USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > History of Fairfield County, Connecticut, 1639-1928 > Part 7
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augmented the numerical and financial strength of the church. Early in September, 1924, Bishop Nilan appointed Father McClean permanent rector of St. Augustine's church in Bridge- port and his work in this city has been equally resultant and beneficial. He purchased the Calhoun place, adjoining St. Augustine's church, and is now using the building as a clubhouse for the parish. Under his direction notable improvements are being made, thus enhancing the value of the property. He has beautified St. Michael's cemetery and also has charge of St. Augustine's school, which has an enrollment of nearly one thous- and pupils.
While a resident of Milford, Father McClean served on the board of synodal examiners of the clergy and is now connected with the board of consultors for Bishop Nilan. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Holy Name Society, the Rotary Club and the Travel Club of America. As a public speaker and lecturer he has achieved distinction and has preached at the dedi- cation of more churches than any other priest in the diocese. He was lecturer in Holy Cross Academy at Washington, D. C., in Laurenton Hall at Milford, and has also given lectures to the public school pupils of that city and Bridgeport. By precept and example he has labored long and earnestly to promote the welfare of all the people and teach the doctrine of tolerance. Endowed with the power to quicken the souls of men, he has become a strong moving force for moral progress and a potent factor in extending the influence of his church. Father McClean is loved by his parish- ioners and draws his friends from all walks of life.
WILLIAM T. COLE
William T. Cole, president of the Fabric Fire Hose Company of Sandy Hook, was born at Paterson, New Jersey, December 24, 1861, and is a son of William and Ellen (Quinton) Cole. He attended Tallman's preparatory school and afterward had com- mercial training in the Paterson Business College. He next entered the employ of the First National Bank of Paterson, New Jersey, as a clerk, and remained in that institution for four years. While serving in that capacity he formed a partnership
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for the conduct of a silk manufacturing business under the firm name of Cole & Kuett. From the beginning the enterprise de- veloped until it had reached such proportions that Mr. Cole left the bank to concentrate his efforts and attention upon the growing industry. In 1890, however, he withdrew from the firm of Cole & Kuett to become identified with the Fabric Fire Hose Company of New York city, there remaining until 1900, when the business was removed to Sandy Hook, Connecticut, where for twenty-eight years he has operated without shutting down for as much as one business day. This is certainly a notable record. The plant is well equipped with modern machinery and every facility to pro- mote the business has been secured. The company is now a sub- sidiary of the United States Rubber Company and is engaged in the production of wax and Para gum treated hose. They manu- facture under patents a distinctive character of fire hose, the cotton fabric being of absolutely waterproof quality, a result accomplished by running each thread of cotton through a mixture of melted wax and gum, after which these several fibres are col- lected into strands, thoroughly twisted and cabled, becoming prac- tically a collection of waxed ends such as are used by a shoemaker or harness maker. These cables are then circularly woven into the fabric in one, two, three and four independent plies, or double and triple jackets, and lined with the highest grade of Para gum, producing what is termed wax and gum treated rubber lined, cotton fire hose, with a record of forty years of successful service. The only care necessary is to dry the hose after it has been used and it is then ready to be placed on the reel. The plant is thor- oughly modern, being equipped to produce the best possible re- sults, and the sales of the company are constantly increasing. Mr. Cole is not only president and director of the Fabric Fire Hose Company, but is also vice president and treasurer of the Plastic Moulding Corporation and a trustee of the Newtown Sav- ings Bank.
On the 14th of February, 1884, Mr. Cole was married to Miss Susan M. Winters, and they have one son, Charles S. Mr. Cole is greatly interested in the community welfare and cooperates in all projects for the general good. He is a director of the Newtown Academy and in 1929 represented Newtown in the state legis- lature, serving as a member of the committee on banks. He has
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always been a stanch advocate of republican principles since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. Fraternally he is a Mason, having taken the degrees of the blue lodge, the chapter and the commandery at Paterson, New Jersey. He also became a member of the Paterson lodge of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Improved Order of Red Men and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, all of Paterson. For twenty-nine years he has resided continuously in Newtown, where his labors have been wisely and carefully directed, bringing results that have been highly satisfactory in the improvement of his own for- tunes and in the development of industrial activity as well.
JOSEPH PETER FRISBIE
Ably continuing the work begun by his father, Joseph Peter Frisbie has developed one of Bridgeport's oldest and most success- ful industries and is widely and favorably known as the executive head of The Frisbie Pie Company, whose ramifying trade rela- tions extend throughout the state. He was born March 21, 1878, on the second floor of the building in which the bakery was founded and was literally born in the business, which has con- stituted his life work.
For more than three hundred years members of the Frisbie family have lived in Connecticut, bearing an active and helpful part in the work of general improvement and progress. During the colonial epoch in American history Edward Frisbie settled in Branford, Connecticut, and there resided from 1620 to 1690. By his wife, Frances (England) Frisbie, he had a son, Caleb, whose residence in Branford covered the period from 1667 to 1737. His wife was Hannah Ross and they were the parents of Caleb Frisbie (II), also a lifelong resident of Branford, born in 1702 and died in 1772. He married Mary Wilford and their son, Thomas Frisbie, was born in Branford in 1737 and there passed away in 1825. By his wife, Deborah Goodsell, he had a son, Thomas Frisbie (II), who was born in Branford in 1787 and there remained until his death in 1835. He married Mary Hord- ley and they were the parents of Russell Frisbie, who was born in Branford in 1812 and died in Wallingford, Connecticut, in
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1889. By his wife, Laura Mattron, he had a son, William R. Frisbie, who became the father of Joseph P. Frisbie of this sketch. William R. Frisbie was born in Wallingford in 1848 and when a young man came to Bridgeport. Here he married Mary A. Black, a native of the city. Their living apartments were in the second story of a building at No. 363 Kossuth street and the first floor was utilized by William R. Frisbie as a bakery. He started the business in 1871 and it is still located at the same address but the original building has been supplemented by many large additions. Mr. Frisbie excelled in making pies and decided to specialize in that branch of the baking industry, in which he achieved gratify- ing success, continuing at the head of the business until his death in 1903, when he was fifty-five years of age.
At an early age Joseph P. Frisbie began to work in the bakery, diligently applying himself to his tasks, and in 1898, after his graduation from high school, became associated with his father in making pies. Owing to the high quality of their product the sales rapidly increased and in 1903 the business was incorporated under the name of The Frisbie Pie Company, of which Joseph P. Frisbie became president and treasurer. The reputation of the Frisbie pies spread so rapidly that the cities of New Haven, Derby, Shelton, Waterbury, Danbury, Norwalk, Stamford and Greenwich were included in the distribution of the products of this establishment. In 1923 a branch bakery was opened in Hart- ford and from that point the trade of the firm in Hartford, Springfield, Holyoke, New Britain, Bristol, Meriden, Walling- ford, New London, Norwich and South Manchester has since been served. The fame of the Frisbie pies has spread throughout the state and it is safe to say that no other firm of the kind covers so wide an area in the distribution of its goods. The reputation this pioneer concern holds for unique methods and clean, up-to-date bakeries makes it rank first in the pie industry. The Frisbie bakeries are visited by pie bakers from all parts of the country, who consider them the best in the United States. Catering at first to a small community, the firm has steadily broadened the scope of its activities and now serves more than two hundred thousand persons with its delectable pies each day, requiring a fleet of over sixty motor trucks for the delivery of its goods. To the upbuilding of this extensive industry Mr. Frisbie has devoted the best efforts of his life, creating a model institution which
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mirrors his executive power, his progressive spirit and high standards of production. He also has financial interests, being a director of the Commercial Bank and Trust Company and the American Bank & Trust Company of Bridgeport.
Mr. Frisbie was married October 29, 1927, in this city to Miss Marion A. Rose, a native of Bridgeport and a daughter of Joseph J. Rose, who served for a number of years as probate judge. In 1917 Mr. Frisbie became a private in Company I of the Connecti- cut Home Guard and served until the termination of the World war. He is active in club and fraternal affairs and is a Knight Templar and thirty-second degree Mason. In 1923 he was made potentate of Pyramid Temple of the Mystic Shrine and also be- longs to Pequonnock Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has been called to the presidency of Kiwanis and Algonquin Clubs of Bridgeport and is also identified with the Brooklawn Country Club, the Bridgeport Automobile Club, the Chamber of Commerce and the Manufacturers Association. Mr. Frisbie is affiliated with the United Congregational church and resides in Brooklawn Park, an attractive suburb of Bridgeport. He measures up to high standards in every relation of life and his record reflects credit upon an honored family name.
WILLIAM HENRY STEVENSON
Though more than a quarter of a century has passed since William Henry Stevenson was called from this life, he is remem- bered as one whose activities left an indelible impress upon the history of Bridgeport and Fairfield county, where he won promi- nence as railroad president, colonel of militia, politician and musician. He was born in Bridgeport, April 29, 1847, and here passed away on the 17th of February, 1901, when about fifty- four years of age. His ancestors were English and Scotch and in the early colonial days settled in Westport, Norwalk and Strat- ford, Connecticut. He was a son of William Gorham and Lucinda (Thompson) Stevenson, strong-minded and estimable people. His father was a merchant who made a commendable record as alder- man of Bridgeport for many years and who also filled the office of treasurer of the local lodge of Odd Fellows for over twenty years.
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A contemporary biographer said: "The same activity and in- dustry which made his mature life so full of achievement charac- terized William Henry Stevenson in boyhood, and his great energy was exercised along mental as well as physical lines. He read history and biography with great zeal and took special interest in the lives of men in the railroad world and in military history. He received his education in Eastman's National Business College in Poughkeepsie, New York, where he was graduated in 1864 with the degree of Master of Accounts. After leaving Eastman's at the age of seventeen he became a clerk in the office of the Housatonic Railroad in Bridgeport, and while there employed he devoted his spare time to the study of telegraphy and stenog- raphy. His diligence and ability won him speedy promotion and in 1872 he became special agent of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad. In 1874 he was made paymaster of the New York Central Railroad and later in that same year superinten- dent of the Shore Line division of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad. In 1882 he was promoted to the position of superintendent of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Rail- road. Meanwhile he had studied law with the vice president of that road and had been admitted to the Connecticut bar in 1878. For two successive years (1885-6) he was president of the Asso- ciation of American Railroad Superintendents. In the 'Parallel Railroad' contest in 1889, Colonel Stevenson was placed at the head of the syndicate of New York millionaires who aimed to establish an independent through railroad in Connecticut and were beaten in the legislature by a few votes only."
In 1888 and for the five subsequent years Colonel Stevenson was vice president and general manager of the Housatonic Rail- road, president of the New Haven & Derby Railroad, manager and director of the Danbury & Norwalk Railroad, director of the New York & New England Railroad, president of the New York, Rutland & Montreal Railroad, and vice president and man- ager of the Shepaug, Litchfield & Northern Railroad. These roads were combined under a syndicate which planned to have an independent line from New York to Boston, and from New York, Bridgeport and New Haven to Montreal and Canadian cities. In the first year of his connection with this syndicate, Colonel Stev- enson built the "Derby Extension" railroad from Derby to a junc-
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tion with the Housatonic Railroad at Botsford Station, thus gain- ing a new and independent route from New Haven to the west. In 1892 all of these railroads, except the New York, Rutland & Montreal Railroad, passed over to the control of the Consolidated Railroad, for they had been developed under Colonel Stevenson's capable management into such strong and effective service and prosperous financial condition that the Consolidated found them necessary to their own system. The Rutland road became a part of the New York Central Lines. At the time of his early death in vigorous manhood, Colonel Stevenson was engaged in building a railroad through the central part of Ohio, from Columbus south.
Next to the railroad business Colonel Stevenson's chief inter- ests were in military, political, fraternal and musical affairs. He served as captain in the Connecticut National Guard from 1879 to 1884, as major from 1884 to 1885 and as colonel on Governor Waller's military staff in 1885. He was also a member of the "Old Guard" Veteran Battalion of New York.
The part which the Colonel played in state and city politics was prominent and distinguished. In 1877, when only thirty years of age, he was nominated for state representative by the democrats but was defeated by the great showman, P. T. Bar- num. For four years he was alderman of Bridgeport and for many years he was a member of the democratic state central committee. In 1881, when he was thirty-three years old, he was the democratic nominee for mayor, but that party lost the elec- tion. In 1884 he was president of the Young Men's Cleveland and Hendricks Club. For many years he was a member of the board of park commissioners of Bridgeport, the "Park City." In 1890 he was prominently mentioned as candidate for governor but was too busy with railroad affairs to allow the use of his name in nomination.
The Colonel was a member of many prominent clubs of Bridgeport, New Haven and New York and was most active in Odd Fellowship and in Masonic matters. He was a thirty-second degree Mason, a Mystic Shriner, first exalted ruler of the Elks of Bridgeport, grand master of Connecticut Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows in 1884, grand representative to the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the World in 1885 and grand marshal of that body in 1886, in which year he
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was also colonel on the staff of General Underwood, commanding the Patriarchs Militant of the World.
In the musical world Colonel Stevenson became well known as the composer of many musical pieces of established merit and pop- ularity as well as the leader of "Stevenson's Military Band." He was a brilliant and skillful pianist and always considered music the ideal pastime.
In creed Colonel Stevenson was an Episcopalian. For many years he was vestryman of St. John's Episcopal church of Bridge- port and a generous supporter and active worker in that church. As a result of his religious belief and great practical experience he was abundantly able to advise young men, whom he always taught to cultivate "industry, persistence, hard work and courage."
Colonel Stevenson is survived by two children, though his family numbered five. Mrs. Stevenson's maiden name was Mary Hough Shelton and they were married in 1869. She died Febru- ary 14, 1924. The surviving children are: Henry C., who is mentioned at length on another page of this work; and Mary Bell Stevenson, now the wife of Arthur N. Wheeler, of Trumbull, Con- necticut.
WARREN C. MERCIER
Warren C. Mercier, secretary and treasurer of the American Hatters and Furriers, at Danbury, who has been officially identi- fied with this concern for twenty-two years, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1882, and is a son of John L. and Mary T. (Offensandt) Mercier, both of whom were natives of France. He received his early education in the public schools of his native city, later attending high school in New York city and Packard Institute, of that city. In 1906 he came to Danbury, Connecticut, and became associated with the American Hatters and Furriers, which was incorporated in 1893 and has always been located at 70-84 Beaver street, the business being that of preparing hatters' fur. In the year that he came here Mr. Mercier was appointed assistant treasurer of the company and in 1912 was made treas- urer. The present officers are Charles D. Parks, president; E. M.
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Adams, vice president; and Warren C. Mercier, secretary and treasurer.
In 1906 Mr. Mercier was united in marriage to Miss May McGovern, of New York, and to them have been born two chil- dren, Jessie and Rita. Mr. Mercier's attention is given largely to the management of his business interests and he is regarded as one of Danbury's progressive and representative men. He has shown a keen interest in everything relating to the progress and welfare of the community in which he lives and in his career has exemplified a splendid type of citizenship.
ROBERT EDWARD BEDNALL
In the steps of an orderly progression Robert Edward Bednall has risen to the presidency of one of the large automobile firms of Stamford and is known as a man of marked strength of char- acter, dominated at all times by an accurate sense of business exigency. He was born in Birmingham, England, November 24, 1872, and his parents, George Edward and Hannah (Berridge) Bednall, were also natives of that country. His grandfather, George Edward Bednall (I), lived in England for several years and on coming to the United States established a brass foundry in Brooklyn, New York, where he also engaged in the plating of silver. Later he removed to Newark, New Jersey, and there passed away. He was a member of the Dutch Reformed church and a strong prohibitionist. George E. Bednall (II) was associ- ated with his father in the brass foundry business in England and sailed for America in 1880. For a number of years he was assistant chief engineer for the Cranford Company, a Brooklyn firm of contractors, and remained in that city until his demise in 1896. He adhered to the religious belief of his father and in politics was a republican. He is survived by Mrs. Bednall, who still resides in Brooklyn.
Robert E. Bednall was a lad of five when his parents crossed the Atlantic. He acquired his education in the public schools of Brooklyn and in Pratt Institute of New York city, pursuing a mechanical engineering course. For five years he was in the employ of the Cranford Company, widely known as the inventors
BACHRACH
ROBERT E. BEDNALL
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of asphalt paving, as assistant to the chief engineer, and then entered the service of the Marine Engine Building Company, 442-44 Water street, New York, controlled by Robert Rae. Mr. Bednall was placed in charge of the shop and later purchased the business. He repaired many of the steamboats plying on Long Island sound and coast steamships and while engaged in that work formed the acquaintance of Captain Holmes, of Greenwich, Connecticut, through delivering a steamer to Greenwich, Con- necticut for him. This was early in 1906. During 1906 Mr. Bednall had charge of the automobile repair shop of the street cleaning department of New York city. About that time he met Fred Allen, who later induced him to take charge of the repair department of the Allen & Asten Automobile Company of Green- wich. This company was afterward succeeded by the firm of Allen Brothers, Inc., of which Mr. Bednall is now the president. The main office is in Greenwich and branches have been estab- lished in Stamford, Port Chester and New Canaan, Connecticut. The firm handles the Cadillac and La Salle automobiles and annually distributes a large number of these high-class cars. Mr. Bednall has thoroughly systematized the work and is assisted by a well trained corps of salesmen. He maintains his headquarters at No. 741 East Main street, Stamford, and is at the head of an extensive business which has been developed by close attention to detail, judicious management and the maintenance of a high standard of service. The firm is a member of the Cadillac Auto- mobile Dealers Association.
In 1901 Mr. Bednall was married in Brooklyn, New York, to Miss Irene I. Riker, who was born in that city in 1874 and was graduated from one of its high schools. Her father, Edward Riker, was a Union soldier and after the Civil war became one of the city employes of Brooklyn, working in its parks for a number of years. His political allegiance was given to the demo- cratic party and his religious views were in accord with the doc- trines of the Dutch Reformed church. He was born in Brooklyn and passed away in that city. His wife, Catherine (Keys) Riker, was a native of Chicago and died in Brooklyn.
Mr. Bednall served in the Spanish-American war, discharging the duties of battalion quartermaster, and was connected with the New York National Guard for fifteen years. His home is at
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Sound Beach and both he and his wife are affiliated with the Congregational church of that place. Mrs. Bednall belongs to the King's Daughters and also to the Sound Beach Singing Society. Along fraternal lines Mr. Bednall is identified with the Greenwich Lodge of Elks and Acacia Lodge, No. 85, F. & A. M., and in politics he is a republican. He is a member of the Cham- bers of Commerce of Greenwich and Stamford, a director of the Boys' Club of Greenwich, a member of the Young Men's Christ- ian Association of Greenwich, the Rotary Club of that city, and the High Ridge Country Club of Stamford. Golf affords him relaxation from business cares. His progressive spirit and con- stantly expanding powers have carried him into important rela- tions and the strength that he manifests in commercial affairs has its root in those qualities which inspire respect and confidence.
VICTOR HENRY VEIT
In the steps of an orderly progression Victor H. Veit has risen to the office of chief of the Stamford fire department, with which he has been identified for thirty-three years, serving the city to the extent of his ability, and has also figured prominently in other connections. He was born June 19, 1873, in Stamford and his parents, Frank Valentine and Theresa (Heller) Veit, were natives of Germany, which they left in their youth, coming to the United States. The father was a successful contractor and erected many of Stamford's fine homes. As a business man he was enterprising, capable and upright, thus winning the respect and confidence of all with whom he dealt. His religious views were in harmony with the tenets of St. John's Episcopal church, of which he was a consistent member, and his political support was given to the republican party. He passed away in Stamford in November, 1887, and was long survived by his wife, who died in this city in November, 1925.
In the acquirement of an education Victor H. Veit attended the public schools of Stamford and while in the employ of the Yale & Towne Manufacturing Company he served an apprentice- ship as a plumber and steam fitter. He acquired proficiency in that line of work and his industry and ability won for him the
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