History of Hartford County, Connecticut, 1633-1928. Volume III, Part 14

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 14

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On the 1st of May, 1907, Mr. Campbell was married to Miss Marion Judith Moulton, of Hartford, a daughter of Frank P. and Rachel (White) Moulton, and their children are: James Howard Moulton, born February 6, 1908; Judith, born in October, 1910; Malcolm Griswold, born in March, 1912; and Esther, in October, 1914. Mrs. Campbell is descended from Revolutionary war ancestry and is now filling the office of regent of Ruth Wyllys Chapter, D. A. R. Mr. Campbell is well known in Masonic circles, having membership in Saint John's Lodge, F. & A. M .; Pythagoras Chapter, R. A. M .; Washington Commandery, K. T .; the Scottish Rite consistory and Sphinx Temple of the Mystic Shrine. In his college days he became identified with the Phi Gamma Delta. Along strictly social lines he has connection with the Hartford, Farmington Country, Hartford Golf, University, Yacht, Automobile, Rotary and City Clubs. His religious belief is that of the Congregational church and his political faith is evi- denced in the fact that he is a member of the Republican Club. He has always been keenly interested in politics and has done effective work for the city during four terms' service in the common council. He was formerly a member of the street commission and chairman of the republican town committee as well as a member of the state central committee. He was a corporal in the State Guard and during the World war period he was most active in promoting the Liberty loans and in performing other war-time service. He has always endorsed and upheld the highest ideals of citizen- ship, while his financial career has been the expression of business integrity and honor as well as of enterprise. He is strong, forceful and resourceful and he has accomplished much not only in the upbuilding of his own fortunes but also for the benefit of city and state.

FRANK SHUBEL MERRILL

Well known through his activities in legislative and civic affairs, Frank Shubel Merrill is doing equally good work as postmaster of Bristol, and also has to his credit a fine military record. A son of John L. and Ellen L. (Belden) Merrill, he was born April 12, 1879, and is a native of this city. His education was acquired in its public schools and his first money was earned in the Ingraham clock factory at Bristol. There he worked for six years and during four years of that time was foreman.

On May 18, 1900, Mr. Merrill joined the national guard, becoming a private of Company D, First Connecticut Infantry, and on May 16, 1902, was made a corporal. Rapidly advancing he became a sergeant on April 21, 1903, a second lieutenant on May 23, 1904, and on September 30 of the latter year won a captain's commission. His name was placed on the retired list October 17, 1910, and on May 20, 1912, he was again detailed as captain of the same outfit. On August 2, 1912, he reverted to the rank of first lieutenant and was retired October 27 of the same year. As captain he took charge of his original command January 2, 1914, and on June 16, 1914, was mustered into the federal service. At the time of the border uprising he was sent

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to Mexico and soon after the United States entered the World war he was detailed to the railroad guard at Ansonia, Derby, Shelton and Waterbury, Connecticut. In November, 1917, he was ordered to Camp Greene at Charlotte, North Carolina, and in February, 1918, was transferred to Camp Wadsworth, South Carolina. He was honorably discharged from the federal service in January, 1919, and on February 4, 1919, was retired as a captain of the Connecticut National Guard.

In March, 1905, Mr. Merrill had become connected with the Singer Sewing Machine Company, with which he remained for nine months, and spent the following year with the Hartman-Cooley Company. For two years thereafter he was asso- ciated with the New Departure Corporation and in May, 1908, accepted a position with the Clayton Brothers Manufacturing Company. In June, 1916, he severed his relations with the firm and after the termination of his military service returned to Bristol. On December 10, 1924, he reentered the employ of the New Departure Cor- poration and left their service in January, 1925, to become postmaster of Bristol. He meets every requirement of the office and his work has been highly satisfactory.

Mr. Merrill was married November 23, 1906, to Miss Florence Hosford, and they have become the parents of a son, Lewis, who was born May 17, 1907. Mr. Merrill's fraternal affiliations are with the Royal Arcanum, the Franklyn Lodge of Masons, Stephen Terry Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the American Legion, of which he is a past commander. In politics he is a strong republican and in 1920 became one of the councilmen of Bristol, acting in that capacity until 1923. In 1920 he was made committeeman of school district No. 2, and has been chairman of the playground commission. During 1922-23 he represented his district in the state legislature, rendering public service of value in each of these connections. He is a director of the Chamber of Commerce and his connection with the volunteer fire department covers twenty years. He belongs to the New Departure Club of Good Fellows and the Bristol Club. The principles of truth and honor have constituted Mr. Merrill's guide throughout life and his worth as a man and a citizen is uniformly acknowledged.

WILLIAM BROSMITH

There are few men who can speak with such absolute authority upon insurance matters as can William Brosmith, who is the general counsel and vice president of the Travelers Insurance Company of Hartford. He has occupied the former position for twenty-seven years and on the 16th of February, 1924, was called to the office of second chief executive. He came to Hartford in 1895, previous to which time he had made his home in New York city, where he was born in 1854. He was a young man of only twenty-one years when after thorough preparation he was admitted to the bar in the Empire state. He at once entered upon the general practice of law but soon concentrated his efforts and attention upon corporation and insurance law, which constituted the initial step in his climb to the high position which he now occupies as an insurance executive. With his removal to Hartford a third of a century ago he became legal representative of the Travelers Insurance Company and about that time was admitted to the Hartford county bar. His ability won him promotion after six years to the position of general counsel of the corporation as the successor of Sylvester C. Dunham, who was elected vice president and ultimately became president of the company. There are few phases of insurance with which Mr. Brosmith is not thoroughly familiar and his opinions concerning legal status or processes are widely accepted as authority. Moreover, he has been largely instru- mental in securing wise legis ation affecting insurance and in standardizing its statutory regulations. He has been chosen to the presidency of the Association of Life Insurance Counsel and is manager of the Bureau of Publicity, Casualty Insur- ance. In 1906 he filled the office of president of the International Association of Accident Underwriters and subsequently was president of the International Associ- ation of Casualty and Surety Underwriters. He has served on the executive com- mittees of these organizations and also on the Board of Casualty and Surety Under- writers. His name is a familiar one in insurance circles throughout the country and the utmost attention is paid to his opinions concerning vital questions, for these opinions are always based upon a comprehensive understanding arising from close

WILLIAM BROSMITH

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and discriminating study of every insurance problem. He has continued his associ- ation with his brethren of the legal fraternity through his membership in the Hart- ford Bar Association, the State Bar Association of Connecticut and the New York and American Bar Associations. He is a member of the board of The Travelers. Indemnity Company and The Travelers Fire Insurance Company, and in banking circles his name is known through his connection with the directorate of the Travel- ers Bank & Trust Company and the Dime Savings Bank.

In 1879 Mr. Brosmith was united in marriage to Miss Hannah A. McBride, who passed away March 13, 1913. Their eldest son, 'Allan E., is attorney for the Travel- ers Insurance Company of Hartford. The others of the family are: Amy M .; Arthur W., inspector of the board of water commissioners of Hartford; Mary, an Ursuline Sister, teaching in the College of New Rochelle; and Dorothy E., the wife of William J. McEvoy, associate manager in New York city in the Liability De- partment.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and Mr. Bro- smith has rendered valuable service as a trustee and counsel of St. Francis' Hospital and St. Joseph's Cathedral and also for various other diocese corporations. He has also given valuable aid to his city through nine years' service on the board of char- ity commissioners and during six years of that period was president of the board. He likewise served on the municipal building commission which had charge of the erection of the Municipal building, of which Hartford has every reason to be proud. His public service also has covered membership on the commission of public welfare of the state of Connecticut and on the state civil service commission. In his hours of leisure he turns for recreation to the Hartford, the Hartford Golf and the Country Clubs and his associates entertain for him a warm personal regard that has its root in his genial, social nature and kindly qualities, while his ability in the fields of law and insurance has gained for him the admiration and high respect of his profes- sional colleagues and contemporaries.

HARRISON B. FREEMAN

Harrison B. Freeman, attorney at law with offices at 50 State street and resi- dence at 176 North Beacon street, Hartford, has been an officer in various corpora- tions, as follows: President of the Northern Connecticut Light & Power Company, 1913-1926; treasurer of the Thompsonville Water Company, July, 1914-1926; receiver of the Hartford & Springfield Street Railway Company since October 1, 1918; secre- tary of the Connecticut River Company, January 1, 1912-1926; president of the Northern Connecticut Securities Company, 1909-1926.

Mr. Freeman was first married on September 9, 1901, to Alma N. Crowell, who died August 22, 1910. Miss Marguerite Gibson, of Farmington, Connecticut, became his wife on June 26, 1919. He has two sons: Harrison Crowell Freeman, born August 3, 1903; and Horace Hoyt Freeman, born August 12, 1908.

Mr. Freeman is a member of the Hartford Club, the Hartford Golf Club, the Farmington Country Club, the University Club of Hartford, the Yale Club of New York city, the Twentieth Century Club, and is chairman of the Connecticut Dry Alliance. He is a director of the City Bank & Trust Company of Hartford, a director of the Hartford Chamber of Commerce, president and director of the Northern Con- necticut Light & Power Company, treasurer and director of the Thompsonville Water Company, receiver and director of the Hartford & Springfield Street Railway Com- pany, president and director of the Northern Connecticut Securities Company, and secretary and director of the Connecticut River Company.

From 1895 to 1906, Mr. Freeman served as prosecuting attorney of the city of Hartford, while from 1889 until 1891 he was representative from Hartford in the Connecticut legislature. He is a republican in politics and was a member of the republican state central committee from 1901 to 1903. He was director of the Division of War Rallies and head of the Speakers' Bureau for the Connecticut State Council of Defense during the World war. The Division of War Rallies organized and con- ducted over twelve hundred patriotic meetings in Connecticut during the years 1917 and 1918 and organized a Speakers' Bureau with over four hundred men and over one hundred women speakers. Mr. Freeman was also chairman of the committee

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on law enforcement of the Connecticut State Council of Defense during the war. He said: "During the war my time was entirely given up to working for the Connecticut State Council of Defense; was director of the Division of War Rallies for the Council during the war and had charge of organizing and conducting public meetings all over the state of Connecticut and organized and directed the Speakers' Bureau for the Connecticut State Council of Defense during the war, the bureau having over five hundred men and women speakers assisting in its work. In the fall of 1918, I was appointed receiver of the Hartford & Springfield Street Railway Company, an interurban system operating forty-nine miles of electric railway in Connecticut, and I have given most of my time to that and executive work in other corporations in which I am interested since the armistice was declared."

AUSTIN DUNHAM BARNEY

Austin Dunham Barney, enrolled among the members of the Hartford bar since 1922, was born in this city, in the old home of Mark Twain, November 7, 1896, his parents being Danford Newton and Laura (Dunham) Barney, the former a native of Berlin, Connecticut, while the latter was born in the capital city. For a number of years the father resided in the town of Farmington and served as senator from his district, taking an active part in public affairs and exerting a widely felt influence over public thought and action. He still retains his residence at Farmington.

Austin D. Barney pursued his early education in the public schools, afterward attended a preparatory school and then entered Yale University, from which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1918. Upon the broad foundation of literary learning he then builded the superstructure of professional knowledge, continuing at Yale as a law student until he completed his course with the class of 1922. The same year he was admitted to practice at the Hartford bar, where he has since remained, and is now associated with the firm of Day, Berry & Reynolds. Since 1924 he has been attorney for the Hartford Electric Light Company. He is likewise a director of the West Hartford Trust Company and of the Travelers Aid Society.

On the 14th of June, 1924, Mr. Barney was married to Miss Katherine Derr, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and they have two daughters, Harriet and Laura Dunham.

Fraternally Mr. Barney is connected with the Masonic order. There is an inter- esting military chapter in his life record, as he served as a first lieutenant of the Three Hundred and Third Field Artillery, One Hundred and Fifty-first Brigade, with which he went overseas. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and he served as judge of the police court of Farmington for three years, while for four years he filled the office of first selectman.

GEORGE STANLEY STEVENSON

Various important corporate interests profit by the cooperation of George Stanley Stevenson, whose keen insight and undaunted enterprise have ever made for success. He is now a partner in the firm of Thomson, Fenn & Company, investment brokers, and his name is also found on the directorate roll of various corporations which contribute to the business activity and financial standing of Hartford. His entire life has been passed in New England, his birth having occurred in Clinton, Maine, July 9, 1881 .. He is a son of George Stanley and Eunice Elizabeth (Whitten) Steven- son, of Clinton, and when he had completed his elementary education he became a student in the Coburn Classical Institute at Waterville, Maine, while in 1903 he was graduated from Harvard College with the Bachelor of Arts degree and the following year the Master of Arts degree was conferred upon him. He first became identified with educational interests as instructor in Greek and Latin at Milton Academy of Milton, Massachusetts, with which he was associated from 1903 until 1905. In the latter year he entered upon a seven-year connection with the Coburn Classical Institute as its principal, but opportunities in other fields proved irresistible to him and in 1913 he became connected with the bond department of Lee, Higginson & Company, of Boston. He represented the company in Boston until 1915, when he

(Photograph by The Johnstone Studio)

AUSTIN D. BARNEY

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entered the Hartford office, there remaining until 1921. At that time he became treasurer of the Society for Savings in Hartford and filled the office until 1927, when he became a partner in the investment firm of Thomson, Fenn & Company. His long and comprehensive experience enables him to find ready solution for the intricate problems of finance and in those circles which handle the moneyed interests of the capital city his name is well known. Aside from his partnership connection he is a director of the Hartford Fire Insurance Company, the Hartford Accident & Indem- nity Company, the Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Company and is a director of the Hartford National Bank & Trust Company and of the Bankers Trust Company of Hartford, while of the Society for Savings he is a trustee. He is likewise serving on the directorate of the Old Colony Trust Company of Boston, and is a director of the Miller Company of Meriden and of Arrow-Hart & Hegeman, Inc.

Mr. Stevenson was married on the 24th of June, 1905, to Miss Marjorie Elder, a daughter of Professor William and Caroline (Scammon) Elder, of Colby College. Their only child, Sarah Elder, was born December 29, 1921. Mr. Stevenson has many important interests outside of business and is serving as a trustee of Smith College of Northampton, Massachusetts, and as president of the Hartford Chamber of Commerce, in which connection he is doing much to stimulate activities of the greatest worth to the municipality. His political endorsement has always been given to the republican party and, appreciative of the social amenities of life, he holds membership in the Hartford Club, Hartford Golf Club, Farmington Country Club and in the Dauntless Club of Essex, Connecticut.

ALVAN WALDO HYDE

In the history of the legal fraternity in Hartford mention should be made of Alvan Waldo Hyde, well known member of the bar, practicing as a partner in the firm of Gross, Hyde & Williams, and son of William Waldo Hyde, a distinguished attorney who passed away on the 30th of October, 1915. Alvan W. Hyde was born in Hartford, August 21, 1880, and in his youth he became a public school pupil, so continuing until he left high school and became a Yale student, the university con- ferring upon him the Bachelor of Arts degree at his graduation with the class of 1918. On the 5th of April, 1911, Mr. Hyde married Teresa MacGillivray, of Alexan- the superstructure of professional knowledge, he continued his student days in the Harvard Law School and won the LL. B. degree in 1905.

Mr. Hyde was admitted to the bar the same year and began practice in associa- tion with the firm of Gross, Hyde & Shipman, of which his father was a partner. In 1919 the firm became Gross, Gross & Hyde and six years later, in 1925, the name was changed to Gross, Hyde & Williams. The record of Alvan W. Hyde fully sustains the enviable reputation which has always been associated with the family name in its connection with the bar of the capital. It is characteristic of him that he prepares his cases with great thoroughness, presents his cause with earnestness and his logical deductions always carry weight in determining the ultimate judgment. He has ever held to the highest professional standards and is an honored member of the Hartford County, Connecticut State and American Bar Associations and also of the Bar Association of New York. Outside of strict professional lines his business interests are represented by his service as a director of the Dime Savings Bank of Hartford.

On the 6th of December, 1905, Mr. Hyde was united in marriage to Miss Helen E. Howard, a daughter of Frank L. and Julia (Cutler) Howard, mentioned in connec- tion with the sketch of Colonel James Leland Howard elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Hyde passed away November 9, 1906, survived by twin daughters, Helen Waldo and Elizabeth Howard, who were born October 22, 1906, but the latter died in November, 1918. On the 5th of April, 1911, Mr. Hyde married Teresa MacGillivray, of Alexan- dria, Ontario, and they have two children: Jeanette MacGillivray, born June 13, 1912; and William Waldo II, born February 21, 1914.

Mr. Hyde votes with the democratic party and has been somewhat active in public affairs, serving as police commissioner from 1908 until 1914 through appoint- ment of Mayor Edward B. Hooker. In November, 1927, he became a major of the First Company, Governor's Foot Guard. He is also a trustee of the Connecticut

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State Hospital at Middletown and in his hours of leisure he finds recreation through his connection with the Hartford Club, Hartford Golf Club, Farmington Country Club, Yale Club of New York, University Club of New York and Graduates Club of New Haven.

GEORGE HASKELL BURT

The life history of George Haskell Burt is written in terms of success and, more- over, he deserves the proud American title of self-made man. His progress and advancement are the direct outcome of his industry and perseverance, and with a willingness to do anything that his hand could find to do, he started out in the business world, in which he was destined to attain leadership, prosperity and honor. After long years of connection with banking interests he is the chairman of the board of directors of the Phoenix State Bank & Trust Company in Hartford and is serving as a director of various other important corporations.

His life story had its beginning at Amity, Maine, June 10, 1857, his parents being George and Sarah Foster (Haskell) Burt. He was only a year old at the time of his father's death, after which his mother removed to Hartford, so that his education was pursued in the public schools of this city, but he did not have the opportunity of completing a high school course, for at an early age necessity made it imperative that he provide for his own support. He scorned no honest employment and step by step advanced in positions that brought him broader opportunity as well as more desirable remuneration. He was a youth of twenty when in 1877 he entered into active connection with banking interests as an employe in the private bank of George P. Bissell & Company of Hartford, which in those days had the third largest deposits in this city. With the thoroughness that has ever characterized his work, Mr. Burt mastered the duties that devolved upon him and made it his business to acquaint himself as rapidly as possible with every phase of the banking business. In 1889 he left the private bank to become cashier in the old State Bank of Hartford, and by way of the vice presidency he reached the presidency in 1920 and remained the chief executive officer of the institution until 1926, when the State Bank consolidated with the Phoenix under the name of the Phoenix State Bank & Trust Company, at which time Mr. Burt became chairman of the board of directors and so continues. He is likewise president of the Hartford County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, is a trustee and vice president of the Society for Savings and a director of the Hart & Hegeman Manufacturing Company, the National Fire Insurance Company, the Rossia Insurance Company, the First Re-Insurance Company, and the Eagle Lock Company, being also vice president of the last named. Long since his judgment has come to be recognized as an invaluable factor in the successful management of business interests of importance and he is numbered among the most prominent men in financial and insurance circles in Hartford.

On the 14th of October, 1880, Mr. Burt was married to Miss Mary R. Murdoch, a daughter of Thomas and Jane (Martin) Murdoch, of Middletown, Connecticut, and the other member of their household is a daughter, Bessie M. Mr. Burt has always voted with the republican party. Fraternally he is a Mason and he is a well known member of the Hartford, Hartford Golf and Wampanoag Country Clubs.

HON. CHARLES WINTHROP CRAMER

Judge Charles Winthrop Cramer, a member of the law firm of Schutz, Cramer & Guthrie of Hartford, was born in Portland, Connecticut. He attended Yale Uni- versity and won his LL. B. degree in 1904. At Yale he was president of the Wayland Club and treasurer of the Kent Club. In 1904 he was admitted to the bar and that year also brought him election to the office of judge of the probate court for the district of Chatham, which comprised Portland, Middle Haddam, Cobalt and East Hampton, in Middlesex county, Connecticut. He was president of the Business Men's Association of Portland, Connecticut, and chairman of the high school committee of that town, for several years. He was also town attorney for the towns of Portland

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History of Hartford County, Connecticut, 1633-1928. Volume III, Part 14

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