USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 32
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KENNETH DESMOND ROGERS
Kenneth Desmond Rogers, a New Haven attorney of recogn- ized ability, was born in Presque Isle, Maine, June 28, 1901, and is a son of Ernest Alphonso and Fannie Lillian (Rowe) Rogers, also natives of the Pine Tree state. In later life they removed to New York city, where the father engaged in business as a produce broker. The great-grandfather in the paternal line was the first
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Methodist minister in northern Maine and the Rogers family were among the early settlers of that state.
Kenneth D. Rogers graduated from the Presque Isle high school with the class of 1919 and matriculated in the Boston Uni- versity Law School in 1920. After a year's attendance there he entered the law school of New York University, from which he was graduated with the LL. B. degree in 1924. The following year he was admitted to the Connecticut bar. He had become a resident of New Haven in 1919 and he has been engaged in law practice here since 1925, being associated with the firm of Troup & Quinn. In 1926 he was appointed assistant prosecuting attor- ney of Hamden and was reappointed to that office in June, 1929.
On the 29th of August, 1925, Mr. Rogers was married to Miss Vera Faith Whittaker, of Presque Isle, Maine. He is a member of Day Spring Lodge, No. 30, F. & A. M., of Hamden, and has membership in the New Haven County Bar Association.
NICOLAS FERRADINO
Nicolas Ferradino, who is filling the office of city sheriff of New Haven, was born at Formicole, in the province of Naples, Italy, January 20, 1876. From the age of five years until he left home in 1890, when a youth of fourteen, he attended a military school in Italy. Bidding adieu to his native land, he crossed the Atlantic and made his way direct to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he attended a night school for about a year. At the end of that time necessity compelled him to go to work and he devoted the following year to the plumbing trade. In 1892 he arrived in New Haven and secured employment as a laborer on a rail- road, his service in that connection continuing until 1894. He then became construction foreman for Charles R. Chapman, a contractor of Westport, with whom he continued until 1908. In that year he established an ice cream and confectionery business at Fair Haven, Connecticut, and for several years successfully conducted his store there. Thus step by step he was progressing, gaining broader opportunities as the years passed. In 1925 he was elected city sheriff and endorsement of his first term's service in the office came in his reelection in 1927 and in 1929. He has
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made a most creditable record, discharging his duties with faith- fulness and efficiency.
On the 7th of December, 1909, Mr. Ferradino was married to Miss Theresa Rohmer, of New Haven, a daughter of John and Josephine Rohmer, of this city, and they have one child, Louise M. Mr. Ferradino belongs to Olive Branch Lodge, A. F. & A. M., to the Improved Order of Red Men and the Republican Club. He is a stanch supporter of the party and an influential factor in poli- tical circles of Fair Haven, where he resides. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, for he has worked his way steadily upward from a humble position, and at all times his course has commended him to the confidence and respect of the general public.
JOSEPH T. MARINAN
Joseph T. Marinan is serving as vice president and manager of the insurance firm of Lewis S. Welch, Incorporated. Born in New Haven, February 3, 1889, he is a son of Michael and Mar- garet (Keane) Marinan, both of whom were natives of Ireland, whence they emigrated to America, settling in New Haven. The father was identified with building operations here as a contractor and died at the comparatively early age of thirty-eight years.
Joseph T. Marinan attended the Boardman high school. There- after he was employed for six years in a drug store and then be- came identified with navigation interests as purser and freight clerk, serving on ships plying between New Haven and New York. For a period of four years he was manager of the Long Island Navigation Company.
In the summer of 1916 Mr. Marinan went to the Mexican border with Troop A of the Connecticut National Guard, which was mobilized in 1917, when America entered the World war. On October 9, 1917, he sailed for Europe, at which time he was sergeant of Company D of the One Hundred and First Machine Gun Battalion. He was on active duty in the Baccarat sector, at St. Mihiel, in the Meuse-Argonne offensive, in the Ypres-Lys sector and at other points in Belgium. He was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant, later becoming a captain and being deco- rated with the French Croix de Guerre, while he also received a
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citation from the American army. He resigned July 31, 1919, and later reentered the service as a captain of cavalry in the Officers Reserve Corps. Subsequently he was promoted to the rank of major and placed in command of the Second Squadron, attached to the Three Hundred and Sixteenth Regiment of United States Cavalry.
With his return to New Haven in the summer of 1919, Major Marinan became special agent for the Travelers Insurance Com- pany in connection with the life, accident and group department, and later assistant manager and manager. On the 31st of August, 1928, he resigned to join Lewis S. Welch and his organization and at the time of the incorporation he was elected vice president and manager. Major Marinan's fraternal affiliations are with the Knights of Columbus and the Knights of St. Patrick. He has membership in the Quinnipiack Club, the American Legion, the Thirty-seventh Division Veterans Association and the Yankee Division Veterans Association.
WALTER L. IMMICK
Walter L. Immick is treasurer of The Immick Company, Inc., of Meriden, engaged in a general contracting and trucking busi- ness which had its inception about a half century ago and of which his father was the founder. He was born at Meriden, Connecticut, July 3, 1886, a son of Henry L. and Adelaide L. (Douglass) Immick, and has always remained a resident of his native city. The record of his father is reviewed at length on an- other page of this work.
In the acquirement of an education Walter Immick attended grammar and high schools and after putting aside his textbooks began working in an architect's office. Subsequently he was em- ployed for a short time by the International Silver Company of Meriden, and later by Edgerton & Immick and H. L. Immick in the trucking business. He served in the army during the period of the World war and on returning to the pursuits of civil life became associated with his father in the latter's trucking busi- ness, which has since been expanded to include general contract- ing. He is now general superintendent of the highway and pav- ing departments and occupies the official position of treasurer of
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The Immick Company, Inc., contributing in no small measure to the continued growth and success of the business.
In 1925 Mr. Immick married Miss Alice May Kelly, of New Haven, Connecticut. He is affiliated with both the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities, is a member of the Home Club, and has won many warm friends in his home community.
NIELS I. POULSEN
One of Ansonia's leading business men and most popular citizens is Niels I. Poulsen, who is the owner of a successful and growing insurance business, his office being located at 206 Main street. He was born in Ansonia on the 5th of December, 1895, and is a son of Carl and Johanna Poulsen, the latter of whom is deceased. He attended the local public schools and on leaving high school entered the employ of the American Brass Company at Ansonia as clerk. He remained with that concern until July 3, 1917, when he enlisted in the United States Army. After serving through various grades he was selected to attend the Central Officers Training School and was there commissioned a second lieutenant of infantry. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army on January 7, 1919. He was com- missioned in the Officers Reserve Corps in February, 1919. In June of 1923 he was selected to organize an infantry company with the Connecticut National Guard in Ansonia, on completion of which he was commissioned a captain in the Connecticut Na- tional Guard and placed in command of the company.
During July of 1922 Mr. Poulsen entered the insurance field establishing an office in Ansonia and has since been engaged in that line of business. He represents a good line of companies; is an energetic and enterprising business man and has well merited the splendid success which is now his.
On discharge from the service at the close of the war Mr. Poulsen became actively interested in the American Legion and has since taken an active part in the Legion's program particu- larly in relief to veterans. He is considered one of the outstand- ing authorities in the state of Connecticut in veterans legislation effecting the disabled. He was one of the original members of the William H. Gordon Post, No. 50, American Legion, Ansonia,
NIELS I. POULSEN
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serving as its commander for two terms during 1919-1920-1921. He has served on the National Rehabilitation Committee, has been a department vice commander, and also district commander of New Haven county and has been a member of the department executive committee at various times.
On February 1, 1923, Mr. Poulsen accepted an appointment as sub-district manager, United States Veterans Bureau, having jurisdiction of the four lower counties in Connecticut with head- quarters at New Haven. He was connected with the United States Veterans Bureau until February 15, 1927, when he re- signed to devote full time to his insurance activities.
On September 28, 1926, Mr. Poulsen was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte Cowan Kneen, and they are the parents of two daughters: Christine, born October 28, 1927; and Barbara Jean, born March 21, 1930.
Mr. Poulsen, in addition to his activities in behalf of veterans, has also been interested in civic matters, taking a prominent part in the activities of the Boy Scouts, American Red Cross, and mili- tary affairs. He is a member of many organizations and clubs. Because of his sterling qualities, business ability and successful efforts he has won and holds a high place in the estimation of the people of Ansonia and is greatly esteemed by his acquaintances.
FREDERICK HOWELL BILLARD
Frederick Howell Billard enjoys an enviable reputation as a representative financier and business man of Meriden, his native city, where he has been at the head of the City Savings Bank since 1923. He was born October 18, 1873, a son of John Leander and Harriet Yale (Merriman) Billard, both of whom are deceased. "Connecticut History Makers," published in 1929, describes John L. Billard as "one of Meriden's foremost citizens, progressive, successful and a leader in industry and finance and actively asso- ciated with the growth and development of the city for more than sixty-four years. At the time of his death, on December 18, 1924, he was an executive and director in the leading financial institu- tions and public utilities corporations of the city. He was born July 18, 1842, in Saybrook, Connecticut, the son of John Denton and Emeline E. (Spencer) Billard. His father was one of the
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leaders in Meriden's development during its earlier years and an honored and influential citizen. He was born in New York city and in 1847, as a young man, came to Meriden, Connecticut, where he founded the firm of Lyon & Billard together with George W. Lyon. This company, incorporated in 1878, with Mr. Billard as president, grew with rapidity and Mr. Billard's ability led to extended connections with leading business and financial interests of the city. He died February 1, 1902. On the maternal side of the family John Leander Billard was a great-great-grand- son of Samuel Spencer of Westbrook, Connecticut, who served as a private in the war of the Revolution for three years, enlisting July 16, 1778, in the Saybrook Company, commanded by Captain Hart.
"John L. Billard was educated at Williston Seminary of East- hampton, Massachusetts, and began his business career on March 18, 1859, when he entered the office of Lyon & Billard, consisting of a partnership of his father and George W. Lyon, dealing in lumber and coal and also engaged in contracting, the concern having erected many of the earlier homes and public buildings in Meriden and vicinity. The firm was changed to a corporation in 1878 and continued successful operation, and upon the death of John Denton Billard, in 1902, his son succeeded him as president, thus serving until he disposed of his interest in the business in May, 1923. He was a director of the Edward Miller Company and the Meriden Cutlery Company for many years, was also a director of the Second National Bank of New Haven and was president of the Meriden Savings Bank from December, 1903, to July, 1914. He likewise became identified with numerous other enterprises and at the time of his death was a director of the Meriden National Bank, the Meriden Savings Bank, the Meriden Trust & Safe Deposit Company, the Meriden Gas Light Company, the Meriden Electric Light Company, the Meriden City Hospital and the Meriden Cemetery Association. He was a member of the Home Club of Meriden, and the Union League Club of New York, and of the First Congregational church of Meriden."
John L. Billard was married May 26, 1868, in Meriden, to Harriet Yale Merriman, daughter of Howell Merriman. She departed this life August 22, 1919. By her marriage she had be- come the mother of four children, namely: Herbert Merriman, who died October 13, 1902; Walter Spencer, who passed away
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October 6, 1906; Annie, who died in infancy; and Frederick Howell, whose name introduces this review.
After receiving his primary education in the public schools of his native city, Frederick H. Billard entered St. Paul's School of Concord, New Hampshire, where he spent the years 1888 to 1892, then matriculating in Yale University, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1896. In 1909 he returned to his alma mater, taking a course in forestry. Soon after his graduation in 1896 he went to Chicago, Illinois, and en- tered the employ of Swift & Company, packers, but in 1901 he returned to Meriden and entered his father's business. Following his graduation from the Yale Forest School in 1909 he did forestry work in various parts of the country, being employed by the larger lumber companies of the Adirondacks and northern New England until 1915. In the latter year he again associated him- self with the Lyon & Billard Company, with which he remained until the business was sold in 1923, when he became president of the City Savings Bank of Meriden, of which he has since been the executive head. A financier of marked ability and foresight, he has contributed in substantial measure to the steady expansion and success of this institution as well as to the growth of numerous other financial and industrial corporations and civic organizations of the city. He is a director of the First National Bank, the Meri- den Trust & Safe Deposit Company, Manning, Bowman & Com- pany, the Lyon & Billard Company, the Meriden Lumber Com- pany, the Meriden City Hospital, the Gaylord Farm Sanatorium, the Meriden Cemetery Association, the Meriden Boys' Club, the Connecticut Forest and Park Association and the Meriden Cham- ber of Commerce, being a past president of the last named.
On the 28th of February, 1917, in Meriden, Mr. Billard was united in marriage to Elizabeth Elverson, daughter of Edward Elverson, of Newark, New Jersey. They reside on Allen avenue in Meriden.
Mr. Billard is a republican in his political views and is widely recognized as a public-spirited and enterprising citizen whose aid and influence are ever found on the side of advancement and progress. Particularly interested in the cause of education, he made a commendable record as a member of the Meriden school board and he has been commissioner of the public park board of the city of Meriden since 1914. He was president of America's
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first community chest. He is a worthy exemplar of the teachings and purposes of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the blue lodge, A. F. & A. M .; the Royal Arch Chapter; Hamilton Council, No. 22, R. & S. M .; and St. Elmo Commandery, No. 9, K. T. Appreciative of the social amenities of life, he also has member- ship in the Home Club, the Highland Country Club and the Meta- betchouan Fish and Game Club of Quebec. His cooperation is continuously being sought in connection with the advancement of those forces which make for social uplift, for community bet- terment and for the adoption of higher ideals in citizenship.
HENRY BALDWIN TODD (II)
A prominent representative of the clergy in New Haven coun- ty is Henry Baldwin Todd (II), who since February, 1922, has served as rector of Trinity Episcopal Church of Waterbury. A native of New York city, born June 26, 1879, he is a son of Job- ham M. K. and Elmira Z. (Henshaw) Todd and a grandson of Henry Baldwin Todd (I), who served in the Civil war with the rank of colonel and was provost marshal of the city of Washing- ton. The American progenitor of the family was Christopher Todd, who took up his abode among the earliest settlers of the New Haven colony about 1640.
Henry B. Todd of this review pursued his early education in the public schools and afterward had private tutoring under Edwin Stevens Lines, bishop of Newark and formerly rector of St. Paul's Church. He was ordained a deacon in Christ Church, Newark, New Jersey, on the 6th of November, 1910, and received the holy orders of the priesthood in St. Peter's Episcopal Church of Clifton, New Jersey, June 26, 1912, there remaining as rector for three years. Then he was in charge of Trinity Church at Paterson, New Jersey, for a period of four years, after which he was the head of St. Paul's Church at Hoboken, New Jersey, for three years. It was on the 1st of February, 1922, that he took up the duties of his present rectorship in Trinity Episcopal Church of Waterbury, Connecticut, over which he has since presided most satisfactorily, his consecrated labors having been attended with splendid results. He is Dean of Convocation of New Haven.
On the 31st of January, 1907, in Newark, New Jersey, Rev.
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Todd was united in marriage to Miss Elisabeth Bowers, of that city. They are the parents of two daughters and a son, namely: Margaret, a graduate of St. Margaret's School of Waterbury; Henry Baldwin (III), who is a graduate of the Crosby high school of Waterbury and the Keystone Academy of Factoryville, Penn- sylvania; and Lois, who attended St. Margaret's School prior to entering the Crosby high school of Waterbury, from which she was graduated in 1930.
Rev. Todd is a member of Harmony Lodge of Masons, and his favorite pastimes are reading and motoring. His influence has constituted an important element in the moral and cultural devel- opment of the various communities in which he has labored, and Waterbury accounts him a valuable acquisition to her citizenship.
JOSEPH A. BRENNAN
In the death of Joseph A. Brennan on the 22d of October, 1929, Waterbury sustained the loss of one of its best known busi- ness men and lovers of sports, and a citizen of substantial worth, who was affectionately termed "Joe" by his many friends. Born in this city in 1883, he was a son of Lawrence Brennan and at- tended the public schools of Waterbury, completing a course in the Crosby high school. He next entered Holy Cross College, from which he was graduated in 1906, and while a student there he joined the baseball squad under Jack Barry, playing second base on that team for three years. In those days he was regarded as one of the best local ball players and retained his enthusiasm for the national game throughout life. In this connection a local paper said of Mr. Brennan :
"He was one of the real conscientious baseball lovers, unpre- judiced, but always a reliable authority. He knew the managers, the teams and the players, almost personally, in the Eastern Lea- gue, when Waterbury was a member of that league. He had many friends among the big league managers and players and Manager 'Kitty' Bransfield counted him as one of the best friends he ever had in baseball. He was a wonderful encyclopedia of baseball sta- tistics and records and was many times referred to for decisions on those questions. He made friends in the baseball world and he kept them, which alone accounted for his popularity. Many a
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young ball player in this city can honestly say he was given his first college start in the baseball or athletic game through the kindly words and influence of Joe Brennan."
He entered upon his business career with the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and always continued in that line of acti- vity, in which he won notable success. During the last fourteen years of his life Mr. Brennan was special representative of the New York Life Insurance Company and acted as manager of the Waterbury district. He enjoyed the distinction of being the second largest writer of insurance for the New York Life in the east, writing two million dollars worth of insurance in one year- a record equaled by few men in that field.
Mr. Brennan was married in Waterbury to Miss Jennie L. Cronin, who still resides in this city, and he is also survived by two sons, Joseph A., Jr., and John K. The latter was graduated from the Roxbury Preparatory School in 1929 and is now attending the Catholic University in Washington, D. C. Mr. Brennan was a member of St. Margaret's Catholic Church, while his fraternal connections were with the Knights of Columbus and the Eagles. Although he never sought political office, he took great pride in all civic and public improvements, and his support could always be counted upon in the furtherance of public projects of worth. He gave liberally to charity but his benefactions were unheralded, for he was modest and unassuming, sedulously avoiding the glare of publicity. His many lovable qualities endeared him to all who knew him, and his passing occasioned deep and widespread regret. Of Joseph A. Brennan it may well be said :
"His life was gentle, and the elements
So mixed in him that Nature might stand up And say to all the world, 'This was a man.' "
BENJAMIN SPECTOR
America has been the land of opportunity to Benjamin Spec- tor, who came to this country when a youth of sixteen years with no assets save courage, energy and determination, and with these he has steadily advanced toward the goal of success. He is one of New Haven's self-made men and a well known jeweler who
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has made his establishment a center of the mercantile life of the city.
A native of Russia, Mr. Spector was born July 4, 1890, a son of Abraham and Rose Spector, who were also born in that country. When a child of seven years he was left an orphan and thus early in life began the struggle for an existence. His educational ad- vantages were extremely limited and in the hope of bettering his condition he sailed for the United States: He made the trip alone and on his arrival in Boston, Massachusetts, began his search for work. He secured a position in a jewelry shop and there learned his trade, at the same time furthering his education by attending a night school. From 1906 until 1911 he was employed along that line in Boston, where he gained valuable experience in the jewelry business, and on March 15 of the latter year allied his interests with those of New Haven. Through industry and economy he had accumulated a small capital and with this he embarked in busi- ness, renting a store at 33 Congress avenue. He started with a small stock of jewelry and prospered from the outset owing to his ability, enterprise and close application. Year by year his business grew, and he was forced to seek more commodious quar- ters, removing August 20, 1922, to 108 Church street. There he remained for about seven years, during which time his trade continued to increase to such an extent that on November 1, 1929, he transferred his business to his present location at 848 Chapel street. He has expended a great deal of money on the furnishings of the building, which reflects his good taste in its beautiful and harmonious appointments, and which is distinguished by its unique canopy entrance. Mr. Spector has made this one of the finest and most modern retail jewelry stores in New England- a mercantile institution of which New Haven is justly proud. He carries a large and carefully selected line of both domestic and imported goods, offering to his customers all that is novel, attrac- tive and beautiful in color, design and workmanship. His trade in this city has assumed extensive proportions, and he also has a prosperous jewelry business in Bridgeport, Connecticut, which was established and incorporated in 1922 and is conducted under the name of Spectors, Inc.
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