USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Waterbury > History of Waterbury and the Naugatuck Valley, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 12
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LEROY BENTLEY HURLBUT.
LeRoy Bentley Hurlbut, treasurer of the Mechanics Savings Bank of Winsted, was born in Goshen, Connecticut, February 18, 1884, a son of the late Clark Willis Hurlbut, who died in Brooklyn, New York, fourteen years ago, after having resided in that city for four years. He formerly was a resident of Goshen, Connecticut, and for a period made his home in Torrington, while still later he lived in Winsted. He was a railroad man, con- nected with the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad in many responsible positions. He was once freight and ticket agent at East Litchfield, was freight agent at Torring- ton and passenger agent at the West Winsted station. In early manhood lie wedded Georgiana Lavinia Bentley, who since his demise has become the wife of Frank W. Rossiter, of North Haven, Connecticut.
LeRoy B. Hurlbut was educated in the schools of Torrington and of Winsted, re- ceiving a thorough training and thus becoming well qualified for life's practical and respon- sible duties. He left school at the age of sixteen years in order to earn his own living and entered the employ of the First National Bank of Winsted as messenger boy and general helper. He remained in that bank for seven years, gradually working his way upward from one position to another of greater responsibility. The First National Bank is situated in the adjoining building to the Mechanics Savings Bank, in which Mr. Hurlbut now occupies the position of treasurer. He became connected with the latter institution in September, 1907, as a clerk and in 1911 he was appointed secretary of the bank. He was afterward made assistant treasurer and in April, 1917, was elected both secretary and treasurer, in which connections he still continues. His life record to this time covers thirty-three years, of which seventeen years have been devoted to the banking busi- ness in Winsted in these two banks, which for many years were housed in the same roon, but since 1907 have occupied separate buildings in the Bank block on Main street. Mr. Hurl- but has become thoroughly familiar with the banking business in every phase; he is most accurate and systematic in all that he undertakes and his reliability and progres- siveness have been important features in the successful conduct of the institution of which he is now an officer. The name of Hurlbut has been closely associated with banking interests in the Naugatuck valley for many years and LeRoy B. Hurlbut now has a brother, Ralph Willis Hurlbut, who is assistant cashier of the Citizens National Bank of Waterbury.
On the 8th of November, 1905, Mr. Hurlbut was united in marriage to . Miss Elsic Alta
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Holman, a native of Winsted and the only daughter of Andrew and Lillie Holman. Mr. Hurlbut is a member of the Winsted Club and also of the First Congregational ehureh. The principles which have governed his life are such as make for honorable manhood and his worth as a eitizen and as a business man is widely acknowledged.
THE STANDARD WIRE DIE COMPANY.
The Standard Wire Die Company was organized in 1914 with Frederick Quigley as president, Irving Spiers as vice president, J. P. Wall as secretary and H. W. Quigley as treasurer. They manufacture dies for drawing wire and diamond tools of all deseriptions, including those for turning hardened steel pinions, rubber fiber, ete., with drills for drilling glass and eyeglasses and dies for gauges of from five ten-thousandths of an ineh to one-sixteenth of an ineh in diameter. They employ twenty highly skilled workmen and have factories in New York, Worcester and Waterbury.
GEORGE ALBERT LEWIS.
George Albert Lewis, whose connection with the development of the rubber industry in Naugatuek placed him with its leading citizens, ever deserved the high position to which he attained as a business man and also in the regard of his fellow citizens. His life was actuated by high principles and stimulated by laudable ambition and during all the years of his residenee in Naugatuek he enjoyed the high regard and the warm respect of those with whom he was associated. He was a son of Samuel J. Lewis and was born in Sharon, Connectieut, February 11, 1843. To the publie schools of New Haven and of Middletown he was indebted for his educational privileges and after his textbooks were put aside he devoted four years to service in the employ of the M. & C. T. Camp Company of Winsted, Connecticut. With the outbreak of the Civil war, however, he became connected with the commissary department of the army in a clerical capacity and through that period was in the south.
Mr. Lewis beeame a resident of Naugatuek in 1864 and sinee then his name has been inseparably connected with the growth of the rubber industry. The family name has always figured prominently in connection with the rubber trade, for his father was the first president of the Goodyear Metallie Rubber Shoe Company and with his removal to Naugatuck George Albert Lewis entered the employ of this company in the capacity of bookkeeper. His marked business ability and enterprise, however, won him promotion and he advanced rapidly from one position of responsibility to another until he became the secretary of the company, later treasurer and finally president and general manager, whieli position he held for over thirty years. He was thus connected with the Goodyear Metallic Rubber Shoe Company until 1898, when he and his associates founded the Beacon Falls Rubber Shoe Company. He remained its president from that date until his demise and his wise direction of its interests constituted the most important element in its growth. There was no feature of the rubber trade and rubber manufacturing with which he was not familiar. He studied the question from every possible phase and standpoint and thus gave evidence of one of his strong characteristics-the thoroughness with which he accomplished anything that he undertook. He also figured prominently in financial cireles. He was the last of the original incorporators of the Naugatuek Savings Bank, of which he served as vice president from 1879 until 1896. He was also a most prominent factor in the management of the Naugatuek National Bank, having held the office of president from its organization until his demise, being reeleeted to that position only a few weeks prior to his death. His wide experience and sound judgment made his service to both these banking institutions invaluable and his loss has been greatly felt among his colleagues and those business organizations. He was also identified with several other corporations of a semi-publie character and in every undertaking with which he was connected his experience and judgment played an important part.
On the 16th of May, 1867, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage to Miss Emma F. Lewis, who passed away March 6, 1899. There was but one ehild by that marriage, Traey S., who is now the president of the Beacon Falls Rubber Shoe Company. On the 20th of March, 1900, Mr. Lewis was married to Miss Harriet F. Rossiter, a daughter of S. F. Rossiter, of Claremont, New Hampshire, and of this marriage was born a son, George Albert, Jr.
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Holman, a native of Winsted and the only daughter of Andrew and Lille Holman. Mr. Hurlbut is a member of the Winsted Club and also of the First Congregational elmirch. The principles which have governed his life are such as make for honorable manhood and his worth as a citizen and as a business inan is widely acknowledged.
THE STANDARD WIRE DIE COMPANY.
The Standard Wire Die Company was organized in 1914 with Frederick Quigley as president, Irving Spiers as vice president, J. P. Wall as secretary and H. W. Quigley as treasurer. They manufacture dies for drawing wire and diamond tools of all descriptions, including those for turning hardened steel pinions, rubber fiber, etc., with drills for elrilling glass and eyeglasses and dies for ganges of from five ten-thousandths of an inch to one-sixteenth of an inch in diameter. They employ twenty highly skilled workmen and have factories in New York, Worcester and Waterbury.
Weurge Albert Lewis, where connection with the development of the rubber industry in www. afuck placed him with its leading citizens, over deserved the high position to which he ctaed as a far nese man and also in the regard of his fellow citizens. His life was itnated by high principles and stimulated by laudable ambition and during all the years of his residence in Naugatuck he enjoyed the high regard and the warm respect of those with whom he was associated. He was a son of Samuel J. Lewis and was born in Sharon, fonno ticut. February 11, 1843. To the public schools of New Haven and of Middletown he was indebted for his educational privileges and after his textbooks were put aside he devoted four years to service in the employ of the M & C. T. Camp Company of Winsted, Connectiont With the outbreak of the Civil vir, however, he became connected with the commissary department of the trity in a phericet capacity and through that period was in the south,
Mr Lewis became a resident of Naugatuck in cs and ne then he name has been inseparably connected with the growth of the rubber und iste I'm Mic'ly name has always figured prominently in connection with the rubber trade for lns father was the first president of the Goodyear Metallic Rubber Shoe Compare and with his removal to Naugatuck George Albert Lewis entered the employ of this company in the capacity of lookkooper. His marked business ability and enterprise, however, won him promotion and he advanced rapidly from one position of responsibility to another until he became the secretary of the company, later treasurer and finally president and general manager, which position he held for over thirty years. He was thus connected with the Goodyear Metallic Rubber Shoe Company until 140% when he and his associates foun led the Beacon Falls Rubber Shoe Company Ile ren med its president from that dote mutil his demise and his wise direction of it interests constituted the most important clement in its growth. There was to trang of i'ne gabber trade and rubber manufacturing with which he was not familiar. question fr as every possible phase and standpoint and thus gave evidence of and wai dring denemistics the thoroughness with which he accomplished anithing that m figured prominently in financial circles. He was the last of the right brand of the Naugatuck Savings Bank, of which he served as vice president frino In: cont! . .. I. v as also a most prominent factor in the management of the Naugatu l Satoned Bank, barber held the office of president from its organization until His demise being reelected to that position only a few weeks prior to his death. His wide experience and sound judgment made bis service to both these banking institutions invaluable and his loss has been greatly felt among his colleagnes and those business organizations. He was also identified with several other corporations of a semi-public character and in every undertaking with which he was connected his experience and judgment played an important part.
On the 16th of May, 1867, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage to Miss Emma F. Lewis, who passed away March 6, 1899. There was but one child by that marriage, Tracy S., who is now the president of the Beacon Falls Rubber Shoe Company. On the 20th of March, 1900, M .. Lewis was married to Miss Harriet F. Rossiter, a daughter of S. F.'. Rossiter, of Claremont, . .. Hampshh . and of this marriage was born a son, George Albert, Jr.
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Yes. a. Tears
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Mr. Lewis was long a consistent and faithful member of the Congregational church. Those who knew him esteemed him most highly because of his fidelity to every cause which he espoused and to every principle to which he adhered. He stood as a man among men, strong in his ability to plan and perform, strong in his honor and his good name. He and his father were pioneers in the rubber industry of Naugatuck and thus were most active in furthering the material development of the city. They brought about the growth of interests of the most far-reaching importance, furnishing employment to hundreds, and both were representatives of that class of men to whom opportunity is ever the call to action.
JOSEPH D. HARTNETT, M. D.
Dr. Joseph D. Hartnett, a practicing physician and surgeon of Winsted, was born at New Marlboro, Massachusetts, February 21, 1886, and came to Winsted with his parents when three years of age. His father was the late John J. Hartnett, who died April 7, 1910, after devoting many years to the livery and trucking business. His widow, who in her maidenhood was Mary Sullivan, yet survives and both parents were natives of Ireland.
Dr. Hartnett attended the local and parochial schools of Winsted until he reached the age of fifteen years, after which he pursued a course in the Winsted Business College, mastering bookkeeping, stenography and typewriting. He later spent one year as stenog- rapher and bookkeeper with the Vulcan Manufacturing Company of Winsted and afterward entered the employ of the Adams Express Company, while still later he was an employe of the Southern New England Bell Telephone Company, occupying that position for three years. He felt that that field did not offer him the opportunities which he desired, however, for he was actuated by a laudable ambition and he at length determined to follow a pro- fessional career. Deciding upon the practice of medicine as a life work, he then began studying in 1907 under the direction of Dr. W. S. Hulbert and in 1911 he was graduated from the medical department of the University of Maryland after pursuing a four years' course in the medical college of that institution. He put his theoretical training to the practical test in fourteen months' experience in St. Francis Hospital of Hartford, where he occupied the position of house surgeon. This was a most valuable training, bringing him broad knowledge and experience which could never be as quickly gained in any other way as in hospital practice. In August, 1912, he opened an office in Winsted, where he soon acquired a splendid patronage and through the intervening period there have been constant demands made upon him for professional care. He is a member of the Litchfield County, the Connecticut State and the American Medical Associations and thus keeps abreast with the trend of modern scientific thought, investigation and methods of practice.
Dr. Hartnett is a Roman Catholic in religious faith and is a member of the Knights of Columbus. He is likewise a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Loyal Order of Moose and is a member of the Winsted Chamber of Commerce, being in hearty sympathy with the plans and purposes of the latter organization in relation to the upbuilding of the city, the extension of its trade relations and the upholding of its civic standards.
HON. LUMAN CATLIN COLT.
For a half century Hon. Luman Catlin Colt has figured in the business circles of Winsted in connection with the Strong Manufacturing Company and he has also been an active factor in public affairs, doing everything in his power to advance the develop- ment and upbuilding of the city along material, intellectual, social and moral lines. His philanthropies are many and the work which he has done in connection with leading benev- olent institutions has resulted largely in ameliorating the hard conditions of life for the unfortunate.
Mr. Colt is a native of Torringford, Litchfield county, Connecticut, born on the 20th of January, 1849. His father, Henry Colt, a farmer by occupation, passed away in the year 1876. The mother bore the maiden name of Chloe Catlin and died in 1882. Both the Colt and Catlin families have long been established in Connecticut. To the former family belonged the inventor of the Colt revolver. In the maternal line Luman C. Colt is de- scended from Jacob Catlin, who served in the Revolutionary war, and thus he came to his membership with the Sons of the American Revolution.
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After attending the publie schools of Connecticut, Luman C. Colt continued his eduea- tion in the Wesleyan Academy of Wilbraham, Massachusetts, and in 1868 came to Win- sted, then a youth of nineteen years. Sinee that date, or for a period of a half century, he has been eonneeted with the Strong Manufacturing Company, a eoneern which is en- gaged in the manufacture of easket hardware and undertakers' dry goods. The business was founded in 1865 by David and Clark Strong, brothers, and some others. Henry G. Colt was its agent at the time of his death in 1897, when he was sueeeeded by Luman Catlin Colt as managing agent of the eoneern, in which eapaeity he has sinee continued. The Colt and Strong families are closely connected not only by business ties but also through marriage. David Strong was twice married and both of his wives were sisters of Luman C. Colt. Harvey L. Roberts, the secretary and treasurer of the Strong Manufacturing Company, is a cousin of Luman C. Colt, while Frederick Strong, its president, is his nephew. The business has reached large and gratifying proportions under eapable management and is one of the chief productive industries of this seetion of the state.
On the 11th of October, 1870, Mr. Colt was united in marriage to Miss Virginia Tuttle, who passed away September 9, 1892, leaving three children: Charles Henry, Leila R. and George Tuttle. The two sons are both connected with the Strong Manufacturing Company and both are married. The elder son, Charles H. Colt, wedded Blanehe Durlaeker and they have beeome parents of three daughters: Virginia, Franees and Charline. Charles H. Colt resides with his family at Oak Park, Illinois. The younger son, George Tuttle Colt, mar- ried Jessie Blackman and they make their home in Torrington, Connecticut. They have one son, John B. Charles H. Colt represents the Strong Manufacturing Company in the northwest, while George T. Colt is its representative in New England. The daughter, Leila R., is the wife of Timothy Hulbert, of Mount Vernon, New York. On the 30th of January, 1896, Luman C. Colt was again married, his second union being with Minnie A. Hill, of Unionville, Connectieut, who passed away June 9, 1906.
In polities Mr. Colt has long been a stalwart republican and in 1893 he represented his district in the state legislature. He has also filled a number of local offices, the duties of which he has discharged with promptness and fidelity. He served as warden of the borough of Winsted for one term, was the first seleetman for two terms and is one of the trustees of the Gilbert school and of the William L. Gilbert Home. He is likewise a member and one of the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is a direetor of the Young Men's Christian Association. He takes an active and helpful interest in all that pertains to the moral progress of the community and the upholding of high standards of manhood and citizenship. He belongs to the Winsted Club and is appreciative of the social amenities of life. At the same time he fully recognizes the duties and obligations which devolve upon him and is true and loyal to every trust reposed in him. His entire eareer has been characterized by a spirit of progressiveness and thus he has gained for himself the honorable position which he occupies in business circles and in other relations.
WILLIAM W. MERTZ.
William W. Mertz, president of the W. W. Mertz Company of Torrington and thus the chief executive head of a large department store, was born in Bennington, Vermont, August 30, 1863. His father, Jacob Mertz, a potter by trade, was born in Germany and came to the United States with his parents when but a year old. The grandfather, Conrad Mertz, located with his family at Bennington, where both of the grandparents spent their remaining days. Jacob Mertz was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Wiese, who was born in Germany and eame to the United States with two brothers and a sister when she was eighteen years of age, their parents having previously died in Germany, where their father served as an officer in the German army.
William W. Mertz was a lad of thirteen years when in 1876 the family removed from Bennington, Vermont, to Hartford, Connecticut, where his parents, who had been married in Springfield, Massachusetts, spent their remaining days. In their family were five children, three of whom are living. Frank M. resides in New Haven, while the sister is Mrs. Carrie Heyer, of Hartford.
The other member of the family is William W. Mertz, who was a pupil in the public schools of Bennington and of Hartford. His early education also ineluded a thorough eourse in a Hartford business college, in which he completed his studies at the age of eightcen. A satisfactory position not being then in sight, he was retained in the business college for a year as one of the instructors, and later he went to Bellows Falls, Vermont, where for two and
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After attending the public schools of Connecticut, Luman C. Colt continued his educa- tion in the We levan Academy of Wilbraham, Massachusetts, and in 1868 came to Win- sted, then a youth of nineteen years. Since that date, or for a period of a half century, he has been connected with the Strong Manufacturing Company, a concern which is en- gavel in the manufacture of casket hardware and undertakers' dry goods. The business was founded in 1865 by David and Clark Strong, brothers, and some others. Henry G. C'olt was ils agent at the time of his death in 1897, when he was succeeded by Luman Catlin Colt as managing agent of the concern, in which capacity he has since continued. The Colt and Strong families are closely connected not only by business ties but also through marriage. David Strong was twice married and both of his wives were sisters of Luman (. Colt. Harvey L. Roberts. the secretary and treasurer of the Strong Manufacturing Company, is a cousin of Luman C. Colt, while Frederick Strong, its president, is his nephew. The business has reached large and gratifying proportions under capable management and is one of the chief productive industries of this section of the state.
On the 11th of October, 1870, Mr. Colt was united in marriage to Miss Virginia Tuttle, who passed away September 9, 1892, leaving three children: Charles Henry, Leila R. and George Tuttle. The two sons are both connected with the Strong Manufacturing Company and both are married. The elder son, Charles Il. Conf, wedded Blue Le Dualacker and they have become parents of three daughters: Virginia. Fran es and Charlie. Charles H. Colt resides with his family at Oak Park, Illinois. The younger son, George Tuttle Colt, mar- ried Tessie Blackman and they make their home in Torrington, Connecticut. They have one win. John P Charles H. Colt represents the Strong Manufacturing Company in the northwest, while (rm), & 1. Colt is its representative in New England. The daughter, Imola R. is the wife . Tubothy Hulbert, of Mount Vernon, New York. On the 30th of Domuery. 1996, Emman C. C ff was again married, his second union being with Minnic A. :11), of Unionville, Connecticut, who passed away June 9, 1906.
in jointes Mr. Colt has long been a stalwart republican and in 1893 he represented Wie tout of the state legislature. He has also filled a number of local offices, the duties of which " has discharged with promptness and fidelity. He- served as warden of the borough of Winsted for one term, was the first selectman for two terms and is one of the trustees of the Gill t. scoort and of the William L .. Gilbert Home. He is likewise a member and one of the trustees of the Methodi Discopal church and he is a director of the Young Men's Christian Association. He toker an Jetive and helpful interest in all that pertains to the moral progress of the community allt Ling of high standards
- Ile belongs to theWh; appreciative of the
and obligations
1 Ti jug. His entire
1 he has gained for
- nde , di ther relations.
NIELSEN W MERTZ.
William H jaCent of the W. W Mertz Company of Torrington and thus the ducf executive head of a large department store, was born in Bennington, Vermont, August 30, 1.63 His father, Jacob Mertz, a potter by trade, was born in Germany and came to the United States with his parents when but a year old. The grandfather, Conrad Mertz, located with his family at Bennington, where both of the grandparents spent their remaining days. Jacob Mertz was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Wiese, who was born in Germany and came to the United States with two brothers and a sister when she was eighteen years of age, their parents having previously died in Germany, where their father served as an officer in the German army.
William W. Mertz was a lad of thirteen years when in 1876 the family removed from Bennington, Vermont, to Hartford, Connecticut, where his parents, who had been married in Springfield, Massachusetts, spent their remaining days. In their family were five children three of whom are living. Frank M. resides in New Haven, while the sister is Mrs. Carris Heyer, of Hartford.
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