USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 16
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F. H. WOODRUFF & SONS
Among the pioneer business firms operating in Connecticut is that of F. H. Woodruff & Sons, growers and distributors of seeds and wholesale and retail dealers in this commodity. They maintain their headquarters in Milford, which has long been one of the chief centers of this important industry. There is now in existence an old ledger showing where garden seeds were raised and shipped from Milford, Connecticut, as far back as 1826.
It was in 1878 that Frank H. Woodruff began to grow seeds in a small way on his farm, situated on Orange avenue, north of the central section of Milford. He prospered in the undertaking and remained alone until 1903, when he admitted his two sons, William H. and Harold F., as partners, forming the firm of F. H. Woodruff & Sons. At that time the scope of the enterprise was broadened to include the sale as well as the raising of seeds, and they have since carried a complete line, which is listed in their catalogue. Year by year the business has been developed along progressive lines until today it ranks with the largest concerns of the kind in this part of the world. In addition to the institution in Milford, the firm has two plants in Chicago, Illinois, four in Wyoming, and one in Hollister, California, while in Mercedes, Texas, they conduct a store for the sale of their product. They have a growing acreage around all of their plants throughout the west and are represented on the road by experienced, well trained salesmen, who travel from Bangor, Maine, to Key West, Florida,
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in the interests of the house. There is a wide and constantly in- creasing demand for their vegetable seeds, which are equal to the best on the market. Throughout the period of its existence this well known organization has maintained a high standard of service, never resorting to questionable methods in order to at- tract trade, and the confidence and loyalty of its patrons in vari- ous sections of the United States attest the prestige enjoyed by the firm.
Frank H. Woodruff, the founder of the business, was born in Orange, Connecticut, July 15, 1849, and passed away July 24, 1927, while traveling by train to his plant in Douglas, Wyoming. He represented Milford in the state legislature and manifested a deep and helpful interest in civic affairs, exerting his efforts as readily for the public good as for his own aggrandizement. His acquaintance was wide, and his substantial qualities and true worth won for him a high place in the esteem of all who knew him.
William H. and Harold Frank Woodruff are natives of Mil- ford and since their father's death have successfully carried for- ward the seed business which he established. They have made a life study of this industry, gaining the knowledge and experi- ence which qualify them to speak with authority upon all matters pertaining thereto. In the conduct of their interests they are guided by the progressive spirit of their father and have also inherited his wisdom, foresight and administrative power, which insure the continued growth and success of the business. William H. Woodruff has also found time for legislative service, occupying a seat in the lower house for two terms and filling the office of state senator for one term. He is a member of the Milford Club, the Milford Wheel Club and the Improved Order of Red Men.
PETER N. LASKAS
The distinctive title of a "self-made man" has been well earned by Peter N. Laskas, who received no advantages at the outset of his career and through his own efforts has advanced from a humble position to the presidency of the Laskas Daily Motor Service, Incorporated, one of the large trucking organizations of Waterbury. He was born in Sparta, Greece, June 14, 1892, and is a son of Nicholas and Catherine (Vorvis) Laskas.
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In the public schools of his native land Peter N. Laskas pur- sued his studies until he reached the age of twelve years and then crossed the Atlantic on a ship bound for America. He landed in New York city, where he remained for three years, and during that time worked in a confectionery store, receiving seven dollars a month and board for his services, and further educated himself by attending a night school. On leaving the eastern metropolis he proceeded to Stamford, Connecticut, and for three years was a bus boy in the Rieder restaurant. His next position was that of a waiter in a New Haven café, but at the end of twelve months he came to Waterbury, where he was similarly employed for a year. Afterward he was with the Scovill Manufacturing Company for two years, working in the transportation department, and in 1919, in association with a Mr. Laube, a fellow employe, started in business in Waterbury with one truck. They prospered from the beginning and in 1920 secured a large contract from the United States Rubber Company. They added two new trucks to their equipment and began hauling to New York city. Shortly afterward this association was terminated, the partners dividing the equipment and other assets and each engaging in business under his own name. Mr. Laskas has been very successful and now owns nine large trucks and two small ones, while he also rents additional trucks when he has need of them. He specializes in long distance contract hauling, under the style of Laskas Daily Motor Service, Incorporated, of which he is president and treas- urer, and has his headquarters in the Laskas building at 515 Watertown avenue in Waterbury, while his New York office and warehouse are located at 325 Hudson street. He has a completely equipped fleet of high powered Mack trucks running daily to and from Waterbury, New Haven, Hartford, New York, Newark and Jersey City. The facilities of this corporation are the best that money can buy, and the small load is handled with the same care that a large shipment receives. The loading platform is built entirely of solid concrete and is one of the most modern in the state as well as one of the largest, having ample accommodations for handling many tons of merchandise. Maintained at a high standard, the P. N. Laskas Company has for several years faith- fully and efficiently served the manufacturers of Waterbury and surrounding towns, thus becoming a factor in public progress,
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and a large and constantly growing patronage is indicative of the prestige enjoyed by the organization.
Mr. Laskas was married March 14, 1923, to Miss Louise Demanasch, of Green River, New York, and both have a wide circle of friends in Waterbury. Mr. Laskas belongs to the Ahepa Lodge, of which he was president for two terms. This is a national organization comprised of three hundred chapters and thirty- three thousand members. Mr. Laskas is also a member of the lodge, encampment and canton of the Odd Fellows. He has mem- bership in the Helenic Orthodox Church and in politics is an in- dependent voter who supports the candidates whom he deems best qualified for office, irrespective of party ties. Hunting and fishing are his favorite sports, but he has little time for recreation as his extensive business requires his undivided attention. Enterpris- ing, purposeful and determined, he has converted his opportun- ities into tangible assets, demonstrating what may be accom- plished when effort and ambition combine.
FREDERICK LUTHER FORD
Frederick L. Ford, who formerly served as city engineer of New Haven and also filled the office of state senator, is now en- gaged in the lumber business and in general contracting as a member of the firm of Ford Brothers, Incorporated. Born in North Branford, Connecticut, May 1, 1871, he is a son of George L. Ford, also a native of that town. The family is of English origin and has been represented in America since early colonial days. The father followed agricultural pursuits for many years, removing to New Haven at the time of his retirement. A stalwart republican, he was elected to the state legislature on that ticket in 1893 and in 1902 was a member of the constitutional conven- tion, thus aiding in framing the organic laws of the common- wealth. He also figured prominently in civic affairs, filling vari- ous local offices. His wife, Lois (Dudley) Ford, was a native of North Guilford and also a descendant of an old Connecticut family of English lineage. They were the parents of four sons, and three are now living, Frederick L., Robert N. and George D.
Frederick L. Ford obtained his elementary instruction in his native town and attended high school in New Haven, graduating
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in 1890. He next enrolled as a student in the Sheffield Scientific School of Yale University, from which he won his Bachelor of Philosophy degree in 1893. Having completed his education, he entered upon engineering work in connection with Albert B. Hill and remained in his employ for about three years. In April, 1896, he was appointed assistant city engineer at Hartford, Connecti- cut, and acted in that capacity until 1902, when he became city engineer, thus serving for nine years, or until 1911. During the last year of that period he was also superintendent of streets of Hartford, and in that connection he aided in constructing the intercepting sewers and sewer system of the city, a municipal im- provement that involved the exependiture of half a million dollars. He was also identified with other public projects, doing important work in the field of civil engineering. During 1911 and 1912 he was associated with the firm of Ford, Buck & Sheldon, consulting engineers of Hartford. In April, 1912, Mr. Ford was appointed city engineer of New Haven and served in that office until 1920, establishing an enviable record of accomplishment. Among the important projects which he handled were the improvement of the harbor front and the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad depot approaches, while he also had charge of other con- struction work, manifesting engineering ability of a high order. His attention is now given to commercial affairs, and as a mem- ber of the well known firm of Ford Brothers, Incorporated, gen- eral contractors and lumber dealers, he manifests the wisdom, enterprise and aggressiveness of the successful business man. He remains closely and prominently identified with building oper- ations in the city, which is largely indebted to him for its develop- ment and improvement.
Mr. Ford was married September 15, 1896, in Washington, Connecticut, to Miss Georgia Winifred Newton, a native of that town and a daughter of Walter A. and Mary (Bradley) Newton, who belonged to one of the old families of the place. The Bradleys were among the early settlers of Roxbury, Connecticut, and took a leading part in public affairs there. Mr. and Mrs. Ford have a son, Percy Newton, who was born in Hartford, January 13, 1898; and a daughter, Ruth D., born in Hartford, May 13, 1904.
Mr. Ford has membership in the Pilgrim Congregational Church of New Haven, and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He is identified with the Edgewood Civic Asso-
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ciation of Westville and was a member of the board of commis- sioners in charge of the building of the state arsenal and armory in Hartford in 1908 and 1909. He belongs to the Graduates Club, and was made an honorary member of the Automobile Club of New Haven. In 1902 he was called to the presidency of the Con- necticut Society of Civil Engineers, and his name is also on the membership rolls of the American Society of Civil Engineers. A prominent Mason, he belongs to Wooster Lodge, No. 71, F. & A. M. ; Pythagoras Chapter, R. A. M., of Hartford; Wolcott Coun- cil, R. & S. M., at Hartford; Washington Commandery, No. 1, K. T., of Hartford; New Haven Consistory, A. & A. S. R .; and Sphinx Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Hartford. Appreciative of his worth, the citizens of New Haven elected Mr. Ford to the office of state senator, which he filled during the sessions of 1925 and 1927, discharging his duties with the efficiency and fidelity that have at all times characterized his activities, which have ever been directed into those channels through which flows the greatest and most permanent good to the greatest number.
EDWARD F. BRADLEY
Edward F. Bradley is the efficient superintendent of streets and also president of the E. F. Bradley Engineering & Construc- tion Company of Waterbury, his native city. He was born Sep- tember 7, 1884, his parents being Michael and Mary (Hollahan) Bradley, also natives of Waterbury, Connecticut. The father, who is deceased, served as lieutenant of old Company G.
In the acquirement of an education Edward F. Bradley at- tended the schools of Waterbury, Holy Cross College of Worcester, Massachusetts, and Columbia University of New York. The fol- lowing interesting review of his business career was printed in the Waterbury American at the time Mr. Bradley took up his new duties as street superintendent : "Upon termination of his engineering course at Columbia University he became a member of the New York Central Railroad engineering department with headquarters at Ossining. Later as engineer at Torrington he was engaged in making surveys, plans and in supervision of con- struction of sewers and streets for the borough. Also under
E. F. Bradley
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former Commissioner James A. Macdonald of the state of Con- necticut highway department, he made the surveys and super- vised construction of the state roads from Torrington to Litchfield and from Torrington to Norfolk. While in Torrington he was employed in the development of the North Goshen water supply for Torrington by the Torrington Water Company. As engineer of construction for the New Haven road he was in charge of the elimination of the grade crossings at East Litchfield and Wash- ington. He was promoted to assistant engineer of the New York division with headquarters at New York city and had supervision of the New York connecting railroad from Harlem over Hellgate bridge to Bay Ridge and the Pennsylvania station at Thirty- fourth street, which road is owned jointly by the Pennsylvania and New Haven railroads. He represented the railroad during the World war in cooperation with the federal government in the development of Wilson Point by the United States shipping board and in providing adequate industrial track facilities for the handling of government supplies in the metropolitan area. From the New York division he was promoted to supervisor of track on the New Haven and Providence division. For the past eight years, under the firm name of E. F. Bradley, engineer and con- tractor, he has been engaged in engineering and construction work here in Waterbury and throughout the state, including sewer, water and railroad construction."
On the 23d of October, 1912, Mr. Bradley was united in mar- riage to Miss Alice E. McCarty, of Torrington, Connecticut. They are the parents of nine children, namely: Alice, a senior at the Crosby high school; Joan, who is in her junior year at the Crosby high school; Mary, a freshman at Crosby high school; Edward, Jr .; Grace; Lillian; Jack and Anne, twins; and Barbara. The seven younger children are all attending the Bunker Hill public school.
Mr. Bradley gives his political support to the democratic party and is vice president of the Bunker Hill Improvement Association, Inc. Along fraternal lines he has membership in the Bishop O'Reilly assembly of the Knights of Columbus and Waterbury Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is also a member of Phi Kappa Sigma of Columbia University, the Con- necticut Society of Civil Engineers, the New England Railroad Club, the Reciprocity Club and the Watertown Riding and Coun-
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try Club. Genial and affable in manner, he easily makes friends and enjoys well deserved popularity throughout the community in which he resides.
CHARLES B. JACKSON
Charles B. Jackson is proving a worthy successor of his father as president and treasurer of the Thomas F. Jackson Company, which had its inception seventy years ago when his grandfather, Charles Jackson, embarked in the stonecutting business in Water- bury. He is now conducting an extensive and profitable enter- prise in the cut-stone and monument business and contract work in interior marble finishing and tiling. He was born in Water- bury, Connecticut, October 31, 1886, his parents being Thomas F. and Mary Elizabeth (Balfe) Jackson, both of whom are de- ceased. Thomas F. Jackson, also a native of Waterbury, was born September 29, 1858. Charles Jackson, the paternal grand- father of Mr. Jackson of this review, was born in County Tipper- ary, Ireland, October 17, 1835, and was a son of Timothy and Catharine (Curry) Jackson. He came of a family that through several generations had engaged in stonecutting. Having deter- mined to try his fortune in America, he reached New York on the 1st of May, 1851, and for two years thereafter was employed at stonecutting in Albany. From 1853 until 1855 he was en- gaged in the same line of business in New York city and in the latter year removed to Washington, D. C., where he spent a year or two engaged in stone carving and ornamental work on the north wing of the capitol. In the spring of 1857 he arrived in Waterbury, where he became an employe of Samuel Warren, with whom he continued for about two years. The year 1859 saw the fulfillment of his ambition-to engage in business on his own account. From the outset the new enterprise prospered and in 1887 he admitted his son to a partnership under the firm style of Charles Jackson & Son, a name that was retained for some time, even after the father had retired from business in 1893. On the 17th of August, 1857, Charles Jackson was united in marriage to Bridget Walsh, a daughter of Michael Walsh, and they became the parents of eight children, of whom six reached adult age.
Thomas F. Jackson, son of Charles and Bridget (Walsh) Jack-
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son, acquired his education in the schools of Waterbury and his business training was received under the direction of his father, of whom he became the active assistant in the stonecutting busi- ness, being eventually admitted to a partnership. The firm of Charles Jackson & Son was organized in 1887 and after 1901 the business was carried on under the name of Thomas F. Jack- son until 1912, when the Thomas F. Jackson Company was in- corporated. While the business had been established for monu- ment building, the scope of the enterprise had been broadened to include the cutting of stone for buildings and later interior mar- ble and tile work was taken up. The official personnel of the company was comprised of Thomas F. Jackson and his sons, as follows: Thomas F. Jackson, president and treasurer; Charles B. Jackson, vice president and assistant treasurer; and Andrew J. Jackson, secretary. Thomas F. Jackson was also a director of the Citizens National Bank and the West Side Savings Bank and became a member of the board of directors of St. Mary's Hos- pital on its establishment. He served on the board of public works during the administration of Mayor John P. Elton and on the board of finance for eight years, under the administrations of Mayors Hotchkiss, Reeves and Scully. During the period of the World war he was secretary of the local draft board for Divi- sion No. 2. His was an honorable and useful life and in his pass- ing Waterbury sustained the loss of one of its representative and substantial business men as well as highly respected citizens. He had passed the seventieth milestone on life's journey when called to his final rest November 5, 1928.
In 1885 Thomas F. Jackson was married to Miss Mary Eliza- beth Balfe, who passed away in 1909, leaving six children, namely : Charles B., of this review; Andrew, who was a student in the Sheffield Scientific School; Katharine, who was graduated from Trinity College in 1915; Cecelia, who completed a course in Trinity College with the class of 1918; Wilfred, who also received collegiate training, being graduated from Yale in 1923; and Agnes, who attended the Academy of Notre Dame in Waterbury and also Trinity College, and is now the wife of J. Earle Casey.
Charles B. Jackson, whose name introduces this article, pur- sued his early education in the grade and high schools of Water- bury and subsequently entered the academic department of Yale University, which in 1907 conferred upon him the degree of
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Bachelor of Arts. Since the beginning of his business career he has been continuously identified with the Thomas F. Jackson Com- pany, serving in the dual official capacity of vice president and assistant treasurer at the time of the death of his father, whom he has succeeded as president and treasurer, so that he is now the executive head of the corporation. Thomas F. Jackson Com- pany employs from forty to one hundred and ten people accord- ing to the season. It has done nearly all of the important work in the leading buildings of Waterbury and the western part of Connecticut, including the city hall, and secures contracts from all parts of the state. Charles B. Jackson is a director of the Citizens & Manufacturers National Bank of Waterbury and a member of the board of finance in 1930. He has long enjoyed high standing in business circles of his native city.
Mr. Jackson was in the military service of his country for two years during the period of the World war, being commissioned lieutenant in the Officers Training School at Camp Devens and then being stationed at Camp Lee. He has membership in the Chamber of Commerce of Waterbury, is a communicant of St. Margaret's Roman Catholic Church and fraternally is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. The demands of his business have not allowed him time for other interests, and as head of the Thomas F. Jackson Company he is fully sustaining the enviable reputation and prestige of a concern which has now been in continuous existence through seven decades.
REV. ARTHUR FRANKLIN LEWIS
The Rev. Arthur Franklin Lewis, whose activities are of broad scope and ever touch the general interests of society to their bene- fit, is perhaps best known as rector of St. Michael's Episcopal Church of Naugatuck. Born in Trumbull, Connecticut, February 29, 1872, he is a son of the Rev. Frank Bradley Lewis, who was a clergyman, and Georgia Frances (Ambler) Lewis, both of whom trace their ancestry back to 1682, a period of pioneer settlement in Stratford, Connecticut.
In the acquirement of his education the Rev. Arthur F. Lewis attended Yale University, from which he won the Bachelor of Arts degree, and later was graduated from the General Theo-
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logical Seminary. Having determined to devote his life to the ministry, he became rector of the Episcopal Church in Philips- burg, Montana, where he labored for two years. Afterward he was rector of St. Andrew's Church in Butte, Montana, for a year, and of Christ Church in Delaware City, Delaware, for two years. He was next called to All Saints' Episcopal Church at Leonia, New Jersey, where he continued for three years, and subsequently spent four years at Unionville, Connecticut, where he was in charge of Christ Church. Afterward he entered upon a long period of service in North Haven, Connecticut, where he was rector of St. John's Church for seventeen years. His incumbency as minister of St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Naugatuck has now covered six years, and here, as in his previous pastorates, he has accomplished great good through the extension of the work of the church and his indefatigable efforts to plant the seeds of Christianity in the hearts of his fellowmen.
On the 2d of June, 1896, Rev. Lewis was married to Miss Edith Raynor Thompson, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and they have one son, George Birdseye, who was born September 20, 1897, and who attended the Yale Scientific School and Rensselaer Poly- technic Institute of New York. He married Miss Jessie G. Blake- slee and is now plant engineer for the Bristol Company.
It would be to give but a one-sided view of the life and service of Rev. Lewis to mention only his activities in the ministry. His aid and influence are given along many lines of far-reaching effect and importance. He is a loyal follower of Masonic teachings and holds membership in Shepherd Lodge, F. & A. M .; Lockwood Chapter, No. 48, R. A. M., of Wallingford; Crawford Council, R. & S. M., of New Haven; New Haven Commandery, No. 2, K. T .; and La Fayette Consistory, A. & A. S. R., of Bridgeport. He is senior steward of the Grand Lodge of the state and now grand high priest of Connecticut, while for a quarter of a century he has been vice president of the Masonic Home at Wallingford. He is also a member of the social service department of the Diocese of Connecticut and is secretary of Camp Washington, Inc., at Bantam Lake, Connecticut. He is a first lieutenant in the United States Reserves. During the World war he was a captain and chaplain of the Second Division of the Connecticut State Guard. He devoted many nights to lecturing and making four-minute speeches and was a tireless worker for the cause. Former Gov-
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