USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Waterbury > History of Waterbury and the Naugatuck Valley, Connecticut, Volume II > Part 49
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HAROLD PAGE BALDWIN.
Harold Page Baldwin, who is the treasurer and manager of the John M. Page Company, was born in Naugatuck, Connecticut, January 23, 1892, and is a son of Horace E. Baldwin, mentioned elsewhere in this work. He is a representative young business man, alert and energetic, and his carefully directed interests are bringing substantial success to the company which he represents. Reared in Naugatuck, he attended its high school until graduated with the class of 1908. He then had the benefit of instruction in Yale, becoming a student in the Sheffield Scientific School, in which he completed his course in 1912. For six months there- after he was employed in the Naugatuck National Bank in a clerical capacity and then became connected with the J. M. Page Company, of which he was made treasurer and manager upon the incorporation of the business. Ile is thus active in the control of this undertaking, the store being a splendidly appointed hardware establishment with a well equipped plumbing department in addition. The business methods of the house have ever been such as have won for it a liberal patronage and support, and success in large measure has come to the establishment.
Mr. Baldwin is a popular and prominent young man. having the social qualities which make for personal popularity among his extensive circle of friends. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and in religious work he is active. He belongs to St. Michael's Episcopal church and is now serving as assistant superintendent of its Sunday school.
WILLIAM CHARLES SPAIN, D. D. S.
Dr. William Charles Spain, whose professional standing is indicated in the fact that he is now president of the Waterbury Dental Society, was born in New Britain. Connectieut, January 8, 1887, and is a son of William J. and Mary (Brennan) Spain, who are now resi- dents of Waterbury, the father being connected with the Hadley Furniture Store of this city
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Dr. Spain came to Waterbury with his parents when a small child. He attended the local publie and high schools and later became a student in Villanova College, near Phila- delphia, Pennsylvania, where he was graduated in 1906 with the Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1909 he began preparation for his professional career by enrolling as a student in the Philadelphia Dental College, from which he was graduated in 1912, winning the D. D. S. degree. For a year he practiced in Philadelphia and in Chester, Pennsylvania, and in 1913 opened an office in Waterbury, where he has since successfully followed his profession, advancing step by step in public favor and in public patronage, while his ability is attested by his colleagues, who have selected him for the office of president of the Waterbury Dental Society. He also belongs to the Connecticut State and the National Dental Societies and he thus keeps in close touch with the progress that is being made along professional lines.
On the 2d of June, 1917, Dr. Spain was married to Miss Louise B. Kilroe, of Waterbury, who has always resided in this city. She is a graduate of the Notre Dame convent of Waterbury and has been a teacher in the Sprague School of Waterville. Dr. and Mrs. Spain are members of St. Margaret's Roman Catholic church and he is identified with the Knights of Columbus.
GEORGE P. HASBROUCK.
The efficiency of any business enterprise and its success are attributable to the personnel of its officers. In developing the Naugatuck Chemical Company there has been gathered together a corps of men who most wisely and intelligently direct the interests of this growing coneern-men of business enterprise, of keen discernment and of initiative. One of the number is George P. Hasbrouck, the assistant treasurer, who was born in Syracuse, New York, March 15, 1875, a son of E. Perry and Mary (Forbes) Hasbrouck, both natives of New York, the latter a niece of Lieutenant Governor Alvord of the Empire state. The former was descended from an old colonial family.
George P. Hasbrouck acquired a publie school education, also attended high school and started in the business world in connection with the drug trade, entering the wholesale drug business in Syracuse, New York. He became a most competent bookkeeper and account- ant, being thus associated with bicycle manufacturing business and later with several other concerns. At length he became connected with the General Chemical Company in 1899 and in January, 1906, he entered the employ of the Independent Telephone Company of Syracuse, New York, as general auditor. On the 25th of March, 1907, he came to Naugatuck as cashier for the Naugatuck Chemical Company and in 1910 was made assistant treasurer. He has since served in this capacity and his business ability, his close application and his determined purpose have entered largely into the successful control of a growing business.
On the 25th of October, 1898, Mr. Hasbrouck was united in marriage to Miss Minnie C. Hayes, of Syracuse, New York. They have gained many friends during their residence in Naugatuck and the hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded them. Mr. Hasbrouck belongs to Shepherds Lodge, No. 78, F. & A. M., of which he is a past master and he is now high priest of Allerton Chapter, No. 39, R. A. M. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, which receives from him stalwart endorsement. He belongs to the Congre- gational church and is an active and helpful worker in the Young Men's Christian Association. His influence and aid are always given on the side of right, reform, truth and progress and he recognizes his duties and obligations as well as his privileges of citizenship, and while intensely active in business affairs, he has never regarded the acquisition of wealth as the sole end and aim of his life.
H. C. KERR.
Business enterprise finds a worthy representative in H. C. Kerr, who is conducting an extensive plumbing and heating establishment in Seymour, his trade coming not only from the city, but from a wide surrounding territory. He is a native son of New England, his birth having occurred in Granville, Vermont, in 1874, his parents being John and Margaret (Dunbar) Kerr. The father was a brickmason by trade and followed that pursuit in early life, while later he turned his attention to farming.
H. C. Kerr obtained a public school education and then entered Norwich University with the class of 1896. He became connected with the hardware business as a clerk in
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Bethel, Vermont, and later he attended the New York Trade School and learned the plumbing trade. He then returned to Bethel in 1901 and followed his trade with the firm of Tupper & Graham for a year. Removing to Rumford Falls, Maine, he there spent five and a half years with the F. O. Walker Company in the capacity of foreman. He also purchased an interest in the business and was elected to the presidency of the company in 1904, so continuing until 1906, when he sold out and removed to Seymour. Here he purchased an interest in the business of Culverwell & Burns, conducting a plumbing and heating establish- ment and dealing also in hardware and kitchen furnishings. He took charge of the plumb- ing and heating department and so continued until March, 1916, when the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Kerr taking as his share the plumbing and heating department. A removal was made to Broad street and in 1917 the business was located at No. 47 Main street, where he rented the Humphreysville Manufacturing plant. He has a complete sheet metal, plumbing, heating and sewer business and is liberally patronized not only by the people of Seymour but by the residents of the surrounding district. Something of the extent of his business in indicated by the fact that he now employs twelve men in connection with plumbing and has fifteen laborers, his employes numbering about thirty in all.
In 1896 Mr. Kerr was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Sturtevant, of Middlebury, Vermont, a daughter of R. W. and Susie Sturtevant. Their daughter, Mildred, now nineteen years of age, is a graduate of the high school of Seymour and is at the Flower Hospital of New York preparing for a professional career as a nurse. The son, Stanley Royal, is seven years of age.
Mr. Kerr belongs to the Mechanics Lodge of the Odd Fellows and to the canton. thus being identified with the Uniformed Rank. He is also identified with the Knights of Pythias lodge of Seymour. He has held all the offices in the Odd Fellows lodge and is a prominent representative of the order. He is a second lieutenant in Company D of the Home Guard and is active in that organization. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church and he does everything in his power to promote the growth and extend the influence of the church. His political support is given to the republican party, which finds in him an earnest advocate. These various connections show that his interests are broad and varied. He has never allowed business to monopolize his time to the exclusion of other interests and duties, but at all times recognizes his responsibilities of citizenship and throws the weight of his influence in behalf of progress, improvement, reform, truth and advancement.
THE TORRINGTON BUILDING COMPANY.
The Torrington Building Company are successors to the building department of Hotch- kiss Brothers Company, Torrington, Connecticut. Hotchkiss Brothers formerly conducted the building business in connection with their mill. The building business at that time, however, was purely local.
To enlarge the business, the Torrington Building Company, Incorporated, was formed in 1902. The business has increased to such extent that at the present time they are one of the largest firms operating in New England. Their operations extend throughout New England, New York and New Jersey.
Among the principal buildings that have been erected by this company are the following: Torrington high school; Torrington Elks Club; Torrington Club; North school, Southwest school and East school, all of Torrington; some of the additions to the following manu- facturing plants in Torrington: Hendey Machine Company, Turner & Seymour Manufactur- ing Company, American Brass Company, Torrington Company, Standard Company and Union Hardware Company; the high school building at New Milford; high school building, South Norwalk, Connecticut; Green Street school, New Haven. Connecticut; Church of the Assump- tion school, Ansonia, Connecticut; Pine Street school, Poughkeepsie, New York; a number of buildings for the Connecticut State Hospital, Norwich, Connecticut; Poughkeepsie Savings Bank building, Poughkeepsie, New York: Masonic Temple, Newburgh, New York: Tracy Memorial Hall, Chatham, New York; Poli theatre, Bridgeport, Connecticut; Masonic Temple, Rutland, Vermont; Simms Magneto Factory, Watsessing, New Jersey; entire factory plant for Gifford-Wood Company, Hudson, New York; entire factory plant for Nyana Mill, Woonsocket, Rhode Island; entire plant for the Samoset Worsted Company, Woonsocket; a number of factory buildings for S. Slater & Son, Webster, Massachusetts; factory for the Pioneer Pearl Button Company, Poughkeepsie, New York; factory and power house, Chuett, Peabody & Company, Troy, New York; F. I. A. T. automobile factory, Poughkeepsie, New York; entire plant for Warrenton Woolen Company, Torrington. Connectient: a number of
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factory buildings for Landers, Frary & Clark, New Britain, Connecticut; Chamber of Com- merce building, Hartford, Connecticut; a number of factory buildings for Peck, Stowe & Wileox, Southington, Conneetieut; factory building for the Connecticut Electric Company, Bridgeport, Connecticut; factory building for Warner Brothers, Bridgeport, Connecticut; a number of factory buildings and the new office building for Wallaee Barnes Company, Bristol, Connectieut; a number of factory buildings for the Bristol Company, Waterbury, Connecticut : factory building for the Locomobile Company, Bridgeport, Connectieut; factory building for Bridgeport Screw Company, Bridgeport, Connecticut; a number of factory buildings for the Collins Company, Collinsville, Connecticut; number of factory buildings for the Winsted Hosiery Company, Winsted. Connecticut; number of factory buildings for the Whiting Manufacturing Company, Bridgeport, Connecticut; Shot Tower for the Union Metallie Cartridge Company, Bridgeport, Connecticut.
The above list indicates most clearly the nature and extent of the business in which the Torrington Building Company is engaged. Their contracts show that they rank with the leading building contractors not only of Torrington but of the Naugatuck valley and of the state as well. In many eities are found the evidences of their skill and ability. There is no feature of the building business with which they are not thoroughly acquainted and their standard is the highest.
WILLIAM A. GLEESON.
William A. Gleeson has been town clerk of Torrington for the past ten years and, moreover, is a prominent man of the borough in a business sense, being proprietor of the oldest undertaking establishment of the place, the business having been founded by his father, Patrick Gleeson, in 1880. In addition he carries on a general contracting business. He was born in Torrington, April 20, 1880. His father was a native of Tipperary, Ireland, his natal day being May 29, 1846. A few days before he attained his majority, or in April, 1867. he left the Emerald isle and for four years was a resident of London, England, spending the last three years of that period as foreman in Woods brewery. He then determined to try his fortune in the United States and sailed for New York. After remain- ing for a time in tbe metropolis he removed to Torrington, where he took up his abode in April, 1871. For eleven years he occupied the position of watchman in the plant of the Excelsior Needle Company and in 1886 he went abroad. visting London at the time of the World's Exposition there. Returning to Torrington he started in business as a general contractor, his operations covering grading. curbing, excavating, concrete and stone work, manufacturing stone and brick flagging. His patronage steadily inereased and he therefore employed a large number of men. He was aceorded the contract for most of the grading on the principal streets of Torrington. In 1880 he opened an undertaking establishment, studied embalming in one of the best colleges of New York city and made his undertaking interests, like his contracting business, a success. In a word, he accomplished everything he undertook. He allowed no obstacles or difficulties to bar his path if they could be overeome by persistent, earnest and honorable effort. Gleeson street, on which he erected the first building, was named in his honor. He was very prominent in community affairs, serving as assessor for a number of years and also as a member of the Torrington volunteer fire department. In religious faith he was a Catholic, and he held membership with the Knights of Columbus, the Foresters, the Ancient Order of Hibernians. and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, occupying various official positions with these organizations. In West- minster Abbey, in England, before his emigration to the new world, he wedded Miss Annie Garven, and the wedding trip of the young couple consisted of the voyage to the new world. Mr. Gleeson passed away May 27, 1914. and is survived by his widow who yet resides in Torrington. He was a man of many sterling traits of character. thoroughly reliable as well as enterprising in business and progressive and loyal in citizenship. His work was largely of a character that contributed to public progress and to the improvement of the city. Not only did he do much grading and contract work on the city streets but as a landscape gardener he laid out many of the beautiful lawns and private grounds of the district.
William A. Gleeson was the fifth in a family of seven children, five sons and two daughters, being the youngest son of the family. All are yet living. William A. Gleeson has spent his entire life in Torrington, attended its public schools, and at the age of seventeen left the high school and became his father's assistant in the undertaking business. Even ten years before his father's death the undertaking business was turned over to him so that he has now conducted it for thirteen years. However. the name of Patrick Gleeson
PATRICK GLEESON
WILLIAM A. GLEESON
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remains on the office door as a tribute to his father. He has a well appointed establishment and is accorded a liberal patronage.
William A. Gleeson is a democrat in his political views, and has been prominent in local circles since attaining his majority. He was for twelve years on the Torrington board of education and was its oldest member in point of service when he resigned in October, 1916, on account of the pressure of private business interests. He served for eight years as a trustee of the Connecticut Hospital for the Insane, being appointed by Governor Woodruff in 1907 and reappointed by Governor Baldwin in 1911, thus serving until July 1, 1915. Since January, 1908, he has been clerk of the town of Torrington and October 1, 1917, was again elected to that office. His decade of service redounds greatly to his credit and has been highly satisfactory to the public as indicated by his repeated reelections, which are also a compliment to his ability for the town has a large normal republican majority and he has been the only democrat in this office in Torrington in many years, or since it was filled by F. F. Fuessenich twenty-eight years ago.
In addition to his duties as town clerk and his undertaking business Mr. Gleeson carries on a general contracting business with his brother, John J. Gleeson, as foreman of his interests in that line.
On the 15th of October, 1913, Mr. Gleeson was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Elizabeth Burns, who was born in Torrington August 23, 1880, and is a daughter of John D. and Mary (McCarthy) Burns. Mrs. Gleeson prior to her marriage was an instructor in the public schools of Torrington for a few years. Her mother is still living but her father passed away April 16, 1911. He was at one time a merchant of Torrington and was widely and favorably known.
Mr. Gleeson holds membership in St. Francis Catholic church, and he is a member and the president of the Torrington branch of the St. Francis Total Abstinence and Benevolent Society. He belongs to the Knights of Columbus and was district deputy for four years. He also has membership with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Foresters of America, the Woodmen of the World, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Loyal Order of Moose, the Robert Emmet Club and the Irish-American Club of New York city. High and honorable principles and purposes guide him in every relation of life. and his entire career has been characterized by those qualities which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard.
ADELBERT CLARK TUTTLE.
Prominent among the energetic, farsighted and successful business men of Naugatuck, well known in manufacturing and financial circles, was Adelbert Clark Tuttle, whose life activities spanned the years from the 19th of March, 1847 until the 12th of June, 1914. He was born in Naugatuck, a son of Eben Clark and Temperance (Beecher) Tuttle. The father was born in Prospect, Connecticut, April 27, 1806, and became one of the most suc- cessful manufacturers of the Naugatuck valley, devoting his attention largely to the manu- facture of various iron implements.
Adelbert Clark Tuttle became associated with The Tuttle & Whittemore Company, of which his brother, Bronson B. Tuttle and J. H. Whittemore were the officials. After this company became The Naugatuck Malleable Iron Company he was its secretary and, later. treasurer. In banking circles Mr. Tuttle's name was well known. He was connected for many years with the Naugatuck Savings Bank as its treasurer and in 1903 was president of the savings bank section of the American Bankers Association. At the time of the founding of the Howard Whittemore Memorial Library he became its treasurer and a member of the board of trustees, so serving until his demise. He was long a member of St. Michael's Episcopal church and was vestryman for thirty-four years. Generous with both time and money in the public good he gave freely to benevolent and philanthropic purposes or wherever aid was needed to uplift the individual or advance the welfare of the community.
On the 13th of June, 1872, Mr. Tuttle was married to Miss Margaret Carlisle, of St. Catharines, Ontario, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Swinton) Carlisle. Mrs. Tuttle survives, as do three of their children: Carlisle B., president of The Homer D. Bronson Company, of Beacon Falls: Henry C., a lawyer of Boston; and Olive M., wife of Charles E. Spencer, Jr., of Waterbury.
Mr. Tuttle stood as the highest type of American manhood and chivalry. He camne of a family long represented on the American continent. His ancestors were from Devonshire Vol. I-17
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in England, and three brothers, John, Richard and William Tuttle sailed from that country on the ship "Planter" for the new world, landing in Boston in 1635. William Tuttle became a resident of Connecticut in 1639 and became a prosperous citizen of New Haven. These three brothers were the founders of the Tuttle family in America. Their descendants have been loyal to the country to which their original ancestors came and have done all in their power to further its progress and upbuilding.
A. N. TROTT.
A. N. Trott, president and treasurer of the Woodruff Grocery Company of Waterbury, was born in this city in 1868, a son of John C. and Martha A. Trott. The father, a native of Germany, was born in 1831 and had attained the age of nineteen years when he crossed the Atlantic and became a resident of Waterbury in 1850. A few years after his arrival he established a bakery, which is still one of the substantial business enterprises of the city. He continued active in business here for almost a half century, passing away in 1897.
His son, A. N. Trott, enjoyed the educational advantages afforded by the public schools and thus qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. When his textbooks were put aside he made his initial step in the business world in connection with the bakery that had been established by his father and was associated continuously therewith until the busi- ness was sold to the National Biscuit Company. He afterward traveled for a year and then in 1901, in association with C. F. Trott, organized the Woodruff Grocery Company at No. 36 North Main street. This was incorporated and the business was begun on a substantial basis, having back of it the energy, enterprise and well defined plans of two substantial business men. In 1912 a removal was made to No. 136 East Main street, where they now employ twelve people in the conduct of a growing business. The excellent line of goods which they carry, together with their reliable business methods, ensures them a liberal patronage.
On the 26th of September, 1890, Mr. Trott was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Charles, of Waterbury. They have three children, Lillian, John and Edward, all at home. Mr. Trott is independent in politics and has few outside interests beyond his business, pre- ferring to concentrate his efforts upon the upbuilding of his trade, which, steadily growing, makes full demand upon his time.
MICHAEL C. DONOVAN
Michael C. Donovan, principal of the Crosby high school of Waterbury, has been identified with this school, formerly known as the Waterbury high school, for about twenty years and figures prominently in educational circles, having donc much to advance standards and promote efficiency along that line. He was born in Belvidere, New York, October 12, 1868, and is a son of Timothy and Margaret Donovan, the former still living. He makes his home at Wellsville, New York, to which place he removed from Belvidere. in 1876, when his son Michael was but a little lad of seven summers. The father, who followed railroading and farming throughout his active business career, retired from his farm near Wellsville in 1913 and removed to the town. His birth occurred in the town of Bantry, County Cork, Ireland, on the 23d of March, 1833, so that he is now, therefore, in his eighty-fifth year, but he is still hale and vigorous. He came to the United States in 1859 with his mother and three sisters, Hannah, Mary and Ellen, and the three sisters are all yet living, Hannah being now ninety years of age, Mary aged eighty-seven and Ellen seventy-nine years of age. The mother of these children, whose maiden name was Mary McCarthy, lived also to be ninety years of age, but her husband, Dennis Donovan, died at the age of thirty-seven. The parents of Mrs. Donovan were James and Ellen (Crowley) MeCarthy and the former died in County Cork. Ireland, but his widow and nine of their children came to the United States about the year 1848. Mrs. McCarthy lived to the notable old age of one hundred years, pass- ing away in 1879, and all of her ten children lived to be more than eighty years of age with the exception of one, Andrew, who was killed in the battle of Chancellorsville in May, 1862. The combined ages of Mrs. Ellen McCarthy and her ten children was more than one thousand years.
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