History of Hartford County, Connecticut, 1633-1928. Volume III, Part 63

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 63

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GEORGE WINTHROP HULL

George Winthrop Hull, one of the political leaders of Bristol as well as one of its successful business men, enjoying a liberal clientage as a dealer in stocks, invest- ments and real estate, was here born on the 24th of March, 1887, and is a son of George S. and Hattie Antoinette (Fenn) Hull. The father was born in Burling- ton, Hartford county, March 31, 1847, he being the eldest of the three children of Sylvanus and Florilla (Clark) Hull. Sylvanus Hull was of English lineage and was born in North Haven, Connecticut, in June, 1820. He was a son of Elisaph Hull, who was born in North Haven in 1783 and who, after devoting many years to farming, departed this life in 1873, at the notable age of ninety years. His son, Sylvanus Hull, also made farming his life work. He married Evaline Pond and they had a daughter Evaline, who became the wife of Isaac B. Hartwell. After the death of his first wife, Sylvanus Hull married Florilla Clark and their children were: George S .; Burton C., born February 22, 1854; and Rowland T., born in May, 1863.

Dr. George S. Hull attended the common schools and then studied for two years in the State Normal at New Britain, while later he pursued a preparatory course in the Connecticut Literary Institute at Suffield. He afterward devoted a year to study in the Yale Medical School and later attended lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, next matriculating in the Homeopathic Medical College of that city. He was graduated with the class of 1872 and at once located in Bristol, where he soon built up a large practice. For many years he filled the office of medical examiner and in 1887 was elected surgeon of the First Regiment of the Connecticut Uniform Rank of the Knights of Pythias, filling the office until 1890, when he was appointed to a similar position with the Second Regiment and a few weeks later was made assistant surgeon-general on the staff of Brigadier General E. F. Durand. In Masonry he attained high rank, taking the degrees of lodge, chapter, council and commandery, also attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and was a charter member of Sphinx Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Hartford. He held membership with the Knights of Pythias in its various branches and held various offices in the grand lodge, serving also as representative to the supreme lodge. He belonged to the subordinate lodge and to the encampment of Odd Fellows and was ever loyal to the high teachings and purposes of these various fraternal organizations. In religious faith he was a consistent Baptist and politically he was a republican. Much of his time and effort, however, was given to his important professional duties

GEORGE W. HULL

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and he belonged to the Alumni Medical Association of the New York Homeopathic Medical College and to the Connecticut Homeopathic Medical Society. He also directed his labors at times into the commercial field and became financially and actively interested in the Codling Manufacturing Company, which was incorporated in 1893 and of which he was made president. He was also president of the Turner Heating Company, manufacturers of hot air heaters and stoves, and was a director of the Bristol Water Company from its organization. He also served on the directorate of the Dowd Printing Company of Winsted, Connecticut.

On the 2d of April, 1867, Dr. Hull was married to Miss Sarah Alice Curtiss, who was born in October, 1846, and died in October, 1884. For his second wife Dr. Hull chose Miss Hattie Antoinette Fenn, whom he married June 3, 1886, and who was born in Plymouth, September 22, 1857, her father having been Lucius A. Fenn.

George Winthrop Hull, the only child of the second marriage, obtained a public school education in Bristol and later was a student in the Crozer Theological Seminary at Chester, Pennsylvania. Later he traveled in Europe for a year, gaining that liberal culture and experience which only travel can bring. The year 1905 witnessed his return to Bristol, at which time he entered the political field in republican ranks, doing much of the work in drawing up the charter for the city of Bristol. In the first city election he was defeated by only six votes for the office of mayor. He served for two years in the city council and at all times he is interested in everything that has to do with the public welfare and with municipal progress, looking beyond the exigencies of the moment to the posibilities and opportunities of the future.

In Bristol, in 1916, Mr. Hull was married to Miss Millicent Perkins and to them have been born four children: Andrew; Harriet and Jane, twins; and David, who died at the age of five years. By a former marriage Mr. Hull has two sons, George S. and William G.

Fraternally Mr. Hull is connected with the Royal Arcanum and also has mem- bership in the Bristol Grange and the Sons of St. George. His activities and his interests are manifold and are ever directed along progressive lines leading to the uplift of the individual and the advancement of public welfare. His private interests in the field of business are directed along the line of stocks and investments and real estate dealing and he has gained many clients, his business steadily growing in extent and volume, so that he is well known in financial circles of his native city.

HOBART F. PERRIN

Well known as a representative of the automobile trade in Hartford is Hobart F. Perrin, the treasurer and general manager of the Capitol Buick Company, in which connection he has built up a business of extensive proportions. His identifi- cation with the Buick interests dates from 1908 and his operations have centered in Hartford since June, 1924. He is a native of Massachusetts, and was born in Stoughton, October 7, 1889. His parents were Dr. Edward A. and Isabel L. (Lunt) Perrin, who were also born in the old Bay state. The father is a dental surgeon of Stoughton and prominent in local affairs.

The son, Hobart F. Perrin, was educated in the public schools and in Tufts Col- lege at Medford, Massachusetts, there pursuing a course in the engineering depart- ment and thus laying the foundation for later success in connection with the auto- mobile trade. In 1908 he became associated with the Buick Company at Boston, Massachusetts, starting as an employe in the electrical and service end of the busi- ness. In 1910 he was transferred to a similar position in Worcester, Massachusetts, and he thus came to understand every part of the car and to recognize the value of its construction. In June, 1924, he came to Hartford, where he had previously organized the Capitol Buick Company, of which he has since been treasurer and manager. This corporation was capitalized for two hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Perrin purchased the building site on which has been erected a large structure with all modern conveniences for the display and handling of cars. The building was completed at a cost of about three hundred thousand dollars and has beautiful show- rooms on Washington street, with service shops in the rear and also with storage space. The building contains about fifty-five thousand square feet and in addition

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there is a yard area of about thirty thousand square feet. The company employs approximately one hundred people and has branches in New Britain, Unionville and Manchester, all under the supervision of Mr. Perrin, whose brother, Philip M. Perrin, is associated with him in the business. Aside from serving as treasurer and man- ager Hobart F. Perrin is one of the directors of the Capitol Buick Company.

In 1914 Mr. Perrin was united in marriage to Miss Florence I. Byrne, of Worces- ter, Massachusetts, and they are the parents of a son, Edward F., born July 3, 1916. They reside at 16 Girard avenue. Mr. Perrin is well known in Masonic circles, having attained the Knight Templar degree in Worcester Commandery and the thirty-second degree in Massachusetts Consistory. He was formerly a member of Aleppo Temple of the Mystic Shrine of Boston and is now identified with Sphinx Temple of Hart- ford and is a member of three Shrine clubs. He also belongs to the Kiwanis Club, the Wampanoag Golf Club and the Shelter Harbor Golf Club and finds rests and pleasure on the links but centers his interest in his rapidly growing business, to which he gives most capable direction, his enterprising spirit and undaunted courage in che face of obstacles being salient features in the success of the corporation which he represents.

DONATO LARAIA

Among the men of foreign birth who have found in the business conditions of Hartford opportunity for the attainment of success and who have made steady advance- ment in the business world was numbered Donato Laraia, banker and broker, who con- ducted business at 195 Temple street in Hartford. A native of Italy, he was born March 23, 1867, in Corleto Perticara, in the province of Potenza, and was a son of Biose and Bridget (Demna) Laraia. The mother died during the early youth of her son Donato, who with his father and brother John came to America in 1872, when a little lad of five years. They landed at New York and thence proceeded to Boston, Massachusetts, where they remained for a brief period but in 1873 settled in Hartford, where the family has since lived. In early manhood Donato Laraia was engaged in the wholesale and retail liquor business for some years but in 1896 turned his attention to banking and the brokerage business, in which he became very successful, winning many clients, so that his interests were of extensive proportions. He conducted a general private banking business and also handled steamship tickets and transmitted money to foreign countries.

On Thanksgiving day of 1905 Mr. Laraia was married to Miss Lucy Denezzo, a native of Hartford, and they became the parents of three children: Bridget, Laura and Francis B., the last named attending Notre Dame College.

Mr. Laraia was interested in public affairs and in 1925 was appointed street com- missioner, which office he filled for three years. Fraternally he was connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Eagles and with Arrowhead Tribe of Red Men. He was also a charter member of Solomon Colt's fraternity and also of the Young Italian American Association. He likewise belonged to the City Club of Hart- ford. He made several trips abroad after coming to America and greatly enjoyed the visits to his native land, but he felt that America was his home and that he owed his allegiance to the interests of this country, for here he found and enjoyed the business advantages which led him to success. He died suddenly August 10, 1928, leaving many friends to mourn his loss.

WILLIAM HART JUDD

For fifteen years William Hart Judd continuously filled the office of assistant cashier in the New Britain National Bank and his record indicates what can be accom- plished through individual merit and when a laudable ambition points out the way. Nor has he allowed business affairs to entirely monopolize his time. He has ever measured up to high standards of citizenship and has worked effectively and earnestly for the common good. He was born in New Britain, May 5, 1877, his parents being William S. and Helen (Hart) Judd, the latter a descendant of Stephen Hart, while

DONATO LARAIA

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the former was a descendant of Thomas Judd, both original settlers of Farmington. The family therefore has long been associated with the history of Connecticut and representatives of the name have ever been loyal adherents of all that has stood for general progress and improvement.

William Hart Judd became a pupil in the local schools, attended the high school, graduating in 1896, and then secured a position as runner for the New Britain Na- tional Bank on the 1st of January, 1897. He entertained no false ideas concerning success. He realized from the outset that perseverance and energy are the vital forces in its attainment and those qualities have ever characterized him, so that as the years went by he gained promotion after promotion until he was made cashier in 1928 and as such has since been active in directing the affairs of the institution. He is ever a courteous and obliging official, doing everything in his power to accommodate the patrons of the bank to a point that does not interfere with its safety.

On the 6th of June, 1908, at New Britain, Mr. Judd was united in marriage to Miss Florence Allderige and they are the parents of two children, William Hart, Jr., and Jane. Mr. and Mrs. Judd hold membership in the First Baptist church, in which he is serving as treasurer, and he is also filling the office of treasurer for the Boy Scouts. His political endorsement has ever been given to the republican party and he is a recognized leader in its councils. He was first elected to office as alder- man from the third ward and during his term was president pro tem of the common council. In 1927 he was elected a member of the state legislature and was made clerk of the incorporation committee, a member of the banking committee and chairman of the committee on manufacturing. He is also chairman of the republican town committee. He belongs to the Rotary Club and is in hearty sympathy with its high principles and purposes. Along more strictly social lines he has connection with the New Britain Club and among the patriotic organizations he is connected with the Sons of the American Revolution and the Connecticut Society of the Cincinnati. He holds to the highest and best traditions of New England in his business life and in citizenship, and his sterling worth is attested by all who know him.

JOHN C. BLACKALL

Among the younger representatives of the Hartford bar is numbered John C. Blackall, who since admitted to practice in 1923 has followed his profession in the capital city. A native of Waterbury, Connecticut, he was born March 29, 1892, his parents being John and Margaret (Kelly) Blackall, also natives of that place. Public and parochial schools and the high school of Waterbury provided him his early educational opportunities and in 1912 he was graduated from St. Thomas Seminary in Hartford. He afterward devoted two years to the study of philosophy in St. Bernard's College in Rochester, New York, and in 1914 he joined the staff of the Waterbury American as a reporter, remaining in that connection until 1915, when he became a member of the reportorial staff of the Hartford Times. Later he was promoted to the position of assistant city editor and remained with the Times until 1917, when he resigned in order to become private secretary to the Hon. Augustine Lonergan, for whom he acted as secretary during the two successive congressional terms in Washington. During the last session of the last congress under the Wilson administration Mr. Blackall was assistant enrolling clerk of the house of representa- tives, occupying that position from December, 1920, until March, 1921.

In the latter year Mr. Blackall became private secretary to Congressman Carl E. Mapes, of Michigan, with whom he continued until congress adjourned in 1923. It was then that Mr. Blackall came to Hartford, where he opened an office for the practice of law, for during his secretaryship with Messrs. Lonergan and Mapes he had studied in the Georgetown Law School of Washington and was admitted to the bar in 1923. After coming to Hartford he was associated with E. W. Broder until July, 1928, since which time he has practiced alone. His practice is growing in volume and is becoming increasingly important as he gives proof of his ability. He prepares his cases with great thoroughness, care and precision and what he has already accomplished argues well for success in the future.

On the 24th of November, 1921, Mr. Blackall was married to Miss Mae A. Kelly, a daughter of Michael C. and Bridget (McCarthy) Kelly, of Waterbury, Connecticut.

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They now have a daughter, Mary Frances, born November 17, 1922; and a son, John C. Blackall, Jr., born August 23, 1926.

Mr. Blackall votes with the democratic party and fraternally he is connected with the Elks, while in the path of his profession he is identified with the Hartford County Bar Association and the Connecticut State Bar Association. A creditable ambition prompts him to put forth earnest and persistent effort and already his record at the bar is such as the younger members of the profession may well envy.

FRANK I. PRENTICE

It is a long step between bank messenger service and the office of vice president and treasurer of a large and substantial financial institution. This advance, however, has been covered in the business career of Frank I. Prentice, who since starting out to provide for his own support in 1880 has been continuously associated with the Society for Savings and now holds the position of second executive officer as well as that of treasurer. The steps in his orderly progression, however, are easily dis- cernible. Industry, loyalty, determination, enterprise and laudable ambition-these are the qualities which have carried him steadily onward and upward.

Born in Hartford, November 24, 1862, Frank I. Prentice is a son of Charles H. and Julia E. (Hills) Prentice, of Hartford. He mastered the branches of learning taught in consecutive grades in the public schools until he had completed his high school course and then turned to the business world, there to win success or meet failure in as far as he would put forth effective effort in mastering business principles or show a lack of determination. Those who knew Frank I. Prentice had no doubt as to the outcome. He accepted the humble position of messenger in what was then the Pratt Street Bank and he resolutely set to work to master every phase of the busi- ness and to win his promotion through capability and efficiency. His present position has resulted therefrom. After leaving clerical positions he was made assistant treas- urer and so continued from 1906 until June, 1927, when he was elected vice president, at the same time continuing in the office of treasurer, so that he is the present incum- bent in the dual position.

On the 21st of September, 1886, Mr. Prentice was married to Miss Mary Merrill, a daughter of Thurlow B. and Ellen (Starr) Merrill, of Hartford. They have two children: Thurlow Merrill, born December 15, 1898; and Eleanor Hills, who is the wife of Thomas E. Hapgood, of Hartford, and has two children, Frank Prentice and Mary Elizabeth.

Since attaining his majority Mr. Prentice has continuously voted with the repub- lican party, firmly believing in its principles as factors in good government. He is well known as a member of the Hartford Club, Hartford Golf Club and Twentieth Century Club and he also belongs to the Connecticut Historical Society. Matters vital to his state are of deep interest to him and his progressive spirit prompts endorsement of all measures for the general good.

WICKLIFFE S. BUCKLEY

From messenger boy to bank treasurer indicates the scope of the business ac- tivities of Wickliffe S. Buckley and his effectiveness in the line of business which he chose as his life work. He has never dissipated his energies over a wide field but has concentrated upon a single branch of business with the result that he has become a recognized power in banking and financial circles, occupying today the position of treasurer of the Mechanics Savings Bank, to which office he was called on the 28th of May, 1920. His entire life has been passed in the section of the state in which he now resides, for he was born in Wethersfield, Connecticut, February 23, 1867, and there spent his youthful days in the home of his parents, Charles H. and Louisa J. (Andrews) Buckley. In Hartford he obtained a public and high school education and was a youth of seventeen years when, having put aside his textbooks, he entered the Mechanics Savings Bank on the 24th of November, 1884, in the humble capacity of messenger. Though his duties were of minor character, they were faithfully per-

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(Photograph by The Johnstone Studio)

FRANK I. PRENTICE

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formed and his industry and loyalty won him recognition on the part of his super- iors that led to steady advancement. Step by step he climbed upward, each promo- tion winning him a broader outlook and larger responsibilities, and in July, 1910, he became assistant treasurer, while on the 28th of May, 1920, he was chosen treas- urer of this corporation. The bank was organized in 1861 and began business in 1863 with two hundred and sixty-four accounts and with deposits amounting to forty-one thousand dollars. Such has been the growth of the bank that its deposits now amount to more than twenty-two million dollars. A mutual banking business is conducted entirely for the benefit of depositors and at this writing the business has passed the twenty-four million dollar mark. Associated with the bank for forty- three years, Mr. Buckley is responsible in large measure for its continuous expansion and success. His cooperation has also been sought in other fields of finance and he is now a director of the First National Bank and also has interests in institutions of a semi-public character, being a director and secretary of the Hartford Hospital and vice president of the Cedar Hill Cemetery.

On the 16th of October, 1895, Mr. Buckley was united in marriage to Miss Anna B. Harrison, a daughter of James and Isabella (Cuny) Harrison, both now deceased.

Mr. Buckley has continuously voted with the republican party since age con- ferred upon him the right of franchise. Fraternally he is a thirty-second degree Mason and member of the Mystic Shrine and has ever been a faithful follower of the teachings and purposes of the craft, while the motive springs of his conduct are further found in his Christian belief, his membership being in Saint Andrews Epis- copal church, of which he is now serving as treasurer. He has always been deeply and helpfully interested in those forces which make for moral uplift and progress, while at the same time he has wisely and carefully directed his business activities until he is now numbered among the men of affluence in Hartford.

EMIL H. FUNK

Among the modern and carefully conducted commercial institutions of Bristol is the furniture store and funeral home of C. Funk & Son, Inc., of which Emil H. Funk is one of the owners. The business is controlled by three brothers and the organization is composed of three long-experienced heads. Their establishment is modern to the ultimate degree and equipped to render the utmost in service. The business is highly systematized and has enjoyed a steady growth as a result of the well directed efforts and honorable, straightforward methods followed by the mem- bers of the firm. All are business men of high standing and the partners also enjoy the social side of life, being popular members of the Chippanee Country Club.

George J. Funk, president and treasurer of the firm, is a licensed embalmer and is in charge of the furniture store. He is a director of the Rowe & Davis Investment Company and also of Bristol Hospital. In politics he is a republican and champions all projects for civic growth and betterment. He is connected with the Sons of Vet- erans and his fraternal affiliations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Royal Arcanum and the Masons. In 1893 Mr. Funk married Nellie Parsons and had several children. His son, George, Jr., died July 28, 1925. Of the daughters, Marie is the wife of Kenneth Beckwith and their children are John and Jane. Frances is the wife of Raymond Crumb and the mother of two children, Maryln and Frances. The others are Donald, Josephine, Jeanette and Arthur.

Louis E. Funk, vice president of the firm, is also a republican and takes a help- ful interest in public affairs. He is a Rotarian and also belongs to the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In 1912 he married Miss Bertha Gamm, by whom he has two children, Louise and Edward.

Emil H. Funk, secretary of the firm has charge of the embalming and under- taking departments and, like his brothers, has worked untiringly and effectively for the development of the business. His public-spirited devotion to the general welfare has prompted his service on the school board of District No. 3, of which he acts as chairman, and is also a director of the building committee. He is identified with the Sons of Veterans, the Chamber of Commerce, the Royal Arcanum, the Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Lions Club, and in the Masonic Order has attained the thirty-second degree. In 1900 he

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married Miss Jessie H. Hull and they have become the parents of four children: Gladys. who is Mrs. H. G. Foster, of Chatham, New Jersey; Augustus George, who married Miss Dorothy C. Story, of Maplewood, New Jersey, and who is office manager of C. Funk & Son, Inc .; and Harriett and Erma, at home.

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History of Hartford County, Connecticut, 1633-1928. Volume III, Part 63

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