USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Bridgeport > History of Bridgeport and vicinity > Part 41
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two shifts, each working twelve hours. A bonus system of payment is in force and in its dealings with its men the firm is guided by the principle of justice rather than temporary gain. Copper and brass work is done exclusively and the output of the plant finds a ready sale, for it has gained a well deserved reputation for high quality.
Mr. Youngs married Miss Helen M. Beardsley, a representative of an old family of Stratford. His political allegiance is given to the republican party but he has never been an office seeker. He belongs to the Peoples Presbyterian church and his club connections are with the Seaside, Criterion and Weatogue Clubs, in which he is popular. He is a fine rep- resentative of the enterprising men of the younger generation who are proving such an important factor in the rapidly developing industrial life of Bridgeport.
GEORGE A. ROBERTSON.
George A. Robertson, proprietor of the People's Dairy, which was organized in 1880, is the only man now in business on State street who was there thirty years ago. He was born in New Milford, Connecticut, February 22, 1865, a son of George and Annie Robert- son, the former one of the old-time merchants of New Milford. The son acquired a public school education and in 1885, when a young man of twenty years, came to Bridgeport, where he engaged in clerking for his Sunday school teacher, Mr. Green. Finally he pur- chased the business in 1890 and has since continued as proprietor. The dairy has been located at its present quarters since 1880 and was originally called the City Creamery, but business is now carried on under the name of the People's Dairy. The building occupied was originally the first postoffice of Bridgeport.
Mr. Robertson has been married twice. He first wedded Susie Irene Flint, the wed- ding ceremony being performed by the Rev. Childs. His present wife bore the maiden name of Wilma M. Buchanan and it was she who established the Women's Drug Company of Bridgeport, a business that has recently been sold. They have one child, Charlotte, at home.
Mr. Robertson is a loyal member of the Congregational church and he helongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is also a member of the Algonquin Club, while in community affairs his deep interest is shown in the fact that he is identified with the Business Men's Association and the Bridgeport Board of Trade. He holds an annual membership certificate dated 1892 and signed by Charles B. Broth- well and James Staples, pioneer residents of this city. Mr. Robertson has always cooperated in well defined plans and measures for the public good and his influence has ever been on the side of right, justice, truth and improvement.
GEORGE S. HILL.
George S. Hill, department manager for Warner Brothers, had no special advantages at the outset of his career and has worked his way upward to his present position of responsibility, his connection with this corporation dating from 1890. He was born in New Milford, Connecticut, September 22, 1869, and is a son of Sherman and Frances Hill, the former a tobacco buyer, now deceased. The mother survives and makes her home with her children.
George S. Hill acquired a public school education and in 1887 came to Bridgeport, where he entered the railway service under L. B. Nickerson. He was thus engaged for three years and in 1890 became connected with the Warner Brothers Company, at which time he entered
GEORGE A. ROBERTSON
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the ofhee and was one of three who constituted the entire office force at that period. He later was put in charge of the accessory manufacturing department, being called to that position in 1905, since which time he has had about five hundred employes under his direction. He is thoroughly acquainted with every phase of the business and has contributed in no small measure to the success of the undertaking.
In 1892 Mr. Hill was united in marriage to Miss Grace Platt, of Bridgeport, a daughter of David Platt, and they now have one child, Maude, who is attending Rye Seminary in New York. The parents are members of Christ's church and Mr. Hill belongs also to the Masonic lodge, chapter, commandery and consistory and to the Mystic Shrine. He is likewise con- nected with the Algonquin Club and the Brooklawn Club, while politically he is identified with the republican party, finding in its platform an expression of his ideas concerning the best interests of good government. His influence is always on the side of progress and im- provement and he stands for high ideals of citizenship as well as for thorough reliability and enterprise in business affairs.
RICHARD W. COGSWELL.
Richard W. Cogswell, treasurer of the City Savings Bank of Bridgeport, has since 1891 been identified with the institution in which he is now holding prominent official position, bringing to him large responsibiliteitconnection with bank management. He was born in Lee. Massachusetts, December 22, 1869, a son of Richard B. Cogswell, mentioned else- where in this work. The family removed from New Milford, Connecticut, to Bridgeport in the year 1880 and. continuing his education in the public schools, Richard W. Cogswell eventually became a high school pupil. His early business experience came to him in a clerical position with the New York. New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company, with which he remained for four years before entering the City Savings Bank as a clerk in 1891. He thoroughly applied himself to the mastery of his new duties and won promotion, taking a forward step from time to time until he became assistant secretary and treasurer. In that position he continued until October. 1916, when he was elected treasurer, and sub- sequently a trustee and thus has voice in the active management and control of the bank, which is conducted upon a safe, convervative basis allowing of no unwarranted risks. In November of the same year he became a director of the Connecticut National Bank and thus he has made for himself a creditable and enviable position in banking circles.
In Bridgeport, in 1914. Mr. Cogswell was married to Miss Kate H. Cole, of this city, a daughter of F. Victor Cole, and they now have one son, Vietor Cole Cogswell. The parents hold membership in the United Congregational church and Mr. Cogswell in political faith is a republican. He belongs to the Seaside Club and to the Brooklawn Country Club and he has many friends in this city, where he has lived from boyhood days to the present time, the large number of his friends indicating clearly a well spent life. Genuine worth has endeared him to his associates and developing power and ability has led to his advance- ment in the business world.
FRED D. IVES.
Fred D. Ives, engaged in the truck and teaming business in Bridgeport, was born in Brooklyn, New York, October 21. 1867. and is a son of Willis De Wolf and Kate (Laraway) Ives. The father was for a long period connected with the New York police department but in his later life lived retired in Bridgeport.
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Fred D. Ives, after mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools, turned his attention to the wholesale dry goods business, thus making his initial step in commercial circles. Later, however, he took up civil engineering and was with the Con- solidated Gas Company of New York for five years. In 1897 he came to Bridgeport as a representative of the Citizens' Gas Company, holding the position of superintendent of distribution. He occupied that position for four years, after which he became superin- tendent for Chris Richard, and in 1906 he established a general trucking business. In this connection he makes a specialty of factory work. He has four motor trucks and three teams and employs twelve people. He has been accorded a liberal patronage and his success is the merited reward of his close application and unfaltering diligence.
On the 18th of September, 1888, Mr. Ives was united in marriage to Miss Pauline Elizabeth Thieling, of New York, and their children are: Irene Elizabeth, who is now at home; Edna H .; and Willis De Wolf, who died at the age of five years.
In Masonry he has attained high rank. He has passed up through both routes and is now a Knight Templar Mason, a thirty-second degree Consistory Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine. He is also connected with the Sons of the American Revolution, being entitled to membership in that organization through his paternal ancestors. He is descended from Levi Booth, who located in Stratford, Connecticut, in the early part of the seventeenth century and founded a family that sent its representatives to the American army in the war for independence. Mr. Ives is independent in his political views but has been called to some local offices. He served as president of the Bridgeport hoard of health in 1914 and for one term he represented the fourth district on the board of city aldermen. The family attend the United Congregational church and Mr. Ives holds membership in the Algonquin Club. He is widely and favorably known in Bridgeport, where his many substantial qualities have won him warm personal regard, while his business activities have established him as a representative and reliable business man.
IRVING ELSON.
Irving Elson, practicing at the bar of Bridgeport, is a citizen of foreign birth who has found in American conditions opportunities for steady business advancement and the attain- ment of success. He was born in the city of Odessa, Russia, July 30, 1881, of Hebrew parentage, and with his father and mother came to the United States in 1898. The former, who was engaged in the brokerage business, died December 1, 1911, while the latter now resides in Bridgeport with her son Irving, who is one of a family of nine children, six sons and three daughters.
Irving Elson came to Bridgeport in 1909 and was admitted to the bar in 1910. In 1906 he was graduated from the law department of St. Lawrence University at Canton, New York, and prior to this had graduated from public school No. 7 in New York city and afterward from the De Witt Clinton high school of New York. Early hecoming interested in the law, he thoroughly qualified for a professional career and following his admission to the bar located for practice in Brooklyn, New York, but since 1910 has been located in Bridgeport, where he has continuously engaged in general practice, winning a good clientage which has connected him with considerable important litigation.
On the 27th of February, 1910, Mr. Elson was married to Miss Miriam Nebenzahl, of Bridgeport, and they have a son, Daniel Irving, who was born June 14, 1911. Mr. Elson is interested in several commercial enterprises of Bridgeport and at all times has displayed discriminating judgment in making his investments. He takes an active part in local politics as a supporter of the democratic party and in November, 1915, he was elected one of the selectmen of Bridgeport. He is now serving as justice of the peace and in 1916
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was a candidate for state senator but was defeated. He belongs to the Bridgeport Club and to the Highland Country Club and he is also a member of the Bridgeport Bar Asso- ciation. He enjoys the respect and confidence of his professional brethren, for he is always careful to conform his practice to a high standard of professional ethics.
HARRY K. BERRY.
Harry K. Berry, of Bridgeport, secretary of the Turney Brothers Company, with which he has been connected since 1915, was born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1867, a son of William M. and Jerusha C. (Parker) Berry. He obtained a public school education sup- plemented by a business course and then, taking up the task of providing for his own support, he secured the position of bookkeeper with the firm of MeNair & Turney of Newark, with whom he remained for six years, during which period he gained broad knowledge of business methods and wide experience which qualified him for further activities and responsi- bilities. Later he was engaged in the coal business for six years on his own account and in 1896 he came to Bridgeport, at which time he entered into partnership with J. B. Turney in the produce business. A decade later he went to Hartford, Connecticut, where he engaged in the produce business until 1915. In that year he sold out in Hartford and purchased stock in the Turney Brothers Company, Incorporated, of which he has since been the secre- tary. They handle both foreign and domestic fruits and produce and have a trade extending from fifty to one hundred miles in all directions from Bridgeport. Their business has steadily grown and has reached gratifying proportions, the volume of their trade making the undertaking a profitable one.
Mr. Berry was married in 1893 to Miss Harriette B. Duncan, of Newark, New Jersey. He is a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanies and his political allegiance is given to the republican party, while his religious faith is that of the First Presbyterian church. In this connection are indicated the rules which govern his conduct and shape his career, making him a man highly respected by all with whom he has come in contact.
HENRY F. NOYES.
Henry F. Noyes is now at the head of one of the important industrial concerns of Bridgeport. being president and treasurer of the Bridgeport Cutter Works. He was born in Abington, Massachusetts, in 1866, a son of Henry P. and Elizabeth (Ford) Noyes. The father is a native of Mount Desert, Maine, and is a representative of one of the old families of that state, where his ancestors have resided for several generations, coming originally from Massachusetts. He continued to make his home in Maine until reaching manhood hut later engaged in the furniture business at Andover, Massachusetts, for many years and also at Georgetown, that state. At the present time, however, he is living retired in Bridgeport, Connecticut. His wife, who was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, died in Bridgeport.
During his boyhood and youth Henry F. Noyes attended the public schools of George- town and Andover, Massachusetts, and later entered Yale, from which university he was graduated with the class of 1889. After leaving school he became interested in the machine manufacturing business and in 1910 came to Bridgeport as superintendent of the Black Rock Machine Company. with which he was connected until 1915. In that year he established and incorporated the Bridgeport Cutter Works, of which he has since served as president and treasurer, with John W. Banks as vice president. Although they began business in a modest way they now occupy a modern factory building on Remer street, which they com-
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pleted in December, 1916, and it is thoroughly equipped with electric driven machinery for the manufacture of lathe chucks, milling cutters and fine cutting tools, and fixtures of all kinds. Employment is furnished to about forty skilled mechanics and the corpora- tion is capitalized for fifty thousand dollars.
In 1895 Mr. Noyes was married at Elgin, Illinois, to Miss Fannie Ausley. Mrs. Noyes is a member of the Congregational church and Mr. Noyes is connected with the University Club of Bridgeport. In politics he is a republican bnt takes no active part in public affairs, preferring to devote his undivided attention to his business interests. He is a wide-awake, energetic business man and has met with excellent success in his ventures.
ROBERT EVANDER PARSONS.
Robert Evander Parsons is now living retired in Bridgeport, although for many years he was actively connected with the iron industry of. the city and in that connection figured as one of the leading business men in manufacturing circles. He was horn in Springfield, Massachusetts, July 27, 1842, a son of William G. and Dolly (Brown) Parsons. The father, a native of the Old Bay state, was a carpenter at Springfield, but died when his son Robert was but six weeks old, leaving a widow with two children, the elder being Wil- liam B. Mrs. Parsons was born in Montville, Connecticut, and after her husband's death returned to the home of her mother in Montville, where she reared and educated her two children. After the removal of her son to Bridgeport she made her home with him in this city and here passed away. Her older son, William B. Parsons, engaged in the steamboat business and became a marine engineer, but was killed by an explosion of the boilers on his ship in New York harbor.
Robert E. Parsons acquired his education in the village school of Montville and early began to earn his living by working at odd jobs whenever he could find opportunity. He, too, turned his attention to the steamboat business, running between New York city and Allens Point, Connecticut, and eventually he became a marine engineer on the line from New York to New London, Norwich and Allens Point. At the time of the Civil war he became connected with the army transport service, engaged in transporting troops to Florida. to New Orleans and other southern points. At the time of the bombardment of Fort Sumter and of Fort Moultrie he was on a troop ship at sea near enongh to hear the sound of the guns.
It was in 1864 that Mr. Parsons came to Bridgeport, where he spent three years in the employ of the Wheeler & Wilson Sewing Machine Company. In 1867 he became time- keeper and paymaster with the Winchester Repeating Arms Company and afterward located at Bridgeport, while later he went to New Haven when the plant was removed to that place. However, he subsequently returned to Bridgeport to accept the position of paymaster with the Secor Sewing Machine Company. In 1873 he formed a partnership with several others and established an iron foundry in Bridgeport under the name of the Wilson-Parsons Company, James Wilson being his principal partner. They later admitted Anson H. Landon to a partnership under the firm style of Wilson, Parsons & Landon, an association that was maintained for five years, after which Mr. Wilson retired. The busi- ness was then incorporated as the R. E. Parsons Company, with John W. Cottrell as the president and Mr. Parsons as secretary and treasurer, Mr. Landon at that time retiring. Under that style the foundry was conducted until November, 1915, when Mr. Parsons sold his interest to Clarence E. Bilton and the corporate name was changed to the Parsons Foundry Company, Mr. Bilton becoming secretary and treasurer. Upon the death of Mr. Cottrell, Mr. Bilton succeeded to the presidency and the business which was established by Mr. Parsons is still being conducted. From a small beginning he had developed one
ROBERT E. PARSONS
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of the largest foundries of Connecticut. In the early days of its existence he began mak- ing castings for the large sewing machine companies of Bridgeport and that continued to be an important feature of his business for many years. He also carried on a general gray iron casting business and such was the demand for his product that his industry became one of the foremost plants of the kind in this section of the state. Mr. Parsons also assisted in organizing the American Bank & Trust Company of Bridgeport, of which he is still a director. He owns a tobacco plantation between Windsor and Windsor Locks, where tobacco is grown and cured. He, however, has never been active in the conduct of that business but rents his plantation.
On the 12th of May, 1881, Mr. Parsons was married to Miss Fannie W. Warren, of Bridgeport, who was born at Lyme, Connecticut, and was a daughter of Captain Warren, who was a sea captain. Mrs. Parsons passed away in Bridgeport and some time afterward Mr. Parsons wedded Mrs. Ida E. (Striekland) Terry, of Windsor, Connecticut, who was born at Westfield, Massachusetts, a daughter of Francis G. Strickland, a representative of an old family of Windsor, Connecticut.
Mr Parsons exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and for one term was a member of the common council of Bridge- port. He belongs to the Presbyterian church and fraternally is connected with St. John's Lodge, F. & A. M., and Jerusalem Chapter, R. A. M. He became one of the early members of the Seaside Club, of which he is today one of the oldest members. His residence in Bridgeport eovers about a half century and throughout this period he has enjoyed the respect and good-will of his fellowmen, who have recognized in him a progressive busi- ness man and a public-spirited citizen.
HENRY DORKIN.
Henry Dorkin, president of the Creseent Candy Company, is entitled to the credit given to the self-made man, for when he arrived in this country from Russia in young manhood he was practically without capital and, moreover, was unaccustomed to the language and ways of the people here and has risen solely by his own efforts to his present position as the head of an important manufacturing enterprise of Bridgeport. His birth occurred in Russia in 1869 and after attending the publie sehools for a time he continued his education in a private school there. His parents, Julius and Charlotte Dorkin, both died in that country, the former in 1881 and the latter in 1879. To them were born three sons and one daughter, those besides our subject being: Joseph, who came to the United States in 1906 and is associated with his brother Henry in business; and Abraham and Ester, both of whom are still living in Russia.
It was in 1887 that Henry Dorkin eame to the United States and after landing at Philadelphia spent some time investigating conditions in various places. At length he entered the employ of the Sargent Company at New Haven and later he worked for the Meriden Brittania Company at Meriden, one of the most famous companies working in silver in the United States. Later he started in business for himself, engaging in the manufacture of ink, but not long afterward gave up that venture and entered the employ of the C. F. Adams Company of New Haven, selling goods on commission on the install- ment plan. He was very successful in that connection and subsequently established an installment house of his own. This business likewise proved profitable but at length he gave it up to establish a wholesale and retail candy business in New London in connec- tion with his brother-in-law, Max Frank. In 1903 he removed the business to Bridgeport and changed the name of the house to the Excelsior Candy Company. The plant was at first located at No. 587 East Main street and later was successively moved to Kossuth
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street and Middle street, while the name was changed to the Dorkin-Frank Candy Com- pany. About four years after the location of the factory on Middle street the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Dorkin became sole owner of the business, then located at Courtland and Fairfield avenue. After three and a half years the business was removed to Water street and in 1915 to the present location at No. 96 Island Brook Road. The plant has fifteen thousand square feet of floor space and is equipped throughout with the most modern appliances known for the manufacture of his product. The name has again been changed, the present style being the Crescent Candy Company. As many as sixty people bave been employed in the factory, and five traveling salesmen represent the company upon the road. Its product is sold throughout New England, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri, the extent of its distribution indicating its reputation for purity and excellence. As president of the com- pany Mr. Dorkin has been chiefly responsible for the gratifying growth in its business. In addition to his interests mentioned, Mr. Dorkin is engaged during his spare time in the real estate business.
Henry Dorkin married Miss Annie Frank and they have four childern: Charlotte H., who is a graduate of the New York College of Dentistry; Julia, who is a graduate of a business college and is hookkeeper for the Crescent Candy Company; David, who is taking a course in mechanical and electrical engineering at Lehigh University; and Louis, who is a student in the Bridgeport high school.
Mr. Dorkin is an independent voter, believing that the qualifications of a candidate are, except in a few instances, of greater importance than his party affiliation. He atten.ls the Park Avenue Temple, and is connected with the subordinate lodge and encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, with the Independent Order B'rith Abraham, of which he was the president, and with the Independent Order B'nai B'rith. He has not only gained a place among the important manufacturers of Bridgeport, but he has also won the warm regard and unqualified respect of all whom have been associated with him.
CHARLES CLIFFORD CROUCH.
Charles Clifford Crouch, senior partner of Crouch & Plassmann, bakers, is entitled to a great deal of the credit for the remarkably rapid growth of the business of that firm. He was born in Titusville, Pennsylvania, January 6, 1857, and is a son of Isaac and Amanda (Blair) Crouch, the former a native of England and the latter of New York city. The mother has now reached the advanced age of ninety-two years. To their union were born four children, those besides our subject being: William, deceased; Elizabeth, a resident of California ; and Mrs. Minnie Kerr, living in Devon, Connecticut.
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