USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Waterbury > History of Waterbury and the Naugatuck Valley, Connecticut, Volume II > Part 56
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63
511
WATERBURY AND THE NAUGATUCK VALLEY
Congregational church and always active in its discussions. His influence was ever on the side of good government, of progress and improvement, and he left to his family the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. After his death the following tribute to him appeared in the press: "He was genial and affable, with a pleasant word for all and a disposition to cheer his associates in all possible ways. The needy seldom sought his help in vain and many, recalling his sympathy and generosity, will rise up and call him blessed.
"Mr. Rogers was a diligent reader and a man of rare intelligence and discriminating judgment regarding political measures and current events. As a member of the Sunday Noon Club of the Second Congregational church, he discussed with interest and insight the problems of national and municipal government that for many months have occupied its attention. Always ready to give a reason for the views he cherished, he was an ardent advocate of whatever seemed to him right and just. As a friend he was warm-hearted and faithful, counting no effort or sacrifice too great that he might add to the happiness of those he loved "
On the 1st of July, 1886, in Waterbury, Mr. Rogers was married by the Rev. Dr. Davenport to Miss Carrie W. Sanderson, who was born in Waterbury, a daughter of George and Margaret (Brooksby) Sanderson. They became the parents of three children. Harold Francis, who was born in Waterbury, was educated in the public and high schools and for some years engaged in bookkeeping, a part of which time he was with the Scovill Manufacturing Company. At the age of eight years he became a member of St. John's Episcopal church choir and afterward studied organ music under Professor Hallock. Later he studied at Yale College under Professor Gibson and became organist and choir- master of Christ Episcopal church at Watertown, Connecticut, at the age of sixteen years. There he continued until 1916, when he entered the State University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he is now pursuing a course in the sciences and arts. Edith M., the only daughter, became the wife of Edward Bradley and resides in New Britain, Connecticut. Arthur Sanderson, educated in the public and high schools. is now the successor of his father in business. Mrs. Rogers still resides on Willow street and she and her son Arthur are members of the Congregational church. Her refined manner and her many admirable qualities have won for her a large circle of warm friends.
Mrs. Rogers is a granddaughter of John Sanderson, an Episcopal clergyman of England, who had a family of nine children, all of whom became conspicuons in various professions. Her father, George A. Sanderson, was born at Darfield, England, October 9, 1809, and was the only member of the family to come to America. He was liberally educated and after com- pleting a college course crossed the Atlantic. establishing his home in Albany, New York, where for five years he was proprietor of a hotel. He then removed to Ephratah, where he conducted a tannery for twenty years. He married Margaret Brooksby. who was born in Scotland. November 5, 1825, and was about ten years of age when her parents came with their family to the United States. Her father, James Brooksby, was a nursery- man and was associated with Mr. Wilson, who introduced the famous Wilson strawberry. Mr. and Mrs. George A. Sanderson became the parents of nine children, eight of whom reached adult age, the eighth in order of birth being Carrie W., who became the wife of Charles L. Rogers and has long been a resident of Waterbury.
FRANK J. TUTTLE, M. D.
For more than a half century the name of Tuttle has figured prominently in connection with the practice of medicine in Naugatuck and has ever been a synonym for high pro- fessional standards and for marked capability. Not only has Dr. Frank J. Tuttle practiced sueeessfully through recent years but he was preceded by his father in professional activity in Naugatuck. The son was born here on the 4th of October, 1875, his parents being Frank B. and Augusta (Mann) Tuttle. The former was born in Naugatuck in 1841 and passed away in 1902. He was a son of Zopher Tuttle, who came from England with his father. the family home being established first in Prospect, Connecticut, while later a removal was made to Naugatuck, where the grandfather followed the occupation of farm- ing. His son, Frank B. Tuttle, did not care, however, to engage in agricultural pursuits, preferring a professional career. Liberal educational advantages were accorded him and he was graduated from the Yale Medical College with the class of 1861. He then located for practice in Naugatuck, where he ever afterward remained, there devoting forty-nine years to a successful following of active work as a physician and surgeon. He was also a prominent figure in public affairs and was chosen a delegate to the convention which
512
WATERBURY AND THE NAUGATUCK VALLEY
nominated Grover Cleveland to the presidency. He also served for one term as a member of the state legislature and filled other public offices. For thirty-five years he was a member of the school board and during much of that period served as its chairman. He was widely known and greatly loved. For many years he was medieal examiner of Nauga- tuck and his professional activity took him into close relations in many homes, in all of which he was honored and respeeted by reason of his close conformity to the highest standard of professional ethies combined with a ready sympathy. His professional attain- ments were of the highest order and as a man and citizen he also occupied the front rank, enjoying in fullest measure the confidence and regard of all who knew him.
His son, Dr. Frank J. Tuttle, attended the grammar school of Naugatuek and afterward spent two years in the Cheshire Academy. He also studied for two years in Andover, Massachusetts, and then entered Yale, pursuing a scientific course for a year. Having determined to make the practice of medicine his life work, he then entered the University of Vermont as a medical student and was graduated with the class of 1898. He has since continuously practiced at Naugatuck and holds a high and enviable professional position. He is a member of the county, state and national medieal societies and is a member of the consulting staff of Waterbury Hospital. He devotes his attention to general practice and his ability is attested by the liberal patronage accorded him.
In 1900 Dr. Tuttle was united in marriage to Miss Mary Worrall, of Poughkeepsie, New York, a daughter of Benjamin Worrall. Their children are: Frank Benjamin, who was born in 1901; and Thomas W., born in 1903. Dr. Tuttle belongs to Shepherds Lodge, No. 78, F. & A. M .; to Allerton Chapter, R. A. M .; Clark Commandery, No. 7, K. T .; and to the Scottish Rite Consistory of Bridgeport. He attends the Episcopal church, of which his wife and children are communicants. In politics he maintains an independent course, exer- cising his right of franchise according to the dictates of his judgment with little regard for party ties. He does not lightly regard the duties of citizenship, however, and his aid and cooperation can always be counted upon to further measures and movements for the general good. He displays the same spirit of loyalty that characterized his father in public relations and it is a recognized fact that duty is ever foremost with him, whether in connection with his profession or with public interests. His life has commended him to the confidence and goodwill of all and he has an extensive circle of friends through the Naugatuck valley.
HARRY B. HANCHETT, M. D.
Dr. Harry B. Hanchett, physician and surgeon of Torrington, was, as it were, "to the manner born," being a son of the late Dr. Thatcher S. Hanchett, who at the time of his death was the veteran physician of Torrington, practicing in the borough from the close of the Civil war until December 31, 1911. He belonged to one of the old Connecticut families to whom the Crown deeded a tract of land at Salisbury, Connecticut, from which the famous Salisbury iron ore is obtained. The grandmother of Dr. T. S. Hanchett was a Thatcher, whose ancestral line can clearly be traced back through records to the Crusaders. Through the Thatchers he was also related to the Winthrops of Massachusetts, for Colonel John Thatcher, a colonial hero, married a granddaughter of Governor Winthrop of Connecticut, whose father was one of the passengers on the Mayflower and the first governor of the old Bay state.
Thatcher S. Hanchett was a native of Canaan, Connecticut. but his youthful days were largely passed in Worcester county, Massachusetts, and his education was acquired in the academy at Douglass, Massachusetts. He became a student in the office of Dr. Darling of that place and later attended the Harvard Medical School for a year. In 1862 the government offered him a position on a monitor on the Mississippi but this he declined and was then appointed surgeon's mate on the gunboat Wamsutta, serving as such for about a year. He then again became a student in the Harvard Medical School and the following year matricu- lated in the Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York city, becoming a special student under the noted surgeon, Professor Hamilton. who had been surgeon-general of the Army of the Cumberland during the war. In the spring of 1864 Dr. Hanchett won his degree and then practiced for a year with Dr. William Welch of Norfolk. He then removed to Torrington. which had a population of twenty-five hundred, and for many years he did all of the surgical work of the town. He was the first health officer appointed under the old law and with the creation of the position of medical examiner he became the incumbent therein. He belonged to the County and State Medical Societies and aside from enjoying a large private practice
DR. THATCHER S. HANCHETT
515
WATERBURY AND THE NAUGATUCK VALLEY
he served as examining physician for various insurance companies and societies. He was a very sueeessful and able physician, constantly keeping in touch with the trend of modern professional thought and praetiee and at all times enjoying the highest regard of colleagues and contemporaries. He was a prominent member of the Congregational church and took a foremost part in the organization of the Young Men's Christian Association of Torrington, always remaining one of its most active workers. He was also a member of Seneca Lodge, No. 55, A. F. & A. M .; the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Death ealled him in 1911 and in his passing Torrington lost one of its most worthy and honored citizens. His widow still survives and is now living with her son, Dr. Harry B. Hanchett. She bore the maiden name of Emma Hayes and is of Revolutionary war descent, while the Hanchett family was likewise represented in the struggle for independence. Dr. and Mrs. Hanchett were the parents of three children: Annie Thatcher and Thatcher Hayes. both deceased; and Dr. Harry B., of this review.
Dr. Harry B. Hanchett was graduated from the Torrington high school with the class of 1901 and from the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia in 1905, thius becoming well qualified for professional activities. He served as interne in the Jersey City Hospital for a year and a half and in 1906 he began the practice of medicine in Torrington as the associate of his father, with whom he continued until the latter's death. In 1916 he pursued a course in the New York Post Graduate School and he is constantly broadening his knowledge by reading, observation and experience. He is today thoroughly informed concerning the principles of medicine and his labors have been attended with excellent results. He belongs to and is the secretary of the Litchfield County Medical Society and he likewise has membership with the Connecticut State and the American Medical Associations. He is also medical examiner for the towns of Torrington and ITarwinton and health offieer of the latter place and he is surgeon on the staff of the Charlotte Hungerford Hospital and consult- ing surgeon to the Waterbury Hospital.
On the 8th of July, 1908, Dr. Hanchett was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Allen, who was born in Torrington, a daughter of George Allen, a well known farmer of this vieinity. In polities he holds to republican principles yet does not consider himself bound by party ties. He belongs to the Center Congregational church and he has membership in the Elks Club of Torrington. His chief recreation is fishing and to it he turns in vacation periods. He has a nice summer home at Bantam Lake to which he motors every evening in the summer time. His record has added new laurels to an untarnished family name. For a half century the name of Hanchett has figured prominently in connection with medical and surgical practice in Torrington and the creditable record of the father has been borne out by the son.
CLAYTON S. BOIES.
Clayton S. Boies, the secretary and treasurer of the Seymour Trust Company, has throughout his entire life been identified with the banking business and has made steady progress in that field, reaching at length his present responsible position. He was born in East IIaddam, Connecticut, July 1, 1872, a son of Harper and Susan E. (Brownell) Boies, the latter a native of East Haddam, Connecticut, while the former was born in Blandford, Massachusetts. Both came of early colonial families that were established in America in the seventeenth century. Harper Boies was a cotton manufacturer in Moodus, Connecticut, for many years.
Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, Clayton S. Boies acquired a publie school education and then started upon his business career as a clerk in a general store, but after a brief period became connected with the National Bank of New England at East Haddam, oceupying the position of teller. In 1900 he removed to Seymour and organized the Valley National Bank, of which he became the first cashier, with W. L. Ward as president. This bank was conducted until August, 1905, when it seemed advisable to reorganize the business as a trust company, owing to the size of the town, and the Valley National Bank therefore was absorbed by the Seymour Trust Company. The former organization had started with assets of about seventy thousand dollars. Today the bank's statement shows a capital stock of seventy thousand dollars and surplus and profits of more than forty-eight thousand dollars and savings deposits of seven hundred and thirty thousand, eight hundred and ninety-three dollars, while its general deposits reach one million, fifty-four thousand dollars. In a word, the bank has had a profitable existence from the beginning. It pays four per cent interest on savings accounts and
516
WATERBURY AND THE NAUGATUCK VALLEY
makes special rates on time certificates and deposits. The company is authorized by law to execute trusts of every description. acts as executor, administrator, guardian, assignee, receiver and trustee. It also does a foreign exchange business. Mr. Boies has continuously served as treasurer of the company and is now also the secretary. He is & man of marked executive ability and his administrative direction has been one of the strong elements in winning success for the institution.
On the 14th of April, 1901, Mr. Boies was united in marriage to Miss Louise Goodspeed, a daughter of William R. Goodspeed, of East Haddam, and their children are William Goodspeed, Earl Brownell, Clayton S., Jr., and Louise Elizabeth, who died in infancy.
Fraternally Mr. Boies is connected with the Masons and is a past master of Columbia Lodge, No. 26, F. & A. M., of East Haddam. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is active and interested in community affairs. He served as chief of the fire department for seven' years and is still one of its members. His political endorse- ment is given to the republican party. His wife is a member of the Episcopal church. Actively interested in all matters pertaining to the general welfare. his name is associated with many movements which have been directly beneficial to the community. He was made a chairman of the Red Cross campaign during 1917 and raised over five dollars per capita and Seymour, moreover, raised over eighty-four dollars per capita on the Liberty Loan bonds, a fact which is indicative of the patriotie spirit which is there to be found. Mr. Boies had much to do with bringing about this result and his efforts mark lrim as one of the most patriotic and public-spirited citizens of Seymour.
LEVI HUBBELL TOUCEY.
Little more than a deeade has passed since the demise of Levi Hubbell Toueey, an honored veteran of the Civil war, who was well known in commercial eireles of Waterbury as the senior member of the L. II. Toucey Company, conducting a successful plumbing busi- ness in that connection for many years. His birth oceurred in Towanda, Pennsylvania, on the 21st of August, 1836. his parents being Charles and Anna Maria (Hubble) Toucey, who left the Keystone state when their son Levi was still young and established their home at Bridgeport, Connectient.
It was in that eity that Levi II. Toueey grew to manhood and acquired his education. On attaining his majority he came to Waterbury and here under E. R. Tompson he learned the plumbing trade, which he followed until the time of the outbreak of the Civil war. Putting aside all business and personal considerations. he enlisted for service in the United States army on the 7th of August, 1861. He was discharged on the 17th of November of that year and later joined the navy, becoming steward with Captain Walker (later Admiral Walker) of the United States navy, on whose ship he served for three years in the capacity of captain's steward. The war was then brought to a close but Mr. Toucey remained on the ship for another year and a half, making a cruise around the world. In 1873 he returned to Waterbury and again took up the plumbing business, forming a partner- ship with Samuel Booth, who a year later erected the Booth bloek. There the firm of Booth & Toueey occupied a store for a number of years, carrying a large stoek of stoves and tinware and also conducting an extensive plumbing establishment. In 1878 Mr. Toucey disposed of his interest in the concern to William E. Booth, a son of his former partner, and embarked in business independently on East Main street, where he was snecessfully engaged in the plumbing and tinning business for more than thirty years. Being joined by his two sons, he formed the L. II. Toueey Company and by close application. industry and enterprise developed an extensive and profitable patronage, becoming widely recognized as a leader in this field.
In Bridgeport, Connecticut. Mr. Toucey was united in marriage to Miss Esther Mary Ayers, a native of that city and a daughter of Louis and Clarissa B. (Hoyt) Avers, connected with a number of the old historie families of New England. Mr. and Mrs. Toucey became the parents of seven children. as follows: Herbert, who died in infancy; Clara M., who was a well known public school teacher of Waterbury and who passed away October 24, 1913; twin sons who died in infancy: H. Louise, living on Elmwood avenue in Waterbury: George S., who wedded Miss Sarah Mathon and resides in San Francisco, California; and Walter B., who makes his home in Detroit, Michigan. Mrs. Esther M. Toueey passed away at her home on Cherry street on the 27th of January, 1896. and her remains were interred in Riverside cemetery. She was a faithful member of St. John's Episcopal church and a lady
LEVI H. TOUCEY
519
WATERBURY AND THE NAUGATUCK VALLEY
of culture and refinement, and her loss was deeply mourned not only in the home where she was a devoted wife and mother but also among her many friends.
Mr. Toucey stanchly supported the men and measures of the republican party but was not a politician in the sense of office seeking. He maintained pleasant relations with his old army comrades as a member of Wadhams Post, No. 49, G. A. R., and was also identified with Nosahogau Lodge, No. 21, I. O. O. F., of Waterbury, with the Royal Arcanum and with the Army and Navy League of Connecticut. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in St. John's Episcopal church of Waterbury, the teachings of which found exemplification in his life. He enjoyed an extensive acquaintance, was highly respected and esteemed for his many splendid traits of character and ever manifested a deep interest in the growth and progress of the city of his adoption. It was at his home on Cherry street, in Waterbury, that his demise occurred on the 12th of September, 1906, and he was laid to rest in Riverside cemetery. His passing was deeply regretted and his memory is enshrined in the hearts of all who knew him as one to whom the ties of home and friendship were inviolate.
FRANK T. BIRDSALL.
Frank T. Birdsall, conducting a successful furniture store in Naugatuck, his native city, was born May 31, 1872, a son of William J. and Annie E. (Strait) Birdsall, who were natives of Long Island, New York, and of Ireland respectively. They became residents of Naugatuck about 1869 and the father was employed in the rubber factory as manager. Later ne turned his attention to the ice business, in which he continuously engaged until his death in 1877. His widow survived for several years, passing away in 1883.
Frank T. Birdsall acquired a public school education in Naugatuck and started ont in the business world as an employe of the Goodyear Metalie Rubber Shoe Company. with which he remained for five or six years. His connection with the furniture trade dates from 1891, when he entered the employ of F. W. Tolles, a furniture dealer and undertaker, who later sold the business to Walter H. Twitchell. Mr. Birdsall remained in . the store until 1912, when he resigned his position in order to engage in business on his own account, opening a furniture store at No. 128 Church street under his own name. He purchased property there from the Conran estate in 1911. Upon the site was a store. a tenement and a residence. He removed the residence and built the present three story brick block, sixty by eighty feet, occupying the entire building with his stock of furniture. He employs three people. carries a well selected line of furniture and by reason of straightforward business methods and undaunted enterprise has built up a business of gratifying pro- portions.
On the 14th of June, 1899, Mr. Birdsall was united in marriage to Miss Ida Saunders, of Naugatuck, a daughter of J. Russell and Fannie A. (Gunn) Saunders. They have become parents of one child, Iverna, who is at home.
Mr. Birdsall is well known in Masonic circles as a member of the lodge and chapter and in the latter has served as high priest for two years. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is well known in these organizations. enjoying the high regard and confidence of his brethren of the fraternities. In his business career he has been actuated by a commendable ambition. He started out in life without financial assistance from any one and has worked his way steadily npward, thoroughly acquainting himself with every phase of mercantile activity. His present prosperity is the direct reward of close applica- tion and indefatigable industry.
JOIN JOSEPH LINSKEY.
Mr. Linskey is a native son of Connectient and well known in the state, in fact all over New England, as a promoter and developer, specializing in land and building improve- ment. He has developed tracts in many parts of New England, and in both Waterbury and Bridgeport "Fairlawn Manor" is evidence of his efficient handling of properties.
Mr. Linskey is a son of Martin Linskey, born in County Galway, Treland, where his youth was passed. When a young man he came to the United States and found his home in Guilford, Connecticut, where he became an iron molder and yet resides, aged seventy- three years. He married Ellen Haunon, also born in Galway, who died in Guilford aged
520
WATERBURY AND THE NAUGATUCK VALLEY
fifty-five years, the mother of seven sons and seven daughters, all living save a son, William, who died in infancy. The children are: John Joseph, of further mention; Mary, twin with John Joseph, married the first time Daniel O'Leary of Bridgeport, now deceased; married sec- ond time Charles Knollmeyer, of New Haven, Connecticut; Kate married Matthew Lahey, of New Haven, Connecticut; Dennis married Nora Keefe, residing in Naugatuck, Connecticut; Theresa married Benjamin Parker of New Haven, Connecticut; Martin (2), residing in Naugatuck, Connecticut, married Elizabeth Clyne; Thomas married Margaret Skinner and resides in New Haven, Connecticut ; Nicholas married Daisy Larkin and resides in Guilford, Connecticut; Daniel married Annie Maline, also of Guilford; Elizabeth married John Flannigan, of Brooklyn, New York; Jennie married Daniel O'Neil, of Guilford; Lillian married Joseph Brennan, of New Haven; and Ellen married William Brown, of Brooklyn, New York.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.