History of Hartford County, Connecticut, 1633-1928. Volume III, Part 79

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 79

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In 1923 Mr. Symon was married to Miss Minnie Greenberger, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Greenberger, of Norwich, Connecticut, and they are well known socially, having many friends here. They hold membership in the Temple Israel of New Britain. During the World war Mr. Symon handled publicity work for the United States government, taking active part in the Liberty Loan drives and in other war work. He votes with the republican party and he is a member of the Probus Club and of the Advertising Club of America.

JOHN CARLETON LOOMIS

John Carleton Loomis is richly endowed with all those qualities that make up the successful and progressive banker. In business affairs he has shown careful analysis, keen discernment and marked enterprise and the Commercial Trust Com- pany of New Britain, of which he was one of the organizers and is the president, stands as a monument to his efforts and to his high business ideals. Mr. Loomis was born at West Suffield, February 16, 1880, and the local schools afforded him his early educational opportunities, while after leaving the public schools he graduated from the Connecticut Literary Institute. Throughout his entire business career he has been identified with activity in the field of finance. He first entered the employ of the Aetna National Bank at Hartford and occupied a clerical position in that institution for nine years. He then went to Springfield, where he was engaged in the investment business, and later became the first treasurer of the Windsor Trust Company, with which he remained for a year and a half. On the expiration of that period he removed to New Britain, where he became the dominant spirit in the organization of the Commercial Trust Company and was chosen the bank's first treasurer. He was afterward appointed vice president and succeeded to the presi- dency upon the death of James M. Curtin. In November, 1927, the Commercial Trust Company opened its new banking building on West Main street, a model structure of its kind, and the occasion was a gala day in the history of business activity in New Britain. So great was the crowd that gathered on that occasion that it was almost impossible to transact any business and within two hours the bank had given away ten thousand roses-one to each visitor. The crowd continued throughout the afternoon and evening and the bank was made the recipient of most beautiful floral pieces. The bank equipment is of the most modern type and affords every possible convenience for the patrons, and in its new home the continued success of the institution is assured, for back of the bank stand men of pronounced ability, thoroughly acquainted with every phase of financial activity as represented in the banking institutions of the country. Mr. Loomis brought to his duties as president broad practical experience and a most progressive spirit, and the results attained under his direction are most gratifying. He is also vice president of the Peoples Savings Bank of New Britain.

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JOHN C. LOOMIS

877

HARTFORD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT

On the 8th of October, 1907, Mr. Loomis was married to Ethel Belle Kenyon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Kenyon of Hartford. Mr. and Mrs. Loomis are the parents of two sons and a daughter, namely: Lyman Kenyon, a student at Amherst College; John C., Jr., a student at the Suffield School; and Ruth. Mrs. Loomis was president of the Women's Club of New Britain for two years and is secretary of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Mr. Loomis made a commendable record as president of the New Britain Chamber of Commerce from 1921 until 1923 and is a director of the State Chamber of Com- merce. In club circles he is widely and prominently known, having membership in the Shuttle Meadow Country Club, the New Britain Club and the Hartford Club, and he belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, while in Masonry he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. Alert, enterprising and progressive, he is a valued addition to any organization or to any community in which he directs his activities and his position in New Britain is one of leadership.

GILBERT FREDERICK HEUBLEIN

Gilbert Frederick Heublein, a prominent and successful business man of Hart- ford, has made valuable contribution not only to its business growth but also to the welfare of the community.

He was born in Suhl, Germany, December 28, 1849. His parents, Andrew and Lena (Meissner) Heublein, were also natives of Suhl. Industrious, thrifty, and liberty loving, a weaver by trade, his father, attracted by our democratic form of govern- ment and freedom of action, left his native land in 1850 to become a resident of the United States. He became a naturalized citizen as soon as the necessary time had elapsed. At first, the family lived in Beacon Falls, Connecticut; shortly after, moving to New Haven; and in 1859, to Hartford. His father, Andrew Heublein, died May 30, 1899.

Gilbert F. Heublein received his education in a public school of Hartford, as well as in a private school conducted and maintained by some of the older German families. He graduated from the Stone school on Market street, since succeeded by the present Brown school. By the time Gilbert F. Heublein had reached the age of seventeen years, his father had established a restaurant, and he became his father's assistant. In a short time, "Heubs" became the rendezvous of the leading residents of Hart- ford, as well as of the state. People in all walks of life, business, political and literary, met there to discuss the topics of the day and spend a social hour. In 1870, he became his father's partner under the firm name of Andrew Heublein & Son. From this time on, progress was rapid. Five years later, the elder Heublein retired and Gilbert F. and his younger brother, Louis F., who by this time had completed his studies at

Cornell University, took over the business and established the firm name of G. F. Heublein & Brother. In 1901 the business was incorporated and some of the older employees given an interest in it. Under the guidance of the two brothers the firm became very prominent as importers and exporters of rare wines, liquors, bay rum and olive oil. They also introduced specialties under their own brands which found a market in all parts of the world. A. 1. Sauce, the recognized leader among condiments in use in the United States, was introduced from England, through the efforts of Gilbert F. Heublein.

Success in this field of operation prompted effort along other lines of activity. In 1891, the Heublein Hotel was erected at Gold and Wells streets. At that time, it was the finest in New England, and soon gained an enviable reputation from coast to coast for its hospitality and unusual table. Original in his ideas, Mr. Heublein attained for his new hotel the distinction of being the first one in the United States to be equipped throughout with oriental rugs.

Real Estate operations followed and, later on, extended into the security field. By 1916, three corporations, G. F. Heublein & Brother, The Heublein Hotel Com- pany, and G. F. Heublein, Incorporated, were in operation, each in a different field of activity. In 1923, The Heublein Corporation of New York was added for the purpose of operating a real estate business in the state of New York. All of the above concerns are operated under the active management of Gilbert F. Heublein, his brother Louis having passed away on February 8, 1913.

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HARTFORD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT

On December 2, 1875, Gilbert F. Heublein married Louise M. Gundlach, of Hart- ford. They have two children, a daughter, Alice H., born October 23, 1877, who is now the wife of Percy Martin of Kenilworth, England, and a son, Arthur C., a physician, mentioned elsewhere in this work.

Independent in his ideas and actions, he never permanently affiliated himself with any political party, although he did lean slightly towards the democratic party. At various times, political offices were offered him, which he never accepted.

He took great interest, however, in public institutions particularly hospitals. He has been on the executive board of the Hartford Hospital since 1902, and its enviable reputation among the leading hospitals of the country is due, in no small degree, to his untiring efforts. The Nurses Home and Recreation Hall, facing Jefferson street, is a gift to the hospital by Gilbert F. Heublein and his family.

He has been a liberal contributor to other public enterprises but always preferred that no publicity be given them.

Socially he is well known and has a wide circle of friends not only in Hartford but practically all over the world as he has traveled extensively in all parts of the globe. He is a member of The Hartford Club, Hartford Golf Club, The City Club, Hartford Lodge of Elks, Country Club of Farmington, The Lambs Club of New York, and the Automobile Clubs of Hartford, New York and Great Britain.

CARLISLE HODGES BALDWIN

As vice president of the American Hardware Corporation, Carlisle Hodges Bald- win is prominently connected with one of the leading business interests of New Britain. He was born in Torrington, Connecticut, in 1870, being one of the three sons of James B. and Martha (Merriman) Baldwin, both of whom were natives of this state and representatives of old Connecticut families. He is a descendant of John Baldwin who came to Milford, Connecticut, with "New Haven Land Company" early in the seventeenth century from Buckinghamshire, Bucks county, England. This John Baldwin, referred to, married Mary Bruen of Bruen Stapleford, Cheshire, England. This branch traces directly back to Robert Le Bruen in the year 1230. James B. Baldwin, the father of Carlisle H. Baldwin, was a natural mechanic and artist, devoting his early years to blacksmithing, carriage making and painting and to such other allied arts. He was also a great lover of horses and of the outdoor sports of those days. He was active in civic affairs of the community, standing at all times for those forces which make for progress and improvement in community life. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and at one time he filled the office of postmaster at Terryville, Connecticut, while fraternally he was an Odd Fellow. Both he and his wife have passed away. Their son, Ernest E. Baldwin, is associated with the Corbin Screw Corporation as sales manager.

Carlisle H. Baldwin obtained a public school education at Terryville and then started to work for the Eagle Lock Company of that place when sixteen years of age, his position being that of office boy. Steadily he was advanced as he proved his worth and capability until he filled various important general office positions. In 1899 he came to New Britain as assistant to George W. Corbin, who was general manager of the Corbin Cabinet Lock Company, the plant of which has since become a division or unit of the American Hardware Corporation and manufactures cabinet locks, padlocks, trunk and suitcase locks, keys and key blanks, post office equipment, house letter boxes, home savings banks and a general variety of miscellaneous hard- ware for special work. Step by step Mr. Baldwin progressed, winning his promotions through earnest effort, diligence and reliability. He was elected secretary of the Corbin Cabinet Lock Company in 1904, was made treasurer in the following year, was chosen first vice president and treasurer in 1907 and in 1908 became president and treasurer, which offices he held until 1912. In the last named year the Corbin Cabinet Lock Company was taken over by the American Hardware Corporation and C. H. Baldwin was elected vice president of the American Hardware Corporation and general manager of the Corbin Cabinet Lock Company division. He is likewise one of the directors of the corporation and also of the New Britain Trust Company and of the New Britain Cooperative Savings & Loan Association, as well as of the Shuttle Meadow Club.

CARLISLE H. BALDWIN

881

HARTFORD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT

On the 27th of July, 1893, Mr. Baldwin married Miss Lula Palmer, who was born in Bradford, Pennsylvania. They are the parents of a son and daughter. James P., who is a graduate of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, New York, and while a student there enlisted in the navy department, is now assistant superintendent of the Corbin Screw Corporation. He married Mildred Palmer and they have two children, Jane and Martha. Marjorie, the daughter of the family, is the wife of Arnold Frederic Wallen, now of New York city.

Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin have membership in the First Congregational church and she is active and prominent in social circles and holds membership with the Daugh- ters of the American Revolution. He is likewise a member of the Masonic lodge and in politics he is an earnest republican, taking an active interest in political and civic affairs and in all that pertains to the welfare and progress of the community. He is a director of the Hartford County Manufacturers Association and the Open Shop Conference of Connecticut and he closely studies the problems that have to do with business advancement, particularly in the field of manufacturing. He is a man of keen insight and of broad vision and his opinions are based upon practical experience and close investigation, while his labors have at all times been attended with results that are far-reaching and beneficial.

GEORGE E. PRENTICE

George E. Prentice was a youth of fifteen years when he arrived from England in the United States in 1883. He had hitherto had but limited educational oppor- tunities, but he was ambitious and not afraid of work and soon afterward he entered upon a seven years' apprenticeship in a jewelry establishment. Since then he has steadily climbed until he is at the head of one of the large productive plants of Hartford county-the G. E. Prentice Manufacturing Company of New Britain, its output being metal trimmings for suspenders, garters and belts, together with var- ious specialties. This business has been in continuous existence since 1912 and the passing years have marked a continuous increase in the trade until the English lad is today one of the foremost manufacturers of Connecticut. He was born in 1868, his parents being George and Caroline (Gale) Prentice, both of whom were natives of England. As opportunity offered he attended school there, but his chances were limited and in the school of experience he has learned the lessons which have brought him steadily to the front. With his arrival in New Britain he entered the employ of the Churchill & Lewis Company, the oldest jewelry manufacturing concern in the country. For seven years he worked to learn the trade and gained intimate knowledge thereof, acquainting himself with the methods of making the finest jewelry. When that establishment was moved to New York in 1892 he became connected with the Traut & Hine Manufacturing Company to learn the trade of tool making, in which he showed such efficiency and aptitude that after two years he was made superintend- ent. Prompted at all times by a laudable ambition, he utilized every opportunity that would bring him to the financial position that would enable him to engage in business on his own account. In 1912, therefore he started his present business, which was capitalized for one hundred thousand dollars, but only twelve thousand, five hundred dollars was paid in. As the years brought in profits, however, the full amount of capitalization was paid up and later this was changed to three hundred thousand dollars. During the war Mr. Prentice was summoned to appear before the war department to make plans for the manufacture of products needed and produced over one hundred million pieces without a single rejection, this being an outstanding record. Moreover, the government used his factory for training inspectors for other factories and had seventeen men here during the period of the war. Mr. Prentice also placed all of the patents at the service of the government without financial recompense. He had to take out more than seventy-five United States patents on different articles, chiefly his own line, and many foreign patents were also issued. He today produces an automatic fastener that is exported all over the world and the output includes various designs of metal trimmings for suspenders, garters and belts, many specialties and also personal hardware, the chief product, however, being metal trimmings for clothing. This is practically the only manufacturing plant of the kind in Hartford county and sales are made direct from the factory to users, while four traveling sales-

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HARTFORD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT

men are employed, covering the entire United States. Since the business was estab- lished it has expanded to at least five times its original size and there are now about two hundred employes in the factory. In 1918 a branch plant was established in New Britain, where a good business is now being carried on. Both plants are equipped with the latest automatic machinery and much of the output is now covered by patents which were secured by Mr. Prentice upon articles of his own design. He certainly deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. His plant probably manufactured more material for the government during the war than any other plant of its size, including trimmings for uniforms and equipment, and his company received a letter from the government commending the excellent work done. Associated with Mr. Prentice in the undertaking are F. H. Johnston and F. H. Alford, who became directors at the inception. Alphonso B. Porter also became associated with the firm in 1913 as secretary and treasurer of the company and he is likewise one of the directors, having been very active in the business for the past fifteen years. Like- wise identified with the enterprise are R. O. Clark, a brick manufacturer of Berlin, Connecticut; F. S. Troup, who is vice president in charge of sales at New Britain; and R. C. Legat, general superintendent of the factory.

In 1891 Mr. Prentice was married to Miss Edith M. Chaloner, who was born in New Britain, and they became parents of four daughters: Mrs. Harold Clark, of East Berlin, Connecticut; Mrs. Fred Troup, of Berlin, whose husband is a director and sales manager of the G. E. Prentice Manufacturing Company; Mrs. John Grobstein, whose husband is with the experimental department of engineering of the Stanley Works of New Britain and Edith, who was graduated from Penn Hall at Chambers- burg, Pennsylvania, in June, 1927, and is now engaged in secretarial work. Mrs. Prentice is a member of the Woman's Club of New Britain and takes a very active part in the work of the Berlin Congregational church, in which she holds membership. Mr. Prentice is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Lions Club and his religious faith is indicated in his membership in the Berlin Congregational church. His name is likewise on the membership rolls of the Connecticut Chamber of Com- merce and the National Association of Manufacturers.

Mr. Prentice is truly a self-made man and deserves all the credit which that term implies. Step by step he has worked his way upward and each forward step in his career has brought him a broader outlook and wider opportunity. As he has advanced he has grown in business power and strength until his resourcefulness and capability have made him a dominant factor in the manufacturing circles of Hartford county and placed him at the head of a business which contributes in substantial measure to the material prosperity of New Britain.

FREDERIC C. WHITE

On the roster of officials of the Hartford Fire Insurance Company appears the name of Frederic C. White, who is the vice president. Born in Buffalo, New York, March 3, 1867, he is a son of George W. and Sarah Miller (Whelden) White. The father was a native of New York, where he was engaged in business as a fire insur- ance agent, while later he was with the Board of Fire Underwriters. His wife was born in Minnesota, and both have now passed away.

When Frederic C. White had completed his education as a public school student he turned to insurance, in which he hoped to find a congenial and profitable field. This was in 1888 and he secured the position of chief inspector with the Buffalo Association of Fire Underwriters. In 1902 he became identified with the Under- writers Association of the middle department of Philadelphia as chief engineer, remaining in that connection until 1906, when he went with the New York Under- writers Agency, a subsidiary of the Hartford Fire Insurance Company. In the course of time he became special agent for western New York and afterward was made superintendent of the special risk department. At a later date he became a member of the firm of A. & J. H. Stoddard, general agents of the New York Under- writers Agency, continuing a member of that firm until 1920, when he came to Hartford, at the request of the board of directors of the Hartford Fire Insurance Company, to assume the office of vice president. Through the intervening period he has contributed to the success of the corporation through his wisely directed

(Photograph by Pirie MacDonald)

FREDERIC C. WHITE

885

HARTFORD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT

efforts, sound judgment and comprehensive knowledge of many phases of the insur- ance business. He is likewise vice president of the Citizens Insurance Company, vice president of the Twin City Insurance Company, vice president of the New York Underwriters Insurance Company and a director of the Capitol National Bank & Trust Company of Hartford.

On the 12th of September, 1888, Mr. White was united in marriage to Mabel A. Paxson, of Eden, New York, and they are the parents of a daughter, Mrs. Ray C. Neal, of Buffalo, New York. The family residence is at 50 Walbridge road in West Hartford. The religious faith of Mr. and Mrs. White is indicated in their connection with the First Unitarian Congregational Society, of which the former is now the president. He belongs also to the Masonic fraternity and to the lodge of the Ancient Landmarks of Buffalo. In club circles he is widely and favorably known, having membership in the Hartford Golf Club, the Country Club of Farmington, the Wam- panoag Club, the Union League Club of New York and the Drug & Chemical Club of New York. His activities and his interests are broad and varied, bespeaking him a typical American citizen of alert and enterprising spirit, meeting his duties and his obligations as freely and willingly as his opportunities.

CHARLES EDSON CURTISS

Charles Edson Curtiss, one of Simsbury's best known citizens, was long classed with its foremost business men and is now enjoying the ease and comfort secured by a well spent life. He was born March 18, 1850, in the Busby Hills district of Sims- bury, of which locality his father, Ebenezer G. Curtiss, was also a native, and his grandfather was Timothy H. Curtiss. The last named attained the age of seventy- six years, passing away March 19, 1864. Ebenezer G. Curtiss was born November 15, 1822, and spent a portion of his boyhood in Ipswich, Massachusetts. For a number of years he followed the occupation of farming and while living near Weatogue, in Hartford county, he dealt extensively in cattle, which he purchased in the west and drove to Connecticut. Afterward he removed to Simsbury, which he represented in the state legislature, and was a man of prominence in the community. In politics he was a stanch democrat and along fraternal lines he was connected with the Masonic order, belonging to St. Mark's Lodge, No. 36, F. & A. M. He married Miss Mary A. Norton. They had three children: George N., who was born August 19, 1848, and died April 20 of the following year; Charles Edson; and James, born June 23, 1856. Ebenezer G. Curtiss died September 16, 1890, when he was nearly sixty-eight years of age.

In the acquirement of an education Charles E. Curtiss attended the common schools of Weatogue and completed his studies in Guilford Institute. He engaged in farming for a year and in 1867 became a clerk in a general store conducted by Judson Wilcox in Simsbury. Later Mr. Curtiss was a traveling salesman for Humason & Beckley of New Britain, Connecticut, covering the state of New York, and subse- quently he represented a cigar company in the same capacity. In 1872 he located in Oneonta, New York, turning his attention to the livery business, and next went to Westfield, Massachusetts. There he was employed as a bookkeeper by a firm of grocers and in 1879 returned to Simsbury, where he has since resided. In 1880 he entered the service of the Ensign-Bickford Company, starting in a lowly capacity, and his diligence, ability and devotion to duty were rewarded by successive promotions. Following the death of R. H. Ensign, Mr. Curtiss was elected vice president and re- mained the incumbent of that office until his retirement on July 1, 1919, when he dis- posed of his holdings in the business. He was identified with the firm for a period of thirty-nine years and eleven months, doing all in his power to promote its interests, and his labors were beneficially resultant.

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History of Hartford County, Connecticut, 1633-1928. Volume III, Part 79

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