price. Both are fireproof structures and the Palace, which is the newer building, is equipped with a most modern system of ventilation. Mr. Dawe greatly enjoys the business and feels that therein he has found his permanent life work.
On June 4, 1888, Mr. Dawe was married to Miss Minnie Thomas, a native of England, who had been his schoolmate in their youthful days. They have become parents of four children: John S., who is now in business with his father, married Josephine Gross, of New York, and has one child, John, Jr. Agnes is the wife of Norman Collins, of Bridgeport. Gladys is employed by the American Bank & Trust Company. Eva Belle is in school. Mr. Dawe belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. His residence in Bridgeport covers a period of more than thirty years, during which he has won the high regard of all with whom he has come in contact, and in his business career be has worked his way steadily upward, always maintaining a high standard of service as a merchant and also in connection with the theatre business.
EUGENE H. WOOD, M. D.
Dr. Eugene H. Wood, a physician and surgeon of Bridgeport, was born in New York city, January 4, 1857, a son of Seth A. and Sarah E. (Lockwood) Wood, both of whom are now deceased, the mother having passed away when her son Eugene was but four years of age. On both sides the family comes of Revolutionary stock. Dr. Wood's great-grandmother, Mrs. Phoebe Ayers, in the maternal line, lived to be one hundred and four years of age and was a pensioner of the Revolutionary war, her husband having been killed in battle while serving with the Continental troops in the struggle for independence.
Dr. Wood spent his youthful days under the parental roof and in the acquirement of his education attended the Long Island College of Brooklyn, New York, from which he was graduated with the M. D. degree in 1886. He had four years' hospital experience in connec- tion with his medical course in the college and thus he was constantly putting his theoretical knowledge to the practical test in active professional work. In 1887 he opened an office in Bridgeport, where he has sinee remained, practicing continuously here for a period of three decades, and his ability has won for him liberal and well deserved success.
On the 8th of October, 1890, Dr. Wood was married to Mrs. Lizzie Reed, of Bridgeport, who passed away April 28, 1916. Dr. Wood gives his political allegiance to the republican party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but at local elections supports the man who he considers best qualified for office without regard for party affiliation. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias and along strictly professional lines has connection with the Bridgeport Medical Society.
JOHN BURN.
John Burn, member of the firm of Burn & Crump, manufacturers of store and office fixtures, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. October 14, 1879, a son of William and Sarah Burn. He remained a resident of his native land until he reached the age of twenty years and then came to the United States in 1899. He located in Bridgeport and accepted the
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position of foreman with W. R. Muirhead, with whom he remained for about fourteen years, on the expiration of which period he embarked in business on his own account by organizing the firm of Burn & Crump in 1913, his associate being Bert Crump. They engage in the manufacture of store and office fixtures and employ from eight to fifteen people, all skilled laborers. They occupy a two-story factory seventy five by thirty-five feet, fully equipped with all the latest wood-working machinery. Among those business houses where the firm has installed fixtures may be mentioned the Brill store, the Burnstein & Brown store, the Jacoby store, the Kursman block, the Hudson store, the Levin block, the English Woolen Mills, the Palace, the Garden, the Cummin and the Congress restaurants, and a number of other business houses. They do a very high grade of wood work, showing the latest designs in store fixtures and furnishings, utilizing highly finished and polished woods, and the results achieved are most creditable and satisfactory.
Mr. Burn was married in 1900 to Miss Alexandrina Wilson, of Tranent, Scotland, and their family consists of two daughters, Elizabeth and Muriel. Mr. and Mrs. Burn hold membership in the Presbyterian church and fraternally he is connected with the Masons and is also a member of the Scotch Clan. Politically he maintains an independent course, voting for men and measures rather than for party. His business affairs have been well managed and the laudable ambition which brought him to America when a young man of twenty years has found expression in well directed activity and enterprise leading to substantial results.
FRANK J. OSTROFSKY.
Frank J. Ostrofsky, a well known druggist of Bridgeport, was born in the city of ('Lublo, county of Szepes, Hungary, on the 25th of September, 1865, his parents being Frank J. and Anna (Olessak) Ostrofsky, also natives of Hungary, where the mother died. She was of German descent, her ancestors having formerly lived in Saxony. The father of our subject was of Polish origin. At the time of the division of Poland by the three powers the ancestors of Mr. Ostrofsky fought under Kosciuszko and at the fall of that great patriot these ancestors, heing men of rank in that movement, were banished from Poland and their property was confiscated and later donated to a monastery. They crossed the Carpathian mountains into Hungary and settled in the city where our subject was born. His father was proprietor of a meat market in Hungary for many years but after the death of his wife came to America and settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he conducted a butcher shop for some time. Later he was engaged in the same business in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. He was again married in this country and with his wife after- ward returned to Hungary, where he died in 1914.
Frank J. Ostrofsky. Jr., began his education in the city schools of Gnezda, Hungary, and later attended the high school at Podolin, from which he was graduated. He continued his studies in a preparatory school at Jaszbereny, Hungary, and upon his graduation from that institution secured the necessary permit from the government to study pharmacy. Three years were then devoted to the acquirement of a knowledge of pharmacy and chemistry, after which he came to the United States, his destination being Chicago, Illinois. On his arrival in New York city he had only twenty-one dollars and on reaching Chicago found that he had only three dollars remaining. This was in 1888. Having no friends in the city and but little money he was obliged to seek employment at once and soon obtained a posi- tion in a drug store in a German section for at that time he was unfamiliar with the English language but could speak German as well as Hungarian. Saving his money, he engaged a private tutor to teach him English and was quick to learn, so that after ten months' residence in Chicago he was able to take the state examination for assistant pharma-
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