USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Waterbury > History of Waterbury and the Naugatuck Valley, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 20
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sive stock. In busy seasons he employs from twelve to fifteen men painters and paper hangers, who are needed in executing the contracts which Mr. Kilmer receives and he has built up this flourishing business in the short space of ten years. At the time of his marriage he had but twenty dollars to his name, one-half of which he gave to his wife, while with the other half he started in business. From that humble beginning he has steadily advanced and his position among the leading merchants of the city is most creditable and enviable.
It was on the 4th of September, 1908, that Mr. Kilmer wedded Miss Mary J. Mathew- son and they have two children, Hattie and Charlotte. Mr. and Mrs. Kilmer are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and the former belongs to the Chamber of Commerce. He is interested in those things which work for moral progress and for civic betterment and bis influence is always on the side of advancement and improvement.
THERON NASH BRONSON.
Theron Nash Bronson, who is proprietor of a real estate and insurance business at No. 512 Main street in Winsted, was born at Winchester Center, four miles from Winsted, on the 8th of May, 1884. He is a son of the late Wilbur M. Bronson, formerly a well known citizen, who passed away in 1903. The father was prominent in both business circles and in connection with public affairs. He was a member of the coal and lumber firm of Bronson Brothers for many years and displayed marked enterprise in whatever he undertook, whether for his personal gain or for the benefit of public interests. His wife bore the maiden name of Susan S. Nash and is still living at Winchester Center. They were married about 1880 and became the parents of five children: Marjorie A., who is the wife of Thomas C. Brett, of West Haven, Connecticut; Theron N., of this review; Wilbur B .; Robert L .; and Helen M. Bronson. Wilbur B. and Robert L. Bronson are both members of the One Hundred and Seventh United States Infantry.
Theron Nash Bronson was graduated from the Pratt Institute of Brooklyn, New York, in 1906, after completing a course in architecture. He later spent one year with an architectural firm in New York city and subsequently devoted eight or ten years to archi- tectural and engineering work with various firms in different states. The year 1911 found him in Salem, Oregon, whither he had gone because of his health. Later he was employed with the architectural firm of White & McMahon, of Hartford. In December, 1916, he pur- chased the real estate and insurance business of Gilbert L. Hart at No. 512 Main street. He now gives his entire attention to this and has won an extensive clientage.
On the 24th of June, 1916, Mr. Bronson was united in marriage to Miss Alice E. Babe of Springfield. Massachusetts, who was born in Winsted, Connecticut, her parents being Frank O. and Edna (Jessup, Babb. Mr. Bronson belongs to the Congregational church at Winchester Center and he is a member of the Winsted Home Guard.
JOHN LAYMAN PIERPONT.
John Lyman Firpont. deceased, who for many years was a well known wholesale meat dealer of Waterbury and one of its most public-spirited citizens, was born at the old Pierpont homestead. Fast Farms. February 10, 1849. He was a descendant of one of the oldest and best known families of the Naugatuck valley. The ancestry is traced back to Robert Ale Pierpont, or Robert of the Stone Bridge, who went with William the Conqueror to England. One of his descendants, another Robert Pierpont, was created Earl of King- stone in 1628. He had two brothers, including William Pierpont, who was the father of James Pierpont, the latter becoming the founder of the American branch of the family. His two sons were John and Robert. The former became a resident of Roxbury, Massa- chusetts, and married Thankful Stowe. Their son, James Pierpont, was born January 4, 1659, and was graduated from Harvard College in 1681, becoming pastor of the Center church of New Haven on the 2d of July, 1684. He was married October 27, 1691, to Abigail Davenport, a daughter of the Rev. John Davenport. She passed away February 3, 1692, and on the 30th of May, 1694, James Pierpont married Sarah Haynes, a grand- daughter of Governor Haynes. Her death occurred October 27, 1696, and James Pierpont was married July 6, 1698, his third wife being Mary Hooker, a granddaughter of the Rev. Thomas Hooker, of Hartford.
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The first of the Pierpont family to locate in this section was Ezra Pierpont, who wedded Mary Blakeslee, a native of North Haven and a daughter of Isaac Blakeslee. Her death occurred September 28, 1827, and Ezra Pierpont passed away January 7, 1842. They were the parents of five ehildren, including Austin Pierpont, who was born May 19, 1791. He became a landowner and farmer at East Farms, Waterbury, and there the greater part of his life was passed. On the 20th of February, 1812, he wedded Sally Beecher, a daughter of Enos Beecher, and they became the parents of nine children.
Enos Augustus Pierpont, the eldest of their family, was born at East Farms, January 8, 1815, and attended the district schools while spending his youthful days upon the home place. He took up agricultural pursuits but later turned his attention to the butchering business and became the first retail meat dealer in Waterbury. The enterprise proved a successful one for a considerable period. He entered into partnership with Charles Scott and later his sons, John L. and Edward A. Pierpont, were associated with him in the profitable conduct of the business for more than a third of a century. He mnade his home at East Farms, where he cultivated a tract of land, adding many improvements thereto, and upon that place he passed away March 10, 1883, his remains being interred in the East Farms cemetery. His political allegiance was first given to the whig party and afterward he joined the ranks of the newly organized republican party. His religious faith was indicated in his membership in St. John's Episcopal church. He was a man noted for his honesty and integrity and his many upright traits of character as well as his devotion to his home and family. No better indication of his character and the high regard in which he was held can be given than by quoting from the Waterbury American of March 15, 1883, which said: "As the years roll by, the living links that bind the Water- bury of the past with the present are one by one giving way, and soon those who were connected with the country village of Waterbury fifty years ago, and were the active citizens of that day will have all been 'gathered to their fathers' by those who, in their turn, shall follow them. In the death of Mr. Enos A. Pierpont, one of the old-time citizens has been removed, and his familiar face and pleasant greeting will be missed by the older residents of Waterbury. For more than fifty years he had been an active and useful citi- zen. following his vocation from early manhood up to within three weeks of his death. At one time he was, we believe, the only marketman and butcher in Waterbury, and, by faithful attention to business and honest dealing, had secured a competence which all through these years has been used with modest and unassuming liberality. It is said of him, that in all the time he had been in business he had never refused to furnish his customers or the poor when they were unable to pay. His hands and heart were ever open to the call of the poor and suffering, or the church of which he was a faithful and devoted communicant for more than forty years, and of which he was a vestryman for nearly thirty years. He also. many times, represented St. John's parish at the conventions of the church. Mr. Pierpont was born at East Farms (where his father and grandfather lived before him) in 1815, and died March 10, 1883. He was twice married and the father of six children. A good man has gone to his rest. leaving an example of honesty, integrity, industry and Christian charity worthy of all imitation. It would seem that something more than & mere passing notice should be made of the death of one who was 'to the manor born,' and who has been so long and honorably identified with the business of his native town."
Enos A. Pierpont was married twice. He first wedded Ann Morse, who was born in Cheshire and died in 1844, her grave being made in East Farms cemetery. She was a member of the Episcopal church and a lady of many excellent qualities. By that marriage there were six children: David Watson, who died in Waterbury; Sarah, who died after reaching womanhood; Eunice, who passed away in young womanhood; Edward A .; John L .; and Harriet Amelia, who resides on the old homestead. For his second wife Enos A. Pierpont chose Abiah Morse, a sister of his former wife, and she passed away in 1889, her remains also being interred in East Farms cemetery. She, too, was loyal in her devotion to the Episcopal church, in which she long held membership.
Edward A. Pierpont, the only living son of Enos A. Pierpont, was born on the old family homestead and was educated in the public schools and in Bassett's select school. His youthful experiences were those of the farm bred boy and in young manhood he broadened his experiences by spending some years in the west. Later he became associated with his father and brother, John L., in the retail meat business and for many years was member of the firm of Pierpont Brothers Company, wholesale meat dealers, which business was successfully conducted until 1904, when they sold out. Since that time Mr. Pierpont has resided at the homestead, where his sister, Harriet A., also lives. He married Miss Minnie Upson.
John Lyman Pierpont, the youngest son of Enos A. Pierpont, was educated in the local Vol. III-7
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school and pursued a business course in a commercial college at New Haven. He was reared upon the homestead farm and was associated with his father in all the latter's enterprises during the father's active business life. After his father retired from business in 1871, Mr. Pierpont and his brother Edward successfully continued the business at Exchange Place for a period of ten years, after which they disposed of their retail interests to William Riether. They then became engaged in the wholesale meat business and through their strict attention to their interests and reliable business methods they built up an extensive trade, establishing one of the leading wholesale meat houses in the Naugatuck valley. John L. Pierpont was thus engaged until 1904, when the business was sold and from that time on he gave his attention to real estate dealing. He bought the Baxter farm at East Farms, near the place where he was born, and this he developed, dividing it into building lots and becoming an extensive real estate operator in that section of the city. His house, now occupied by his widow, he erected as a home for himself and family, but only three weeks after it was completed he passed away. The Waterbury & New Haven electric line crossed his property and he built the Pierpont station for the accommodation of the public in that vicinity.
Mr. Pierpont was ever a most public-spirited citizen, devoted to the welfare of his community and at all times cooperating in well defined plans and movements for the progress and upbuilding of the district in which he lived. He was keenly interested, too, in the moral welfare and held membership in St. John's Episcopal church. He was broad minded and liberal in his views, a man of tolerance and kindly spirit and was much devoted to the welfare of his family, his life record being largely the expression of an ideal relation- ship of husband and father. His political endorsement was given to the republican party and he was ever a good citizen. He died May 22, 1910, and was laid to rest in Mill Plain cemetery. Many friends mourned his loss and among them were his associates in the Masonic fraternity, for he was long an exemplary representative of Harmony Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and Clark Commandery, K. T.
In 1877, in Waterbury, Mr. Pierpont was united in marriage to Miss Julia H. Thompson, who was born in Rockville, Tolland county, Connecticut, a daughter of William C. Thompson, and they became the parents of one child, Lily A. During their married life Mr. and Mrs. Pierpont made their home on North Willow street in Waterbury and since her husband's death Mrs. Pierpont has occupied the residence which her husband built at East Farms. She is a lady of keen perception and sound business judgment and since the death of Mr. Pierpont has suceessfully managed the real estate business which Mr. Pierpont founded and developed. Success has attended her efforts and she gives much time and attention to the business. She built the Baxter station opposite her home and her activities in the real estate field have been effective in promoting publie progress in many ways.
Mrs. Pierpont was formerly a member of the Episcopal church but in 1900 she adopted the Christian Science faith promoted by Mrs. Eddy and in the work of the church she takes a most active and helpful interest. She became a member of the Church of Christ Scientist in Waterbury and was reader there for several years. She is widely recognized as a lady of liberal culture and broad intelligenee whose activities along all lines have been most wisely directed, bringing splendid results.
Lily A. Pierpont, the only child of John Lyman and Julia H. (Thompson) Pierpont, was born in Waterbury and was graduated from St. Margaret's school, after which she studied for a year in New Haven at Miss Livermore's school. She next went to Boston, where she studied kindergarten work at the Lucy Wheelock Kindergarten School, and on completing her course returned to Waterbury, becoming kindergarten teacher in St. Margaret's school and its first teacher in that branch of work. At the end of five yeas of successful teaching her health became so impaired that she was forced to give up her kindergarten work. She took up the study of Christian Science and adopted its teachings, like her mother and aunt, and was ever after a faithful member of the church and a firm believer in the doctrine of divine healing. Her innate culture and high attainments made her greatly beloved and one of her marked characteristics was her devotion to her parents. She passed out of this life July 17, 1914, and was laid to rest in Mill Plain cemetery. She had been vice presi- dent of St. Margaret's Alumni Association and active in its work. She was extraordinarily fond of art and literature and after her death her mother presented to the East Farms school over three hundred volumes of which she had been the possessor-a gift which was greatly appreciated.
Mrs. Pierpont's father, William C. Thompson, was a shoemaker in his younger days and later engaged in the butchering business, making his home at Rockville, Tolland county, where he passed away while still in the prime of life. His wife, who bore the maiden
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name of Fannie West and was a daughter of Jabez and Fannie (Balch) West, made her home in after years in Waterbury with her daughter, at whose home she passed away. She, too, was a member and firm adherent of the Christian Science church and gave to it muchi thought and devotion. She had two children: Mary Fannie; and Julia H., the wife of John Lyman Pierpont. The former resides with her sister, to whom she is much devoted. For many years she was an invalid but took up the teaching of Christian Sciene, in which she became a firm believer, and has been restored to health. She has adhered to that faith since 1886 and was the first Christian Scientist in Waterbury and a charter member of its First church. In community affairs the sisters exert a helpful influence, especially in those social circles where culture and refinement are accepted as passports to good society.
HENRY ISAAC BRONSON.
Prominent among the alert, energetic, farsighted and progressive business men of Winsted is Henry I. Bronson, a successful merchant who carries on business under the name of the G. H. Alford Estate. Under that name he is conducting one of the largest stores of his city and the spirit of advancement actuates him at every point in his career. Opportunity has ever been to him the call to action-a call to which he has never failed to make ready response.
Mr. Bronson was born in the town of Winchester, February 22, 1867, and is a son of Isaac A. and Emma (Talmadge) Bronson. The father was born June 9, 1820, and was the youngest of a family of thirteen children born to Isaae Bronson. Henry I. Bronson is descended from one of the oldest, most numerous and most prominent families of the town of Winchester and the Naugatuck valley, the family name being inseparably interwoven with the history of this section of the state.
In early life Mr. Bronson spent four years in Montana, prior to entering upon his business career in Winsted. He became an employe in the hardware store of George H. Alford at Nos. 385, 387 and 389 Main street, following the four-year period which he had devoted to ranch life in the west. He continued to clerk for Mr. Alford until the latter's death on the 4th of July, 1910, after which he became manager of the business, which includes furniture and undertaking. This was then conducted under the name of the G. H. Alford Estate and after a few years Mr. Bronson purchased the business. It was established by Mr. Alford in the early '70s and Mr. Bronson has been connected with the business for twenty-seven years. This is one of the old commercial landmarks of Win- sted, and as a mark of respect to the founder and his former employer Mr. Bronson has retained the old name. The store covers three numbers on Main street, is three stories in height and he carries a splendid stock of hardware and furniture as well as undertaking supplies. His stock is secured from the most progressive manufacturers and shows the latest designs turned out.
On the 20th of August, 1902, Mr. Bronson was united in marriage to Miss Anna Donald- son, a native of Kingston, New York, by whom he has three children, as follows: Donald Isaac, who was born June 15, 1905; Gertrude, whose birth occurred in May, 1907; and James Henry, born in May, 1909. Mr. Bronson built a house of the bungalow type at No. 95 Hinsdale avenue, which is a splendid home and reflects credit on the owner and city, it being modern and complete in every detail. Fraternally Mr. Bronson is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and he is eligible to membership in the Sons of the American Revolution. His entire course reflects credit and honor upon an honored family name and in business circles in Winsted his position is an enviable one.
CORNELIUS L. MALONEY.
Cornelius L. Maloney, who is engaged in the undertaking business in Winsted, was born at Mill River, Massachusetts, December 8, 1879, his parents being Patrick and Julia (McAuliffe) Maloney, both of whom were natives of Ireland coming to America in early life, and were married in Massachusetts. In 1885 they removed with their family. to Winsted, at which time their son, Cornelius L., was but six years of age. Here he has since remained and in St. Anthony's parochial school he pursued his education, continuing his attendance until he reached the age of sixteen. He then made his entrance in the business
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world, being employed by the New England Knitting Company for two years. He subse- quently spent two years in the employ of the Strong Manufacturing Company, after which he became a clerk in the clothing store of M. Cohn and Sons. There he continued for three years and afterward spent two years as manager of the clothing store of George C. Rank. In 1905 he went to Boston, where he spent a few months in a men's furnishing goods store. He next returned to Winsted on account of the illness of his brother, the late Dennis J. Maloney, who was an undertaker. Mr. Maloney of this review took charge of his brother's business and conducted it for him until the latter's death on the 4th of May, 1906. Following his brother's demise he took over the establishment as his own and he has since carried it on. In the summer and fall of 1906 he completed a course in the Renouard School of Embalming in New York city and was licensed by the state of Con- necticut to practice embalming, his license being secured in October, 1906. He is a member of the Connecticut State Embalmers' Association.
In November, 1910, Mr. Maloney was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Calnan, of Derby, Connecticut, by whom he has three daughters: Elizabeth, Catherine and Frances. Mr. Maloney and his family are members of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church. He is a past exalted ruler in the Elks lodge of Winsted and is a member of the Winsted Club. He also is a member and treasurer of Court Highland, Foresters of America; a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and was for many years foreman of Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, Winsted Fire Department. In community affairs he takes a deep and helpful interest and his patriotic loyalty is a recognized factor in his career. He is serving as a member of the school commission of the town of Winchester and is a member of the State Council of Defense, in which connection he is putting forth every effort to bring Connecticut into active harmony with those interests which are intended to further the welfare of the country in every particular. to conserve its supplies, to promote its strength and maintain its standards as one of the great world powers fighting for the democratization of the world.
EUGENE ALLEN PENDLETON.
Eugene Allen Pendleton, a Waterbury citizen who has been identified with various business activities and whose life record covers service during the last year of the Civil war, following an enlistment when but eighteen years of age, was born at Stow, Ohio, October 26, 1845, a son of John Handy, and Phebe (Shepard) Pendleton, both of whom were natives of Connecticut. At the usual age he entered the public schools of his native town and after- ward spent a year in Hiram College of Ohio. He was a lad of eighteen when, on the 10th of March, 1864, he responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting as a private of the Ninth Ohio Independent Battery, Light Artillery. He participated in the battles of Atlanta, Franklin and Nashville, together with several skirmishes with guerrillas, and following the close of the war was honorably discharged at Cleveland, Ohio, July 25, 1865.
It was in the year 1866 that Mr. Pendleton came to Waterbury, where he has made his home for more than a half century. He. spent two years in connection with the City Manu- facturing Company and later was connected with T. F. Judson in the conduct of a dry goods business under the firm style of Judson & Pendleton. A year later he accepted a position with the Elton Banking Company and so continued from January, 1869, until the company went out of business in 1877. He continued as assistant to J. S. Elton in the management of his private investments until July, 1879, when he became also an accountant with the Water- bury Brass Company, and later was head of the elerical force of that company. . In the late '90s he left the Brass Company and has since been identified with J. S. Elton in the control of his private affairs. He also served as a director of the Waterbury Gaslight Company from January, 1897, to January, 1911, when he resigned that position.
Mr. Pendleton was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Elizabeth Knight, a daughter of Dr. Elam C. Knight, and they beeame the parents of two sons and a daughter, Lewis Wayland, Lucy. Elton and William Knight. After attending the Waterbury high school the sons entered business and are now with the Waterbury Brass Company. The elder married Leona Gray, while the younger wedded Barbara Mintie of Waterbury, and has one child, Eleanor K., born October 24, 1914.
Mr. Pendleton served as a member of the school board of Waterbury in 1898 and 1899, receiving the second highest vote of the seven members elected. He has ever been deeply interested in matters of civic progress and improvement and his influence has been a factor in the upbuilding of Waterbury's business interests. He has always main-
EUGENE A. PENDLETON
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tained the deepest interest in the welfare of his old army comrades and he is the author of two volumes, one of which is entitled "Personal Histories," written concerning members of the Grand Army of the Republic of Waterbury and of Wadhams Post, No. 49, in which organization he has held. many offices, including that of commander. He has been historian of the post for many years and the volume covers the personal history of many of its members, in which connection he has done especially fine work. The other volume is known as the "Post Album" and includes photographs of over two hundred of the post members. These two have been presented to the Mattatuck Historical Society by vote of the post. The books remain, however, in Mr. Pendleton's possession and he adds to the records continuously, keeping them up to date. They are done in his own hand- writing, both volumes having been specially prepared. The book in which personal histories are written was a gift to the post and cost one hundred and fifty dollars. It is about twelve and a half by seventeen inches in dimensions. The album was also made especially for the purpose intended and both are of the greatest historical value.
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