USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Waterbury > History of Waterbury and the Naugatuck Valley, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 10
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LEWIS M. HOLLAND.
Prominent among the energetic young business men of Waterbury is Lewis M. Holland, who has been a lifelong resident here. He was born on the 10th of January, 1875, a son of Hamilton Henry and Letitia (Gregory) Holland, the former a native of England, while the latter was of French descent. Coming to the United States in young manhood, Ham- ilton H. Holland made his way to Waterbury and for forty-seven years was associated with the Waterbury Clock Company, occupying the position of contractor for an extended period. His long association with the house indicated most fully his capability and the con- fidence reposed in him. He died in the year 1904, having for a long time survived his wife, who passed away in 1876.
Lewis M. Holland acquired a public and high school education. He started out in busi- ness in the humble capacity of cash boy for the firm of Miller & Peck, remaining with their establishment for two and a half years. He afterward entered the dry goods house of the Reid & Hughes Company, with whom he continued for eleven years, and later was in the furnishing goods business for a short time. On the 16th of April, 1902, he became one of the organizers of the firm of Grieve, Bisset & Holland and has been active in the develop- ment of the business which in the course of years has become one of the leading dry goods enterprises of the city.
Mr. Holland exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democratic party. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He has served for one term on the board of health and he is interested in all features of civic development and progress but has never been an office seeker, being thoroughly content to do his public duty as a private citizen.
HARRY C. POST.
Harry C. Post, proprietor and principal of the Waterbury Business College, was born in Seneca county, New York, February 1, 1869, a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Kipp) Post, the latter deceased. The father is living on the farm on which his son Harry was born in Seneca county and is seventy-eight years of age. He, too, is a native of Seneca county, born October 14, 1839. His paternal ancestors had removed to that county from New Jersey, in which state the family history can be traced back to 1634, when the original immigrant, Cornelius Post, arrived from Holland. The name was originally spelled Pos. The mother of Harry C. Post was also born in Seneca county, New York, and came of Holland descent.
After attending a country school near the home farm until he reached the age of sixteen years Mr. Post of this review entered the Geneva (N. Y.) Seminary, from which he was graduated at the age of twenty. He afterward taught in a country school of Vol. III-4
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Seneca county for two years and later completed a course in the Rochester (N. Y.) Business University, from which he was graduated in 1895. He subsequently taught commercial branches in a business college of Geneva, New York, for a year, and in 1896 came to Waterbury, where for the same period of time he had charge of the commercial depart- ment of the school of which he is now owner and principal. In 1897 he purchased the school which is conducted under the name of the Waterbury Business College and which he has managed most successfully.
Originally it was known as the Matoon Shorthand School, having been founded by a Miss Matoon, who was succeeded by George L. Harrington, who changed the name to that of Harrington Business College. It was rechristened by Mr. Post the Waterbury Business College. It is the pioneer commercial school of Waterbury. Its curriculum includes all branches of a commercial education, including shorthand, bookkeeping, type- writing, applied business correspondence, applied business English, commercial law, pen- manship, rapid calculation, etc. Its enrollment during the past twenty years has grown from less than one hundred to an annual enrollment of more than five hundred. The school has consistently followed an unusually liberal policy which has made it one of the leading institutions of its kind in New England. By invitation it is a member of the New England Business College Association and is the only school in this section holding such a membership. It stands as the foremost school of the kind in Connecticut. Its graduates are winning success in various fields of business, the work being modeled upon the plan of giving the utmost individual training and individual assistance. Every pupil's work is closely watched and he receives help when needed, encouragement when necessary and intervention in the forming of incorrect business habits. In a word, the ideals of the school are high and its work is of a most practical character.
On the 29th of December, 1897, Mr. Post was married to Miss Cora Roberson, then of Seneca county, New York, but a native of Chicago. They have four sons, as follows: Leland R., who was born July 15, 1900; Harold Benjamin and Donald John, twins, whose natal day was April 5, 1902; and Newton Kipp, whose birth occurred September 2, 1907.
Mr. Post and his wife are members of the Second Congregational church. He is a Royal Arch and Knight Templar Mason, an Elk, a member of the Eastern Commercial Teachers' Association and of the New England Business College Association. He is also a member and treasurer of the Connecticut Business Educators Association, of which he was formerly president. Of the Waterbury Chamber of Commerce he is one of the directors and also of the Waterbury Young Men's Christian Association, and he is a member and director of the Waterbury Rotary Club. These associations indicate the variety, breadth and nature of his interests, while all who know aught of his professional career accord him high rank among the educators of the state.
WILLIAM H. BRISTOL.
William H. Bristol, inventor, manufacturer and the organizer of The Bristol Com- pany, now employing over four hundred people in the manufacture of recording instru- ments of every kind being put to over two thousand different uses, has in the conduct of this business contributed in substantial measure to the commercial development of Waterbury, his native eity. Throughout his entire life he has been actuated by a spirit of progress and is constantly seeking for improvement in every field to which he has directed his attention and efforts. Born on the 5th of July, 1859, he is a son of B. H. and Pauline (Phelps) Bristol. The father was born in Waterbury and was a son of Hiel Bristol, who settled in this locality at a very early day. For many years B. H. Bristol was connected with the Platt Brothers and upon the organization of The Bristol Com- pany joined his son in that undertaking.
William H. Bristol acquired a public sehool education in Naugatuck and was after- ward graduated from the Stevens Institute of Technology with the class of 1884. He afterward spent two years in charge of the technical department of the Manual Training School for the Ethical Society of New York and later became a teacher in the Stevens Institute, in which he was appointed professor of mathematies in 1899. He there re- mained until 1906, when he resigned his position in order to give his entire attention to the business, although he is still retained on the faculty of the Stevens Institute as a lecturer. The Bristol Company, of which he is now president, was organized as a part- nership concern by W. H., B. H. and F. B. Bristol and was incorporated in 1894 for the manufacture of recording steam gauges and steel belt-lacing. Today, however, the com-
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pany is engaged in the manufacture of recording instruments of every kind, their line being the most complete in the world. They own over seventy-five patents upon inven- tions of Mr. Bristol and these instruments are today made for over two thousand uses. They occupy a large plant, having one hundred and seventy-five thousand square feet of floor space in buildings from one to six stories in height, which are equipped according to the most modern and progressive ideas of factory building. With four hundred highly skilled workmen used in production, their product is sent all over the world, adding to Waterbury's international fame as a manufacturing center. They have branch houses in many cities of the Union and various agencies in foreign lands, and their products are made known to the trade through a large number of descriptive and illustrated catalogues and trade bulletins.
In 1884 Mr. Bristol was united in marriage to Miss J. Louise Wright, of New York, who passed away in 1888. In 1899 he wedded Elise H. Myers, of Jersey City. He is identified with many scientific societies, including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, the American Electro-Chemical Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Society of Automobile Engineers. Mr. Bristol holds very high rank not only as a prac- tical business man and inventor but also as a scientist, and the productions of the company have established a standard in that line. Something of his ability, his mar - velous energy and his determination is indicated in the fact that he started out empty handed a quarter of a century ago and is the possessor not only of enviable financial success but even more of an enviable name and place in the scientific world.
FREDERICK W. LAWLOR.
Frederick W. Lawlor, engaged in the real estate and insurance business, was born in Waterbury, September 27, 1870, and since entering his present field has gained a good clientage and built up a profitable business in his native city. He is conducting his in- terests under the name of the United States Realty Company, of which he is vice presi- dent and treasurer. His father, the late Michael J. Lawlor, who died in 1912, was well known locally as a representative business man. He was born in Queens county, Ireland, and in early manhood came to the United States. After working in the coal mines of Pennsylvania for a time lie removed to Waterbury, where his remaining days were passed, covering more than a half century, he being eighty years of age at the time of his de- mise. He was three times married, the mother of Frederick W. Lawlor being his first wife. She bore the maiden name of Katherine Hickey, was born in Waterbury and died in 1881, her funeral being the first to cross the present Washington Avenue bridge. For his second wife Michael J. Lawlor chose Margaret Collins, who proved to be a most excellent stepmother to Frederick W. and his two brothers, Charles and George, and his sister, Mary E., who afterward became the wife of Harry Hull but is now deceased. Mrs. Margaret Lawlor passed away and Mr. Lawlor afterward wedded Johanna Keefe. His death, the death of his third wife and of his daughter, Mrs. Mary Hull, all occurred in the fall of 1912 within a period of eight weeks.
Frederick W. Lawlor attended the Waterbury public and parochial schools and was graduated from a business college of this city. For about a quarter of a century he was in the employ of the Waterbury Watch Company in various capacities, beginning work there when seventeen years of age. Long before severing his connection with that com- pany, however, he had been engaged in conducting real estate operations and established his present office in 1904. In 1911 he resigned his position with the watch company and has since devoted his entire attention to his real estate and insurance business, winning a large clientage which is indicative of the fact that he negotiates many important realty transfers. In 1913 he organized and incorporated the business under the name of the United States Realty Company, of which his brother-in-law, E. J. Bouffard, of Worcester, Massachusetts, became president, with Mr. Lawlor as the vice president and treasurer.
On the 18th of October, 1892, Mr. Lawlor was united in marriage to Miss Alice A. Bouffard of Waterbury, who is a native of Massachusetts. They have three sons, Harold B., Frederick D. and Ellsworth. A little daughter, Ethel, died at the age of nineteen months. The parents are members of St. Margaret's Roman Catholic church and Mr. Lawlor belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Woodmen of the World. He is a republi- can in politics and is a member of the Waterbury Chamber of Commerce, being interested in all of its projects for the npbuilding of the city, the extension of its trade relations and
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the upholding of its civic standards. He has worked his way up in the business world and what he has accomplished represents the fit utilization of his time, his talents and his opportunities.
ARTHUR B. HOLMES, D. D. S.
Dr. Arthur B. Holmes, engaged in the practice of dentistry in Waterbury, where he has spent his entire life, was born on the 21st of July, 1883, and after acquiring a public school education entered the Philadelphia Dental College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1907. He has since practiced his profession in Waterbury, starting out as the associate of his uncle, Dr. William O. Beecher. Dr. Holmes had been connected with Dr. Beecher's office from the age of sixteen years and it was this which interested him in the profession. In March, 1915, Dr. Beecher suffered a nervous breakdown, owing un- doubtedly to overwork, and has since been unable to perform professional duties, so that Dr. Holmes succeeded to the practice of the firm, the partnership between them having existed from 1907. Dr. Beecher was one of the most prominent dentists not only of Waterbury but of the state and recognition of his ability came to him in his election to the presidency of the State Dental Society.
Dr. Holmes was formerly president of the Waterbury Dental Society and he belongs to the Connecticut State Dental Society, the First District Dental Society of New York, the Northeastern Dental Association and the National Dental Association. He attends the conventions of these various societics and thus keeps in close touch with all that has to do with professional advancement. In politics he is a republican and in religious faith an Episcopalian.
On the 22d of November, 1908, Dr. Holmes was married to Miss Isabel Dorothy John- son, a native of Hartford, Connecticut, and a descendant of early settlers of Vermont. They have three children, Arlene, Arthur B. and Eleanor. Dr. Holmes and his family are promi- nently known socially and he draws his practice from Waterbury's leading and substantial citizens. His clientage is very extensive and his ability enables him to meet successfully every professional requirement.
GEORGE E. JUDD.
George E. Judd. banker, manufacturer and real estate dealer whose activities have been a valuable contribution to the upbuilding and development of Waterbury, was born in New Haven, Connecticut, December 1, 1857, a son of William Bruce and Maria (Edwards) Judd. The father was born in Bethlehem and the mother in Roxbury, Connecticut, and the former became a well known contractor and builder, who, removing to Waterbury, continued his residence here until his demise.
The public school system of New Haven afforded George E. Judd his educational oppor- tunities and privileges. Hc came to Waterbury in 1874, when a youth of seventeen years, and entered the employ of the Burcey Chemical Company. Later he was associated with the Naugatuck Railroad and in 1877 connected with the Waterbury National Bank, being appointed to the position of teller. In 1910 he became treasurer of the West Side Savings Bank. He has also conducted a real estate and insurance business since 1880, carrying this on as senior partner in the firm of Judd & Puffer for the past twelve years. His interests are thus broad and varied, showing him to be a resourceful business man, alert to his opportunities and active and energetic at all times. Aside from his banking and real estate interests he is the president and treasurer of the Mattatuck Manufacturing Company, which he established about 1897 for the manufacture of upholstery hardware. He now manufactures the National spring-bed fabric and brass and steel novelties. This is one of the most important industrial enterprises of southern Connecticut, furnishing employment to more than six hundred people.
On the 18th of July, 1901, Mr. Judd was married to Miss Nina Cowles, of Oakville, Connecticut, and they have two children, Stuart E. and Eloise E. The parents hold membership in the Second Congregational church and socially their position is an enviable one. Politieally Mr. Judd is a republican, believing firmly in the principles of the party. He has membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Waterbury Club and the Waterbury Country Club.
DR. ARTHUR B. HOLMES
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His plans of whatever nature are always well defined and he carries forward to suc- cessful completion whatever he undertakes. He has readily recognized and utilized oppor- tunities which others have passed heedlessly by and the basis of his successful accom- plishments ha's been determination, indefatigable effort and ready adaptability.
THEODORE F. NUHN.
Theodore F. Nuhn, of the real estate and insurance firm of Nuhn & Nuhn, was born in this city, January 23, 1879, a son of Frederick and Emma P. (Meyer)" Nuhn. The former, a native of Germany, came to the United States in 1859, when a lad of but four- teen years, and was thereafter a resident of Connecticut until his demise. He died in Waterbury, March 27, 1898, and is survived by his widow, who was born in Bridgeport, the daughter of Leonard and Katherine Meyer.
In the attainment of his education Theodore F. Nuhn completed the course in the Waterbury high school with the class of 1897. His father's death occurring soon after- ward, he continued the latter's business of tallow rendering and fertilizer manufacturing for a period of about two years when he sold to Valentine Bohl. In 1900 he joined his uncle, the late Theodore V. Meyer, in establishing the Model Laundry and became secretary and treasurer of the company. The business was soon established upon a successful basis and was conducted by the firm of Meyer & Nuhn until the 18th of February, 1910, when fire destroyed the plant. Not long afterward Mr. Nuhn sold his interest to his uncle and from that time to the present has devoted his entire attention to real estate and insur- ance. In 1912 he was joined in partnership by his brother, Frederick L. Nuhn, at which time the firm of Nuhn & Nuhn purchased the real estate and insurance business at No. 50 Bank street, which had been owned and conducted for many years by C. H. Hart, who removed to Seattle, Washington, and who had founded the business many years before. The firm of Nuhn & Nuhn has expanded its interests until it is now one of the leading real estate firms of Waterbury.
On the 24th of April, 1907, Mr. Nuhn was united in marriage to Miss Ethel Freeman Martin, a daughter of the late Captain T. R. Martin, of Waterbury, who won distinction in the Civil war as captain of the Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry, Duryea's Zouaves. Mr. and Mrs. Nuhn have two children: Elizabeth Irwin, born March 26, 1913; and Richard Martin, born May 6, 1917. The parents hold membership in Trinity Episcopal church and Mr. Nuhn has figured quite prominently in political circles as a supporter of the republican party. He was alderman from the third ward in 1912-13 and commissioner of the board of public works from 1912 to 1918, serving one term under Mayor F. T. Reeves and two terms under Mayor Martin Scully. He belongs to the Rotary Club and also to the Water- bury Chamber of Commerce and he is in entire sympathy with every movement for the up- building and progress of the city, giving his support at all times to those interests which are a matter of civic virtue and of civic pride.
CHARLES WALZER.
Charles Walzer, president of the Waterbury Mattress Company, has been identified with this business since 1905 and became proprietor thereof in 1909. He was a little lad of but six years when with his parents he came to the new world, the family arriving in New York city in 1887. He is a son of Samuel and Rose Walzer and while spending his youth- ful days under the parental roof he acquired a public school education. His father estab- - lished a mattress manufacturing business in New York city and it was there that Charles Walzer learned the trade, acquainting himself with every phase of the business. In 1905, when about twenty-four years of age, he came to Waterbury and entered into partner- ship with D. B. Rosenfeldt who had conducted the business since 1891 under the name of the Waterbury Mattress Manufacturing Company. The partnership continued for four years and then, in 1909, Mr. Walzer purchased the business, which he organized under the name of the Waterbury Mattress Company. It was incorporated with Charles Walzer as secretary, treasurer and general manager, while Morris Walzer became president and R. L. Walzer vice president. The present officers are: Charles Walzer, president and treasurer; Morris Walzer, vice president; and R. L. Walzer, secretary. The factory is a two story building thirty by two hundred feet. Twenty people are employed, their
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skilled labor being utilized in the manufacture of mattress springs and couches, and the product is sold to jobbers and furniture dealers throughout New England. The trade has grown steadily, the production being now ten times as great as it was in 1909, when Mr. Walzer purchased the business-which speaks volumes for his business ability and enter- prise.
In August, 1907, Mr. Walzer was united in marriage to Miss Rose L. Datz, of New York city, and their children are David, Morton and William. Mr. Walzer holds member- ship in the Independent Order of B'nai B'rith, the Independent Order of B'rith Abraham and is also a member of the Friendship Social Club. He concentrates his efforts and attention largely upon his business interests, which are continually growing under his wise manage- ment. He has ever recognized that indefatigable energy and persistency of purpose are the indispensable elements of success and he has utilized those qualities in the upbuilding of his trade.
HIX F. COLLIER, D. O.
Dr. Hix F. Collier, an osteopathic practitioner of Waterbury located at No. 133 Main street, was born in Franklin, Kentucky, May 3, 1876. His father, Robert Hix Collier, a merchant, died during the boyhood of his son, Hix F. Collier. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Almeda Carter, was a native of Virginia and she, too, has passed away. The family comes of Welch and English ancestry.
Dr. Collier was reared in his' native city and after acquiring a high school education began working at the printer's trade in the office of the Franklin Favorite, of which his brother, John R. Collier, who was many years his senior, was proprietor. The latter was a boyhood friend of Opie Read, both learning the trade together in the plant of the Franklin Favorite. Some years ago John R. Collier passed away in Louisville, Kentucky. After devoting some years to the printing business Hix F. Collier took up the study ot osteopathy and was graduated from the Southern School of Osteopathy in Franklin, Ken- tucky, with the class of 1902. Later that institution was absorbed by the school at Kirks- ville, Missouri. He began practice at Columbia, South Carolina, being the first osteopathic practitioner in the state. There he remained for seven years but since 1909 has maintained an office in Waterbury, where he is now accorded a very large and gratifying practice.
On the 13th of June, 1914, Dr. Collier was married to Dr. Myrtle Catron, also an osteopathic practitioner, who was graduated from the school at Kirksville, Missouri, and is still active in the profession. Dr. Collier is a Mason and also an Elk. He belongs to the Waterbury Club and he is a member of St. John's Episcopal church. He belongs to the Connecticut State Osteopathic Society and to the American Osteopathic Association and he keeps abreast with a line of study which is engaging the attention of the most progressive members of the profession.
HON. RICHARD T. HIGGINS.
Hon. Richard T. Higgins is a well known citizen of Winsted, Connecticut, whose high position is indicated in the fact that he has been chosen as president of the public utilities commission. He was born in Washington, this state, September 24, 1865, the eldest son of Edward and Mary (Crowley) Higgins, both of whom were natives of Ireland but have now passed away. They became acquainted and were married in New Milford, Connecticut. The father, who was born in County Kilkenny, Ireland, devoted his life to the occupation of farming and was called to his final rest September 22, 1901, at the age of sixty-three years. His wife was born in County Westmeath, Ireland, and passed away January 2, 1908. Both came to the United States in early life. They became the parents of three children, Catherine, Richard T. and Bernard E. The daughter became the wife of Martin Dooley and both have passed away but four children survive them. Bernard E. Higgins is a well known lawyer of Torrington mentioned elsewhere in this work.
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