USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Waterbury > History of Waterbury and the Naugatuck Valley, Connecticut, Volume II > Part 35
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On the 7th of March, 1907, Dr. Buchanan was married to Miss Florence Celesta Snagg, a native of Waterbury, and they have two danghters, Helen Snagg and Frances Adella The religious faith of Dr. and Mrs. Buchanan is that of the Baptist church, while in political belief he is a republican. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, the Elks and the Heptasophs. He finds his chief recreation in fishing and motoring and endeavors to give sufficient time to pleasure to constitute a balance to his intense professional activity.
JOSEPH B. REID.
Joseph B. Reid, of Torrington, who for many years has held a responsible position at the Coe Brass Works and who in more recent years has also been actively identified with the real estate and insurance business, was the founder and promoter of the firm of J. B. Reid & Company, which has recently merged into the Litchfield County Realty & Insurance Company. His life has thus been one of intense and well directed activity. He is a native of County Fermanagh, Ireland, born August 11, 1862, but comes of Scotch ancestry. His parents were Thomas and Mary (Frazier) Reid, both of whom have now passed away. They never came to the new world.
Reared and educated in Ireland, Joseph B. Reid started for the United States at the age of seventeen years, crossing the Atlantic in 1880, although he did not come to Tor- rington until 1886. He spent. a few months in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and in Yonkers, New York, and for several years was a resident of New York city before becoming a permanent resident of Torrington. In those different places he was employed as a sales- man in retail dry goods stores and when he first came to Torrington he established a grocery store, which he conducted with more or less success for six years. He then sold out and devoted a year or more to winding up the affairs of the business. For the past twenty-three years, or since 1894, he has been in the constant service of the Coe Brass Works and for many years has occupied the position of foreman. He is now one of the senior and one of the most trusted employes of the company. Mr. Reid has perhaps become even better known to the public through his insurance and realty activities during the past decade. Several years ago he became interested in this field of endeavor and later became associated with Sheridan H. Knight, conducting business with him under the firm style of J. B. Reid & Company. On the 2d of July, 1917, the business was incorporated under the title of the Litchfield County Realty & Insurance Company, with some of Torrington's best known eitizens as its officers and stockholders, including Frank J. Damon, who is the president; Frederiek L. Braham, vice president; IToward J. Castle, secretary; and Sheridan H. Knight, treasurer. Though Mr. Reid is a large stockholder, his official connection with the firm is merely that of director, as it suits his tastes better to serve in a modest. capacity. The firm, although only recently organized, starts ont with much promise. The splendid type of men who have been chosen its officers constitute a sufficient guar- antee of its future. Its offices are located at No. 21 Water street and its active head and manager is Sheridan H. Knight, while Mr. Reid still devotes his time to the duties of his office at the brass factory.
On the 8th of December, 1886, Mr. Reid was united in marriage to Rebecca Gowan, who had been an acquaintance of his boyhood in Ireland. Her death occurred June 29, 1915, and was deeply deplored by many friends as well as by her immediate family. By her marriage she had become the mother of five children, four sons and a daughter. Joseph Gowan, the eldest, married Sarah J. Hand and to them have been born two children, Evangeline Hand and Eunice Violet. Robert Moore, who married Myrtle Kenney, has one child. Robert Kenney. Thomas George, the third in order of birth, died in infancy, Archibald Edward and Florence Ethel are residing at home with their father. The family
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is one of which he has every reason to be proud. Only one of the four children has left Torrington, Robert Moore Reid having removed to Oakland, California. The three sons are all registered in the military draft and possibly one or more of them mnay soon be called to the colors for service in the great war. The youngest of the five children is the daughter, Florence Ethel.
Mr. Reid is a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 27, K. P., of the United Order of the Golden Cross and of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is trustee and treasurer. Politically he is an adherent of the prohibition party and he is a member of Company M. Connecticut Home Guard.
HON. MICHAEL JOHN BYRNE.
Hon. Michael John Byrne, attorney practicing at the Waterbury bar and at one time judge of the probate court, is numbered with that quota of citizens that Ireland has furnished to Connecticut. His birth occurred in County Carlow, October 3, 1872, his parents being William and Elizabeth (Carroll) Byrne, who spent their entire lives on the Emerald isle, where the father followed the occupation of farming and where they reared their family of twelve children. Those who still survive are: James; Thomas J .; Michael J .; William; Peter; Elizabeth, who is the widow of John MeGrath; and Dr. Daniel J. Byrne, a physician. All are still residents of Ireland with the exception of Judge Byrne of this review, and three of the sons, James, Thomas J. and William, have become priests of the Catholic church. Dr. Daniel J. Byrne, now a practicing physician of Ireland, came to the United States and was educated in the Yale Medical College, from which he received the M. D. degree. He was also graduated from the Royal University of Ireland with the Bachelor of Arts degree.
Michael J. Bryne spent the first eighteen years of his life in Ireland and attended the public schools of Carlow. Crossing the Atlantic in 1891, he settled in Waterbury and in 1893 entered the Yale Law School, from which he won his LL. B. degree in 1895 as a member of a class of ninety-seven. He had not yet secured his naturalization papers but he was permitted to take the bar examination at onee and was admitted to practice at New Haven in April, 1896. He then opened an office in Waterbury. where he has since remained in active practice save for the years 1909 and 1910, during which he served as judge of probate of the district of Waterbury, being the first republican to hold that office in twenty years. He then resumed private practice and now has a large and important clientage to the interests of which he is devoted, sparing no effort nor pains that will enable him to advance the interests of his clients.
On the 30th of October, 1895, Judge Byrne was married to Miss Susan Kannally, of Troy, New York, and they have become parents of seven children: William P., whose birth occurred July 24, 1896; Edward M., born October 9, 1899; Elizabeth K., whose natal day was October 14, 1900; Frank C., born February 24, 1902; Townsend, who was born August 11, 1903; Louise, born February 16, 1905; and James T., born July 19, 1909. Of these William P. was graduated from the Taft preparatory school at Watertown in 1913 and is now a student in the Sheffield Scientific School at New Haven. Edward was graduated from the Waterbury high school in 1916 and is now a freshman in Mount Saint Mary's College at Emmitsburg, Maryland. Elizabeth is now a senior, Frank a junior and Townsend a sophomore in the Waterbury high school. while Louise is a freshman and James T. is attending Bunker Hill grammar school.
While Judge Byrne is well known as a prominent attorney, he has not confined his attention and efforts wholly to the practice of law. About ten years ago he organized The Connecticut Oil Company of Waterbury and since then has been president, treasurer and general manager of this business, which is today one of the important concerns of the city. In 1915 he organized The Diamond Oil Company of Stamford, Connecticut, of which he is the president, treasurer and general manager. In 1913 he organized The National Company of Waterbury, devoted to the manufacture of seamless tubing. This business was incor- porated and capitalized for fifty thousand dollars, which was increased in 1916 to a quarter of a million. The business has trebled within the past year and the undertaking is now recognized as one of the leading enterprises of this character in the country. Judge Byrne remains its president. treasurer and general manager. In 1914 he organized The Columbus Building Corporation, which owns the Stagg Hotel on Bank street and of which he is president. He is also vice president of the Independent Oil Men's Association. a national organization of independent oil men with headquarters at Chicago.
In polities Judge Byrne has always been a republican. He belongs to the Waterbury
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is one of which he has every reason to be proud. Only one of the four children has left Torrington, Robert Moore Reid having removed to Oakland, California. The three sons are all registered in the military draft and possibly one or more of them may soon be called to the colors for service in the great war. The youngest of the five children is the daughter, Florence Ethel.
Mr. Reid is a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 27. K. P., of the United Order of the Golden Cross and of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is trustee and treasurer. Politically he is an adherent of the prohibition party and he is a member of Company M. Connecticut Home Guard.
HON. MICHAEL JOHN BYRNE
Hon. Michael John Byrne, attorney practicing at the Waterbury bar and at one time judge of the probate court, is numbered with that quota of citizens that Ireland has furnished to Connecticut. His birth occurred in County Carlow, October 3. 1872, his parents being William and Elizabeth (Carroll) Byrne. who spent their entire lives on the Emerald isle, where the father followed the occupation of farming and where they feared their family of twelve children. Those who still survive are: James; Thomas J., Mi hur1 3 . William; Peter: Wlizabeth, who is the widow of John McGrath; and Dr. Daniel J. byrne, a physician. All -. still residents of Ireland with the exception of Judge Byrne of this review, and three of the sons, James. Thomas .i and William, have become priests of the Catholic church. Dr. Daniel J. Byrne, now a practicing physician of Ireland, came to the United States and was educated in the Yale Medical College. from which he received the M. D. degree. He was also graduated from the Royal University of Ireland with the Bachelor of Arts degree.
Michael J. Bryne spent the first eighteen years of his life in Ireland and attended the public schools of Carlow. Crossing the Atlantic in 1891, he settled in Waterbury and in 1893 entered the Yale Law School, from which he won his LL. B. degree in 1895 as a member of a class of ninety-seven. He had not yet secured his naturalization papers but he was permitted to take the bar examination at once and was admitted to practice at New Haven in April, 1896. He then opened an office in Waterbury, where he has since remained in active practice save for the years 1909 and 1910, during which he served as judge of probate of the district of Waterbury, being the first republican to hold that office in twenty years. He then resumed private practice and now has a large and important clientago to the interests of which he is devoted, sparing no effort nor pains that will enable him to advance the interests of his clients.
On the 30th of October. 1895. Judge Byrne was married to Miss Susan. Kannally, of Troy, New York, and they have become parents of seven children: William P., whose birth occurred July 94, 1896; Edward M., born October 9, 1899; Elizabeth K .. whose natal day was October 14, 1900; Frank C., born February 24, 1902: Townsend. who was born August 11, 1903; Louise, born February 16, 1905; and James T., born July 19, 1909. . Of these William P. was graduated from the Taft preparatory school at Watertown in 1913 and is now a student in the Sheffield Scientific School at New Haven. Edward was graduated from the Waterbury high school in 1916 and is now a freshman in Mount Saint Mary's College at Emmitsburg, Maryland. Elizabeth is now a senior, Frank a junior and Townsend a sophomore in the Waterbury high school. while Louise is a freshman and James T. is attending Bunker Hill grammar school.
While Judge Byrne is well known as a prominent attorney, he has not confined his attention and efforts wholly to the practice of law. About ten years ago he organized The Connections Oil Company of Waterbury and since then has been president, treasurer and general manager of this business, which is today one of the important concerns of the city. In 1915 ne organized The Diamond Oil Company of Stamford, Connecticut, of which he is the president treasurer and general manager. In 1913 he organized The National Company of Wat reap Devoted to the manufacture of seamless tubing. This business was incor- pro med sur fistalized for fifty thousand dollars, which was increased in 1916 to a quarter of s union. The business has trebled within the past year and the undertaking is now recogehard as out of the leading enterprises of this che. weter in the country. Judge Byrne remains jis president. treasurer and general manager In 1914 he organized The Columbus Building Corporation, which owns the Stagg Hotel on hank street and of which he is president. He is also vice president of the Independent Oil. Men's Association. a national organization of independent il men with headquarters at Chica ro
In politics Tud e Byrne has always been a ropatlican. He belongs to the Waterbury
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Country Club, to the Knights of Columbus and to the Roman Catholic church. He has served on the board of education for two years, in 1897 and 1898. He has membership with the local, state and American bar associations, is a member of the Woodmen of the World and of various organizations of broad interests and activities, including the Mattatuek Historical Society, the Waterbury Council of Boy Scouts, the Concordia Singing Society and the Mad River Grange. In 1909 he went abroad to visit his native land and while on that trip also went to England and France. The spirit of modern-day progress and enterprise finds exempli- fication in his career. Opportunity has ever been to him a call to action and he never turns from any projeet which he undertakes until it has been carried forward to successful completion.
JAMES F. O'MEARA.
James F. O'Meara is proprietor of a meat market at No. 9 Main street in Torrington and thus has a place among the active business men of the city. He was born in Torrington, on Water street, July 11, 1876, and is a son of John and Nora (Bray) O'Meara, both of whom have now passed away, the mother having died when her son James was but seven years of age. In the family were five children, only two living at the present time, namely : James F. and William Joseph, the latter a resident of Springfield, Massachusetts.
In the schools of his native city James F. O'Meara pursued his education but when only nine years of age started out to provide for his own support and he may truly be called a self-made man. He first worked as a telegraph messenger boy, was also employed as an errand boy and afterward learned the trade of a meat cutter when still in his youth. He was employed by the firm of .Meara Brothers, proprietors of a meat market for ten years, his employers being distant relatives, who, however, have dropped the prefix "O" from their name.
Prompted by laudable ambition, James F. O'Meara saved his earnings and as the result of his industry and economy in due time had a capital sufficient to enable him to embark . in business on his own account. He has owned a meat market for twenty years and since 1900 has conducted business at his present location at No. 9 Main street. His market is thoroughly modern in its equipment and is one of the best in Torrington, while the location is extremely favorable. He has a splendid refrigerator and all modern deviees to facilitate the work and his store is kept in a neat condition which insures a liberal patronage, for his priees are reasonable and he is always courteous and obliging in his attention to his patrons. In addition to carrying a full line of salt and fresh meats he also carries a full stock of green groceries and has a large trade in that particular.
On the 11th of June, 1902, Mr. O'Meara was united in marriage to Miss Della Katherine Rey, of New Hartford. IIe belongs to St. Francis Catholic church and is prominent in the Elks society, being exalted ruler of Torrington Lodge, No. 372 B. P. O. E. in 1912. He has a wide acquaintance in Torrington and as a business man and eitizen occupies an enviable position. Ile is always thoroughly reliable in his business dealings and in matters of public concern his infinence is on the side of progress and improvement.
EDWARD MALONEY.
Edward Maloney, president of the Charles Thatcher Company in which connection he has been awarded and has executed large contracts, was born in Ireland, August 3, 1863, a son of Edward and Ann Maloney. He was there educated in public sehools and in 1882, when a youth of about nineteen years, he bade adieu to friends and native land for the purpose of coming to the new world. Crossing the Atlantie, he made his way at once to Waterbury and entered the employ of E. R. Lampson & Company, continuing with its successors, the Barlow Brothers Company, in the plumbing heating and metal work business. In May, 1906, he opened an establishment of his own for the conduct of a plumbing and steamfitting business and has enjoyed a constantly increasing patronage, so that he now employs from fifteen to twenty-five men. When he started in business for himself he bought out the Charles Thateher Company, which was established in the '70s and has con- tinued under the same name. The business was incorporated about 1892. Its present officers are: Edward Maloney, president; and P. W. Riley, secretary and treasurer. The company as installed the plumbing and heating plants in St. Margaret's parochial school
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in the Begnal school, the Charles Spence residence in Middlebury and many of the fine homes of Waterbury. The company carries a full line of plumbing supplies and is pre- pared to do expert work.
In November, 1890, Mr. Maloney was married to Miss Margaret Delaney, a native of Ireland, and their children are: Edward; John; Joseph; and Christopher. They are com- municants of St. Margaret's Catholic church and Mr. Maloney holds membership with the Knights of Columbus, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In politics he is independent, voting for men and measures rather than party. He has always continued in the line of business in which he embarked as a young trades- man and broadening experience has continually promoted his efficieney, while ambition has carried him forward and gained for him a creditable place in the trade circles of the city.
MAURICE FRANCIS CARMODY.
Maurice Francis Carmody, deceased, was for nearly two-thirds of a century a resident of Waterbury. where he ranked with the leading Irish-American citizens, well known, highly respected and influential. A native of the Emerald Isle, he was born at Tralee, County Kerry, August 23, 1853. His father, Michael Carmody, was a native of the same county and there grew to manhood and married Anne Costello, by whom he had five children. Thinking to better his financial condition in the new world, he started with his wife and children for America in 1853 as passengers on a sailing vessel which, after several weeks spent upon the Atlantic, reached the harbor of New York. They made their way at once to Waterbury, Connecticut, where the family home was established, and there Michael Carmody followed teaming. He spent his remaining days in Waterbury and was laid to rest in St. Joseph's cemetery, where also repose the remains of his wife. They were both consistent members of the Catholic church, in which faith they reared their children, five in number, namely: Michael, who died in Waterbury; Maurice Franeis; Jane, who became the wife of Richard Lewis, but both are now deceased; Catharine, who married Charles MeEvoy of Waterbury; and Mary, who became the wife of William Carroll.
Maurice F. Carmody was but three months old when in November, 1853, he was brought across the Atlantic and became a resident of Waterbury, where he has since made his home. His opportunities for acquiring an education were limited to the common schools and at an carly age he was obliged to go to work in order to aid in the support of the household. He was first employed in a novelty manufacturing establishment, of which a Mr. Fitzsimons was the proprietor. and that he proved capable and efficient is indicated by the fact that he there remained for seventeen years. On the expiration of that period he embarked in business on his own account, turning his attention to the insurance and real estate business, which he followed successfully throughout his remaining days. He handled fire, life and accident insurance and conducted a large real estate busi- ness. By striet attention and close application he won prosperity and made for himself a most creditable position in the community by reason of his sterling honesty and straight- forward dealing.
Mr. Carmody took a deep interest in the public life of Waterbury and for many years held the office of constable, serving as such when Waterbury was a town and also after it was incorporated as a city. He was for a period of eight years auditor of the Center school district and in 1889 was elected a member of the board of selectmen, which position he filled for three years. In January, 1893. he was appointed deputy sheriff of New Haven county and was also deputy United States marshal during the last administration of Grover Cleveland. He was also probation officer of Waterbury at the time of his death. Ever a stanch democrat, he always supported the principles of that party and took a deep interest in advancing its growth and promoting its success. He stood loyally by every cause which he believed would benefit Waterbury and he always supported every enter- prise which he believed would prove helpful to the people and their institutions. He was a keen and capable business man, self-made and self-educated. He possessed a retentive memory and was constantly adding to his fund of knowledge. He was fond of travel and with his wife visited many places of interest in Europe, including the land of his birth. Possessing a domestic taste. it was in his home that his highest ideals of life were reflected, and he counted no personal effort or sacrifice on his part too great if it would add to the happiness or promote the welfare of his wife and children. He was the father of seven children, all of whom he lived to see grow to manhood or womanhood and whom he thoroughly educated. thus fitting them for life's practical and responsible duties. He
WATERBURY AND THE NAUGATUCK VALLEY
n the Begnal school, the Charles Spence residence in Middlebiny and many of the fine homes of Waterbury. The company carries a full line of plumbing supplies and is pre- pared to do expert work.
In November, 1990, Mr. Maloney was married to Miss Margaret Delaney, a native of Ireland, and their children are: Edward; John; Joseph. and Christopher. They are com- municants of St. Margaret's Cathohe church and Mr Maroney holds membership with the Knights of Columbus. the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In politics he is independent, voting for men and measures rather than party. He has always continued in the bue of business in which he embarked as a young trades- man and broadening experiener has continually promoted his efficiency, while ambition has carried him forward and painted for him a creditabl. place in the trade circles of the city.
MAURICE FRANCIS CARMODY.
Maurice Francis Carmody, deceased, was for nearly two thirds of a century a resident of Waterbury, where he ranked with the leading Irish-American ott is well known, highly respected and influential. A native of the Emerald Isle. he was born at Tralee County Kerry, August 23, 1853. His father, Michael Carmody, was a native of the satur county and there grew to manhood and married Anne Costello, by whom In har five chil Iren. Thinking to better his financial condition in the new world, he started with his . ife and children for America in 1853 as passengers on a sailing vessel which, after several weeks spent upon the Atlantic reached the harbor of New York. They made their way at once to Wat rufry. connecticut, where the family home was established, and there Michael Carmody frHoved teaming. He spent his remaining days in Waterbury and was laid to rest in St. Joseph's cemetery, where also repose the remains of his wife. They were both consistent members of the Catholic church, in which faith they reared their children, five in number, namely: Michael, who died in Waterbury; Maurice Francis; Jane, who became the wife of Richard Lewis, but both are now deceased; Catharine, who married Charles MCEvoy of Waterhuy: and Mary, who became the wife of William Carroll.
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