USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > History of Hartford County, Connecticut, 1633-1928. Volume III > Part 58
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After completing his public school education A. Parker Abbe attended Yale College, in which he pursued an academic course as a member of the class of 1908. Going to New York city, he entered the employ of Brown Brothers & Company, Wall street bankers, whom he represented in a clerical capacity. In 1913 he returned to New Britain and entered into active business with his father in the Abbe Hardware Company, Inc. This business was established in 1883 by A. Howard and E. W. Abbe and was carried on by them until 1910, when E. W. Abbe retired. In 1913 the business was incorporated and has since been carried on under the present style. This is the oldest hardware concern in New Britain and has always been a leader in its line. An extensive stock of shelf and heavy hardware is always kept on hand and every effort is made to meet the demand of the purchasing public. Throughout practically his entire career A. Parker Abbe has been associated with this under- taking, which was established by his father and which has been carried on along the most progressive lines from its inception to the present time. The business is now owned by Mr. Abbe and his mother, the latter acting as secretary of the company,
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while Mr. Abbe is president, treasurer and general manager. He closely studies the trade and his progressive spirit has enabled him to overcome the various obstacles and difficulties which continually arise in a business career.
Mr. Abbe also finds time for social activities and public service. He was one of the incorporators of the Savings Bank of New Britain and his sound judgment makes his cooperation a valuable asset in the conduct of any undertaking. He is a director of the Connecticut Retail Hardware Association, is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Shuttle Meadow Club, the New Britain Yale Club and the Beta Theta Pi, a Yale fraternity. He also belongs to the First Congregational church and gives his earnest endorsement and stanch support to every movement that tends to bring about material development, civic improvement and moral progress in the community.
JAMES FINLAY
Along the path of earnest, honest and persistent endeavor James Finlay pro- ceeded to the goal of prominence and success. For an extended period he was con- nected with the printing business in Hartford, becoming president and treasurer of Finlay Brothers, Incorporated. He was born in Paisley, Scotland, November 13, 1852, and when he was only a week old the family home was established in Glasgow, where he gained his initial experience in the business to which he afterward devoted his life, becoming an employe of the well known firm of Blaikie & Sons of that city. He had reached the age of sixteen years when he accompanied his parents and his brother, William F. Finlay, to the United States, the family home being established in Clinton, Massachusetts, although a removal was made to Willimantic about six months later. The father, George Finlay, was a dyer who worked at his trade in Clinton and afterward in Willimantic, where he continued for two years, removing thence to South Manchester, where he secured a position as dyer in the Cheney silk mills. There he continued for a number of years, serving as "boss dyer" to the time of his death.
It was natural that James Finlay should find employment in the Cheney mills where his father was working. He was given a position in the finishing and shipping department and his diligence, faithfulness and industry won him promotion, so that in a short time he was placed in charge of the oversight of the "tip" printing on the end of each piece of silk and of the general letter press printing of the firm. It was this that brought him a knowledge of the business to which he later devoted his entire attention. In connection with his brother, William F. Finlay, he set up a printing plant at his home and their evenings were devoted to job printing. Their first investment was seventy-five dollars spent for a press and outfit, but soon this press proved too small for their growing business and a larger one was purchased. Cheney Brothers gave the two young printers much work and their evenings were thus fully occupied, and during the last year which James Finlay spent in the silk mills he was employed as "tip" printer.
Prompted by a laudable ambition, he desired to own a print shop and gave up his job at the mill in order to take a position with Archer W. Lang in Hartford in a steam job printing plant at No. 96 Asylum street. This gave him added knowledge of the business and after six months he purchased the plant from Mr. Lang for four hundred and fifty dollars. He was then joined by his brother, William F., in carry- ing on their business, but their patronage did not increase as they had hoped and after a time they decided that it was best to return to South Manchester. Cheney Brothers and others in the town gave them work, which largely increased their former business there, and for ten years they continued in South Manchester.
In 1890 the Finlay brothers again came to Hartford, opening business on Temple street and later removing to the Hartford Post building at No. 25 Asylum street. Their next removal took them to No. 174 Pearl street and afterward they established their plant near Main and Asylum streets, where their business steadily grew in volume and importance, necessitating the purchase of new presses, ruling machines, embossing machines and other equipment until the plant was equal, if not superior, to any other of the kind in Hartford. William F. Finlay withdrew from the firm in 1912, but the business still remains in possession of the family although incor-
JAMES FINLAY
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porated. After some years prosperity in substantial measure crowned the under- taking, but this result was secured only through unremitting diligence, determination, reliability and excellent workmanship.
On the 26th of February, 1880, Mr. Finlay was married to Miss Maria Nye, a daughter of George and Martha (Allen) Nye. The latter, who was born in East Windsor and had lived in Hartford for twenty-two years, passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Finlay, on Blue Hills avenue, at the notable old age of ninety-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Finlay became parents of three sons and two daughters, Mattie M., who died May 8, 1890; George N .; J. Herbert; Kenneth; Jessie, the widow of John Finlay, of Hartford. The son Kenneth is pursuing a four years' printing course in the Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh.
Mr. Finlay was prominent in Masonic circles, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, and he was also a member of Hartford Chapter of the Eastern Star. He belonged to the Masonic Veteran Association of Connecticut. His religious faith was indicated in his membership in the First Presbyterian church. He also belonged to the Burns organization, which holds an annual banquet in honor of Robert Burns, and to Clan Gordon of the Order of Scottish Clans of Hartford. He measured up to the highest standards and exemplified in his life the sterling qualities of loyalty, faithfulness and reliability. Integrity was one of his marked characteristics and a kindly manner and helpful spirit was manifest in all of his relations with his fellowmen. It was said of him that "to know James Finlay day by day was a challenge to dare not only to be but to do greater and bigger things." He was nearing the seventieth milestone on life's journey when called to his final rest October 13, 1922.
EDWARD W. WILLARD
Edward W. Willard is successfully managing a business which has a record of one hundred and eight years continuous operation in Wethersfield, where he is also a recognized leader in civic affairs. He was born in this town in 1883 and his parents were Stephen F. and Irene (Havens) Willard. In 1871 his father entered the employ of Comstock, Ferre & Company of Wethersfield and remained with the firm for fifty- three years. Capable and trustworthy, he was steadily advanced and became general manager and president of the company, acting in those capacities until his death on June 9, 1924, when he was seventy-three years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Willard had a family of five children, of whom Thomas H., the second in order of birth, is deceased. The others are Arthur C., Edward W., Stephen F., Jr., and John C.
Edward W. Willard was a pupil in the public schools of Wethersfield and attended Huntsinger's Business College in Hartford for a year. He was a student at the Con- necticut Agricultural College for a year and on September 1, 1903, when a young man of twenty, became an employe of Comstock, Ferre & Company. Starting in a lowly capacity, he worked his way through the various departments, and since June 14, 1924, has been treasurer and general manager of the company, of which his brother, John C. Willard, is secretary. For a quarter of a century Edward W. Willard has been identified with the corporation, devoting the best years of his life to its service, and his earnest, systematic labors have been manifestly resultant.
The business was established about 1820 by James Lockwood Belden and in 1838 it was purchased by Franklin G. Comstock and his son, William G., who remained the owners for about eight years. William G. Comstock then admitted Henry Ferre to a partnership and in 1846 the present style of Comstock, Ferre & Company was adopted. In 1853 the business was incorporated and on September 10 of that year the first meeting was held in the office of Lee, Butler & Company of Hartford. The original stockholders were William G. Comstock, Henry Ferre, Daniel Strong, Charles Clapp, Thomas Belknap, William T. Lee, at that time head of Lee, Butler & Com- pany now the Sisson Drug Company, Henry Strong of Case, Tiffany & Company, Tertius Wadsworth, William Boardman, Lemuel Humphrey, David W. Clark, William Isham, Ellery Hills, Thomas H. Holaday and H. L. Bidwell. The company grows and deals in seeds of various kinds and has about one hundred acres of fertile land, used for growing seeds of tomatoes, sweet corn, squash, onions and other vegetables. Since 1820 the institution has remained near the original location and is the oldest
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of the kind in Connecticut. The men who have shaped the destiny of the company realized the fact that true commercialism rests upon the foundation of integrity, without which no business organization can long endure, and throughout the United States, Canada and in European countries the firm name has become synonymous with probity and enterprise in commercial affairs, and consequently its products are distributed over a wide area. The members of the firm are connected with The American Seed Trade Association, The New England Seedsmen's Association, and the Connecticut Seedsmen's Association.
Mr. Willard was married in 1907. to Miss Mary Elizabeth Griswold, of Wethers- field, and they have four children: Edward W., Jr., Katherine, Richard G., and Eliza- beth. Mr. Willard is a Mason, belonging to Hospitality Lodge, No. 128, F. & A. M., of Wethersfield. In religious faith he is a Congregationalist and his political allegi- ance is given to the republican party. For six years he served on the school board, of which he was chairman for one year. Since its organization in 1918 he has been identified with the town plan commission and is also a member of the board of appeals of the zoning commission. Broad-minded and public-spirited, Mr. Willard has constantly expanded his field of usefulness and his life affords an example of what constitutes good citizenship.
A. RAYMOND BETTS
A. Raymond Betts, president of the Mutual Bank & Trust Company of Hartford, is one of the enterprising, forceful and resourceful young business men of Hartford to whom the city looks for her future development. He was born in Norwalk, De- cember 24, 1891, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert A. Betts and a brother of Clifford A. Betts, office engineer of the great Moffat tunnel which has just been opened through the Great Divide of Colorado.
The public schools of Norwalk accorded A. Raymond Betts his educational op- portunities and following his graduation from the high school there he entered the employ of the Fairfield County National Bank, with which he remained for two years, thus gaining his initial experience in connection with financial management. He then resigned to become secretary of the Erwin M. Jennings Company of Bridge- port, with which he remained for seven years, and later he accepted the vice presi- dency of the Norwalk Iron Works, with which he was associated through the World war period, the factory of the company being devoted to the manufacture of war materials. During that era he was called to Washington, D. C., on several occasions for consultation in regard to the manufacture of war materials. On the 18th of October, 1923, he severed his connection with the Norwalk Iron Works to again enter the field of banking in association with the management of a new institution-the Central Fairfield Trust Company, which was the result of consolidation of the Cen- tral Trust Company and the Fairfield County Bank & Trust Company. He was active in its management and control, contributing in substantial measure to its growth and development in the capacity of treasurer. On the 1st of January, 1928, however, he resigned as treasurer of that institution to come to Hartford and assume the duties of the presidency of the Mutual Bank & Trust Company. It was a recognition of the splendid ability that he had displayed in his former banking connections that led the officials of the Mutual Bank & Trust Company to seek his services and turn over the executive management of the institution to him as its president.
On the 11th of July, 1915, Mr. Betts was united in marriage to Miss Gladys M. Sanger, of Norwalk, and they are the parents of three sons: A. Raymond, Jr., born March 26, 1917; Elliott S., born December 21, 1921; and Morgan Hayes Betts, born March 20, 1928. Mr. Betts maintains his residence at Simsbury, but his acquaintance extends not only throughout Hartford but to many other sections of the state. He belongs to the Masonic and Odd Fellows lodges in Norwalk and has membership in the Norwalk Club, the Norwalk Country Club and the Shorehaven Golf Club. His social qualities make for popularity wherever he is known, but he allows no outside interests to interfere with the faithful performance of his duties in connection with the bank. He is still a comparatively young man, having not yet reached the zenith of his powers, which are being steadily developed through broadening experience,
(Photograph by Jackson's Studio)
A. RAYMOND BETTS
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close application, thoroughness and persistency of purpose. His growth and prog- ress have been continuous since he started out in the business world and he now occu- pies an enviable position among the strong representatives of financial interests.
ELBRIDGE M. WIGHTMAN
Throughout his entire business career Elbridge M. Wightman has been associ- ated with the North & Judd Manufacturing Company of New Britain and through the steps of an orderly progression has reached the vice presidency, being also the secretary and one of the directors of the company. He early realized that "there is no royal road to wealth" and that enterprise and diligence constitute the sure founda- tion upon which to build success. He has always, therefore, cultivated those qualities and has achieved results which are extremely gratifying and commendable. Born in New Britain in 1867, he is a son of John E. and Isabella (March) Wightman. The father in 1866 entered the employ of the firm of North & Judd, which was organized in 1863. He worked in the sales department and continued in the business until his death in 1880, or for a period of fourteen years.
It was in the year when his father's activities were ended that Elbridge M. Wight- man became identified with the business. He had hitherto spent his time as a pupil in the public schools, entering the high school after completing the work of the grades, but with his father's death he turned his attention to the business world, being first assigned to general work in connection with the shipping department and office of North & Judd. Gradually he acquired a knowledge of the business and devel- oped his efficiency, so that from time to time he was promoted and eventually was made superintendent of the plant, so continuing for ten years. In 1898 he was elected secretary and superintendent, in 1910 was given charge of the sales department and in 1914 was called into the councils of the company by being elected to the direc- torate. In 1918 he was elected vice president and today he is both vice president and secretary. With the passing years he has been very active in the business and his labors have constituted a forceful element in its continued growth and success. He is also a director of the City National Bank.
When a young man of twenty-three years, Mr. Wightman was united in mar- riage to Miss Kate E. Noble, who was born in New Milford, Connecticut, and they have one daughter, now Mrs. Jessie (Wightman) Jones, of New Britain. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wightman hold membership in the First Baptist church and are actively interested in its work. He is serving as senior deacon and as chairman of the finance committee. He is also prominent in the Young Men's Christian Association and was president of the local organization from 1915 until 1920. He is now a director of both the New Britain and the Connecticut State Young Men's Christian Associations. His interest in community affairs and public progress is manifest in many ways. He cooperates heartily in the work of the Chamber of Commerce of New Britain and in the State Chamber of Commerce and he is a valued member of the Rotary Club. He likewise belongs to the Shuttle Meadow, New Britain and Hartford Automobile Clubs, to the Connecticut Fish and Game Club and to the Connecticut Historical Society. Fraternally a Mason, he is identified with the lodge, chapter and council. His wife is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Hartford Woman's Club, the New Britain Woman's Club and Pine Orchard Club, and every progressive project receives their endorsement. They are most widely and favorably known, with a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance.
ELMER W. PAPE
Through successive stages of progress Elmer W. Pape has reached the presidency of the Adkins Printing Company of New Britain. He has been associated with the enterprise through practically this entire century, having accepted a position as sales- man about 1900. He was born in New Britain in 1886, his parents being William C. and Minnie (McNary) Pape, also natives of this place. His grandparents, Mr. and
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Mrs. Charles F. Pape, came to the United States from Germany about 1840 and the former was a member of the volunteer fire department of Hartford before the regular city fire department was organized. He was also connected with the police department of Hartford at one time. The grandparents of Elmer W. Pape in the maternal line were of the old Yankee Connecticut stock.
Elmer W. Pape, having pursued his education in the public schools until he be- came a high school pupil, afterward entered the employ of the Corbin Cabinet Lock Company, manufacturers of locks, with whom he remained for four years, doing clerical work. He then became identified with the Adkins Printing Company as a member of the sales force, doing outside selling for a period of probably ten years. He was made secretary of the company about 1913 and continued to fill that office until 1920, when he was elected president. The Adkins Printing Company was incorporated in 1871 by three Adkins brothers and the business has been continued uninterruptedly to the present time, the patronage growing with the development and growth of the city. A progressive plant with modern equipment has always been maintained, and under the direction of Elmer W. Pape as president and also as a member of the board of directors the business maintains its high standard and continues to enjoy an exten- sive patronage. They do all kinds of job, catalogue and color printing and manu- facture all kinds of loose-leaf and bound books, carrying a complete line of office appli- ances with a well equipped store. They are represented upon the road by five regular traveling salesmen and one part-time man and cover the state of Connecticut in their trade. Associated with Mr. Pape in the conduct of the business are Thure Bengston, who is treasurer, and A. E. Johnson, who is secretary.
In 1907 Mr. Pape was married to Miss Jennie Mitchell, who was born in Hawick, Scotland, and the family now numbers four children: William G., nineteen years of age, who is attending Pratt Institute of Brooklyn, New York; Charles F., fourteen years of age, who is a student in the Junior high school; Marjorie, aged seven, attend- ing grammar school; and Elmer W., Jr., who was born in 1925. The parents are members of the First Congregational church and Mrs. Pape is a member of the Wo- man's Club of Maple Hill. Mr. Pape is also prominently known in political circles as a supporter of the republican party and formerly served on the board of relief and the town committee. He has been a member of the board of water commissioners and of the Maple Hill fire district and in 1925 he was elected to the state legislature from Newington, Connecticut. He is a past president of the New Britain Rifle Association, a past president of the Nutmeg Rifle League and a past vice president of the New Britain Fish and Game Club, and he largely finds his recreation in hunting. He is president of the Kiwanis Club, director of the Mercantile Bureau of the Chamber of Commerce and fraternally he is connected with the Masonic bodies and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His has been an active and useful life and in every field to which he has directed his activity he has accomplished results which are beneficial and far-reaching. He has cooperated earnestly in bringing about public improvement, has advanced the social interests of the community and has become an important factor in business circles, where his labors are now covering broad terri- tory.
ALLEN PRICE PARKER
One of the notable examples of modern day enterprise and achievement is found in the life record of Allen Price Parker, the president and treasurer of the Clark Realty & Insurance Corporation of Southington. Without previous experience he en- tered the real estate field with the purpose of developing a high-class residential district and the story of his successful achievement is now an important factor in the history of real estate improvement here.
A native of New Haven, Allen Price Parker was born March 3, 1898, a son of H. A. and Hester M. (Park) Parker, the latter a daughter of the distinguished Dr. Edwin D. Park of New Haven, who was a brother of the late chief justice of the supreme court. In early life H. A. Parker was adopted by Charles H. Clark, men- tioned at length on another page of this work.
In his youthful days Allen Price Parker attended the public schools of South- ington and continued his education in Beach's private school, the Lewis high school,
(Photograph by Pach Bros. )
ALLEN P. PARKER
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the Pequod Business School and the Stebbing Institute of Commerce, and it was while pursuing his studies in New Haven that he entered the field of business as an employe on the New Haven Register. He afterward accepted a permanent position with the paper and had been advanced to the position of assistant circulation mana- ger when he put aside all business and personal considerations in order to enlist in the United States army in 1918 as a member of the gas and flame section of the chemical warfare division. After receiving his discharge he undertook to learn the bolt manufacturing business at the request of his granduncle, Charles H. Clark, but before he had accomplished his purpose in that connection another opportunity offered. The old factory of the Clark Brothers Bolt Company had been sold to the Hartford Battery Manufacturing Company and Mr. Clark decided that Mr. Parker should enter this organization. Accordingly he became a salesman, was later ad- vanced to the position of sales manager and eventually became the vice president, having contributed in large measure to the growth and success of the business. In 1927, upon securing his inheritance from Charles H. Clark, one of the founders of the Clark Brothers Bolt Company, he decided against the advice of most of the busi- ness men whom he knew to give his entire time, attention and resources to the devel- opment of the pasture land left him by Mr. Clark, comprising a tract of about thirty- five acres. His plan was to improve the property and there erect high-grade resi- dences on a restricted basis and thus draw from the best element in the surrounding cities, including Hartford, Waterbury, New Britain and Meriden. He has succeeded far beyond his expectations and has thus set at naught the adverse prediction of his friends. He surrounded his tract by hard roads, his perseverance and determination being the contributing factors in the building of these highways. His work has won him the admiration of the entire district. His labors have converted the entire tract of unimproved pasture and swamp lands into a beautiful residential district upon which have already been constructed twelve high-grade residences. The business which he established and which he has conducted under the name of the Clark Realty & Insurance Corporation is now being broadened out to include mortgages and other investments aside from speculative building. Mr. Parker is the president and treas- urer and the active leading spirit in the undertaking and his sound judgment, broad vision and keen insight have taken tangible form in the success which has rewarded his labors.
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