History of Hartford County, Connecticut, 1633-1928. Volume III, Part 108

Author: Burpee, Charles W. (Charles Winslow), b. 1859
Publication date: 1928
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke
Number of Pages: 1390

USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > History of Hartford County, Connecticut, 1633-1928. Volume III > Part 108

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In 1903 Dr. Fromen came to New Britain, Connecticut, and soon established a large practice. On June 24, 1903, he became staff surgeon at the New Britain General Hospital and was at the time of his death senior surgeon. He was a member of the following medical societies: the New Britain Medical Society, the County and State Medical Societies, the Society of American Medical Research, and the National Asso- ciation for the Prevention and Cure of Tuberculosis. He had the distinction of being the only surgeon in New Britain who was a fellow of the American College of Sur- geons. Dr. Fromen was a true student of medicine and every year attended the sessions of the College of Surgeons in search of further knowledge. He made two trips abroad for purposes of recreation and study, visiting Eng'and, Germany, Sweden, France, Switzerland and Italy. He exercised a definite and lasting influence on surgical science in New Britain. He was a pioneer in the use of local anaesthesia in modern surgery. Skillful, earnest and careful in the practice of his profession and possessing a kind heart and genial personality, Dr. Fromen was beloved by his patients and by all having contact with him socially or professionally.

The Doctor was a highly educated man. His attainments were recognized in the city of his labors, and his abilities were utilized. In 1909 he was elected to the board of education and served continuously in this office until 1920. As chairman of the health and sanitation committee of the school board he was instrumental in the organi- zation of the school health committee. His scholarly attainments made him a logical candidate for election to the textbook committee and the evening school committee. His opinions and advice with regard to school work were always heeded. One of his coworkers on the board, perhaps the foremost jurist in New Britain, said of him: "Dr. Fromen was an excellent, intelligent and helpful member of the school board. He was always regular in attendance and took a profound interest in matters of edu- cation. As a member of the committee on textbooks and as chairman of the commit- tee on health and sanitation he displayed marked ability and accomplished much for the school system."

From 1922 up to the time of his death the Doctor served as a member of the health board of his city. In this capacity he was instri mental in procuring for New Britain open air schools and a tuberculosis hospital. He was a champion of health for chil- dren. The city is indebted to him for many of the details of its present system of health examinations and sanitation devices.

When the Commercial Trust Company (now one of the leading banking institu- tions of New Britain) was organized, Dr. Fromen became a member of the board of directors and remained in that capacity until his death. In his association with the officers and directors of the bank, he bore himself as a sustaining and substantial force. He was an honored member of the local Kiwanis Club and often voiced his approval of the high ideals and honorable pursuits of Kiwanis.

Dr. Fromen was extremely versatile. He was versed in music, art and literature,

(Photograph by Murray Studio)

DR. ERNST THEODOR FROMEN

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and thoroughly enjoyed the refinements of life. His knowledge of the classics in above mentioned fields was remarkable. In the frequent little gatherings of intimates in his home he was a perfect host and the subject of conversation was always the things that ennoble and uplift. He could discourse at length on any classical musical composition, composer or artist who happened to be brought into the conversation.

It was especially in the literature of his native land that Dr. Fromen excelled and the valuable books that adorned the walls of his library are ample testimony to his literary taste. He organized and acted as chairman of a Literary Club over a period of ten years, and the papers which he read before this organization were valuable con- tributions. That he possessed no mean ability as a poet is displayed in the verse which he occasionally composed.

A remarkable coincidence is that Dr. Fromen's aged father in Sweden departed this life on the same day that his son succumbed to the ravages of a third attack of pneumonia. The family hesitated to inform their relatives abroad of their great loss, fearing lest the news might have a dire effect on the aged parent. While in this quandary a message came by cable announcing the death of the father at the age of four score and ten.

In his church affiliation Dr. Fromen clung to the faith of his fathers. As often as his duties allowed he attended upon the services of the First Lutheran church. At the funeral services the church edifice, which seats approximately a thousand, was taxed to its capacity. An equal number of people had previously viewed the remains of the beloved physician as it lay lit de parade in the church. The physicians of the city attended the funeral services in a body, the graduate and undergraduate nurses in uniform occupied a conspicuous place in the church auditorium and designated a committee to act as flower bearers thereby to show their reverence and esteem for him whom they familiarly among themselves called "Papa Fromen."

Dr. Fromên is survived by the sorrowing widow, Ida Paulson Fromen, with whom he was united in matrimony in 1898, one son, Lars, a student at Northwestern Uni- versity and one daughter, Ingeborg, of New York city. Two brothers and one sister reside in Sweden.

DANIEL GOODRICH MARKHAM

In financial circles of Hartford the name of Daniel Goodrich Markham is widely known, for he is at the head of the firm of Markham & Company, handling insurance and bank stocks, in which connection he has built up a business of extensive and grati- fying proportions. Throughout his entire life he has made ready response to the call of opportunity and thus step by step he has risen in power, prominence and prosperity in the business world. He was born in Hartford, December 12, 1890, a son of Daniel A. and Grace (Goodrich) Markham. His father, who became a distinguished lawyer and jurist, was of English lineage and his ancestral line was traced back in England to 1066, the name originating at a settlement near the border of Mercia, now Scotland, where lived Claron, of West Markham, a Saxon chief of local renown. His services in the Norman conquest were rewarded with a grant of land that, however, had been pre- viously held by his father and grandfather. The Markham coat-of-arms is as follows: Azure on a chief or, a demi lion rampant issuant gules. Crest: A lion of St. Mark sejant guard, winged or, circled round the head argent, supporting a harp or lyre of the first. The meaning of the name: Local "of Markham," a parish near Tuxford, County Notts. Daniel Markham, representative of the family in the eighteenth gen- eration, was born in Plumstead Manor, near Norwich, England, and settled in Cam- bridge, Massachusetts, in 1665, removing two years later to Middletown, Connecticut, where he became a deacon in the First Congregational church. His son, John Markham, born in Middletown, December 28, 1708, settled on the east side of Pocotopaug Lake, was married November 3, 1748, to Desire Sears, who died November 19, 1786, and he passed away March 30, 1788. Their son, John Markham (II), born in Middletown, March 20, 1756, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, was married January 11, 1781, to Asenath Smith and died April 15, 1852. He was the father of Hiram Markham, born at Chatham, Connecticut, January 1, 1795. He was a farmer and filled various public offices. On the 5th of November, 1817, he married Laura Niles, who was born at Chatham, July 20, 1802, and died June 14, 1877, while Hiram Markham died De-

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cember 5, 1870. Their son, Daniel Niles Markham, was born August 26, 1821, at Chatham, and engaged in farming and in the lumber business. He filled various public offices and was a prominent and influential citizen. On the 23d of September, 1844, he married Mary Octavia Skinner, who was born in Chatham, July 27, 1821. He passed away February 5, 1906, and his widow survived until September 10, 1909.

Daniel Anson Markham, son of Daniel Niles and Mary Octavia (Skinner) Markham, was born in Chatham, Connecticut, December 29, 1854, prepared for college under private tutors and was graduated from Wesleyan University in 1879. He then read law under the direction of Arthur B. Calef and D. W. Northrop, leading lawyers of Middletown, Connecticut, was admitted to practice in 1882 and two years later opened an office in Hartford. From the beginning success attended his efforts. It was early manifest that he prepared his cases with great precision and care and presented his cause with remarkable clearness and force. His clientele steadily grew and he became recognized as one of the distinguished representatives of the Hartford bar, a position which public opinion has always freely accorded him. He became associate judge of the court of common pleas and his record as a jurist reflected credit and honor upon the judicial system of the state. In 1891 he became recorder of the city court and filled that office until 1893. He is a Congregationalist in religious faith and his ancestral record has enabled him to become a member of the Mayflower Society and the Sons of the Revolution. He was married in 1889 to Grace Goodrich, daughter of Samuel and Annie (Butler) Goodrich, and to them have been born three sons and two daughters: Daniel Goodrich; Margaret, who was born January 21, 1893, and died December 3, 1895; John Anson, mentioned elsewhere in this work; Chauncy G., born February 5, 1901; and Grace G., born June 12, 1904.

In the attainment of his education the eldest son, Daniel Goodrich Markham, entered the public schools, passed through consecutive grades and after leaving the high school of Hartford matriculated in the Phillips Exeter Academy. When his textbooks were put aside he turned to the insurance business by becoming an employe of the Connecti- cut General Life Insurance Company of Hartford, and from 1912 until 1918 he was with the firm of Allen, Russell & Allen of Hartford, having one of the largest insur- ance agencies of the city. In 1918 Mr. Markham directed his efforts into other chan- nels by entering the security business as representative of New York firms and soon demonstrated to himself and to the public at large that he possessed aptitude for this work. In 1919 he established business on his own account by organizing the firm of Markham & Company and through the intervening period of nine years has developed an extensive business in handling insurance and bank stocks, having now a large clientele, so that his business brings to him gratifying returns.

On the 14th of June, 1916, Mr. Markham was married to Miss Jane Peterson, a daughter of Andrew A. and Lena Peterson, of Hartford. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and his interest in matters of general importance is indicated in his connection with the Connecticut State Chamber of Commerce. He is alert and energetic, ready for any emergency and for any opportunity, and possessing untiring energy, quick perception and metal alertness, he has won a creditable position in financial circles in Hartford.

CAPTAIN THOMAS B. MCDERMOTT

Captain Thomas B. McDermott, assistant secretary of the Rossia Insurance Com- pany of America and widely known in military circles because of his service in the World war and his later activity in connection with military affairs, was born at Stony Creek, Connecticut, February 28, 1890, a son of James H. and Jane T. (Reynolds) McDermott, the former a native of Hartford, Connecticut, and the latter of Dover, New Jersey. The father, who engaged in the granite and stone business at Stony Creek for some time, passed away in Hartford about 1921 and the mother survived until 1923.

Captain McDermott was educated in the public schools and the Hartford high school and in 1910 entered the office of the John Hancock Insurance Company as a minor clerk, filling that position for one year. In 1912 he became an employe of the Rossia Insurance Company, being assigned to duty in the statistical department, and in 1913 was given charge of the department and so continued until 1916. He was then

(Photograph by The Johnstone Studio)

CAPTAIN THOMAS B. MCDERMOTT

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transferred to the examining department, with which he remained until May, 1917, when military activity interrupted his service in the business world.

In December, 1916, Captain McDermott was commissioned a reserve officer with the rank of second lieutenant and on the 5th of May following was ordered to regular duty at Plattsburg, New York. After taking the camp course there he went to Camp Mills and joined the One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Infantry, the old famous Sixty- ninth New York Infantry, with which command he sailed overseas on the 31st of October, 1917, landing at Brest, France, about the 12th of November. He partici- pated in all the five major engagements in which the American army took part: the Champagne sector from the 6th to the 15th of July, 1918; the Champagne-Marne defensive from the 15th to the 18th of July; the Aisne-Marne offensive from the 26th of July to the 3d of August; the St. Mihiel offensive from the 12th to the 16th of September; and the Meuse-Argonne offensive from the 11th of October to the 8th of November, 1918. He was with his command at various points along the western front and after the close of hostilities was at St. Marie and Thiamont, Belgium; Useldange, Rollingen and Haller, Luxemburg; and Holsthum, Bickendorf, Wallersheim, Hille- sheim, Wiesbaum, Aremberg, Altenahr, Remagen and Kreuzberg, Germany. The early experience of the One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Infantry, which had formerly been the "Fighting Irish" regiment of New York, commanded by "Wild Bill" Donovan, later assistant attorney general of the United States, was with Gourand's famous Fourth French army and then with the all-American army, but the regiment was numbered among the "First Hundred Thousand" of the A. E. F. The dates of his promotion during the World war were October 8, 1918, when he was advanced from the rank of second to first lieutenant, and March 13, 1919, when he became captain. He was cited for "exceptionally meritorious and conspicuous service," and for "distin- guished and exceptional gallantry," as the following attest :

"First Lieutenant Thomas B. McDermott for exceptionally meritorious and con- spicuous services with 165th Infantry France American Expeditionary Forces in testi- mony thereof and as an expression of appreciation of these services, I award him this citation. Awarded 19 April, 1919. (Signed) John J. Pershing, Commander-in-Chief."

"First Lieutenant Thomas B. McDermott 165th Infantry for distinguished and exceptional gallantry at Champagne Sector on 16 July, 1918, in the operations of the American Expeditionary Forces in testimony thereof, and as an expression of appre- ciation of his valor, I award him this citation. Awarded on 27 March, 1919. (Signed) John J. Pershing, Commander-in-Chief."

Following the close of the World war Captain McDermott returned to resume active connection with the Rossia Insurance Company, and that he has won victories in business just as he did on the western front is shown in the fact that he has been advanced to the position of assistant secretary. He has spent his entire business life with this corporation, ranking as an efficient employe and capable official. He is also assistant secretary of the American Reserve Insurance Company and secretary-treas- urer of the Transatlantic Securities Company.

On the 2d of September, 1911, Captain McDermott was married to Miss Sarah C. Buchanan, of Port Kent, New York, and they have two children: Betty, born July 13, 1912; and Thomas B., Jr., born April 25, 1916. The Captain is a member of the Wethersfield Country Club and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is treasurer of the Hartford Chapter of the Military Order of the World War. He is now signal sergeant on the non-commissioned staff of the First Company of the Governor's Foot Guard and is a well known and popular representative of Connecti- cut's military activities.

EDWIN RUSSELL CURRAN, M. D.

Dr. Edwin Russell Curran, actively engaged in medical practice in New Britain, is making steady progress and already has attained a creditable place among the younger representatives of the profession in Hartford county. He was born March 21, 1896, in the city where he still resides, his parents being John E. and Margaret E. (Tierney) Curran. As a lad of six he entered the local schools and when he had passed through consecutive grades and mastered the work of the high school he entered the University of Vermont, there pursuing his studies as a member of the

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class of 1918. He next became a student in Dartmouth College, completing his course with the class of 1921, after which he matriculated in the Jefferson Medical College and won his professional degree at his graduation in 1924. His first practical training came to him through service as interne in the Philadelphia Hospital in 1925 and thereby he gained the valuable knowledge that can never be acquired as quickly in any other way as in general hospital practice. Coming to New Britain in the same year, he opened his office and has since devoted his attention to the duties that have devolved upon him as his practice has steadily grown through the passing years.

On the 8th of September, 1924, Dr. Curran was married in Philadelphia to Miss Cleona Bonsrille and they have one child, Edwin Bonsrille.

Dr. Curran is numbered among the World war veterans, having served in the One Hundred and Fourth Infantry of the Yankee division. He enlisted August 23, 1917, sailed for France on the 23rd of October following and was on active duty at Chemin des Dames, at Toul, Chateau Thierry and St. Mihiel and also in the hotly contested engagement at Verdun. He is now concentrating his efforts and attention upon his professional duties and his progress is promoted through the ability and knowledge which he acquires as a member of the New Britain, Hartford County, Connecticut State and American Medical Associations.

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F. ERNEST WATKINS

The history of Hartford county's development is closely interwoven with the life record of F. Ernest Watkins, a pioneer merchant, who is widely and favorably known as president of the firm of Watkins Brothers, Inc., dealers in pianos and furniture. For fifty-four years he has engaged in this business, which was started with little capital but boundless enthusiasm, and has become one of the greatest organizations of the kind in this part of the country. Its splendid establishments in Manchester and Hartford are indisputable proof of whole-hearted public appreciation as the result of earnest endeavor and traditional fairness.

Mr. Watkins was born in Eastford, Connecticut, January 12, 1857, a son of L. Bruce and Loraine B. (Converse) Watkins, also natives of this state. Both were of colonial ancestry and the father was a descendant of Jedediah Watkins, who aided in spreading the Lexington alarm on the 15th of April in 1775. The old records also show that he served from June, 1776, until December 25 of that year under Captain Reuben Marcy, who commanded the Fourth Company, organized in Windham county and attached to the Sixth Battalion. In the maternal line F. Ernest Watkins is descended from Benjamin Converse, who also served in the Revolutionary war, and the records in the treasury department state that he received a pension of twenty-six dollars and sixty-six cents per month for seven years. In 1868 L. Bruce Watkins settled in Manchester, where he spent the remainder of his life, devoting his attention to the sash and blind business.

In 1872, when a youth of fifteen, F. Ernest Watkins was graduated from the high school at Southbridge, Massachusetts, and for a year thereafter taught the old South school. He then returned to Manchester and in 1874 embarked in business, forming a partnership with Clarence G. Watkins, an older brother, and took over the furniture department of the general store of William H. Cheney, located at Main and Charter Oak streets. Watkins Brothers occupied the entire second story of the building, around which the life of the town was centered, and paid Mr. Cheney the sum of six thousand dollars for his stock, fixtures and goodwill. At first they did all of the work themselves but in a short time it became necessary to have additional help. This was the first retail establishment in the town to install an elevator and the innovation drew hundreds of persons to the store on the opening day.

The first piano sold by Watkins Brothers was in 1890 and this department of the business soon began to expand. In 1905 the business of Woods & McCann on Asylum street, Hartford, was purchased and a little later the Victor Talking Machine agency was secured from Ludlow, Barker and Company. In 1912 Watkins Brothers obtained the Steinway agency for central Connecticut and purchased the entire holdings of William Wander and Sons, including the splendid fireproof building at No. 241 Asylum street, and its president, Emil Wander, became vice president of the firm of Watkins Brothers, Inc. They also handle the Steinway Duo-Art, and are exclusive representa-

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F. CE Markmo

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tives for the Henry F. Miller, Becker Brothers, W. P. Haines and Bradbury pianos. In 1919 work was started on the firm's new building in Manchester. It was opened for business November 15, 1920, and is classed with the finest furniture and music stores in the United States. The simple dignity of the building itself, the beauty of the interior displays, were the subject of conversation for days and weeks afterwards. The center of attention was the completely furnished cottage and this feature has not ceased to attract daily visitors from all over New England. During the opening week the firm was showered with congratulations. The center aisle of the first floor was filled with beautiful flowers, sent by manufacturers and local business men and friends. There were concerts by famous Victor artists, souvenirs of silver for the old customers, and every one was made to feel that it was their store. It has been stated by more than one prominent manufacturer and trade paper that Watkins Brothers dispose of more high-grade furniture than any store in the country, situated in a town the size of Manchester. Certain it is that by continually showing better designs and better built furniture they have developed a demand for house furnishings of good taste which does not exist in most communities. The music business has kept pace with the furniture department and the record of the firm is one of continuous advancement. One of the striking features of this institution is its perennial youth. Rich with the wisdom of years, it clings fast to that which is wholesome and worthy while pressing onward to better ways and higher standards. On Wednesday, October 8, 1924, the firm observed its fiftieth anniversary, a notable event in its history, and during the jubilee celebration attractive silver sugar shells in triple plate were presented to each purchaser of goods worth one dollar or more, and on that day sales amounted to fifty-seven thousand dollars.

Clarence G. Watkins, senior member of the firm, died in 1915. Perhaps no citizen of Manchester was ever more universally beloved and respected. During his life he received nearly every honor within the gift of his townsmen. For ten years he was first selectman of the town and during that period it was his duty to inspect the roads, look after the poor, secure loans and keep the books. This work took considerable time from his business and also proved injurious to his health. When the Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1911, Mr. Watkins was elected its first president and demon- strated that he was the right man for. the office. He was one of the first and strongest advocates of a local bank and subsequently became the first president of the Manchester Trust Company, acting in that capacity until his death. At one time he represented Manchester in the Connecticut general assembly and did good work as a legislator. He manifested a keen interest in the activities of the American Red Cross and was the founder of the Manchester Chapter of that society.

F. Ernest Watkins, the executive head of the firm, took charge of the Hartford store in 1905 and since that date has spent much of his time in this city. His mechani- cal skill and ingenuity are supplemented by broad vision and unerring judgment, and that he is an executive of exceptional capacity is shown by the remarkable success of the business which he controls. Like his brother, he strongly advocated the estab- lishment of a substantial financial institution in Manchester and later aided in found- ing the Savings Bank of Manchester, of which he was one of the original directors. He was also a prime mover in the organization of the South Manchester fire depart- ment and acted as its secretary for twenty years.

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History of Hartford County, Connecticut, 1633-1928. Volume III, Part 108

Author: Burpee, Charles W. (Charles Winslow), b. 1859 Publication date: 1928 Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Number of Pages: 1390

Author: Burpee, Charles W. (Charles Winslow), b. 1859
Publication date: 1928
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke
Number of Pages: 1390