USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > History of Fairfield County, Connecticut, 1639-1928 > Part 11
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
147
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
ing which period he was assured by the best engineers in the country that there was no such thing as a drill capable of doing the work, except by an occasional chance in which the grain hap- pened to favor the drill, he finally mastered the problem, organ- ized a company and took out patents on the new drill and process, and the Stolle deep hole wood drill is now being used with eminent satisfaction by a number of firms, who are loud in their expres -. sions of praise. One of the company's customers states that he bored over one hundred thousand eight-inch rock maple dowels without breaking or sharpening the drill. An Ohio client has been boring typewriter rolls continuously for many months and is still using the original drill, while a concern in Tennessee is boring holes twenty-four inches deep, one-fourth inch diameter, in hickory dowels. Wooden machine rolls sixty-six inches long can be drilled from both ends, the holes meeting with substantial accuracy in every case. In operation, the drill, which recipro- cates horizontally, but does not rotate, is passed through a bell- mouthed guide bushing in which the work spins at high speed, being driven by a self-centering chuck. As the drill advances into the wood, the chips are continuously blown out of the hole being formed, by means of compressed air, which keeps the hole clean and prevents the heating of the drill. The machines are entirely automatic. The operator simply lays the article to be bored in a cradle between the self-centering chuck and bell- mouthed work support, when the reverse stroke of the screw driven drill carriage retracts the work support, allowing the operator to take out the piece just bored and insert another. When the article to be bored is long and the desired hole comparatively slender, it is recommended that the drill be allowed to pass half way through the blank and then the ends of the blank be reversed for the finishing operation. However, articles up to six inches in length, or even longer, requiring a hole five thirty-seconds inch up to three-eighths inch in diameter, may be centrally bored all the way through from one end at a speed of from sixty to one hundred and twenty inches a minute. The company makes both single drill automatic machines and multiple drill semi-automatic machines. As evidence of the satisfactory character of the work done by these machines, the following extracts are from a letter to the company from one of its clients: "We feel that our boring machine is working as nearly perfect as it is possible for any
148
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
machine to work. We had to cut the speed from eighteen hundred revolutions a minute as you advised to thirteen hundred a minute owing to our boring off center and the impossibility of getting a perfect balance on sticks of different weight. Notwithstanding this handicap, and the fact that we were all inexperienced and had only your instructions to set it up by, we bored our first lot of about twenty-five hundred pieces of yellow birch without miss- ing a single one. We have since been equally successful in boring white oak. On all our work since, it has given complete satis- faction. Its speed and accuracy is certainly marvelous. It may interest you to know that before getting your machine we took our boring problem to four of the largest auger and bit manufac- turers of the country. They told us frankly that they could do nothing for us. They reported nothing that would help us in the least, and appeared very doubtful if we found anything to do it. We are very proud of having the first of these machines you put out."
Mr. Stolle was born in Danbury in 1884 and is a son of Carl R. and Charlotte W. (Shroeder) Stolle, both of whom were natives of Germany. He received his education in the public schools, after which he made a trip through the western lumber camps and those of Alaska. On his return he went into the Maine woods for his health, and it was while there that the idea of the deep hole wood drill came to him. He worked for years in the development of the idea and finally took his device to Washington, where he was told it was impossible ; but in 1921 he was successful in securing his patent. He takes a justifiable pride in his accom- plishment, for it has been directly beneficial to industry and has marked a considerable step forward in the woodworking business. In January, 1923, the Danbury Unbreakable Tool Corporation was incorporated, with the following officers: John W. Stolle, president; W. E. Mallory, treasurer; and S. B. Romans, secre- tary. The offices and factory were first located at 2 Balmforth street, but in 1925 came to their present larger quarters at 19 Bridge street, where they have a well equipped plant and are enjoying a steadily increasing business.
In 1909, in Danbury, Mr. Stolle was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Ruth Elwell, a daughter of Daniel Webster and Ida (Sherwood) Elwell, the former a prominent contractor and an active Mason. Mr. and Mrs. Stolle are the parents of two chil-
149
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
dren, Mabel Ruth and John W., Jr. Mr. Stolle is a man of strong character and sterling integrity, possesses a pleasing personality and is held in high esteem. He has shown a deep interest in the welfare of his community and is regarded as one of its repre- sentative citizens.
EDWIN FAIRFAX LUDLOW
Edwin Fairfax Ludlow, publisher of the Stratford News at Stratford, Connecticut, and thus a well known representative of journalistic interests in this state, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, January 8, 1891, his parents being Edwin Wilson and Montana (Stone) Ludlow. He pursued his education in the public schools of Urbana, Ohio, until he had completed the work of the various grades and of the junior year in high school. Following this he spent a brief time in connection with a local paper and then went to Daytona, Florida, where he occupied a position on the repor- torial staff of the Daytona Daily News and Gazette News. In 1910 he became a ticket seller for the Barnum & Bailey shows and in this connection visited Bridgeport, Connecticut. He re- mained with the Barnum interests until 1916, when he entered the employ of the Hawthorne Auto Light Company, with which he was associated until after the United States entered the World war. He then enlisted as a member of Company M, Three Hun- dred and Thirteenth Infantry of the Seventy-ninth Division, with which he went to France in 1918 upon an early trip of the Levia- than under her new name. He was wounded in the hotly con- tested drive through the Argonne forest on the 26th of September.
Following the close of hostilities Mr. Ludlow returned to his native country and again entered the employ of the Hawthorne Company, with which he continued until the firm liquidated. He then returned to his original line of business activity, being con- nected with the reportorial staff of the Bridgeport Times for two years, and was then with the Bridgeport Herald until September 1, 1928. At that time he established the Stratford News, a weekly paper which he now publishes and which is non-partisan in politics. It is devoted to the public welfare and the dissemination of general news and Mr. Ludlow's previous experience well quali-
9-VOL. 3
150
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
fies him to make the Stratford News a desirable visitor in the homes of the community.
On the 16th of May, 1918, in Meriden, Connecticut, Mr. Lud- low was married to Miss Mildred Illingworth, and they have two sons, John Illingworth and Fairfax Lee. They are well known socially in Stratford. While Mr. Ludlow is not a partisan of any political party, he is always interested in the welfare and progress of his community and for two terms represented the eighth dis- trict as councilman. His influence is always given on the side of progress and improvement and he works diligently to promote the general good.
3/5/7/
THOMAS ATWOOD KIRKHAM
Thomas A. Kirkham, president and treasurer of The Berk- shire Chemical Company of Bridgeport, enjoys the distinction of being the founder and head of one of the leading industries of its kind in New England. He also has other varied and important business interests, being a director of a number of corporations in Bridgeport and elsewhere.
Mr. Kirkham in both paternal and maternal lines is descended from early New England ancestry, his lineage being traced to the first settlers of Connecticut. Thomas Kirkham, the progenitor of this branch of the family in America, was of record in Weth- ersfield, Connecticut, soon after the first settlement there in 1635. From that time the Kirkham family has figured prominently in military, financial, industrial and professional affairs of Con- necticut and the nation. The family has been identified with Wethersfield and with Newington, which was the western part of Wethersfield until it became a separate town in 1870, in an unbroken line since the first settlement until the death of Hon. John S. Kirkham, the father of Thomas A., in 1918. The home farm is still in possession of the family. Henry Kirkham, of the fourth generation in this direct line, was a soldier under General Gates and was present at Burgoyne's surrender. His son, John Kirkham, also in the direct line, enlisted in the Continental army when a youth of sixteen and was a fifer. During the battle of Monmouth, New Jersey, he was stationed in a tree and was shot
American Historical Sery
Thomas a. Kirkham
153
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
in the leg while fifing to his comrades in arms, this wound ulti- mately resulting in his death. William Kirkham, a son of John Kirkham, was born in Newington and taught school in Spring- field, Massachusetts, and Hartford, Connecticut. At one time he engaged in the manufacture of cloth, also operated a cider, cider vinegar and cider brandy mill. He was a fifer in the Governor's Foot Guard for many years, and a member of the Congregational church. He married Sophia Leffingwell and they were the par- ents of John Stoddard Kirkham, who was born April 6, 1826, at Newington, and was educated in Newington Academy and in schools of Hartford and Springfield, Massachusetts. He was a "Forty-niner" and remained in California for two years. Return- ing to Newington, he followed farming and also taught school for a number of years. He was a leader in public affairs in his locality and played a prominent part in bringing about the incor- poration of Newington in 1870. A stanch democrat, he was the first town clerk of Newington, filling that office for many years, as well as holding some of the minor offices in the town. He was a member of the general assembly in 1877 and served his district in the state senate in 1887. He was a candidate for lieutenant governor on the ticket with Governor Luzon B. Morris at the time when the law was in effect that required a majority over all to elect a candidate for state office. He received a plurality but the election was thrown into the legislature and the minority candi- dates were declared elected. He was a member of the Connecticut state board of agriculture for many years; was secretary of the State Dairymen's Association and a charter member of Newing- ton Grange. Mr. Kirkham was a very active member of the New- ington Congregational church, in which he was a deacon, and superintendent of the Sunday school. He married Harriet P. Atwood, daughter of Josiah and Prudence (Kellogg) Atwood, and of their family two survive : Thomas A., and Judge John H. Kirk- ham, of New Britain, Connecticut. John S. Kirkham died Febru- ary 9, 1918.
Thomas Atwood Kirkham, the subject of this review, was born March 7, 1862, at Newington, Connecticut. He was edu- cated in the public schools of his native town and at the New Britain high school, from which he was graduated in 1880. He became identified with Bridgeport in a business way in 1882, although he made his home in Newington, until 1895, when he
154
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
took up his residence in Bridgeport. As a boy his ambition was to be a farmer, and one would have to look far to find a more attractive farm than the one he was born on. For a dozen years he managed his father's farm, his father being interested in other pursuits during the latter part of his life. This love of the soil has never left him, and in spite of a busy life he has always found time for farming.
Going from school back to the farm, it was a natural sequence that drew him into the fertilizer business. From 1882 to 1895 he acted as traveling salesman for the National Fertilizer Com- pany of Bridgeport. In 1895 he formed a partnership with John A. Barri, who was one of the incorporators and treasurer of the National Fertilizer Company, and they purchased the old Berk- shire Mill at No. 740 North Washington avenue, and under the name of the Berkshire Mills Company they engaged in the manu- facture of fertilizers and also dealt in grain and coal. The Berk- shire Mill was the earliest business enterprise of Bridgeport, its history dating back to 1783. They succeeded Andrew L. Winton in the ownership of the property and in 1897 built a new mill, in which they installed modern machinery. The partnership was dissolved by mutual consent in 1899, Mr. Kirkham retaining the fertilizer business, and Mr. Barri the grain and coal, and the latter is still at the same location.
When Mr. Kirkham withdrew from the firm, which was known as the Berkshire Mills Company, he continued the manu- facture of commercial fertilizer under the name of Berkshire Fertilizer Company. He bought water front property on Harbor street on Cedar creek, Black Rock Harbor and erected a plant, built a dock, and thought he had room for future expansion, but the business grew so rapidly that soon he was cramped for space. In 1910 he bought of the Heppenstall Forge Company the plant of the old Bridgeport Forge Company at the foot of Howard avenue on the east, or water side, of the street. On November 24, 1913 the business was incorporated as The Berkshire Fertilizer Company, retaining that name until June 14, 1926, when the present style of The Berkshire Chemical Company was adopted. In 1926 the firm expanded the scope of its activities, erecting a building at the foot of Howard avenue adjacent to the fertilizer plant, and the new structure is utilized for the manufacture of
155
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
castor oil. The castor meal, which is a by-product, is used as a fertilizer. Both plants are completely equipped and their output is distributed over a wide area. Mr. Kirkham is president and treasurer of The Berkshire Chemical Company. The other offic- ers are : George M. Worman, vice president; Frank D. Bell, assist- ant treasurer; Paul Hine, secretary; and Charles F. Williams, sales manager. The industry has grown steadily since its incep- tion, and in control of the business Mr. Kirkham brings to bear the wisdom, forcefulness and initiative of the successful executive, and maintains a high standard of efficiency in the operation of the plants.
.
On May 23, 1906, Mr. Kirkham was married in New Haven, Connecticut, to Miss Fannie Leffingwell Brown, a native of New Britain, this state, and a daughter of Martin and Elizabeth (Kirkham) Brown. Both parents were born in Newington and died in New Britain. Mr. Brown was a progressive farmer and utilized scientific methods in the cultivation of his land. Mrs. Kirkham attended the public schools of New Britain and Profes- sor Camp's private school and the State Normal School of Con- necticut. She is a member of the Society of Patriots & Founders of America, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and is active in the affairs of the Garden Club and the English Litera- ture Club. She is on the woman's staff in charge of the children's ward of the Bridgeport Hospital and is a director in the Associ- ated Charities.
Mr. and Mrs. Kirkham are affiliated with the United Congre- gational church and take a prominent part in the work of its societies. His political support is given to the republican party, and his cooperation can always be counted upon to further meas- ures for the general good. As one of the energetic members of the Chamber of Commerce he is working for Bridgeport's best interests. From the time he came to Bridgeport he was con- nected with the Seaside Club until it passed out of existence. He belongs to the Brooklawn Country Club and the National Fer- tilizer Association, and is serving on the executive committee of the Independent Fertilizer Manufacturers Association.
If Mr. Kirkham has had a hobby, it has been his lifelong love of raising good crops, both animal and vegetable, for the satisfac- tion of seeing them grow. This has been his diversion during
156
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
a strenuous business life. He is fond of reading and from his boyhood days has been fond of athletics and all outdoor sports. He has conscientiously discharged the duties and obligations of life and stands deservedly high in the esteem of his fellowmen.
JOHN B. WYNKOOP
For twelve years John B. Wynkoop has been connected with the Bridgeport board of education in official capacities, proving his civic spirit by effective public service, and he also figures prominently in religious affairs. A native of Paterson, New Jersey, he was born October 9, 1883, and has inherited the sterling qualities of his Dutch ancestors. His grandfather, John B. Wyn- koop, was a native of Holland and came to the United States when a young man. He migrated to western Michigan and settled in the city of Holland, named in honor of the mother country. His son, Richard J. Wynkoop, was born in New York city and haş lived in Bridgeport since 1901. He is the proprietor of the Wyn- koop Studio and has long been classed with the city's leading photographers. His wife, Elizabeth (Murphy) Wynkoop, was born in Boonton, New Jersey, and is of Irish lineage.
John B. Wynkoop, their eldest son, obtained his early instruc- tion in Paterson and continued his studies in night schools of New Jersey while employed in a print shop there, later attending New York University for a year. In 1901 he had removed to Bridgeport with his parents and while a student at the university made the trip from this city to New York four nights each week in order to master a course in the department of commerce and accounts. The days were devoted to his work in the office of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company, with which he spent the period from 1906 to 1916, being employed in both the passenger and operating departments. An expert accountant and conscientious worker, Mr. Wynkoop received seven promotions during that time, advancing from the position of clerk to that of assistant chief clerk. On the 1st of April, 1916, he tendered his resignation and for nine months thereafter had charge of the traffic department of the Remington Arms Com- pany, severing his connection with that corporation December 24, 1916, when he became clerk of the board of education. He
157
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
was appointed assistant secretary of the board May 14, 1917, and has since acted in that capacity, proving exceptionally well quali- fied for the office.
Mr. Wynkoop was married June 30, 1907, to Miss Anna R. Huston, a native of Hamilton, Ohio, and they have one child, Huston Richard, who was born September 16, 1923. The parents are members of the People's Presbyterian church, and in 1914 Mr. Wynkoop was made president of the Men's Club of that con- gregation. He is vice president of the Christian Union of Bridge- port and has become a strong force for moral progress and spiritual uplift in this city. His political views are indicated by his connection with the Fifth District Republican Club, and he is also a Mason. Throughout life Mr. Wynkoop has been dom- inated by a keen sense of duty and honor, and the years have strengthened his position in public esteem.
MICHAEL J. HOULIHAN
Michael J. Houlihan was a prominent and influential citizen of Newtown, where for many years he conducted the Grand Cen- tral Hotel. He was also very active in political circles and filled various local and state offices, doing not a little toward molding public legislation in the latter part of the nineteenth century.
Mr. Houlihan was born at Newtown, January 7, 1858, and his life record covered the intervening years to the 20th of Septem- ber, 1925, when he was called to his final rest. His father, John Houlihan, was born in County Clare, Ireland, and came to America in 1855, settling at Newtown, Connecticut, where for thirty years he was in the employ of the New York Belting & Packing Company. He married Margaret Keane, also a native of Ireland.
Their son, Michael J. Houlihan, attended the schools of New- town and first became identified with the hotel business in 1874, when he secured a position as porter and general utility boy. He afterward worked in various capacities in connection with hotel management until 1887, when he became proprietor of the Grand Central Hotel at Newtown, now called the Parker House. He was a genial host, ever watchful over the welfare and comfort of his guests, and was accorded a liberal patronage.
158
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
Mr. Houlihan was twice married. His first wife, who bore the maiden name of Annie M. Slavin passed away June 29, 1894. To them was born three children: John Grover, deceased; Mrs. Burton Chase and Mrs. John Delaney. On the 8th of September, 1897, Mr. Houlihan was married to Katherine Agnes Hourigan and they have five daughters and one son, namely: Mary Vir- ginia, Alice L., Agnes J., Mrs. Alfred Jolson, Mrs. G. E. Zorn and Cornelius K. Houlihan.
In his political views Mr. Houlihan was always an earnest democrat and took active and prominent part in political affairs. He served for ten years as town clerk, was also registrar of voters and clerk of the probate court. In 1884 he was elected to repre- sent Newtown in the lower branch of the Connecticut assembly and in 1890 he received endorsement of his legislative service in his election to the state senate from the fifteenth district. He carefully and thoughtfully considered the vital questions which came up for settlement and stanchly supported every measure which he deemed of benefit to the commonwealth and as earnestly opposed all legislation which he thought would prove detrimental to the welfare of the state. In 1896 he was a delegate to the national democratic convention held in Chicago and he and one other of the Connecticut delegation were the only ones that did not "bolt" when the platform was accepted. On one occasion he was a candidate for United States congressman but failed of election, although the town went heavily democratic in the face of the republican landslide of that year. Mr. Houlihan was well. qualified for political leadership. He was at all times genial, approachable and adaptable and he was keenly interested in questions of public concern, giving his aid and his influence on the side which he believed to be vital to the general welfare.
MARTIN A. CORBETT
Martin A. Corbett, who is one of the proprietors of a general store and pharmacy at Sandy Hook, was born in Newtown, Con- necticut, December 15, 1870. After mastering the branches of learning taught in the local schools he entered the employ of the New York Belting & Packing Company at Sandy Hook and later
159
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD. COUNTY
he secured a position with the firm of Taylor & Curtis, his con- nection with their house continuing through a period of eighteen years-a fact indicative of his faithfulness and his loyalty to the interests which he represented. He was desirous, however, of engaging in business on his own account and in 1909 he entered into partnership with Arthur J. Crowe in the purchase of the general store of Betts & Betts. Since that time, in association with Mr. Crowe, he has carried on a general mercantile business and a pharmacy. The trade has steadily developed through the past two decades and their patronage is now one of gratifying proportions. Their reliable methods and their enterprising spirit have been the salient features in the attainment of their success.
On the 25th of August, 1896, in Newtown, Mr. Corbett was united in marriage to Miss Marcella Killbide, a daughter of Michael and Mary Killbide. They have three children: Frank J .; Anna M., the wife of James F. Brennan; and Mildred, the wife of Edward Imbert.
Mr. Corbett votes with the democratic party, having sup- ported its principles since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. For twelve years he has done effective service as a member of the school board, taking an active and helpful interest in maintaining high educational standards here. He is also a member of the Newtown board of finance and is interested in all problems that have to do with public welfare and with the benefit of the community along lines of general development.
WILLIAM ARTHUR HONAN
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.