USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Bridgeport > History of Bridgeport and vicinity > Part 59
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On the 12th of September. 1904, Mr. Frauenberger was married to Miss Mary O. Williams, of Trumbull, Connecticut, and they have had four children, Mabel Lois, Ruth
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Edwina. Arthur Edward and Howard, of whom the last named passed away April 22, 1917, aged eighteen months. The family resides at No. 363 Prospect street, where Mr. Frauenberger purchased a residence several years ago. Both he and his wife are members of the First Presbyterian church of Bridgeport and their many substantial and admirable qualities have gained for them the warm regard and friendship of those with whom they have come in contact.
WILLIS H. LYON.
Willis H. Lyon, treasurer of the People's Savings Bank of Bridgeport, has been identified with the institution for thirty-one years and has occupied bis present position since the 30th of January, 1913. He was born in Bridgeport, May 15, 1868, a son of James W. and Jane A. (Fox) Lyon, the former a native of Greenwich, Connecticut, and the latter of Westport, this state. The father came to Bridgeport as body maker for a carriage manufacturing company in 1851 and later was proprietor of a meat market, but for thirty years he has lived retired, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. Both he and his wife still survive and he has now passed the eighty-fourth milestone on life's journey.
Willis H. Lyon, reared in Bridgeport, was graduated from the high school and at the age of eighteen years became connected with the People's Savings Bank, his identification therewith dating from the 1st of June, 1886. Throughout his entire business career he has been associated with this institution and is thoroughly familiar with its development and with the various branches and phases of its business operations and connections. On the 25th of October, 1910, he was promoted to the position of assistant treasurer and on the 30th of January, 1913, was elected treasurer, which position he has now filled for more than four years.
Mr. Lyon is an independent voter, considering the capability of the candidate rather than his party ties. Fraternally he is a prominent Mason, having attained the Knight Templar degree in the York Rite and the thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite. and he is also a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. He belongs to the Seaside Club and to, the Brooklawn Country ('lub and thus his social nature finds expression in pleasant companionship with men of kindred tastes and interests.
FRANK WEBB, M. D.
Dr. Frank Webb, engaged in the practice of medicine in Bridgeport, was born November 3. 1-62, at the family home on what is now Park avenue but at that time was Division street. He is descended in the paternal line from Richard Webb, who came from Dorsetshire, England, in 1626 and was one of the original founders and settlers of Cambridge, Massa - chusett -. He removed to Boston in 1629 and ten years later became one of the original settlers of Stratford, Connecticut. His next place of residence was Stamford. where he continued to make his home until his death in 1669. Representatives of the family partici- pated in the early Indian wars, the French and Indian war and in the Revolutionary war, and Dr. Webb is therefore eligible to membership in the various patriotic societies, including the Sons of the American Revolution. His father, William Henry Webb, was born in the town of Wilton, Fairfield county, Connecticut, in 1822 but spent practically his entire life in Bridgeport, where he became a well known manufacturer. He passed away here in 1892, having for six years survived his wife, who died in 1886. She bore the maiden name of Frances French and was born in Farleigh, Sussex county, England. in June, 1822, and came
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to the United States with her parents, James and Sarah (Russell) French, in her early girl- hood. She had therefore reached the age of sixty four years when called to her final rest. In the family were ten children but only two are now living, the sister being Miss Gertrude Webb. who presides over the home of her brother, Dr. Webb. The residence which they occupy in Iranistan avenue was built by their father during their early childhood on land which has been in possession of the family since 1646.
Dr. Webb belongs to the Connecticut State Eclectic Medical Society and is now chair- man of its nominating committee. He also belongs to the National Eclectic Medical Asso- ciation. Of Episcopal faith, he holds membership in Trinity church of Southport. He is fortunate in having back of him an ancestry honorable and distinguished and may indeed be happy that his lines of life have been cast in harmony therewith. In person, in talents and in character he is a worthy scion of his race, while his professional achievements have added new laurels to an untarnished family name.
CHARLES J. LEVERTY, M. D.
On the list of Bridgeport's capable physicians appears the name of Charles J. Leveity, who won his M. D. degree in 1901 upon graduation from the Bellevue Hospital Medical College. He was born on Main street in Bridgeport, April 17, 1877, and his father, James Leverty, was also a native of this city, born November 22, 1839. The Leverty family is one of the best known in Bridgeport. The paternal grandparents of Dr. Leverty were John and Helen (Rowe) Leverty, both natives of Ireland. They were married, however, in New York city and John Leverty, who was a contractor and builder, removed with his family from the metropolis to Bridgeport in the '30s. Among his children was Mrs. Ellen De Laney, the widow of William De Laney and the mother of Alexander L. De Laney, the present prosecuting attorney of Bridgeport. She is a younger sister of James Leverty. In early life he learned the harness maker's trade but afterward engaged in the grocery bnsi- ness. On the 24th of January, 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Dennehy, a native of Ireland. who came to the United States with her mother when eleven years of age. She was born June 24, 1840, and her death occurred October 26, 1912, when sev- enty-two years of age, while James Leverty was called to his final rest February 2, 1915. In their family were thirteen children, of whom five died in infancy, while eight are yet living. five sons and three daughters, all residents of Bridgeport. The brothers of Dr. Leverty are: John A., a druggist; Archibald, a contractor; James P., also engaged in the drug business; and Vincent De Paul, who follows the same line. The three sisters are: Elizabeth, the wife of John F. Kelly: Irene C .; and Mary Veronica.
In the attainment of his education Dr. Leverty completed a high school course in Bridgeport by graduation with the class of 1897, and in 1901 he gained his M. D. degree upon graduation from the Bellevue Hospital Medical College. He afterward spent one year in St. Francis Hospital of Hartford and a year and a half in the Bridgeport Hospital, and since 1903 he has been engaged in active practice in Bridgeport. For a considerable period he was located on State street but in 1915 removed his office to the splendid Leverty home at No. 62 James street, a home which his father, James Leverty, erected more than a quarter of a century ago and which has since been the abode of the family. The par- ents both died in this home and it is still the residence of Dr. Leverty, two of his brothers, Archibald and James P .. and his sisters. Irene and Veronica.
Dr. Leverty has had military training, having served for five years in the Hospital Corps of the Coast Artillery of the Connecticut State Militia with the rank of first ser- geant. In polities he is a democrat and in religious faith a Catholic, holding membership in St. Augustine's church. He is also identified with the Knights of Columbus and is a
DR. CHARLES J. LEVERTY
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member of the college fraternity. Phi Alpha Sigma. At the present time he is serving on the staff of St. Vincent's Hospital in the children's department, having been connected with that institution since its establishment, and in addition to his private practice he is serving as medical examiner for the Travelers, the John Hancock and the Union Central Insurance Companies. He belongs to the Bridgeport, the Fairfield County and the Con- necticut State Medical Societies and also to the American Medical Association. He has many admirable qualities, is very popular and enjoys a large and growing practice.
ARTHUR M. WILSON.
Arthur M. Wilson, secretary of the Bridgeport Fire Underwriters Association and as such well known in insurance circles, is a native of the city in which he resides, his birth having here occurred on the 9th of July, 1889. He is the only son of the late Frank M. Wilson, a prominent and well known merchant and business man of Bridgeport. While spending his youthful days under the parental roof he attended the public schools to the age of sixteen years and the following year went upon the road as a traveling salesman, representing the Underwood Typewriter Company in Denver, Colorado, while later he was in the office of the same company at Colorado Springs. After two years' sojourn in the west, however, he returned to Bridgeport in 1908 and here entered the employ of the Thomas P. Taylor Company as its real estate representative, occupying that position for four years. From 1912 until 1916 he was engaged in the real estate and insurance business on his own account at No. 62 Cannon street and since 1916 he has been connected with the insurance ageney of Zalmon Goodsell & Company. For three years he has been secretary of the Bridgeport Board of Fire Underwriters.
Mr. Wilson has led a busy and active life and for diversion turns to swimming, base- ball and football, formerly taking a very active part in baseball, football, tennis and hockey games. He is an Elk and an Odd Fellow and a member of the Bridgeport Club. He also holds membership in Christ Episcopal church, of which he is a vestryman. He has a wide acquaintance in Bridgeport, his native city, and by all who know him is spoken of in terms of high regard.
FREDERICK W. HALL.
Frederick W. Hall, assistant cashier of the First Bridgeport National Bank, has been continuously connected with banking interests since starting out upon his business career when a youth of seventeen. He was born in Bridgeport, September 19, 1863, a son of Ormel A. and Rebecca (Hatch) Hall. The father was born in Trumbull, Connecticut, while the mother's birth occurred at the Hatch homestead, which stood on the corner of Elm street and Main street, in Bridgeport. She was a daughter of Daniel Hatch, who was the first private banker of Bridgeport and was a partner of Mr. Watson. He died in 1880. Ormel A. Hall devoted his life to the printing business, but he and his wife have both passed away. Both were representatives of old colonial families, the former being descended from Dr. David Hall. who came to Fairfield county, Connecticut. from England in 1640. Among the ancestors of Frederick W. Hall was Sergeant Francis Nichols, who served in the Revolu- tionary war.
After attending the Prospect street school Frederick W. Hall on the 1st of February, 1881, then a youth of seventeen years, made his initial step in the business world as an employe of the Pequonnock National Bank. Gradually he worked his way upward, becoming
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its cashier in 1907. In the meantime he was called upon to figure in connection with the financial interests of the city, for in 1893 he was elected city treasurer and continuously occupied that position until 1913, save for one term of two years, his incumbency in the office covering eighteen years in all-a record which exceeds that of any other treasurer of the city and one which indicates clearly his marked capability and fidelity. At the same time he continued in the banking business and in December, 1913, the Peqnonnock Bank consolidated with the First Bridgeport National Bank, of which Mr. Hall became assistant cashier and one of the directors. He is still identified with the institution in that capacity and he is justly accounted one of the safe and reliable financiers of the city.
On the 4th of October, 1893, Mr. Hall was married to Miss Stella Louise Nichols, of Newtown, a daughter of Henry T. Nichols, formerly treasurer of Newtown and also treasurer of the Newtown Savings Bank. Mr. and Mrs. Hall have become parents of two children, Pauline Nichols and Ruth Skidmore, the latter now attending Dana Hall. The parents are members of St. John's Episcopal church, in which Mr. Hall is serving as treasurer and vestry- man. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum and also has membership with the Red Men, with the Musical Union, the Algonquin Club and the Brooklawn Country Club. In politics be is a democrat and he belongs to the Sons of the American Revolution. Those who know him esteem him as a man of genuine worth as a banker and as a citizen, and in social circles he is popular by reason of his many admirable traits of character.
GEORGE W. COGGSWELL.
George W. Coggswell is conducting a successful and growing business under the name of the Coggswell Realty Company, which is largely engaged in home building. He atso maintains a loan and an insurance department and the business is bringing gratifying financial returns. Mr. Coggswell was born in Brookfield. Connecticut, December 29, 1858, and is the only son of George W. and Mary Jane (Sherwood) Coggswell, both of whom have now passed away. They were representatives of old Connecticut families residing in the state through several generations. The father was a hatter by trade and made his home at Brookfield, Connecticut, until his death, which occurred in 1875. The two daughters of the family are Sarah and Mary, who are residents of Danbury, Connecticut.
George W. Coggswell was reared in Brookfield, where he attended private schools to the age of seventeen years. When a youth of eighteen he came to Bridgeport, where he pursued a course in a local business college. When a young man he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he first worked in Danbury, completing his trade in Bridgeport. He afterward con- ducted a general contracting business in Ansonia, in Derby and in Shelton, Connecticut, but afterward gave up contract work and for eighteen years devoted his entire attention to mercantile pursuits, owning grocery stores and meat markets at different times in Ansonia, Derby and Shelton and at certain period» was doing business in all three cities at once. His mereantile ventures in every instance were successful. In 1908 he came to Bridgeport and embarked in the real estate business, giving his attention during the first year or two to farm property. Later he added an insurance department and for several years he has conducted a general business in real estate, loan and insurance. In 1916 he organized and incorporated the Coggswell Realty Company. its object being to build moderate priced homes. to be purchased by people with small incomes who are desirous of having their own homes. The company has already made a splendid name for itself in Bridgeport through its opera- tions in that line. The company will build such a home as a person wants and the payments are little if any in excess of what rental would be. Mr. Coggswell is the president and treasurer of the company, with William Batchelor as secretary, while Frank Hackett is foreman and one of the directors, and as home builders they are winning a substantial
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success. Mr. Coggswell in addition to his company interests conducts a general fire insurance business and still acts as agent for large farming interests of Connecticut.
On the 1st of October, 1891, Mr. C'oggswell was united in marriage to Miss Marion Beards- ley, of Shelton, Connecticut, the only daughter of Henry N. Beardsley, now deceased, who was at one time senior member of the Beardsley Building Company of Shelton. Mr. and Mrs. Coggswell have become the parents of three daughters, who are still living: Mrs. Helen Crump, of No. 103 Butler avenue, Bridgeport ; and Mildred and Marion E., who are at home. The only son, Henry, died at the age of five years.
The parents are members of St. Paul's Episcopal church of Bridgeport, of which Mr. Coggswell is a vestryman. In politics he is a republican where national issues are involved but casts an independent local ballot. He belongs to the Bridgeport Fire Underwriters' Association and he is a Royal Arch Mason. As a recreation he is fond of fishing and he has recently returned from a two months' fishing and pleasure trip in Florida. He also finds great pleasure with dog and gun in hunting small game. Mr. Coggswell has made a splendid record in business, owing his advancement entirely to his own efforts. His persistency has brought results, his energy has overcome obstacles and difficulties and his record may well serve as an inspiration to others who are early thrown upon their own resources.
HENRY C. WOODWORTH.
Henry C. Woodworth, assistant cashier of the First Bridgeport National Bank, began his banking career in 1881 when he became connected with the First National Bank of Westport. of which his father was cashier for a half century. In 1887 he entered the Bridgeport National Bank in the capacity of bookkeeper, being later promoted to the position of receiving teller, while later he became paying teller and at length was advanced to his present position as assistant cashier. This bank consolidated with the First Bridgeport National Bank in 1909 and Mr. Woodworth has remained as assistant cashier of the institution since.
JOHN M. OTIS.
John M. Otis, assistant treasurer of the Mechanies & Farmers Savings Bank, was born in Newtown, Connectieut. in 1855, a son of Marshall S. and Mary (Gillette) Otis, who were also natives of this state. The former was a great-grandson of Stephen Otis, who was one of the Minute Men at Concord and at Lexington, participating in those engagements which preceded the battle of Bunker Hill. Later he took part in the battle of Long Island and was captured by the British, dying when still held by the British troops. The line of descent is traced down through Robert. Richard and Marshall Otis to John M. Otis, who now holds membership with the Sons of the American Revolution. Marshall Otis was a builder by occupation and is now deceased.
John M. Otis has had a liberal education. He entered Yale in 1876, but after three years was taken very ill and by the time he recovered his class had graduated. In 1880 he had entered the employ of the Mechanics & Farmers Savings Bank in a clerical capacity and in 1907 he was made assistant treasurer, which position he has since filled, being one of the oldest representatives of the bank in its active management.
In 1886 Mr. Otis was married to Miss Carrie F. Beers, a daughter of John and Marietta Beers, and they became the parents of a daughter, Mildred E., who is now the wife of Dr. Robert C. Lewis, professor of physiological chemistry in the Colorado State University. Dr. and Mrs. Lewis have three children.
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In his political views John M. Otis is a republican, which party he has supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He belongs to the Park Street Congregational church and fraternally is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In 1913 he was one of the founders of the Weatogne Country Club and was its president during the first four years of its existence. He has also been treasurer of the Bridgeport Hospital for several years and is one of its directors. In a word, he is a progressive and public- spirited citizen, interested in much that pertains to the general welfare and to the uplift of the individual. His influence is always on the side of improvement and his labors have been far-reaching and resultant.
P. H. BRANDES.
P. H. Brandes, secretary of the Springfield Manufacturing Company, engaged in the manufacture of grinding machinery and abrasive wheels, on entering into his present business relations became connected with an enterprise already established but in his present position is contributing to its further development and upbuilding. Mr. Brandes is one of Bridgeport's native sons. He was born on the 6th of July, 1892, and is a son of H. F. and Carrie Brandes, who came to this city about 1886. The father is a native of Germany but in his boyhood days was brought to the United States. P. H. Brandes acquired a public school education, passing through consecutive grades to the high school, and since his textbooks were put aside he has continuously been engaged in mechanical lines, being actively associated with his father in business since 1910.
The Springfield Manufacturing Company, of which he is the secretary, was organized at Springfield, Massachusetts, but sometime afterward a removal was made to Bridgeport and in 1909 the business was sold to H. F. Brandes, who is the president and treasurer of the company, with his son, P. H. Brandes, as secretary and L. A. Brandes as one of the directors. The company has a well equipped plant for the manufacture of grinding machinery and abrasive wheels and their product, which is made to order, is sold to dealers through- out the country. Their business was one of the first and remains one of the largest of the kind, giving employment to from forty to fifty skilled workmen. They demand exactness and accuracy on the part of those in their service and they have ever maintained the highest standard iu their product, which by reason of its excellence, as well as owing to the thorough reliability of the house, has found a ready sale.
NORRIS BALLARD NICHOLSON.
Norris Ballard Nicholson, senior partner in the firm of Nicholson & Weed, contractors of Bridgeport, was born in Brookfield. Connecticut, April 29, 1837, a grandson of Amos Nicholson and a son of Julius Nicholson. The family is of English' origin and was estab- lished on American soil in the eighteenth century. Julius Nicholson was united in mar- riage to Miss Sarah Marie Ballard. a daughter of John Ballard, who was of English lineage. Both Mr. and Mrs. Julius Nicholson have now passed away, the former having died when his son Norris was but nine years of age. There were two other sons, Charles Darius and John Augustus, both now deceased.
Norris B. Nicholson attended the district school at New Fairfield. Connecticut, and, thrown upon his own resources at his father's death, he went upon a farm with the agreement that he was to have the privilege of attending school for at least three months in the year. That privilege was not always accorded him, but he remained with his first
NORRIS B. NICHOLSON
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employer until he reached the age of twenty-one years. He next went to Patterson, New York, where he remained for five years, and then again lived at New Fairfield, Connecticut, for four years. On the expiration of that period he; settled once more at Patterson, New York, where he lived for four years, after which he again spent seven years at New Fair- field, Connecticut. During these periods he worked at farming. On the 8th of April, 1886, he came to Bridgeport and turned his attention to the contracting business, taking con- tracts for moving buildings. He has followed this business now for thirty-one years and constant demands are made upon him in this line. He has successfully moved all kinds of buildings, from small shanties to big brick structures, and he usually employs about twelve men. His first partner was his son-in-law and his present partner, Mr. Weed, came into the firm in 1908.
On the 23d of November, 1859, Mr. Nicholson was united in marriage to Miss Harriett Adeline Wildman, a daughter of Abraham and Irene (Way) Wildman, the former a son of Joseph Wildman, while the latter was a daughter of Gerard Way. Mr. and Mrs. Nichol- son have a daughter, Dora Elizabeth, who became the wife of Henry H. Botsford, who passed away in 1907. Their daughter, Alice Fannie, died at the age of nine months. Mrs. Botsford belongs to the Episcopal church. Mrs. Nicholson is a great-granddaughter of Phillip Wellman.
Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and guide their lives according to its teachings. His has been an active and useful career. He has always known hard work and he early came to recognize the value of industry and persistency of purpose. Whatever success he has achieved is attributable entirely to his earnest effort and his life record should serve to encourage others, showing what may he accom- plished when one has the will to dare and to do.
ADOLF SHERMAN.
Adolf Sherman, active in the field of real estate and building operations in Bridgeport, was born in the city of Stockholm, Sweden, September 25, 1873, the youngest of the seven children of Carl John Sherman, an engineer, and Matilda (Olander) Sherman, who spent their entire lives in their native country.
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