History of Hartford County, Connecticut, 1633-1928. Volume III, Part 99

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 99

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Judge Johnson attends the Center Congregational church and contributes lib- erally toward the support of all local projects of worth. He was made a member of the charter revision committee and a member of the building committee of the new Hartford County building, erected at a cost of two million dollars and in these connections has done an important service for the community. A lover of clean sport, he derives much enjoyment from the national game and was president of the Man- chester Baseball Club. He is a member of Manchester lodge, No. 73, F. & A. M., and also belongs to the local Country Club and was one of the directors of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce. Along professional lines he is connected with the Phi Delta Phi fraternity and the Alumni Association of the Boston University Law School. A young man of magnetic personality and substantial worth, Judge Johnson enjoys the esteem of many friends and combines in his character all of the qualities of a useful and desirable citizen.

FRANK E. TRIPP

Frank E. Tripp, vice president of The Hartford Times and general manager of the Gannett Newspapers, Incorporated, was born in Breesport, New York, February 21, 1882. Mr. Tripp's grandmother was Nancy Fairbanks of the Fairbanks family, Dedham, Massachusetts, 1630, and his grandfather was James Tripp of Kennebunk- port, Maine, of the Tripp family, Newport, Rhode Island, 1680.

Mr. Tripp, who for twenty-two years has been associated with Frank E. Gannett, owner of the Gannett Newspapers, Incorporated, is one of the best known newspaper men in the United States. He has had a wide experience in the editorial, circulation, advertising and executive phases of newspaper work. He became one of the owners and vice president and director of The Hartford Times when this newspaper was acquired on January 24, 1928, from the Burr Printing Company.

Mr. Tripp, in addition to The Hartford Times, has general supervision over fourteen other newspapers published in New York and New Jersey and is publisher of all three of the newspapers in Elmira, New York, as well as holding the vice presidency and directorship in all of the newspapers of the group. He is a member of the Masons, Shriners, Rotary Club, Elks and has held many important honorary and executive positions in civic organizations, His home is in Elmira, New York.

EDWARD FRANCIS AHERN

Edward Francis Ahern, secretary and general manager of P. Berry & Sons, Inc., with offices at 389 Windsor street in Hartford, was born November 21, 1886, in the city where he still resides, and is a son of Matthew J. and Bridget (Driscoll) Ahern. The father, a native of Ireland, came to America with his parents about 1847, the family home being established in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he acquired a limited education. In 1858 he came to Hartford and was associated with the New England Granite Works of James B. Batterson & Company for forty-seven years, his long connection being proof of the fact of his capability and fidelity. He died in 1907. His wife was born in Hartford, Connecticut, and was a representative of the Driscoll family that was here established during the pioneer epoch in the settle- ment of the state.

Edward F. Ahern attended the Arsenal school and the Hartford high school, from which he was graduated in 1904, while subsequently he spent four years in the employ of John D. Browne of the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company. In 1908 he became associated with P. Berry & Sons, Inc., as a traveling salesman and in that connection succeeded in increasing the development of the trade, while recog-

1094

HARTFORD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT

nition of his business ability came to him in 1916, when he was made secretary and general manager. He has since occupied this dual position, fully measuring up to the requirements and meeting the standards of service demanded in that office.

On the 29th of April, 1912, Mr. Ahern was married to Miss Agnes L. Long, of Hartford. Their three children are: Edward F., Jr., born February 7, 1913; Ann Berry, born June 21, 1916; and Mary Agnes, October 21, 1921. The family residence is at 80 Cone street.

Mr. Ahern enjoys horse racing and golf and has membership in the Hartford Golf Club. He also belongs to the Hartford Club and the Lions Club and in political circles is well known through his earnest support of democratic principles. He is a member of the board of water commissioners through appointment of Mayor Batterson on the 1st of May, 1928. He was the campaign manager for John F. Gaffey, a mayoralty candidate in 1928, and he has taken an active part in furthering the interests of the democratic organization here, reaching out along lines that are effective and resultant.

JOHN EDGAR AHERN

John Edgar Ahern, secretary of the accident department of the Travelers Insur- ance Company, was born in Hartford, August 6, 1880. John E. Ahern completed his education by graduating from the Hartford high school as a member of the class of 1898 and the same year initiated his business career by entering the employ of the Travelers Insurance Company. He was assigned to the accident department, working his way upward through the various positions in this department until in 1912 he was made secretary and has so continued through all the intervening years.

On the 3d of January, 1923, Mr. Ahern was united in marriage to Miss Mae E. Connors, of Hartford, Connecticut, and they have one son, John E., Jr. Mr. Ahern belongs to the Hartford Club and Hartford Golf Club, which indicates his appreciation of the social amenities of life, and he also has membership with the Knights of Columbus. He was chairman of the Bureau of Personal Accident and Health Under- writers for a number of years and is a fellow of the Insurance Institute of America.

DANA TURLEY LEAVENWORTH

Dana Turley Leavenworth, who won his title by service in the World war, is numbered among the successful business men of Hartford and worthily bears a name which for more than two and a half centuries has stood for the highest traditions in Connecticut's citizenship. He was born June 25, 1888, in Roxbury, this state, and is a son of George W. P. and Cora (Turley) Leavenworth, the former a native of Connecticut, while the latter was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi. In the paternal line Captain Leavenworth is of English lineage. Dr. Thomas Leavenworth, the American progenitor of the family, came from England about 1668 and was one of the earliest settlers of Stratford, Connecticut. Captain David Leavenworth, an ancestor, fought in the Revolutionary war. George W. P. Leavenworth, above men- tioned, lives in the ancestral home at Roxbury, Connecticut. He, as well as his father, the late John Henry Leavenworth, were men who throughout their lives were loyal and devoted to the town of Roxbury. Each was active in town affairs, was chosen as selectman, and also represented the town in the legislature, so that their influence has become a part of the history of Roxbury. The Turley family is of Protestant Irish origin and its representatives were merchants of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and cotton plantation owners, on the Red River.

While acquiring an education Captain Leavenworth attended the public schools of Woodbury and continued his studies in Yale University, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1910. After his graduation he became an employe of the Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company of Hartford, with which he remained for about six years, during this time residing in Hartford and Waterbury. In 1916 he went to the Mexican border with the Second Connecticut Infantry, serving from July to November, when he was honorably discharged. He enlisted on the day

(Photograph by Jo'n Haley)

DANA T. LEAVENWORTH

1097

HARTFORD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT

after the United States declared war on Germany, and about April 20, 1917, was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Infantry. In August, 1917, he was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant and sailed from Montreal for France in September with Company K of the One Hundred and Second Infantry, Twenty-sixth Division, which was transported to Havre by way of Liverpool and Southampton. Captain Leavenworth was for some time acting adjutant of the One Hundred and Second Infantry and also commanded at different times during the war several companies of this regiment, having seen eight months' active service at the front as a captain with the same regiment, and about two years' overseas service. He participated in the engagements of Seicheprey and Chateau Thierry, the Aisne-Marne and St. Mihiel offensives and the Verdun-Argonne campaign. He was mustered out May 1, 1919, at Camp Devens, Massachusetts, with a highly creditable military record and for three years thereafter was associated with Kidder, Peabody & Company, investment bankers of Boston. In January, 1923, he returned to Hartford and became a member of the firm of Eddy & Leavenworth, Inc., investment bankers, as the vice president of the firm. This firm is now in process of liquidation. The successor company is The Capital National Company, of which he is assistant secretary.

Captain Leavenworth was married February 20, 1924, in Cheshire, Connecticut, to Miss Marie C. Schmitz, and they have a son, Robert Dana, who was born October 20, 1925. They reside at No. 56 Bretton road and the business address of Captain Leavenworth is No. 414 Asylum street. He is connected with the Officers Reserve Corps of the U. S. Army, in which he holds the rank of captain. He is a member of Liberty Lodge, A. F. & A. M. at Waterbury, Hartford Golf Club, University Club of Hartford and the Yale Club of Boston. His religious views are in harmony with the teachings of the Congregational church and he is one of the trustees of the Missionary Society of Connecticut and of the Fund for Ministers. Captain Leaven- worth is a broad-minded man of patriotic impulses and high principles and stands deservedly high in the esteem of his fellow citizens.

THOMAS F. KANE, M. D.

In public office, in medical practice and in private life Dr. Thomas F. Kane has made his service of benefit and value to his fellowmen. He was born in Hartford, February 23, 1863, and is a son of Patrick and Bridget (Spellacy) Kane, who were natives of Ireland but settled in Hartford in the early '50s, here maintaining their home, so that their son Thomas had the advantage of training in the public and high schools. His more specifically classical course was taken in Holy Cross College in Worcester, Massachusetts, and the Bachelor of Arts degree was there conferred upon him in 1884. Having mentally reviewed the broad field of business with its countless opportunities along agricultural, professional and commercial lines, he de- cided to devote his attention to medical practice and enrolled as a student in the Har- vard Medical College, in which he studied for two years. He then entered the Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York city and won his M. D. degree among the alumni of 1887. A year thereafter was devoted to serving as interne in the New York Hospital and late in the year 1887 he returned to Hartford, where he opened an office. For more than forty years he has continued a member of the medical profession here, conscientiously performing his duties and keeping abreast with modern methods that his labors may be of the utmost value to his patients. He belongs to the City, County, State and American Medical Associations and the inter- change of thought and ideas in their meetings has added much to his efficiency, while in the field of experience, too, he has also learned many valuable lessons.

On the 5th of October, 1905, Dr. Kane was married to Miss Mamella Quinn, a daughter of Patrick A. and Mary S. (Scott) Quinn, of Hartford. They have two children: Thomas Quinn, born March 5, 1908; and Mary Scott, born November 6, 1912.

Dr. Kane belongs to the Hartford Club and in his political connection is a demo- crat. For many years he has given beneficial service to his community as a member of the local health board and for an extended period has also served on the school board, the cause of education ever finding in him a stalwart champion. He has likewise served on the state board of charities and has thus ably cooperated in the

1098

HARTFORD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT

organized effort to ameliorate hard conditions of life for the unfortunate. In all that he does he is actuated by a spirit of broad humanitarianism and his genuine friendship for his fellowmen has been manifest in many tangible ways.

MICHAEL FRANCIS CLAFFEY, M. D.

Dr. Michael Francis Claffey, a member of the medical profession at Bristol, specializing on the treatment of the eye and ear, was born at Colchester, Connecticut, January 14, 1886, and is a son of Michael and Anna (Conway) Claffey. The family removed to Naugatuck, Connecticut, where the Doctor was reared and where he attended the graded and high schools. He afterward became a student in Niagara University, there remaining for two years, and subsequently he matriculated in the University of Vermont for the study of medicine, winning his professional degree at his graduation with the class of 1914. He gained broad and valuable experience in hospital work as interne in the Waterbury Hospital, with which he was thus associated for eighteen months. On the expiration of that period he returned to Naugatuck, where he opened an office in 1916, there devoting his attention to professional duties until April, 1918, when he entered the United States army in the chemical warfare department and was commissioned first lieutenant, remaining in that branch of the service until mustered out on the 6th of September, 1919.

In the same year Dr. Claffey entered the New York Eye and Ear Hospital, in which he remained for a year, gaining comprehensive knowledge of ophthalmology and otology. He thence removed to Waterbury, Connecticut, where he practiced until April 6, 1922, when he opened an office in Bristol, where he has since continued. Through the intervening period of six years his practice has steadily increased in volume and importance, and at all times he keeps abreast of modern professional thought and methods, being familiar with the latest researches and discoveries. From July 5 to September 15, 1927, he spent in Bordeaux, France, where he took a postgraduate course in medicine.

On the 30th of June, 1919, at Asheville, North Carolina, Dr. Claffey was united in marriage to Helene Delpire, and they are the parents of a son, John D. Dr. Claffey has membership in the Bristol lodge of Elks and also in the Improved Order of Red Men. He has gained many friends during his residence in Bristol, owing to his personal worth, while his professional ability has established him among the capable medical practitioners of his section of the county.

HON. ALFRED EDMUND BURR

Time constitutes the acid test which indicates the real worth of an individual and proves the lasting qualities of his contribution to the world's work. While twenty-eight years have been added to the cycle of the centuries since Alfred Edmund Burr died, his labors still are evident in the business enterprises which he established or promoted and in the influence which he exerted over the lives of others. He was widely known as the founder of The Hartford Daily Times. Throughout all the years of his connection with this journal he furthered the development and progress of city and state and he was the friend of the laboring men, even to the end that he sought change in the laws for their benefit. He recognized, too, what added industries would mean to the city and did much to secure the establishment of business enter- prises here. He figured in the banking circles of Hartford and he labored untiringly for the welfare of boys, but all this was so intimate a part of the life of Hartford as to need more detailed mention; and to those who were associated with him, and to those who know aught of his career, he expressed a most lovable, kindly nature, reminding one that

"Not unto all is God's good gift Of simple tenderness allowed."

Hartford feels a justifiable pride in the fact that Alfred Edmund Burr was one of her native sons. He was born March 27, 1815, his parents being James and Lucretia (Olcott) Burr, while his ancestral record was one of close connection with the capital

- ---

DR. MICHAEL F. CLAFFEY

----

அப்

1101

HARTFORD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT

city inasmuch as three of his ancestors were numbered among the original proprietors of the town. He traced his line of descent down from Benjamin Burr, who aided in founding Hartford in 1636 and was one of the original proprietors. Through Thomas of the second generation and Thomas of the third generation the line came down to James Burr, his father. On the distaff side he was descended in the seventh generation from Thomas Olcott, numbered among Hartford's original pro- prietors of 1639 and one of the early merchants who contributed to the pioneer commercial development of Connecticut. The direct ancestors in successive genera- tions were Samuel, Thomas (II), Joseph, Joseph (II) and Lucretia (Olcott) Burr. His father, James Burr, who was connected with the East India trade, had two of his brigs captured by French privateers toward the close of the eighteenth century and another was lost in a gale off the Barbadoes. The heavy losses which he suffered caused Alfred E. Burr to seek employment when a young lad of thirteen years. He obtained the job of apprentice on the Connecticut Courant, the property of George Goodwin & Sons, and there he won various promotions until in 1836 his employers made him an offer of partial ownership, but under the condition that he should attend a certain denominational church and uphold the political faith which had been the policy of the paper. This offer Mr. Burr declined.

The Hartford Weekly Times was established in 1817. It was inspired and directed by John M. Niles, "toleration" leader, United States senator and postmaster general under President Van Buren. A distinguished contributor was Gideon Welles, Lincoln's secretary of the navy. In 1838 the Times was owned by Judge Henry A. Mitchell, who had resigned his position as state's attorney of Hartford county and to assume management of the paper. In November of that year Mr. Burr called at the office, asking if Mr. Mitchell would sell a half interest in the Times, and his suggestions concerning the improvement of the paper, especially in its mechanical features, led Gideon Welles, who was present on that occasion, to advise Mr. Mitchell to admit the young man to a partnership relation. He assumed charge over the mechanical department but almost at once became connected with certain editorial work and in 1840 he bought out his partner, taking full possession on January 1, 1841.

The progressive spirit which characterized his entire life was soon manifest. After two months he began issuing a morning edition, called the Daily Times, and when after two months' experience he felt that the working men preferred an evening paper, he brought forth the Daily Times at their hour of leisure and within a year had increased the daily circulation to three thousand copies. Unalloyed success was not his, for in order to make the purchase he had to incur an indebtedness, large for him, but year by year he decreased this by prudent business methods. It became the end and aim of his life to publish a journal that would be of real worth to the community and state and he never deviated from his purpose even to accept high political honors which at times were proffered him. He was fortunate in that he came into close touch with John M. Niles, Thomas H. Seymour, Loren T. Pease and Gideon Welles, distinguished democratic leaders of the state, who, making daily visits to his office, discussed there the vital questions of the day and matters of international moment. It was a splendid school for the young journalist, who caught a vision of conditions and opportunities affecting political machinery and govern- mental regulations that was of the greatest worth to him as an editor. He became a most fearless exponent of what he believed to be right and his editorials presented his beliefs in a clear, terse, concise and forceful manner. He did not believe in the bitter antagonism which so often were manifest in the journals of his. day, especially through the era that preceded and followed the Civil war and while that conflict raged, yet never for a moment did he withdraw from a position which he believed to be right. It is doubtful if any other agency was so potent in directing political thought and action in Connecticut as was the Hartford Times under the leadership of Mr. Burr. In this connection one of his contemporaries wrote at the time of his death: "Mr. Burr made the Times a democratic newspaper of the most steadfast and rock-bound quality, and, standing on that ground, he adhered firmly to his principles when the organization was threatened with disruption by unwise leadership. With all his might he opposed the movement to repeal the Missouri Compromise, and when that unfortunate act led on to the fatal schism of 1860 he stood with the supporters of Breckenridge and the south, against Stephen A. Douglas and the doctrines of squatter sovereignty, and was most influential in the

1102

HARTFORD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT

large vote Connecticut cast for Breckenridge, as compared with other New England states. He believed that the war which broke out in 1861 had been needlessly forced upon the country, and that it might have been averted by a wise spirit of conservatism and adherence to democratic principles, and so did not swerve from his consistent course, and when another four years rolled around nearly forty-nine per cent. of the total vote of Connecticut supported the policy advocated by the Times. He stood in the storms of those days like adamant for what he believed to be sound and conservative principles in government, and there is probably no man today who will dare to say that his motives at that time were not as pure and as patriotic as when, over thirty years afterward, in the campaign of 1896, the Times, with his entire acquiescence, repudiated the heresies which populists, disguised as democrats, had thrust into the party platform, and aided with all its influence in defeating the candidate for the presidency, whose election would have aimed a death-blow at the public credit. From the time when Mr. Burr first made the Times' influence felt as a political newspaper in Connecticut his relation to the organization of the party became an intimate one, and his activity in party work during political campaigns was second to that of no other man in the democratic ranks. For many years no democratic platform was adopted in Connecticut which was not wholly or in part prepared by him. In campaign after campaign he raised all money that was obtained for party work, never failing himself to be a large contributor."

It was natural that Mr. Burr should have direct voice also in the work of the party and he was again and again sent as a delegate to its state and national con- ventions, serving as such in 1876 when Samuel J. Tilden was the democratic nominee and again in 1880 when Grover Cleveland became the standard bearer of the party. The great problems which claimed the attention of both political organizations called forth his analytical power and he guarded carefully the interests of the laboring man in the framing of tariff laws and supported most earnestly and effectively much legislation that had to do with protecting the interests of the wage earner. For two terms he represented Hartford in the general assembly, supporting every project which he deemed vital to the welfare of the commonwealth. Such was his high standing that a republican speaker of the house appointed him to the respon- sible position of chairman of the education committee.

Mr. Burr always advocated high wages for the laborer and he recognized, too, that Hartford would be greatly benefitted by the establishment of business enter- prises here that would furnish employment to the workmen, while at the same time the material development and prosperity of the city would be promoted. It was his feeling in this connection that led him to take active part in aiding in the estab- lishment of the Colt firearms plant in Hartford. In 1873, as chairman of the com- mission which built the state capitol, he so directed the work that the cost came within the appropriations made, and again he rendered valuable service to the public as chairman of the committee having in charge the sale of Hartford's old town farm property, on which a handsome return was secured. He championed in notable measure the Hartford public high school, overcoming opposition to the plans and aiding the project to a successful conclusion. He was equally effective in overcoming opposition to Bushnell Park and rejoiced when that plan brought about the establish- ment of one of the most beautiful parks of New England. From 1872 until 1876 he served on the street board of Hartford, and his labors were a vital element in the building of the reservoir system of West Hartford. In 1877 he became a member of the state board of health, on which he served until 1893, acting as president thereof from 1885 until he retired from the board. For fourteen years, beginning in 1883, he was a member of the board of pardons.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Hartford County, Connecticut, 1633-1928. Volume III, Part 99

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