History of Hartford County, Connecticut, 1633-1928. Volume III, Part 47

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 47

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

On the 15th of October, 1925, Mr. Goldstein was married to Miss Adeline Eliza- beth Suisman, of Hartford, and they have one child, Jean Myra, born November 17, 1926, who is now the life and light of the household at 124 Westbourne parkway.

Mr. Goldstein is a trustee of Emanuel Synagogue and is a director of the United Jewish Charities. In Masonry he has membership in Khurum Lodge, F. & A. M., of Minneapolis, and in Syria Grotto, M. O. V. P. E. R. He also belongs to the Yale

510

HARTFORD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT

Alumni Association and the Tumblebrook Country Club. His'activities and interests are of normal order. His efforts are intelligently directed and the results, whether in business or professional life or in club circles, are always far-reaching and effective.

WILLIAM POST ROBERTSON

There are men who make history through their daily living-men whose activities continuously contribute to progress and improvement-and in this connection mention should be made of William Post Robertson, who had much to do with the commercial development of Hartford. He was the senior member of the firm of Newton, Robert- son & Company, owning one of the oldest grocery houses of the city. He was born in Columbia, Connecticut, February 14, 1858, his parents being Gurdon Young and Sybil (Post) Robertson. His youthful days passed uneventfully, but on attaining his majority, he came to Hartford and entered the employ of his uncle, Charles A. Post, who was a grocer here. Thus he gained his initial experience along a line to which he was to devote practically his entire life. After eighteen months' experience with his uncle, he and his brother, Lafayette J. Robertson, established a partnership for the conduct of a grocery business, in which they continued until 1886. In that year Mr. Robertson joined Joel P. Newton in organizing the firm of Newton & Robertson and they became owners of a wholesale and retail grocery business on Asylum street. In 1893 Henry H. Dickinson was admitted to a partnership, at which time the firm name of Newton, Robertson & Company was assumed. In 1904 upon the return of Mr. Newton, who had been inactive for several years, Mr. Robertson and Mr. Dickinson continued the business, which later on incorporated as the Newton-Robertson Grocery Company, with Mr. Robertson as the president and Mr. Dickinson as the vice presi- dent and treasurer. Not only did the firm sell extensively to the wholesale and retail trades but also enlarged the scope of its activities when in 1902 a bakery and con- fectionery plant was established. In 1906 they opened the Enarco store and restaurant, at 858 Main street, and in 1914 established the Spa at 614 Main street, but subse- quently disposed of both stores. Later their grocery business was established in the Hartford Life Insurance Company building at the corner of Asylum and Ann streets, and with the discontinuance of the Enarco store a new store and restaurant were opened at the corner of Main and Church streets. From the beginning the trade of this house steadily grew and developed, being built upon the strong foundation of unfaltering integrity and unabating enterprise. They made it their purpose to give their patrons the best possible service and they found in doing so that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement.

Mr. Robertson was married in 1883 to Miss Julia Hortense Downer, a daughter of James L. Downer, of Columbia, and they became the parents of four children: Adelaide Hortense, now the wife of J. Harris Minikin, of Farmington, and the mother of two children, Hortense Minikin and John Robertson Minikin; Hazel Adele, who is the wife of Harold Sumner Winship, of Hartford, and has one child, Sumner Robertson Winship; William Post Robertson, Jr., a resident of Manchester, who married Charlotte Merriman, of East Hartford, and they have a son, William Post Robertson III, who was one year old at the time of his grandfather's death, and a daughter, Nan Elizabeth Robertson, born since Mr. Robertson's death; and Julia Rebecca, the wife of Raymond Fox, of Hartford. The wife and mother passed away at the age of thirty-four years and Mr. Robertson was married in 1896 to Mary Agnes Beardsley, who died in February, 1902. In October, 1903, Mr. Robertson mar- ried Olive M. Allen, a daughter of Frank and Mary (Abbe) Allen, of Hartford, who survives him.

Mr. Robertson owned a very attractive summer home which he called Crestland, in Coventry, near Bolton Notch, and he took great delight in entertaining many friends there. His cordality, his genial disposition and his kindly manner made him a favorite with all who knew him. When he passed away one of the local papers wrote editorially: "William P. Robertson lived a long and honorable life in Hart- ford. His sudden death comes as a shock to much more than merely the business community in which he moved. Mr. Robertson was a veteran marketman. In busi- ness as in private life he was actuated by high ideals and infallible integrity. As a citizen he supported many worthy enterprises and retained a keen interest in his

(Photograph by The Johnstone Studio)

WILLIAM P. ROBERTSON

--- --

513

HARTFORD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT

fellowmen. Born in the country, he continued to love it and his summer home on a Bolton hilltop gave him great joy, never greater than when he was sharing its beauties with some of his multitude of friends." 'One of the prominent business men of the city said: "The death of W. P. Robertson has caused a vacancy in the city of Hart- ford that can never be filled."

From the time that age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Robertson supported the republican party but had no ambition to fill public office. He belonged to the City, Automobile, Get Together and Rotary Clubs and was a member of the Hartford Chamber of Commerce, helpfully interested in all of its projects for the city's upbuilding and improvement. He loyally adhered to the high principles of St. John's Lodge, F. & A. M .. and to the teachings of the Immanuel Congregational church. So straightforward was his life in every respect that he could look back over the past without regret and to the future without fear, and when he was so suddenly called home April 13, 1927, at the age of sixty-nine years, of him it might be written:

No trembling or sad farewell From his quivering lips was heard So softly he crossed that the quiet stream Was not by a ripple stirred. He was spared the parting tears He was spared the mortal strife,

It was scarcely dying-he only passed In a moment to endless life.

So low was his Master's call That it did not reach our ears;

But he heard the sound, and his response Was instant, without fears.

We must not mourn his soft release From earthly pain, or care; Nor grieve that he reached his home and rest Ere he knew that he was there.

But think of the sweet surprise The sudden and strange delight He felt, as he met his Saviour's smile And walked with Him, in white. We will not weep that his toils are o'er, Our race may soon be won, So with sandalled feet and staff in hand Let our work for our Lord be done.

PASQUALE CAVALIER

Pasquale Cavalier, assistant superintendent of the Prudential Insurance Com- pany, with offices at 983 Main street in Hartford, is a representative of that substantial class of Italians who have readily adapted themselves to changed conditions in the new world and have made steady progress toward the goal of successful achievement. He was born in Abruzzi, Italy, April 5, 1885, and is a son of Gaetano and Carmalla (Storlazzo) Cavalier, who are also natives of sunny Italy. They came to America in 1886, settling in New Haven, where the family home is still maintained, the father having now retired from active business.

Pasquale Cavalier was only a year old when brought to the United States by his parents, so that his youth was passed in New Haven and its public school system accorded him his early educational privileges. After leaving school he engaged in factory work for a time and early realized the value of industry and persistency of purpose as factors in business life. Subsequently he became connected with real estate dealing in New Haven and in 1911 he turned his attention to the field of insurance, becoming a representative of the Prudential Company. Since that time he has made steady progress and in 1914 was promoted to the position of assistant superintendent and came to Hartford, where he has since remained. He yet fills this position of responsibility. His previous acceptable service as a salesman, for he was recog-

514

HARTFORD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT

nized as one of the best in the company's employ, gained him his advancement and because of his knowledge of salesmanship he is able to advise and direct the efforts of the salesmen who are now under his immediate supervision, working out from the Hartford office.

On the 8th of August, 1906, Mr. Cavalier was married to Miss Rosalie Maturo, of New Haven, and they have become the parents of three children: Carmela, Theresa and Ferdinand. The family resides at 103 Grandview terrace. Mr. Cavalier is a member of the Italian Club, Inc., and has won many friends among the people of his own nationality in Hartford as well as among those of American birth. He has been so long a resident of this country as to be truly American in spirit and interests and his aid and influence are always on the side of progressive movements resulting in public benefit for the community.

CHARLES RUSSELL MERRIMAN

Charles Russell Merriman, of the Charles Merriman Agency, handling general insurance at 75 Pearl street, in Hartford, was born in East Hartford, May 29, 1891, and is a son of Charles and Lizzie Emma (Ranney) Merriman, who were likewise natives of East Hartford. The father was one of the foremost fire insurance men of this section of the state and acted as agent for several of the leading insurance companies of Connecticut as well as for a number of the strong companies elsewhere. He was born March 20, 1855, and in his youth attended the Center district school and also a private school conducted by Miss Ann Ayres, while later he had the benefit of two years' instruction in the Hartford high school. In 1871 he entered the whole- sale clothing store conducted by his father in Hartford and after two years accepted a position in the retail clothing store conducted by his brother. In 1876 he purchased the grocery store of W. A. Loomis in the Center and a few months later was appointed postmaster there, while reappointment continued him in the office for about twelve years. He remained in the grocery business for eleven years and in 1887 sold out to H. Wilbur Vinton, after which he purchased the insurance business of Ezra E. Smith. He steadily developed his agency until it became one of the most extensive in the country east of the Connecticut river. In November, 1906, he removed his office to No. 65 Pearl street, in Hartford, and the business is still being conducted under the name of The Charles Merriman Agency at 75 Pearl street. In his political views Charles Merriman, Sr., was a republican and was active in politics and in educational affairs. He was elected treasurer of the East Hartford fire district at its formation and he also served as treasurer of the Center school district and the Center cemetery committee. For nineteen years he was treasurer of the town, receiv- ing the support of both parties during most of that period. In 1901 he became a member of the house of representatives and served on its committee on insurance. He belonged to Orient Lodge, No. 62, A. F. & A. M., and to East Hartford Council, No. 1237, of the Royal Arcanuni. On the 17th of January, 1884, he married Lizzie E. Ranney, and they became parents of a son and three daughters, who are yet living: Charles Russell; Helen and Irene, twins; and Charlotte.

In the attainment of his education Charles R. Merriman attended the East Hart- ford grammar school and the Hartford high school, and when his textbooks were put aside he started out to learn the more difficult lessons in the school of experience by entering the employ of the Aetna Fire Insurance Company, with which he remained for two years. Upon the death of his father in April, 1912, he assumed the manage- ment of the Charles Merriman Agency, which had been established in 1887, and has since continued the business, meeting with very gratifying success. The company has the agency for fourteen fire companies and three casualty companies, and by reason of careful organization and progressive business methods the business of the firm has enjoyed steady growth.

Mr. Merriman, like his father, is a faithful follower of the teachings and purposes of Masonry. He belongs to Oriental Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of East Hartford, and he is also a well known and popular member of the City Club. With the others of the family he occupies the Merriman home, one of the most beautiful in East Hart- ford. There is also an interesting military chapter in his life record. He was a member of Company E of the First Infantry Regiment of the Connecticut State

CHARLES MERRIMAN

517

HARTFORD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT

Guard and rose from the ranks to first sergeant. On the 2d of July, 1917, he enlisted as a volunteer, and although then rejected by reason of physical disability, he was later drafted and went into camp June 22, 1918. He received his discharge December 20, 1918, having been promoted to the rank of second lieutenant in the Field Artillery Officers Reserve Corps, while later he passed the required examinations and became first lieutenant. He was one of the organizers of Brown Landers Post, No. 77, of the American Legion in East Hartford. He also has membership with the Military Order of Foreign Wars. Mr. Merriman is a young man widely known throughout Hartford county, possessed of attractive social qualities and of splendid business ability, as demonstrated in his capable and successful management of the business of which he assumed control in 1912. The passing years have chronicled an achieve- ment which attests the development of his powers and his future course will undoubt- edly be one of steady progression.

LEONARD C. RICCIO

Leonard C. Riccio, widely known as treasurer of the Italian Club, Inc., and as accountant for the Southern New England Electric Company at Hartford, was born at Castelfranco, in the province of Benevento, Italy, July 11, 1899, his parents being Donato G. and Bridget Riccio, who are also natives of that country, where they remained until September, 1902, and then came to America, settling first in Rye, New York, where they continued until 1908 and then came to Hartford. The father is now living retired from active business.

Leonard C. Riccio was but three years of age when brought by his parents to the new world and his education was largely acquired in the Brown school on Market street in Hartford and in the high school. When he put aside his textbooks he entered the employ of Charles Dillon & Company, dry goods merchants and milliners, with whom he remained for seven years, his long connection with that house being unmistakable proof of his loyalty and capability. In 1923 he took up accounting, which he has since followed, and for more than four years he has been with the Southern New England Electric Company, fully meeting every requirement in that connection.

Mr. Ricco is a member of the Italian Club, active and prominent in its work. He has served as a trustee and as recording secretary and in 1928 he was elected to the office of treasurer. He is also a member of Court Garibaldi of the Foresters of America and he belongs to the Young Men's Christian Association. He remains at home with his parents, who reside at 24 Groton street in Hartford.

JAMES J. CONNORS

James J. Connors, treasurer of the Art Craft Engraving Company, one of the leading enterprises of this character in Hartford, was born in Airdrie, Scotland, October 25, 1890, his parents being William and Mary (Mahoney) Connors, both of whom are natives of Ireland. During his youthful days the father came to the United States and made his way to Butte, Montana, where he worked in the gold and copper mines, serving under Senator Clark when the latter was a foreman at the mines, the city of Butte being then a town of only two or three hundred inhabitants. Later Mr. Connors returned to Scotland, there married and brought his wife to the new world, at which time he settled in Lewiston, Maine, where he engaged in blacksmithing and where he is still employed in the Lewiston Bleachery & Dye Works.

James J. Connors was a little lad of three summers when brought by his parents to America. He acquired his education in the public schools of Lewiston, Maine, and after his textbooks were put aside secured a position with the Lewiston Journal, with which he learned photo engraving, being thus employed until the United States declared war, joining the allied forces. He enlisted in the Twelfth Infantry and was later transferred to the ordnance department, with which he went overseas, being stationed at ordnance bases in Ursine Broulle, France, for six months. He was then placed in other ordnance departments and was a non-commissioned officer. Returning to this country, he was mustered out at Camp Devens, Massachusetts, July 25, 1919.

518

HARTFORD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT

Mr. Connors then went to Boston, where he was employed by C. J. Peters & Son, who conducted the oldest photo engraving establishment in that city. After six months he went to New York city, where he was with the Miles Engraving Company and after- ward with Zeese, Wilkinson & Company. On the 21st of March, 1921, he arrived in Hartford and with his brother, Richard T., organized the Art Craft Engraving Com- pany, establishing their plant at the present location. Here they have built up a very satisfactory business, employing from six to eight people. Richard T. Connors is presi- dent of the company, with James J. as treasurer.

On the 22d of September, 1924, Mr. Connors was married to Miss Catharine E. Meehan, of Patchogue, Long Island, and they have one child, James. Mr. Connors belongs to the Advertising Club, is a member of the Knights of Columbus and is inter- ested in politics as a democratic supporter. His progress in business has been the direct outcome of those qualities which ever make for success. Close application has enabled him to overcome obstacles and difficulties and excellent workmanship has brought a liberal patronage.

HENRY HALE HUNT

Upon the pages of Hartford's legal history and on the records of her legislative service appears the name of Henry Hale Hunt, who has ever been actuated by a marked spirit of devotion to the general good, manifesting at all times the keenest interest in the welfare of the state and in those great problems which have had to do with the progress, upbuilding and advancement of the commonwealth and the maintenance of high standards of citizenship. Born in Glastonbury, Connecticut, April 30, 1878, Henry Hale Hunt is a son of Wilton and Sarah A. (Stafford) Hunt. The father traced his ancestry from one of the pioneer settlers of New England-John Hunt, who late in life settled in Connecticut and died prior to 1659. He was married in England to Mary Webster, daughter of Governor John and Agnes Webster, of Warwickshire, and about 1633 John Webster settled in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and became a member of Rev. Thomas Hooker's company that founded Hartford three years later. He filled many positions of honor and trust in the colony and served for several years as governor following his election to that office in 1656.

Deacon Jonathan Hunt, son of John and Mary (Webster) Hunt, was born in Sudburrow Thrapstone, Northamptonshire, England, in 1637 and was therefore twenty- one years of age when he became a resident of Connecticut in 1658. About 1660 he removed to Northampton, Massachusetts, was made a freeman there in 1662, was deacon from 1680 to 1691, representative in 1690 and died September 29, 1691. His wife, Clemence Hosmer, was a daughter of Thomas Hosmer, who became a resident of Cambridge as early as 1632, and they were married September 3, 1662. Their fifth son, Ebenezer Hunt, was born February 5, 1675, in Northampton, and in 1723 removed to Lebanon, Connecticut, where he died February 23, 1743. He was married May 27, 1698, to Hannah Clark, and their third son was William Hunt, who was born in Lebanon, October 12, 1705, and lived at Lebanon Crank, now Columbia. In 1734 he married Sarah Lyman, who was born January 24, 1713, and died in 1746. Their fifth son, Eldad Hunt, was born in Lebanon, October 21, 1742, lived in Columbia and died in 1822. His wife, Hulda Benton, born July 15, 1752, died April 24, 1814. Her seventh son, Dr. Orrin Hunt, born in Columbia, January 12, 1793, became a prominent physician. After several years in Bolton he removed to Glastonbury, but returned to Bolton and there died August 24, 1850. His first wife, Louisa Little, died April 14, 1824. He was married September 11, 1826, to Adeline Cone, and their son, Henry . Hale Hunt, born about 1827, lived in Glastonbury and later in Clinton, Connecticut, where he engaged in manufacturing paper. He died in Vernon, this state, in 1911. Wilton Hale Hunt, son of Henry Hale and Charlotte N. (House) Hunt, was born May 12, 1854, in Glastonbury, where he dealt in meat for many years, but afterward lived retired at Lynn, Massachusetts. He was married January 12, 1877, to Sarah A. Stafford, daughter of John and Eva (Lowe) Stafford, and they became parents of two sons, the younger being Herbert W., who married Nellie A. Goodale in 1901.

The elder son, Henry Hale Hunt, after attending the public schools of Glaston- bury, was employed in Glazier's woolen mill there during his early youth and there

(Photograph by Dunne's Studio)

HENRY H. HUNT

521

HARTFORD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT

continued until his nineteenth year. He next spent four years as clerk in a grocery store and then entered the office of the National Fire Insurance Company at Hartford. While thus employed he devoted the hours that are usually termed leisure to studying law under the direction of Judge Harrison B. Freeman and was admitted to the Hartford county bar in 1912. For one year he remained in the office of Harrison B. Freeman, a son of his former preceptor, and since 1913 has practiced independently in Hartford. His early business experiences had taught him the value of industry, determination and perseverance, and in a calling where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit and ability he has made steady progress until he is now an outstanding figure in legal circles, but the most envious cannot grudge him his success, so honorably has it been won and so worthily used. He belongs to the Hartford County, Connecticut State and American Bar Associations and he commands to an unusual degree the high regard and confidence of his fellow members of the bar. Aside from his professional activity he has an enviable place in business circles, being a director of the Glastonbury Bank, the Riverside Paper Manufacturing Company of Glastonbury, the Miller Brothers Construction Company of Hartford, R. G. Miller & Sons, Inc., of Hartford, and the United States Investment & Realty Corporation of Hartford.

On the 27th of June, 1900, Mr. Hunt was married to Miss Anna J. Goodale, daughter of Henry A. and Ellen (Johnson) Goodale, of Glastonbury. Their children are: Donald H., born February 12, 1907; and Barbara Elizabeth, born November 11, 1912.

Mr. Hunt has enviable social standing as well, belonging to the Hartford and City clubs, while fraternally he is connected with the Masons, the Odd Fellows and the Elks and also with the Spanish-American War Veterans, having in April, 1898, at the outbreak of the war with Spain, enlisted in Company I, First Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, receiving his discharge in October following. His religious faith is indicated in the fact that he, and also his wife, is a member of St. Luke's Episcopal church of South Glastonbury. His political belief is that of the republican party and in this connection he has done much to shape public thought and action. He repre- sented Glastonbury in the house of representatives in the session of 1913-14 and was chairman of the woman's suffrage committee. In 1917-18 he was a member of the senate from the fourth district, was made chairman of the insurance committee and also served on other important committees. To every question which came up for settlement he gave thoughtful and earnest consideration, actuated at all times by a desire to further the welfare and progress of his state. He has never lightly regarded the duties of citizenship and his worth in this field, as well as in legal circles, is widely acknowledged.

EDWIN HOVEY TUCKER

Value of service, ability to cooperate to carry out plans already devised and to meet emergency with initiative are the qualities indispensable to those who serve as district managers with the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York. Such is the position which Edwin Hovey Tucker is filling and in which he is measuring up to all requirements. He was born in Hartford, September 22, 1867, and is a grandson of Erastus Tucker, who was a lieutenant of the First Regiment of Riflemen in the Con- necticut militia, his commission being dated the 5th of October, 1816, and signed by Oliver Wolcott, Esquire, governor of Connecticut, while his honorable discharge on the 14th day of November, 1821, was signed by Jirah Isham, major-general. His father, Stephen Tucker, had been a captain of artillery in the War of 1812. The Tucker family has long been established in New England and the old home in Milton, Massachusetts, is still standing. Representatives of the name became pioneers in paper-box manufacturing in Hartford. Edwin Tucker, father of Edwin Hovey Tucker, was born in Scotland, Connecticut, in 1831, and in tracing the ancestral line it is found that the family is of English origin and was established on American soil in 1626. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Jane Sykes, was born in Suffield, Connecticut, in September, 1833, and was one of the Mayflower descendants. The Sykes family was represented in the war for independence, one of the name having served as a colonel with the American forces. Edwin Tucker became a merchant, associated with his

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Hartford County, Connecticut, 1633-1928. Volume III, Part 47

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