USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Bridgeport > History of Bridgeport and vicinity > Part 45
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In 1893 Mr. Challenger was married to Miss Julia Ann Coughlin, a native of Bridgeport and a daughter of Daniel Coughlin. They have two sons: Stanley Herbert, now in Yale; and Harold Lincoln, who is a midshipman at the Annapolis Naval Academy.
Mr. Challenger belongs to S. H. Harris Lodge, No. 99, I. O. O. F. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, of which he is a stalwart supporter, but he has never sought office as a reward for party fealty. He has served, however, for fifteen years as a member of the Bridgeport board of education and is chairman of its building committee, in which connection he has done much important work. His interest in the school system has resulted in effective effort to improve the standards of public education and make the course here a practical preparation for life's responsibilities and duties.
FRANCIS M. WILDER.
Francis M. Wilder, superintendent of the Standard Coupler Company of Bridgeport, has worked his way upward from a very humble position in the business world, winning his advancement through ability and fidelity to the interests entrusted to his care. He was born in Attica, New York, in 1842, and traces his ancestry back to Abel Wilder, of Winchendon, Massachusetts, who was the first selectman of that town and was descended from Mrs. Martha Wilder, a widow, who came from Hampstead, England, with two sons in 1638. Abel Wilder raised a company of volunteers at Winchendon and commanded his company at the battle of Bunker Hill in the Revolutionary war. Abel Wilder and Moses Hale, great-grandfathers of Francis M. Wilder, were both residents of Winchendon.
After acquiring a public school education Francis M. Wilder secured a position in the shops of the Erie Railroad Company at Buffalo, but the Civil war put an end to his activities, for he felt that his duty to his country was paramount to all else and accordingly in 1862 he put aside all business and personal consideration in order to defend the Union cause. He enlisted in the Forty-ninth New York Infantry, with which he served for three years and four months, taking part in many of the hotly contested engagements of the war, after which he returned to his home with a most ereditable military record.
Mr. Wilder then resumed railway work as a machinist in November, 1865, and became foreman. general foreman, master mechanic and superintendent of motive power successively for the Erie Railroad Company. his promotions coming to him in merited recognition of his ability. Later he went to Providence, Rhode Island, where he became a partner in the Corliss Steam Engine Company and its general manager. He was afterward general man- ager of the Safety Car Heating & Lighting Company and his next business connection was that of general manager for the United States Rolling Stock Company, with shops at various points. He afterward retired and engaged in no active business for five years, but on the expiration of that period he became connected with the Richmond Locomotive Works as assistant superintendent.
Later he became superintendent of the Standard Coupler Company, which was organized in 1887 by Colonel A. P. Soper of New York. Mr. Wilder was at that time chairman of the Master Car Builders Association and was made a member of a committee to select car couplers from an exhibition of forty-eight different patents and inventions. The com- mittee selected six couplers, all to be interchangeable and built on the vertical plane line.
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Colonel Soper organized a company to build the car couplers and the Standard Coupler Company established its factory and began operations at Troy, New York, but later selected Bridgeport as the scene of its activities on account of being able to get drawhead castings here to better advantage. Accordingly a removal was made to Bridgeport in 1893 and the plant established at No. 24 Couse street. Later the company began to build Standard steel platforms for passenger cars and sold them for almost all the passenger cars of the United States. Since 1901 the manufacture of couplers has diminished and the company has given its attention more particularly to the building of steel platforms. In 1899 Mr. Wilder became superintendent of the factory, which is now engaged in manufacturing fric- tion draft gear to take the place of spring gear in order to give elastic action in starting a train. This is a great improvement over the spring gear. Ninety-five per cent of their output is simply finished and assembled here. The plant is a two-story building one hundred and fifty feet square, and employment is given to fifty men, the product being sold to railways all over the United States and Canada. Mr. Wilder has had much to do with the improvement of railroad equipment. He was made a member of the committee to decide on Standard rails for railway work. He has patented several car heating devices and has invented many things now in use on railways, adding much to the comfort and safety of the traveling public. He was formerly a member of the American Society of Engineers and still has membership with the Master Car Builders Association.
On the 6th of June, 1866, Mr. Wilder was united in marriage to Miss Cornelia F. Barr, of Buffalo. and they have two children: Charles D., who is with the Baltimore & Ohio Rail- way on Staten Island: and Frank L., deputy judge of the city court of Bridgeport.
Mr. Wilder is well known as a supporter of the republican party and for two terms has served as alderman of the first ward. in which connection he exercised his official pre- rogatives in support of various measures for the general good. He belongs to the Masonic lodge and council and he has long been prominent in the Grand Army of the Republic. In 1868 he became a member of Bidwell Wilkerson Post, No. 9, G. A. R., at Buffalo and was identified therewith until his removal to Bridgeport, when he transferred his membership to Elias Howe Post, G. A. R. He is a very active worker in the organization and does all in his power to further the interests of his old comrades in arms. He is also connected with the Sons of the American Revolution, some of his paternal ancestors having served in the war for independence. Socially he is connected with the Seaside Club and that his life is dominated by religious faith and teachings is indicated in the fact that he is now a vestryman of Christ church.
WILLIAM MARTIN.
William Martin, a successful contractor of Bridgeport, was born in Scotland on the 21st of November, 1859, a son of William and Margaret (Munro) Martin, the former of whom died in 1902, while the latter is still living in Scotland. To them were born ten children, those besides our subject being: Donald, a resident of New York city; Margaret, deceased; Martha, who is living in Scotland; Isabel, a resident of New Zealand; Jessic, Annie and Alexander, all residing in Scotland; John, who is living in New Zealand; and James, who enlisted in the English army from Scotland and from whom nothing has been heard since the battle of the Somme.
William Martin was educated in the public schools of his native country and then worked for others there until 1882, when he came to New York city, where he remained for six years. In 1891 he came to Bridgeport, where in 1893 he established himself in business as a contractor. During the intervening twenty-four years he has erected many important buildings, including the Myrtle Avenue, the Commercial Street and the Whittier Street schools,
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Dr. Fones' clinic, the Mendelson apartments and stores, large additions to the Bridgeport Electric plant and the Bridgeport Hardware Company, the one hundred thousand dollar Curtis residence, probably the finest residence in the connty, the new home of Mayor Wilson, the engine honse at Black Rock and hundreds of smaller structures. His success has been founded upon work conscientionsly done and fair prices, and his standing in business circles of the city is the highest.
Mr. Martin was married on the 20th of Jannary, 1885, to Miss Isabelle Cameron, who is of Scotch descent but a native of Bridgeport, and it was in part through her connection with this city that he decided to locate here. Her father, Murdock Cameron, was a native of Scotland. To Mr. and Mrs. Martin have been born five children: Annie, at home; William Jr., and Earl C., both of whom are in business with the father, the firm name being William Martin & Sons; and Oliver and Jessie S., both at home.
Mr. Martin supports the republican party at the polls and is president of the board of building commissioners, being on his second term in that capacity. He attends the Olivet Presbyterian church and the principles which govern his conduct are still further indicated in his membership in the Masonic blue lodge and the Royal Arch chapter. He is likewise identified with the Scottish Clans and the Bridgeport Club.
GEORGE L. WHITCOMB.
George L. Whitcomb, treasurer of the Turney Brothers Company. Inc., of Bridgeport, handling a full line of domestic and foreign fruits, was born in Milford, Connecticut, December 11, 1874, his parents being Theodore and Caroline Elizabeth (Wells) Whitcomb, who were early settlers of that place. The father was engaged in the carriage building business.
Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, George L. Whitcomb acquired a public school education, supplemented by study in the Yale Business College. He started ont to earn his own living as an employe of Turney Brothers on the 13th of May, 1892, and in 1915 he was made treasurer of the company, of which he is also the manager. Through the intervening period he had steadily worked his way upward and his ability and fidelity had seenred him promotion from time to time until he gained his present place of responsibility. The business was established by Turney Brothers in 1891, the location being at No. 493 Water street. In 1895 a removal was made to No. 531 Water street, where the plant includes a building thirty-five by one hundred and sixty-five feet, four stories in height, with cellar. It was on the 1st of January, 1915, that the business was reorganized under the name of the Turney Brothers Company, Inc. They carry a full line of fruit and produce, both foreign and domestic, and employ from sixteen to twenty-five people, while their trade covers a territory of from fifty to one hundred miles from Bridgeport, and they are represented upon the road by twelve traveling salesmen. They do a large importing business and they maintain a New York office at No. 132 Park Place. The officers of the company are: Theodore L. Turney, of New York, president; George L Whitcomb, treasurer and manager; and H. K. Berry, secretary.
On the 31st of August, 1897, Mr. Whitcomb was united in marriage to Miss Clara P. Gunn, of Milford, a danghter of Stephen and Clara Gunn, and they have two children, Grace E. and Edith H., hoth now at home.
The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and both take an active and helpfnl part in its work, doing all in their power to promote its growth and extend its influence. Mr. Whitcomb is now serving as chairman of the board of trustees and is also superintendent of the Sunday school. His influence is given in support of all those measures and movements which work for the uplift of the individual and for the
GEORGE L. WHITCOMB
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benefit of the community. He was chairman of the no-license committee of Milford at the time the town was carried for no license. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and with the Odd Fellows. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and at all times he stands for those things which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. His ideals of life are high and he embraces every opportunity to advance their adoption.
DANIEL T. BANKS, M. D.
Dr. Daniel T. Banks, a practicing physician of Bridgeport, with office at No. 254 E. Main street, was born in New Haven, Connecticut, August 1, 1888, and is the youngest of a family of four children whose parents are Joseph and Elizabeth (Sivino) Banks, both of whom are natives of Italy. There they were reared and married but in 1886 left the sunny land of their birth and crossed the Atlantic, settling in New Haven, where they still reside.
Dr. Banks pursued a public school education in his native city and also attended the Hopkins grammar school there, from which he was graduated with the class of 1908. Not long afterward he began preparation for the practice of medicine and in 1912 won his M. D. degree from the Fordham Medical College of Fordham, New York. His early professional experience came to him through two years' service as interne in the Gouverneur Hospital of New York city and in 1916 he opened an office in Bridgeport, where he is now engaged in general practice, although specializing in surgery. He is a member of the surgical staff of St. Vincent's Hospital and he devotes every leisure hour to the New York clinics, witnessing surgical operations and thus gaining broader knowledge on that line of practice upon which he wishes to concentrate. He has already displayed marked skill and ability in that field. He belongs to the Bridgeport, the Fairfield County, the Connecticut State and the American Medical Associations and through those mediums he keeps abreast with modern scientific research and investigation along lines that promote his efficiency in practice. His religious faith is that of the Roman Catholic church.
JOSEPH F. KELLER.
.Joseph F. Keller, a Bridgeport contractor making a specialty of concrete and heavy building, began operations here in 1915 and already has received a very liberal patronage which promises future growth of his business. He was born in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, November 12, 1873, and in both the paternal and maternal lines is descended from ancestry represented in the Revolutionary war. His grandfather, Peter Keller, was born at Cherry Valley, Monroe county, Pennsylvania, and followed the occupation of farming as a life work. He was a prominent resident of the community in which he lived and he guided his life by the teachings of the German Reformed church, in which he held membership. His death occurred when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-five years. His wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Keller, was also born in Cherry Valley. Their son, Theodore Keller, a native of Pennsylvania, was born April 26, 1842, and became a carpenter and wheelwright. At the time of the Civil war he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting in Company C, One Hundred and Fifty-third Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was captured at Gettysburg and for four months was a rebel prisoner at Andersonville. He afterward maintained pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in Griffin Post, No. 139, G. A. R. He wedded Martha Staples, a daughter of Abel Staples, of Beaver Valley, Pennsylvania, who also belonged to one of the early colonial families represented in the war for independence. To Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Keller were born the following named:
Vol. II-19
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Lilly; Harriett, who became the wife of Arthur Spencer, of Dunmore, Pennsylvania; Joseph F .; and May, the wife of Richard Angwin, also of Dunmore.
Joseph F'. Keller spent his early youth as a public school pupil in Pennsylvania and at the age of fifteen years went to Texas, where he spent three years. He then returned to Scranton, Pennsylvania, where he learned the carpenter's trade, which he has followed at various points throughout the United States. In 1897 he took up his abode at Scranton, there to engage in business as a contractor, and in 1911 he formed a partnership with Russell H. Dean under the firm style of Keller & Dean, an association that was maintained until Mr. Keller removed to Bridgeport in 1915. Noting the rapid growth of the city as the result of the establishment of many manufacturing and industrial concerns here, Mr. Keller recognized that Bridgeport would offer an excellent field for operations in his line and established an office at No. 1024 Main street. He has been continually busy in work of an important character. He has remodeled the residence of Dr. William H. Flack and also the Dunham home for E. W. Harral. He also remodeled the residence of Miss Ellen Chambers. He does special designing and makes a specialty of concrete and heavy building, employing from twenty-five to forty men during the year 1916. There is every indication that his business will increase in the present year, for he has demonstrated to Bridgeport's citizens that he is capable of coping with all the complex problems that feature in building operations.
On the 12th of January, 1903, Mr. Keller was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle Irene Davis, a daughter of Byron and Besta (Woodward) Davis, and they have one child, Elizabeth Virginia. Mr. Keller holds membership with the Moose and with the Shepherds and in the former organization is quite active. He is a self-made man whose success has been the direct outcome of his own labors. Thoroughly understanding building in principle and detail, his work has been of a character to insure him continued and growing patronage and he is rapidly winning for himself a place among the leaders in his line in Bridgeport.
ROBERT F. CRUDGINTON.
Robert F. Crudginton, general superintendent of graphophone manufacturing with the American Graphophone Company of Bridgeport, was born in this city and in the acquire- ment of his education passed through consecutive grades in the public schools until he became a high school pupil. Turning his attention to the business world, he began learning the tool making and machinist's trades and for some time was with the Arm-trong Manufacturing Company, in which connection his industry. efficiency and ability enabled him to work his way steadily upward. In 1898 he was engaged in experimental designing under E. E. Norton. mechanical engineer with the American Graphophone Company. He then took charge of the designing and tool room for the Connecticut Tool Company, with which he remained for two years. He next became connected with the Remington Arms Company at Ilion, New York, where he had charge of tool designing for. a year and a half, when he became connected with the Monarch Typewriter Company as chief draftsman. Later he was made mechanical engineer and continued with that company for six and a half years. He afterward became associated with the Fox Typewriter Machine Company as general superintendent, manufacturing typewriters and also machine tools weighing up to thirteen and a half tons, including multiple drills that drilled ninety holes at one time and were of fifty-five horse power, this being one of the regular lines of manufacture of the company. On leaving that position he became assistant superintendent with the Chevrolet Motor Company at Flint. Michigan, and after a year he accepted the position of general super- intendent of the National Brass Company and organized and equipped its new plant, pur- chasing and installing the machinery. He continued with that company for two and a half years and on the 20th of November. 1916, he came to Bridgeport as general superintendent
ROBERT F. CRUDGINTON
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of the graphophone and dietaphone departments of the American Graphophone Company, which position he still holds, having twenty-nine hundred men under his direct charge. Added to his notable skill as a mechanical engineer is executive power that enables him to wisely direct the labors of employes and promote the interests of his department. In a word he is a most forceful and resourceful business man, alert and energetie, adding indetatigable industry and enterprise to scientific knowledge.
In 1907 Mr. Crudginton was married to Miss Ida E. Coles, of Bridgeport, who was formerly connected with the public schools for four years as a teacher in the primary grades. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons.
ROBBINS N. GRISWOLD.
Robbins N. Griswold, a well known young business man of Bridgeport, was born in Wethersfield, Connecticut, October 11. 1892, his parents being William G. and Minnie ( Adams) Griswold. His father is a man of prominence in that community, taking a very active and influential part in public affairs, and has represented his district in the state legislature. By occupation he is a market gardener and has served as president of the Connecticut Market Gardeners Association. He and his wife were born, reared and married in Wethersfield and there the latter died in 1912.
Robbins N. Griswold grew to manhood in Wethersfield, where he attended school for some time, and later entered the Hartford high school, completing his education, however, at the Sheffield Scientific School of Yale College, from which he was gradnated. He began his business career as a mechanical engineer with H. & B. Smith at Westfield, Massachusetts, but in 1915 accepted a position with Lyon & Grumman, hardware merchants of Bridgeport. When the American Hardware Stores Company was organized and took over the business of his employers, Mr. Griswold was made a vice president and placed in charge of the Lyon & Grumman division, with which he is still connected and is regarded as one of the most capable representatives of the company.
On the 28th of October, 1916, Mr. Griswold was married at Wethersfield to Miss Clara Hanmer, who was born there as were her parents, Alfred W. and Nellie (Taleot) Hanmer. The young couple have a pleasant home at Lordship Manor and are identified with the Con- gregational church. Mr. Griswold is a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity and casts his ballot with the republican party. Success has attended his efforts and he now ranks among the leading young business men of his adopted city.
VINCENT SYLVESTER WHITNEY.
Vincent Sylvester Whitney is now serving acceptably as a member of the city council of Bridgeport and is also engaged in important semi-public work as the head of the Employ- ees Tuberculosis Relief Association. He was born in Bridgeport on the 6th of November, 1867. and is a son of Vilroy Glover Whitney, who died in 1912, and a grandson of Josiah Whitney, who served throughout the Mexican war. The father displayed his devotion to his conntry during the Civil war. He was employed as tent and sail maker for the govern- ment and at one time he and a comrade gave a striking demonstration of their patriotism by cutting down a peace flag that had been raised at Stepney, Connecticut. His sister, Mrs. Maria (Whitney) Craft, was a personal friend of President Lincoln's family and took tea at the White House whenever in Washington. The mother of our subject was in her maiden-
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hood Miss Maria Murphy and was a daughter of Jasper Murphy, a native of Ireland. She was born in New York city and passed away in 1910.
Vincent S. Whitney attended the public schools until fomteen years old and during the next two years was undecided as to what line of work to follow. When sixteen years old he decided to become a molder and entered the employ of the White Mannfacturing Company, his instructor in the trade being Hugh Masterson, a prominent sportsman of the day. In the five years that Mr. Whitney remained with the company he learned his trade thoroughly and subsequently was for three years in the employ of the Oxidized Metal Com- pany. In 1891 he became connected with the Ashcroft Manufacturing Company, with which he has since remained, and for the past twelve years he has held the position of assistant foreman. His mastery of the trade and his ability to direct the work of others fit him nnus- uatly well for his place and he has the complete confidence of his superiors and the respect and goodwill of those under him.
On the 5th of January, 1895, Mr. Whitney was married to Miss Margaret Gallagher, a daughter of Lawrence and Catharine Gallagher.
Mr. Whitney is a member of the Republican Club, which indicates his political allegiance, and for four years has been a member of the city council. He is one of the efficient working members of that body and is now serving as chairman of the ordinance committee and a mem- ber of the miscellaneons matters and Memorial Day committees. Since he was fourteen years of age he has taken a keen interest in politics and has voted at every regnlar election since attaining his majority and at all but one primary election. He is a past master of St. John's Lodge, No. 8, A. F. & A. M., at Stratford, and also belongs to S. H. Harris Lodge, No. 99, I. O. O. F. In April, 1917, Mr. Whitney was appointed by Colonel Wilson, mayor of Bridgeport, color sergeant of the Connecticut Home Guards. He is a prominent member of the Newfield Methodist Episcopal church, belongs to the Men's League of that denomination and teaches a Sunday school class. His sincere interest in the welfare of his fellowmen has found practical expression in his work as president of the Employees Tuberculosis Relief Association, which has as its purpose the combating of the white plague in factories. Although it is hampered in its work by a lack of funds it has done much good and is now spending about forty dollars per week in benefits. Under the rules of the organization patients whose cases are sufficiently light as to respond to treatment at home receive four dollars per week, while those who require sanitarium treatment have their expenses at such institutions paid. Mr. Whitney has been at the head of this association since its organization and its success has been in large measure due directly to his untiring effort in its behalf. Its funds are derived entirely from voluntary contributions and its maintenance is therefore condi- tioned upon a general public knowledge of and interest in its work. Under the able direction of Mr. Whitney this general interest has shown a steady growth and the association hopes in time to greatly enlarge its work.
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