USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > History of Fairfield County, Connecticut, 1639-1928 > Part 9
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
118
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
uating from high school in 1904, Mrs. Culhane took a complete course in a business college, after which she entered the employ of Arthur G. Krom, for whom she served as confidential clerk until his death, in April, 1918. At that time, because of her familiarity with the business and her belief in its future possi- bilities, she bought from the estate the insurance and ticket agency business, which he had carried on for nearly twenty years, and she is now conducting it under her own name, with offices in the Hull building. Mrs. Culhane handles life, fire, accident, health and automobile insurance and steamship and tourist tickets. Since taking over the business she has abundantly vindi- cated the judgment of her many friends who predicted large suc- cess for her, because of her experience and her personal quali- fications.
WILLIAM LOUNSBURY
As registrar of voters William Lounsbury has long been inti- mately connected with public activities in Bridgeport and exer- cises a strong and beneficial influence in local politics. He was born October 16, 1873, in this city. His father, William Louns- bury, Sr., a native of New York state, removed to Connecticut in his youth and became well known in industrial circles of Bridge- port as a manufacturer of fine shoes, operating a factory on Fairfield avenue. He passed away in 1874 but the mother, Mrs. Caroline A. (Youngs) Lounsbury, is still living and has always resided in Connecticut.
William Lounsbury, Jr., was educated in the public schools of Norwalk and in 1889 became connected with the Yost Type- writer Company, at which time he returned to Bridgeport. For about three years he continued with the typewriter company and afterward was in the employ of the Wissner Shoe Company of Bridgeport for a time. Locating in South Norwalk, he was there identified with the retail shoe business for a brief period and next accepted a position in the real estate and insurance office of Prindle & Cole, remaining with the firm for several years. He enlisted in 1898, during the Spanish-American war, becoming sergeant of the Second Company of United States Volunteer Sig- nal Corps, but was mustered out of the service at Jacksonville,
119
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
Florida, owing to illness. During the World war he was a mem- ber of the Connecticut State Guard and was made captain of Company C of the Fourth Regiment. In January, 1906, he was appointed registrar of voters and has been retained in this office for a period of twenty-two years-an eloquent testimonial to the quality of his service.
Mr. Lounsbury was married July 3, 1900, to Miss Anna L. Farrell, of Niantic, Connecticut, and they have become the par- ents of a son, William Lounsbury (III), who is connected with the Detroit Edison Company of Detroit, Michigan. Mr. Lounsbury was one of the organizers of the Fifth District Republican Club and from the time of its inception has been one of its leading members. His fraternal connections are with the Royal Ar- canum; the Bridgeport Lodge of Elks, of which he is a past exalted ruler; Mithra Lodge, No. 8, of the Knights of Pythias, of which he is a past chancellor commander; and Wowompon Tribe of the Improved Order of Red Men, of which he is a past sachem. He is vice chairman of the United Patriotic Societies Inc., past department commander of the United Spanish War Veterans, and past commander of the United States Veterans Signal Corps Association. Mr. Lounsbury has proven his public spirit and devotion to country in unmistakable terms and measures up to high standards in every relation of life.
HENRY DE FABRITIS
One of Danbury's prosperous and growing industries is that of the Lemme Hat Company, of which Henry De Fabritis is the founder and president. He has shown marked ability in the man- agement of the business and is meeting with a commensurate measure of success. He was born in Italy in 1890 and is a son of J. and Anna (Nardon) De Fabritis, also natives of that country.
Mr. De Fabritis received his early education in the public schools of his native land and completed his studies in the schools of this country, to which he came in 1902. He went to work as a machinist for the Thomas Edison Company, of Orange, New Jersey, with which he remained for fifteen years, and then came to Danbury, in which city he has resided to the present time. In
120
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
1920 he organized the Lemme Hat Company, the officers of which are as follows: Mr. De Fabritis, president and manager; Salva- tore Lemme, vice president; Anthony Lemme, treasurer, and Andrew Raysock, secretary. The three last named learned the hat making business in Italy and were employed in that line of work in Orange, New Jersey, prior to coming to Danbury and embarking in their present enterprise. They began business here on a modest scale, manufacturing men's and ladies' hats in the rough, but their business developed so rapidly that they soon out- grew their factory on Grand street and came to their present location on Taylor street, where they are well situated as to space and arrangements, and are doing a thriving business.
Mr. De Fabritis was married in 1916 to Miss Josephine Ruvo, a daughter of A. Ruvo, of Orange, New Jersey, and to this union have been born three children, John, Louis and Anna. Mr. De Fabritis is a member of the Danbury Club and the Sons of Italy. He is greatly interested in the present history of Fairfield county, realizing its value to the coming generations. He is a man of great energy and determination, is devoting himself tire- lessly to the interests of his business, and his record since coming here has gained for him a high place in the respect of his fellowmen.
JOHN EUGENE BLACK, M. D.
Dr. John Eugene Black, a worthy native son and representa- tive physician of Fairfield county, has been successfully engaged in the practice of medicine at Shelton since 1911. His birth oc- curred in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on the 9th of May, 1880, his parents being Peter Joseph and Carrie E. (Williams) Black. Fol- lowing the completion of a high school course at Bridgeport in 1900 he attended the Sheffield Scientific School of Yale University, from which he received the degree of Ph. B. in 1903, and then for one year was a teacher of chemistry in the University of Kentucky at Lexington. Thereafter he entered the medical department of Yale University, from which he received the degree of M. D. in 1908. During the succeeding two years he served as interne in Fordham Hospital of New York and then, in 1911, he became as-
BACHRACH
DR. JOHN EUGENE BLACK
123
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
sociated with Gould A. Shelton, M. D., at Shelton, Connecticut, where he has continued in practice throughout the intervening years and where he has gained an enviable and well merited repu- tation as a physician and surgeon of pronounced skill and ability. A large private practice makes heavy demands upon his time and energies. He is an attending surgeon at the Griffin Hospital of Derby. Dr. Black is keenly interested in everything that tends to bring to man the key to the complex mystery which we call life and keeps thoroughly informed concerning the latest researches of the profession through his membership in the New Haven City Medical Society, the Bridgeport Medical Society, the Fairfield County Medical Society, the Connecticut Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
On the 26th of November, 1912, at Shelton, Connecticut, Dr. Black was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Bernice Bissell, daughter of Samuel W. and Eliza A. (Shelton) Bissell. A daugh- ter, Emily Bissell Black, was born June 21, 1914. Mrs. Black died December 3, 1919.
In fraternal circles Dr. Black is well known as a member of the Masonic order, belonging to King Hiram Lodge, F. & A. M., of Derby, and Ousatonic Lodge, Excelsior Encampment, and Can- ton Shelton, I. O. O. F. He is also a member of the Kiwanis Club of Shelton, the Derby and Shelton Boards of Trade, the Yale Graduates Club of New Haven, the Yale Alumni Association of New Haven, the Shelton Golf Club and the Sons of Veterans. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Shelton Con- gregational church, of which he is a trustee. He strictly adheres to the high ideals which he has set up for himself in professional service and in personal relations no man more fully deserves the respect and confidence of his fellow townsmen.
3
JAMES J. DELOHERY
Danbury takes justifiable pride in its native sons, many of whom have become influential factors in the city's commercial life, and in this classification belongs James J. Delohery, a mem- ber of one of the old and honored families of this community. He was born in 1887, a son of Michael and Catherine (Keenan)
-
124
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
Delohery, and attended the public schools of Danbury. When his education was completed he entered his father's factory and gradually worked his way through the various departments, mas- tering the technicalities of the hat manufacturing business, which has constituted his life work. Inheriting his father's business acumen and executive capacity, Mr. Delohery discharges the duties of treasurer of the Delohery Hat Company, and his mother is president of the corporation. She succeeded her husband in that office and is an exceptionally capable business woman as well as a devoted mother. The factory has been in operation at the foot of East Liberty street for twenty-two years and throughout the period of its existence the firm has closely adhered to the ideals of service and quality, thus upholding the high standards of American industry.
In 1910 Mr. Delohery married Miss Rose Connelly, of Dan- bury, and they now have three children: Marietta, James and Jane. A home-loving man, Mr. Delohery spends his leisure hours with his family and his connection with outside interests is limited to membership in the local lodge of Elks. To all movements destined to prove of benefit to Danbury he is quick to respond, and his moral worth is attested by the enviable place which he holds in the esteem of his fellow citizens, with whom his life has been spent.
HENRY E. BISHOP
Henry E. Bishop, who is generally regarded as Bridgeport's foremost mortician, comes of a family of funeral directors and controls a business which has a record of fifty-six years of suc- cessful operation in this city. A native of Woodbury, Connecti- cut, he was born May 4, 1871, and his father, Edward N. Bishop, was born in that city June 24, 1838, there remaining until July 6, 1886, when he settled in Bridgeport. His brother, William F. Bishop, was born in Woodbury, April 30, 1836, left there in 1872, and on February 16 of that year embarked in the undertaking business at No. 65 State street, in Bridgeport. In February, 1875, he formed a partnership with John Cullinan and organized the firm of Bishop & Cullinan, which existed until October 16,
-
125
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
1882, when the junior member retired. William F. Bishop con- tinued the business under his own name until his demise, when it was purchased by Edward N. Bishop. He changed the style to E. N. Bishop & Son and remained at the head of the business until his death, which occurred November 12, 1901.
Reared in his native town, Henry E. Bishop received a public school education and in March, 1888, came to Bridgeport, being at that time a youth of sixteen. Entering the Bishop funeral home, he progressed through the various departments and soon took an active part in the management of the business, of which he became the sole owner at the time of his father's death, con- tinuing it under his own name. This is the oldest undertaking establishment in Bridgeport, if not in the state, and for more than fifty years a Bishop has been at its head. The needs of its patrons have always been the chief concern of the firm, which has put service first and profits last, knowing that a successful business is built on the basis of mutual benefits. In order to meet the con- stantly changing conditions of the commercial world Henry E. Bishop has introduced many modern improvements and always has some new plan in the making, keeping well abreast of the times. In 1910 he erected a substantial building, constructed especially for his needs, and in 1912 he motorized his equipment, being the first undertaker in the state to make this change. The institution, which is located at No. 274 Fairfield avenue, is fin- ished in hardwood and equipped to render the utmost in service. It contains a well appointed office and display room, an up-to- date embalming room, and a spacious and beautifully furnished mortuary chapel on the second floor, the first and largest in the city. Elevator service is maintained and in the rear of the build- ing is located the garage, reached by a concrete driveway from Elm street. An assistant is on duty at night and the funeral direction afforded by the house of Bishop at all times is smooth, complete and flawless. For twenty-seven years Henry E. Bishop has controlled the business, constantly increasing its scope. He also has financial interests, being a director of the Mechanics & Farmers Savings Bank of this city.
Mr. Bishop was married in Bridgeport in 1901 to Miss Rose Wipper, of New Haven, Connecticut, and they have two children, Edward H. and Harriet R. The son was born in Bridgeport,
126
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
May 20, 1906, and attended its public schools. He is an expert embalmer and is associated with his father in the conduct of their funeral establishment, representing the third generation of the family in the business. In Masonry he has taken the thirty- second degree and is secretary of the De Molay Alumni Associa- tion. In 1928 he married Miss Dorothy S. Lutz, of Bridgeport, and both are popular in social circles of the city because of their genuine worth. Henry E. Bishop is identified with a number of fraternal organizations and is second vice president of the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association, to which office he was elected September 19, 1928. His even-paced energy and marked ability have gained for him distinction in his chosen calling, while his admirable traits of character have established him high in public regard.
GEORGE MASSUD
For twenty-five years, or during the entire period of his resi- dence in this country, George Massud has been identified with the hat-making industry, and is now vice president and manager of the Mac Fur Company, of Danbury. Mr. Massud was born in Syria in 1886 and is a son of George and Gerta (Haddad) Nichols, who also were natives of that country. He attended the public schools of his native land, where he lived until 1903, when, at the age of seventeen years, he came to the United States. Locat- ing in Fall River, Massachusetts, he entered the employ of the Marshall Fur Company, with which he remained two years, and then came to Danbury and was with the American Hatters for eight years. During the following eleven years he was with Charles Peck, after which he became associated with George Mac- Lachlan in the fur business in Bethel, Connecticut. Later he was with the McKenna Fur Company, on Chestnut street, Danbury, and during the past two years has been vice president and man- ager of the Mac Fur Company, owned by George MacLachlan, on White street, and which is engaged in the making of hatters' fur.
In 1909, in New York state, Mr. Massud was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary Hannon, of Danbury, and to them have been born four children, namely: Amel, who is associated with his
127
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
father in business; Fred, Ferris and Holland, who are attending the public schools. Mr. Massud has never had cause to regret his coming to this country, for he has found congenial occupation, financial success and many warm friends, and throughout the range of his acquaintance he is held in high regard for his many excellent qualities of character and his loyal and upright citizenship.
DANIEL F. HOGAN
Daniel F. Hogan, who for nearly twenty years has been en- gaged in the real estate and mortgage business in Stamford, has lived here from boyhood and enjoys an enviable reputation for his sound judgment and unimpeachable integrity, because of which he commands an extensive and substantial business. Mr. Hogan was born in Troy, New York, on the 17th of February, 1876, and is a son of Thomas and Mariah (Huston) Hogan, both of whom were natives of Ireland and died in Stamford. Mr. Hogan was a carpenter and builder, was a man of sterling character and was respected by all who knew him. He was an adherent of the Roman Catholic church and maintained an independent attitude in politics.
Daniel F. Hogan received his educational training in the public schools of Stamford and then entered the employ of the St. John Woodworking Company of Stamford. Eventually he became superintendent for that concern, with which he remained until 1910, when he resigned in order to engage in the real estate, mortgage and building business. During the years he has enjoyed a very gratifying business and is regarded as one of the leading men in his line in this section of the county. He is also a director of the Pinehurst Realty Corporation of Stamford.
On June 5, 1898, in Stamford, Mr. Hogan was united in mar- riage to Miss Julia Findley, who was born in 1876 and was edu- cated in the Stamford public schools. To Mr. and Mrs. Hogan have been born four children: Helen, deceased; Francis; Law- rence D., who is associated with his father in business; and Dorothy M. Mr. Hogan gives his political support to the demo- cratic party and has been active in local affairs, having served
128
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
as chairman of the city committee in 1920. He served two terms as a member of the common council and is at the present time a member of the zoning commission. He was one of the organizers and is still a member of the Stamford Real Estate Board. During the World war he did effective work in connection with the ship- ping board at Wilson Point and in other ways contributed to the success of the various local war measures. He and his wife are earnest members of St. John's Roman Catholic church and they stand consistently for everything which is calculated to advance the civic and moral welfare of the community in which they live. Mr. Hogan is a man of great energy and enterprise, has shown a progressive spirit in all of his affairs and commands the respect and confidence of all who have dealt with him.
MONSOUR MICHAEL
Monsour Michael, president of the Felting Fur Company, is one of the foreign born residents of Danbury who have not only attained financial success and independence here, but have also proven loyal and public-spirited citizens of their adopted country, commanding the genuine respect of their fellowmen. Mr. Michael was born in Mt. Lebanon, Syria, and is a son of McKail and Hannah Moran. He was reared and educated in his native land and in 1905 he and his brother Moses came to the United States. They remained here five years, when they returned to their native land for one year, during which time Mr. Michael was married. He then came back to this country, with his wife and his brother Moses, arriving in Danbury January 1, 1912. For several years Mr. Michael was in the employ of Parks & Peck (the American Hatters), and then, tiring of that business, he engaged in the grocery business. However, he decided that his best outlook for advancement was in the hat industry and he turned his attention to the blown fur business. During the ensuing years he became familiar with the various phases of the business, and in 1922 started out independently, under the name of the Felting Fur Company, establishing a factory at 18 Sheridan street, Danbury, where he is engaged in the manufacture of hatters' fur, blowing and cutting. He is devoting his attention closely to his business,
129
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
which is steadily increasing under his careful management and persistent industry.
Mr. Michael was united in marriage to Miss Kazrian Haddad, a native of Syria, and they are the parents of eight children, Thomas, Nichols, Janet, Hannah, Melbina, Eddie, Linda and Jarnill, all of whom are at home except Jarnill, who is now in Syria. Mr. Michael is a member of the Syria-American Club of Danbury, is a popular member of the circles in which he moves and is greatly esteemed by all who know him.
3/5/8/ ROBERT P. HENDERSON
Among the modern, well conducted mercantile institutions of which Danbury is justly proud is the department store of the Genung-McLean Company, with which Robert P. Henderson has been connected from boyhood, rising from a lowly position to one of power and influence. He was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1880 and is a son of Robert and Grace (McLean) Henderson. His father is still a resident of that city and acts as superin- tendent of the gas company.
Robert P. Henderson attended the public schools of Hartford and Danbury and at the age of thirteen began to provide for his own livelihood, becoming an errand boy in the store of McLean Brothers, now the Genung-McLean Company. This position did not interfere with his studies, as he worked on Saturdays and after school, thus obtaining his first knowledge of commercial affairs. He proved capable, conscientious and trustworthy and was steadily promoted, passing through the various departments. Mr. Henderson has been with the house for thirty-five years and is now secretary and treasurer of the company and one of its most efficient officers. McLean Brothers started in business in Danbury in 1869 and operated under that style until the Genung family acquired control of the concern, when the name was changed to the Genung-McLean Company. Its president, Merwin E. Genung, died at Mount Vernon, New York, in March, 1927, and Mr. McArdle, another member of the firm, passed away at Mamaroneck, New York, in March, 1928. The store first stood on the present site of the Empress Theater and the next home of
130
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
the business was where the beautiful Martha apartments are now situated. From there it was moved to the point occupied today by Heim's Music Store, and at that location the business was con- ducted until 1924, when the firm erected a building at No. 215 Main street. It was designed expressly for their needs and is Danbury's largest and finest department store. The establish- ment is characterized by an air of distinction in personal service as well as in merchandise. The firm has a branch in Mount Vernon, conducted by the Genung-McArdle Company, and also operates three other stores, located in White Plains, Mamaroneck and Bronxville, New York. The Genung-McLean Company has always endeavored to give to its patrons the utmost in service and the extent and importance of the business proves that the corporation has succeeded in this laudable purpose.
In 1911 Mr. Henderson was united in marriage to Miss Flor- ence Martin and both are prominent in social affairs of Danbury. Mr. Henderson is a Mason and closely follows the beneficent teach- ings of the order. Genial and companionable by nature, he readily wins friends and is highly esteemed in the city in which prac- tically his entire life has been passed. In the steps of an orderly progression he has reached a field of broad influence and useful- ness, proving what may be accomplished by energy, determina- tion and perseverance, and has worthily earned the distinctive title of "a self-made man."
CYRENIUS H. BOOTH, M. D.
Dr. Cyrenius H. Booth was born in Newtown, Connecticut, May 25, 1797, a son of Philo and Aurelia (Hard) Booth, his father being a prosperous and substantial farmer of that place. Dr. Booth studied medicine with Dr. Bennett Perry of Newtown and before commencing to practice attended a long course of medical lectures delivered by the celebrated Dr. Mott of New York, who stood at the head of his profession on this continent. Dr. Booth located at Newtown and resided in the house now occu- pied by his granddaughter, Miss Mary E. Hawley. From New- town he extended his practice over the surrounding country and into neighboring towns. His practice became one of the largest
& Ho Booth
133
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY
in the region and he gained a reputation as a most successful physician. He continued in the active work of his profession for more than a half century, retiring only a few years prior to his death, which occurred September 29, 1871.
Dr. Booth was often asked to accept public office but he stead- fastly declined all offers of political preferment, devoting his entire attention to his professional duties. He was a man of unusual personality, quickly made friends and retained them, and his broad and tolerant outlook, cheerful disposition and deep sym- pathy won for him the love and esteem of his fellowmen. He held membership in Trinity Episcopal church.
In October, 1820, Dr. Booth was married to Sarah Edmond, daughter of Judge William and Elizabeth (Payne) Edmond. Mrs. Booth was born June 24, 1800, and died January 21, 1864. Their three children were William E., Mary E., and Sarah A. Of these, William E. was a physician and resided at Danbury, Con- necticut, where he died unmarried. Mary E. became the wife of Henry Sanford and resided at Newtown, where she passed away. She was the mother of two daughters: Miss Annie E. Sanford, a resident of Newtown; and Sarah E., who became the wife of Robert H. Beers and died in Newtown in June, 1928, leaving two sons, Henry S., of Westport, and Robert E., of Waterbury. Sarah A., the youngest of the children of Dr. Booth, married Marcus C. Hawley and died in Newtown. She was the mother of four children, three of whom died in early life, the only surviving member of her family being Miss Mary E. Hawley of Newtown.
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.