USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > History of Hartford County, Connecticut, 1633-1928. Volume III > Part 89
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(Photograph by The Johnstone Studi )
CHARLES L. SPENCER, JR.
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traced back to an early period in the seventeenth century, the first of the name com- ing from England and taking part in the colonization of the new world. The mother, Mrs. Florence (Smith) Spencer, now lives in Suffield. She is a member of the Daugh- ters of the American Revolution and of the Second Baptist church and is a charter member of Julia Spencer Chapter, O. E. S.
After completing his education in the Suffield schools Charles L. Spencer, Jr., entered the First National Bank under the direction of his father in the capacity of bookkeeper and thus gained his initial experience. He worked his way upward through all the departments, being appointed teller and assistant cashier, while eventually he became vice president and in 1923 succeeded to the presidency after the death of C. S. Fuller, thus becoming the successor of his father and his grandfather in the business. His close application and thorough study have enabled him to find ready solution for intricate financial problems and he today occupies a prominent position in the bank- ing fraternity of Hartford county. He is also a director of the Travelers Insurance Company, the Travelers Indemnity Company and the Travelers Fire Insurance Com- pany of Hartford and his ability as a financier enables him to contribute in substantial measure to the success of those corporations through his accurate knowledge and keen business insight.
In 1919 Mr. Spencer was married to Miss Corinne Sykes, who was born in Rock- ville, Connecticut, in 1890, and they have a daughter, Julia Sykes Spencer, who was born October 25, 1920. Mr. Spencer and his family occupy the old family homestead, which is the scene of many attractive social functions, the spirit of hospitality there abounding. In all that has affected the welfare and progress of the community Charles L. Spencer, Jr., is deeply interested. He is a director of the Kent Memorial Library, is a trustee of the Suffield School and is a trustee of the Second Baptist church. He also is a trustee of the Suffield Masonic Association and has long been connected with Masonry. He likewise belongs to the Mystic Shrine and he is a charter member of Julia Spencer Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, which was named in honor of his sister, Mrs. Julia (Spencer) Goldthwaite, of Springfield, Massachusetts, now deceased. He also has another sister, Mrs. R. Cleveland Hastings, of Hartford, Con- necticut. Mr. Spencer holds membership in the Hartford Golf Club and the Suffield Country Club, of which he is a director. He likewise belongs to the Second Baptist church, in which he has been organist for a number of years. In politics he is a repub- lican active in the ranks of the party and has always taken a keen interest in the pub- tic welfare, exerting wide influence in local affairs. His entire career has been in har- mony with that of an honored ancestry and reflects credit upon a. family name which has been associated with the history of the commonwealth since the earliest period of its development.
ALFRED FRANCIS HOWES
Alfred Francis Howes has devoted his life to the acquirement and dissemination of knowledge and renders to Manchester the service of an experienced, efficient ed- ucator who has a high conception of the duties and responsibilities of his profession. He was born in Ashfield, Massachusetts, in 1863 a son of Henry A. and Fidelia T. Howes. His father was also a native of Ashfield and followed agricultural pursuits for many years. He was a deacon in the Congregational church and a stanch adherent of the republican party. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Howes, three sons and three daughters, namely: Abbott, Sereno, Carrie, Bertha, Edna and Alfred F.
The last named attended Arms Academy at Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, and afterward matriculated in Amherst College, which conferred upon him the degrees of A. B. and M. A. He was graduated with the class of June, 1887, and taught for a year in Duluth, Minnesota. Returning to the east, he became principal of the high school in West Hartford, Connecticut, where he remained eight years. He next went to Middlebury, Vermont, where he spent six years, discharging the duties of principal and supervisor. For a period of six years he was superintendent of the public schools of the Southern Berkshire district, of Massachusetts. In 1910 he came to Manchester as superintendent of school districts 1 to 8 and has done much to improve the cur- riculum and methods of instruction in this locality. He is resourceful in meeting the various problems that are constantly arising in his work and has been fortunate in
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securing the hearty cooperation of the teachers under him in his efforts to maintain the highest possible standard, not only as to scholarship, but also discipline in the training of pupils for good citizenship. Mr. Howes is a member of the National Education Association and the National Association of School Superintendents and was president of Hartford County Teachers Association.
In 1892 Mr. Howes was united in marriage to Miss Sarah P. S. Clark daughter of Rev. Ashael and Phoebe (Gooch) Clark. Mr. and Mrs. Howes have become the parents of a son, Robert Clark, who was born in 1899 and is a graduate of Con- necticut Agricultural College and is now superintendent of a large estate in Ridge- field, Connecticut. Mr. Howes is a Mason and has been a member of the Hartford Get-Together Club for sixteen years. His religious views are in accord with the teachings of the Congregational church and his influence is always on the side of reform, progress and improvement. Mr. Howes enjoys an enviable reputation as an educator and his life work has been one of broad usefulness. His professional activi- ties have brought him a wide acquaintance and his personal qualities are such as inspire strong and enduring regard.
ANTONIO S. ANDRETTA
On of the leaders among the foreign-born population of Hartford is Antonio S. Andretta, a native of sunny Italy. He has readily recognized and utilized the oppor- tunities here offered and has climbed steadily to success, being numbered among the bankers of Hartford, where he is developing a business of substantial proportions. He was born in Forenza, Italy, in January, 1874, a son of Salvador and Mary Andretta. He acquired his early education in the schools of his native country and afterward studied for a time in a college of Italy. The year 1896 witnessed his arrival in Hart- ford, where he has since made his home and where his continuous advancement has brought him to a position of leadership, especially among those of his own nationality. Thirty years ago he established a business as a banker and foreign exchange broker and is today at the head of the well known banking house of Pallotti, Andretta & Com- pany. That the business has assumed extensive proportions is indicated in the fact that branches have been established in New Haven, Connecticut, and in Naples, Italy. He is a son-in-law of the late Nicola Pallotti, one of the wealthiest Italians in this sec- tion of the east, and a brother-in-law of Francis A. Pallotti, the present secretary of state. The Hartford banking house of Pallotti, Andretta & Company is located at 96 Windsor street, where a general banking and brokerage business is conducted and where steamship tickets are also sold. The New Haven branch is situated at 629 Chapel street. The firm has prospered and has built up one of the leading Italian banking institutions of the east. Throughout his entire business career Mr. Andretta has carefully formulated his plans and then carried them forward to a successful con- clusion. He possesses sound judgment and keen discrimination, and not only has he been active in the development of the banking house already mentioned but is also a director of the Riverside Trust Company of Hartford and of the Hartford Land and Mortgage Company and a member of the advisory board of the Bank of America of New York. His opinions carry weight in financial circles and many seek his judg- ment concerning the value of business situations.
Mr. Andretta was united in marriage to Miss Felicia Maria Pallotti and they have become parents of four children, one of whom, Salvador, is a well known lawyer and the present head of the trust department and secretary of the Riverside Trust Company. Another son, Nicholas, is assistant cashier of the Riverside Trust Com- pany, while the third son, Henry, is assistant manager of Pallotti, Andretta & Com- pany. The daughter, Mary Angela, is at home.
Mr. Andretta and his family are widely and favorably known in the social cir- cles of Hartford, New Haven and other cities and towns of Connecticut where his busi- ness activity has made him a familiar figure. He belongs to a number of the leading organizations of Hartford, including the Automobile Club, the Hartford lodge of Elks, Court Garibaldi of the Foresters of America, the Victor Emanuel Third Society, the Young Italian American Association, the Hartford Club, the Wampanoag Golf Club, the Avon Country Club, the Italian Club, the City Club, the Quotonsetts Golf Club, the Republican Club, the Allah Club, the Touring Club and the Chamber of Commerce,
(Photograph by The Johnstone Studio)
ANTONIO S. ANDRETTA
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as well as the Italy America Society of New York. The nature of these organizations indicates in large measure the line of his activities outside the strict field of business. All who know Mr. Andretta acknowledge his many excellent traits of character and the important part which he has taken in improving conditions and promoting the welfare of the Italian residents of Connecticut. In business affairs his progressiveness has been tempered by a safe conservatism that has made him highly respected and esteemed and he belongs to that class of foreign-born citizens who are most welcome in America because of the part which they play in advancing progress and improvement.
DANIEL FINN
Daniel Finn, manager of the new Strand theatre, the latest and most modern amusement place of New Britain, was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1897, attended its public schools and completed a high school course by graduation with the class of 1915. He started out to provide for his own support by working in a theatre in Worcester, Massachusetts, in the employ of Gordon Brothers. Later he became identified with the Olympia Theatres, Inc., at Boston, Massachusetts, and from that city removed to Lynn, Massachusetts, in 1918, there representing the B. F. Keith Vaudeville Exchange until the 11th of October, 1927, when he came to New Britain to open the new Strand theatre, which put on its first attraction on the 11th of November. He is still acting as manager here, representing the Hoffman Brothers, conducting theatrical interests at New Haven, Connecticut. The Strand is the newest and most modern theatre in the state. It was completed on the 11th of October, 1927, at a cost of one million dollars, and has a seating capacity of twenty-one hundred and nine. It draws a tremendous patronage from the surrounding country and its attractions give satisfaction to the general public, while the liberal patronage accorded makes this a profitable financial venture.
HON. ROBERT J. SMITH
Hon. Robert J. Smith, whose legislative service has brought him state-wide promi- nence, is also a successful business man and a leader of development work in South Manchester, which has derived substantial benefit from his enterprise and public spirit. A native of Manchester, he was born July 27, 1883, and is one of the four surviving children of Robert and Elizabeth (Smith) Smith. The others are: John W. and George S. Smith; and Elizabeth, the wife of William Mason.
Robert J. Smith received his early instruction in the grammar schools of Man- chester which he left at the age of fourteen years to become "handing-in boy" in the white weaving shop of the firm of Cheney Brothers, silk manufacturers. Starting at fifty cents a day, he assiduously applied himself to his tasks and later was transferred to the ribbon mill. There he learned the technicalities of warping and later was made foreman of that department. Capable and trustworthy, Mr. Smith became recognized as one of the valuable employes of the firm of Cheney Brothers, with which he remained until June, 1914, and in the fall of that year entered politics, becoming assessor of Manchester. He proved the right man for the office, in which he was retained until 1923, and in the meantime had entered the real estate field, purchasing the business of Thomas D. Faulkner in December, 1914. Mr. Smith started with a small office in the Bowers building and now occupies a suite of rooms in that structure. During the summer of 1923, the Centennial year, he expanded the scope of his activities, taking over the real estate and insurance business of the late Austin H. Skinner, who for many years had been located in the same building. In 1921 Mr. Smith had begun the work of laying out subdivisions and in the intervening period of seven years has developed several tracts, giving to Manchester some of its finest residential districts. A sagacious, far-sighted business man, he is operating on a large scale and his name has become synonymous with safety in real estate investments.
On August 7, 1907, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Hyde, of
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South Manchester, daughter of John and Margaret (Hunniford) Hyde, and they have become the parents of two children, Marjorie Helen and Robert Hyde.
In 1918 the voters of Manchester chose Mr. Smith as their representative in the general assembly and he soon became an influential factor in the activities of that legislative body, of which he was a member until 1923. In 1919 and 1921 he was clerk of the committee on cities and boroughs, of which he was made chairman in 1923, and in the same year was a member of the committee on constitutional amendments. Dur- ing his terms in the legislature Mr. Smith was largely instrumental in securing the passage of legislation of great value to this district. In November, 1924, he was elected to represent the fourth district in the state senate and was reelected in November, 1926, and is a candidate for reelection on the republican ticket in No- vember, 1928. Among the important measures which he has promoted are the follow- ing: the Manchester Armory appropriation; the taking over by the state of the high- way between Manchester and Glastonbury which joins the Military road running from New London to Hartford; the bill for the pensioning of town employees, and the creation of a Manchester park commission. At the primaries of October, 1923, he was a candidate for selectman on the republican ticket, won the election by a large majority and is now serving. An ardent advocate of the cause of education, he served on the committee of the ninth school district for seven years, resigning in April, 1923, when he moved out of the district. For some time he has been a member of Center Hose Company No. 2 of the South Manchester fire department. He adheres to the Epis- copalian faith, is a vestryman of St. Mary's church, and is also affiliated with its Young Men's Club. The Manchester Chamber of Commerce numbers Mr. Smith among its energetic members and he is also connected with the local Country Club and the City Club of Hartford. Along fraternal lines he is identified with South Manchester Camp, No. 9280, of the Modern Woodmen of America; King David Lodge, No. 31, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and Manchester Lodge, No. 73, of the Masonic order. His is a many-sided, forceful personality and his record is a matter of pride to his fellow citizens, who are thoroughly appreciative of his many admirable qualities of mind and heart. Mr. Smith has served his city and state with clean hands and, like the Chevalier Bayard, he is a man "without fear and without reproach."
JESSE WILLIAM RANDALL
To build up a strong organization requires adequate efficiency in every department, and therein the Travelers Insurance Company has exercised the greatest care in the selection of those who constitute the personnel of this organization. No mistake was made in selecting Jesse William Randall as secretary of the compensation liability department, for in this responsible position he has proved the right man in the right place, most carefully directing the interests under his guidance and thus contributing in substantial measure to the success of the corporation. Mr. Randall is a native of Connecticut, born in Hazardville, February 29, 1884. His parents, Elmer E. and Hortense H. (Vietts) Randall, were also natives of this state. The father devoted his life to educational work, becoming principal of the high school at Hazardville. He passed away in 1926. The mother is still living.
In the acquirement of his education Jesse W. Randall attended the Enfield public high school at Thompsonville and was graduated in 1900. He then engaged in the tobacco business for a time but in 1905 entered the employ of the Travelers Insurance Company of Hartford, beginning as mail clerk in the old building, later filling various positions. He afterward became special agent of the Hartford branch of the Indemnity Company, thus continuing for three years, covering Connecticut, New Jersey and Massachusetts, from 1910 until 1913. He was special agent for the insurance company at Springfield from January until March, 1913, and was then made manager of that branch. On the 1st of October, 1913, the Springfield and Worcester offices were com- bined and he was made manager of the Worcester office, there remaining until April, 1914, when he was transferred to the Boston office as assistant manager, so serving until August, 1915, when he was transferred to the home office as assistant to Secre- tary Sullivan. In 1917 he was appointed assistant secretary of the compensation and liability department, which position he filled until November 21, 1927, when he was promoted to secretary. His association with this company covers twenty-three years,
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during which period his course has been marked by steady progress that has brought him from one position to another of greater responsibility until now as secretary of the compensation and liability department he is occupying an important office that has much to do with the success and growth of the business.
On the 9th of July, 1907, Mr. Randall was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Hol- combe, of Springfield, Massachusetts. They are the parents of one child, Eunice Hol- combe, and their home is at 62 Freeman street in Hartford.
Mr. Randall is well known as a factor in the social life of this section, having membership in the leading clubs, including the Wethersfield Country Club, the City Club of Hartford, the Get Together Club, the Automobile Club, the Civitan Club and the Blandford Club of Blandford, Massachusetts. He possesses a genial disposition, is cordial and friendly in his relations with those whom he meets and readily wins the warm regard and esteem of those who know him. Among his associates in the insurance field he is spoken of as a man of capability whose entire career has been marked by growth and progress and whose promotions have been well merited.
GORDON W. STEWART
Gordon W. Stewart, of the firm of A. N. Shepard & Son, tobacco dealers and growers, with offices at 53 Mechanic street in Hartford, was born in Portland, Con- necticut, June 9, 1888, and is a son of Gordon Whitmore and Clarissa E. (Lewis) Stewart, who were also natives of this state, where the father was identified with business interests as an expert accountant.
Gordon W. Stewart pursued his education in the Middletown high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1907, and in Trinity College, which he left in his junior year on account of the death of his father. After his textbooks were put aside he engaged in the cotton business, manufacturing thread at East Hampton, Connecticut, and subsequently he had charge of the southern territory, with office in Philadelphia. In 1917 he enlisted for service in the World war as a member of the Quartermaster's Corps and was commissioned a first lieutenant, serving until the armistice was signed. In 1919 he came to Hartford and entered into partnership with the firm of A. N. Shepard & Son, since which time he has been active in the successful conduct of the trade of the firm, well known as dealers and growers of tobacco.
On the 12th of October, 1915, Mr. Stewart was united in marriage to Miss Dorothea Shepard, daughter of A. N. Shepard. They are the parents of two children, Richard Shepard and Elizabeth Ann.
Mr. Stewart is a member of the Psi Upsilon, a college fraternity, and is well known in club circles, having membership in the Hartford, Middletown Golf and Windsor Golf clubs. He finds his recreation chiefly on the links and in the companion- ship of his friends, who are many, but outside interests are not allowed to interfere with the faithful conduct of his business, and his close application and enterprise are tangible elements in the success of A. N. Shepard & Son.
ROBERT V. TREAT
Robert V. Treat has long been prominent in business circles of South Manchester and his achievements in public affairs have made him equally well known. He was born in Manchester, September 11, 1886, and is a son of Charles O. and Gertrude (Nettleton) Treat. His early instruction was received in the Ninth District school and following the completion of his course in the Eighth District school he enrolled as a student in the Morse Business College, a Hartford institution, from which he was graduated in 1904.
In the same year Mr. Treat became a clerk and bookkeeper for the Manchester Trust Company, a new organization, which at that time was carried on by two people and is now the largest business of the kind in the town. Frank G. Vibberts, now a resident of New Britain, Connecticut, served as president of the corporation and Mr. Treat was his only assistant. He advanced as the business developed, becoming assistant teller, then teller and finally treasurer and a member of the board of
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directors. For fifteen years he was connected with the Manchester Trust Company, contributing toward its success by efficient, conscientious work, and was recognized as an able financier whose word was always to be relied upon. On November 1, 1919, he tendered his resignation as treasurer and entered the wholesale leaf tobacco business with the Manning & Kahn Company, Inc., of which Arthur Manning was the senior member. With characteristic zeal and determination Mr. Treat applied himself to his new duties, which have taken him to various points in Connecticut and Massachusetts, and his earnest cooperation has become a valuable asset to the firm, which transacts a business of large proportions. His business experience and acumen are also of benefit to the following organizations, of which he is a director: the Manchester Build- ing & Loan Association, the Manchester Trust Company, the Manning & Kahn Com- pany and the J. W. Hale Company, all local corporations.
In June, 1907, Mr. Treat married Miss Gertrude Manning, a daughter of Arthur and Carrie (Hills) Manning of Hillstown, and to them were born four children: Charles V., Robert M., Clifford A. and Muriel G. Treat.
During the World war Mr. Treat enlisted in the Manchester unit of the Connecticut State Guard and served until the termination of the war. Although a busy man, Mr. Treat has found time to serve his town as a selectman, to which office he was elected for the first time as a candidate on both the democratic and republican tickets. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise he has been an independent voter and the fact that he has been indorsed three times by both parties proves beyond question his popularity and the quality of his service. In 1923 he was elected chair- man of the board of selectmen and his work in that connection and as a member of the highway committee elicited high commendation. He is a member of the board of police commissioners, having been appointed in October, 1928, for a three years term. A keen sportsman, he belongs to the Hebron Game Club and is also a member of the Manchester Country Club. He is one of the directors of the Manchester Cham- ber of Commerce and a leading spirit in all projects for the growth and betterment of the town. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to Manchester lodge, No. 73, F. & A. M .; Washington Commandery, K. T .; and Sphinx Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., and he closely adheres to the beneficent teachings of the order. Honest, broadminded, sincere and generous, he is esteemed and respected by all with whom he has been brought in contact and is affectionately termed "Bob" by his numerous friends.
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