USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Waterbury > History of Waterbury and the Naugatuck Valley, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 3
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CARL BERTHOLD P. EKVALL.
Carl Berthold P. Ekvall, clerk of the borough of Torrington, was born in Stockholm, Sweden, June 22, 1877, and there spent the period of his boyhood and youth. His early education included a course in technology, mechanical engineering and drafting. He came to the United States at the age of nineteen years, or in 1896, and after spending several months in Brooklyn, New York, and five months in Winsted, Connecticut, he removed to Torrington, where he arrived in March, 1897, so that his residence here covers a period of twenty years.
Mr. Ekvall was first employed as a machinist by the Hendey Machine Company and for two years was with the Excelsior Needle Company, after which he spent five years as a draftsman with the Torrington Manufacturing Company. In 1908 he was called to the position of borough engineer to serve for a two years' term and since March, 1912, has been clerk of the borough. In public office he maintains the same fidelity to duty which
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characterized his business record. He ever exercises his official prerogatives to advance the general good and his course has won for him high commendation. He is a republican in his political views, has served as a member of the republican town eentral committee and does everything in his power to promote the growth of his party and ensure its success.
On the 23d of December, 1903, Mr. Ekvall was married to Miss Naney Emilia Andrie, who is of Swiss descent and was born in the land of the Alps. She came to the United States with her mother in 1896 and located in Torrington. It was in the same month, April, 1896, that Mr. Ekvall crossed the Atlantic, landing in New York city on the 18th of April, while Mrs. Ekvall landed the folowing day. They did not become acquainted, however, until 1901, when they met in Torrington and two years later were married.
Mr. Ekvall is well known in fraternal circles. He has taken many degrees in Masonry, being a member of the chapter and the council and a charter member of the Eastern Star of Torrington. His membership is now in Seneca Lodge, No. 55, F. & A. M .; Cyrus Chapter, No. 45, R. A. M .; Litchfield Council, R. & S. M .; and Pierpont Chapter, O. E. S. He also belongs to the Foresters of America and its auxiliary, called the Companions of Foresters, his name being found on the membership roll of Court Washington, No. 67, Foresters of America, and of Washington Pride Circle, No. 318, of the Companions of Foresters. He served for eight years with the volunteer fire department and has ever been mnost actively and helpfully interested in projects and measures that relate to the welfare and upbuilding of his adopted city.
THE BEACON FALLS RUBBER SHOE COMPANY.
The Beacon Falls Rubber Shoe Company was established in 1898 and is now splendidly housed. The main buildings are three hundred by sixty feet and three stories in height with attie and basement. The main storehouse is sixty by one hundred and forty feet and four stories in height with basement. There are also two other storehouses, one eighty by one hundred and twenty feet, two stories in height, and the other two hundred by one hundred and forty feet, also of two stories. In addition there are several other buildings. which go to make up the entire plant. Both water and steam power are used in the operation of the factory and there is eleetrie connection for emergencies. That the business is today one of the most important and extensive industrial enterprises not only of Beacon Falls but of the Naugatuck valley is indicated in the fact that the company today employs fifteen hundred people, fifty-five per cent being male. They manufacture rubber boots and shoes and outing footwear. The plant has a capacity of twenty thousand pairs of rubber shoes per day. At various points they have established braneh houses which sell to retailers and thus facilitate the trade, avoiding long waits in the delivery of goods. Their product is sold all over the United States and also in Europe and the company has offices in Boston, Chieago, New York, Minneapolis, Kansas City and San Francisco. They are represented upon the road by one hundred and ten traveling salesmen, who travel from their own branch offices. This is the main industry at Beacon Falls. The officers are: Tracy S. Lewis, president and treasurer; L. C. Warner, vice president and secretary; and J. T. Crowley, superintendent, with R. L. Fisher as general manager and E. S. Andrews as assistant treasurer, while C. E. Little is general sales manager. The history of this organi- zation is largely the history of Beacon Falls, for no other business enterprise has con- tributed in more extensive and substantial measure to the growth and commercial develop- ment of the city.
JOHN D. FRENEY, M. D.
Dr. John D. Freney, an able physician specializing in the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, has practiced in Waterbury since 1893, entering upon the active work of the profession when not yet twenty-three years of age. He was born in this city October 29, 1870. His father, James Freney, was born in Greenfield, Massachusetts, and in early manhood removed to Waterbury, after which he became passenger conductor on the old Hartford, Providenee & Fishkill Railroad. He afterward engaged in business as a grocer and here passed away in 1878. It was in Waterbury that he wedded Mary Allman, who is now in her seventy-sixth year, still strong and vigorous. She has lived in Waterbury sinee a little girl of twelve years. She was born in County Kerry, Ireland,
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July 4, 1842, and in 1852 crossed the ocean with her parents, Timothy and Johanna (Slattery) Allman, becoming a resident of Waterbury when her parents established their home in this city in 1854. By her marriage she has four children, three sons and a daughter: Thomas M., an architect of Waterbury; James, living in Hartford, Connecticut; and Catharine and John D., both of Waterbury.
The last named was graduated from the Waterbury high school when but fifteen years of age, after completing a four years' course there. His mother was ambitious that he should have good educational opportunities, so bent every effort toward giving her ehildren the best opportunities. She therefore "kept them at their books" steadily and Dr. Freney, displaying special aptitude in his studies, completed the high school course at that early age. He afterward spent three years in the Niagara University and in 1890 entered the Long Island College Hospital of Brooklyn, from which he was graduated with the M. D. degree in 1893. He at once entered upon the general practice of medicine in Waterbury and followed the profession there for eight years. In the meantime he had become interested in the study of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat with the intention, as soon as he had become, fully prepared along that line, to give up general practice. At intervals from 1901 until 1903 he acted as assistant surgeon in the Metropolitan Throat Hospital of New York city and during a portion of the year 1901 he was assistant surgeon at the Bellevue Hospital of New York. He abandoned general practice in 1901 and the following year concentrated his efforts upon treatment of diseases of the ear, nose and throat, devoting his attention to those lines for several years. Subsequently he took up the study of the eye and did considerable post graduate work in New York city to fit himself for practice in that field, studying in the Harlem Hospital, the Manhattan Eye and Ear Hospital, the New York Post Graduate Hospital and St. Vincent's Hospital, ali of New York city. Since 1912 he has included the treatment of the eye in his practice and has won more than local distinction as oculist, aurist, rhinologist and laryngologist. In 1916 his alma mater, Niagara University, conferred upon him the honorary LL. D. degree.
On the 17th of November, 1909, Dr. Freney was married to Miss Margaret Barry, of New York city, and they have three living children: John D., Mary Elizabeth and Margaret Mary. The family attend St. Margaret's Catholic church. Dr. Freney also belongs to the Waterbury and Connecticut State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association and through meetings of those organizations as well as through private study keeps in touch with the onward trend of professional thought and activity. He has no club associations, making his home his club, and he finds his greatest happiness in providing for the welfare and comfort of his wife and children.
CYRUS T. GRAY.
Cyrus T. Gray, the president of the Metal Specialties Company, engaged in the manu- facture of snap buttons, burnishing and bearing balls, special rivets and metal specialties, has been one of the most active factors in the development of this business, which within five years has come to the front as one of the foremost industries of its line. He was born in Southbury, Connecticut, May 18, 1858, and is a son of Frederick H. and Harriett E. (Tuttle) Gray, the latter a representative of one of the old families of Southbury. The father was a farmer by occupation and Cyrus T. Gray was reared amid the environment of farm life. He acquired a public school education and devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits until the 1st of April. 1912, after which he took a year's vacation. He then became an active factor in the management and control of the Metal Specialties Company, of which he had been one of the organizers in June, 1912. In February, 1914, he was elected to the presidency of the company, of which II. H. Heminway is now the seeretary and treasurer. The business was begun at No. 23 Jefferson street, where they occupied small quarters, having space in a room on the third floor. Later they secured two rooms and in January, 1916, oceupied the entire building, but the continued growth of their undertaking led to the erection of a new building on East Aurora street, one hundred and twenty by one hundred and ninety feet with an addition thirty by forty feet. The building is of mill construction and its equipment is thoroughly modern. It is supplied with sprinkler system and equipped with electric power and the company largely manu- factures goods of its own invention and development, employment being now furnished to from sixty to seventy-five operatives. Since Mr. Gray beeame an active factor in the control of the undertaking the business has steadily grown.
On the 13th of November. 1879. Mr. Gray was united in marriage to Miss Ella M. Wilgus,
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a native of Ohio, and they have a daughter, Clara, who is the wife of Clark Lewis, who is with the Warren L. Hall Company. In politics Mr. Gray is a democrat and while living upon the farm held several local offices. He belongs to the Pequot Club, fraternally is associated with the Modern Woodmen of America and in religious faith is connected with the Methodist church.
REV. EDWARD J. BRENNAN.
Rev. Edward J. Brennan, pastor of St. Margaret's Roman Catholic church of Water- bury, was born in New Haven, September 28, 1867, a son of Michael and Margaret (Quinn) Brennan, who were natives of Ireland. The former was born in County Sligo and passed away in 1878. The latter was born in County Clare and long survived her husband, departing this life in 1908. Mr. Brennan came to thic United States in 1852 and in 1858 wedded Margaret Quinn, who had crossed the Atlantic in 1854. In their family were seven children, two sons and five daughters, of whom five are yet living: Annie, a resident of New Haven; Mary of Waterbury; Hannah, also living in New Haven; Michael F., of New Haven, and Edward J. Winifred died June 8, 1917. Nellie, the wife of William Killian of New Haven, died in 1885.
Rev. Brennan completed his high school course at New Haven in 1883 and in September of that year entered St. Charles College near Baltimore, Maryland, where he spent six years in the study of the classics, being there graduated with the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1889. He afterward spent five years and a half in St. Mary's Seminary of Baltimore, where he studied philosophy and theology, winning the degrees of A. M. and S. T. B. On the 23d of December, 1894, he was ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal James Gibbons in Baltimore and was assigned to the position of assistant priest at St. Francis Roman Catholic church in Torrington, Connecticut, where he continued for six years. From 1901 until 1909 he was a chaplain in the United States navy but resigned that position in the latter year and has since been pastor of St. Margaret's church, being the first and only resident priest who has officiated in this parish. The property of the parish includes in addition to the church edifice a splendid rectory and a school, and all have been erected during the past seven years, the church having been built in 1910, the rectory in 1911 and the school in 1915. The property holdings of the parish represent an investment of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The church is situated on Willow and Ludlow streets and all the property is the visible evidence of the efforts and devotion of Father Brennan, who has been most earnest and faithful in his labors here. In periods of vacation he has twice visited Europe and in Rome met both Pope Lco XIII and Pope Pius X.
FRANK W. EATON.
Frank W. Eaton, a Harvard man who has figured prominently in educational circles since 1895 and has been superintendent of the schools of Naugatuck since 1900, was born in Natick, Massachusetts in 1871, a son of Simon K. and Sophia (Stewart) Eaton, both of whom were natives of Nova Scotia. They became residents of Massachusetts in 1870 and the father engaged in business as a harness dealer.
Frank W. Eaton acquired a public school education and afterward entered Harvard, pursuing a classical course which he completed in 1894, winning the Bachelor of Arts degree. He afterward pursued one year's post graduate work at Harvard and received the Master of Arts degree in 1895. He then became principal of the Wallingford (Coun.) high school in September of that year and there remained until January, 1899, when he accepted the position of principal of the high school of Naugatuck. In June of the following year he was made superintendent of the Naugatuck schools and has since continued in that position, his service being thor- oughly efficient in the upbuilding and promotion of the schools and in the improvement of the educational system here followed. He has inspired teachers and pupils under him with much of his own zeal and interest in the work and he holds to the highest educational standards. Much advancement has been made during his superintendency and the schools have grown very materially. Three new school buildings have been added and two others have been enlarged.
In June, 1896, Mr. Eaton was married to Miss Amy Hardy, of Natick, Massachusetts,
REV. EDWARD J. BRENNAN
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and they have one child, Margaret, born in 1901. Mr. Eaton is a member of Shepherds Lodge, No. 78 F. & A. M. He attends the Congregational church and has served as a director of the Young Men's Christian Association for many years. In a word he is interested in all that pertains to the intellectual and moral progress of the individual and in all of those uplifting forces which make for character development. In his educational work he is ever striving to make the activities of the schoolroom a thorough preparation for life's duties and responsibilities, being in thorough accord with President Eliot, who said: "What is needed is continuous education which lasts all through life."
LOUIS E. FITZSIMONS.
Louis E. Fitzsimons, who passed away August 22, 1917, was long well known as a leading business man of Waterbury, and metal manufacturing in the city found in him a worthy representative. He was the president and treasurer of the Novelty Manufacturing Company and from the time when he became an officer of the company in July, 1892, he bent his energies to administrative direction and executive control of the business, which under his guidance steadily grew and developed. A native son of Waterbury, he was born October 9, 1868. His great-great-great-grandfather Hubert Fitzsimons, was a soldier of the English army and won distinction in the Napoleonic wars in service under the Duke of Wellington. His, grandfather, Thomas Fitzsimons, brought the family to the United States about 1847 and located in Waterbury, where he passed away. His son, Thomas Fitzsimons, born in Athlone, County Westmeatlı, Ireland, April 3, 1838, started out in the business world when a little lad of but twelve years as an employe of the firm of Steele & Johnson, there continuing until 1869. He afterward became assistant superintendent of the City Button Works of Newark, New Jersey, and later was advanced to the position of superintendent. He returned to Waterbury, however, in 1872 to organize the Novelty Manufacturing Company, a small factory being opened at No. 125 Maple street, the first officers being William H. Blake, president; Thomas Fitzsimons, Sr., secretary; and Edwin H. Putnam, treasurer. Mr. Fitzsimons served as treasurer from 1886 until 1889 and the following year he purchased the interest of Mr. Putnam and became president as well as treasurer. The business passed into the possession of the Fitzsimons family entirely in 1892, at which time Louis E. Fitzsimons became secretary. Thomas Fitzsimons, his grandfather, died in 1911 and Thomas Fitzsimons, the father, served as president from 1910 until his death in October, 1912. During that period Louis E. Fitzsimons was secretary and treasurer. With the purchase of the interest of Thomas Fitzsimons by C. L. Holmes, new officers were chosen. Louis E. Fitzsimons becoming president and treasurer January 23, 1913, with C. L. Holmes as vice president and O. H. Gage secretary.
Thomas Fitzsimons was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Amaryllis Essex, of Danielson, Connecticut, and they became the parents of six children: Joseph, of San Antonio, Texas; Louis E .; Mary Louise, the wife of Emery Gilson, of Schenectady, New York; Oscar, of Woodbury; Grace, who died in 1905; and Alice, who died in infancy.
Louis E. Fitzsimons pursued his education in the Waterbury public schools and in Miss Mary Abbott's private school. Following his graduation from the high school he entered into business connections with his father in 1888 and, as previously stated, was called to official service in July, 1892, when he became secretary of the company. He succeeded his father in the presidency and until his deathi remained the chief executive head of a business which has become an important element in the manufacturing interests of Waterbury. He was also a director of the Waterbury Trust Company.
In 1892 Mr. Fitzsimons was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Ensign, a native of Morris, Connecticut, and a daughter of William and Julia A. Ensign. Mr. Fitzsimons was a member of the Second Congregational church, to which his widow yet belongs, and he was identified with the Ecclesiastical Society of that church. He also held member- ship in the Young Men's Christian Association and was on the site committee for the new Association building. For four years he served on the board of charities and at all times took an active and helpful part in promoting those interests which ameliorate the hard condi- tions of life for the unfortunate and all the activities which work for the uplift of the individual and the betterment of the community. In politics he was a republican and, not unmindful of the duties and obligations of citizenship, he served for four years on the board of aldermen from the third ward. Fraternally he was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows as a member of Nosahogan Lodge. A prominent representative of the Chamber of Commerce, he served as one of its directors and was a trustee of its perma- Vol. III-2
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nent fund. He belonged to the Waterbury and the Waterbury Country Clubs and was well known on most of the golf links and on the motor routes, which he visited from motives of pleasure and health seeking. He was a good player on the links and in his younger days was an athlete of power and skill in gymnasium work. A lifelong resident of Water- bury, he was widely known, and that his career was ever an honorable and upright one is indicated in the high regard which was so uniformly accorded him. One of the local papers said of him: "He was a hard worker and was good at play when he took a holiday. He was a loyal eitizen, a faithful friend and kind neighbor. Those who knew him in busi- ness, worked with him in politics, or were associated with him in elub and social life, will miss him and regret the end of fellowship with his friendly nature." The board of directors of the Novelty Manufacturing Company passed the following resolutions:
"Resolved: That the board of directors of the Novelty Manufacturing Company hereby wish to write into the records of the corporation an appreciation of the deep and lasting loss occasioned by the death of our beloved president. It would be inadequate and unfit for us to attempt to here define the sense of loss sustained by the corporation by the removal of the officer, who has, by his wise administration, so completely written his own history into all the affairs of the Novelty Manufacturing Company. But we consider it a great privilege to speak here of those qualities of mind and heart which endeared him to us. As chairman of this board, as a friend, as a companion and as a citizen, each in its own way he was unfailing in courtesy, kindliness, thoughtfulness, loyalty and interest in the affairs of others. He was truly modest, being singularly free from any desire for approbation, but he was very keen to wish his friends to receive due eredit for their best endeavors.
"To his widow, Mrs. Fitzsimons, we offer our heartfelt sympathy with the hope that these sincere words may find a permanent place in the valuable memories of her beloved husband."
WILLIAM E. HUNT.
William E. Hunt, an arehiteet of Torrington, where many fine buildings stand as monuments to his skill and ability along professional lines, was born in Florence, a suburb of Northampton, Massachusetts, April 14, 1873. His father, James H. Hunt, was a black- smith by trade and in later years became a machinist. In 1886 he established his home in Connecticut, spending his remaining days in Waterbury. He was born in Cummington, Massachusetts, in September, 1847, and his life record covered the intervening years to the 24th of December, 1910, at which time he had reached the age of sixty-three. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Elizabeth Tower, was born in Cummington, Massa- chusetts, August 10, 1846, and still survives, making her home in Torrington, Connecticut. William E. Hunt is their only living child. In both the paternal and maternal lines he comes of Revolutionary war anecstry. His mother belongs to the distinguished Tower family of New England that has furnished many prominent men to the country, including Charlemagne Tower.
William E. Hunt was a lad of thirteen years when the family removed to Waterbury, Conneetieut, where he attended the high school and also a private school, pursuing a prepara- tory course. At sixteen years of age he began the study of architecture under D. H. Meloy, a well known architeet of Waterbury, with whom he served a four years' appren- tieeship. While his course under Mr. Meloy was most thorough he afterward, in order to promote his knowledge to a still higher point, completed a full course in architecture and designing in Columbia University of New York city. When twenty years of age he went to Holyoke, Massachusetts, where he was employed for a year by A. B. and D. H. Tower, a prominent firm of architects, inventors and engineers, who employed a large office foree of thirty-five men. The members of the firm were cousins of his mother. In 1895 he returned to Waterbury and became associated with Wilfred E. Griggs, an architect with whom he continued for five years, becoming his partner in 1900, under the firm name of Griggs & Hunt. This association was maintained until 1914, when Mr. Hunt sold his interest in the business to his partner and removed to Torrington to become consulting arehiteet for the Torrington Building Company, the largest firin of building contractors in Torrington and one of the foremost firms of the state. This firm ereets large structures, such as office buildings, public buildings, school buildings, ete., throughout Connecticut and the New England states. Mr. Hunt is in the employ of this firm at a handsome salary and in addi- tion he earries on his professional labors independently. He does all the designing for the Torrington Building Company and during his present connection he has made the designs
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