History of Hartford County, Connecticut, 1633-1928. Volume III, Part 38

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 38

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As the years passed the plant of the Billings & Spencer Company was greatly increased in order to meet the increasing demands of the business. They first occupied a wooden building formerly used by the Weed Sewing Machine Company, and though it was enlarged until it had a frontage of five hundred and forty feet on Lawrence street, three hundred and forty feet on Broad street and two hundred and twenty-five feet on Russ street, it, too, became inadequate and in January, 1916, the company purchased what was once the plant of the Columbia Motor Vehicle Company, remodeling it to suit their needs and introducing the latest improved machinery to carry on the work. They developed the plant until it expressed the last word in efficiency equipment so as to provide for an uninterrupted flow of material from steel shed to shipping room. Long Mr. Billings stood at the head of what was one of the mammoth productive industries of Hartford, thoroughly acquainted with every phase of the business from the most minor detail to its most important element. He proved equally capable as an executive, gathered around him a most efficient corps of officers and office employes and at the same time he was cognizant of what his men in the shops were doing and whether maximum results were being achieved at a minimum expenditure of time, labor and material-which after all is the basis of success. In its ramifying trade interests the business reached out to every section of the country, with selling agencies in nearly all the large cities, and in the summer of 1915 the company was invited to become a member of the Rice Leaders of the World Association, membership therein being attained only by those who live up to its motto of "Honor, Quality, Strength and Service."

Notwithstanding his multitudinous duties as president of the Billings & Spencer Company, Charles E. Billings also became an active factor in other business concerns that have featured prominently in the industrial and financial development of Hart- ford. He was president of the State Savings Bank and a trustee of the Hartford Trust Company, as well as president of the C. E. Billings Manufacturing Company, and his high standing was indicated in his election to the presidency of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers on October 2, 1895, and when his term expired he was elected an honorary member in perpetuity and to membership in the "Honorable Council of the society." He remained at the head of the Billings & Spencer Company until 1920, when he was succeeded by his son, Frederick C. Billings, who is still president of the corporation.

On the 5th of January, 1857, Mr. Billings was married to Frances M. Heywood, daughter of William Heywood, of Cornish, New Hampshire, who died in 1872. On the 9th of September, 1874, he married Eva C. Holt, daughter of L. H. Holt, of Hartford. Three children were born of his first marriage and the eldest, Charles H., whose

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natal day was July 13, 1861, died in infancy. The second son, Frederick Church, became his father's successor in the Billings & Spencer Company, as previously men- tioned. Harry E., born December 23, 1868, died in childhood. There are also a daughter and a son of the second marriage: Mary E., who was born October 22, 1877, and is the wife of William B. Green; and Lucius H., born June 26, 1879.

Throughout his entire life Mr. Billings had a highly developed civic sense which recognized the duties and obligations as well as the privileges of citizenship, and at no time did he fail to give his support to plans and measures for the public good. He filled the offices of councilman and alderman from the third ward and for twelve years was president of the board of fire commissioners, rendering valuable service in these connections, never allowing his official duties to suffer even though his business affairs were demanding a greater share of his time and attention. That he ever kept in close touch with his city, its needs and its opportunities, is shown in the fact that he was a member of the Hartford Chamber of Commerce, the Home Market Club of Boston and the American Protective Tariff League. He also had member- ship in the Hartford Club. In young manhood he served in the First Regiment of the Connecticut National Guard. His prominence in Masonry is indicated in the fact that the honorary thirty-third degree was conferred upon him and he became an honorary member of the supreme council of the order and a member of the Royal Order of Scotland. He was elected grand commander of the Grand Commandery of Connecticut and he fully maintained the honor and dignity of his position and ever exemplified in his life the high purposes and exalted ideals of the craft. He belonged to the Hartford Congregational church and his entire life was characterized by sterling traits of character that made him a man whom to know was to esteem and honor.

CARMINE J. CARTELLANO

Carmine J. Cartellano, who is conducting business in Hartford as a barber, was born in Sassano, Italy, November 6, 1882, his parents being Cona and Anna Rose (Petrizzo) Cartellano, who were also natives of Italy. The father made several trips from Europe to America before permanently locating here but in 1891 brought his family to the new world and settled in Hartford, where his remaining days were passed. He died on the 15th of February, 1924. He was a city employe for twenty- eight years. His widow survives and yet makes her home in Hartford.

Carmine J. Cartellano had no opportunity to attend school, for he began to earn his own living when a very young lad, working as a bootblack and as a newsboy, carrying a bundle of papers under his arm and thus earning his own way. He picked up knowledge by reading newspapers and books, thus acquainting himself with the English language, and in the school of experience he has also learned many valuable lessons. For about four years he worked on a farm, after which he returned to Hartford and engaged in shining shoes in a barber shop on Capitol avenue. Later he was employed by Roxie Caporal at shoe shining and subsequently he learned the barber's trade in a little shop on Morgan street. In 1905 he became associated with David Beide, remaining in his employ in the Allyn House Barber Shop until 1920, when he bought out his employer's business and has since conducted the shop, which is equipped with seven chairs. On the 9th of January, 1928, he established the Gem Beauty Parlor at 75 Pratt street, which is one of the most modern and best equipped business enterprises of this character in Hartford. He is now conducting a very profitable business and deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. He not only worked diligently but he was seriously handicapped in youth by his lack of opportunity of attending school. As the years have passed he has made good use of his time and of his chances for advancement and is today controlling a substantial business.

On the 12th of March, 1902, Mr. Cartellano was married to Miss Anna E. Boehnlein, of New York city, and they have one child, Constance, born April 9, 1920.

Mr. Cartellano is a member of the Italian branch of the Foresters of America, of which he has been at the head for a number of years, having also represented the local organization in the state body of that order and again in the national body at Detroit, Michigan, in 1911; San Francisco, California, 1915; Portland, Maine, 1917;

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Atlantic City, New Jersey, 1919; Baltimore, Maryland, 1921; Cleveland, Ohio, 1923; Detroit, Michigan, 1925; and New York city, 1927. Mr. Cartellano is a member and president of the Master Barbers Association of the state of Connecticut and for two years has been president of the Hartford Master Barbers Association. His interest in community affairs and his loyalty thereto is indicated in his membership in the Lions Club and he is now serving as chairman of the Americanization committee, which assigns speakers to the different schools. He belongs to the Italian Club, of which he has been a director, and he also has membership in the Hartford Automobile Club. In a review of his life it will be seen that he has overcome all difficulties and obstacles in his path by determination and in his vocabulary there is no such word as fail.

ROBERT CHESTER KNOX

Insurance interests in Hartford number among their representatives some of the foremost business men of the city-men whose solution of intricate business problems is accurate and exact-men whose control of large interests shows keen discernment, sound judgment and broad vision. In this connection mention should be made of Robert Chester Knox, who is conducting a general insurance business as the head of the R. C. Knox Agency, now one of the foremost agencies in the city. His entire life has been devoted to the insurance business, and his knowledge thereof is most com- prehensive, resulting from familiarity with every phase of insurance development through several decades.

Mr. Knox was born in South Manchester, Connecticut, May 1, 1874, his parents being Chester J. and Sarah L. (Wheeler) Knox. He is descended in the maternal line from Obadiah Wheeler, who was born in England in 1608 and settled in Concord, Massachusetts, in 1638, and passed away there in 1671. The early American ances- tors of Robert C. Knox were distinguished for their patriotism. His great-great- grandfather, Rev. Joseph Wheeler, was ordained to the ministry in 1759 and for several years held a pastorate in Harvard, Massachusetts. He served in the pro- vincial congress and also on the committee of correspondence and did much to advance the cause of liberty during the Revolutionary war period. He personally aided in laying out the defenses the day before the battle of Bunker Hill and narrowly escaped being hit by a shot from one of the British warships when he and others were standing beneath a tree while engaged in that work, the ball cutting off one of the limbs of the tree under which they had sought shelter. Mr. Wheeler secured both the limb and the ball and from the former made a cane, which together with the ball remains a valued heirloom in the family, the projectile being now in possession of R. C. Knox.

Another of his great-great-grandfathers was the Rev. Joseph Sumner, who, having graduated from Yale in 1759, became pastor of the Congregational church in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, where he served for sixty-three years. The Sumner ancestry is traced back to George Sumner, who was born in England, February 14, 1634, and in early colonial days settled at Milton, Massachusetts. In the paternal line the ancestry is traced to Archibald Knox, great-great-grandfather of Robert C. Knox, who was born in Scotland in 1713 and was ten years of age when his father emigrated with his family to Boston. Archibald Knox married Margaret Watts, of Bedford, Massachusetts, and later settled in Ashford, Connecticut, where he died in 1762.

Robert C. Knox has reason to be proud of the record of his forebears, and his own career reflects equal credit upon the family name. Having mastered the ele- mentary branches of learning in the grades of the Manchester schools, he became a student in the Hartford public high school and is now numbered among its alumni of 1892. Immediately afterward he entered the employ of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as one of its Hartford represen- tatives, and in 1902 he became associated with the Aetna Life Insurance Company in its liability department. Later he became general agent for Connecticut of the Aetna Accident & Liability Company. He is now conducting an extensive general insurance business, being general agent for the Aetna Life Insurance Company, the Aetna Casualty and Surety Company and the Automobile Insurance Company of Hartford. He handles accident and health insurance, liability insurance, workmen's compensation

(Photograph by The Johnstone Studio)

ROBERT C. KNOX

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insurance, all lines of automobile and burglary insurance, physicians' and surgeons' liability insurance, fidelity and surety bonds, fire and marine insurance, plate glass, teams, engine breakage, combination residence insurance, parcel post insurance and sprinkler leakage and water damage. The number of his clients has steadily increased with the passing years until his business is today one of large volume.

On the 14th of June, 1900, Mr. Knox was married to Miss Estelle Lethbridge, of Orange, New Jersey, and they are the parents of two daughters, Marion and Elizabeth L., and one son, Robert C., Jr.

Mr. Knox is a republican and a member of Trinity church, and has an extensive circle of friends in his adopted city.

PAUL A. PARK, M. D.

Dr. Paul A. Park, devoting his attention to medical and surgical practice in Bristol, was born in Sterling, Illinois, July 21, 1884, but in his youthful days accom- panied his parents, Thomas E. and Jessie M. Park, on their removal to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he pursued his high school course. Reviewing the broad field of busi- ness with its limitless opportunities along industrial, commercial and professional lines, he decided to give his attention to medical practice and with this end in view be- came a student in the University of Iowa, which he attended from 1904 until 1910, pursuing classical and professional courses and winning his M. D. degree in the latter year. He then reversed the usual order of procedure by coming east instead of fol- lowing the mandate of Horace Greeley-"Go west, young man, go west." He made his way to the American metropolis and became an interne in the Metropolitan Hos- pital of New York, where he remained until 1911. In the latter year he established an office at Atkins, Iowa, where he had a country practice to which he devoted his atten- tion for a period of three years. He then returned to Cedar Rapids, where he remained for four years, and then the country needed his services and he responded to the call for troops. It was in 1918 that he joined the army and was assigned to duty with the Seventy-fifth Hospital Unit at Chickamauga Park. He was mustered out Decem- ber 30, 1918, with the rank of first lieutenant, and in March, 1919, he came to Bristol and is now a member of the staff of the Bristol Hospital.

At Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Doctor Park was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Taylor, of Windsor, Connecticut, and they have become the parents of a daughter, Janice, born in New York city. In his fraternal relations Doctor Park is a Mason and an Elk, having membership in Crescent Lodge, No. 25, A. F. & A. M., of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and in the Elks Lodge No. 1010 at Bristol. The major part of his time and attention, however, is given to his professional duties and he utilizes every means to promote his knowledge and increase his efficiency, at all times keeping in touch with the trend of modern professional thought and progress. He belongs to the Bristol Medical Society, of which he has been secretary for three years, to the Hart- ford County Medical Society and to the American Medical Association.

LATHAM BUCKINGHAM HOWARD

Latham Buckingham Howard, auditor of the Hartford Times and belonging to that substantial class of citizens who without pretense or display promote the stability of a community, was born in Hartford, August 17, 1899, his parents being Daniel C. and Nellie (Tifft) Howard, who were also natives of Connecticut and became residents of Hartford about 1880. The father was for some time associated with the grocery house of Furlong & Howard and later engaged in business on his own account to the time of his death, in 1910. His widow survives and yet makes her home in Hartford.

At the usual age Latham B. Howard became a public school pupil and mastered the work of consecutive grades until he was numbered among the high school alumni of the class of 1919. He then came to the Hartford Times, starting in the local dis- play advertising department, where he proved his efficiency and reliability, so that he won promotion to the classified advertising department. He next became asso-

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ciated with the national advertising department and after five years in this position was made assistant to Clayton W. Rowley, treasurer. On the 15th of February, 1928, he was promoted to auditor, which position he now fills, and in this place of respon- sibility he gives evidence of the fact that his business powers have steadily grown and broadened.

Mr. Howard enlisted for service in the World war in the S. A. T. C. at Storrs, Connecticut, but the armistice was signed before he was inducted into service. Prac- tically his entire life has been associated with the Hartford Times, and starting out in a humble capacity, he has steadily risen, working his way upward step by step through the different departments until he has come into prominent connection with the paper. He has always lived in Hartford, taking a keen interest in her welfare and giving loyal support to many projects which have been advanced to promote her interests.

W. T. NAGLE, M. D.

Although one of the younger representatives of the medical profession in South- ington, Dr. W. T. Nagle has won a creditable name and place and is now accorded a liberal practice, his record standing in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is never without honor save in his own country. He was born in Southington, in 1892, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. William Nagle. At the usual age he entered the public schools and in due course of time was graduated from the Lewis high school. With the desire to become a member of the medical profession, he then laid the plans which resulted in his matriculation in the medical college of the University of Pennsylvania. When he had completed his course he put his theoretical training to the practical test in six months' connection with the Phila- delphia General Hospital, and then through a period of sixteen months he gained valuable knowledge and experience as well as rendered valuable aid by serving as interne in St. Raphael's Hospital in New Haven. At a later period he was connected with the Bridgeport Hospital for a short time and then located in Fairfield, where he opened an office and entered upon the private practice of medicine, winning a liberal share of the public patronage. Not long after locating in Fairfield he was made health officer.

When America entered the World war he enlisted in the One Hundred and Second Regiment and went to France early in 1917, being there severely gassed, after which he was sent back to his native land. He was holding the rank of first lieutenant in the One Hundred and First Field Hospital when discharged from the army. When his military experience was over he returned to Hartford, where he opened an office and was later appointed medical examiner following the death of the late Dr. W. G. Steadman, of Southington. His private practice has constantly grown and the public more and more largely is manifesting confidence in his increasing skill and ability. He performs his duties in a most conscientious manner and is constantly adding to his efficiency through broad reading and study.

Dr. Nagle was married June 24, 1925, to Margaretta Hurley, and they have two children, Loraine and William.

MICHAEL ALVORD GORE, M. D.

Liberal educational training well qualified Dr. Michael Alvord Gore for activity in the practice of medicine and surgery and he has now made for himself an enviable position among the more capable representatives of the profession in Hartford county. He practiced at Bristol, with office in the Malone building, and year by year he is steadily becoming more proficient and thorough as the result of his broadening experience.

Doctor Gore was born in the national capital on the 24th day of March, 1893, and there pursued his public school education, passing through consecutive grades until he had completed the high school course. He next entered George Washington Uni- versity and won his Bachelor of Arts degree at his graduation as a member of the

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DR. W. T. NAGLE

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class of 1914. Thus in a thorough classical course he laid the foundation upon which to build the superstructure of professional knowledge, and having determined upon the practice of medicine as a life work, he matriculated in the University of Mary- land, winning his M. D. degree in 1918. His initial practical experience came to him through serving as interne in the Women's Hospital at Baltimore, with which he was thus connected until 1920, gaining broad and valuable experience in that way. He then went to Reubens, Idaho, where he remained for a short period, and in 1923 took a postgraduate course at the University of Michigan. The year 1924 witnessed his arrival in Bristol, Connecticut, where he opened his office and has since remained, win- ning substantial success as the years have passed. He is now on the surgical staff of the Bristol Hospital in addition to conducting a private practice that is constantly growing.

In Baltimore, Maryland, on the 15th of March, 1919, was celebrated the marriage of Doctor Gore and Miss Edna Sollers, and they now have one child, Barbara Wilson Gore. The Doctor manifests a creditable interest in community affairs and his aid and influence are always given on the side of progress and improvement. His social qualities, too, make for friendship wherever he is known, for he possesses a genial manner and a kindly spirit that are also elements of worth to him in the sickroom. He concentrates his time and energies largely upon his professional work, with few outside interests, and he is a member of the Hartford County and Connecticut State Medical Societies and a fellow of the American Medical Association. He labors at all times to give his patients a service that represents the highest standards and most advanced methods known in the practice of medicine and surgery, and his efforts have been attended with gratifying results.

WALTER O. EITEL

Walter O. Eitel, employed in the field of finance as treasurer of the Riverside Trust Company of Hartford, was born in this city, April 14, 1882, his parents being Emil and Jenny (Lind) Eitel, the former a native of Germany, while the latter was born in Connecticut's capital, although the Lind family came also from Germany, set- tling many years ago in Hartford. Emil Eitel is now of the firm of Becher & Eitel, well known bookbinders of Hartford.

His graduation from the Brown school in 1896 marked the conclusion of Walter O. Eitel's previous work in the grades and qualified him for entrance to the Hartford public high school, in which he completed a four years' course and was graduated in 1900. It was when his textbooks were put aside that he sought a position in business circles and became a messenger in the Farmers & Mechanics National Bank, with which he continued until 1907, working his way steadily upward and filling the posi- tion of discount clerk at the time he resigned in 1907. He next became associated with the Riverside Trust Company, being made teller in July, 1907, and subsequently he served as chief clerk and as treasurer. In December, 1927, he was elected a director of the bank.

Mr. Eitel resides at No. 324 Edgewood street. He is a member of the Second Church of Christ Scientist, of which he was the first reader for three years. He belongs to the City Club of Hartford and is a member of the Wethersfield Country Club, and his interest is not withheld from those organizations which have to do with civic development or are matters of civic pride. He is a charter member of the Ameri- can Institute of Banking.

DANIEL M. FIORITA

Daniel M. Fiorita, attorney at law, with offices at No. 5 Haynes street in Hart- ford, was born July 7, 1897, and pursued his education in the Henry Barnard school, known as the old Second North school, from which he was graduated in 1913. He then entered the Hartford high school and completed the course with the class of 1917, winning the annual civics prize during his senior year. He next attended the New York University Law School in preparation for his professional career and was accorded the LL. B. degree at his graduation with the class of 1921, while the Mas-

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ter's degree was conferred upon him in 1922. While a student in New York he was president of the Italian Circolo.

In 1923 Mr. Fiorita was admitted to the Connecticut bar and became a law asso- ciate of Andrew J. Broughel, with whom he continued until the latter's death in 1925, since which time Mr. Fiorita has practiced alone. The thoroughness with which he prepares his cases, his clear reasoning and logical deductions are strong points in the attainment of his success, which is steadily growing. For two years he was assistant temporary clerk of the superior court. He has never sought to figure in political con- nections, preferring to concentrate his efforts and energies upon the law, and he is now reaping the rewards of his close application and devotion to the interests of his clients. Mr. Fiorita is a member of the American Bar Association, the Young Italian American Association and other organizations.

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History of Hartford County, Connecticut, 1633-1928. Volume III, Part 38

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