USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > History of Fairfield County, Connecticut, 1639-1928 > Part 17
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Mrs. Hayward was born in Lancashire, England, and was reared and educated in her home neighborhood. In 1905 she became the wife of James Hayward, also a native of England and a hatter by trade. He was a highly skilled workman, being par- ticularly adept at coloring, and was employed for a number of years in some of the foremost shops of that country. A few years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hayward loaned a consider- able amount of their savings to an acquaintance, who came to Bethel, Connecticut, and established a factory for the coloring of silk to be used by the United States government in the making of its paper money. This enterprise was not successful and, in order to protect their interests, it became necessary for Mr. and Mrs. Hayward to buy the plant, including a building. It looked for the time being as though they had assumed a burden that would be difficult to carry, but they decided to leave no stone unturned to retrieve what looked like a probable loss. A portion of the building was rented for a hat factory and, as Mr. Hayward had had some experience in the tanning of skins, they equipped the unoccupied portion of the building for the production of hat leathers, it being necessary for them to borrow money for this purpose, in the securing of which they had some difficulty. At this time they were fortunate in securing a competent and experi- enced leather man as manager in the person of H. C. Woods, who quickly proved his worth and who has been associated with the business continuously to the present time. A few years later the hat factory moved out of the building and, confronted with the problem as to how best to utilize the vacant space, they decided to change their line of business and engage in the manu- facture of hats. Their initial effort in that line was in the mak- ing of beaver strips, for which there was at that time con- siderable demand in the millinery trade. In the course of time they enlarged the scope of their operations by installing machinery for the manufacture of hat bodies in the rough. At first they made men's hats, later turned to the making of ladies' hats in the rough, but eventually returned to men's hats in the rough, to the manufacture of which they are still devoting their
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attention. One of the most remarkable features in connection with Mrs. Hayward's entering the hat manufacturing business was that, though practically ignorant of the technical process of felting, which is known as a difficult art to master, she acquired a thorough understanding of the process through her personal experiments with mixtures of furs, appearing to have a natural aptitude for the art and a quick understanding of the properties, treatment and manipulation of hatters' furs. Her only previous experience in handling hats had been gained dur- ing a short period of work in the trimming department of one of the local hat factories in Bethel, which experience really was of little value to her in her later work. Such, in brief, is the story of the inception and development of what has become one of Bethel's important and prosperous industrial concerns and in the business circles of Fairfield county Mrs. Hayward is regarded as a business woman of exceptional ability, resourcefulness and dependable judgment.
Mrs. Hayward's hobby is the raising of pigs, in which she finds her chief diversion from the routine of business. During the late war she raised hundreds of these animals and has been very successful in the raising and marketing of them. A woman of strong character, attractive personality and gracious manner, she has won a large circle of warm and devoted friends through- out this locality and is greatly esteemed by all who know her.
ANSON FOSTER KEELER
Anson Foster Keeler is the present efficient and popular mayor of Norwalk, where he has resided for more than a quarter of a century and where he is the proprietor of the largest laundry establishment in southwestern Connecticut. In addition to this he has a long and honorable record of service in the World war. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, September 22, 1887, a son of John Foster and Mary Gazella (Foster) Keeler. In olden days one of the commonest ways of identifying a man was according to his occupation. In this manner the name of Keeler originated. Its source is obvious. It refers to the man who laid the keels of vessels and perhaps helped to construct other parts.
ANSON F. KEELER
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Ralph Keeler, the immigrant ancestor of this family, was in Hartford, Connecticut, as early as 1639, and was a first settler of Norwalk, Connecticut. He was chimney viewer in 1645, and pur- chased lands in September, 1666. He was a carpenter and builder, and was engaged in building many of the early houses. His will was dated August 20, 1672. The name of his second wife was Sarah Whelpley, widow of Henry Whelpley, of Norwalk.
Samuel Keeler, son of Ralph Keeler, was born in 1656, in Norwalk, and died in 1713. He served in the Great Swamp fight, receiving in return a bounty of land in Norwalk. He be- came one of the original proprietors of Ridgefield, Connecticut, holding the grant to the lower part of the town. He married, in 1682, Sarah, daughter of Mark and Elizabeth (Stanley) Sention (St. John), of Norwalk. She died in 1714.
Timothy Keeler, son of Samuel and Sarah (Sention or St. John) Keeler, was born in 1695, in Norwalk, and settled in Ridge- field. His will was dated August 30, 1748, and was proved Sep- tember 22, 1748. He married (first), in 1720, Abigail Osborne, who died in 1735. He married (second), in 1736, Widow Sarah Couch.
Timothy Keeler (II) was born in 1721, and settled in Ridge- field. He married (first), in 1744, Mary Hoyt, who died in 1777. He married (second), in 1780, Widow Hannah Dunning, and in 1799 he passed away.
Jeremiah Keeler, son of Timothy and Mary (Hoyt) Keeler, was born in 1760, in Ridgefield, and as a youth witnessed Tryon's attack on his native village. So moved was he by the heartrend- ing spectacle that he immediately enlisted in the Continental ser- vice and served to the close of the war. As orderly-sergeant under General Lafayette he was present at the siege of York- town, and was one of the first to scale the breastworks under a murderous fire. In recognition of his bravery he was presented by General Lafayette with a sword which is still in the possession of his descendants. Orderly-Sergeant Keeler married Huldah Hull, and settled in South Salem, New York. He died in 1853.
John Ely Keeler, son of Jeremiah and Hulda (Hull) Keeler, was born May 16, 1810. For many years he was established in business in Brooklyn under the firm name of J. E. Keeler & Son,
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Automatic Steam Carpet Cleaning. He married (first), May 14, 1839, in Troy, New York, Almira Chapman, who died in 1848. He married (second), Mary Elizabeth Foster, who died in 1891, in Brooklyn. Mr. Keeler passed away at the same place in 1892. He was a prominent member of the Throop Avenue Presbyterian church.
John Foster Keeler, son of John Ely and Mary Elizabeth (Foster) Keeler, was born December 18, 1854, in Flushing, Long Island, New York. He received his preparatory education at a boarding school in New Canaan, Connecticut, later graduating from the University of the City of New York with the degree of Civil Engineer. He never, however, entered upon the practice of his profession, preferring to associate himself with his father in the latter's carpet cleaning business. Mr. Keeler, senior, oper- ated a carpet cleaning plant and storage warehouse in Brooklyn, and his son made it the business of his life. In politics he was an active republican, representing the twenty-first ward of Brooklyn in the New York legislature. He affiliated with Euclid Lodge, F. & A. M., of Brooklyn, and had also taken the Royal Arch degrees. Mr. Keeler married Mary Gazella Foster, who was born April 13, 1856, in Stonington, Connecticut, her parents being Anson and Mary (Atwater) Foster. John Foster and Mary Gazella (Foster) Keeler became the parents of the follow- ing children: Harold, who died at the age of nine years; Helen De Forest, born June 26, 1884, who married Walter McLaren, M. D., of Brooklyn, and has two children, Anson Austin and Don- ald; Anson Foster, of this review. The family were members of the Congregational church. John Foster Keeler died July 3, 1902.
Anson Foster Keeler, whose name introduces this article, received his education in public schools of his native city. At the age of fifteen he came to Norwalk, where for some years he was variously employed. In 1910 he entered the service of Armour & Company, and for six years remained with them as a salesman. In February, 1916, he formed a partnership with Alvin R. Heerdt under the firm name of the Norwalk Steam Laundry. Later they bought out Lowe's Laundry, consolidating the business with their own, and in December, 1919, they purchased the Old Well Laun- dry. They are now the proprietors of the largest steam laundry
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in southwestern Connecticut, perfectly sanitary in every depart- ment, and having the most complete and modern equipment. Their patronage is not confined to Norwalk, but extends to neigh- boring towns. Their present flourishing condition is largely due to the tireless energy and sound business judgment of Mr. Keeler, who from the day of his first connection with the concern has, with the exception of his period of military service, labored stren- uously for the upbuilding and maintenance of the business.
When the United States entered the World war, Mr. Keeler was among the first to respond to the call to arms, enlisting July 10, 1917, in the Sixth Company, Coast Artillery Corps, Connecti- cut National Guard. On July 15th they went to Fort Terry, New York, remaining until January 4, 1918, when they proceeded to the Third Officers' Training School, Camp Upton. On April 19, 1918, they left there for Camp Gordon, Mr. Keeler then hold- ing the rank of sergeant. At Camp Gordon, on June 6, 1918, he received his commission as second lieutenant, and on July 18th left for overseas duty. Lieutenant Keeler went over with a re- placement company, landing in Liverpool, August 3d, and soon after going to France. From Cherbourg they proceeded to St. Aigman, where the company was taken from the officers, and Lieutenant Keeler was assigned to Company A, One Hundred and Sixty-first Infantry, Sunset Division (Forty-first). He was with them until September 26th, when he was ordered to report to the Sixth Army Corps Replacement Battalion. There he re- mained until November 3d, going then to the Sixth Army Corps as assistant corps gas officer. They moved into Luxembourg on December 24th, and Mr. Keeler was then transferred to Head- quarters Troop, Sixth Army Corps. He remained there until April 28, 1919, when he started for home, landing in Boston, May 27, 1919, and receiving his discharge at Camp Dix in June, 1919.
The fraternal affiliations of Mr. Keeler are numerous. He is past master of St. John's Lodge, No. 6, A. F. & A. M., and affili- ates with Washington Chapter, No. 28, R. A. M .; Clinton Com- mandery, No. 3, K. T., all of Norwalk; Lafayette Consistory, S. P. R. S., of Bridgeport; Bridgeport Council Pyramid Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Bridgeport; the Arab Patrol; Monker Grotto, M. O. V. P. E. R .; and Ophir Chapter, No. 52, O. E. S. He has
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served as district deputy of the first Masonic district for the Grand Lodge of Connecticut. He also belongs to Cockenoe Tribe, No. 32, Improved Order of Red Men; Frank C. Godfrey Post, No. 12, American Legion ; Military Order of Foreign Wars, Hartford Chapter; National Sojourners Hartford, Chapter No. 56; and Mulvoy-Tarlov Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars. Long a prom- inent factor in public affairs, Mr. Keeler was elected city treas- urer of Norwalk in 1921 and made a most creditable and com- mendable record during his six years' service in that position. He was then elected to the mayoralty in 1927 and is giving to the city a most progressive and businesslike administration charac- terized by many measures of reform and improvement. He stands for all those things which count for most in the city's up- building and has never lost sight of those high principles which should govern man in the varied relations of life.
3/9/49 HORACE BEACH MERWIN
Horace Beach Merwin, first vice president of the Bridgeport Trust Company, was born September 26, 1888, in this city, a son of Orange and Mary C. (Beach) Merwin, who were also natives of Connecticut. Orange Merwin was a member of the firm of Marsh, Merwin & Lemmon, owners of a large bank in Bridge- port, and served as vice president of the Bridgeport Trust Com- pany, of which he was one of the organizers. In addition he was president of the Bridgeport Land & Title Company and aided materially in promoting the financial stability of the city. His life in its various phases bore the test of intimate knowledge and close association, and he enjoyed to the fullest extent the respect and confidence of his fellowmen. His death occurred in 1907, and his wife passed away in 1912.
Horace B. Merwin was a pupil in the public schools of Bridge- port and next attended the Hotchkiss School at Lakeville, Con- necticut, graduating with the class of 1908. His education was completed in Yale University, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy in 1911, and he then entered the employ of the Bridgeport Trust Company in a minor capacity. His ability and conscientious application resulted in repeated promo-
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tions and at length he became secretary of the Bridgeport Trust Company. In 1919 he was made one of its vice presidents and in 1927 was elected first vice president. He is president of the Morris Plan Bank of Bridgeport, the Fairfield Trust Company and the Penfield Reef Corporation; vice president of the In- vestors Mortgage & Guarantee Company, the Fairfield Land & Improvement Company and the Artistic Bronze Company; treas- urer of the Unquowa Foundation; and a director of the Bridge- port Land & Title Company and Mckesson & Robbins, Inc.
Mr. Merwin was married January 15, 1913, to Miss Marjorie Pierce, of Bridgeport, and they have two children: Horace B., Jr., who was born June 17, 1917; and Delight, born August 25, 1920.
In 1917 Mr. Merwin entered the service of the country, becom- ing a first lieutenant in the finance division of the ordnance de- partment, and was stationed in Washington, D. C., and Rochester, New York. In January, 1918, he was commissioned a captain and served until the close of the war. Although his extensive business and financial interests make heavy demands upon his attention and energy, Mr. Merwin has found time for community service and is a member of the board of finance of the town of Fairfield. His Masonic affiliations are with Fidelity Lodge, F. & A. M., of Fairfield, and Bridgeport Chapter, R. A. M. Along social lines he is connected with the University Club, the St. Elmo Club of New Haven, the Fairfield Beach Club, the Brooklawn Country Club, the Algonquin Club, the Black Rock and Pequot Yacht Clubs, and the Laurentian Club of Quebec, Canada. Mr. Merwin's residence is in Brooklawn Park.
FREDERICK C. MULLINS
A successful mortician, Frederick C. Mullins has engaged in business in Bridgeport for thirty years and is one of the city's best known undertakers and embalmers. He was born in Bridgeport, May 18, 1863, a son of Dennis and Anne (Keegan) Mullins, who were natives of Ireland and left that country in their youth. The father was well versed in the science of horti- culture and for many years was head gardener for William H.
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Perry, of the Wheeler & Wilson Sewing Machine Company of Bridgeport. Mr. Mullins was a devout member of the Roman Catholic church and gave his political support to the democratic party. He remained in Bridgeport until his demise in 1881 and was long survived by his wife, who passed away in this city in 1914.
Frederick C. Mullins received a public school education and later was graduated from the Rennard Embalming School in New York city. His first position was that of a clerk in the inspecting room of the Wheeler & Wilson Sewing Machine Company, with which firm he spent a year, and was a member of the clerical force of the Sanford Hat Company for a similar period. He was employed for a year in the cutting department of the Union Metallic Cartridge plant and next became manager of the John Reek floral shop on Main street, Bridgeport. Afterward he was called to public office, becoming city clerk, and was reelected five times. His work was highly satisfactory and he served in all for nine years.
On the 1st of February, 1899, Mr. Mullins embarked in the undertaking business at No. 278 Main street, in partnership with John Cullinan, with whom he was associated for twenty-two years, when the latter retired. Since 1921 the business, known as Elm Service Company, Inc., has been owned and conducted by the firm of Mullins, Scott & Redgate, Inc., of which Mr. Mullins is the president. Thomas Scott is the vice president, and J. Leo Redgate fills the office of treasurer. They have a fine establish- ment at No. 293 Golden Hill street, and the service rendered by the firm is high class in every particular. The business was founded in 1865 and is the oldest in the city. Mr. Mullins and his associates are expert funeral directors and experienced busi- ness men of high standing. Striding in step with the spirit of the times, they have changed old methods to suit new conditions and maintain an institution which is a credit to the city.
On the 6th of September, 1888, Mr. Mullins was married in Bridgeport to Miss Mary E. Johnson, who was educated in the public schools of this city. She is a faithful communicant of St. Charles' Roman Catholic church, with which Mr. Mullins is also affiliated, and in politics he is a democrat. During the World war he promoted the sale of Liberty bonds and was also active
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in the Red Cross drives. His fraternal connections are with Bridgeport Council, No. 16, of the Knights of Columbus. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and exerts his influence to stimulate Bridgeport's growth and progress. Mr. Mullins is deeply attached to his city and state and has erected as the guide- posts of his life those principles which constitute the basis of all honorable and desirable prosperity.
HOWARD EDWIN GRUPE
The attractiveness of a district as a place of residence is proven in the fact that many native sons remain within the borders of the locality, finding there desirable business oppor- tunities and excellent living conditions. To this class belongs Howard Edwin Grupe, who is a native son of New Canaan. He was born August 7, 1890, his parents being William G. and Julia E. (Selleck) Grupe. He passed through consecutive grades in the public schools until graduated from the high school at Stam- ford, after which he entered Tufts College, there completing his course in 1915. He started in the business world at Bridgeport with the Remington Arms Company, acting as assistant to the stores superintendent. Military duties, however, interrupted his business career, for in July, 1917, he enlisted, becoming a member of the air forces. He was identified with the Fifty-third, Thirty- fifth and Eight Hundred and First Aero Squadrons and was with the army from October, 1917, until March, 1919, at the Third Aviation Instruction Center, Issoudun, France, holding the rank of sergeant.
In March, 1919, Mr. Grupe returned to his native land and since that date has resided upon the home farm at New Canaan. On the 3d of October, 1925, he was married here to Miss Mary C. Seaf, and they have one daughter, Carol Estelle, born October 13, 1926.
Mr. Grupe belongs to Harmony Lodge, No. 67, F. & A. M., of which he is a past master, and the organization ever finds him loyal to the teachings and purposes of the fraternity. He has also rendered important public service, having been elected in October, 1924, to the board of selectmen and reelected annually
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to the present time. He thoughtfully considers the questions which come up for settlement before this board and is actuated by a progressive spirit in all that he does. He is a director of the New Canaan Cemetery Association and for three years was chairman of the New Canaan branch of the Red Cross. In 1923 he was chosen a director of the New Canaan library for a three- year term and in 1926 was reelected to that office. His support can always be counted upon for any plan or measure for the general good, for it is in his nature to reach out toward higher and better things for the community as well as for the individual.
EDWARD JAMES THOMAS
The Norwalk Hour, ranking as one of the leading newspapers of New England in a city of Norwalk's class, has for more than a quarter of a century had as its publisher Edward James Thomas, who is also president and treasurer of the Hour Pub- lishing Company. Mr. Thomas is a son of James Thomas, his family of Welsh descent, tradition being that the Thomas line are direct descendants of Sir Rhys ap Thomas, K. G., who was a lineal descendant of the ancient kings of Wales, and whose castle and estates were forfeited to the crown during the reign of Henry the Eighth. Two brothers of this descent came from Wales together, one settling in New York and the other in New Orleans.
The census of 1790 gives Gregory Thomas as a resident of Norwalk, Connecticut, having a wife and one child, a daughter, living with him. Gregory Thomas descended from John and Elizabeth Thomas, of Fairfield, whose son, Joseph Thomas, fought in the French and Indian war in 1758. Two sons of Joseph and Phoebe (Gregory) Thomas were Nathan and Gregory Thomas. Joseph was killed in the battle of Monmouth, New Jer- sey, June 28, 1778. Gregory enlisted February 1, 1778, and at the close of the war located in Norwalk, died May 6, 1811, and is buried in the old Silvermine cemetery. Among the children of Gregory Thomas was Charles, grandfather of Edward James Thomas. Charles Thomas was a lumber merchant, and resided for a time at Wilton, later making Norwalk his home. Charles Thomas married, about 1818, Sarah Crofoot, daughter of Ebe-
EDWARD J. THOMAS
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nezer and Sarah (Gregory) Crofoot, granddaughter of Joseph and Esther (St. John) Crofoot, great-granddaughter of Ebenezer Crofoot, and great-great-granddaughter of Joseph Crofoot. Sarah (Gregory) Crofoot, wife of Ebenezer Crofoot, was descended from John Gregory through his son, Jachin, his son, Deacon Matthew, his son, Ensign Matthew, a Revolutionary soldier; and his son, Elias Gregory, her father.
James Thomas, son of Charles and Sarah (Crofoot) Thomas, was during his busy and active life a sea captain and civil engi- neer. He was one of the surveyors for the proposed parallel rail- road in Connecticut, a project that never materialized. He mar- ried, in Norwalk, August 15, 1863, Clara Stevens Doty, daugh- ter of Isaac Reed and Mary Ann (Disbrow) Doty. Isaac Reed Doty, born in Mount Washington, Dutchess county, New York, June 13, 1813, lived in Norwalk, Connecticut, where he died April 23, 1882. The following is quoted from an obituary notice: "He was a man of earnest nature, firm in his convictions, and could not be swerved from what he believed to be his duty. He served the town for many years as constable and grand juror. He was a hard working and cautious business man."
Edward James Thomas, only child of James and Clara Stev- ens (Doty) Thomas, was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, January 21, 1870. He attended grammar and high schools and prepared for college, but owing to serious illness in his family was com- pelled to abandon his plan. As a youth of fifteen years he became employed in a stationery store, soon afterward entering the Nor- walk postoffice in the capacity of clerk. Later he was transferred to the South Norwalk post office as assistant postmaster to estab- lish the foreign money order department and the free delivery system in that section of the city. His initiative and ability attracted the favorable attention of James Golden, editor of the South Norwalk Sentinel, and he offered Mr. Thomas a position as reporter for Norwalk, which was accepted. He afterward became a member of the reportorial staff of the Danbury News, then returned to Norwalk and the service of the Sentinel. During this period he represented the Associated Press and contributed articles to several leading New York newspapers, including num- erous illustrated feature articles for the Sunday editions. Mr. Thomas remained with the Sentinel until February 27, 1901,
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when he became associated with the company which purchased the control of the Norwalk Hour, then owned by the estate of Brainard W. Maples. The Hour has been, insofar as a single interest can be said to have occupied him, his life work, and his able, devoted service as publisher, president, treasurer and man- ager has been responsible in no small measure for its strong, in- fluential position of the present day. Mr. Thomas has been for a number of years vice president of the Connecticut Daily News- paper Association. He is also a member of the National Edi- torial Association, the Connecticut Editorial Association, the American Newspaper Publishers' Association, the New England Alliance of Daily Newspapers, and the Employing Printers of Connecticut. In all of these he has been active through commit- tee service, and has cooperated heartily in their work.
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