USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > History of Hartford County, Connecticut, 1633-1928. Volume III > Part 101
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Mr. Treadway was also very prominent in the public life of the community, espe- cially in his connection with constructive measures. It was he who in 1883 started a definite movement toward the improvement of conditions in Bristol. The conserva-
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(Photograph by Bachrach)
CHARLES T. TREADWAY
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tive and unprogressive element of the town opposed him in his plan for the establish- ment of an adequate public water supply. Notwithstanding this opposition, however, the Bristol Water Company was organized and the plant was finally constructed, with John H. Sessions as head of the company. At his death Mr. Treadway suc- ceeded to the presidency of the water company and so served until his own demise. He was also the prime mover in installing electric lights in Bristol, his labors resulting in the organization of the Bristol Electric Light Company, which ten years later was absorbed by the Bristol & Plainville Tramway Company, an organization which was promoted by Mr. Treadway and which successfully took over the transportation and lighting interests of the city. Again Mr. Treadway succeeded Mr. Sessions in the presidency of these companies and so served until a few months prior to his death, when ill health obliged him to lay aside his duties in that connection. His fellow townsmen, recognizing the great value of his service in financial, indus- trial and commercial affairs and in the conduct of semi-public interests, naturally desired his cooperation in civic matters and he was elected to represent Bristol in the general assembly in 1884. In 1888 he was made treasurer of the town of Bristol, filling the office for twelve years, and upon the incorporation of the borough served as treasurer from 1894 to 1901, inclusive. Upon the organization of the free public library in 1892 he was made a member of its board of directors and so continued until his death, while at one time he was treasurer of the first school district. In the social activities of the community he was also well known, belonging to Townsend Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Waterbury, and to Reliance Council of the Royal Arcanum in Bristol. He was a director, a member of the board of governors and vice president of the Farmington Country Club and had membership in the Bristol Business Men's Association, the Waterbury Club and the Bristol Golf Club. He was a man of extremely broad vision and keen discernment in the consideration not only of banking and business problems but of public projects and opportunities as well, and he left an indelible impress upon the history of his community and the state.
On the 22d of December, 1873, Mr. Treadway married Margaret Terry, of Law- rence, Kansas, daughter of Andrew Terry of that place and a great granddaughter of Eli Terry, one of the original clockmakers of Connecticut. Mrs. Treadway died in 1880 and their daughter, Susan Emily, had passed away when four years of age, leaving Charles Terry the survivor of that family. On January 24, 1884, Charles S. Treadway married Lucy Hurlburt Townsend, daughter of George L. Townsend, of Waterbury. They had four children: Townsend Gillette, Morton Candee, Lucy Margaret and Harry, the last named dying in infancy. The mother passed away in 1917.
Charles Terry Treadway, the eldest son of Charles S. Treadway, supplemented his early education, acquired in the grammar and high schools of Bristol, Connecti- cut, by study in Phillips Academy at Andover, Massachusetts, and when his pre- paratory course was completed entered Yale University, in which he won the degree of Bachelor of Arts at his graduation in 1900. His initial business experience came to him in connection with the New Departure Manufacturing Company of Bristol, with which he became identified as treasurer on the 1st of December, 1900, thus serving until January 1, 1914, when to his duties in that position were added those of chairman of the board. He filled both offices until 1919 and was also a director of that corporation from 1905 until 1921. His active connection with financial affairs in Bristol began with his election as vice president and director of the Bristol National Bank in 1905 and he entered more actively into relations with the institu- tion when chosen to the presidency in 1907. He so continued until 1927, when he was made chairman of the board. He was the organizer of the American Trust Com- pany and on its inception in 1919 was elected to the presidency. His cooporation has been sought in many other fields and he is now president and a director of the Horton Manufacturing Company and a director of the American Silver Company, the Bristol Brass Company, Landers, Frary & Clark, the Russell Manufacturing Company, the Veeder Root Company and a partner in the firm of Conning & Com- pany, investment brokers of Hartford. His keen insight and sound judgment have proven vital forces in the successful conduct of these various business organizations. Men defer to his opinions, knowing that he has proven his business strength and capability in the conduct of many undertakings. In matters of judgment he is sel- dom, if ever, at fault and he has displayed notable ability in organizing and coordin- ating interests, bringing about a harmonious and productive whole.
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On the 4th of June, 1902, Mr. Treadway was married to Miss Isabelle Graham Richards, daughter of William C. Richards, of Bristol, and they have two sons, Charles T., Jr., and Graham Richards Treadway. His appreciation of the social amenities of life finds expression in his membership in the Bristol Club, Farming- ton Country Club, Shuttle Meadow Country Club of New Britain, Hartford Club, Graduates Club of New Haven, Yale Club of New York city, Camp Fire Club of America and St. Bernard Fish and Game Club of Quebec, Canada. He also belongs to the Zeta Psi fraternity and in Masonry has attained the degree of Knight Templar in the York Rite and the thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite, being also a Mystic Shriner. He likewise belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His interest in community affairs has found tangible manifestation in many ways and on many occasions. He is a helpful member of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce and with keen recognition of the duties and obligations as well as the privileges of citizenship, he has worked untiringly for the success of the republican party, in the principles of which he so firmly believes. He has been chairman of the republican town committee and a member of the state central committee. He is on the board of directors of the Bristol Hospital and was a member of the executive committee of the Connecticut Manufacturers Association. When the country became involved in the World war he to the fullest met the requirements of loyal citizen- ship, acted as chairman of the Liberty Loan drives for his district, was chairman of the Red Cross and in every possible way promoted the various campaigns which at home proved the sustaining power of the troops at the front. He is a man of notably well balanced capacities and powers and notably sound in his judgment in placing valuations upon any of the activities which make up the sum, total of life.
ALFRED CARL FULLER
Alfred Carl Fuller, brush manufacturer of Hartford, was born in Berwick, Nova Scotia, January 13, 1885, a son of Leander J. and Phebe Jane (Collins) Fuller, both of whom were of Canadian-American ancestry, the father being well known as a prominent farmer.
After acquiring a public school education Alfred C. Fuller in 1903, when eight- een years of age, went to Boston, Massachusetts, where several of his brothers had preceded him, and there became a conductor on the surface lines of the Boston Elevated Railroad. In this way he gained intimate, comprehensive and accurate knowledge of human character, which proved of great value to him in the develop- ment of his later business interests.
In 1904 Mr. Fuller entered into active association with the brush business by becoming a salesman for a company engaged in that line in Massachusetts. He soon realized the need of better brushes for various household tasks and in January, 1906, he established a small brush manufactory in Somerville, turning out a product that met modern-day needs. His business therefore increased rapidly and in April, 1906, he removed to Hartford, where he leased a small shed. His trade in the new field continued to grow, so that it soon became necessary to hire several men to manufacture the brushes which he was selling in the larger New England cities. His trade grew by leaps and bounds and in October, 1913, the Fuller Brush Com- pany was incorporated. He instituted the method of selling direct to the consumer through demonstrations in the home, a method that has awakened the deep interest of the business world. Mr. Fuller is now president of the Fuller Brush Company, with headquarters in Hartford, but with over five thousand representatives in all parts of the United States, Canada, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and the West Indies. Its factories are located at Hamilton, Canada, and in Hartford and Mr. Fuller is devoting his entire business time to the management of this enter- prise, the constant expansion of which has been one of the miracles of modern busi- ness. He is also a director of the City Bank & Trust Company of Hartford.
On the 10th of April, 1908, Mr. Fuller married Evelyn W. Ells, of Kentville, Nova Scotia, and the other members of their household are their two children, Alfred Howard and Avard Ells Fuller. Mr. Fuller is well known in club circles through his membership in the Hartford, Hartford Rotary, Hartford Golf, Wam-
(Photograph by Blank & Stoller) ALFRED C. FULLER
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panoag Country, Shelter Harbor Golf, Shuttle Meadow Country and Sequin Golf clubs and in the Congressional Country Club of Washington, D. C. He also be- longs to the Hartford Advertising Club and he is a thirty-second degree Mason. During the World war he actively participated in the various drives which made the home work the defense of the soldiery in the field. He became a naturalized citizen in 1918 and his interest in community welfare is shown in his service as a member of the board of directors of the Hartford Community Chest and as a trustee of the Kingswood School of West Hartford. His political belief is that of the republican party and his religious faith that of the Christian Science church.
WILLIAM HOLMES CROWLEY, M. D.
There is no physician of Hartford who more fully conforms his practice to the highest ethical standards of the profession than does Dr. William Holmes Crowley and he commands therefore the fullest respect and confidence of his brethren of the medical fraternity as well as of the general public. He was born in Hartford, April 6, 1869, his parents being Timothy and Mary (Holmes) Crowley, and while spending his youth under the parental roof he mastered the branches of learning that constitute the public and high school curriculum. He then had the advantage of further educational training in the Buffalo University, from which he was gradu- ated with the class of 1888, on the completion of his more specifically literary course. His desire to take up the practice of medicine and surgery then led him to matriculate as a medical student in the same school and he won his professional degree in 1890. Immediately after he located for practice in Collinsville, Connec- ticut, where he remained for seventeen years or until 1907, when he returned to his native city, where he has since followed his profession. His standards are very high and he has utilized every opportunity to add to his knowledge and thereby promote his skill and efficiency in keeping with the intricate problems that concern health and disease. He has always enjoyed a good practice and his patients have in him the utmost confidence.
On the 14th of January, 1891, Dr. Crowley was married to Miss Louise B. Wagner, of Collinsville, Connecticut, and they have two children, William H., Jr., and Beatrice L.
During the entire period of his residence in Collinsville, Dr. Crowley served as chairman of the board of education and the public school system found in him a stalwart champion whose labors in its behalf were far-reaching and beneficial. The major part of his time, however, has been given to professional interests and he is now serving on the staff of St. Francis Hospital of Hartford, of which he is one of the directors. He also keeps in touch with the trend of modern medical research and discovery through his connection with the Hartford City, Hartford County, Connecticut State and American Medical Associations. He never deviates from a course which he believes to be right and his sterling qualities as a man and as a citizen, as well as a physician, have gained him high place in public regard.
EDWARD B. PECK
A notable career was that of Edward B. Peck, who attained the venerable age of eighty-eight years and was an active factor in the world's work, until a few months ago. His life was proof of the fact that old age is not necessarily a synonym of weakness and inactivity, for there is an old age that gives out of its rich stores of wisdom and experience for the benefit of others and grows better and stronger mentally and morally as the years pass on. This was exemplified in the history of Edward B. Peck and his life contains much of inspirational value to those around him.
Mr. Peck was a native of Galveston, Texas. He was born January 31, 1840, a son of Ralph B. and Caroline (Merwin) Peck, who were natives of Brookfield, Con- necticut, but then residents of the Lone Star state, whence they removed to Bridge- port, Connecticut, about 1855, when their son Edward was a youth of fifteen years.
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He attended the public schools of Galveston up to that time and afterward continued his studies in Bridgeport, where he subsequently engaged in teaching school from 1858 until 1868, imparting readily and clearly to others the knowledge that he had acquired. In the latter year, however, he changed the line of his activity by becoming a clerk with the Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, with which he remained continuously until his death, covering a period of sixty years. It is doubtful if any other man in Connecticut can claim a longer connection with the insurance business, and none can show a record for greater faithfulness and fidelity than he. The years brought him promotion in recognition of his diligence and enterprising effort, and he became assistant secretary of the company many years ago. His labors were a valuable contributing element to its growth and success and his own record was synonymous with the development and progress of the business.
Mr. Peck was a member of the Hartford Club and of the Connecticut Historical Society. In politics he was a republican and was always deeply interested in matters of citizenship, while at all times he gave his support to plans and measures having to do with civic welfare. His life should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what may be accomplished not only in the attainment of success in business but in the retention of that physical, mental and moral strength which makes for a vigorous, active and honored age.
CECIL AUBREY DICKINSON
The business interests of Windsor find a worthy representative in Cecil Aubrey Dickinson, who is the manager of the P. Lorillard Company. The plant at Windsor, which is now directly under his control, was built by him and eventually sold to the corporation with which he is now associated. He came to this state from Virginia, having been born in Goochland county of the Old Dominion on the 29th of March, 1883. His parents were Bickerton W. and Amanda (Waddy) Dickinson and the father was well known as a merchant of Richmond, Virginia, where he died in 1919. In the following year the mother came to Windsor, Connecticut, to make her home with her son.
In the acquirement of his education C. A. Dickinson attended the public schools of Richmond until graduated from the high school with the class of 1900. He then entered the employ of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad Company at Richmond, with which he remained until 1904, when he became associated with the American Cigar Company. In 1906 he arrived in Windsor, Connecticut, where he was employed as a clerk by the American Cigar Company, with which he remained until the summer of 1907. He then went to New York state, where he worked in what is known as the Big Flats section with the American Tobacco Company, and during the latter part of that year and in the following year he was with the company at Dayton, Ohio, and at Madison, Wisconsin. In 1908 he went to New York city and was later transferred to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, there remaining for two years. In 1910 he became identified with the P. Lorillard Company, Inc., and removed to Hartford, Connecticut. In association with F. W. Morgan, Mr. Dickinson built the plant at Windsor, located in Pierson lane, in 1914. Later he built another plant at East Granby, Connecticut, and sold both of these to the P. Lorillard Company, Inc., in October, 1924, by which concern he was retained as leaf manager for New England, having charge in this territory of the interests of the company, which manufactures all lines of tobacco, utilizing all the various kinds of tobacco raised in New England and also importing tobacco from Turkey, Havana and Porto Rico. This is one of the largest tobacco manufacturing concerns in New England and its product is disposed of through jobbers. In the capacity of leaf manager Mr. Dickinson is contributing in notable measure to the success of the business. Always active in this line, he is thoroughly familiar with every branch of the trade from the standpoint of production, manu- facture and sale and his efforts are an important contributing element to the pros- perity of the corporation which he now represents. In addition to his interests of this character he is a director of the Windsor Trust Company and one of the con- missioners of the Windsor fire district.
On July 31, 1922, Mr. Dickinson married Miss Grace Gilmore, a native of Hart- ford, and a daughter of Mrs. Nellie Gilmore. Mr. and Mrs. Dickinson make their
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(Photograph by The Johnstone Studio)
CECIL A. DICKINSON
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home at 354 Broad street, Windsor, where they are widely and favorably known. Mr. Dickinson is a member of the Asylum Avenue Baptist church, while his wife holds membership in the First Church of Christ, Congregationalist, of Hartford, in which she is a contralto soloist. He is likewise identified with Masonry, has taken the degrees of the York and Scottish rites and has crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and he is a popular representative of the Hartford Club and the Plymouth Meadow Country Club. His friends, and they are many, find him at all times genial and affable, and the high respect accorded him attests not only his achievements in the field of business but the admirable personal qualities which he displays.
ROBERT LESTER WAITE, M. D.
For eighteen years Dr. Robert Lester Waite has been a representative of the medical profession in Hartford and is now associated in practice with his brother, the firm occupying an enviable position in professional circles. Dr. R. L. Waite has specialized in the treatment of diseases of the eye, and is on the consulting staff of Hartford Hospital. He was born in this city September 13, 1882, his parents being James N. and Maria B. (Hawkins) Waite, who here make their home. In the ac- quirement of his education he passed through the consecutive grades of the public schools and after leaving high school attended Yale University, winning his Bachelor of Philosophy degree as a member of the class of 1905. His mental review of the broad field of business, with its opportunities along many lines, convinced him that - he preferred a medical career and accordingly he entered Johns Hopkins University at Baltimore, Maryland, gaining his professional degree in 1909. Through the suc- ceeding year he was associated with Dr. James Bordley, a famous specialist of Balti- more in the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. This association was of great value to the young physician, bringing him intimate knowledge of the methods followed by his distinguished preceptor. In 1910 he became associated with his brother, Dr. Frank Louis Waite, and they are now practicing successfully in Hartford. His brother, who is his senior, has long been established here, and only a brief period had passed before Dr. Robert L. Waite had given evidence of his ability, particularly in the field in which he specializes. His practice has become more and more extensive and important as the years have passed, and the further recognition of his ability came in his appointment to the position of assistant oph- thalmologist of Hartford Hospital.
On the 6th of November, 1912, Dr. Waite was married to Miss Florence Burt, of Hartford, and they are well known in this city, in which practically their entire lives have been passed. Dr. Waite has never sought to figure prominently in any field outside the strict path of his profession, preferring to devote his entire time and energies to the work that devolves upon him, realizing the great responsibility that ever confronts the physician. He has constantly augmented his skill by reading and study as well as by experience and his patients are benefitting therefrom. More- over, he keeps in touch with the trend of modern professional thought and practice through his membership in the Hartford, Hartford County, Connecticut State and American Medical Associations.
HON. GARDNER CLARKE WELD
Hon. Gardner Clarke Weld has not only demonstrated his ability to wisely and successfully control business interests of importance but has also proved equally adequate in the discharge of official duties as mayor of New Britain, which position of trust and responsibility he capably filled for one term, 1926-28. He was born December 9, 1891, in New Britain, Connecticut, where his parents, William Lewis and Rose (Gardner) Weld, still reside. There he entered school, completing the work of consecutive grades until he left the high school and began learning the more diffi- cult lessons in the school of experience, starting out in the business world in 1909
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as messenger boy in the employ of the New Britain National Bank. There he con- tinued until 1915, his diligence and reliability winning him promotion to the posi- tion of bookkeeper, but he resigned to enter the employ of Roy T. H. Barnes of Hartford, head of a prominent firm dealing in stocks, bonds and securities. For this firm Mr. Weld traveled extensively throughout Connecticut, selling securities until March, 1917. In the meantime he watched with interest the progress of events which were ultimately shaping the country's advent into the World war. He enlisted in Troop B, Third Squadron of Connecticut Cavalry, and was stationed at Niantic until October, 1917, when he went overseas. Sent to the front line, he was wounded in action in France on July 22, 1918, and was there confined in a hospital for a long period. He remained overseas for eighteen months and was discharged as a corporal April 4, 1919.
With his return to America, Mr. Weld reentered the employ of Roy T. H. Barnes, with whom he continued until April, 1920, when he organized the Citizens Coal Com- pany of New Britain and has since remained its president, in which connection he has been instrumental in building up a business of substantial and gratifying pro- portions. He is also treasurer of the H-O-W Knitting Company of New Britain and has likewise contributed to the successful management of this enterprise, for he displays sound judgment in determining the value of any business situation and in foretelling the possibilities of trade connections.
On the 30th of September, 1924, Mr. Weld was married to Miss Agnes Vance, a daughter of the late Congressman Robert J. and Matilda (O'Connor) Vance, of New Britain. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and member of the Mystic Shrine and he also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Improved Order of Red Men and the Junior Order of American Mechanics. He is likewise well known in club circles, being connected with the Shuttle Meadow Country Club and the New Britain Club. He has membership in the American Legion and is a past commander of Eddy-Glover Post No. 6. Outside of his manufacturing interests he is perhaps most widely known through his political activity, for he has been a stanch republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and has filled several offices. He was city councilman of New Britain from the third ward in 1916-17 and on the 4th of April, 1926, entered upon a two years' term as mayor of the city. He studied civic problems with the same thoroughness that he considers business questions and was actuated by the same spirit of progress and improvement in the management of municipal interests. In a word, he is a high-class man and is extremely popular among his acquaintances, while those who have known him from his boyhood to the present are numbered among his stanchest friends, which is indicative of the fact that his has been a well spent life.
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