History of Hartford County, Connecticut, 1633-1928. Volume III, Part 71

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 71

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In all of the relations of life James J. Goodwin was actuated by his religious belief and on four different occasions he was elected a vestryman of Calvary church in New York city and in 1889 became warden, filling the office for many years. He had almost completed four score years when death called him June 23, 1915. His life was one of great activity and usefulness that won him recognition as an eminent financier and as a leading figure in various other connections. He at all times com- manded the respect and honor of those with whom he was associated and his entire course proved that the attainment of notable success can be in harmony with the strictest principles of integrity and uprightness.

JOHN P. NIELSEN

John P. Nielsen, real estate dealer and builder of Hartford, was born in Kolding, Denmark, January 1, 1871, and is a son of Henry and Kristine (Enevalsen) Nielsen. The father conducted business as a dealer in flowers and funeral wreaths in Denmark, and though he never permanently left his native country, he paid three visits to his son in America.

John P. Nielsen attended the public schools of his native city and there learned the cooper's trade, serving a four years' apprenticeship. He was a youth of nineteen years when he determined to try his fortune in the new world, thinking that better business opportunities might be secured on this side of the Atlantic. Accordingly he took up his abode in Hartford in 1890 and sought work at his trade but did not find it. His financial condition made it imperative that he obtain immediate employment, how-

R. HENRY NIELSEN

JOHN P. NIELSEN

(All Photographs by The Johnstone Studio)

ALLEN R. NIELSEN

ARTHUR A. NIELSEN

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ever, and he accepted a position in the factory of the Caligraph Typewriter Company at a salary of a dollar and a half per day. He remained with that concern until its removal to Bridgeport, at which time Mr. Nielsen became an employe in the Pope factory, where he continued for five years. Gradually his business vision was broad- ening as his ambition grew and deepened and as his experience widened, and in 1896 he entered upon an independent venture by turning his attention to the real estate business. This included the remodeling of old buildings, in which he has been ex- tremely successful, and as the years have passed he has gained a liberal patronage and acquired a substantial competence. Moreover, he is the chairman of the board of the John P. Nielson & Sons Company, dealers in Chrysler cars, in which connection a business of large and gratifying proportions has been built up.

On the 12th of October, 1892, Mr. Nielsen was united in marriage to Miss Marie Mortensen, a native of Denmark, and they became the parents of eight children, of whom six are yet living: Arthur A., Helen M., R. Henry, Allen R., Madeline M. and Frank T.

Mr. Nielsen is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Grotto and of both the subordinate lodge and the encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His religious faith is manifest in his connection with the Danish Lutheran church. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. Coming to the United States a young man of nineteen years, without capital and with little knowledge of the English language, he has steadily worked his way upward, accomplishing desired results through his indefatigable industry and perseverance.

JOHN P. NIELSEN & SONS COMPANY

John P. Nielsen & Sons Company is the name of a corporation whose record is one of notably successful achievement. It is the development of an idea whereby a father made possible the initial step of his sons into the automobile business. Today the father is chairman of the board of directors of the company and the business is being actively carried on by the three sons: Arthur A., R. Henry and Allen R. Niel- sen. R. Henry is the president and general manager, with Allen R. as vice president and treasurer and Arthur A. as vice president in charge of sales. The annual business now exceeds a million dollars, but it was not always so. The start was made in 1921. The three brothers had talked of the automobile trade with the result that their father put them to the test in building them a garage, to which he took them, on its completion, with the words "Go to it!" It was a great empty structure, housing not a single car. The combined capital of the three brothers was only about five hundred dollars and they must study out ways and means of financing a business. After con- siderable thought and careful planning they were visited by a Maxwell representative who offered them the agency for the manufacturer, proposing to leave with them six cars but not willing to do so without their check in payment. At length they sum- moned courage to approach a banking official with the request for a loan-and they secured it. Four months later their original half dozen cars were sold and already they were putting at nought the prediction of not a few Hartford merchants that "the Nielsen boys would be looking for work in six months." They undertook not only to sell but also to repair and wash cars. They did all the work unaided by em- ployes and had been in business for only a brief time when financial conditions through- out the country caused a decided slump in the automobile trade. Then it was that they had to dispense with the services of their night man, and one of the brothers would go on what they termed the "dog-watch" in order to meet their statement that they would give "night service." In the face of seemingly insurmountable difficulties, how- ever, they continued the business and the year 1921 saw a turn in the tide of their affairs by the introduction of an improved model of the Maxwell car, known as the "Good Maxwell." The car indeed proved its name and the sales of the Nielsen brothers at once increased. Within a comparatively short time the garage built to take care of any expansion during the first six or eight years of their business operations provec too small. They doubled its size and a little later found it necessary to rent a ware- house. Then came the announcement of the new Chrysler car, which the firm began handling, the Chryslers ranging in price from fifteen to twenty-three hundred dollars, while the Maxwells sold for a thousand. With the introduction of the Chrysler to the trade the business of the Nielsen brothers grew almost by leaps and bounds and within

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four years the brothers were doing a business of eight hundred thousand dollars. The marvelous expansion of their business found its tangible expression in the erection of five-hundred-thousand dollar structures, which is one of the most magnificent automo- bile houses in the east. This was opened for inspection and for business in December, 1927. It is a beautiful structure, thoroughly modern in every particular. In its erec- tion the architect studied not only the practical side but recognized the modern trend in commercial art and advertising and provided a proper background for the display of cars as well as adequate floor space. The idea of beauty and of harmony everywhere prevails. The great showroom, with a floor space of forty-five hundred square feet, is a reproduction of an Italian court yard, with an illuminated fountain in the center, with a blue dome above. Graceful window balconies carry out the illusion of Italian atmosphere, and twenty-two cars can be exhibited in this room at one time without crowding. Every feature of a modern automobile establishment of the highest class can here be found, and it is not now the difficulty of the John P. Nielsen & Sons Com- pany to secure the capital with which to finance the business but to secure a sufficient number of cars to meet their sales. Those who viewed their initial venture in pessi- mistic mood now acknowledge theirs to be an outstanding success, with a business that in 1927 o'ertopped a million dollars and which it is planned to bring up to the two-million-dollar mark in 1928.

JAMES LAMBERT DEGNAN.

On the roster of public officials in Hartford county appears the name of James Lambert Degnan, who is acceptably filling the office of police judge of Southington. He was here born September 23, 1893, and is a son of James H. and Lucy (Lambert) Degnan. After acquiring his public school education he spent two years as a student at Villanova College, Villanova, Pennslvania. Later he matriculated in Georgetown University, where he completed a course in law as a member of the class of 1919. Following his graduation he returned to Connecticut and was admitted to practice at the bar of this state in June, 1921. He then entered the office of Judge Denis T. O'Brien, Jr., at Meriden, Connecticut, with whom he remained until 1924, gaining valuable experience and practical knowledge of legal procedure. He next came to Southington as prosecuting attorney of the borough and in 1925 was made judge of the police court, having been appointed for a second term, so that he is now the incum- bent in the office. His course during the seven years of his active association with the Connecticut bar has been one of steady progress, as his powers have been developed through study and experience. At the outset of his carer he recognized the fact that industry is just as necessary in law practice as in any other field of business and he ever prepared his cases with great thoroughness and care, while upon the bench his decisions have been strictly fair and impartial and he has seldom, if ever, been at fault in the application of legal principles.

Judge Degnan married Margaret Marion Miller, daughter of Alonzo Fyler Miller and Susan Dayton Miller, of Southington, September 1, 1928. He is well known in social circles as a valued member of the Southington Country Club and of the City Club of Southington. During the World war he went to the heavy artillery training camp at Fort Monroe, Virginia, where he was awaiting an appointment as second lieutenant when the war ended. In matters of citizenship he has always stood for reform, pro- gress and improvement and his cooperation can ever be counted upon to further any project for the general good.

GEORGE LEWIS CHASE

Among the men of a previous generation who have conferred honor and dignity upon the state of Connecticut and have furthered its upbuilding along substantial lines and in definitely tangible manner was numbered George Lewis Chase, who passed away in Hartford, January 7, 1908. He was born in Millbury, Massachusetts, Janu- ary 13, 1828, and his ancestry is traced back through fourteen generations to Thomas Chase, who occupied the ancestral family seat in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, Eng-

(Photograph by The Johnstone Studio)

JAMES LAMBERT DEGNAN

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land. The name probably comes from the French word Chasser-to hunt-and the family is entitled to bear a coat-of-arms: Gules four crosses patence argent (two and two), on a canton azure a lion rampant or. Thomas Chase, of Buckinghamshire, was the father of John Chase, also a resident of Chesham, where he spent his entire life. His son, Matthew Chase, likewise a lifelong resident of Chesham, married Eliza- beth, daughter of Richard Bould, and their family of eight children included Thomas Chase (II), who was the fifth son and who married and became the father of five children, all born at Hundrich, Chesham, where the family home was maintained. His second son was Richard Chase, who was baptized August 3, 1542, and who was mar- ried April 16, 1564, to Joan Bishop. Of their family of nine children the fourth son was Aquila Chase, who was born at Hundrich and baptized there August 14, 1580. He married and had two children.

The younger, Aquila Chase, became the founder of the family in the new world. He was born in England in 1618 and died in Newbury, Massachusetts, December 27, 1670. He was a resident of Hampton, New Hampshire, in 1640 and in 1646 removed to Newbury, Massachusetts, where he was granted four acres for a house lot and six acres of marsh on condition that he go to sea and do service in the town with a boat for four years. He married Anne Wheeler and their family of nine children in- cluded Moses Chase, their youngest son, who was born in Newbury, Massachusetts, December 24, 1663. He was married November 10, 1684, to Ann Follansbee and on the 13th of December, 1713, married Sarah Jacobs. His children were all born of the first marriage and the two eldest were twins, Moses and Daniel, whose natal day was September 20, 1685. Moses died in childhood, while Daniel Chase lived until May 28, 1769. He removed from Newbury to Sutton, Massachusetts, and built the first corn mill at Pleasant Falls. His wife, Sarah March, died in December, 1771, at the age of eighty-eight years. They reared a large family, of whom the second in order of birth was Daniel Chase, named for his father. He was born Septem- ber 18, 1709, in Newbury, Massachusetts, and he died in Sutton in May, 1799, when in his ninetieth year. His first wife was Hannah Tuttle, of Littleton, Massachusetts, and on January 24, 1782, he married Martha Fletcher, of Grafton.

Paul Chase, the eldest son of Daniel and Hannah (Tuttle) Chase, was the great- grandfather of George Lewis Chase of this review. He was born in Sutton, Massa- chusetts, March 13, 1735, and spent his entire life at his birthplace, passing away in 1789. On the 17th of April, 1758, he married Lucy Richardson, also a native of Sutton, and they were parents of two sons and a daughter, the eldest being Joshua Chase, who was born in Sutton, Massachusetts, November 26, 1760. He was married there August 23, 1787, to Lydia Prentice and they became parents of four children. The father passed away at Sutton, January 6, 1842. Paul Cushing Chase, the only son of Joshua and Lydia (Prentice) Chase, was born at Sutton, Massachusetts, March 6, 1790, and died at Millbury, formerly a part of Sutton. He served as high- way surveyor, as assessor and selectman and was frequently chairman of the board of selectman. On the 9th of December, 1819, at Millbury, he married Sally Pierce, daughter of Aaron and Hannah Pierce, and their children were: Leonard Pierce, born September 5, 1820; George Cushing, who was born September 18, 1824, and died August 3, 1827; Lewis Stow, born August 6, 1826; George Lewis; and Daniel Moody, who was born July 25, 1832.

Of this family George Lewis Chase was the fourth in order of birth. He at- tended the Millbury Academy and after his textbooks were put aside became agent for the Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Georgetown, Massachusetts, thus starting out in a field of labor in which he was destined to rise to prominence. After some years' connection with the company he was chosen a member of its board of directors. At first his labors were confined to southern Massachusetts and eastern Connecticut but his agency was extended to include four companies, one of which was the Holyoke Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Salem. In 1848 Mr. Chase became traveling agent for the Peoples Insurance Company of Worcester and so con- tinued until 1852, when he removed to Ohio to become assistant superintendent of the Central Ohio Railway Company, and ready recognition of his superior business ability soon came to him and he was made general superintendent of the road, occupy- ing that office until 1860. He was instrumental in organizing the first association of railroad superintendents in the United States at a meeting held in Columbus, Ohio, in 1853. He returned to the insurance field, however, in 1860 by becoming the western general agent for the New England Fire Insurance Company of Hartford and in 1863

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he entered into active association with the Hartford Fire Insurance Company by becoming assistant general agent. In 1867 he was honored with election to the presi- dency of the company, which is one of the oldest in America and which had the notable record of having had but six presidents up to and including the service of Mr. Chase, who was the honored head of the corporation for forty-one years. He instituted many progressive measures, did away with time-worn customs, inculcated enterprising methods and contributed in notable measure to the continued growth, development and expansion of the business. As a matter of history, he was the first to employ steno- graphic and typewriter service in the insurance business and the first to suggest telephone communication between the Hartford, Aetna and Phoenix offices. When he had served the company for a quarter of a century his associates in the Hartford presented him with a beautiful silver loving cup and the general and special agents serving the company in various parts of the United States presented him with a Jurgensen watch. He ever commanded the highest respect, confidence and good will of his colleagues and contemporaries in the insurance field. In 1876 he was elected president of the National Board of Fire Underwriters and for many years was chair- man of its legislation and taxation committee. He was also a trustee and vice presi- dent of the Society for Savings of Hartford, a trustee of the Connecticut Trust and Safe Deposit Company and a director of the American National Bank.

On the 8th of January, 1851, Mr. Chase was united in marriage to Miss Calista Mendall Taft, who was born at Sutton, Massachusetts, May 10, 1826, a daughter of Judson and Sarah B. (Keyes) Taft. She passed away December 9, 1897, and on the 14th of February, 1899, Mr. Chase married Mrs. Louise J. R. Chapman, who died February 2, 1904. He married, on June 21, 1905, Susan DeWitt Fairbairn, who passed away May 27, 1916. The children of the first marriage were: Sarah Isabel, who was born June 10, 1852, and died December 23, 1893; Charles Edward, men- tioned elsewhere in this work; and Nellie Taft, who was born November 27, 1859, and died April 16, 1866.

For many years Mr. Chase held membership in the Asylum Hill Congregational church and five times was chosen for the presidency of the Connecticut Congregational Club. His entire life was guided by his Christian faith and he ever attempted to exemplify its teachings concerning his relations to his fellowmen and to the commu- nity at large. The high place which he held in public regard was due to his consid- eration for his employes, his loyalty to his fellow officials in business and the high standards to which he always adered. He was devoted to the members of his own household and to those who survived him he left the priceless record of an untarnished name.

JOHN M. BRADY

Operating in the field of real estate, John M. Brady has wisely and carefully directed his labors, so that substantial results have accrued, and he today occupies a prominent and enviable position as a realtor of Hartford. He has also left the impress of his individuality upon the political history of Connecticut, standing as one of the stalwart champions of republican principles in the capital city. He comes to Con- necticut from New York, having been born at Brockport, in the Empire state, August 18, 1864. His parents, Michael and Ann (Conlon) Brady, were natives of Ireland and in early life came to America, settling in Rochester, New York, while subsequently they removed to Brockport, where the father was engaged in the shoe business for many years. He saw the first train that ran over the New York Central in the western part of that state and was a well known figure in his section because of his business activity and substantial support of all that made for the good of his community. Both he and his wife passed away in Brockport.

John M. Brady attended the public schools there to the age of sixteen years, when he went to New Britain, Connecticut, in 1881 and entered the employ of the Russell & Irwin Manufacturing Company, with which he remained for about five years. He next turned his attention to the business of handling meats and groceries, in which he con- tinued for one year, and later he entered the real estate and insurance field, in which he has since operated. As the years have passed he has built up a business of gratifying proportions, having' won many clients who have given him their business through an

(Photograph by The Johnstone Studio)

JOHN M. BRADY

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HARTFORD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT

extended period. In 1903 he opened an office in Hartford for handling real estate and insurance and gradually his business has grown and developed until it is today very remunerative.

In the political field, too, Mr. Brady has figured prominently. While living in New Britain he was elected as alderman from the sixth ward in the spring of 1906, receiv- ing the endorsement of both parties. In the fall of 1906 he was made the democratic candidate for state senator against George W. Corbin and was elected, serving as a member of the upper house for one term. He also became a candidate for mayor of New Britain but was defeated by a small majority, and three times he ran on the state ticket for comptroller. For seven years he filled the office of chairman of the state democratic central committee. In 1917 he removed to Hartford, where he has since resided, and in 1918 he left the ranks of the democratic party and joined the republi- can forces, with which he has since been active. This was characteristic of Mr. Brady. If he believes that a cause is right he does not hesitate to espouse it, and he has ever been loyal to his honest convictions. Identified with the interests of Hartford county for many years, he is widely known throughout this section of the state and is held in the highest regard.

On the 7th of September, 1887, Mr. Brady was united in marriage to Miss Cath- erine Moffitt, of New Britain, a daughter of Bernard Moffitt, a merchant of that place. They have become parents of seven children, of whom six are living: Irene, the wife to George F. Hennessey; Ethel, the wife of Otto B. Herlth; Joseph, who married May Costello; Earl, who married Catherine Farrell; Harold, who is associated with his father in business; and Howard, who is now a chiropractic doctor in Hartford.

Mr. Brady's religious faith is indicated in his connection with the Knights of Col- umbus. For forty-five years he has been a member of the Elks Club and he also has membership with the Fraternal Order of Eagles, having served as president of the local society for two terms. He is also a member of the City Club and Get Together Club and is helpfully interested in all that pertains to the welfare and progress of the community, keeping at all times well informed on the questions and issues of the day and at all times standing for progress and improvement.

REGINALD E. TOWERS

Various business interests have felt the stimulus and profited by the progressive spirit of Reginald E. Towers, who is closely associated with the brick industry and has other important business connections. He was born in New Britain, October 24, 1893, and is a son of James and Margaret Towers. The father, who died in 1917, was a very prominent figure in Hartford county. He was a recognized leader in repub- lican circles and he served as a member of the city council, while for two terms he represented his district in the state legislature, giving thoughtful and earnest con- sideration to all vital questions which came up for settlement. At the time of his death he was filling the position of county commissioner and in this, as in other of- fices, he measured up to every standard of good citizenship and of faithful service. In business circles, too, he was widely and prominently known, being long associated with the brickmaking industry, and was the president of the Connecticut Brick Manu- facturers Association.

The youthful days of Reginald E. Towers were largely devoted to the acquire- ment of a knowledge of those branches of learning which constitute the public and high schools' curriculum. He then entered the employ of his father at the brick yard and thoroughly acquainted himself with every phase of the business, so that he was well qualified to take over the management and executive control at the time of his father's demise in 1917. He has since successfully conducted the plant, the business developing with the growth of the city, and he is also the vice president and treasurer of the Central Brick Company, a New Britain organization which he helped to found. He was likewise one of the organizers of the R. E. Towers Filling Stations, which business he conducts in conjunction with his other activities. He is resourceful and progressive and through the passing years his labors have brought highly gratifying results.

In August, 1916, Mr. Towers was married in New Britain to Miss Bessie M. Mills, a daughter of J. W. and Bessie Mills, and they have become parents of two

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children: J. Stuart, born July 4, 1918; and Margery, born February 4, 1922. The parents are well known in New Britain, where their circle of friends is almost co- extensive with the circle of their acquaintance. Like his father, Mr. Towers has figured actively in connection with political interests, supporting the republican party and serving on the common council in 1919 and again in 1921. In 1926 he was once more elected to the office, which he has since filled, and he is now chairman of public works for New Britain. He has membership in Harmony Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and in the various Masonic bodies, which have brought him up to the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He likewise belongs to the New Britain Elks lodge and is a loyal follower of the teachings and purposes of these fraternal organizations.

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History of Hartford County, Connecticut, 1633-1928. Volume III, Part 71

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