USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > History of Fairfield County, Connecticut, 1639-1928 > Part 37
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In 1918 Mr. Nash was united in marriage to Miss Florence Starr, of Norwalk, and they are the parents of three children: James Starr, Janet Archer and David Hallock. Mr. Nash is a member of the Delta Tau Delta college fraternity, the Shore- haven Club, the Norwalk Yacht Club, the Norwalk Country Club and the Pequot Yacht Club of Southport, Connecticut, his favorite hobby being sailboat racing and cruising. He is a director and chairman of the boy's division of the Norwalk Young Men's Christian Association and is president of the Norwalk Council of the Boy Scouts of America. During the years of 1927 and 1928 the Scout Council was changed over from the "second class" organization to a council of the "first class," having a full-time executive and a more complete permanent and far-reaching or- ganization. Mr. Nash was then the Scout commissioner and he devoted much of his time and effort in advancing the work with the boys, in developing the organization and in raising the funds necessary in connection with the change. In this connection on March 13, 1927, at a meeting of the Men's Club of Christ Prot- estant Episcopal church, Mr. Nash was the guest of honor and the principal speaker, and during the evening he made an interesting address on the growth of the Boy Scout movement and its work locally. In the course of his remarks he said: "What is Scout- ing? It has been defined as 'a process of making real men out of real boys by a real program which works.' It is a happy, wholesome, instructive, constructive game, with the zest of com- petition as well as cooperation. Scouting does not try to change boy nature-it simply directs boy instincts. Such tendencies as the gang spirit, love of adventure and hero worship are used to the utmost to bring about good instead of bad influences. It is
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non sectarian, but is pledged to allegiance to the service of God and man. It is non-militaristic, but is pledged to patriotic ser- vice in peace or in war. It is democratic, as it includes all classes, not trying to make them all into one pattern, but developing the individuality of each boy."
In Y. M. C. A. work Mr. Nash has also directed his principal energies to the welfare of the boys. He was active in the cam- paign which made the association possible and before the building was completed in 1928 he was made chairman of the boy's divi- sion. With the assistance of the boys' work secretary, Warner H. Hollister, he was instrumental in perfecting the organization of that part of the association work, in forming various boys' clubs and a boys' council which is self-governing. Needless to say, the Young Men's Christian Association and the Boy Scouts of Amer- ica in Norwalk are working in wonderful harmony.
Mr. Nash's tireless efforts in behalf of the boys of his com- munity have been greatly appreciated, as have also the beneficial results which have been apparent among the boys of the com- munity through the influence of this most important organiza- tion. Mr. Nash is a confirmed optimist in his outlook on life; has given close study to the problems which confront young man- hood, and his activities in civic affairs have been beneficent in their results. He is a man of cordial and friendly manner and all who know him hold him in high personal regard.
1/03/4 C ROBERT HENRY FRUIN
Studiousness, combined with the habit of thoroughness, has brought Robert Henry Fruin to the fore in legal circles of Stam- ford, and he is also well known owing to his public activities, which have included service as justice of the peace and as council- man. He was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, December 13, 1885, a son of John H. and Margaret (Condon) Fruin. He is a direct descendant of Thomas Fruin, who was a captain in the English army and afterward migrated from England to Ire- land, settling at Castle Connell, in County Limerick. William Fruin, the grandfather of Robert H. Fruin, was born in the par- ish of Aherlow, County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1800 and left that
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country when a young man in the hope of bettering his fortunes in the United States. He became one of the prominent contrac- tors of Waterbury, Connecticut, and made his home in that city until his death in 1888. In religious faith he was a Roman Cath- olic, and his political support was given to the democratic party. His wife, Johanna (Magner) Fruin, was born in Aherlow parish in 1804 and died in Waterbury in 1891. Their son, John H. Fruin, was born February 22, 1860, in Waterbury and engaged in the manufacture of electrical appliances at North Haven, Con- necticut. After his retirement he located in Hamden, Connecti- cut, and there passed away July 2, 1927. He was also a Catholic and a faithful follower of the teachings of his church. In poli- tics he was a democrat and while living in Waterbury was a mem- ber of the board of public safety. His wife was born in Water- bury in 1862 and passed away January 1, 1886, in that city. Her father, Thomas Condon, was born in County Limerick, Ireland, but spent much of his life in the United States. For a num- ber of years he was employed by the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad. He died at Waterbury about 1880. He was an adherent of the democratic party and a member of the Catholic church. His wife, Johannah (Casey) Condon, was born in Mitchellstown, County Cork, Ireland, and died in Waterbury, March 9, 1913.
Robert H. Fruin was reared in his native city and completed a course in the Waterbury high school in 1903. He then matri- culated in Yale University, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1907, and two years later was graduated from the New York Law School. In 1910 he was admitted to the New York bar and began his professional career in New York city with the law firm of Gay & Goddard, with which he was connected for three years. In 1913 he qualified for practice in Connecticut and has since been associated with Taylor, Durey & Pierson, one of the leading law firms of Stamford.
Mr. Fruin was married April 26, 1922, in Stamford, to Miss Elizabeth Kenealy, who was born July 4, 1892, in this city and attended its public schools. She also attended the school con- ducted by Miss Devan at Stamford and continued her studies in Baltimore, Maryland. Her parents, Michael and Elizabeth (Fagan) Kenealy, were lifelong residents of Stamford and stood
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high in the community. The father was a talented attorney and while serving in the Connecticut legislature he was made speaker of the house. He was a stalwart republican and an earnest mem- ber of St. John's Roman Catholic church. Mr. and Mrs. Fruin now have a daughter, Elizabeth Anne, who was born April 18, 1923.
The parents are affiliated with St. John's Roman Catholic church, and Mrs. Fruin was active in Red Cross work during the World war. She belongs to the Woman's Club of Stamford, and Mr. Fruin is a member of the Suburban Club, the Lions Club and Stamford Lodge, No. 899, B. P. O. E. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, and from 1918 to 1924 he filled the office of justice of the peace. From 1925 to 1929 he was one of the councilmen of the city of Stamford, working at all times for the best interests of the city. Mr. Fruin has never used politics for personal ends, and his record is unblemished, for he has been loyal to every trust reposed in him and faithful to every duty.
JOSEPH H. MOLL
For forty-four years Joseph H. Moll has been prominently identified with commercial affairs of Stamford as a dealer in tobacco and enjoys the distinction of being the oldest active busi- ness man in the city. He was born in London, England, October 21, 1862, a son of Henry S. and Rebecca (Geleerd) Moll, natives of Holland. In 1862 they settled in Toledo, Ohio, and the father opened a merchant tailoring establishment, which he conducted for many years. In politics he was a democrat, and his religious views were in harmony with the tenets of the Jewish Reformed church. His demise occurred in New York city, but the mother passed away in Toledo.
To them were born eight sons and two daughters, all of whom reached adult age, and four sons and the two daughters are still living, but Joseph H. is the only son who came east. The oldest of the family, Samuel H. Moll, became United States Marshal in what was then the territory of New Mexico in 1882. He is buried in San Diego, California, while another brother is buried in
JOSEPH H. MOLL
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Bakersfield, that state; another in Sacramento, California, and the fourth in Portland, Oregon. Joseph H. Moll's nephew, Cap- tain Jack Spiers, is now harbor master in Portland.
Joseph H. Moll attended the public schools of Toledo until he reached the age of twelve, when he became a wage earner and afterward worked for various firms. In 1878 he entered the em- ploy of Marcus W. Wagner, with whom he remained for a num- ber of years, and during that time learned the trade of a cigar maker. He came to Stamford in 1885 and on March 1 embarked in the retail tobacco business in association with Michael Wagner. Three years later the firm of Wagner & Moll entered the whole- sale tobacco field and thus continued until 1902, when the part- nership was dissolved. Since that time Mr. Moll has engaged in the same line of business under his own name and also handles confectionery, selling only on a wholesale basis. He has pro- gressed with the city, changing old methods to meet new condi- tions and closely adhering to a high standard of commercial ethics. For many years he has been recognized as Stamford's leading tobacco merchant, and in local business circles his name is synonymous with enterprise and fair dealing. His capital has been wisely invested in city real estate, which is constantly in- creasing in value.
Mr. Moll was married in New York city in October, 1887, to Miss Katherine Wagner, who was a native of that city and passed away November 4, 1896, in Stamford. Her father, Marcus Wag- ner, was born in Frankfort, Germany, and became a prominent cigar manufacturer of New York city, where his death occurred. He adhered to the faith of the orthodox Jews and was a democrat in his political views. His wife, Mary (Hess) Wagner, who was born in Darmstadt, Germany, also passed away in New York city. Mr. and Mrs. Moll became the parents of three sons. Harry S., the eldest, was born in Stamford, January 7, 1889, and is associated with his father in business. He married Miss Bessie Udelman, of Norwalk, Connecticut, and they have two daughters, Katherine and Rosalin. Marcus W., who was born in Stamford, January 11, 1892, is also identified with his father's business. During the World war he went overseas with the Ninetieth Division, composed chiefly of men from Oklahoma and Texas, and was in the service for eighteen months. He was a
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master mechanic in the field artillery and had charge of the guns. Philip H., born in Stamford, October 4, 1896, also went to France with the American Expeditionary Force, becoming a sergeant in the quartermaster's corps, and his term of service likewise cov- ered eighteen months. He married Miss Ray Loeb, of Austin, Texas, and is now engaged in the insurance business in Stamford.
Joseph H. Moll joined the Connecticut National Guard, of which he was a member for three years, serving during the con- flict with Germany. He is a charter member of the Stamford Lodge of Elks and also belongs to the Fraternal Order of Eagles and to the lodge and encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In politics he is a republican and takes the interest of a good citizen in public affairs but has never been an office seeker. Much of his leisure is spent in the open and fishing is his favorite sport. His life from an early age has been one of unremitting industry, and in his business career he has demon- strated what may be accomplished when effort and ambition com- bine. Mr. Moll has a wide acquaintance in Stamford and stands deservedly high in the esteem of his fellow citizens. He is very fond of traveling and has visited all parts of the United States and Canada many times.
ALBERT MORGAN BOYSON
Albert Morgan Boyson, of Newtown, actively identified with the dairy business, was born in Monroe township, Fairfield county, on the 3d of September, 1880, a son of Hans Peter and Isadora (Morgan) Boysen. While spending his youthful days under the parental roof he attended the local schools of Newtown and completed his education in the Newtown Academy. When his textbooks were put aside he went to work upon his father's farm of one hundred and forty acres in the Palestine district and at his father's death he inherited the property, which he con- tinued to further develop and improve until January 19, 1925, when he sold the old homestead and bought his present property in the village of Newtown. Here he has an excellent herd of Jersey cows and operates a dairy. His work is systematically carried on, with due attention paid to sanitation, and his efforts
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are bringing a gratifying financial return. He has worked up a good patronage and his enterprise and industry are the basis of his success.
On the 2nd of June, 1915, at Newtown, Connecticut, Mr. Boy- son was married to Miss Eva Lydia Sanford, daughter of Fred- erick C. Sanford, who is mentioned at length on another page of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Boyson have a son, Albert Sanford Boyson. The religious faith of the family is that of the Congre- gational church and Mr. Boyson has ever been a faithful follower of its teachings, his entire life being well spent, so that he enjoys the respect and confidence of his fellowmen.
+|25/19 VI DONALD R. MACLEAN, M. D.
The sterling traits of his Caledonian ancestors have been manifest in the career of Dr. Donald R. Maclean, a successful physician, who has practiced in Stamford for more than a quar- ter of a century, establishing an enviable reputation as an anaes- thetist. He was born in Middletown, New York, July 23, 1874, and is a son of Allan and Annie (Mackenzie) Maclean, natives of Scotland. The grandfather, Archie Maclean, was an excise officer in Scotland and conformed his life to the teachings of the Presbyterian church. Allan MacLean was born July 18, 1841, and came to the United States in 1868, when a young man of twenty-seven years. Being an experienced carpenter, he readily secured work and for a number of years was closely identified with building operations in New York city. He now resides in Stamford and is alert and vigorous, although he has reached the eighty-seventh milestone on life's journey. His wife, who was born May 8, 1849, and is eighty years of age, is also enjoying good health. Her parents, Captain Donald and Ann (Mackenzie) Mackenzie, lived in Stornoway, Scotland. Her father followed the trade of a shoemaker and was also a master mariner, being captain of a cargo ship, of which he was the owner. Captain Mackenzie was a strict Presbyterian and a man of substantial worth.
Dr. Donald R. MacLean as a pupil in the public schools of New York city and Mount Vernon, New York. His scientific
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studies were pursued in the Baltimore Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1901, and he was an interne of the Maryland General Hospital. In 1902 he came to Stamford, open- ing an office on Sumner street, and in 1911 moved to his present location at No. 87 South street. He is widely known as an expert anaesthetist, a branch of the profession to which he has devoted deep thought and close study, and his practice has assumed large proportions.
Dr. MacLean was married September 5, 1905, in Mount Ver- non, New York, to Miss Louise Westfall, who was born in New York city in 1875 and was educated in the public schools of Mount Vernon. Her grandfather, Alfred R. Westfall, was a native of the Empire state and devoted his attention to agricultural pur- suits. He was a member of the Dutch Reformed church of West Ghent, New York, and there passed away. His wife, Mary (Fellers) Westfall, was born in Red Hook, New York, and her demise also occurred at West Ghent. Oliver Alfred Westfall, the father of Mrs. Maclean, was a native of Red Hook and became a prosperous grain merchant He was connected with the New York Produce Exchange and at the time of his death, in 1899, was one of its oldest members. In politics he was a democrat but not a strong partisan, regarding the qualifications of a candidate as a matter of great importance. For years he was a deacon of the English Lutheran church of Mount Vernon and also acted as superintendent of its Sunday school, devoting much time to re- ligious work. His wife, Josephine Vail (Barringer) Westfall, was born August 12, 1847, in Hudson, New York, and passed away at Mount Vernon in 1917. She was a daughter of George Barringer, who was born in the state of New York and became superintendent of an iron foundry at Hudson, New York, where his demise occurred. He cast his ballot for the candidates of the republican party and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife, Catherine Vail (Halsey) Barringer, was a native of Massachusetts and also passed away in Hudson, New York. Dr. and Mrs. Maclean have two daughters. Louise, who was born November 7, 1906, supplemented her public school education by a course in Wheaton College, from which she re- ceived the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1928. Jean was born September 7, 1909, and is a graduate of the Stamford high school.
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She attended Wheaton College for a year and is now a student at Boston University, being a member of the class of 1930.
Dr. and Mrs. MacLean are affiliated with the Stamford Bap- tist church and conscientiously observe its teachings. He is an adherent of the republican party and served for a time on the board of health of Stamford. During the World war he assisted the local draft board in examining men, and as a surgeon for the National Guard of Connecticut he examined those who entered the service from Stamford. Along fraternal lines he is connected with Puritan Lodge, No. 43, I. O. O. F., and James G. Blaine Council, No. 1, Jr. O. U. A. M., both of Stamford. Mrs. Maclean belongs to the Schubert Club and is prominent in social circles of the city. The Doctor is anaesthetist to Stamford Hospital and a member of the Stamford City, Fairfield County and Connecticut State Medical Societies, the American Medical Association, the Eastern Association of Anaesthetists and the Associated Anaes- thetists of the United States and Canada. He holds to a high standard in the field of professional service, and his success as a practitioner proves that he has chosen the line of endeavor which affords the best medium for the expression of his talents.
HON. FREDERICK CLARK TAYLOR
In the passing of Hon. Frederick Clark Taylor on the 27th of November, 1928, when he was sixty-two years of age, Stamford sustained the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens-an eminent lawyer who served for more than twelve years as a mem- ber of the state bar examining committee, and as judge of the court of probate for the district of Stamford through four con- secutive terms.
Mr. Taylor was born in Stamford, Connecticut, on the 3d of November, 1866, and was a son of Henry F. and Mary E. (Clark) Taylor, tracing his ancestry back to John Taylor, a Puritan, who was one of the earliest settlers in Massachusetts. His paternal great-grandfather, Seth Taylor, was born in Westport, Fairfield county, Connecticut, devoted his life to farming, and died there. John Warren Taylor, grandfather of Judge Taylor, was a resi- dent of Westport. He engaged in the drug business, was a justice
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of the peace for a number of years and served for thirty-seven years as town clerk of Westport. His political allegiance was given to the republican party. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary J. Hoyt, was born in Norwalk, Connecticut. Their son, Henry F. Taylor, was born and reared in Westport and de- voted most of his active years to journalism and the publishing business. He was advertising manager of Scribner's Monthly and The Churchman, the latter being an Episcopal weekly pub- lished in New York city, but retired from active business affairs and moved from Stamford, Connecticut, to Seattle, Washington, about twenty years prior to his death. Mary E. (Clark) Taylor, was born at Henrietta, Monroe county, New York, and accom- panied her husband on his removal to Seattle, where her death occurred. She was a daughter of Austin Griswold and Sarah Ann (Howe) Clark, both of whom were lifelong residents of Stamford, where her father had been engaged in the retail mer- cantile business. He was a republican in politics and was a con- sistent member of the Protestant Episcopal church.
Frederick C. Taylor received his preliminary education in the grammar schools of Stamford and at the Stamford high school. In 1883 he left school temporarily and entered the employ of the Continental Insurance Company in New York city, continuing there for about five years. In 1888 he entered the real estate and insurance business in New York on his own account. Two years later he returned to Stamford and engaged in the real estate business here, continuing thus occupied for several years. In the meantime Mr. Taylor once more took up the pursuit of his studies. In 1893 he began the study of law, preparing himself for the law school of Yale University which he entered in 1894. He was graduated from the Yale Law School in 1896 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. While at Yale he was chairman of the edi- torial board of the Yale Law Journal. In February, 1897, in Stamford, he formed a law partnership with James S. Jenkins under the firm name of Taylor & Jenkins. This association ex- isted until 1917, from which time Mr. Taylor was alone in prac- tice until January, 1923, when he became a member of the firm of Taylor, Durey & Pierson, regarded as one of the strongest and most successful law firms in this section of the state.
Mr. Taylor had always taken an active interest in the public affairs of Stamford, although not as a politician. He was elected
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to the office of judge of the court of probate for the district of Stamford on the republican ticket in November, 1897, and was reelected for four consecutive terms of two years each. He de- clined to be a candidate to succeed himself in 1907. He was chosen the last time as the candidate of both the republican and democratic parties, being at that time the first man in the history of the court to be thus honored with an unanimous election. In 1907 he resumed the active practice of his profession, specializing in corporation, estate, trusts and family practice. He was known as one of the leading corporation lawyers in Connecticut. Mr. Taylor was at the time of his death a director of the First-Stam- ford National Bank and a member of its executive committee, having been one of the vice presidents at the time of its consolida- tion. He was an incorporator and director of the Stamford Sav- ings Bank, a director of the Stamford Gas & Electric Company, the Stamford Hospital, the Ferguson Library and the Stamford Home for the Aged. He was also a member of the board of trustees of the Stamford Children's Home and the Stamford Day Nursery. In the strict path of his profession he was a member of the State Bar examining committee, of the grievance committee of the Fairfield County Bar, member of the American Bar Asso- ciation and the Connecticut State Bar Association. He also be- longed to the Bar Association of the City of New York.
On November 5, 1892, in Darien, Connecticut, Judge Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth H. Tilley, who was born in New York city, November 4, 1868, and died in Stamford, De- cember 26, 1924. Her parents, Colonel George H. and Harriet (Brown) Tilley, were natives of Darien. Colonel Tilley was for several years secretary and treasurer of the Southern Express Company. To Judge and Mrs. Taylor were born two children, Harriet Dorothy and Frederick Heath, both of whom are living in Stamford. The latter left Williams College as a volunteer with the American Expeditionary Forces during the World war and served in France as a member of the headquarters troop of Gen- eral Hodges, Seventy-sixth Division.
Judge Taylor was a stanch republican in his political belief, and his religious connection was with St. Andrew's Protestant Episcopal church, of which he was junior warden. Appreciative of the social amenities of life, he was a director of the Woodway Country Club and of the Suburban Club, a member of the Stam-
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ford Yacht Club, the Wee Burn Golf Club of Noroton, the Gradu- ates Club of New Haven, the Metropolitan, Racquet and Tennis and Yale Clubs of New York city and the Ox Ridge Hunt Club. Though a very busy lawyer, the engrossing nature of his profes- sional duties did not prevent Judge Taylor from devoting a due measure of his time and efforts to the vital interests of his city and county. No enterprise or institution connected with the growth or well-being of the community ever lacked for his judi- cious counsel or his whole-hearted and generous support, and his sterling character, fine legal attainments and exemplary citizen- ship gained for him the unequivocal confidence and esteem of all who came in contact with him.
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