History of Hartford County, Connecticut, 1633-1928. Volume III, Part 16

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 16

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The youthful days of Carlyle F. Barnes were passed in his native village and in the acquirement of his education he supplemented his public school training by a course of study in the Williston Seminary, from which he was graduated with the class of 1870. He then turned to the business world and made his initial step by securing a clerkship in the store of R. F. Blodgett, of Hartford. Subsequently he devoted four years to office work in the Hartford office of the well known firm of Cheney Brothers and through these experiences gained wide knowledge of modern business methods and formed habits of thoroughness, industry and close application which constituted features in his later successful career. He left the firm of Cheney Brothers to become associated with the Wallace Barnes Company of Bristol, of which his father was manager. His thoroughness and energy gained him promotion until he became treasurer of the company and an active factor in its prosperity. Nor did he confine his efforts to a single field but broadened the scope of his labors by becoming associated with other interests of importance. He was elected to the presidency of the C. J. Root Company, engaged in the manufacture of brass hinges and counters, and he entered the field of finance by becoming vice president of the Bristol Savings Bank, his sound judgment and clear business vision being elements in the profitable control of these two enterprises. His labors were at all times fruit- ful of excellent results and were a source of the city's material growth and develop- ment as well as a source of individual income.

On the 1st of October, 1885, Mr. Barnes was united in marriage with Miss Lena Forbes, a daughter of Samuel W. Forbes, of Forestville, and they became the parents of two sons, Fuller Forbes and Harry Clarke, who became connected with the busi- ness established by their grandfather, the former being now president and the latter

(Photograph by Mehlin)

CARLYLE F. BARNES

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treasurer of the Wallace Barnes Corporation, which is today one of the chief pro- ductive industries of this section.

In his political views Mr. Barnes was always a republican from the time that age conferred upon him the right of franchise, and in 1907 he was elected burgess of the borough of Bristol for a two years' term. Matters of progressive citizenship ever found in him an earnest and effective champion, for his influence was ever on the side of advancement and improvement. He greatly enjoyed outdoor life, being particularly fond of salmon fishing. Fraternally he was a Mason and attained the Knight Templar degree in Washington Commandery. He belonged to the Society of Mayflower Descendants and he had membership in the First Congregational church, its teachings constituting a guiding force in his life, making him a man whom to know was to esteem and honor.

CALEB MILLS SAVILLE

Caleb Mills Saville, a civil engineer of Hartford and recognized as a man of marked professional capability, was born in Melrose, Massachusetts, May 27, 1865, and is a son of George W. W. and Helen (Mills) Saville. His collegiate course was pursued in Harvard Unuiversity, which conferred upon him the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1889, and later he did postgraduate work in the Lawrence Scientific School, so that liberal educational training well qualified him for important professional duties, while experience has constantly augmented his efficiency and gained him wider and wider recognition. In 1895 he became division engineer of the metropolitan water board of Boston and occupied that position for ten consecutive years, after which he became hydraulic specialist with the firm of French & Bryant of Brookline, Massachusetts, so continuing for two years. In 1907 he was made engineer in charge of the third division of the Isthmian canal and from 1907 until 1912 he conducted investigations on the foundations and other work of the Gatun dam, resulting in the construction of the dam at that locality. He likewise made investigations in hydrol- ogy and meteorology on the Panama canal and the triangulation survey of the canal zone. His work there was of a most important character, demanding ability of a high order, and that his service was most valuable is indicated in the fact that his ideas and his labors were embodied in canal construction and proven to be of most practical character. Mr. Saville is now filling the position of manager and chief engineer of the board of water commissioners of Hartford, having in charge the installation of a new water supply plant for Hartford at a cost of about fourteen million dollars and supervising all water department work. His activities involve intricate engineering problems and his labors have been of far-reaching and most beneficial effect. He was appointed a member of the Connecticut state industrial water board, was made a member of the commission on water supply for state institutions and served as a member of the Hartford City Meadows Development Commission. In 1914 he was awarded the Normal medal of the American Society of Civil Engineers and received the Dexter Bracket Memorial medals of the New England Water Works Association in 1917 and in 1927. He is a past president of the New England Water Works Association, is a fellow of the American Public Health Association, a member of the American Water Works Association, of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Boston Society of Civil Engineers and the Harvard Engineering Society, and he is well known as a writer on water supply subjects, his contributions to the literature of the profession being most valuable. He is now consulting editor of Water Works Engineering.

In October, 1891, Mr. Saville was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Thorn- dike, of West Newton, Massachusetts. It is an interesting coincidence that Mr. Saville is a descendant in the ninth generation of John and Priscilla (Mullens) Alden and that Mrs. Saville is a descendant in the ninth generation of Miles Standish. Both the Saville and Thorndike families are of English ancestry, the branches in this country being established principally in Quincy and in Beverly, Massachusetts, respec- tively. Mr. and Mrs. Saville have one son, Thorndike, who is now professor of sanitary and hydraulic engineering in the University of North Carolina and hydraulic engineer of the state geological survey. Mr. Saville is interested in patriotic organi- zations, including the Society of Mayflower Descendants and the Society of Colonial

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Wars, but the major part of his time and attention has been given to his professional activities, wherein he has risen to prominence. He has attempted important things and accomplished what he has attempted, and while success has rewarded his labors, his efforts have at all times been of the greatest value and benefit to his fellowmen.

LUCIUS HANCOCK HOLT

The late Lucius Hancock Holt, son of Alva and Betsy (Kelsey) Holt, was born in Willington, October 1, 1827. The Holt family is of English origin, and Nicholas Holt, who was born in England about the year 1602, sailed from Southampton in April, 1635, on the ship James, which reached Boston the following June. Nicholas Holt became one of the first settlers of Newberry, Massachusetts, and in 1644 aided in founding Andover, Massachusetts, where he died in 1665. Nicholas Holt, son of Nicholas and Elizabeth Holt, was born in Andover in 1647, and in 1679 married Mary Russell. He died in Andover in 1715. Their son, Abiel Holt, who was born in 1698, married Hannah Abbott, and in 1718 they became residents of Windham, Con- necticut, and early members of the church there. Abiel Holt died in 1772. His son James, born in Windham in 1746, was married in 1769 to Esther Orven, and subsequently established his home in Willington, where he died in 1818. The next in the line of direct descent to Lucius H. Holt was Joseph Holt, born in Willington in 1770, while in 1794 he married Betsy Parker, who died in 1814, and he died in 1816. They were parents of Alva Holt, who was born in Willington, August 14, 1801, and died March 30, 1876. Betsy Kelsey, who was born March 19, 1794, and was a daughter of Levi and Sally (Fowler) Kelsey, became his wife February 5, 1823, and died June 2, 1869. After devoting his early manhood to farming, Alva Holt estab- lished a trucking business in Hartford. He was an earnest worker in the temperance cause and frequently lectured on that subject.

At the age of fifteen Lucius Hancock Holt was obliged to leave school in order to aid in the support of his father's family. After selling newspapers three years he began learning the jeweler's trade in Hartford, and followed it until thirty years of age, when he turned his attention to the grain business, in which he was successful from the beginning. To be at the center of the grain trade of the country, he removed to Chicago, but following the great fire there in 1871 he returned to Hartford and for forty years was treasurer of the Billings & Spencer Company, long maintaining a position of distinction in business circles here. He had membership in St. John's Lodge, F. & A. M .; Washington Commandery, K. T .; Connecticut Consistory, A. A. S. R .; and in politics was a lifelong democrat, serving as both councilman and alder- man of Hartford.

Mr. Holt was married September 9, 1849, to Sarah Gwinnell, who was born January 10, 1829, and their daughter, Evelina C., born May 26, 1855, became the wife of Charles E. Billings. Their only son is Fred Park Holt, whose life history is found on another page of this work.

Mr. Holt died in Hartford on the 4th of February, 1911, and though sixteen years have since come and gone, his memory is enshrined in the hearts of all who knew him. He deserved much credit for what he accomplished, as he started out in the business world empty-handed when very young and by force of character and persistent pur- pose, coupled with diligence and a laudable ambition, he steadily advanced until pros- perity was his-a prosperity that was synonymous with an honored name.

FRED PARK HOLT

Fred Park Holt, chairman of the board of directors of the City Bank and Trust Company, his name occupying a high place on the roll of Hartford's distinguished financiers, has been a lifelong resident of this city, having been born here November 8, 1860. Extended mention of his parents, Lucius Hancock and Sarah (Gwinnell) Holt, of Hartford, may be found on another page of this work. The annals of New England make frequent mention of his ancestors, who made valuable contribution to the develop- ment and progress of the country.

C BACHRACH

FRED P. HOLT

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Having attended the public and high schools of his native city, Fred P. Holt went to Kansas in 1878, then a youth of eighteen years, and was connected with the title and abstract business in McPherson until 1893, when he returned to Hartford and entered its business circles with the Hartford Trust Company. His association with that corporation continued until 1902, when he established a real estate business on his own account and engaged in the purchase and sale of property until 1912. In that year he was appointed by Governor Simeon E. Baldwin to the position of building and loan commissioner, but resigned later in the year to accept a proffered appoint- ment as bank commissioner for Connecticut. He continued to serve acceptably in that capacity until February, 1915, when he accepted the broader opportunity offered him in election to the presidency of the City Bank and Trust Company. For seven years he remained the executive head of that institution, wisely and successfully directing its affairs, and was then elected chairman of the board of directors on the 29th of March, 1922, and so continues to the present time, giving out of the rich stores of his wisdom and experience for the benefit of those who are associated with him in the ownership and conduct of this bank. Something of the breadth and scope of his interests is indicated in the fact that he is also the vice president of the Park Street Trust Company and a director of the East Hartford Trust Company.

On the 18th of February, 1880, Mr. Holt was married to Miss Regina Miller Hudson, a daughter of Dr. William Miller and Ellen (Bryan) Hudson, of Hartford. Her father, a distinguished physician of this city, was a Yale graduate of the famous class of 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Holt have a son, Colonel Lucius Hudson Holt, who was born January 16, 1881, and is dean of the United States Military Academy at West Point. He married Katherine Beers, daughter of Professor Henry A. Beers, of Yale, and their two sons are Guy Bryan and Roger Clerc.

Mr. Holt has part in the social life of Hartford as a member of the Hartford Club, and he is furthermore identified with all the Masonic bodies and the Mystic Shrine. His political endorsement since age conferred upon him the right of franchise has been given to the democratic party, and since 1911 he has been treasurer of the democratic state central committee. He has served as alderman and is now a member of the zoning board of Hartford, and when his aid is needed in any field of public service his response is prompt and his labor effective and beneficial. No matter how great the business demands are upon his energies, he always finds time to aid in advancing the public welfare.

THOMAS J. O'BRIEN

Thomas J. O'Brien, widely and favorably known in the business circles of Hart- ford, is now president and treasurer of the Hartford Electric Supply Company at 234 Pearl street. He was born in this city March 24, 1881, his parents being Thomas S. and Mary A. (St. Lawrence) O'Brien, the former a native of Ireland, while the mother was born in Hartford. Thomas S. O'Brien came to Connecticut in his youth and was engaged in the hotel business in the capital city for a number of years but has now passed away.

In the acquirement of his education Thomas J. O'Brien attended St. Peter's school and the high school of Hartford. His initial step in the business world was made as an employe of the Electric Vehicle Company of Hartford, with which he remained for three years, and on the expiration of that period he became associated with the New England Engineering Company, continuing with that concern for fifteen years. He was next with the Electric Supply and Equipment Company and afterward spent three years with the Lewis Electrical Supply Company of Boston, while in January, 1918, he formed his present business organization under the name of the Hartford Electric Supply Company, of which he is president and treasurer. This company has been incorporated and does a wholesale business in electrical appliances and radio apparatus. Its trade is steadily growing and back of its success is the broad business experience and the progressive methods of Mr. O'Brien, who forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution.

On the 9th of November, 1917, Mr. O'Brien was united in marriage to Miss Ethel May West, of Melrose, Massachusetts, and they have three children: Thomas J., nine years of age; Louise P., who is in her eighth year; and Donald S., a lad of six.

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Mr. O'Brien has found little opportunity for active participation in the public life of his community but for three years acceptably filled the office of police commis- sioner. He belongs to the Hartford Lodge of Elks, to the Wethersfield Country Club and the Reciprocity Club and is widely and favorably known through these and other connections, gaining many friends by reason of the worth of his character and the sound qualities he has displayed in his business life.

EDWARD BUCKINGHAM HATCH

In the progressive development of Hartford, Edward Buckingham Hatch played a prominent part by reason of the importance of the manufacturing interests with which he was long closely associated. With the organization of the Johns-Pratt Company he became associated with the enterprise as a clerk and was called to official position in 1893. From that time until his demise he contributed in notable measure to the continued growth and success of the business, but it was not alone in the field of commerce that his fellowmen knew and honored him, for he held closely to all those standards which feature in progressive citizenship and upright manhood.

He was born in Hartford, Connecticut, December 20, 1861, being a direct descend- ant of Nathaniel Hatch, of English birth, who settled at Falmouth, Massachusetts, in 1635. His son, Zephaniah Hatch, who was a sea captain, became the founder of the Connecticut branch of the family, making his home at Guilford. He was the father of Major Timothy Hatch, who while in his teens enlisted for service with the American forces in the Revolutionary war and was taken prisoner at White Plains. He won his military title by service in the Connecticut state militia after American independence was won and in 1804 he established his home in Hartford. The line comes down through Timothy Linus Hatch, Walter S. Hatch and George E. Hatch, a well known merchant of Hartford, who on the 4th of June, 1855, married Laura Stanley Stiles, who passed away March 14, 1870. The ancestral record of the Stiles family is one of equal distinction. John Stiles was born in England and with his wife, Rachel, came to America in 1634, settling in Windsor, Connecticut, when he was forty years of age. The line comes down through John Stiles, who was born in England about 1633 and spent most of his life at Windsor, Connecticut. He married Dorcas Beers and their son, John Stiles, who was born December 10, 1665, died May 20, 1753. His first wife was Ruth Bancroft, who died in 1714. Their son, Rev. Isaac Stiles, born at East Windsor, Connecticut, July 30, 1697, became a distinguished divine. He married Keziah Taylor and following her death was married in October, 1728, to Esther Hooker. He died May 14, 1760, and his widow on the 2d of January, 1779. Their son, Ashbel Stiles, was born at North Haven, Connecticut, September 11, 1735, and served in the Revolutionary war. In February, 1759, he married his cousin, Hannah Stiles, and both died in 1810. Their son, Samuel Stiles, who was born December 3, 1762, and spent his entire life in Connecticut, passed away at Windsor, October 15, 1826. He saw military service in the War of 1812. In 1787 he married Hannah Ells- worth and their son, Benjamin Stiles, was born at Chester, Massachusetts, August 3, 1799. He married Mehitable Booth and they were the parents of Laura Stanley Stiles, who became the wife of George E. Hatch and the mother of Edward Buckingham Hatch.

The last named, after leaving high school, continued his education in Trinity College, which conferred upon him the Bachelor of Arts degree at his graduation in 1886. It was in that year that the Johns-Pratt Company was organized by Henry W. Johns of New York and Rufus N. Pratt of Hartford, and Mr. Hatch joined the new organization as a clerk. The business was capitalized for one hundred thousand dollars and began the manufacture of "Vulcabeston" packings and electrical insulating materials. Mr. Hatch steadily advanced and in 1893 was elected secretary and man- ager of the company, which steadily expanded its business connection and in 1898 began the manufacture of "Noark" fuses and electric protective devices. It was in that year that Mr. Hatch was elected to the presidency of the company and from that time forward he was the chief factor in the steady growth, development and pros- perity of the company. In 1905 the capital stock was increased to three hundred thousand dollars. Its output was placed upon the market with the H. W. Johns- Manville Company of New Jersey as selling agents. Mr. Hatch closely studied every

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(Photograph by The Johnstone Studio)

EDWARD B. HATCH

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phase of the trade in the matter of production as well as in the standardization of the articles manufactured. His capability and resourcefulness in business were widely recognized and his cooperation was sought in various other fields. For many years he was a director of the Hartford National Bank and the Dime Savings Bank of Hartford, of the Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company, the Holy- oke Water Power Company, the Standard Fire Insurance Company of Hartford and the Hartford County Mutual Fire Insurance Company. Moreover, he was made a trustee of the Colt bequest and became a trustee of Trinity College. His activities and interests were thus broad and varied and the value of his labors was manifest in the splendid results achieved by the companies in which his policies were a directing factor.

On the 12th of September, 1889, Mr. Hatch was married to Miss Georgiana Wat- son, daughter of George W. Watson, of Hartford, and to them were born a daughter and two sons: Helen, James Watson and Edward Watson.

Mr. Hatch was a member of Company K of the First Regiment of the Connecticut National Guard through a period of five years in his early manhood. His political endorsement was always given to the republican party and he belonged to the Republi- can Club as well as to many other clubs and social organizations, including the Hart- ford, Hartford Golf, Farmington Country, Twentieth Century and University clubs. He was likewise a member of the Church of Connecticut Club and belonged to the Alpha Delta Phi of New York. Fraternally he was well known in Masonic circles, for he had membership in St. John's Lodge, A. F. & A. M .; Pythagoras Chapter, R. A. M .; Wolcott Council, R. & S. M .; Washington Commandery, K. T .; and Sphinx Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. A member of Trinity Protestant Episcopal church, he served for many years as warden and in its teachings he found the guiding spirit of his life, debeloping thereby the qualities that make for character building-integrity, obedi- ence to law, clean living and singleness of purpose or loyalty. In all of his activities there was no compromise with right and his fellow townsmen could put a one hundred per cent reliance in his word and in his activities. Because of these qualities Edward B. Hatch has been sorely missed since on the 18th day of February, 1921, he passed from life.

CLIFTON I. STONE

Clifton I. Stone has not only been an active factor in business but also in civic affairs, filling many offices with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He was born in Durham, Connecticut, March 12, 1871, and is a grandson of Russell and Laura (Halleck) Stone, who were natives of New Milford, Connecticut, and representatives of old families of this state. Their son, Charles O. Stone, was born in Washington, Connecticut, but spent the greater part of his life in Middletown. He was born on the 7th of February, 1840, and passed away on Thanksgiving day in November, 1914, having attained the age of seventy-four years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Rose C. Nettleton, was born August 15, 1840, was a daughter of Harry and Cornelia (Camp) Nettleton and died in 1915.

Clifton I. Stone pursued his early education in the public schools of Middletown, while later he attended the Yale Business College at New Haven. In 1890 he came to Southington, where he entered the office of L. D. Frost & Sons, of Marion, in the town of Southington, where he remained for almost twenty-two years or until 1912, occupying various clerical positions and was trustee of the estate of L. D. Frost. He afterward took up the occupation of farming, which he carried on in Marion for two years or until 1914. He next became associated with the Hemingway-Lewis Insurance & Realty Company, with which he has since continued, and today he is occupying the important office of treasurer, wisely directing the financial activities of the corporation and thus making valuable contribution to its success. He is serv- ing as a member of the board of directors and in business affairs his judgment is regarded as sound, while his vision is broad and his enterprise unfaltering.

On the 6th of November, 1894, Mr. Stone was united in marriage to Miss Cornelia G. Frost, a daughter of Levi D. Frost. They have become parents of four children: Marion C., Dorothy, Russell F. and Elizabeth.

Mr. Stone is active in politics as a supporter of the republican party and has

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always taken a helpful interest in community affairs. The cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion and he did effective work in behalf of the schools through six years' service on the school board. For seven years he was a tax collector and in the discharge of the duties of that office was strictly fair and impartial, serving from 1916 until 1922. In 1925 he was chosen to represent his district in the house of representatives for a two years' term and was made a member of the insurance committee. In 1927 he was chosen clerk of the Insurance Committee and in all public offices he has discharged his duties with marked promptness and fidelity, ever regard- ing a public office as a public trust-and no trust reposed in Mr. Stone has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree. Fraternally he is a Mason, having membership in the lodge, in Triune Chapter, R. A. M., of which he is thrice illustrious master, St. Elmo Commandery, K. T., and Sphinx Temple of the Mystic Shrine. During the World war he served as food administrator in Southington by appointment of Herbert Hoover, and in matters of citizenship his aid and influence are ever given on the side of reform, progress and improvement, while the worth of his work is widely acknowledged, resulting beneficially in the material, intellectual, civic and moral progress of the county.

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History of Hartford County, Connecticut, 1633-1928. Volume III, Part 16

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