USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > History of Fairfield County, Connecticut, 1639-1928 > Part 10
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46
MICHAEL DELOHERY
Michael Delohery had the advantage of an early start in the hat industry, in which he was notably successful, possessing a self-reliant nature and a capacity for sustained effort, combined with a spirit of enterprise which spurs the individual ever on- ward and upward and makes him a power in his chosen field of endeavor. He was one of Danbury's foremost hat manufacturers and enjoyed to the fullest extent the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens. A native of Ireland, he was a son of James and Bridget (Gorman) Delohery and came to the United States when
8-VOL. 3
134
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
a youth of fourteen. Locating in Danbury, he obtained work in a factory and there learned the trade of hat making. He was considered an exceptionally fine workman and was regarded as the best hand dyer in the industry. In 1888 he began the manu- facture of ladies' hats at Bethel under the name of M. Delohery and prospered from the start. Owing to the rapid growth of the industry he found it necessary to secure larger quarters and in 1891 returned to Danbury, opening a factory on State street. There the business was conducted until 1911, when it was moved to the present location at the foot of East Liberty street. In 1920 he added a fur-cutting department, using part of his factory for that purpose, and later this was incorporated with the hat manu- facturing business under the style of the Delohery Hat Company, which is still retained. Owing to his ripe experience and expert management the industry constantly expanded and he remained at its head until his death, April 15, 1926. He always had the best interests of his employes at heart and his fatherly advice was often sought by the men in his service, while his commercial integrity and reputation for fair dealing won for him friends throughout the hat manufacturing industry.
Mr. Delohery was married April 22, 1882, in Newtown, Con- necticut, to Miss Catherine Keenan and is survived by his widow and six children : James J., Michael F. and Agnes Delohery, all residents of Danbury; Mrs. John C. Freeland, also of Danbury ; Mrs. J. Frank Doolan, of New Haven; and Dr. C. Leo Delohery, of Philadelphia. He also left one sister, Miss Bridget Delohery, who lives in Danbury.
Mr. Delohery had few interests outside his family and his business. Studious by nature, he spent many profitable and en- joyable hours in his library, which is considered one of the finest and most extensive in the city. He was a member of the Danbury and National Hat Manufacturers Associations and of Division No. 1, A. O. H. In religious faith he was a Roman Catholic and his affiliation was with St. Peter's church, in which a solemn requiem high mass was celebrated on the morning of his burial. The funeral was one of the largest ever witnessed in Danbury, there being nearly one hundred automobiles in the procession. The esteem and affection in which Mr. Delohery was held were attested by the wealth of beautiful floral offerings which were
135
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
sent to his home. In all there were nearly three hundred separate pieces, a large automobile truck and three open cars being used to convey them from the house to the cemetery. Among the flowers were pieces ordered by business friends in Australia, Lon- don, England, and in Paris, France. Interment was in the family plot in St. Peter's Catholic cemetery, where committal services were conducted by Rev. M. J. O'Connor, P. R., rector of the church, assisted by Fathers Finn, Culhane, Branigan, Barry, Kennedy, Daly and Shea. The life of Michael Delohery was long, useful and upright, terminating at the age of seventy-one years. The elements were happily blended in the rounding out of his nature, which was finely matured and altogether admirable. Starting with nothing, he attained the goal of his ambition by hard work and the wise use of the talents with which nature endowed him and well merited the honorable and distinctive title of "self-made man."
JAMES G. DURKIN
The Danbury Troy Laundry, of which James G. Durkin is secretary and treasurer, has long commanded the patronage of the representative people of the community because of the uni- formly superior quality of its work. Mr. Durkin was born in Danbury in 1886 and is a son of Miles and Jane (Notley) Durkin, both of whom were born in Ireland. The father is now deceased.
Mr. Durkin attended the public schools of his home city to the age of thirteen years, when he entered the employ of the Western Union Telegraph Company. After six years in that service, he went to work for the Frank Lee Hat Company, with which he remained for about ten years, and in 1911 he became con- nected with the Danbury Troy Laundry, with which he is still identified, being now its secretary and treasurer. He has never been afraid of hard work and has devoted himself tirelessly to the interests of this business, which has grown to enormous pro- portions. The words "Troy Laundry" have long stood for good service and the people of Danbury, by liberal patronage, have given tangible evidence of their satisfaction with the type of service rendered by this concern.
136
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
In 1912 Mr. Durkin was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Lynch, of Danbury, and they have four children, Robert, Charles, James and Mary. Mr. Durkin is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus and the Dan- bury Club. He is a man of forceful personality, courteous and friendly in manner, and throughout the city where he has spent his life commands the highest measure of confidence and respect.
JOHN J. FITZGERALD
John J. FitzGerald, a veteran of the World war, has made his commercial opportunities count for the utmost and although young in years he is well established in public regard as one of Danbury's leading decorators and prominent business men. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1894, and is a son of William J. and Margaret (Ennis) FitzGerald, who still reside in that city. The father was engaged in the painting business for many years and is now retired.
The public schools of his native city afforded John J. Fitz- Gerald his educational advantages and his knowledge of the painter's trade was acquired under his father, from whom he received thorough instruction. For a time he was engaged in that line of work and then accepted a position in the general offices of the New York, Ontario & Western Railroad Company, with which he spent three years. On the expiration of that period he resumed the work of his trade, which he followed in Brooklyn until 1917. He then entered the service of his country and went to France as a private in the First Division of the United States Army. For twenty-six months he was stationed abroad and par- ticipated in a number of notable battles while at the front. Merit won him promotion to the rank of first lieutenant and in Septem- ber, 1919, he was honorably discharged. For four years there- after he was an accountant for the Keystone Instant Food Com- pany and then formed a partnership with A. L. Martin, with whom he has since been associated in the painting, decorating and heating business. Their offices at No. 29 Crosby street, Danbury, were opened in 1925 and in the intervening period they have built up a profitable business by fair dealing, good management and high class work.
137
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
In 1922 Mr. FitzGerald was married in Danbury to Miss Anna Rohde, a daughter of Frank C. Rohde, a well known hatter, and Anna (Ziegler) Rohde. Mr. and Mrs. FitzGerald have be- come the parents of two sons, William E. and John R. Mr. Fitz- Gerald is identified with the American Legion, the Lions Club and the Knights of Columbus. By nature he is modest, frank and unassuming and possesses those qualities which inspire strong and enduring regard.
WILLIAM JOHN PROVOOST
One of Fairfield county's ablest and best known architects is William J. Provoost, of the firm of Butler & Provoost, of Stam- ford. Years of practical training and experience, combined with an artistic taste, have rendered him more than ordinarily efficient in his profession and his firm is enjoying well merited success. Mr. Provoost was born in Port Chester, Westchester county, New York, on the 18th of July, 1893, and is a son of John William and Agnes Jane (Hutchinson) Provoost. His paternal grandparents were John W., Sr., and Mary P. (Marsh) Provoost. The former, who was born in Buffalo, New York, and died in New York city, was a capitalist and an artist. He supported the republican party and was a member of the Protestant Episcopal church. He was a close relative to Bishop Samuel Provoost, who bore the dual dis- tinction of being the first Protestant Episcopal clergyman in New York state and the first chaplain of congress. Mary P. (Marsh) Provoost was a native of and died in Port Chester. John William Provoost, also a capitalist, was born in Port Chester, New York, and died in Stamford, Connecticut, February 27, 1919. He was a man of strong character and marked ability and was held in high regard by all who knew him. He was a member of the Protestant Episcopal church and gave his political support to the republican party. His wife, who was born in New York city, June 26, 1861, and is now living in Rowayton, Connecticut, is a daughter of William and Charlotte (Brinnicome) Hutchinson. Her father, who was born in New York city and died in Port Chester, New York, was long the proprietor of the DeSoto house in Rye, New York, and was the first constable of the town. He
138
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
was a member of the Episcopal church and voted the republican ticket. His wife was a native of England and died in Port Ches- ter, New York.
William J. Provoost attended the public schools of Port Chester, graduating from high school, and attended evening ses- sions at Columbia University. He was associated with various architects in New York city for fourteen years and in 1919 he came to Stamford and formed a partnership with W. E. Butler, under the firm name of Butler & Provoost. They have a well equipped office at 33 Atlantic street and have done a large volume of business throughout this section of the county, enjoying a high reputation as capable and dependable architects.
On September 16, 1914, in Branchville, Connecticut, Mr. Pro- voost was united in marriage to Miss Wilhelmina Carlson, who was born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 13, 1894, and is a daughter of Augusta Carlson, who is a native of Sweden and is now engaged in farming near Branchville. Mrs. Provoost, who was educated in the public schools of Branchville, is an active member of the Congregational church. Mr. and Mrs. Provoost are the parents of two children, Muriel Jane, born July 4, 1917, and William John, born August 6, 1921. Mr. Provoost is a republican in his political affiliation, and is a communicant of the Protestant Episcopal church. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Greenwich, and Puritan Lodge, No. 14, I. O. O. F., at Stamford, and also belongs to the Kiwanis Club. During the World war he was a member of the Connecticut State Guard. He is candid and straightforward in manner, consistent in his support of those things which tend to promote the public welfare, and his upright character has gained for him the sincere respect of his fellowmen.
OSCAR B. BERTILSON
Bridgeport offers many opportunities for advancement to the young man of ability, energy and determination, and, liberally endowed with these requisites, Oscar B. Bertilson has registered achievement, becoming well known through his activities in con- nection with the plumbing business. He was born February 20,
139
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
1892, in this city, a son of Berger and Erika (Noren) Bertilson, who were natives of Hamstadt, Sweden. The father was edu- cated in that city and came to America when a young man of twenty-one, locating in Bridgeport. Here he spent the remainder of his life, devoting his attention to the plumbing business, and prosperity attended his well directed efforts. He was deeply attached to the city of his adoption and manifested his public spirit by effective service as an alderman. His political support was given to the republican party, and in religious faith he was a Lutheran. Death called him in 1919, when he was fifty-nine years of age. His widow still resides in Bridgeport.
Oscar B. Bertilson received a public school education, and his first knowledge of plumbing was gained in his father's shop. He also attended plumbing schools in Bridgeport and New York city and thoroughly equipped himself for the occupation of his choice. In 1910 he organized The Oscar B. Bertilson Company, Inc., of which he has since been president and treasurer, and he now employs fourteen men, all of whom are experienced and capable. His shop is located at No. 3008 Fairfield avenue and ranks with the largest and best equipped in the city. He has installed the plumbing in many of Bridgeport's fine buildings, and his firm is noted for high grade work.
Mr. Bertilson was married September 12, 1913, in Bridge- port to Miss Grace C. Hinkly, a native of Maine and a daughter of Mrs. Bertha Hinkly of this city. Mrs. Bertilson received her early instruction in the Pine Tree state and completed her studies in the public schools of Bridgeport. Mr. and Mrs. Bertilson have a family of four children: Florence E., who was born in 1916; Ellen, born in 1919; Oscar B. Jr., born in 1921; and Leonard, born in 1924.
The parents are affiliated with the Lutheran church, and Mr. Bertilson casts his ballot for the candidates of the republican party. During the World war he furthered the success of the Liberty Loan and Red Cross campaigns in Bridgeport and has been active in the community chest drives and other civic projects, manifesting an unselfish devotion to the general welfare. Along fraternal lines he is identified with the local camp of the Foresters of America and Corinthian Lodge, No. 104, of the Masonic order. He is a past president of the Grotto Club, a member of the Lions Club, the Singing Society of Nordon, the Master Plumbers Asso-
140
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
ciation of America, and treasurer of the Black Rock Business Men's Association. Mr. Bertilson has accomplished much for one of his years, and his genuine worth is attested by Bridgeport's citizens, who have known him from boyhood.
OTTO FERDINAND BURGHART
Profiting by the many opportunities which Bridgeport offers to the young man of energy, determination and enterprise, Otto Ferdinand Burghart has made rapid progress toward the goal of success and is now at the head of a large contracting business, in which connection he is intimately associated with building operations in the city. He was born in Bridgeport, March 2, 1892, and is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Goetz) Burghart, natives of Germany. The father was born in Bavaria, September 4, 1860, and the mother was born in Wurtemberg, November 21, 1866. They came to the United States in youth and established their home in Bridgeport, where they still reside. Jacob Burg- hart entered the employ of the Singer Manufacturing Company and was made an inspector of their sewing machines. He filled the position for forty years, rendering valuable service to the corporation, and is now retired. He is an earnest, helpful mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church and gives his political sup- port to the republican party.
Otto F. Burghart was educated in the public schools of Bridge- port and began his commercial career as a clerk in the office of the Singer Manufacturing Company, with which he remained for three years. Afterward he served an apprenticeship as a car- penter with The Schwarz Brothers Company, later becoming a foreman for that firm. In 1916 he formed a partnership with Frederick Evers under the firm name of Evers & Burghart, which was discontinued when he left in January, 1918, to enter the United States navy. He was sent to France as a second class car- penter's mate, was in the service of his country for eighteen months, becoming chief carpenter's mate, and in July, 1918, was honorably discharged at Norfolk, Virginia. On returning to Bridgeport he began contracting independently and is now a recognized leader in this field of activity. He specializes in fine
OTTO F. BURGHART
143
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
residences and built the Fairfield homes of Bradford G. Warner and Charles H. Munson, as well as a number of residences in Bridgeport. In addition he erected the new home of the Pequot Yacht Club, several storage warehouses and other buildings used for commercial purposes. His work shows the skill of a master craftsman and has constituted an important factor in the archi- tectural adornment of Bridgeport and other cities of the state. He is also a sagacious, farsighted business man, whose ability and honesty are well known.
In June, 1924, Mr. Burghart was married in Bridgeport to Miss Myrtle Isabella Borstelman, a native of the city and a daughter of John Henry and Anna (Schmidt) Borstelman. Mr. and Mrs. Burghart have one child, Theodore Robert, who was born October 5, 1926. The parents are members of the German Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Burghart is a trustee, and his political support is given to the republican party. His Masonic affiliations are with Ashlar Lodge, No. 124, F. & A. M., of which he is master; Pyramid Temple of the Mystic Shrine, in which he is chief rabban; and the Mosque, of which he is a direc- tor. He is also a member of the Bridgeport Lodge of the Knights of Pythias, the Chamber of Commerce, the Algonquin Club, and the Kiwanis Club of this city, the Greenfield Hills Country Club and the Poobatuck Yacht Club of Stratford. By means of out- door sports Mr. Burghart maintains his physical well being and mental alertness and particularly enjoys hunting and fishing trips. Genial, sincere and kind-hearted, he readily wins friends and is highly esteemed in the city in which his life has been spent.
JESSE MERRITT HAYES
During the past third of a century Jesse Merritt Hayes has gradually expanded his interests as president of the Hayes Fish Market Company, one of Bridgeport's progressive and reliable business enterprises. While conducting business at Bridgeport, he has made his home in Fairfield since 1900 and his residence is one of the historic buildings of this section, being one of six houses which were left standing by the British. It is said to have been built in 1765 and is a most attractive old colonial home.
144
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
Jesse M. Hayes was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, March 3, 1864, his parents being William and Eliza (Coan) Hayes, natives of Brookfield and of Woodbury, Connecticut, respectively, both families tracing their ancestry back to the Mayflower Pil- grims. Jesse M. Hayes was reared in his native city and entered upon an apprenticeship at the machinist's trade. He left his position when drawing a salary of twenty-one dollars per week and began driving a delivery wagon for his brother in order to be out-of-doors. Practically from that time to the present the two brothers have been continuously and closely connected in their business affairs. The Hayes Fish Market Company was incorporated in 1895 and Jesse M. Hayes has remained at its head throughout the intervening period of thirty-three years, during which the company has conducted the largest retail fish business of any firm in Bridgeport. Their sales reach a large figure annually and the business methods of the house, the enter- prise of the partners and their unfaltering industry have been the salient features in their growing prosperity. Referring to the business, one of the local papers said: "Jesse M. Hayes, pro- prietor, is one of Bridgeport's most energetic business executives and the success of the Hayes Fish Company under his personal supervision is due to a great extent to the care and attention which he gives to the details of the business. In addition to the finest quality of fresh fish, the company carries a line of fancy and domestic groceries with daily shipments of fresh fruit and vegetables, the best the market affords in their line. The com- pany also conducts one of the nicest meat markets in these parts where one may always rest assured of obtaining the choicest cuts of meat. The Hayes Fish Market Company is located at 202 Fairfield avenue, just east of Broad street, and is justly regarded as a concern whose products are always to be depended upon. Mr. Hayes has a large personnel which he himself has trained and which is recognized by his patrons as thoroughly efficient and most accommodating."
On the 30th of May, 1887, Jesse M. Hayes was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Mitchell, youngest daughter of Robert Henry and Elizabeth G. Mitchell, of Jersey City, New Jersey. They are the parents of a son and a daughter, namely: Clarence M., who is in his father's employ, married Florence Leger and
145
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
has two sons, Jesse Merritt (II), born August 11, 1916, and Robert L., born November 13, 1919; Helen Louise is the wife of John Buckingham, of Southport, Connecticut.
Jesse M. Hayes exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and is widely recog- nized as an enterprising, progressive and public-spirited citizen. In fraternal circles he is known as both a Knight Templar and Scottish Rite Mason and as a charter member of the Red Men. He has always resided within the borders of Fairfield county and has an extensive circle of warm friends here.
WILLIAM J. GRUBER
Throughout his commercial career William J. Gruber has been an earnest, conscientious worker, and in the steps of an orderly progression he has risen to a place of prominence in auto- mobile circles of Bridgeport, becoming one of the executives of the F. L. Mills Company. He was born in New Haven, Con- necticut, July 14, 1893, a son of John D. and Grace (Cencia) Gruber, who were natives of Germany. When a young man the father served in the German army and afterward came to the United States, locating in the east. He was a blacksmith and followed his trade in New Haven and Bridgeport. In the latter city he united with St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church. His political support was given to the republican party. His demise occurred in Bridgeport in 1914, and his wife passed away in 1907.
In the acquirement of an education William J. Gruber attended the public schools of New Haven and completed his studies in Bridgeport. He was a clerk in the grocery store of J. Swanson & Company of this city for a year and then entered the employ of the F. L. Mills Company, automobile dealers. Start- ing as a mechanic, he was made a demonstrator soon afterward and was next advanced to the position of salesman. Later he was placed in charge of the sales department and since 1921 has been vice president of the company and assistant to Mr. Mills, thus becoming an important factor in the conduct of the busi- ness, which is located at No. 2316 Fairfield avenue. He is an expert automobile mechanic and salesman as well as a forceful
146
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
executive, and his efforts in behalf of the firm have been pro- ductive of gratifying results.
Mr. Gruber was married April 7, 1916, in Bridgeport, to Miss Anna S. Hansen, who was born July 18, 1900, in this city, in which she received her education. Her father is deceased but her mother, Mrs. Lena Hansen, still resides in Bridgeport. Mr. and Mrs. Gruber are the parents of a son, William Clifford, who was born September 7, 1917, and is a public school pupil.
Mr. Gruber is a communicant of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church, and his wife is a soprano soloist in the choir of the Swedish Methodist Episcopal church, of which she is a member. Along fraternal lines he is connected with the Benevolent Pro- tective Order of Elks and has served on the board of governors of the Elks Club for three years. He is also a member of the Bridgeport Fish & Game Club and the Cedar Rod & Gun Club of Huntington, greatly enjoying the sports of hunting and fish- ing. Mr. Gruber casts his ballot for the candidates of the repub- lican party and heartily cooperates in movements for Bridge- port's growth and betterment. His progress has been com- mensurate with his industry and ability, and his genuine worth is attested by all who know him.
JOHN W. STOLLE
One of the most important industries of Fairfield county is the Danbury Unbreakable Tool Corporation, a concern which has attained not only notable success in a business way, but has also attracted wide attention because of the fact that it provides the solution for a difficulty that has long been considered insurmount- able, namely, the drilling or boring of a hole lengthwise through a piece of hard wood of considerable length. The problem was solved by John W. Stolle, president of the Danbury Unbreakable Tool Corporation, and the company has for several years been offering the drill and process to the woodworking world. In 1921 Mr. Stolle invented and secured a patent on a reinforced cant hook, which required a hole three-eighths of an inch in diameter, bored centrally through a rock maple handle fifty-four inches long. After struggling with the boring problem three years, dur-
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.