USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > History of Fairfield County, Connecticut, 1639-1928 > Part 3
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
Mr. Hatch was married October 4, 1906, in Stamford to Miss Alice Gillespie, who was born April 29, 1882, in New York city, and received her education in Miss Low's School in Stamford. Her father, Edward A. Gillespie, was born in New York city, April 24, 1859, and passed away at Stamford in October, 1922. He was also a prosperous stock broker and retired from business several years before his death. St. Andrew's Episcopal church of Stamford numbered him among its earnest, helpful members and his political support was given to the republican party. His widow, Mrs. Lily (Squire) Gillespie, was born December 12, 1865, and still resides in Stamford. Mr. and Mrs. Hatch were the parents of three daughters: Alice Gertrude, who is a grad- uate of Smith College of Northampton, Massachusetts; Emily Allen, who completed a course in the Wykeham Rise School at Washington, Connecticut, and died September 30, 1928; and Marion Gillespie, a student at the Low-Heywood School of Stamford.
1182901
Mr. Hatch was affiliated with St. John's Episcopal church and cast his ballot for the candidates of the republican party. He served in the Connecticut Home Guard and furthered the success of the Red Cross and Liberty Loan drives during the World war. For diversion he turned to outdoor sports and was a member of the Oxridge Hunt Club, the Stamford Yacht Club and the Wood- way Country Club. He was also identified with the Rotary Club of Stamford, the Princeton Club of New York, and Union Lodge, No. 5, F. & A. M. He was a trustee of the Stamford Chil- dren's Home, was for some time connected with The Associated
1
36
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
Charities and was an associate member of the Connecticut Engi- neering Society. Generous, high-minded, companionable and sympathetic, Mr. Hatch extracted from life the real essence of living and his memory is revered by all who knew him. Mrs. Hatch also adheres to the Episcopalian faith and devotes much time to religious, philanthropic, civic and cultural activities. She is a member of the Women's Republican Clubs of Stamford and. New York city, the Stamford Yacht Club, the Woman's Club and the Schubert Club. She is serving on the board of the Day Nursery and was active in Red Cross work during the World war. Her days have been filled with unostentatious acts of charity and kindness and her influence upon the life of the community has been of the highest order.
JAMES A. COYLE
Through the exercise of effort James A. Coyle has developed his latent powers, which have carried him into important rela- tions, and in business circles of Danbury he enjoys an enviable reputation as a laundryman. He was born in this city in 1886, a son of James E. and Maria E. (Shea) Coyle, natives of Ireland, and the father has passed away.
In the acquirement of an education James A. Coyle attended the parochial schools of Danbury and his start in life was obtained in the hat factory of Frank H. Lee, for whom he worked for fifteen years, filling the position of shaver. He was next employed by David D. Wilson in the Danbury Wet Wash Laundry and in 1925 established the Acme Laundry in partner- ship with John J. Stone, with whom he has since been associated. They have a model plant at No. 32 State street and their motto is "Good work and good service at a fair price." The members of the firm are experienced laundrymen, of progressive methods and well known reliability, and in three years they have built up a substantial business, which is steadily increasing.
In 1912 Mr. Coyle was married in Danbury to Miss Sarah E. O'Brien, by whom he has four children: Mary, John, Sally and Jean. Mr. Coyle adheres to the Roman Catholic faith and his fraternal affiliations are with the Knights of Columbus and the
37
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He loyally supports all movements destined to prove of benefit to Danbury, and that he is a man of high moral worth is shown by the place which he holds in the esteem of his fellow citizens, with whom his life has been spent.
JOHN ADAMS YOUNG
John Adams Young has achieved state-wide prominence as an educator and brings to the discharge of his duties as assistant, superintendent of schools of Bridgeport broad experience and ability of a high order. He was born in White Deer, Union county, Pennsylvania, July 7, 1876, a son of Reuben and Rebecca (Dieffenderfer) Young, and obtained his early instruction in the public schools of Union county, afterward attending Bucknell Academy. In 1903 he received the degree of Ph. B. from Buck- nell University and in 1912 the same institution conferred upon him the A. M. degree. While a student there he was a member of the track team for four years and also participated in other athletic sports. He was principal of the high school at Center Hall, Pennsylvania, during 1903 and 1904; of the high school at Kane from 1904 to 1907; the high school at Sunbury for one year thereafter, and from 1908 until 1912 was in charge of the high school at Lock Haven, doing much to further the educational progress of the Keystone state. In 1912 he was made one of the supervisors of the Connecticut state board of education, on which he served for six years, and from 1918 to 1922 was superintend- ent of schools at Westport, this state. Mr. Young was then called to his present office in Bridgeport and under his able direction the work of the elementary department has been brought up to a high standard. He has instituted needed changes and improve- ments and is thorough, efficient and conscientious in the discharge of his important duties.
In 1908 Mr. Young married Miss Marie Tuholski, of Erie, Pennsylvania, and they have become the parents of two children : Marjorie, who is attending high school; and John Adams, Jr., who is a grammar school pupil.
Mr. Young is a republican in politics and fraternally is a
38
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
Mason, being a past master of Worcester Lodge, No. 10, at Col- chester, Connecticut, and a member of the Past Masters Associa- tion of New London county. When a student at Bucknell he became a member of Theta Alpha literary society and was also connected with the Shakespeare Club. He is a member of the Kiwanis Club, the University Club and the Schoolmen's Club of Bridgeport and has served as president of the latter organization. He is also a member of the Schoolmasters Association of Connecti- cut, the Fairfield County Teachers Association and the State Superintendents Association and has served as president of each body. He is likewise affiliated with the New England Superin- tendents Association, the State Teachers Association, the Inter- national Kindergarten Association, and holds a life membership in the National Education Association, of which he was a director for five years. Mr. Young is a director of the Welfare Society, director of the Mental Hygiene Society, vice president of the Con- necticut State Library Association and a member of Olivet Con- gregational church. His spirit of broad humanitarianism is expressed by effective service on the child labor commission and his standing as an educator is denoted by the high offices which he fills. He is ideally fitted for the work in which he is engaged and, judged from the standpoint of usefulness, his career has been notably successful.
HENRY LOCKWOOD
Henry Lockwood long figured prominently in business cir- cles of Stamford as president of The Lockwood & Palmer Com- pany, with which he had been identified for nearly six decades at the time of his death, for this extensive and important enter- prise was originally a little hardware concern with which he be- came connected in a clerical capacity in 1866. He had attained the venerable age of eighty-two years when he passed away in Stamford on the 6th of December, 1925, having been born March 22, 1843, in North Stamford, Connecticut.
The Encyclopedia of Biography gives the following account of his ancestral record: "The Lockwood family is of ancient English origin, the name being mentioned in Domesday Book,
41
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
which dates it back over eight hundred years. A place of the name in Staffordshire, England, is celebrated for the medical quality of the water of its springs. There was also a town of Lockwood in Yorkshire, England. In the reign of Edward III one John Lockwood was attached to the royal party, fought at Naseby, and was there wounded, 1327, 1377. In 1392 the name of John Lockwood is mentioned. In 1470 the Lockwood estates passed to the Henshaws by marriage. The name is often spelled Lokewood and Lockewood, and is a compound word formed thus: Locke or Lock referring to a dweller in or by an enclosure or con- fine, and wod, wode, which is old English wudu, meaning wood. Hence a remote ancestor of the family dwelt in a clearing or by the side of a large wood and which gave him his name. The American branch of the race was founded about three centuries ago by Robert and Edmund Lockwood, who came with Win- throp's company to Massachusetts. Their descendants were largely represented in the Colonial and Revolutionary wars, and at all periods in our history have proved themselves worthy and patriotic citizens. The family is entitled to display the follow- ing escutcheon which was granted in 1530 to the Rev. Richard Lockwood, rector of Dingley, Northamptonshire, England :
Arms-Argent, a fesse between three martlets sable.
Crest-On the stump of an oak tree erased proper a martlet sable.
Motto-Tutus in undis. (Secure against the waves).
"(I) Robert Lockwood, founder of the Stamford and Green- wich branch of the family, settled in Watertown, Massachusetts, in 1630, and in 1637 was made a freeman. In 1646 he removed to Fairfield, Connecticut, where he was made a freeman in 1652, and became a man of prominence in the community. He mar-
ried Susannah , and his death occurred in Fairfield, in 1658. His widow married (second) Jeffrey Ferris, and sur- vived until 1680.
"(II) Lieutenant Gershom Lockwood, son of Robert and Susannah Lockwood, was born September 6, 1643, in Water- town, and died March 12, 1718-19, in Greenwich, Connecticut. He was but a boy of nine when his father removed to Greenwich, and fifteen years on the death of the latter. He was the prin- cipal builder and carpenter of Greenwich, a man of useful deeds,
42
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
of importance to the community. He was one of the twenty- seven proprietors of Greenwich. He married Lady Ann Milling- ton, daughter of Lord Millington, of England. In 1660 she re- ceived from her home in England a large carved oaken chest said to contain one-half bushel of guineas and many fine silk dresses. This chest was in the home of Samuel Ferris in Greenwich in 1888.
"(III) Gershom (2) Lockwood, son of Lieutenant Gershom (1) and Ann (Millington) Lockwood, born in Greenwich, was admitted a freeman, February 7, 1693-94, and with his brother William built a bridge across Myanos river. His wife's Chris- tian name was Mary, and they were the parents of Gershom, of whom further.
"(IV) Gershom (3) Lockwood, son of Gershom (2) and Mary Lockwood, was born in Greenwich, in 1708. He married Mary Ferris, born the same year, died February 9, 1796.
"(V) Gershom (4) Lockwood, son of Gershom (3) and Mary (Ferris) Lockwood, was born about 1728, and died in 1798, of dropsy, at Stanwich, Connecticut. He married Eunice Close, of Horse Neck Parish, Greenwich, born about 1728, died 1808, and was buried in Greenwich.
"(VI) Joseph Lockwood, son of Gershom (4) and Eunice (Close) Lockwood, was born November 13, 1769, and in early life lived on a small farm. Later he went to New York city, and there engaged in business as a merchant tailor for some years. He then located in North Stamford, Connecticut, and lived a re- tired life until his death. He married Sarah Alauson, of Stan- wich, Connecticut, and was the father of Gideon Reed, of whom further.
"(VII) Gideon Reed Lockwood, son of Joseph and Sarah (Alauson) Lockwood, was born in North Stamford, Connecticut, February 27, 1793, died April 11, 1879. He married February 25, 1818, in Poundridge, New York, Mary Ayres, who was born there February 14, 1798, daughter of Reuben and Elizabeth (Lounsbury) Ayres, who died about 1871."
Thus through seven generations the ancestral line has been brought down to Henry Lockwood, son of Gideon Reed and Mary (Ayres) Lockwood. His youthful experiences were those of the farm-bred boy and after pursuing his preliminary studies in the
43
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
district schools of North Stamford he was graduated with honor from Eastman's Business College of Poughkeepsie, New York, on the 20th of June, 1865. In February of the following year he began clerking in the hardware store of S. W. Scofield in Stam- ford and gained thorough knowledge of the business during the fifteen years which he spent as an employe in that establishment. On the 1st of February, 1881, he acquired the store by purchase. The store in which he had been employed occupied the site of the old Webb Tavern, which was afterward called the old Washing- ton House because of the tradition that George Washington had spent a night there. This in 1870 was replaced by the Washing- ton building, which was noted as having the first plate glass win- dows in Stamford. Later Mr. Lockwood removed the business diagonally across the street to the present location and in 1900 he admitted Frank W. Palmer, who for some time had been asso- ciated with him as a clerk, to a partnership and the firm style of Lockwood & Palmer was assumed. It was in the following year that they began the erection of the present Lockwood and Palmer building at the corner of Park place and Summer street, a re- moval being made thereto in 1902. The trade of the house stead- ily increased and on the 2d of February, 1914, the business was incorporated under the name of The Lockwood & Palmer Com- pany, the firm continuing to handle shelf and heavy hardware, implements and similar lines. Each passing year showed an increase in the business commensurate with the development of Stamford and as time has passed other lines have been added to those originally carried. From the time of the incorporation until his death Mr. Lockwood was president of the company and his excellent executive ability and sound judgment constituted valuable factors in its continued growth and success. He was also one of the incorporators of the Stamford Savings Bank and enjoyed high standing in business and financial circles of his native county.
On the 24th of April, 1872, Mr. Lockwood was united in mar- riage to Helen Maria Davenport, who was born in Stamford, April 19, 1851, and passed away at her home at 312 Summer street, Stamford, March 16, 1924. She was a daughter of George and Charlotte (Warner) Davenport and a member of an old and honorable family. She was a direct descendant of John Daven-
3-VOL. 3
:
44
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
port, who came to America in 1639 and who was one of the founders of New Haven, Connecticut, while another of her an- cestors was the Rev. John Davenport, the third minister of the Congregational church in Stamford. It was in November, 1692, that the people of Stamford expressed a desire that the Rev. John Davenport should become pastor of the church here, which he did in the following year, and he "was to receive sixty pounds per annum, or seventy pounds and firewood if he be settled in a family." This he did the following year by marrying a widow, by whom he became the father of seven children. After her death in 1712 he again married a widow and they had two chil- dren. Rev. Davenport remained pastor of the church for thirty- six years. His son, Colonel Abraham Davenport, was the out- standing figure in Stamford at the time of the Revolutionary war. He was selectman for a term longer than any other holder of the office in Stamford, was state senator for eighteen years, judge of probate for several years and also judge of the county court, while for forty years he was a deacon of the Congrega- tional church. He served on the Committee of Safety in Revo- lutionary times and as a counselor was held in the highest regard by the Colonial and Continental officers.
A beautiful memorial window, known as the Davenport win- dow, has been placed in the First Congregational church of Stam- ford by Judge Charles D. Lockwood and other members of the Davenport family in memory of Rev. John Davenport and in memory of the Davenport family. A beautiful stone building at North Stamford, known as the Community House, was erected by Judge Lockwood in memory of his father and mother, Henry Lockwood and Helen M. (Davenport) Lockwood.
Prior to her marriage Mrs. Helen M. Lockwood lived in the house at Davenport Ridge which during the last twenty-six years of her life was her summer home. She was for many years a constant attendant at the services of the First Presbyterian church of Stamford, in which both she and her husband held membership. Mr. Lockwood gave his political allegiance to the democratic party and withheld his support from no movement or measure calculated to promote the general welfare. His life was an upright and honorable one in every relation and his demise was deeply mourned by his many friends as well as by
45
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
the members of his immediate family. In a paper called The Agassiz Association an account of Mr. Lockwood, following his death, closed with the words: "He was generally recognized as the high type of 'old time gentleman,' a sincere Christian who put his high ideals in religion into his every action. He was digni- fied yet cordial, efficient in business and of winning kindness of heart and delightful personality. In his death we have lost one of our best friends, and Stamford has lost one of its most honored citizens."
JAMES EDWARD MURPHY
James Edward Murphy, who was in the service of his country during the World war, is now devoting his attention to the prac- tice of law and his energy and ability are bringing him rapidly to the front in professional circles of Bridgeport. He was born in this city, August 13, 1896, and is a son of Timothy J. and Catherine M. (Crowley) Murphy, the former a native of Ireland, while the latter was born in Waterbury, Connecticut.
Reared in his native city, James E. Murphy was a pupil in the Prospect street grammar school and was graduated from high school in 1915. During the following year he was a reporter, working for the Bridgeport Standard and the Bridgeport Farmer, and in 1916 matriculated in the University of Notre Dame, which he left in the spring of 1917 to enter the first officers training camp at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indiana. He was commissioned a first lieutenant of cavalry August 15, 1917, and detailed for duty with the One Hundred and Thirteenth Supply Train of the Thirty-eighth Division. Mr. Murphy was sent to Camp Shelby, Mississippi, and promoted to the rank of captain May 15, 1918. He sailed for France, October 6, 1918, on the same day that his brother, Captain Jeremiah E. Murphy, made the supreme sacrifice for his country, losing his life during the memorable conflict in the forest of Argonne. Captain James E. Murphy was sent to a training camp in France and remained abroad until the summer of 1919, arriving in this country June 30. After his honorable discharge he returned to Bridgeport and in the fall of 1919 resumed his studies in Notre Dame University,
46
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
from which he was graduated in 1922 with the degree of LL. B. In June, 1923, he was admitted to the bar and has since engaged in general practice in Bridgeport. He has charge of important legal interests and wins a large percentage of his cases owing to his thorough preparation and clear understanding of the funda- mental principles of jurisprudence.
Captain Murphy was married May 31, 1927, to Miss Marion J. Hayes, of Bridgeport, and they reside at No. 315 West Morgan avenue. They adhere to the Roman Catholic faith and Captain Murphy is grand knight of Park City Council of the Knights of Columbus and also belongs to the local lodge of Elks. He holds the rank of captain in the Reserve Officers Corps of the United States army and at one time was service commander of Raymond W. Harris Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, which he now represents in the capacity of state judge advocate. He is also a member of the American Legion, the Civitan Club, and the Fair- field County and Connecticut State Bar Associations. Through close study he is constantly broadening his legal knowledge and holds to a high standard in the field of professional service. His interest in the welfare and progress of his city is deep and sincere and his personal qualities are such as make for esteem and friendship.
HENRY P. LYONS
On the roster of public officials in Bridgeport appears the name of Henry P. Lyons, who is serving as assistant clerk of the superior court of Fairfield county and has also become well known as an attorney. He was born August 4, 1880, in this city and his father, Patrick D. Lyons, was a native of Ireland. In early life he sought the opportunities of the United States and was engaged in merchandising in Bridgeport from 1873 until his death in 1913. His public spirit prompted his activity in civic affairs and for several terms he served as alderman. The mother, Mrs. Mary A. (Chope) Lyons, was a member of one of the pioneer families of Bridgeport and always resided in the city, passing away in 1904.
Following the completion of his high school course in 1899, Henry P.Lyons matriculated in Niagara University, from which
1
1
47
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
he received a certificate signed by the board of regents in Septem- ber, 1900, and three years later was graduated from the law department of Yale University. In 1903 he was admitted to the bar and began his professional career in Bridgeport, where he practiced until 1909. From 1910 until 1913 he was clerk of the probate court, serving under Judge Edward F. Hallen, and then resumed his practice, which he continued until 1923. In January of that year he was appointed assistant clerk of the superior court of Fairfield county, which office he has since filled with marked ability, and during 1924-25 had charge of the naturalization bureau.
Mr. Lyons was married October 22, 1908, to Miss Mary F. Gay, of Bridgeport, and they have become the parents of three children : Marion M., Catharine C. and Henry J. Mr. Lyons adheres to the Catholic faith and his fraternal connections are with the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is deeply interested in legal matters, on which he is thoroughly informed, and has been faithful to every trust reposed in him, whether of a public or private nature. His aid and influence are always on the side of movements for Bridgeport's advancement and his genuine worth is fully appreciated by his fellow citizens, who entertain for him high regard.
GUSTAV BOESCH
Throughout his business career Gustav Boesch has been con- nected with mechanical pursuits, owing his advancement to hard work and proven ability, and one of the large productive industries of Danbury is the visible result of his powers of organization and administration. He was born in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1860, a son of Franz and Louise (Schafer) Boesch, and received a public school education. When a young man of nineteen he left his native land and worked for a time as a toolmaker in Paris, France, going from there to Liege, Belgium, where he was employed as a mechanic for two and a half years. In 1888, when twenty-eight years of age, he sought the opportunities of the United States, obtaining work in Boston, Massachusetts, and next followed his trade in Stamford, Connecticut. He became widely recognized
48
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
as a master mechanic and was sent by the Westinghouse Electric Manufacturing Company to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to take charge of their machinery in that city. In 1901 he made his first independent venture, locating in Danbury, and engaged in the tool business for outside parties. Gradually he expanded the scope of his activities and is now making machinery for fur cut- ters and hatters, operating under the style of the Boesch Manu- facturing Company, of which he is president. He has a modern factory at No. 45 River street and closely supervises every detail connected with its management, never allowing an imperfect piece of work to leave his plant. Endowed with the mental alert- ness, the broad vision and keen sagacity of the true executive, he has created an industry of large proportions and is also the owner of the business of the Metal Ball & Bearing Company of Danbury, which he purchased in 1928.
In 1893 Mr. Boesch was married. in New York city to Miss Annie Michael and they have become the parents of a son, Arthur, who is associated with his father in business. Mr. Boesch is a Mason and a worthy exemplar of the order. Directing his activi- ties into constructive channels, he has won success, gaining at the same time the respect, confidence and goodwill of his fellow- men, for worthy motives and high principles have constituted his guide throughout life.
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.