History of Waterbury and the Naugatuck Valley, Connecticut, Volume II, Part 59

Author: Pape, William Jamieson, 1873- ed
Publication date: 1918
Publisher: Chicago, New York The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 718

USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Waterbury > History of Waterbury and the Naugatuck Valley, Connecticut, Volume II > Part 59

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REV. THOMAS COONEY.

Rev, Thomas Cooney, pastor of St. Francis Catholic church in Naugatuck, was born in Ireland in October, 1855, his parents being Thomas and Rose (Rafferty) Cooney. He acquired a public school education on the Emerald isle and was ordained to the priesthood in Mechlin, Belgium, on the 7th of June, 1879, after pursuing a thorough preparatory course in the American College, Louvain. In October of the same year he came to the United States and was first assigned to duty in St. Peter's Catholic church at Hartford, Connecticut. Later he was stationed at St. Mary's church in Putnam, and in February, 1883, was appointed pastor of St. Joseph's at Grosvenordale. where he continued until 1910, when he was transferred to St. Francis church in Naugatuck. This church was established in 1866 by Father Lynch, of Birmingham, Connecticut, and the original location was on Water street. The new church at No. 314 Church street was built by Father James Fagan, the corner-stone being laid in 1883. Since then a fine new school building has been erected under the direction and through the efforts of Father Sheridan, the immediate predecessor of

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Father Cooney. The church today has a membership of four thousand souls and there are five hundred in attendance at the school under the direction of twelve teachers. The work has been thoroughly organized in all its departments, the socicties are in good working condition and Father Cooney has the cooperation of all of his parishioners, who recognize his untiring zeal in behalf of the church and every interest connected with the advancement of Catholicism. In 1911 Father Cooney built St. Francis convent at Naugatuck, a large brick building, and the work is under the care of seventeen Sisters of Mercy. He seems to put forth every possible effort to upbuild the church and promote its influence and his labors have been directly resultant.

LIEUTENANT CHARLES E. HART.

Lieutenant Charles E. Hart, an attorney at law of Waterbury, who holds the rank of first lieutenant of Company H of the Connecticut National Guard, was born at New Britain, Connecticut, March 3, 1884. His father, Charles E. Hart, is still a well known and prominent citizen of New Britain, where for many years he held the position of mechanical superin- tendent of the Stanley Works, a large manufacturing plant there. His wife bore the maiden name of Jane Wainwright and both the Hart and Wainwright families have been represented on the American continent from early colonial days and were active supporters of the cause of independence in the Revolutionary war. The Hart family trace their descent from Stephen Hart, who came from England in 1636, while the Wainwright family in America dates back to 1668.

Lieutenant Hart was graduated from the New Britain high school with the class of 1903 and while there a student was much interested in athletics. being a member of the football, baseball and basket ball teams, and was also a member of the track team of the high school. His more specifically literary education was acquired at Yale, where he won the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1907, and he there pursued his professional course. winning the LL. B. degree upon graduation from the Yale Law School in 1910, at which time he was one of the honor men of his class. In June of that year he was admitted to the bar and at once became associated in the practice of law with Nathaniel R. Bronson and Lawrence L. Lewis. In the 1st of January, 1914. he became the partner of those two well known Waterbury lawyers and today the firm of Bronson, Lewis & Hart is regarded as one of the strongest and most prominent before the bar of Connecticut. Lieutenant Hart is profiting by this association and at the same time is making a creditable name and place for himself in a profession where advancement depends almost entirely upon individual merit and ability. He belongs to the Waterbury and Connecticut State Bar Associations.

In club circles Lieutenant Hart is well known and popular as a member of the Waterbury and the Waterbury Country Clubs. In February, 1911, he joined Company HI of the Connecticut National Guard and the following month was raised from the ranks to the position of corporal. In 1912 he became sergeant, in 1914 first sergeant, on the 6th of April, 1916, was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant and on the 9th of November, 1916, became first lieutenant. He has made for himself a creditable name and place as a member of the bar and his response to the call of the colors is characteristic of the spirit of loyalty which he has displayed in all matters of citizenship.

EDWARD J. KENNEDY.

Edward J. Kennedy. superintendent of the Dunham Mills, Incorporated, at Naugatuck. was born in Seymour, Connecticut, August 23, 1866. a son of John and Mary (Powers) Kennedy, both of whom were natives of Ireland. They came to America when young people and were married in Connecticut. The father was a blacksmith by trade and also engaged in foundry work. In 1871 the family removed to Naugatuck, where representatives of the name have since resided.

Edward J. Kennedy was at that time a little lad of but five years. In the public schools he acquired his education and when his textbooks were put aside he began work in a foundry, where he was employed for two years. Later he again attended school, for he realized the value of education as a preparation for life's practical and responsible duties. For a short time he was with the Goodyear India Rubber Glove Company and later became connected with the Dunham Hosiery Company. entering the worsted department at that

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time. He has since been identified with this enterprise, covering a period of thirty-six years. No higher testimony of capability and fidelity could be given than the statement of the fact that he has remained with the company throughout this entire period, gradually working his way upward through various departments until in 1912 he was chosen superin- tendent and has since served in that connection. He is one of the most trusted representa- tives of the company and its officers speak of him in terms of highest regard, appreciating his fidelity as well as his marked efficiency.

On the 12th of February, 1888, Mr. Kennedy was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Conlon, of Plainville, Connecticut, a daughter of Frank and Ellen (Coughlin) Conlon. To Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy have been born the following named. George, their eldest son, is a practicing attorney of Ann Arbor, Michigan, but is now with the United States army at Fort Sheridan, Illinois. He served for eight months on the Mexican border. He was graduated from Princeton College and from the law school of the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor, where he then located for practice. John, the second son, is with the Good- year Rubber Company of Akron, Ohio. He, too, is a graduate of Princeton, where he completed the civil engineering course. Elizabeth is the wife of Dr. Robert E. Haskett, of Durand, Michigan. Edward J., is with the Dunham Mills of Naugatuck. Frank is a graduate of the high school. Charles is now attending high school and completes the family.

Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy are communicants of St. Francis Catholic church. In politics he is a democrat with independent tendencies. He does not hesitate to cast an independent ballot where he thinks the best interests of the city may be conserved thereby. In a word he stands for all that he believes will prove most beneficial in community affairs and his cooperation can be counted upon to further any measure which he thinks will prove of public benefit.

THOMAS A. HARTY.

For about three decades Thomas A. Harty was engaged in the coal and wood business in Torrington and ranked with the representative merchants, but it was not his business activity alone that gained him a high place in the regard of his fellow townsmen. It was his character, which measured up to high standards, and his many good deeds. He was generous to a fault and was continually extending a helping hand to the poor and needy. A native of Torrington, he was born November 10, 1856. His father, Andrew Harty, was a native of County Tipperary, Ireland, and there he was reared and married Julia O'Meara. It was after the birth of three of their children that they crossed the Atlantic to the new world, arriving in the late '40s, at which time they took up their abode in what was then Wolcottville but is now the borough of Torrington. There the parents spent their remaining days and for a period of years the father worked in the mills. The Hartys were among the first Irish Catholic families of Torrington and the parents passed away in that city. The father was a well known man, highly respected because of his earnest Christian character and his devotion to his church, and for many years was one of the trustees of St. Francis' church. His political allegiance was given the democratic party. Both he and his wife were laid to rest in St. Francis' cemetery. Like her husband, Mrs. Harty was a devout Christian. doing everything in her power to advance the cause of the Catholic church. They had a family of nine children and their religious teaching is reflected in the fact that several of them have become identified with churchly orders. Rev. William A., who was born in Ire- land, pursued his early education in the schools of Torrington, after which he attended St. Charles' College at Ellicott City, Maryland. He later entered a seminary at Montreal, Canada, and finished his studies in Rome, where he was ordained to the priesthood. June 7, 1873. He was pastor of the Immaculate Conception church in Waterbury, for eight years served as rector of St. Joseph's cathedral in Hartford and was pastor of St. Mary's church in New Britain, where his death occurred in March, 1902. He was at one time chancellor of the diocese and for many years was a member of the diocesan board of clerical examiners. James F., who was an expert wire drawer in the employ of the Coe Brass Company and who was later engaged in the shoe business in Torrington, was a representative citizen and was a member of the borough board. He passed away March 11. 1899. John died in boyhood. Mary, who in her religious life is known as Sister Mary Alphonsus, is connected with St. Francis' convent in New Haven. Margaret, who in religious life is known as Sister Mary Zita, is connected with the Sacred Heart convent in New Haven. Rev. Andrew F. is pastor of St. Joseph's church in New Haven. Thomas A. was the next of the family.

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Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy are communicants of St. Francis Catholic church. In politics he is a democrat with independent tendencies. He does not hesitate to cast an independent ballot where he thinks the best interests of the city may be conserved thereby. In a word he stands for all that he believes will prove most beneficial in community affairs and his "ooperation can be counted upon to further any measure which he thinks will prove of publie benefit

THOMAS A. HARTY.

For about three decades Thomas A. Harty was engaged in the coal and wood business in Torrington and ranked with the representative merchants, but it was not his business activity alone that gained him a high place in the regard of his fellow townsmen. It was li's character, which measured up to high standards, and his many good deeds. He was generous to a fault and was continually extending a helping hand to the poor and needy. A native of Torrington, he was born November 10, 1856. His father, Andrew Harty, was a native of County Tipperary, Ireland, and there lie was reared and married Julia O'Meara. It was after the birth of three of their children that they crossed the Atlantic to the new world, arriving in the late 40%, at which time they took up their abode in what was then Wolcottville but is now the borough of Herrington There the parents spent their remaining days and for a period of years the father worked in the mills. The Hartys were among the first Irish Catholic families of Torrington and the parents passed away in that city. The father was a well known man, highly respected because of his earnest Christian character and his devotion to his church, and for many years was one of the trustees of St. Francis' church. His political allegiance was given the democratic party. Both he and his wife were laid to rest in St. Francis' cemetery. Like her husband, Mrs. Harty was a devout Christian. doing everything in her power to advance the cause of the Catholic church. They had a family of nine children and their religious teaching is reflected in the fact that several of them have become identified with churchly orders. Rev. William A., who was born in Ire- land, pursued his early education in the schools of Torrington, after which he attended St. Charles' College at Ellicott City, Maryland. He later entered a seminary at Montreal, Canada, and finished his studies in Rome, where he was ordained to the priesthood. June ", 1873. He was pastor of the Immaculate Conception church in Waterbury, for eight years served as rector of St. Josephi's cathedral in Hartford and was pastor of St. Mary's church in New Britain. where his death occurred in March, 1902. He was at one time chancellor of the diocese and for many years was a member of the diocesan board of clerical examiners. James F .. who was an expert wire drawer in the employ of the Coe Brass Company and who was later engaged in the shoe business in Torrington, was a representative citizen and was a member of the borough board. He passed away March 11. 1899. John died in boyhood. Mary, who in her religious life is known as Sister Mary Alphonsus, is connected with St. Francis' convent in New Haven. Margaret, who in religious life is known as Sister Mary Zita, is connected with the Sacred Heart convent in New Haven. Rev. Andrew F. is pastor of St. Joseph's church in New Haven. Thomas A. was the next of the family.

J. A. Harly

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Daniel was engaged in the shoe business in Thomaston and died in 1888. One other child died in infancy.

Thomas A. Harty attended the public schools of Torrington and secured his first employment with the Excelsior Needle Company, working in the factory for several years, during which time he won advancement through his industry and fidelity to the position of foreman of one of the departments. In 1887 he gave up his position in the mill and became associated with Michael Batters, with whom he conducted a coal and wood business on Church street and Railroad avenue under the firm name of Batters & Harty. The partner- ship continued for a few years, after which Mr. Harty conducted the business alone, and from that time until his death carried on one of the leading business enterprises of that kind in Torrington, becoming widely known as a successful dealer in coal and wood. He removed from his original location to No. 108 Railroad avenue, where he made extensive improve- ments. He was thoroughly reliable and progressive as well as enterprising, and the integrity of his business methods ensured to him a liberal patronage.

On the 3d of October, 1900, Mr. Harty was married in Terryville, Connecticut, to Miss Elizabeth C. Higgins, a daughter of the late Thomas and Elizabeth (Hickey) Higgins and a sister of Dr. Joseph Higgins, a well known surgeon of New York city. Mrs. Harty was educated in Terryville, attending the public and high schools, and afterward became a student in the State Normal School of New Britain, Connecticut. Later she took up the profession of teaching, which she followed for several years in Plymouth and in Thomaston, Connecticut. She is a lady of culture and marked ability and since her husband's death she has managed the coal and wood business, displaying sagacity in the conduct of her affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Harty had one daughter, Mary Elizabeth, who is now a student in the Torrington high school. Both Mrs. Harty and her daughter are members of St. Francis' Roman Catholic church and Mr. Harty was also a communicant of that church.

He passed away January 16, 1916, at his home on Prescott street and at his funeral a solemn high requiem mass was celebrated by his brother, Rev. Andrew Harty, assisted by the Rev. M. H. May and Rev. W. A. Gildea. The remains were then laid to rest in St. Francis' cemetery at Torrington. In his political views Mr. Harty was a stanch democrat and served as a member of the democratie town committee for a number of years. He took a deep interest in the cause of education and for eight years was a member of the school board and was a member of the building committee that erected the new Torrington high school in 1914. He also served for two years as borough treasurer and in 1911 was elected a member of the state legislature, being the first democrat elected to the office in Torrington in thirty years, a fact which was indicative of his sterling personal worth, the high regard entertained for him by his fellow townsmen and his progressiveness and loyalty in citizenship. He possessed a genial disposition and it was a recognized fact that he was ever loyal to his duty as he saw it. He was appreciative of the social amenities of life and was an honorary member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, a member of the Holy Name Society and of the Torrington Club. Those who knew him, and he had an extensive circle of friends and acquaintances, spoke of him as one of God's noblemen. Thoroughly square and reliable in all of his business dealings, faithful to the duties which devolved upon him as an office holder and loyal to the ties of home and friendship, he left his impress for good upon the community in which he lived and his memory is enshrined in the hearts of all who knew him.

JAMES W. ROBBINS, M. D.

Almost thirty years have been added to the cycle of the centuries since Dr. James W. Robbins located for the practice of medicine in Naugatuck and through the intervening period he has enjoyed a good business, while his increasing efficiency has further commended him to the confidence and support of the public. He was born in Lenox, Massachusetts, May 2, 1857, and is a son of George and Jane S. (Collins) Robbins, both of whom were natives of Lenox. The former was a son of Rev. James Robbins, a clergyman of Norfolk, and his father was also a representative of the ministry. George Robbins became a paper mnanu- facturer and removed with his family to New Marlboro, where he maintained his residence. while his factory was established at Mill River, where he conducted a good business as a paper manufacturer.

Liberal educational opportunities were accorded Dr. Robbins, who after attending board- ing school became a student in Princeton University. Thus upon the broad foundation of a liberal classical course he built the superstructure of professional knowledge. Having deter- mined upon the practice of medicine as a life work, he was graduated from the Bellevue

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Hospital Medical College of New York city with the class of 1880. He located for practice in New Marlboro, Massachusetts, where he opened an office, there remaining for five years. He afterward went to the middle west, spending three years in Kansas City, and in 1888 he eame to Naugatuck, where he has since practiced with the exception of a brief period, from 1898 until 1903, when he was in Morrisville, Vermont. He has always continued in general practice and has kept in touch with the onward march of the profession through private reading and through his connection with the County, State and American Medical Associations.

In 1898 Dr. Robbins was united in marriage to Miss Anita Stanton, of New London, Connecticut, by whom he has two children, Jane and James Stanton, both at home. Frater- nally Dr. Robbins is a Mason, holding membership in lodge, chapter, council and commandery, and he is also identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. The family attends the Episcopal church. In politics Dr. Robbins is a republican with independent tendencies, for he does not feel himself bound by party ties. He has never been ambitious for office, having ever felt that the pursuits of private life are in them- selves abundantly worthy of his best efforts, and his successful work as a general practitioner has given him firm hold upon the high regard of his fellow townsmen.

SHERIDAN H. KNIGHT.

Thoroughly active, alert and enterprising, Sheridan H. Knight is conducting a profitable business as the treasurer and active manager of the Litchfield County Realty & Insurance Company. This is one of the newly organized concerns of Torrington, yet it is not Mr. Knight's initial step in the insurance business or in the realty field, for he was active in both lines for some years before the organization of the present company. He was born in Hartsville, Massachusetts, April 9, 1885. His father, Andrew J. Knight, is a veteran of the Civil war, having defended the stars and stripes on southern battlefields throughout the period of hostilities between the north and the south. He lost a leg in front of Petersburg, Virginia, in 1864, while serving with the Thirty-seventh Massachusetts Regiment with the rank of sergeant. He is now making his home with his son Sheridan at the age of seventy- seven years, his birth having occurred in Tariffville, Connecticut, October 16, 1839. In early manhood he married Sarah Hayes, who was born in Massachusetts and also survives.

Sheridan H. Knight spent his youthful days at Mill River. Massachusetts, and acquired a thorough English education in the schools of that state. For three years he was employed by Borden's Condensed Milk Company at Canaan, Connecticut, and in 1906 he came to Torrington, where for two years he was in the employ of the Excelsior Needle Compay. Later he spent six years in government employ as a letter carrier and in 1910 he became identified with the real estate and insurance business, entering into partnership with J. B. Reid. From 1910 until 1917 he was the manager and one of the proprietors of the firm of J. B. Reid & Company. On the 2d of July of the latter year he became one of the incor- porators of the Litchfield County Realty & Insurance Company, which took over the business of the former firm and which was capitalized for sixty thousand dollars. Mr. Knight is its treasurer and is the practical manager of the business. His associate officers are well known business men, Frank J. Damon being the president, Frederick L. Braman the vice president and Howard J. Castle the secretary. Although recently organized, the Litchfield County Realty & Insurance Company has taken a prominent place in the business life of Torrington. It is a growing concern, being the largest real estate corporation in Litchfield county, and is founded upon the plan of buying and developing tracts and building houses. The company also deals in country estates and handles farms in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts and in the Litchfield Hills of Connecticut. Mr. Knight is thoroughly acquainted with the real estate field, knows the market and is most accurate in placing valuation upon property.

In September, 1908, Mr. Knight was united in marriage to Miss Amelia E. Hoheisel, of Torrington, who was born in Naugatuck, and they have two daughters, Sara E. and Adella M. Mr. Knight is an Odd Fellow, also a Knight of Pythias and a member of the Sons of Veterans, the Sons of St. George, and the Torrington Club. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but he has never sought nor desired public office. His chief recreation is fishing and he has an attractive summer home at Tyler Pond. He is thoroughly energetic and represents the progressive spirit which has actuated the business life of Connecticut during the past few decades, leading to a remarkable transformation in conditions here. Whatever

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History of Waterbury and the Naugatuck Valley, Connecticut, Volume II, Part 59

Author: Pape, William Jamieson, 1873- ed Publication date: 1918 Publisher: Chicago, New York The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company Number of Pages: 718

Author: Pape, William Jamieson, 1873- ed
Publication date: 1918
Publisher: Chicago, New York The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 718