USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Waterbury > History of Waterbury and the Naugatuck Valley, Connecticut, Volume II > Part 16
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preeminently the style of Dr. Platt's practice. He knew his patients, their lives. circum- stances and surroundings, their parentage and history, their constitutional predispositions and hereditary tendencies, and all these consciously or unconsciously went to make up his diagnosis of a case and to indicate to his mind the treatment it demanded. His patience was uwearied. Calm and equable by temperament. he was still more so by long training and culture, and by a noble self-command that never deserted him. He brought into the sick room an invigorating presence, a sense of rest, peace and comfort. One of his patients says of him: 'I felt, as a child, when sick, that as soon as I saw Dr. Platt I should be better. I can feel now his cool hand, with a touch that always seemed to bring relief.'
"In figure he was tall, erect, striking and dignified, but in manner so kindly sympathetic that he won his way at once to the confidence of his patients. He was not satisfied with the diagnosis of the case and a prescription of remedies, but he took into account all the merits of nursing and the limitations of the situation, and, with much ingenuity and no chemical skill, he would improvise means from surrounding material, and buy comfort and convenience out of cirenmstances that were often unfavorable. While he kept up well with the progress of the profession, he still retained a knowledge and liking for many of those domestic remedies which were dear to the hearts of past generations. His knowledge of medical botany was much beyond what is considered necessary for the modern practitioner. To relieve and so far as possible, to prevent human suffering, was his brief summing up of the physician's call- ing, and he justly regarded it as a public one, requiring all a man's devotion, and in which success brought its own abundant reward in the consciousness of well doing. His moral standard was a very high one, but he was broad in his sympathies and not severe in his judg- ment of others. His religious faith was well formed, calm and serene, and shone forth as a ruling power of his life. His work afforded a clear and steady delineation of the character and purpose of a line of men like himself of Puritan life and lineage. It may be said, without the slightest disparagement to present or future practitioners of the art of healing, that this honored and beloved physician was the last example of the departing line that Waterbury will know, for the time that made such a man and such a life possible has gone forever. Probably since the death of Rev. Dr. Clark no man in this community has passed away whose loss will be keenly felt as a personal grief in so many hearts and homes as that of Dr. Platt." A capable physician, a faithful friend, a devoted and loving husband and father and a consist- ent Christian gentleman, the memory of Dr. Platt remains as a source of inspiration to many and as a blessed benediction to all who knew him.
REV. JOHN N. LEWIS, D.D.
Rev. John N. Lewis, D.D., who since 1901 has been rector of St. John's Episcopal church at Waterbury, was born at Annandale, Dutchess county, New York, on the 18th of January, 1869, a son of John Neher and Christina (Nelson) Lewis. He prepared for college in the public schools and was graduated from Williams College in June, 1889, thus securing the literary learning which served as a broad foundation on which to build the superstructure of his professional training. On June 25, 1917, the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him by Williams College. In June, 1892, he was graduated from the Berkeley Divinity School and was ordained deacon on the 8th of June, 1892, by Bishop Williams, who also officiated at his ordination for the priesthood in June, 1893. During his seminary course he acted as assistant to the Rev. W. W. Newton, D.D., of St. Stephen's church, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and was also lay-reader in St. George's church at Lee, Massachusetts, and in St. John's church at Pine Meadow, Connecticut. After being made deacon he served as assistant minister at St. George's church in New York. to Dr. Rainsford until June, 1894, when he became rector of Grace church at Honesdale, Pennsylvania, where he continued until May, 1897. He then accepted a call to become dean of Christ Church cathedral in Lexington, Kentucky, where he remained until September, 1900, after which he was associate rector of St. John's church in Waterbury until August. 1901, when he became rector. He has thus been identified with the church for seventeen years, doing splendid work in the fulfillment of its purpose. The work of the church is thoroughly organized in its various departments and his earnestness, zeal and eloquence are effective forces in the upbuilding of the cause.
On the 5th of June, 1894, Dr. Lewis was married to Miss Mary Newell Stone and they became the parents of two daughters, Carolyn Hamlin and Jane Nelson, but both have passed away. While in Kentucky, Dr. Lewis served as chaplain of the Second Infantry of the Kentucky National Guard and since coming to Connecticut has been chaplain of the
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Second Infantry of the Connectient National Guard, and is at present chaplain of the Fifth Regiment, Connecticut llome Gnard. For ten years, during the administration of Mayor Hotelkiss, Dr. Lewis was one of the commissioners of publie charities of Waterbury. lle established the Visiting Nurses Association in Waterbury and is at present the managing director of that association. He has a wide and favorable acquaintance in Waterbury outside of his parish and his interest in those things which have to do with the public welfare indicates the breadth of his sympathy, while the universality of his friendships indicates also his intellectual breadth.
FRANK PEPE.
Frank Pepe, an importer and wholesale grocer of Waterbury, conducting business at 40 Canal street, has been actively at the head of the house since 1890 and through the intervening years his trade has steadily grown and developed. Mr. Pepe was born in Italy on the 9th of December, 1873, but was only thirteen years of age when he came to the United States. He took up his abode in New Haven and began earning his own living by working for two dollars and a half per week, being employed in a factory. After about three years he secured a position in a retail grocery store in New Haven and found that he had entered upon a congenial field. Carefully Imisbanding his resources, he then opened business on his own account in Waterbury in 1890, establishing a store on Bank street. Success attended the venture from the beginning and he sought larger quarters in a removal to Meadow street about 1891. His next removal brought him to his present location in 1896, at which time he erected a large brick block at Nos. 44 and 46 Canal street. The building is a four story structure thirty-seven by eighty feet, but still he found his accom- modations inadequate and in 1899 he erected another brick building at 40 Canal street. It, too, is four stories in height and is thirty-five by ninety-two feet and of brick con- struction. The business utilizes two stories and basement of both buildings and his trade extends over a large territory, including Stamford, Ansonia, Torrington, Winsted, New London, Bridgeport and intervening points. The house is represented upon the road by two traveling salesmen and the employes number eight people in all. The company uses a motor truek for local delivery. While conducting a general wholesale grocery business, they specialize in imported goods.
On the 28th of February, 1896, Mr. Pepe was united in marriage to Miss Michilena Vastola, who was born in Italy but in girlhood came to the United States, settling in New Haven. The children of this marriage are: Rachel, who is a graduate of grammar and high school and a business college and is now assisting her father in business; Anna, who is a convent student; Rose and Genevieve, both in school; Josephine, and Francis. The family are communicants of the Catholic church and in politics Mr. Pepe is a republican. He has no time nor inclination for public office, however, as he prefers to give his undivided attention to his business affairs. His career is an illustration of a fact that is often manifest-that the leading merchants spring from humble clerkships. He owes his success to elose application, indefatigable energy and keen business insight. He has bent every effort to the legitimate upbuilding of his trade and his is a well deserved prosperity.
HON. JOIIN M. CLAXTON.
Hon. John M. Claxton, who has represented his district in the state legislature and is well known as an enterprising merchant of Torrington, was born in Waterbury, December 4, 1873, a son of the late Jolin Claxton, who was a well known resident of Waterbury and for fifty years was a roller at the plant of the Scovill Manufacturing Company. He was born in Ireland and in young manhood came to the United States. He started for California in 1848 as a gold seeker, accompanied by his wife, who became ill, so that they proceeded no farther than Binghamton, New York. Later they returned to their former home in Waterbury and Mr. Claxton resumed his connection with the Scovill Manu- facturing Company, passing away January 12, 1897. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Jane Hill, was also a native of Ireland, both Mr. and Mrs. Claxton being born in the northern part of the Emerald Isle, although both were of English lineage, both the Hill and Claxton families having lived for generations in England, and being communi- eants of the Episcopal church. Mrs. Claxton came to the United States with her parents.
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brothers and sisters when a young girl, the family home being established in Waterbury, and there the greater part of her life was passed, her death occurring in 1891. To John and Sarah Jane (Hill) Claxton were born three sons and four daughters, of whom two sons and two daughters ale yet living: John M .: William H., a resident of Waterbury; Mrs. Frederick J. Loomis, of Pasadena, California, the wife of Lieutenant Frederick J. Loomis, a graduate of the naval academy at Annapolis and now located on Mare Island with the United States Naval Reserves; and Mary, who is the wife of Frank Wilder, of Watertown, Connecticut.
John M. Claxton was reared and educated in Waterbury and was graduated from the high school at the age of seventeen years. On the 10th of June, 1891, he became a clerk in the drug store of H. W. Lake, with whom he remained for six years and ten days, becoming in that period a thoroughly qualified pharmacist. On the 20th of June, 1897, he removed to Torrington and secured a clerkship in the drug store at the corner of Water and Main streets, which he now owns and which was then the property of Burdette T. Lyon, who had established the business October 10, 1896. Mr. Claxton clerked for Mr. Lyon, with practical management of the store, until March 31, 1902, at which time he purchased the stock and has since been owner. Under his direction the business has had a splendid growth and prosperity has attended the efforts of Mr. Claxton. whose interest in everything pertaining to the trade is indicated in the fact that he is a member of the Connecticut State Pharmaceutical Association.
On the 9th of November, 1904, Mr. Claxton was married to Miss Harriet Wilkinson, a native of England, who came to the United States with her parents, Mir. and Mrs. Henry Wilkinson, the family home being established at South Manchester, Connecticut where her father was a silk worker. Mr. and Mrs. Claxton have two daughters, Harriet Louise, and Margaret Lillian.
Mr. Claxton has been a member of the Torrington Volunteer Fire Company for seven- teen years and for six years has been assistant chief. He has been a member of Company MI of the Second Infantry Regiment of the Connecticut National Guard for eight years and was its quartermaster sergeant for several years. In politics he is a republican and served as a member of the state legislature during the sessions of 1915 and 1917, giving thoughtful and earnest consideration to all vital questions coming up for settlement. He served on the committee on public health and safety during both sessions. Fraternally he is connected with both the lodge and encampment of the Odd Fellows. He owns a nice little farm and summer home two miles from the business center of Torrington on what is called Soapstone Hill, and has converted the old homestead, which was built over one hundred and fifty years ago, into a lovely modern residence. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in St. John's Episcopal church of Waterbury. He is also a Knight Templar Mason, has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in the order and belongs to the Mystic Shrine. He is likewise identified with the Elks, being at present exalted ruler of Torrington Lodge No. 372, B. P. O. E.
HENRY HART PECK.
Henry Hart Peck, for thirty years president of the Dime Savings Bank of Waterbury, well known as a financier and business man, was born in Berlin, Connecticut, on the 25th of December, 1838, a son of Selden and Lucy (Hart) Peck. His youthful days were spent upon a tarm with the usual training of the farm bred boy. After attending the district schools near his father's home he became a student in the Kellogg Academy at Meriden, Connecticut, and then entered upon his business career as clerk in a dry goods store of New Britain. where he was employed from 1857 until 1860. Removing to Waterbury in the latter year, he here became interested in the dry goods business as one of the organizers of the firm of Miller & Peck. dealers in dry goods and carpets. For twenty-seven years he remained an active factor in the conduct and ownership of that business and then retired to concentrate his attention upon banking. It was in 1887 that he was elected to the presidency of the Dime Savings Bank. which had been established September 1, 1870. He has since given much thought and attention to the management of the bank and still remains at the head of its executive force. He also became one of the founders and builders of the Hotel Elton, which is a monu- ment to the enterprising spirit of Waterbury, being recognized as one of the leading hostel- ries of New England. It was completed and opened on the 23d of May, 1905, and Mr. Peck now lives at the hotel.
With many clubs and social organizations Mr. Peck is identified. He is both a Knight
Neu Ss. Peck
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Templar and Consistory Mason and he belongs to the Waterbury Club, the Home Club of Meriden, the Republican Club of Hartford, the Waterbury Country Club and the Union League Club of New Haven. His religious faith is that of the Episcopal church. while his political belief is that of the republican party. He was elected to represent his district in the house of representatives in the Connecticut legislature in 1887 and he served as a member of the state senate in 1895, giving careful consideration to the vital questions which came up for settlement during those periods. In manner he is genial and is a man of many friends. He has done much for Waterbury in a quiet way but has always shunned publicity. The publie, however, bear testimony to the importance of his work in behalf of the material progress and the municipal interests of his city. He is a director of the Waterbury Hospital and has cooperated in many movements which have been of direct benefit to his fellow townsmen and to the public at large.
CHARLES HENRY PULFORD, M. D.
Dr. Charles Henry Pulford has long been engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Seymour and in all of his chosen life work has been actuated by broad hunani- tarian principles, while back of his success is a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the basic elements upon which the science of medicine rests, together with familiarity with the latest scientific researches and discoveries. He was born in Stafford Springs, Connecticut, December 18, 1859, and is a son of Frederick William and Sarah Ann (Leonard) Pulford. The Leonard family has for many generations resided in Massachusetts and the Pulford family is of English ancestry. Our subject's grand father, William C. Pulford, was born in Leeds, England, where he spent his entire life. He was married to a Miss Bannister and they became the parents of six children. Their son, Frederick William Pluford, father of Dr. Pulford, was born in Leeds, England, and there spent the first twelve years of his life, after which he sailed for the new world and became a resident of Ohio. IIe acquired a public school education and started out to provide for his own support in con- nection with the wool business, in which he engaged until 1865. He then took up the study of medicine and located for practice in Royalston, Massachusetts, where he remained until 1876. He next became a resident of Seymour, where he resided until his death, which occurred in June, 1893, when he had reached the age of sixty-six years. He was the oldest member of the medical profession in Seymour at that time and his practice exceeded that of any other physician in volume and importance. His political endorsement was given to the republican party and fraternally he was connected with Morning Star Lodge, . F. & A. M., of Seymour. He belonged to the State Medical Society and at all times kept in touch with the trend of modern thought and progress along professional lines. In early manhood he wedded Saran Ann Leonard, a daughter of Chester Leonard, a lumber dealer of Dunkirk, New York, who lost his life on Lake Erie. Mrs. Pulford passed away in 1892. To Dr. Frederick W. Pulford and his wife were born nine children. seven sons and two danghters.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of life for Dr. Charles H. Pulford in his boyhood and youth. He was a pupil in the public schools and supplemented his early training by study in the Collegiate Institute at Hackettstown, New Jersey. He afterward went to New York city, where he pursued a college course and in 1888 he was graduated from the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago. He then returned to New England and located for practice in Seymour, where he has since remained, being today the oldest homeopathie physician in the city in years of continuons practice. He has never specialized along any particular line but has given his entire thought and attention to general practice and is the loved family physician in many a household of Seymour. He belongs to the Connecticut State Homeopathic Medical Society. He has ever remained a close and discriminating student of his profession and is constantly broadening his knowledge by reading and investigation.
On the 24th of December, 1910, Dr. Pulford was united in marriage to Mrs. Ida .A. Warren, of Brooklyn, New York, but at that time a resident of Seymour. Dr. and Mrs. Pulford have one child, Charles Lefferts, now four and one-half years of age. Mrs. Pulford is a business woman of marked ability and is now conducting an extensive and profitable icc business.
Dr. Pulford belongs to Morning Star Lodge, No. 47, F. & A. M., with which he has been affiliated since 1886. Throughout all the intervening period he has been musical director of the lodge. He also has membership in Evening Star Chapter, No. 47. R. A. M ..
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and is a most loyal adherent of the fraternity and its principles. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He is appreciative of the social amenities of life and his personal qualities render him popular with all with whom he comes in contact both through social and business relations. His salient characteristics are such as command confidence and regard in every land and clime and his circle of friends is today almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance.
COLONEL JOHN B. DOHERTY.
John B. Doherty is well known as one who has figured actively and prominently in connection with the military history of the city, for he held the rank of colonel of the Second Regiment of the Connecticut National Guard. He was born September 10, 1853, at Hard Ledge, Westmoreland county, New Brunswick, his parents being William A. and Matilda Doherty. After attending the district school at Carlton he continued his education in a private academy at St. John, New Brunswick, and still later became a pupil in the Waterbury high school, for since his boyhood he has made his home in this city. Through the intervening years Colonel Doherty has gained much more than local distinction through his connection with political and military affairs. He was called to office in 1886, when he became selectman, continuing in that position through the succeeding two years. He was a youth of nineteen when he joined the Connecticut National Guard as a member of Company A of the Second Regiment, with which he served for many years. He was advanced to the rank of corporal in 1874, became sergeant in 1877, was second lieu- tenant in 1880, was made first lieutenant in 1882, became captain in 1883, was made major of the regiment in 1885 and attained the colonelcy in 1889, after which he commanded the Second Regiment until July, 1895, when he resigned. Five years before, or on the 14th of February, 1890, he received the appointment of postmaster of Waterbury under President Harrison and occupied that position for the allotted four years' term. While thus engaged he turned his attention to the insurance business, being chosen secrteary and office manager of the Connecticut Indemnity Association of Waterbury, which was then an assessment company. This company was being put on a reserve basis when the state department made some adverse rulings which were thought unfair by many and which caused the company to close out its business. In the meantime many very prominent men from New York city and other places had become officers of the company and well known citizens of Waterbury were identified with it. Colonel Doherty was later with various concerns until 1914, when he became the secretary of the Waterbury Standard Tool & Machine company.
On the 28th of February, 1877, Colonel Doherty was married to Miss Jennie M. Barton, a daughter of Philo B. Barton, of Winsted. She passed away on the 29th of November, 1882, and Colonel Doherty was married again, September 16, 1890, his second union being with Katherine Sedgwick, a daughter of Theodore Sedgwick Buel. The Colonel is widely known in Waterbury and is very popular, having a very large circle of friends.
THOMAS D. BARLOW.
Thomas D. Barlow, president and treasurer of the Barlow Brothers Company, engaged in all kinds of sheet metal and contract work. steamfitting and plumbing, as well as in the conduct of a retail hardware business, has won success not through any unusual methods. Indeed there are no spectacular phases in his career, but by thoroughness, persistency of purpose and unfaltering energy he has gained a substantial place and creditable name in the business circles of his city. He was born in Redding. Connecticut, November 5, 1848, a son of Joel and Deborah (Sanford) Barlow, representatives of an old colonial family. His great-great-grandfather was Colonel Aaron Barlow. a soldier of the Revolu- tionary war, who was descended from Samuel Barlow, a native of England. Joel Barlow, the poet, was a brother of Colonel Barlow. Joel Barlow, the father of Thomas D. Barlow, devoted his life to the occupation of farming and both he and his wife have now passed away.
After obtaining his education in the public schools Thomas D. Barlow learned the sheet metal and plumbing trade at New Milford, Connecticut, and in 1878 came to Water-
Phos &Barlow
Samuel J. Barlow
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bury, where he has now made his home for almost forty years. He entered into partner- ship with E. R. Lampson and has since been connected with the business, being one of the oldest merchants in continuous connection with the commercial interests of Water- bury. The business had its inception in the early '60s, when E. R. Lampson opened an establishment on South Main street for the conduct of a plumbing, heating and hardware business. Eventually the firm of E. R. Lampson & Company was formed and the business at length passed into the possession of Barlow Brothers, the predecessors of the Barlow Brothers Company. Business was maintained at the original stand until they removed to 65 Grand street, where they erected a new building, which was completed in 1907. It has a frontage of sixty-five feet and a depth of one hundred feet. The building is four stories in height with basement and the store utilizes all four floors. The company does all kinds of sheet metal work, takes contracts in heating, steamfitting and plumbing, and also conducts a fine retail hardware store. They carry a large line of stoves and furnaces and are liberally patronized. The officers of the company are: Thomas D. Barlow, president and treasurer; O. R. Barlow, vice president and assistant treasurer; and S. Chester Jones, secretary.
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