USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > History of Fairfield County, Connecticut, 1639-1928 > Part 16
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The impress which John Henry Light has placed upon his day and generation is both enduring and widespread. As jurist, pub- lic official, orator and scholar, he has been largely instrumental in influencing, shaping and modifying the laws of Connecticut and their administration, and has molded public sentiment re- garding questions of government and political reform. He has
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assisted to an unusual degree in the advancement of general cul- ture, and in inspiring an interest in literature and philosophy, and his work along these different lines will live and bear fruit in the years to come.
ALBERT W. TREMAIN
A forceful executive, rich in experience and endowed with a capacity for successful management, Albert W. Tremain occupies a central place on the stage of activity in Bridgeport, which num- bers him among its foremost bankers and most valuable citizens. He was born in Rome, New York, May 5, 1872, a son of Sylvester F. and Julia (Barnes) Tremain, and was there reared and edu- cated, graduating from the Rome Free Academy in the class of 1889 with oratorical honors. His start in life was gained as a clerk in the Central National Bank of Rome, which he entered in March, 1890, and was rapidly advanced through its various departments. In January, 1895, he joined the clerical force of the Oneida County Savings Bank of Rome and served it faithfully for sixteen years, gradually assuming heavier responsibilities. In April, 1911, he severed his relations with the bank, of which he was secretary, treasurer and a director at that time, and then went to New York city, associating himself with Douglas Fen- wick & Company, bankers.
Mr. Tremain was with that house until August, 1912, when he came to Bridgeport as secretary-treasurer and a director of the American Bank & Trust Company, which had its inception in that year. He filled those offices until 1920 and has since been president of the corporation. Its resources have steadily increased, and its facilities have expanded to keep pace with the requirements of a constantly growing clientele. In 1919, when the Commercial Bank & Trust Company of Bridgeport was organized, Mr. Tremain was elected its president and is still at the head of the institution, whose growth he has fostered by judicious management and close attention to detail. Since its formation in 1924 he has been president of the American Com- mercial Company of Bridgeport, which has also prospered under his expert administration. He is also a director of the Federal
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Building & Loan Association of this city. He has the unfailing energy and mental alertness of the man of large affairs, and his associates have the utmost confidence in his judgment and integrity.
Mr. Tremain was married September 3, 1896, in Delta, New York, to Miss Jennie Emma Harrington, by whom he has three children: Albert B., S. Frank and Alice H. Mr. and Mrs. Tre- main reside at No. 313 Post road in Fairfield and are affiliated with the Presbyterian church. He casts his ballot for the candidates of the republican party and heartily cooperates in all movements for the advancement of his community. During the World war he was a member of the Liberty Loan committee, and as an officer of the American Bank & Trust Company he had charge of its Liberty Loan subscriptions. At the time of the issue of the first Liberty Loan this bank, which was but five years old, had only a small clerical force and most of the three thousand, one hundred and twenty-two subscriptions, amounting to two hundred and fifty-five thousand, five hundred dollars, were received in the last three days of the campaign. The subscrip- tions steadily increased and during the fourth Liberty Loan the bank received six thousand, five hundred and thirty-five, amount- ing to six hundred and twenty-three thousand, four hundred and fifty dollars. Mr. Tremain is a member of the Algonquin Club, and his Masonic connections are with Ashlar Lodge, No. 124, F. & A. M., and Jerusalem Chapter, No. 13, R. A. M., of Bridge- port. He is a man of wide outlook and keen sagacity, at his best in solving intricate financial problems, and fills an important place in the life of his city.
ARTHUR J. CROWE
Arthur J. Crowe, a well known representative of the business interests of Sandy Hook, where he is conducting a general mer- cantile establishment, was born in Bethel, Connecticut, March 21, 1881, and is a son of Michael and Anna (Ryan) Crowe. In the acquirement of his education he attended the local schools and afterward entered Stillman's Business College at Danbury, Con- necticut. Interested somewhat in the drug business and thinking
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perhaps to devote his time and attention to that line of mercantile activity, he matriculated in the New York College of Pharmacy, from which he was graduated with the class of 1901. He was then employed for a year along that line in New York city and also worked in a pharmacy at Carmel, New York, for one year. On the expiration of that period he went to Torrington, Connecti- cut, in 1903 and there remained until 1904, when he removed to Waterbury, Connecticut, but in September of the same year came to Newtown, where he entered the employ of Betts & Betts, well known druggists, who later sold out to C. H. Finch. Mr. Crowe then remained in the employ of Mr. Finch until 1909, when he purchased the business and property and formed a partnership with Martin A. Corbett. They have since conducted a general store and pharmacy and both branches of their business are prov- ing profitable, for the owners are progressive in spirit and enter- prising in their methods and are putting forth every effort to please their customers, recognizing that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement. Their trade is steadily growing and to the successful conduct of the business Mr. Crowe has brought wide experience and thorough training.
In September, 1924, in Bethel, Connecticut, Mr. Crowe was married to Miss Elizabeth Blake. They have won many friends in Sandy Hook and this section of Fairfield county and the hospitality of their own home is greatly enjoyed by all who know them.
EDWARD J. FINN, M. D.
Dr. Edward J. Finn, a representative member of the medical fraternity in Fairfield county, has been successfully engaged in practice at Shelton during the past sixteen years. He was born in Derby, New Haven county, Connecticut, on the 1st of January, 1888, a son of Thomas and Catherine Finn. His preliminary education was supplemented by a high school course at Shelton, which he completed with the class of 1905, and his professional training was received in the School of Medicine of Yale Uni- versity, which in 1910 conferred upon him the M. D. degree. Three years later, in 1913, he opened an office in Shelton, where he has
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remained to the present time and has built up an enviable prac- tice as he has demonstrated his skill and ability in his chosen field. He is serving on the staff of Griffin Hospital and is also resident physician for the Shelton Looms, one of the largest weaving concerns in the country. Through his membership in the Fairfield County Medical Society, the Connecticut State Med- ical Society and the American Medical Association he keeps thor- oughly conversant with the most advanced thought and methods of the profession.
On the 2d of April, 1913, in New York city, Dr. Finn was united in marriage to Louise Goetz, and they have become par- ents of three sons: Edward C., Thomas D. and William S.
A stanch "supporter of the democratic party and an active worker in its local ranks, Dr. Finn has rendered effective public service as a member of the borough board, the school board and the board of burgesses and also in the capacity of health officer. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Derby and also with the Knights of Columbus. He enjoys high standing among his professional colleagues and contemporaries and is widely recognized as one of the able physi- cians and valued citizens of his community.
ERNEST J. BROWN
On the roster of public officials in Fairfield county appears the name of Ernest J. Brown, who has most acceptably filled the position of town clerk of New Canaan since his election in 1926 and who has also built up an extensive patronage as a dealer in meats and provisions under the name of The E. J. Brown Com- pany. He was born at Poundridge, in Westchester county, New York, on the 18th of August, 1873, his parents being Charles F. and Lydia (Selleck) Brown. He acquired his education in the schools of New Canaan, Connecticut, and after putting aside his textbooks here turned his attention to the butchering business, in which he has been engaged continuously to the present time. As above stated, he is now at the head of a successful enterprise conducted under the name of The E. J. Brown Company. Dur- ing the period of the World war he was employed at Hog island.
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His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, chose him for the office of town clerk of New Canaan in 1926, and in this capacity he is now serving, making a most creditable record for efficiency and fidelity in the discharge of his duties.
On the 1st of January, 1904, in Brooklyn, New York, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Emelie C. Thode. He is well known in fraternal circles, belonging to Worcester Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Red Men and the Maccabees of New Canaan. Throughout the community in which he has always resided Mr. Brown enjoys an enviable reputation as a representative citizen and business man and has a circle of friends which is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance.
WALTER GRANGER AUSTIN
Identified with the Yale & Towne Manufacturing Company of Stamford for over a third of a century, Walter Granger Austin now holds the responsible position of assistant to one of the plant superintendents of the corporation. He was born in Winsted, Litchfield county, Connecticut, December 9, 1853, his parents being William H. and Elizabeth R. (Canfield) Austin. The paternal grandfather, Benjamin Austin, was born at Walling- ford, New Haven county, Connecticut, in 1760, and followed the profession of school teaching in early life, while subsequently he was keeper of the toll gate at Nepaug, in the town of New Hart- ford, Connecticut. He fought with the colonists in the Revolu- tionary war and was taken prisoner at the fall of Fort Washing- ton in 1777. He was a whig in politics and was a consistent mem- ber of the Presbyterian church. Both he and his wife, whose name was Susanna Goodwin and who was born at Harwinton, Connecticut, passed away at Nepaug, this state. Susanna Good- win was a direct descendant of Ozias Goodwin, progenitor of the name in Connecticut, who was born in 1596 and died in 1683. He wedded Mary Woodward and they had a son, William Good- win, who was born in 1629 and passed away in 1689. William Goodwin was the father of Nathaniel Goodwin, who served as a deacon of the first church in Hartford, Connecticut, from 1734
WALTER G. AUSTIN
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until his death in 1747. Nathaniel Goodwin was the grandfather of Susanna Goodwin. William H. Austin, son of Ben- jamin and Susanna (Goodwin) Austin and father of Walter G. Austin, was born at Harwinton, February 14, 1814, and died at Canton, Connecticut, in 1891. He was a blacksmith by trade, gave his political support to the democratic party and was a Pres- byterian in religious faith. His wife, who was born at Sandis- field, Massachusetts, in 1824, died at Winsted, Connecticut, in November, 1861.
Walter G. Austin pursued his education in the district schools of his native state and after putting aside his textbooks engaged in farming until twenty-four years of age. Subsequently he spent seven years in the plant of a novelty manufacturing con- cern at Bristol, Connecticut, and thereafter entered the employ of P. & F. Corbin, manufacturers of builders' hardware at New Britain, this state, with whom he remained for eight years. On the 14th of April, 1894, he entered the employ of the Yale & Towne Manufacturing Company of Stamford in the capacity of foreman. That his services have been satisfactory and efficient is indicated by the fact that they have been retained by the cor- poration through the intervening period of thirty-five years and that he is now holding the position of assistant to one of the plant superintendents.
On the 14th of December, 1882, in Bristol, Connecticut, Mr. Austin was united in marriage to Miss Annette Augusta Wright, who was born July 9, 1857, and was a daughter of Charles Gale and Sarah F. (Stone) Wright. Her father, a native of Cheshire, Connecticut, was a tinsmith by trade and served in the Civil war as a member of the Sixteenth Regiment of Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He gave his political allegiance to the republican party and was a devoted member of the Missionary Baptist church. His death occurred at the Soldiers' Home at Noroton, Connecticut. His wife, Mrs. Sarah F. (Stone) Wright, a native of Farmington, this state, died January 31, 1895, in Bristol, Connecticut. Their daughter, Mrs. Annette Augusta (Wright) Austin, pursued her education in the public schools of Bristol. She passed away in the faith of the Baptist church on the 8th of June, 1928, her death occurring in Stamford. By her marriage she had a daughter, Bernice E. Austin, born in New Britain, Connecticut, April 14,
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1889, who is the wife of Ralph G. Irvine, an electrician of Stam- ford. Mr. and Mrs. Irvine are the parents of two children, Ralph G., Jr., and Mary Jane.
Mr. Austin gave his political support to the democratic party until the presidential election of 1928 and has taken an active part in public affairs. He served on the common council for a four-year period beginning in 1909 and was mayor of Stamford from January 1, 1913, until January 1, 1915, giving to the city a most progressive and businesslike administration. Moreover, he made a commendable record as a member of the city park board for six years and as a member of the town board of finance for four years. During the period of the World war he was active in the Red Cross and Liberty Loan drives. Fraternally Mr. Austin is affiliated with the Masonic order, belonging to the fol- lowing bodies: Franklin Lodge No. 56, F. & A. M., of Bristol, Connecticut; Rittenhouse Chapter No. 1, R. A. M .; and Wash- ington Council No. 6, R. & S. M. of Stamford, Connecticut. He is likewise identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Im- proved Order of Red Men, being past great sachem in the latter. He is also a member of the Fraternal Aid Society and of the Yale & Towne Mutual Benefit Association and attends the Congrega- tional church. Motoring and gardening are his favorite forms of diversion. Though he has passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, Mr. Austin is still an active factor in the world's work and his course has been such as has commended him to the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact.
SAMUEL ROODNER
Starting out in life empty-handed, Samuel Roodner has been both the architect and builder of his fortunes, and his tireless energy and pronounced ability have placed him with Norwalk's foremost business men. A native of Russia, he was born June 9, 1876, a son of Elwood and Anna Roodner, and received a public school education there. In 1893, when a youth of seventeen, he responded to the call of adventure and came to the United States, locating in Norwalk a year later. He secured the position of
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clerk in a grocery store situated near the building now occupied by the firm of Crofut & Knapp, and was thus employed for nine months, receiving a monthly stipend of five dollars. Through self-denial and rigid economy he accumulated a small capital and with this he purchased a stock of groceries. He prospered from the start and was engaged in business for fifteen years under his own name. On the expiration of that period he sold out and transferred his activities to South Norwalk, becoming a whole- sale dealer in grain and flour. This enterprise he successfully continued under the style of Samuel Roodner until 1922, when he sold to the Roodner Feed Company. Prior to this he was actively engaged in the real estate business and through his energy, foresight and keen judgment has contributed materially toward the city's growth and improvement. In association with John Cavanagh and others, he erected the beautiful and exclusive Royal James Hotel of Norwalk; also constructed many other large and imposing edifices, and in fact Mr. Roodner has com- pletely rebuilt the city. He is its largest taxpayer. He developed beautiful Compo Beach, a popular summer resort, where thous- ands gather to enjoy the fine bathing. Endowed with rare judg- ment and keen powers of discernment, he has avoided the many pitfalls into which unrestricted progressiveness is so frequently led and focused his energies in directions where fruition is certain.
In 1897 Mr. Roodner was married in Stamford, Connecticut, to Miss Rose Levine, and they have become the parents of a daughter, Bertha May, who is now the wife of Arthur Terris, the owner of the Rialto Theater of South Norwalk.
Mr. Roodner is a director of the Norwalk Hospital Associa- tion, a member of Norwalk Club, the Norwalk Chamber of Com- merce and the Norwalk Kiwanis Club, and his fraternal affilia- tions are with the Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Enterprising, forceful and resourceful, he has registered achievement in every line of activity which has engaged his attention. His carefully formulated plans have crystallized into realities and upon the enduring foundation of honor and integrity he has reared the fair fabric of his success- ful career. To gain material prosperity and even to spread it among others is not sufficient to satisfy a good citizen of the
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type of Mr. Roodner, who believes that he owes a higher duty to his community that cannot be delegated to others-the duty of furthering civic and general advancement along the broad lines of human uplift and betterment.
HERBERT O. POLLARD
Herbert O. Pollard, long and successfully engaged in the real estate and insurance business in Norwalk, is also a prominent factor in public affairs of the community, having in October, 1927, been elected to the office of city treasurer. He was born in Norwalk, Fairfield county, Connecticut, July 19, 1879, a son of David and Agnes A. (Orcutt) Pollard. The surname of Pol- lard belongs to the class of names derived from location. It is found at a very early date in England, particularly in Yorkshire. It was an ancient custom in that country, previous to the time of the general adoption of surnames, to assume a name either from an occupation, a personal characteristic or the location of the ancestral home. After the thirteenth century, when surnames came into universal use, these names were retained. Many trees in England, bordering lands, were "polled"; that is, the tops cut off, and they were called "pollards." A dweller near such trees would be known as John of the Pollard, which gradually became John Pollard, and it was in this manner that the surname of Pollard originated. In the annals of Connecticut there have been several representatives of this name, and they are found among the foremost citizens.
The grandfather of Herbert O. Pollard was John Pollard, and he was born in 1818, and died in 1887. He learned the trade of finisher in the textile mills in England, and after locating in Nor- walk, Connecticut, followed his trade there for a time in the plant of the Norwalk Mills Company. Mr. Pollard in later years went to Iowa and there purchased a farm at French Creek. He married Sarah Buckley, who was born in 1816, and died in 1903.
David Pollard, son of John and Sarah (Buckley) Pollard, was born in Yorkshire, England, January 20, 1841, and died Novem- ber 7, 1917. He was only two years of age when his parents brought him to America. For many years he was employed by
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the Norwalk Mills Company, of Norwalk, in whose plant he rose to be foreman of the finishing department, a position he held for many years, until his retirement from active business life in 1911. Mr. Pollard was a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the following bodies: St. John's Lodge, No. 6, A. F. & A. M .; Washington Chapter, No. 24, R. A. M .; Clinton Com- mandery, No. 3, K. T., of Norwalk; and Pyramid Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Bridgeport. Mr. Pollard married Agnes A. Orcutt, daughter of John D. and Terza (French) Orcutt. Mrs. Pollard was a descendant of one of the early families of Connecticut and her mother, Terza French, was descended from Peregrine White, of the "Mayflower."
Herbert O. Pollard, son of David and Agnes A. (Orcutt) Pol- lard, attended the grammar and high schools of Norwalk and subsequently entered the employ of the Norwalk Mills Company to learn the business. His practical experience there was fol- lowed by a course at the Philadelphia Textile School, after which time he returned to the mills with increased knowledge and ability. He rose to the position of assistant superintendent and continued with the company until about 1905. In the latter year he resigned in order to enter business on his own account in the real estate field. He formed a partnership with William H. Ray- mond, under the firm name of Raymond & Pollard, and they conducted a general real estate and insurance business. This partnership continued until 1914, in which year Mr. Pollard took over the entire interest. He has won success in his business and is well known among Norwalk's leading citizens. He is one of the corporators of the Fairfield County Savings Bank.
In early manhood Mr. Pollard was united in marriage to Grace Chittim, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Chittim, of Norwalk, both of whom were born in England. They are the parents of three children: Ernest Orcutt, who was born March 18, 1910, is now a student at the University of Pennsylvania and has displayed marked musical talent; Verna Grace, born April 24, 1912, who is attending the Norwalk high school; and Marjorie Raymond, born December 22, 1914, who is a student in the Hill- side private school of Norwalk.
With his family Mr. Pollard attends Grace Protestant Epis- copal church of Norwalk; is an active member of the Men's Club
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of that church, and assistant superintendent of the Sunday school. He is naturally gifted with a very fine tenor voice and sings in the choir of the church. This talent has also been in- herited by other members of his family, from his grandmother Orcutt no doubt, she being an alto singer, who sang in many churches during her lifetime. Mr. Pollard's mother was an alto singer also, and taught piano. His brother, David Pollard, is the organist of Grace Protestant Episcopal church in Norwalk, and his sister, Laura J. Pollard, is a member of the choir in that church, singing soprano, and is also a teacher of voice.
Mr. Pollard takes an active interest in affairs of a public nature and is affiliated with several fraternal organizations and clubs. He belongs to Norwalk Kiwanis Club, the Norwalk Club, and the Norwalk Country Club, being a director of the last named. He is a member of Cockenoe Tribe, No. 6, Improved Order of Red Men, and is president of the Red Men's Corpora- tion. A worthy exemplar of the teachings and purposes of the Masonic fraternity, he belongs to the following bodies: St. John's Lodge, No. 6, A. F. & A. M .; Washington Chapter, No. 24, R. A. M .; Washington Council, R. & S. M .; Clinton Commandery, No. 3, K. T., which he joined December 31, 1920; Pyramid Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S .; and Lafayette Consistory of Bridgeport. He is like- wise a member of the Eastern Star and is past regent and col- lector of the Royal Arcanum. In politics Mr. Pollard is a stanch republican. He is a member of the town republican committee and for many years has served as a justice of the peace. In Octo- ber, 1927, he was elected to the office of city treasurer, in which capacity he is making a most creditable and commendable record.
MRS. ALICE F. HAYWARD
Mrs. Alice F. Hayward, of Bethel, to whom belongs the unique distinction of being America's only woman hat manufacturer, has achieved success because she has worked for it, and worked hard and intelligently. She refused to become discouraged when things appeared to be breaking the wrong way, but wisely deter- mined to capitalize her misfortune and turn it to her advantage. This required courage, persistence and clear headed judgment.
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That she possesses these essential business qualities has been abundantly proven in the outcome of her efforts, and today she is in command of a prosperous and steadily growing business.
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