USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Bridgeport > History of Bridgeport and vicinity > Part 70
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On the 11th of April. 1911. Mr. Berg was married to Miss Inez Frederickson, of Bridge- port. who was born in Sweden and came with her parents to Connecticut in early life. The family home was established at New Haven, whence a removal was afterward made to Bridgeport. Mr. and Mrs. Berg have two children, Elsie and Ethel.
Politically Mr. Berg is independent, voting for men and measures rather than party. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he also holds membership with the Viking Society of New Haven.
ERNEST HUBER.
Ernest Iluber, manager of the Huber Ice Cream Company, gives practically his entire time to his duties in that connection and has the satisfaction of knowing that much of the eredit for the success of the company is due to him. He was born in Germany on the 29th of June. 1887, a son of Carl and Genevieve Huber, the former of whom died in Germany in 1906. while the latter is still living in the city of Baden. Hle received a good education in Vol. II-29
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the public schools of Germany and in the preparatory schools there, but in 1904, when seventeen years old, came to Bridgeport at the request of his uncle, Jacob Huber. During the daytime he worked in his uncle's store on Wall street and devoted his evenings to study in the Union Business College, where he took a complete commercial course. The business training which he received in that school has been of great value to him in the management of the affairs of the Huber Ice Cream Company. He has been actively connected with that concern since its establishment and for a number of years has been the working head of the business, with the title of manager, his uncle, who is the president of the concern, having to a large extent retired from the management of the business. The thoroughness with which Ernest Huber has mastered every phase of the ice cream manufacturing husi- ness is evident when it is taken into consideration that in his capacity as general manager he has charge of the buying and selling, oversees the work of the forty odd employes of the company and supervises the delivery of the product, in which connection ten auto trucks are used. The recent additions to the plant and equipment have been made in accordance with his plans and he has the entire work of the company well in hand. He has also invested heavily in the company's stock.
Mr. Huber was married on the 20th of October, 1914, to Miss Lillian Vordran, of Bridgeport, and they have a son, Ernest Jacob, named for his father and his great-uncle. Mr. Huher belongs to the Loyal Order of Moose and in politics is independent. His participa- tion in public affairs has been limited to the exercise of his right of franchise and to the support of various well devised civic projects as a private citizen. The same qualities of thoroughness, enterprise and integrity which have led to his present success fully guarantee his continued prosperity.
JOSEPH HUBERT.
Joseph Hubert is conducting a flourishing business under the name of the Bridgeport Art Glass Company and beautiful evidences of his handiwork are seen in many of the lead- ing churches and public buildings of the city. Mr. Hubert is a native of Alsace-Lorraine. He was born February 4, 1864, of the marriage of Joseph and Caroline Hubert, both of whom are now deceased. In the family were also two daughters, Caroline and Josephine, both of whom passed away in Alsace-Lorraine
Joseph Hubert acquired a public school education and when a youth of fourteen years began learning the art glass business. He worked all day and at night attended school, so that he was continuously busy for sixteen hours out of the twenty-four. He learned the business with an uncle and after being employed at various places in the old world he crossed the Atlantic to New York city in 1889 and was there employed at his trade for about nine years. On the 1st of April, 1898, he came to Bridgeport and established art glass works on John street, removing to his present location at No. 153 John street in 1899. When he began business here he had but one employe and now has from eight to ten men in his service. His place was partially destroyed by fire in 1916, but with char- acteristic energy he at once rebuilt it. He has put in many of the memorial and art glass windows of the city, including the windows in the Southport Methodist Episcopal church and in the Jennings residence in Fairfield. He also put in all windows in the Swedish Methodist Episcopal church in Bridgeport and in the church of that denomination in New Haven, and three in the American Methodist Episcopal church, together with what is known as the Wallace Memorial in Christ's Episcopal church, calling for very superior workmanship and artistic design. Mr. Hubert also did the ceiling for the Fairfield county courthouse and the Methodist church in Stratford. In fact, he does ninety per cent of this kind of work in Bridgeport.
JOSEPH HUBERT
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On the 22d of October, 1892, Mr. Hubert was married in New York city to Miss Anna Keute. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and both he and his wife belong to the Order of Rebekahs. Ile is also identified with the Elks and the Woodmen of the World, but he centers the greater part of his thought and attention upon his business and is closely studying everything that tends to advance his knowledge concerning the decoration of memorial windows and the installation of art glass of all kinds. He has now seeured a patronage that is gratifying and undoubtedly still further success awaits him.
D. FAIRCHILD WHEELER.
D. Fairchild Wheeler, who sinee 1890 has been connected with the line of business in which he is now engaged as president of the Bridgeport Land & Title Company, has reached his present enviable position through the steps of an orderly progression, being constantly stimulated by a laudable ambition and a resolute purpose to accomplish a given task. His developing powers have therefore brought him to the front and since 1908 he has occupied the presidency of the Land & Title Company, which, with its predecessors, has been a feature in the fianeial eireles of Bridgeport since 1827. He was born in Trumbull, Connecticut, March 28. 1872, a son of Hobart R. and Antoinette (Fairchild) Wheeler, who were also natives of Trumbull, and both were descendants of ancestors who settled in Fairfield county in the seventeenth century. Among the ancestors of D. F. Wheeler were those who fought for American independence, so that he is eligible to membership with the Sons of the Ameri- can Revolution. His father, who devoted his life to farming, is now living retired.
After completing his education by graduation from the Bridgeport high school Mr. Wheeler, in 1890, entered the employ of Marsh, Merwin & Lemmon, private bankers. and remained with that institution after it became the Bridgeport Land & Title Company. As indicated, this business had its inception in 1827, when an agency of the Hartford Fire Insurance Company was established in Bridgeport with Isaae Sherman a> the first official representative. Ile was followed by Alanson Hamlin and in June, 1840, Ira Sherman assumed the management of the business, into which the Marsh family made entrance when in February, 1857, the firm of Sherman & Marsh was organized. This connection continued for five years, after which the firm of Sherman & Lockwood and later Sherman, Lockwood & Company continued the business until September, 1866, when the firm of Sherman. Marsh & Company was formed. From that time on the Marsh family was represented in the owner- ship and control of the business. For some time prior to June. 1886, the agency was con- ducted in connection with the People's Savings Bank but at length the trustees of the bank decided to discontinue the insurance branch of their business, at which time F. W. Marsh entered into partnership with Orange Merwin and H. (. Lemmon to take over the insurance business with the idea of transacting a private banking, real estate and rental business in connection therewith. Such was the growth and success of their business that in 1899 they decided to incorporate the banking department. the deposits of which then amounted to about a million dollar», into the Bridgeport Trust Company, while the real estate, rent and insurance business continued under the old firm style. The Bridgeport Land & Title Company had heen incorporated in 1897 for the purpose of searching and guaranteeing titles, so that for a time the Trust Company was doing the banking business, the firm of Marsh. Merwin & Lemmon the insurance business and the Bridgeport Land & Title Company had charge of the title searching and guaranteeing. In 1902 the insurance firm sold out to the Bridgeport Land & Title Company all its real estate and its renting and insurance business. Since that time the Title Company has purchased the business of various other insurance agencies, while the Trust Company has increased its deposits from one million to over three million dollars.
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The wonderful growth of these two concerns made it necessary for them to build their own homes. The total assets of the Bridgeport Land & Title Company on the 1st of October, 1916, were seven hundred and fifty thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight dollars, capital stock two hundred thousand dollars, with a surplus of profit and loss account of fifty thousand dollars. The company has practically fifty thousand dollars invested in its own land records and is now able to make nearly all its searches on local and suburban real estate within its own four walls. Moreover, it has had its charter amended to include the guaranteeing 'of mortgages. Since entering the business Mr. Wheeler bas thoroughly acquainted himself with every phase thereof and his expanding powers led to his election to the position of treasurer in 1897, while in 1908, upon the death of Mr. Merwin, he became the president of the company. The other officers are: Egbert Marsh, vice president; Alvin H. Hancock, treasurer; Clifford W. Marsh, secretary; Herbert M. Lyon, assistant secretary; and Milton S. Lacey, title officer.
In 1899 Mr. Wheeler was married to Miss Mabel L. Dore, of Chicago, a daughter of Alfred E. and Ada Dore. Their children are three in number, namely: Doris Antoinette, Julia Adelaide and Daniel Fairchild, Jr.
Mr. Wheeler has attained high rank in Masonry as a Knight Templar, a thirty-second degree Mason and a Mystie Shriner and he is a past master of Corinthian Lodge, No. 104, A. F. & A. M., and at present a member of its finance committee. He is also a past thrice illustrious master of Jerusalem Couneil, R. & S. M., is a most wise master of Pequonnock Chapter of the Rose Croix and is taking a very active interest in the Shrine. He also belongs to Pequonnock Lodge, I. O. O. F., and along strictly social lines has connection with the Brooklawn Country and Seaside Clubs. Politically he is a demoerat. His religious faith is indicated by bis membership in St. John's Episcopal church, of which he is a vestry- man. His interests and activities outside of his business have always been of a character that have contributed to public progress and improvement, advancing the welfare of the individual and of the community at large.
ELMER S. OGDEN.
Elmer S. Ogden, secretary and treasurer of the Bridgeport Die & Machine Com- pany, was born in Bridgeport, April 15, 1882, a son of William S. and Carrie L. (Snow) Ogden. The father was born at Fairfield Woods, Connecticut, and was a son of Sylvester Ogden, who kept the village store there, being one of the first settlers of that locality. William S. Ogden was a sea captain who began sailing when but fifteen years of age and for many years lived upon the water. His wife was a daughter of Heman S. Snow, of Meriden, Connecticut.
Elmer S. Ogden acquired a publie school education in Bridgeport and afterward began learning the machinist's trade with the Bullard Machine Tool Company, spending four and one-half years in that connection. He was afterward with the American British Company, working as tool maker, and subsequently he was employed at his trade in various places. He also taught for eight months in the machine department of the State Trade School and in August, 1912, in connection with James W. Ogden, he organized the Bridgeport Die & Machine Company, of which he is the secretary and treasurer. They have since developed the business to one of substantial proportions and now have eighty employes, about one-third of whom are skilled workmen, while their plant comprises two shops. each of five thousand square feet. The growth of their business has necessitated various removals in order to secure enlarged quarters. They make a specialty of machine work. dies. tools and experimental work and they manufacture the Bridgeport surface grinder and also the Bridgeport molding machines and equipment, both of which are made
ELMER S. OGDEN
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after patents owned by the company. Their output is sold all over this country and in foreign lands as well. One of the devices which they have put upon the market is a machine for fastening buttons on shoes and which reduces the cost from eighty-three cents to three cents for fastening a thousand buttons. From the beginning their business has enjoyed a continuous and gratifying growth, resulting from wise management on the part of the owners, who have made efficiency their watchword.
On the 24th of June, 1908, Mr. Ogden was married to Miss Clara L. Haffner, of Bridge- port, a daughter of William and Katherine Haffner. Mr. and Mrs. Ogden have one son, Elmer William, now seven years of age.
Fraternally Mr. Ogden is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also with the American Mechanics and in politics he maintains an independent course, preferring to holl himself free to vote according to the dictates of his judgment. He is not remiss in the duties of citizenship but on the contrary supports measures which he deems of value to the community; yet he has never been an office seeker, always prefer- ring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs, which, well directed, are bringing to him a gratifying measure of prosperity.
BERNHARD KLEIN.
It is the character of the individual and not his accomplishments in business that causes him to be remembered, and Bernhard Klein displayed so many sterling traits that his memory is revered and honored by those who were his active associates in business and social life throughout the long years of his connection with Bridgeport. He figured prominently here as a business man and one who in every relation of life was dependable.
He was born in Tiefenthal. Darmstadt, Germany, in July, 1833, and pursued his education in the sebools of that country. He was but twelve years of age when he lost his father and several years later he came to the new world to join his brother, Moses Klein, who had arrived a short time before. Both came to Bridgeport, where they established a dry goods business with a small stock of goods at Main and John streets. From the beginning their trade grew, and as their capital thereby increased they extended their stock to include millinery and notions. During the period of the Civil war they removed to the present site of the Jackson Book Store on Main street and there continued until 1888. In the mean- time their business had steadily developed and had reached extensive proportions, while their careful management and business sagacity made the enterprise a very profitable one. In 1888, therefore, having acquired a very substantial competence, they retired from commercial pursuits.
In 1860 Bernhard Klein was united in marriage to Miss Mary Lowenthal, of New York. and they became the parents of six children: Jacob B .. now a well known attorney of Bridgeport: Mrs. Eli L. Lesser. also of this city, who died in 1916; Mrs. Hiram Strauss, living in Cleveland, Ohio; Milton MI., vice president of B. Altman & Company of New York : Mrs. M. J. Buechler and Mrs. Max Stein of Bridgeport. The death of Mrs. Klein occurred in February, 1912, and Mr. Klein survived until May 18, 1914.
In his political views Mr. Klein was a democrat but never allowed partisanship to inter- fere with the faithful performance of his duties of citizenship and always took a keen interest in everything that pertained to the welfare of the city. He belonged to Abraham Lodge, I. O. B. B .: also to St. John's Lodge. F. & A. M .: Steuben Lodge, I. O. O. l .: and the Bridgeport Encampment; and to the New Haven Independent Order of the Free Sons of Israel. He was one of the founders and life trustee of the Park Avenue Temple, and generously and helpfully supported every project for the upbuilding of his church. He was a most generous contributor to Hebrew charities and in fact was constantly extending a
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helping hand to others, whether of his own faith or not. In business he was a tireless worker, faithfully performing the duties that devolved upon him, and his name became a synonym for honorable dealing and enterprise. His kindly spirit was recognized by all with whom he came in contact, and in his own home he was a devoted husband and father.
MOSES KLEIN.
Moses Klein, well known for many years in Bridgeport as a prominent and successful merchant, conducting one of the large commercial establishments of the city under the firm style of MI. Klein & Brother, was born in Darmstadt, Germany, in 1831. Early thrown upon his own resources by the death of his father, he decided to try his fortunes in America and same to the new world, making his way at once to Bridgeport. Soon afterward he was joined by his brother, Bernhard Klein, and they opened a small dry goods store but gradually developed their business until it became one of the most extensive and important of the city. The scope of the business was also inereased to include the sale of millinery, notions and kindred lines, and they likewise began the manufacture of crochet needles, hooks, etc . and won success in that undertaking.
In 1857. in New York city, Mr. Klein was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Emanuel, and they became the parents of two sons and two daughters: Jacob B .; Isaac H .; Mrs. Gertrude Josephy, of New York ; and Mrs. Henry L. Bishop, of Bridgeport.
In his political views Mr. Klein was a democrat, while fraternally lie was connected with the Masons, the Odd Fellows and with Abraham Lodge, I. O. B. B. Death called him February 14. 1906, after a long residence in Bridgeport, during which he had been a factor in making the name of Klein a synonym for commercial enterprise and progress.
A. L. ADAMS.
Thoroughness in the line of his trade and in the mastery of business methods, has ever been a marked characteristic of A. L. Adams since he started out on his own account. He may truly be called a self-made man, for his success is attributable entirely to his persist- ent efforts and his efficiency. A native of Otsego county, New York, he there attended the public schools. He came to Bridgeport in 1883 in order to get something of the "Yankee" atmosphere-in other words to learn of the effective business methods which have made New England a great industrial center. Here he pursued a course in a business college and also a course in machine designing. Wishing to learn mechanics through practical experience, he started to work. He was paid only fifty cents per day at the beginning and it eost him more than that to live, but he was learning not only the spe- cific work that was entrusted to him but was also acquainting himself with the business methods which constitute the source of New England's success and prosperity.
Mr. Adams was employed by the firm of Coulter & Mckenzie and operated a lathe the first day he was with that concern, much to the surprise of the superintendent. He was afterward with the firm of Hill & Jennings and while working in the day studied at night. He patented a chest of drawers about this time and was continually showing skill and ability along mechanical lines. Later he was in the employ of Eaton. Cole & Burnham and was a portion of the time a contractor in that establishment. In the mean- time he had become recognized as a mechanic of superior ability and he brought fortlı several labor-saving devices of which he was the originator. When the American Grapho- phone Company opened its Bridgeport shops he was employed as fifth tool maker there.
A. L. ADAMS
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His next position was with the Bridgeport Gun Implement Company, and one improve- ment which he instituted in a single department saved the company a hundred dollars per month.
In 1893 MIr. Adams began business on his own account in a small way, manufacturing the Adams Art Auger Bit, which is not only patented in the United States but in many foreign countries. Later he patented and perfected the line of machines which he manu- factured under the name of the corset and bias fabric strip machinery and Mr. Adams is conceded the world leader in that line. Some of the patents which Mr. Adams has secured date back as far as 1893, with many received at a later date, while other of his inventions recently brought ont are not yet patented. Mr. Adams has introduced his machines and instructed people in the use of bias strip machinery in seven different countries, namely : Canada, England, Germany, France, Ireland, Scotland and Belgium, and bis machines are in use in other countries. He has made three different trips to Europe, and while these have been made primarily for business, he has also found much pleasure in his travels and gained much valuable information. He is today at the head of a business of worldwide reputation. His has indeed been a well spent life, active, useful and honorable, and his course may well serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others.
WILLIAM H. RUSSELL.
William H. Russell, who since 1915 has filled the office of postmaster at Southport, his native city, was born February 22, 1876, a son of David and Mary (Hayes) Russell, who were natives of Ireland. They came to America in early life and spent their remaining days in Southport, where they reared their family of ten children, of whom eight are yet living.
William H. Russell spent the period of his youth under the parental roof and the opportunities of the public schools were his. He passed through consecutive grades to the high school and when his textbooks were put aside he learned telegraphy and spent nineteen years with the New Haven Railroad. It was on the 3th of January, 1915, that he was appointed to his present position and has since been the efficient postmaster of South- port. discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. He is systematic in all of his work and displays absolute accuracy.
As indicated, Mr. Russell is a supporter of the democratic party and fraternally he is connected with the Loyal Order of Moose. He is well known in the city where his entire life has been passed and that his record is a creditable one is indicated in the fact that many of his staneb friends are those who have known him from his boyhood.
JOHN W. BANKS.
John W. Banks, a practitioner at the Bridgeport bar, came to this city in 1893 on completing his law course at Yale. Ile was born in Bethlehem, Connecticut, in 1867. His father. George W. Banks, was a Congregational clergyman and for many years was actively engaged in preaching the gospel in Connecticut. While the family resided in Guilford John W. Banks prepared for college there and in 1889 on the completion of a classical course was graduated from Yale. He determined to make the practice of law his life work and then matriculated in the Yale Law School, from which he was graduated with the class of 1893. He was admitted to the bar in New Haven and entered upon the active practice of his
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profession in Bridgeport, soon afterward becoming a partner of William T. Hineks in the firm of Banks & Hineks, an association that was maintained until about 1900, when they were joined by Allan W. Paige under the firm style of Paige, Banks & Hincks. About five years ago the present firm was formed, when Mr. Banks was joined by Edward K. Nichol- son under the style of Banks & Nicholson. He has always continued in the general practice of law and has displayed much ability in handling involved and complex legal problems. He is, however, largely familiar with the principles of jurisprudence and with precedent and in his work in the courts has displayed thorough preparation and an alertness that has made him at all times ready to meet the attack of opposing counsel. In 1898 he was made referee in bankruptcy for Fairfield county and has since occupied that position.
In 1895 Mr. Banks was united in marriage to Miss Mary Coles Gay, of Farmington, Connecticut. His political allegiance is given the republican party, and he is a member of the State and the American Bar Associations. He belongs also to the Seaside, Country and University Clubs of Bridgeport and the Yale Club of New York and is thus brought in con- taet with the leading citizens of this section, men interested in all of the vital problems and questions of the day and men who stand for that which is highest in citizenship.
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