USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Waterbury > History of Waterbury and the Naugatuck Valley, Connecticut, Volume II > Part 51
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ROSWELL V. ALLARD.
Roswell V: Allard, the manager at Waterbury for the New Haven Dairy Company, ice cream manufacturers, was born in Virginia in 1874. He acquired a public school education and in 1903 came to New Haven. In 1907 he entered the employ of the New Haven Dairy Company and has since been connected with that corporation. In 1915 he came to Waterbury and established the branch at this place, securing quarters at Nos. 10-14 Spring street. In August, 1917, the company removed to a new building at No. 176 Watertown avenue. This is a three story brick and tile building of fireproof construction sixty-seven by seventy-three feet and supplied with new equipment, making it the finest establishment of the kind in Connecticut. Fifteen people are here employed and five motor trucks are used for delivery, the sales covering the Naugatuck valley. In the conduct of the business here Mr. Allard has displayed a spirit of marked enterprise and progressiveness. He closely studies every phase of the business in regard to the development of the trade and his judgment is sound and his discrimination keen.
In 1908 Mr. Allard was married to Miss Martha Buckingham, of New Haven. In politics he is an independent republican, usually voting with the party yet not following party dictation if his judgment decides otherwise. He holds membership with the Masonic fraternity and with the Heptasophs and his religious faith is evidenced in his connection with the Baptist church.
WILLIAM J. NIXON.
William J. Nixon, one of the progressive young business men of Naugatuck, where he is proprietor of the leading men's furnishing goods store, was born May 3, 1882, in Naugatuck, a son of Joseph and Catherine (Hogan) Nixon, who were natives of Ireland and of Waterbury, Connecticut, respectively. The father came to the United States when a young man and they were married in Connecticut. He was employed for a long period by the Goodyear Metallic Rubber Shoe Company and passed away in April, 1911, his widow still surviving.
William J. Nixon of this review acquired a public school education in Naugatuck and started in the business world with the same company by which his father was employed. He was then a lad of but thirteen years and has since been dependent upon his own resources. He was afterward in the employ of the Beacon Falls Rubber Shoe Company for a number of years and later he engaged in clerking for M. Friedman for about three years. On the 9th of May, 1907, he established business on his own account as a dealer in men's clothing and furnishings, entering into partnership in this undertaking with Thomas J. Carroll under the firm style of Nixon & Carroll. They opened business on Church street in September, 1912, and afterward a removal was made to 24 Maple street. They have the leading store of the kind in Naugatuck, carrying a large, and attractive line of goods, while their business methods commend them to the confidence and liberal patronage of the public.
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In November, 1909, Mr. Nixon was married to Miss Anna L. Curran, of Naugatuck, a daughter of Michael J. and Kate (Leonard) Curran. Their children are two in number: William, six years of age; and George, who is but two years old. Mr. Nixon and his wife are members of St. Francis Catholic church and he is identified with the Knights of Columbus, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. ITis politieal support is given to no partieular party, for he maintains an independent course. He is pro- bation officer for Naugatuck and is interested in community affairs to the extent of giving his time, means and efforts for the benefit of the publie good.
LOUIS P. RACKE.
Louis P. Racke is a most suceessful automobile dealer. He was the first to engage in this line of business in Naugatuck and from the beginning the enterprise has proven profitable. His business methods are characterized by indefatigable energy, keen sagacity and sound judgment. He was born in Nangatuek, July 1, 1875, a son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Faey) Racke, both of whom were natives of Germany. In early life, however, they came to the new world and were married in Naugatuck, where the father engaged in the blacksmithing business.
Louis P. Raeke acquired a publie school education and afterward pursued a course in veterinary surgery in the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated about 1898. He thereafter praetieed for a year in the employ of the United States govern- ment. Prior to this time, however, he had engaged in the bicyele business, eondneting the first bieyele shop in Naugatuek, at which time he handled the old high wheels. He built up a big business in the bieyele line but determined to take up the practice of veterinary surgery and prepared for professional activity along that line, as previously stated. Following his graduation he practiced for a year and then returned to the bicycle business. With the gradual change in methods of wheel pleasure he, too, turned to the automobile and became the first automobile dealer in Naugatuck. Ile originally handled the Rochester steam car and afterward the Orient, while later he became agent for the Parry and the Ford. He had the first Ford ageney in Naugatuck and continued aetive in that line until 1916, when he sold his garage and repair station. He, however, has continued the ageney for the Oakland and has a branch establishment in Waterbury. He has handled more Ford ears than any other man in the Naugatuck valley and he has sale for all the Oakland cars which he can obtain. His business has grown to large and profitable proportions and he is one of the representative automobile dealers in the valley.
In 1901 Mr. Raeke was married to Miss Annie Hoffmann, of New York eity, and they have one ehild, Harris Louis. Mr. Racke is a member of the Knights of Pythias. In politics he maintains an independent course, voting for men and measures rather than party. He has a beautiful home on North Main street in Naugatuek which is the visible expression of his life of well directed energy and thrift. His activities have been most intelligently direeted and success in substantial measure has therefore erowned his efforts.
FRANK P. BECTON.
Frank P. Becton, who has been connected with the jewelry trade of Waterbury for twenty-eight years as merchant and manufacturer, was born in 1869 in the city in which he still resides, his parents being Patrick and Catherine (Buckley) Beeton, the latter a native of Goshen, Connecticut. The father, who was born in Ireland. eame to Waterbury in young manhood and died in 1870, when but twenty-nine years of age. Owing to the limited financial resources of the family it was necessary that Frank P. Beeton start out in business at an early age and when a little lad of bnt nine summers he secured the position of cash boy in the dry goods house of Miller & Peck. His initial training in connection with the jewelry trade was received with the firm of Lake & Strobel, proprietors of a jewelry store, with whom he continued for eleven years, gaining wide and aceurate knowledge of the business during that period. Desirons of engaging in business on his own account, he carefully saved his earnings until his industry and economy justified his embarking in business in 1902, at which time he opened a jewelry store at 25 East Main street. There he not only engages in the sale of jewelry but also
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conducts a repair shop and manufacturing department. Repair work comes to him from all over the United States and he employs six expert men in that connection.
In 1902 Mr. Becton was married to Miss Ada Davis, of Thomaston, a daughter of Jolin Davis, and they have one child, Edith.
Mr. Becton belongs to the Immaculate Conception Catholic church. In politics he is independent and fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Columbus and with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. As the architect of his own fortunes he has builded wisely and well. He may truly be called a self-made man with all the credit and praise which that term implies. Withont assistance at the outset or at any point of his career he has made for himself a ereditable place among those who have achieved prominenee and prosperity and his record should serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others, indicating that one may gradually advanee to higher responsibilities with broader opportunities and that honorable effort will ultimately be crowned with success.
THE ALCAZAR THEATER.
The Alcazar theater, conducted by George F. Rabbott, is one of the most attractive amusement houses of Naugatuck and in fact is a most conspicuous monument to the silent drama. It is splendidly housed in a building that was constructed expressly for the purpose in 1913 by F. H. Brothers, of Waterbury, and the new theater first opened its doors to the public on the 30th of August of that year. It is located on North Main street, a few doors from Maple street, and the building is handsomely designed. It is fifty-two by eighty-five feet, two stories in height, and the most perfect ventilation system has been installed. This includes an exhaust fan forty-eight inches in diameter which is capable of renewing with fresh air each cubic foot of space in the building every four minutes. The theater has five exits on the ground floor and there is also a spacious and attractive lobby. The seating capacity of the house, including the gallery, is about seven hundred. A Mirroroid screen has been installed and the projection of the pictures is absolutely perfect, due largely to the use of two of the newest and most expensive type of motion pieture projeeting machines and also to the skill of an expert operator. Thorough study of the situation on the part of the management has led to the most abso- lutely perfect results that can be attained. The booth from which the pictures are projected is situated in the gallery and is of steel and asbestos construction, thus being abso- lutely fireproof. An orehestra of from five to eight pieces furnishes a musieal program in keeping with the high elass of entertainment provided. The management of the theater has followed the poliey of exhibiting only pictures of the very highest standard in which the leading film actors are represented. Many attractive serials have been presented and the production is at all times of the highest grade, such as would prove attractive to the most cultured taste.
FREDERIC WILCOX.
The world instinctively pays deferenee to the man whose suceess is worthily won and whose eourse at all times measures up to high standards. Such was the record of Frederie Wilcox, for many years a sucessful business man, connected with the Apothe- caries Hall Company, at Waterbury. He was born in Middlesex county, Connecticut, in the town of Portland. on the 26th of June, 1844. His father, Horace Burt Wilcox, was also a native of Portland and was a farmer by occupation. He was also well known because of his musical talent, singing in the church choir for many years. He also taught singing and was thus a valued addition to the musical cireles of his community. He was well known and highly respected in his native county, where his entire life was passed. He married Flavia Cooley MeIntosh, who was of Seoteh extraction and is still living in Portland at the advanced age of ninety-four years, possessing all of her faeulties. She is a well preserved woman for one of her years and is one of the oldest residents of Portland. By her marriage she had five children: Frederie; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Franklin Payne, of Portland; William Bartlett, who died in young manhood; Luther, who resides on the old homestead at Portland; and Ralph McIntosh, who was graduated from Yale with the elass of 1888. He is a civil engineer and now makes his home in Middletown, Connectieut.
FREDERIC WILCOX
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Frederic Wilcox of this review spent the first fourteen years of his life in Portland and there began his education. He afterward came to Waterbury, where he lived in the home of his uncle, Dr. Henry F. Fish, who was manager of the Apothecaries Hall Company. He continued his education in Waterbury and afterward entered the New York Pharmaceutical College, where he studied chemistry. He also spent a little time with the Waterbury Apothecaries Hall Company, after which he went to New York and later he went on a trading expedition to New Granada, South America, and went up and down the Atrato river, gathering ivory and rubber from the natives. These he shipped to the company in England and devoted five years to that business.
It was in the year 1869 that Mr. Wilcox returned to Portland, Connecticut, where he spent some time in recuperating his health, which had become badly impaired during his sojourn on the southern continent. He next entered the employ of the Scovill Manu- facturing Company at Waterbury in the capacity of chemist, spending about a year in that connection. He then returned to the Apothecaries Hall and was instrumental in developing the large wholesale business of the Apothecaries Hall Company, of which he became the manager and secretary, filling the offices to the time of his death. He was thoroughly acquainted with every phase of the drug business and the success of the enterprise was attributable in large measure to his efforts and perseverance.
It was in Torrington, on the 23d of May, 1871, that Mr. Wilcox was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Hodges, who was born in Torrington, a daughter of Levi and Delia Case (Drake) Hodges. Her father was a farmer and landowner who spent his entire life in Torrington. Mrs. Wilcox still makes her home on Mitchell avenue in Waterbury, where her married life has been spent. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox. The eldest, William Hodges, born in Waterbury, July 6, 1874, was educated in the public and high schools and in the Sheffield Scientific School of Yale, from which he was graduated in 1895. He became a chemist with the Benedict & Burnham Manufacturing Company, where he also learned casting. He is now superintendent of the brass mill of the Baltimore Smelting & Refining Company of Baltimore, Maryland. He was married in 1906 to Miss Mary Edith Peters, of West Newton, Massachusetts, and they have one child, Margaret. The second son, Levi, was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, January 19, 1876, and was educated in the public and high schools and in the Sheffield Scientific School of Yale, where he was graduated in 1897. IIe is the secretary of the Apothecaries Hall Company. He married Eleanor Margaret Bennett, of Albany, New York, and has one child, Eleanor Sisson. Alice McIntosh, born in Waterbury, October 27, 1879, attended the Waterbury schools, the Gerard school and St. Margaret's school and later was graduated from Wellesley College with the class of 1902. She became the wife of William Valentine, who was born near Aberdeen, Scotland. He is a chemist and is manager of sales for the Naugatuck Chemical Company of Nangatuek, Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Valentine became the parents of one child, Elizabeth.
The death of Mr. Wilcox occurred April 7, 1897, when he was fifty-three years of age, and his demise was the occasion of deep regret to many friends, for he was held in high esteem and enjoyed the good will and confidence of all with whom he was associated. Moreover, he was devoted to the welfare of his family and counted his greatest happi- ness in promoting their interests. In politics he was a republican and for one term served as a member of the city council but he was not active in political life, preferring to give his time to his family and business affairs. Fraternally he was connected with the Masons and the Odd Fellows and was a valued member of the local organizations. He belonged also to the old Scientific Society of Waterbury and for many years he was secre- tary of the Pharmaceutical Association of Connecticut. For several years he served as state chemist and he occupied a very enviable position among the druggists of Connecticut. His entire life was an upright and honorable one, measuring fully up to the standards of man- hood and of citizenship. Mrs. Wilcox is a member of the Second Congregational church and is a lady of many estimable qualities, having in Waterbury a circle of friends coex- tensive with the circle of her acquaintances.
LEVI WILCOX.
One of the notable features in Waterbury's growth has been the constant development of some of its okl established industries and manufacturing interests to meet the changing demands of the present age. Almost seventy years ago the Apothecaries Hall was established and three years later the business was incorporated. Since that time its development. in
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keeping with modern day progress, has been continuous and at its head today are men of acknowledged business enterprise and initiative. In this connection as its secretary Levi Wilcox is well known.
He was born in Waterbury, January 19, 1876, and is a son of Frederic and Lucy (Hodges ) Wilcox, a sketch of whom precedes this. He completed his public school education by gradu- ation from the high school in 1894. He was graduated from the Sheffield Scientific School in 1897 and as a Yale man returned to Waterbury well equipped to take up the onerous duties that have since devolved upon him. Ile became connected with the Apothecaries Hall Company on the 5th of July of that year and on the 6th of February, 1904, was made secretary of the company, having so continued to the present.
On the 14th of December, 1911, Mr. Wilcox was married to Miss Eleanor M. Bennett. of Albany, New York, and they have one child, Eleanor Sisson, who was born October 25. 1912. Mr. Wilcox has been connected with many interests of public concern. He has an interesting military chapter in his life record, having served for eight years with Company A of the Second Regiment of the Connecticut National Guard, in which he rose from the ranks to first lientenant, being honorably discharged in 1909. He is now captain of Company H of the Fifth Regiment of the Connecticut Home Guard, having been appointed April 26, 1917. In politics Mr. Wilcox is a republican and he gives stalwart support to the party and to every canse which ho espouses. He is a member and deacon of the Second Congregational church and is vice president of the Young Men's Christian Association, He is also well known in club circles, belonging to the Drug & Chemical Club of New York. the Graduates Club of New Haven, the Yale Club of New York. the Waterbury and the Waterbury Country Clubs.
TIMOTHY M. BURNS.
Timothy M. Burns, a prominent real estate and insurance man of Torrington, was born in Terryville, Connecticut, March 28, 1860, a son of Thomas and Bridget (Kelley) Burns, both of whom were natives of County Tipperary, Ireland, where they were reared, although their marriage was celebrated in Torrington in the early '50s. The father assisted in building the Naugatuck division of the New Haven Railroad and subsequently removed to Terryville, Connecticut, where he followed contracting and farming until his death. His widow lived to be eighty-five years of age and passed away in Thomaston, Connecticut, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ellen Trihey, who was the wife of William Trihey, both now deceased. Timothy M. Burns has two brothers: Richard J., living in Terryville; and Thomas E., of New Haven.
In the public schools of Terryville, Timothy M. Burns began his education, which he continued in the State Normal School of New Britain, Connecticut, and at eighteen years of age he took up the profession of teaching, which he followed in Forestville, in Terry- ville and in Harwinton, Connecticut, In 1882 he went to Bridgeport, where he was employed as a clerk in a grocery store for three years, and in 1885 he removed to Thomaston, where he established a grocery, coal and wood business, which he conducted successfully for eight years.
It was on the 26th of October, 1887, in that place, that Mr. Burns was united in marriage to Miss Margaret A. Ryan, a daughter of Michael Ryan, a railroad station agent and coal dealer of Thomaston, where he occupied the former position for forty years, being the first appointed after the building of the road through the town. Following the death of Mr. Ryan, in 1890, his son-in-law, Mr. Burns, bought the coal and wood business which he conducted in conjunction with his grocery store until 1892, when he sold his business and removed to Torrington, where he has since resided, becoming a very active factor in the business circles of the borough. For fifteen years he was engaged in the retail drug business and at one time he owned and conducted three drug stores in Torrington. He established the drug store in Apothecaries Hall on Main street, also the Migeon Avenue Pharmacy and the South End Pharmacy, all of which are still in existence and are proving profitable commercial enterprises. In those days he was the leading druggist of the borough but finally disposed of his stores and has since devoted all of his attention to the real estate, insurance and brokerage business. He also conducts a steamship agency and at one time he had a similar business in Thomaston but removed his interests to Torrington. While proprietor of the drug stores he also conducted his ticket agency. He has never attempted anything that he has not accomplished and he has never sold a piece of real estate which has proved to be a bad investment. In other
TIMOTHY M. BURNS
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words, he is a man of sound judgment and clear discrimination and what he attempts he carries forward to successful completion.
Mr. and Mrs. Burns have become parents of five children: Irene, who is a teacher in the Torrington grammar school: Gerald T .; Joseph E .; Aloysius F .; and Reginald A. Irene, Gerald and Joseph are all graduates of the Torrington high school and the first named is likewise a graduate of the State Normal School at New Britain. The religious faith of the family is that of the Roman Catholic church and they are now allied with St. Francis parish. Mr. Burns is connected with the Knights of Columbus. Ilis political endorsement is given the democratic party, and while interested in the questions and issues of the day, he has steadily declined to become a candidate for political office. However, he served for three years as a member of the board of education. He owns much valu- able improved real estate in what is now one of the city's finest residence districts and much valuable business property and he has one of the truly beautiful homes of Torrington at No. 91 Church street, which he erected in 1916. Prosperity has attended his efforts and an analyzation of his career shows that his record has at all times been a most creditable one.
WILLIAM T. DAVIS.
William T. Davis, who is engaged in the grocery and feed business in Naugatuck, was born on Long Island, May 17, 1867, a son of George E. and Ophelia (Tooker) Davis, who were also natives of Long Island. The father, who was a carpenter by trade, was a son of Isaac Davis and he, too, was born on Long Island, indicating that the family had long been residents of that section of the country.
William T. Davis acquired a public school education and made his initial step in the business world as a clerk in a grocery store. He has always continued active in mer- cantile lines and has made steady progress in his chosen field of labor. He came to Naugatuck in 1883 and engaged in clerking in a grocery store for fifteen years or until 1898, when he established business on his own account, feeling that his previous experience and his carefully saved earnings fully justified this step. He opened a grocery store at No. 5 South Main street and also started a feed business at No. 15 North Main street about 1907. He is now located at 62 South Main street and he continues the conduct of both stores, employing eight people and using auto and team delivery. He is accorded a very liberal patronage and his business has now reached extensive and gratifying proportions.
In 1895 Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Noble, of Naugatuck, a daughter of John Noble, and they have one child, Wilfred, who is now associated with his father in business. The parents are consistent members of the Congregational churchi and are ever loyal to its teachings. His political endorsement is given to the democratic party, and while he does not seek nor desire public office, he is always ready to support any plan or measure that he believes will prove effective in advancing the general welfare.
CHARLES H. MCCARTHY, D. D. S.
Dr. Charles H. McCarthy, actively engaged in the practice of dentistry at No. 108 Bank street, in Waterbury, is a son of Daniel and Joanna (Allman) McCarthy, who were natives of County Kerry, Ireland, but were married in Waterbury following their arrival in the new world. The father, who engaged in business here as a retail merchant, died May 20, 1898, and is still survived by his widow.
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