USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Waterbury > History of Waterbury and the Naugatuck Valley, Connecticut, Volume II > Part 50
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She was the great-grandmother of Michael C. Donovan, who was one of a family of three sons and three daughters, the others being Dennis, Florence. Timothy, Mary and Margaret. Dennis and Timothy are now in Texas and Florence is living in Wellsville, New York, while
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Mary is a Sister of Mercy at Buffalo, New York, and Margaret is the wife of George King, of Oil City. Pennsylvania. Michael C. Donovan was educated in the parochial and public schools of Wellsville, New York, and in Niagara University, from which he was graduated in 1894 with the Bachelor of Arts degree. He then spent one year in the University of Buffalo, studying pedagogy, and later resided for three years at Lima, Ohio, in the service of the Standard Oil Company. In 1898 he came to Waterbury to accept appointment as a teacher in the Waterbury high school, with which he has since been connected. He taught English in the high school for eighteen consecutive years or until March 31, 1917, when upon the death of Professor Wilby he was promoted to the principalship by the vote of the board of directors. On the 11th of June, 1917, the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters was conferred upon him by Niagara University.
Professor Donovan has been married twice but has lost both wives. On the 27th of December, 1898, he wedded Catherine Rooney, of Buffalo, who passed away July 23, 1915, and on the 1st of August, 1916, he married Katherine Reynolds, of Waterbury, who died just a month later, on the 1st of September, 1916. He has two children, Maie and Catherine, aged respectively twelve and eight years. Professor Donovan is a member of St. Margaret's Roman Catholic church and is very prominent in the Knights of Columbus, being a past grand knight in the order. His efforts in educational circles have brought him prominently to the front in that field, for he has held to high standards and has done everything in his power to make the public school system efficient as an element in public progress.
DUNHAM HOSIERY MILLS, INC.
The Dunham Hosiery Mills, Inc., is one of the important interests which have made the Naugatuck valley a great manufacturing center with its ramifying trade interests reaching out to all sections of the world. The business was organized in 1876 and was incorporated January 21, 1880, with A. C. Dunham as president, S. G. Dunham as treasurer and Henry Osborn as the secretary. In 1891 they employed one hundred and fifty people and had forty-five knitting machines and fifty sewing machines. This company was among the pioneers in developing the union suit and displayed initiative force in putting forth a garment which found popular favor. In fact the business was conducted along the most progressive lines and the company soon earned a high reputation for a fine grade of goods. On the 27th of January, 1916, the company merged with the Tuxis Worsted Company and the Health Underwear Company, both of Poquonock, Connecticut, under the name of the Dunham Mills, Inc., with a capital stock of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The new com- pany took over the properties of the three mills. The present officers are: A. C. Dunham, president ; S. G. Dunham, vice president; George R. Reed, treasurer; Henry Osborn, secretary; and Charles E. Spencer, agent of the Naugatuck mills, with R. A. Hagerty as agent of the Poquonock mills. The first four mentioned are all residents of Hartford. The Naugatuck mills employ two hundred and forty people in the manufacture of knit underwear. The factory now operates forty spring needle machines, sixty latch needle machines and seventy- five sewing machines. The plant is equipped with both water and electric power and covers three and a half acres, with five main buildings. The product is sold to the jobbing trade through A. S. Haight & Company of 61 Worth street, New York, which company has been the selling agent from the organization of the Dunham Mills. The business justly ranks with the leading productive interests of the Naugatuck valley.
CHARLES E. SPENCER.
The development of the manufacturing interests of the Naugatuck valley has been most rapid. It is due to the enterprise of farsighted business men who have recognized and utilized opportunities and have made the valley a great center of trade, reaching out to all sections of the world. Active in this field is Charles E. Spencer, who is now general man- ager at Naugatuck of the Dunham Hosiery Mills, Inc. He was born in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, May 16, 1851, a son of Christopher V. and Hannah C. (Eldridge) Spencer. The father was born in Providence, Rhode Island, and was a representative of an old English family that was founded on the American continent in early colonial days. His grandfather was Thomas Spencer and his father was Christopher V. Spencer, Sr., who was born in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. and passed away in Washington, D. C., in 1866
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Christopher V. Spencer, Jr., was born in Greenwich, Rhode Island, March 14, 1822, and his life record covered the intervening years to the 7th of November, 1914, when he was called to his final rest. He was an accountant and was active in the war department during the Civil war.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of life for Charles E. Spencer in his boyhood and youth. That period was largely devoted to the acquirement of a public school education in East Greenwich and in Orange, New Jersey. When he was only fourteen years of age his textbooks were put aside and he started out to provide for his own support as an employe in the knitting mills of New Brunswick, New Jersey, where he was with the Norfolk & New Brunswick Hosiery Company, and continued with that firm for thirty-seven years, acting as general manager during the last eighteen years of that period. His long connection with the company indicates most clearly his business capability and enterprise as well as his marked loyalty to the interests which he represented. He afterward conducted a mill in Troy, New York, for one year and in April, 1904, he came to Naugatuck as superintendent for the Dunham Hosiery Company. He became agent for the Dunham Hosiery Company in April, 1912, in charge of the Naugatuck branch of the business, and in this connection he is in control of important interests, having two hundred and forty employes under his direction, engaged in the manufacture of knitted underwear, sweaters and rubber lining. Under his direction the business has been carefully systematized, so that maximum results are obtained by a minimum expenditure of time, labor and material, which is the basis of all business success.
On the 16th of May, 1877, Mr. Spencer was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Conover, of New Brunswick, New Jersey, and they have become parents of three children: Elizabeth, the wife of William E. McCall, Jr., of Philadelphia; Charles E., Jr., who married Olive B. Tuttle and is connected with the Colonial Trust Company of Waterbury; and Eleanor L., at home.
Mr. Spencer belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having connection with both the subordinate lodge and encampment. He is also a consistent member of the Con- gregational church. In politics he is a republican and has served on the board of education in Naugatuck and in New Brunswick. He is interested in all that pertains to intellectual progress and, recognizing the value of educational training, he does everything in his power to advance the interests of the public schools. In a word, his aid and support are always found on the side of progress and improvement, while his enterprise in business affairs has brought him into prominent connection with manufacturing interests of the Naugatuck valley.
LAMPSON PRESTON MITCHELL.
Lampson Preston Mitchell, who throughout an active life was a well known citizen of Waterbury, commanded the highest respect of those who knew him by reason of his sterling traits of character, finding expression in correct principle and practice in business and in honorable relations with his fellowmen at all times. The following record was written by Hon. Stephen W. Kellogg for the Sons of the American Revolution.
"Lampson Preston Mitchell was born in Bethlehem, Connecticut, May 5, 1831, and died in Waterbury, March 30, 1899. His boyhood was spent in Roxbury and Watertown, where he learned the trade of machinist. Removing to Waterbury in 1858, he entered the employ- ment of W. R. Hitchcock & Company, inventing and patenting while with this concern a buckle making machine. In 1869 he became connected with the Scovill Manufacturing Company and for many years was superintendent of the suspender department, inventing many important improvements in button making machinery. In 1881 he was elected a councilman of the city and served for several terms. He was also for many years a member of the board of road commissioners and of the board of police commissioners. During the inception and installment of the first system of sewerage in Waterbury he was a member of the board of sewer commissioners. For more than twenty-nine years he was a consistent member of the First Methodist church and for more than twenty years served as a steward on the official board and on the finance committee. He joined this society (Sous of the American Revolution), February 22, 1897, as a descendant of Philo Hodge, of West Haven, Connecticut, a private soldier and pensioner.
"Mr. Mitchell made his home in Waterbury for over forty years, part of which time his home was on North Main street, and later built the present home on Waterville street now occupied by his widow. He retired from active business several years before his death
LAMPSON P. MITCHELL
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on account of ill health and died March 30, 1899, and was buried in Riverside cemetery. Ile was a man of gentle disposition, domestic in his tastes, temperate in his habits and much devoted to his home and family, was a great lover of nature, fond of horses and always kept a good horse for domestic purposes. Ile was a man of keen intellect, a genius in his line. He took a deep interest in Waterbury and its progress.
"He married, in Waterbury, Dotha J. Woodward, who was born in Watertown, a daughter of Nathan and Milo (Woodruff) Woodward, of the latter place. To this union three chil- dren were born: Jennie M., who became the wife of Frederick W. Tate, of Waterbury, and has two children, Mary Dotha and Willis Mitchell; Willis Preston, who was killed by being thrown from a wagon when a horse ran away, at which time he was eleven years of age; and Frank Woodward, who is a stockman of Great Falls, Montana.
"Although she has passed the age of fourscore years Mrs. Mitchell is still active and resides at the home in Waterville street, Waterbury. She is a fine Christian wife and mother and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Waterbury. She has been associated with the Sunday school for a long period of years both as pupil and teacher and is now and has been for years a teacher in the Sunday school class. She is much devoted to her home and is a member of the missionary societies connected with the church.
"Nathan Woodward, father of Mrs. Mitchell, was a carriage maker and made his home in Watertown, where he spent his life and died. He was a member of the Presby- terian church of Watertown. His wife, who was Milo Woodruff, died in Watertown and was buried there. They were the parents of six children: Sarah Ann, who married Joseph Davis and after his death wedded Charles M. Atwood, both passing away in Watertown: Maria, who became the wife of Sheldon Everett and both passed away in Watertown; Dotha, who died in early life; John, who became a lieutenant in the Civil war and was held as a prisoner of war in Texas for thirteen months, his death occurring later in Water- town; Mary, who married Harley Coles, both passing away in Plymouth, Connecticut; and Dotha J., who is the widow of Lampson Preston Mitchell."
EDWARD P. O'BRIEN.
Edward P. O'Brien is conducting an extensive and profitable trucking business at Naugatuck and is one of the self-made men of the valley. He started out to provide for his own support when a youth of fourteen years and has since been dependent entirely upon his own resources. Industry and diligence have been the salient factors in his progress. He was born in Naugatuck, August 30, 1880, a son of Michael W. and Sarah (Lynch) O'Brien, both of whom were natives of Ireland, where they were reared and married. Crossing the Atlantic, they settled in Terryville, Connecticut, in 1872 and in 1874 became residents of Naugatuck. The father was employed in the factories for a time and also in road work.
Edward P. O'Brien attended the public schools and later continued his education in night school, for he was ambitious to gain broader knowledge, recognizing the value of education as a factor in success in business life. He began earning his living as a grocery clerk when a youth of fourteen and later was employed in a rubber shoe factory for a year. When eighteen years of age he established a trucking business on his own account and later he engaged in the livery business but afterward sold out. He was appointed to the position of superintendent of streets of Naugatuck and acted in that capacity for three years, while later he worked for the Connecticut Highway Department. In April, 1914, he was appointed supervisor of repairs of District No. 3 of the State of Connecticut, covering parts of Hartford, New Haven and Litchfield counties, and in this connection he has about two hundred men under his supervision He is well qualified for the important work which devolves upon him in this connection and has made an excellent record since called to the office. He also conduets a large private trucking business, which he established in 1909 and which has steadily grown. His equipment at the beginning was very small and today he has every facility for carrying on the large trueking business which has come to him, his patronage being now very extensive and gratifying, so that his business is one of increasing profit.
On the 25th of November. 1910, Mr. O'Brien was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Marion Jones, of Unionville, Connecticut, a daughter of William Jones and a teacher prior to her marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien have been born two children, Edward Jones and Elizabeth Frances Jones O'Brien. Mr. O'Brien belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, to the Knights of Columbus, the Foresters, the Ancient Order of Hibernians. the St. Francis T. A. B. society, and the Fraternal Benefit League. He is also connected with
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the Woodmen of the World and with the Robert Emmet Club, and his religious faith is indicated in the fact that he is a communieant of St. Francis Catholic church. In politics he pursues an independent course, voting according to the dictates of his judgment without regard to party ties. His record illustrates clearly what may be accomplished when energy and ambition point out the way. He started out empty handed but possessed of determination, and his persistency of purpose has carried him steadily forward until he is now numbered among the men of affluenee in Naugatuck.
PETER BOYLAN.
Among the successful merchants of Naugatuck is numbered Peter Boylan, who for a long period has profitably conducted a meat market. He was born in Woodbury, Connecticut, August 16, 1869, a son of Michael and Catherine (McCaffery) Boylan, both of whom were natives of Ireland, where they remained, however, only until partially through their childhood, when they came to the new world. They were married in Waterbury and the father fol- lowed the occupation of farming in order to provide for his family. Both he and his wife are deceased.
Peter Boylan acquired a public school education and was but a little lad of nine years when the family, in 1878, removed to Naugatuck. When his textbooks were put aside he began factory work and was employed in various shops. In 1902, however, desirous of engaging in business on his own account, he opened a meat market at No. 16 Church street and has since continued active along this line. Through the intervening period he has built up a business of gratifying proportions. He always carries a good line of meats, has a clean, attractive and sanitary shop and his reasonable prices and honorable dealings have been the means of winning for him a growing trade.
In October, 1894, Mr. Boylan was united in marriage to Miss Mary Hickey, of Naugatuck, a daughter of William Hickey, and they have become parents of five children: Mary, William, Peter, Theresa and Gertrude. The religious faith of the family is that of St. Francis Catholic church and Mr. Boylan also has membership with the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His political endorsement is given to the democratic party but he has never sought nor desired office an a reward for party fealty, preferring to give his undivided thought and attention to hi- business, which has been steadily growing and demands all his attention.
HERMAN IM BRAHM.
Herman im Brahm is the proprietor of Brahm's Bakery of Torrington. He was born in Germany, December 4, 1874, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest im Brahm, who spent their entire lives in Germany, where the father conducted a hotel. The son served a three years' apprenticeship at the baker's trade in Germany, completing his term of indenture when a youth of seventeen. He then went to Antwerp, Belgium, where he followed his trade for about six months. He then spent a year and a half as a baker aboard different German, Belgian and Holland merehant ships just before coming to the United States. A year and a half was spent in that way. While a baker boy at sea he inade several voyages to points in both North and South America. It was in 1894 that Mr. Brahm erossed the Atlantic to this country, having determined to make his home in the new world. He spent a year and a half in New York and New Jersey and in 1896 he came to Torrington. Here he secured a position with Augustine Gray, a baker, continuing in his employ as head baker for about fifteen years. On the 1st of April, 1910, he pur- chased the business of Mr. Gray and has since conducted it under the name of Brahm's Bakery. He has enlarged and modernized the plant since it came into his possession and the output is fully four times what it was at the time of purchase. On the 1st of April, 1917. he bought and added to his baking industry the Doolittle Bakery on Calhoun street, combining its equipment and stock with that of his own plant, which is located at No. 35 South Main street. His store is situated at No. 48 Main street. Beside the products of his large bake shop the Brahm's store carries a line of confectionery, tea, coffee, etc., and the business has grown to large and profitable proportions. One of the special products of the bakery is the well known Brahm's Butter Krust bread, which is very popular in many cities of this section. He has the exclusive right to use this
HERMAN IM BRAHM
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name in Torrington, having purchased it. The delivery equipment of the bakery includes four wagons and a large Republie motor truck. The manufactured product, noted for its excellent quality, is sold throughout Norfolk, Canaan, Litchfield, Goshen, Washington, Torrington and elsewhere. In addition to his other interests Mr. Brahm is a director of the Torrington Trust Company. He has prospered during the twenty-one years of his residence in Torrington and now not only owns an excellent business and his stock in the bank but is also the owner of a handsome stucco residence on the Torrington road, which he recently erected and which is one of the attractive homes of the eity.
On the 19th of October, 1899, occurred the marriage of Mr. Brahm and Miss Johanna Raithel, of Torrington, who was born in Germany and came to the United States with relatives in 1896, at which time she established ber home in Torrington. Mr. and Mrs. Brahm have two daughters, Frieda and Mildred.
In politics Mr. Brahm is a republican but has never been a candidate for office. Fraternally he is connected with the Elks and the Odd Fellows and also with the German D. O. H. Lodge of Torrington. His religious faith is that of the German Lutheran ehurel. His has been a successful business career and the secret of his prosperity is one easy to unravel. He early learned to place his dependence upon the substantial qualities of industry, determination and thoroughness in everything that he undertook and his close application and persistency of purpose, combined with skill in his chosen calling, have been the salient features in his growing prosperity.
JOHN T. CROWLEY.
With all of the various activities that enter into the manufacture of rubber shoes John T. Crowley is thoroughly familiar and is thus splendidly qualified for the onerous and responsible duties that devolve upon him as superintendent of the Beacon Falls Rubber Shoe Company. He was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, January 1, 1875, a son of Thomas and Katherine (Colton) Crowley. The father was a rubber manufacturer and became superintendent of the boot and shoe department of the Lambertville Rubber Com- pany and still occupies that position.
John T. Crowley at the usual age became a public school pupil. No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of his boyhood and when eighteen years of age he started out to provide for his own support, securing a position with the Lambertville Rubber Company. He learned the business under his father's direction, worked his way steadily upward, winning promotion through merit and ability, and eventually he became assistant to his father. In 1901 he went upon the road and engaged in traveling as repre- sentative for the Lambertville Rubber Company until 1909, covering Ohio as his territory. He then became connected with the Beacon Falls Rubber Shoe Company as assistant superintendent and since 1911 has been superintendent, directing the interests of the busi- ness in its manufacturing and shipping departments. In fact he has control over a large part of the business and his long experience has splendidly prepared him for the duties which devolve upon him.
In 1902 Mr. Crowley was married to Miss Dorothy A. Hoch, of Lambertville, New Jersey. They are members of St. Michael's Catholic church and he is identified with the Knights of Columbus and also with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party, having been one of its stalwart champions sinee reaching adult age. His life has been one of continuous activity in connection with the rubber trade and he is familiar with every branch of the business from the initial point in manufacture until sales have placed the company's goods upon the market. Such is the training which has prepared him for his present duties and the Beacon Falls Rubber Shoe Company recognizes in him a most valuable representative.
THOMAS J. CARROLL.
Thomas J. Carroll, an enterprising merchant of Naugatuck, where he is engaged in dealing in men's clothing and furnishing goods. was born February 1, 1881, in the city where he still resides, his parents being J. T. and Annie (Coleman) Carroll, the former a native of Ireland, while the latter was born in England. He pursued his education in the schools of Naugatuck and at the age of seventeen years entered the employ of the Goodyear Metallic
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Rubber Glove Company, with which he remained until 1907. He was ambitious, however, to engage in business on his own account and he therefore carefully saved his earnings until his industry and economy had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to carry out his plan. He then entered into partnership with William J. Nixon in the men's clothing and furnishing goods business and this association has since been maintained. They carry everything needed for men's wear except shoes. Their store was originally located on Church street but in 1913 a removal was made to the Town Hall building, where they are now located and they are accorded a liberal patronage by reason of their fine stock of goods, their reason- able prices and their earnest desire to please their patrons.
On the 29th of June, 1912, Mr. Carroll was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Curran, a daughter of Michael Curran, of Naugatuck. They are communicants of St. Francis Catholic church and Mr. Carroll holds membership with the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. His political allegiance is given to the democratie party where national issues are involved but at local elections he casts an independent ballot, voting for men and measures rather than for party. His entire life has been passed in Naugatuck, where he is widely known and his many sterling traits of character have gained him a large circle of warmn friends. He is interested in all that pertains to progressive citizenship and readily lends his aid and cooperation to many movements for the general good.
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