USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > History of Hartford County, Connecticut, 1633-1928. Volume III > Part 118
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Augustine Lonergan attended the schools of Rockville and Bridgeport and de- voted his evening hours to further study while employed during the day. It was his ambition to become a member of the bar and he utilized every opportunity that would lead to the fulfillment of his purpose, pursuing a course in the Yale Law School that gained him his LL. B. degree at his graduation in 1902. Both prior to and after his admission to the Connecticut bar he was associated with the prominent law firm of Perkins & Perkins and gained valuable experience during the three years spent in that employ. He then opened an office and with the exception of the period of his congressional work he has been continuously engaged in practice in Hartford, where he has made rapid advancement, preparing his cases with great thoroughness and skill, his devotion to his clients' interests being proverbial, yet he never forgets that he owes a still higher allegiance to the majesty of the law. For many years his practice has been of a most important character, connecting him with the work of the state and federal courts and of the United States supreme court, and such is his high professional standing that he is numbered among the honored members of the Hartford Bar Association, the Connecticut State Bar Association and the American Bar Association.
Aside from his law practice his activity has chiefly been directed in the field of politics as a firm supporter of democratic principles. In 1910 he was the nominee of his party in the first Connecticut congressional district, then composed of Hartford and Tolland counties, but was defeated by E. Stevens Henry. Two years afterward, however, he was elected to that office notwithstanding Hartford county went repub- lican. In 1914 he was again the defeated candidate and in 1916 again the successful candidate, and in the latter year he was given a record-breaking majority. He was elected to congress for a third term in 1918 and was the democratic nominee for the United States senate in 1920. He was chosen chairman in Connecticut of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation and a member of the advisory committee to make provision for the establishment of the metropolitan district comprising Hartford and several surrounding towns. His congressional record reflects credit and honor upon the state which sent him to the national legislative halls, for on the three occasions of his election he took his seat in congress with high purpose to advance to the extent of his power the interests and welfare of the nation. He did important committee work and stood loyally at all times for those interests which he believed
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to be of vital worth to the country. Hartford, too, has benefitted by his services in municipal affairs. He was a member of the city plan commission and also was assistant corporation counsel. He was made a member of the dedication committee of the municipal building and he served as a director of the Chamber of Commerce. What he undertakes he accomplishes and his plans are always well defined and promptly executed. Public opinion accords him a prominent position in the ranks of the most able and successful lawyers of Hartford, while public records attest his valuable work for community, commonwealth and country.
At Washington, D. C., on the 29th of October, 1921, Mr. Lonergan was united in marriage to Lucy Waters, daughter of Dr. Charles H. and Ella (Yates) Waters. They are the parents of four children: Ruth Ellen, Lucy Waters, Ann Yates and Mary Lee. The family residence is at 48 Forest street in Hartford.
PHILIP J. SMITH
Philip J. Smith is at the head of the oldest monumental firm in Hartford county, conducting a substantial business in New Britain under the name of T. C. Smith Sons. He is a son of T. C. Smith, who was born in New Haven, Connecticut, and came to New Britain about 1865. In 1885 T. C. Smith began the manufacture of monuments and tombstones and the company has been operating continuously through- out the intervening period of forty-three years. In 1921, at the time of the father's death, the business was taken over by three sons-Thomas C., Philip J. and Edward J. Smith-and has since been carried on under a partnership connection. The father began operating on a small scale and the business has grown to many times the original size, although it is still conducted on the same site where the father made his first monument. He erected the present building in 1885 and with the passing years the superior workmanship shown in connection with the monuments turned out by the firm and the reliable business methods of the partners have brought to the establishment a very extensive and gratifying patronage.
The father, T. C. Smith, was a supporter of the democratic party and for three terms served as alderman, taking a helpful interest in promoting the civic welfare of the community. He ranked high as a citizen and his sterling worth of character commended him to the confidence and good will of all who knew him. His religious faith was indicated in his connection with St. Mary's Catholic church. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Collins and they had a family of seven sons and two daughters, of whom James is engaged in the steamfitting business, while the others are active in different lines outside the city save the brothers who are carrying on the business which was established by the father.
Of these Thomas C. Smith was born in 1884, Philip J. in 1887 and Edward in 1899. Taking over the business which the father had organized and placed upon a substan- tial basis, they have carried it forward and their labors have been largely resultant. Today their handiwork is seen in cemeteries throughout Hartford county and their high standards are manifest in artistic designs and finished products. In addition to the manufacture of monuments they have been handling coal since July, 1926, selling to the retail trade, with coal yards at 1193 East street, and something of the con- tinuous growth of their patronage in this connection is shown by the fact that they operate three trucks. The brothers have adhered to the religious faith of the parents and are identified with St. Mary's church.
Philip J. Smith is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and of the Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks. His political allegiance has always been given to the democratic party and his brothers are likewise advocates of the same political teaching. Philip J. is a member of the civil service commission of New Britain and of the civic meeting board, Thomas C. having also served on this board. Thomas C. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Mary M. Murphy and they haev become par- ents of five children, the family home being maintained in Hartford.
The family has been well represented in the military activities of the country. William J., Francis A., Edward J. and Philip J. all served in the World war, Wil- liam J. and Philip J. having been connected with the infantry branch of the army, the latter serving overseas in the Forty-seventh or Rainbow Division, while William J. was instructor in numerous camps. Francis A. and Edward J. were in the ord-
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nance department and all faithfully served their country in the posts to which they were assigned, doing all in their power to further the interests for which the country entered the world strife. Philip, Edward and William Smith are all members of Eddy Glover Post of the American Legion and in matters of citizenship they stand for progress and development, while in business they have steadily advanced until their position is a creditable one and their success most gratifying.
GEORGE G. McCLUNIE
George G. McClunie, a prominent florist of Hartford, has devoted his life to this business, in which members of the family have been engaged successfully for more than a century, becoming known throughout New England owing to their activities in this connection. The father, Thomas B. McClunie, was born in Thorn Hill, Dum- friesshire, Scotland, and his higher education was acquired in Edinburgh University, in which Thomas Carlyle, the noted historian, and William Meggett, of Wethersfield, Connecticut, were also students, When a young man of twenty-one he left Scotland and was chief engineer on the Panama Canal when it was owned by the French. The work was retarded by the lack of proper sanitary measures and many of his men died of yellow fever. During the Civil war he enlisted in the Rhode Island Seventh Infantry and owing to his bravery was made first sergeant of his company. Among the notable engagements in which he participated were the battles of Gettysburg and the Wilderness and he was thrice wounded in action. Afterward he embarked in business as a florist and landscape gardener and built the first range of greenhouses in New England. He owned the property where the Whiting greenhouses are now located and also was the proprietor of the old City Gardens. To Mr. McClunie was intrusted the task of laying out Bushnell, Elizabeth and Charter Oak parks and the grounds surrounding the state capitol of Connecticut, and he also had charge of the work of designing and beautifying the grounds of the late Senator Dixon's home, the trees being hauled by ox team from Farmington. He married Ann Elizabeth McElroy, a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and they were the parents of four sons and three daughters, namely: Joseph Alexander, Thomas R., Gaius William and George G. McClunie; Mrs. Fred C. Burnham, of Hampton, Connecticut; Mrs. Charles E. Day, who resides in Hadlyme, this state; and Miss Helen McClunie, a teacher at the New Park Avenue school in Hartford.
Joseph Alexander McClunie, the eldest son, was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in October, 1853, and for a time was associated with his father, later opening a flower shop in Hartford in partnership with G. William McClunie. Joseph A. McClunie was also a landscape gardener of note and planned the Stafford Springs cemetery, likewise designing the grounds of the Woods estate in Simsbury. He made the floral arches for battle flag day, September 17, 1879, and afterward organized the Hartford Decorating Company. In that venture he was associated with his brother Thomas and as the years passed the business assumed extensive proportions. They used flags, bunting, silk and satin for decorating purposes and were recognized as artists in that line of work. The firm decorated the state capitol for Senator Platt's anni- versary, the White House in Washington for an inaugural ball, and was called upon to perform work of that character in many parts of the country.
G. William McClunie was born in Pittsfield, July 17, 1855, obtained his first knowledge of floriculture under the direction of his father, and was engaged in that business in Hartford for fifty-three years. The shop was at No. 80 Church street. In partnership with his brother, the late Joseph A. McClunie, he opened a floral establishment at No. 224 Asylum street, Hartford, in 1875 and later they were joined by Thomas R. McClunie. Success attended the undertaking and as a result of their combined efforts this became recognized as the city's leading firm of florists. For fifty-three years G. William McClunie engaged continuously in the business and at his death in 1928, at the age of seventy-three, was the dean of New England florists. He passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. E. M. Crampton, of No. 692 Broadview terrace, who has two children, Lois and Richard Crampton. Mr. McClunie was a member of Charter Oak Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and would have completed his fiftieth year in that organization had he lived
GEORGE G. McCLUNIE
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until December. He also belonged to the Hartford Lodge of Elks and was a veteran of the First Company of the Governor's Foot Guard.
George G. McClunie, the surviving brother, was born in New London, Connecti- cut, September 17, 1869, and was but six months old when his parents settled in Hartford. His education was acquired in the public schools of the city and at an early age he began to prepare for his chosen vocation, working for his brothers for a number of years. Inheriting a special aptitude for floricultural pursuits, he readily mastered the details of the work and in 1893 began his independent career. For thirty-five years he has successfully conducted the business, which is located at No. 185 Main street and is regarded as the finest floral shop in Hartford. His green- houses are filled with beautiful plants and flowers and occupy a large space. The work is conducted on a scientific basis and the business is managed with system and efficiency.
On the 30th of June, 1897, Mr. McClunie was united in marriage to Miss Annie S. Callender, of Berlin, Connecticut, and their attractive and hospitable home in Hartford has long been a center of the city's social life. Mr. McClunie served in the Hartford City Guard and joined the First Company of the Governor's Foot Guard, holding the rank of sergeant major. He belongs to Hartford Camp, No. 50, of the Sons of Union Veterans; Clan Gordon of the O. C. S .; Summit Lodge, No. 45, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and Khoram Sanctorum, No. 95, of the M. O. S., of which he is a trustee. In matters of citizenship he is loyal and public-spirited and champions every movement for Hartford's growth and betterment. Mr. McClunie has established an enviable reputation as a business man and his record reflects credit and honor upon the family.
FRANCIS G. WAY
A man of well balanced capacities and powers, Francis G. Way has become an outstanding figure in manufacturing circles of East Glastonbury and is also active in civic affairs. A native of Connecticut, he was born in New London in 1879, a son of James A. and Mary Alice Way. The father was a prosperous agriculturist and for a number of years lived retired in East Lyme. He was an adherent of the democratic party and a man of prominence in his community. He died in 1915 and his wife passed away in 1921.
In the acquirement of an education Francis G. Way attended the public schools of East Lyme and New London and completed his studies in the law school of Yale University. He was admitted to the bar in 1904 and practiced for two years in New London. In 1906 he became connected with the Angus Park Manufacturing Company, which purchased the business of the Crosby Manufacturing Company and was incor- porated at that time. The plant was enlarged and most of the old equipment has been replaced by new machinery. The company manufactures fine woolen cloth, selling through commission houses, and is nationally known. The Airlie Mills at Hanover, Connecticut, and the Assawaga Mills at Dayville, this state, are all under the same management and this is classed with the largest industries of the kind in the United States. Mr. Way was secretary of the corporation for about eleven years and since 1917 has been its president. That he is a business man of rare acumen and an executive of superior ability is indicated by the scope and importance of the industry and he also has financial interests, serving on the directorate of the Glastonbury Bank & Trust Company.
In 1906 Mr. Way married Miss Margaret Park, a daughter of Angus Park, and they have become the parents of three children: Elizabeth Eadie, aged eighteen, a student at Connecticut College in New London; Frances G., who is thirteen years of age and a sophomore in high school; and Angus Park, aged ten years.
Mr. and Mrs. Way are members of the East Glastonbury Methodist Episcopal church and he is chairman of its board of trustees. A strong republican, he exerts considerable influence in local politics and his public spirit is expressed by service on the Glastonbury board of finance. He belongs to the Home Guard and aided his country during the World war by manufacturing material for the government in his plants. Mr. Way is a Knight Templar and Consistory Mason and Shriner, and is a member of the Hartford Rotary Club, the Manchester Country Club and others.
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Genuine, frank and unassuming, he cares nothing for the artificialities of life, and is broad in his views, progressive in his standards and holds to high ideals-a fine type of the modern business man.
EDWARD P. DUNNE, M. D.
Dr. Edward P. Dunne, engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Union- ville, was born in Collinsville, Connecticut, in 1888 and is a son of Patrick and Mar- garet (McNamara) Dunne. The father, a farmer by occupation, was a representa- tive of one of the oldest families of Hartford county.
Having acquired his early education in the schools of Collinsville, Edward P. Dunne afterward attended St. Thomas Seminary of Hartford and Holy Cross College at Worcester, Massachusetts, where he was graduated in 1912, the Bachelor of Arts degree being conferred upon him. He next matriculated in the University of Mary- land and won his professional degree upon graduation from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1916. He next put his theoretical knowledge to the practical test by serving as interne in St. Agnes Hospital until the 1st of October, 1917, when he came to Unionville, opened an office and entered upon the private practice of his chosen profession. Here he has since remained and has won an excellent general practice, in addition to which he does some minor surgery. He keeps in touch with the advanced thought and methods of the profession through wide reading and observa- tion and his labors have brought about excellent results in the sickroom. He has served on the medical examining board at Plainville and also as medical examiner of the prblic schools of Unionville and he belongs to the Hartford County Medical Association and the American Medical Association.
In 1917 Dr. Dunne was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Sudsburg, who was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and they are now parents of five children: Ann and Patricia, who are attending school in Unionville; Mary; Edward; and Betty. Dr. Dunne is identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Catholic Order of Foresters and he holds membership in St. Mary's Catholic church. He also belongs to the Chamber of Commerce of Unionville and to the Avon Country Club, but no outside activities or interests are allowed to interfere with the faithful per- formance of his duty in the line of his chosen life work. He is rendering effective service in connection with several of the hospitals of Hartford county and at all times he is most careful in diagnosis and in the application of remedial agencies whereby health and strength are restored.
THOMAS J. SPELLACY
Thomas J. Spellacy, who has risen to leadership in democratic circles in Connecti- cut and who as an attorney has made for himself a creditable name and place at the Hartford bar, is now devoting his time and energies to those professional and political interests which he deems of greatest moment, and that his labors are far-reaching and resultant has been manifest in many events which have left their impress upon the history of the state.
A native son of Hartford, Mr. Spellacy was born March 6, 1880, his parents being James and Catherine (Bourke) Spellacy. The father served as assessor of Hartford as early as 1869 and his sons have inherited his interest in vital political situations, one of them, John F. Spellacy, having served as chairman of the democratic committee in the old fifth ward, while another son, Frank P. Spellacy, represented that ward in the city council.
Along the same line a third son, Thomas J. Spellacy, has directed his interests and attention, but that has been since he has reached adult age and had had some experience at the bar. His early education was acquired in the public schools, including a high school, and in a private school conducted by Miss Burbank, and he always recounts with great pride as a reminiscence of his boyhood days that he conducted a successful campaign through a high school paper to do away with white walls in the schoolhouse, causing the walls to be tinted. Enthused with the idea, he approached the
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late Charles Noel Flagg, an artist, with the request that he would write an article favoring tinted walls, for the school paper, under the head of "Timely Suggestions." The article appeared and was followed by editorial comment from the pen of Mr. Spellacy, who gave various practical reasons for the change being made. Even the boy himself did not know how far-reaching were his efforts, for his suggestion was taken up by the Courant and carried on by other newspapers until it became a nation- wide movement. After he had mastered the elementary branches of learning he at- tended the Holy Cross College in Worcester, Massachusetts. In his youthful days he was ambitious to enter the journalistic field and at intervals worked on the Hartford Telegram. He also acted as correspondent for other newspapers, and though the pro- fession was then largely underpaid, through the establishment of these connections he succeeded in winning a salary of from thirty-five to sixty dollars a week. It was largely his mother's influence that turned him to the profession of law and he attended the Georgetown Law School, from which he was graduated in 1901. He then returned to newspaper work in Hartford, however, but with the intention of marrying and " establishing a home of his own and with the belief that law practice would bring him better financial returns to support that home, he took the bar examination in 1902, was admitted to practice in January, 1903, and began professional work in earnest. His record as a lawyer has been characterized by a masterful grasp of the problems presented for solution, by careful preparation of his cases and by marked fidelity to the interests of his clients.
This was particularly manifest when one of his clients, an employe of the Standard Oil Company, was convicted of selling illuminating oil below test and under an old law passed in 1860 was sentenced to forty days in the county jail. Mr. Spellacy believed this was an unfair verdict, as his client was only the agent of the Standard Oil Company and had nothing to do with the quality of the oil which he sold, but the sentence was mandatory and therefore he knew relief could only be obtained by having the law changed. To gain time he took an appeal to the supreme court of errors, and then without wasting time in trying to influence legislators, he became a candidate for the state senate from his district and won the election. Then he sought to bring about a change and in January, 1907, the first act passed by the legislature was an act whereby a judge might suspend execution of a sentence on a person convicted and place him on probation. It was thus that Mr. Spellacy's political career was launched and from that time to the present he has never ceased to be a prominent and influential factor in the democratic party and a leader in shaping the political history of the state. He labored untiringly to secure the passage of the workmen's compensation law, which in due time was placed on the statute books of the commonwealth. In 1912 he received the democratic nomination for mayor of Hartford but was defeated, and after being named an alternate to the democratic national convention in Baltimore he attended as a delegate-at-large, as his superior, W. O. Burr, was unable to attend. He has been chairman of the democratic town committee and a member of the state central committee and on the 30th of June, 1915, he received a recess appointment to the office of United States district attorney from President Wilson and was regularly appointed January 11, 1916. He was a great admirer and warm champion of President Wilson, whom he first met at a quiet little dinner in New York in 1910, on which occasion it was proposed that Mr. Spellacy perfect an organization among the young men in Connecticut and so bring out the party strength by securing their cooperation. He relates that some years later he was on the steamship on which the president and Mrs. Wilson were returning from their first trip to France after the war. Daily or oftener he inquired concerning Mrs. Spellacy, who was in poor health, and tendered the services of his personal physician, Rear Admiral Grayson. Moreover, when he inquired concerning why the deck on which the presidential party was quartered was not generally used and learned that it had been reserved for him, he gave orders to have it opened to everybody on the boat, including four thousand soldiers returning from the war. As district attorney during the war, Mr. Spellacy headed a huge organization to prevent sabotage in the state. At that time Connecticut was manu- facturing fifty-five per cent of the small arms made in this country, and as nearly every factory was a government arsenal, it was vital that the government should exercise the strictest supervision in preventing sabotage. By coordinating the work of various branches of the government intelligence and protective departments Mr. Spellacy carried out the purpose intended and there were no disasters in the state of Connecticut through the period of his incumbency in office and there was but one strike during that time, this being at Bridgeport, where it was settled within twenty-four
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