USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Waterbury > History of Waterbury and the Naugatuck Valley, Connecticut, Volume III > Part 46
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The last named was born in Bolton, February 8, 1819, and after attending the public schools in his native town engaged in teaching for a number of years during his early manhood. Subsequently he located upon a homestead a quarter of a mile south of Bolton Center church and there engaged in farming, in which occupation he was eminently successful. His place was known as the most attractive and best kept farm in that locality and he was recognized as the most efficient and most successful farmer in the town of Bolton. In early life he became a member of the Bolton Congregational church and served for many years as deacon and Sunday school superintendent. He was also active in town affairs, holding the office of town treasurer and numerous other positions of public trust. In 1861 he was elected to the Connecticut state senate on the republican ticket and he was also trustee of the Nathan Hale fund of Coventry, Connecticut. Hc exemplified that high type of New England citizenship which in time past has been the strength of small New England towns. He was married on the 12th of May, 1846, to Mary Williams Gillette, of Colchester, Connecticut. He passed away while still in the prime of life on the 1st of May, 1877.
Charles H. Alvord is a namesake of his father's two brothers, Charles and Hubbell Alvord, the former the founder of the Excelsior Needle Company of Torrington, out of which developed the present Torrington company. Mr. Alvord has also devoted the greater part of his life to manufacturing interests, but his early training was that of the farm, as he remained upon the homestead until he was twenty years of age. When but fifteen years of age, owing to his father's demise, he took charge of the operation of the place and in the management of the farm demonstrated the possession of judg- ment and executive ability beyond his years. His education was largely acquired in the district schools but he was for a time a student in a business college in Hartford. In 1882 the home farm near Bolton was sold and the family removed to Torrington, where he became associated with his brother-in-law in a flour, feed and grain business con- ducted under the name of Talcott & Alvord. After several years in mercantile and manufacturing life Mr. Alvord in 1896 became associated with the Hendey Machine Com- pany as secretary. Eleven years later, or in 1907, he was elected to the position of vice president and general manager and has since devoted his time and energy to the work of carrying on the business founded by Henry J. Hendey, his father-in-law. He is also identified with other interests, being a director of the Torrington National Bank and a director of the Manufacturers' Association of Connecticut.
On the 1st of October, 1891, in Torrington, Mr. Alvord was united in marriage to Miss Clara Alice Hendey, a daughter of Henry J. and Clara F. Hendey. She was born
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in Torrington, May 22, 1869, and by her marriage became the mother of one son, Carl Gillette, who was born in Torrington, March 14, 1903.
Mr. Alvord is widely and prominently known in club and fraternal circles. He has membership in the Sons of American Revolution and has attained the thirty-second degree in Masonry. He is also a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Union League and the Engineers Club of New York, the Torrington Club, the Waterbury Country Club, the Greenwoods Country Club of Winsted and Torrington, the Automobile Club of America, of New York, and the Litchfield County Automobile Club. His asso- eiations outside of business, however, are not entirely in the line of recreation and pleasure, for he has recognized his duties in a public way and has cooperated in various move- ments and measures for the general good. He is now chairman of the Torrington board of education and chairman of the Torrington school building committee, which erected the high school building and a number of grammar school buildings. He is likewise a director of the Wolcottville Sehool Society, the Cemetery Association and the Hillsdale Ceme- tery Association. He is also a member of the vestry of Trinity Episcopal church and of the board of trustees of the Charlotte Hungerford Memorial Hospital of Torrington. He brings to his outside activities the same ability and spirit of enterprise that have char- acterized his business career, and his worth as a man and citizen is widely acknowledged.
REV. JOSEPH M. GLEESON.
Rev. Joseph M. Gleeson, pastor of St. Patrick's church of Waterbury, has reason to be proud of his work, for his efforts have been of farreaching effect and benefit among the Catholic residents of his parish, with a less direct influence over the Catholic growth in city and state. No better characterization of the man can be given than by quoting from the Waterbury Democrat of December 23, 1901, which said: "Rev. Father Gleeson has always been noted for his hard and earnest work. Even while a curate he displayed energy, vigor. zeal and industry which attracted the notice of his superiors. When he became a pastor these qualities seemed to have developed: His years as a pastor at various churches have been marked by the liquidation of debts, by the building of churches, parochial residences and schools and by the organization of societies. His work at St. Patrick's church is too well known to need any lengthy comment. The church itself speaks in the most lofty terms of the zeal and patient industry of Rev. Father Gleeson, who is carrying on so auspiciously and capably the work begun by Rev. Father Duggan. Father Gleeson is noted as an organizer. Since his appointment at St. Patrick's parish he has organized the following societies: Third Order of St. Francis, largest society in the city, having about one thousand members; chancel choir, one hundred; Children of Mary, two hundred; St. Aloysius, boys of the parish. A school has been established and also a convent which is occupied by the Sisters of St. Joseph. Well muay the people of St. Patrick's be proud of their pastor, and well may Rev. Father Gleeson look with pleasure on the work performed so successfully by him during his twenty-five years of serving as a priest.
"In connection with the celebration of Father Gleeson's twenty-fifth anniversary, the Waterbury American said: 'Since coming to Waterbury, Father Gleeson has made several very important additions and improvements in the working of the parish, and has done much to keep the interest of the people aroused in religion. He has founded a kindergarten school and has secured Sisters experienced in that work for it. This kindergarten may be regarded as the forerunner of a parochial school. A boys' choir has been organized during his pastorate which furnishes fine music on eventful occasions. Much progress has been made on the interior of the church, and an addition has been made to the Lyceum building in which the fair and other entertainments of the church are held. Upon Father Gleeson's arrival in the city, work on the rectory, which was then building, was pushed to a quick finish. and it is due to Father Gleeson's exertions that St. Patrick's parish has a rectory worthy of itself, one which can be surpassed by no other in the state. Twenty-five years of good deeds have made Father Gleeson a place in the hearts of his friends. He is loved by his parishioners and held in the greatest respect by representatives of all denominations.' "
An appreciation of the efforts of Father Gleeson was found in an editorial in the Catholic Transcript of December 26. 1901, which read: "The Rev. Joseph M. Gleeson, pastor of St. Patrick's church, Waterbury, observed the twenty-fifth anniversary of his
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ordination to the priesthood on Monday. The celebration was characteristic of the man. It was the people's day. The children were present at the sacrifice and many of them were to participate in the ceremony of Confirmation. Eager parents were there, as well as interested companions-the personality of the jubilarian was hidden. It would, no doubt, be offensive to such a one to insist upon his merits. We cannot, however, suffer the occasion to pass without expressing a word in commendation of so many fruitful years. Father Gleeson has been, and is, a man of few words, but of many works. His industry, perse- verance, and even-handed prudence have wrought notable results. The indefatigable rector. of St. Patrick's has discovered the patience and ability necessary to perfect the organization of the young and growing parish over which he has been placed. Indeed, one has only to look back over the twenty-five years which ended on Monday to find evidences of con- sistent endeavor, foresight, discernment and an undying determination to be all things to all men. Success attends the labors of such a one, and success is written along the milestones of the years of that sacerdotal life. Nor need we search for the key to its manifold achieve- ments. St. Bernard used to ask himself repeatedly why he had retired to Clairveaux. The question brought him to a realization of the duty of the moment. He was immediately up and doing, and so dismissed the succeeding days of his wondrous life freighted with merits. It would not be difficult to fancy the unrelenting Waterbury pastor addressing himself in language like that of the great mystic. It is not easy to devote oneself wholly to arduous and never-ending labor. The ever-present sense of duty must intervene to urge on the jaded energies, a strong will and a high purpose the elements of character absolutely essential to days as fruitful as those of the twenty-five years upon whichi Father Gleeson is privileged to look back. From that honorable eminence he can view the past with satisfaction. The good works achieved will naturally urge him on to higher endeavor, and we need indulge no surprise if we behold the succeeding years just as laborious, just as fruitful, and just as meritorious as those that have gone before. Such men find their happiness in labor. When that labor is informed with charity, the choicest benisons of Heaven are upon those that carry on the struggle."
ALBERT W. SKINNER.
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Albert W. Skinner is the president of the Sonnenberg-Skinner Company, owners of the oldest music house of Waterbury, of which he has been the manager for twenty-six years. This establishment has long set the standard for activity in this field in Waterbury, handling pianos and musical instruments of the highest grade, while its business methods are char- acterized by the most absolute accuracy and reliability. There is no feature of the music trade with which Albert W. Skinner is not familiar, and by reason of his ability he has come to the presidency of one of the most important enterprises of this character in Connecticut. He was born in New Haven, October 31, 1872, and is a son of William J. and Cecelia (Huggins) Skinner. The father was born in New York and was at West Point when the Civil war began. He was then sent to New Haven to drill troops and was made drum major of the First Volunteer Regiment of the state, while later he became drum major of the Fifteenth Connecticut Volunteer Regiment. Subsequently he was sent to Port Royal, North Carolina, with Company A of the United States Engineers. He was for seventeen years drum major with the Connecticut National Guard following the Civil war, and he is now a prominent and valned member of Admiral Foote Post, G. A. R., of New Haven.
Albert W. Skinner acquired a public school education in his native city and entered into active connection with the piano trade in 1888, associated with Michael Sonnenberg, who for many years carried on business under the name of the M. Sonnenberg Piano - Company. After the death of Mr. Sonnenberg in 1908 the business was conducted as a part of the estate by his son, Louis Sonnenberg, until it was incorporated under the present form in July, 1912, as the Sonnenberg-Skinner Company at 175 Bank street in Waterbury. The present officers of the company are: A. W. Skinner, president; Louis M. Sonnenberg, vice president; and Hardy M. Smith, secretary and treasurer. The store has been conducted at the present location for twenty-six years and is the oldest musical house in Waterbury, while Mr. Skinner has acted as manager of the business for more than a quarter of a century. The company handles the Mason & Hamlin piano, onc of the finest built; the McPhail piano, which is the second oldest in the United States, having been built continuously since 1837; the Sterling and the Huntington pianos, both made in one of the largest factories in the United States at Derby, Connecticut; the
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Autopiano; and the Columbia Grafonola and the Aeolian-Vocalion talking machine. The Columbia Grafonola has been called "The one incomparable musical instrument." It is the expression of all that has been done thus far by human inventiveness to simulate the sounds and harmonies of nature. It combines in one magnificent whole every means of musical expression given by art to the human race. The questions of tone and tone. control, the technical problems of sound-reproduction are so thoroughly solved in the Columbia Grafonola that comparison can leave no doubt of its supreme fitness for the place of honor among all musical instruments. The Sterling piano, which is made in Derby, Connecticut, in the Naugatuck valley, may well be called a home product. It stands as a most high expression of production in the field of piano manufacture. In workmanship, in tone quality, in exterior finish and in faet in every particular the highest standards have been maintained and by reason of the excellence of the product and the enterprise of the company handling it the business in the sale of this instrument has reached large and gratifying proportions. The Autopiano has received a notably large number of medals and international awards because of its superior workmanship and its splendid tone. This piano player, moreover, is in use not only in all countries but has been endorsed by some of the most distinguished composers and singers of America and of other lands and it is the choice of the navy and is found in almost every battleship and is owned by almost every regiment of the United States army. The Aeolian-Vocalion is a phono- graph which has reached a wonderful perfection of tone and represents a new phase in the development of sound-produeing instruments. Improvements have been made from time to time until it has largely reached the ideal. The Sonnenberg-Skinner Company is not only the oldest music house in Waterbury but is known as one of the most reliable in Connecticut. The company employes seven people and its trade covers the entire Nauga- tuck valley and extends as far as Bristol, Connecticut.
In February, 1894, Mr. Skinner was united in marriage to Miss Emily Edith Marsh, of Naugatuck, who died in October, 1905. In June, 1907, he wedded Sarah Elizabeth Smith, of Hartford, and they have one son, Roy Bartlett, aged eight years. Mr. Skinner is a member of Harmony Lodge. F. & A. M .; also of Comstock Lodge, No. 13, K. P., Townsend Lodge, I. O. O. F. and the Sons of Veterans. His religious belief is that of Trinity Episcopal ehuren and in politics he exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party, keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He is a progressive and enterprising business man, constantly studying all the features of his trade, and what he has accomplished represents the fit utilization of his time, talents and opportunities, while his achievements have placed him far on the highroad to success.
CHARLES P. KIRSCH.
Charles P. Kirsch, senior partner of the firm of Kirseh & Racheter, general contractors of Torrington, was born in New York city, November 13, 1866. His parents, Christian and Caroline (Boos) Kirsch, were natives of Rhine-Bavaria, Germany. The former left that country in 1863 and went to Canada, while later he made his way to New York city, where he arrived when twenty-eight years of age. He was one of seventeen children, fifteen sons and two daughters, but he and his brother Nicholas were the only ones of the family who came to the United States. Nicholas Kirsch was for three years a soldier of the Union army during the Civil war. To Christian and Caroline (Boos) Kirsch, who were married in New York city in 1865, there were born six children, five of whom survive.
Charles P. Kirsch was a little lad of six summers when his parents came to Connectieut and took up their abode on a small farm near Cornwall Center. He was a youth of seve - teen when they removed to a larger farm which the father purchased near Kent, Connecticut, and thereon Charles P. Kirsch remained until he attained his majority, or until 1888, when he came to Torrington. Here he has since remained, having for twenty-nine years been a resident of this city. He has been identified with the building business throughout the entire period save for a year and a half, when he was employed at the plant of the Turner & Seymour Manufacturing Company. For twenty years he was a general con- tractor and for nincteen years has conducted business as a member of the present firm of Kirsch & Racheter, his partner being Theodore A. Racheter. The firm has undoubtedly built more houses than any other contracting firm in Torrington and their building operations have also extended to Thomaston, Winsted, Cornwall, Bantam, Oakville, Water- town and Terryville. They have erected altogether several hundred houses in Torrington,
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CHARLES P. KIRSCH
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evidences of their skill and ability being seen in buildings on almost every street of the borough.
On the 31st of October, 1900, Mr. Kirsch was married to Miss Elizabeth Dunn, who was born at Rockville, Connecticut, and passed away February 3, 1912, leaving four children, namely: Genevieve Cecelia, who was born September 25, 1901; Carl Paul, born December 19, 1905; Mary Bernadine, June 25, 1907; and Christian Lawrence, January 31, 1909. The last named was but three years and three days old at the time of his mother's demise. Through the intervening period Mrs. Kirsch's sister, Mrs. Frances Nolan, has presided over the Kirsch home, and, having no children of her own, she has taken the place of a mother to the young children of the household.
Mr. Kirsch belongs to St. Francis' Catholic church and for twenty-seven years he has been connected with the Knights of Columbus. He also has membership with the Foresters of America and the Companions of the Foresters, with St. Joseph's Society and with the Torrington Chamber of Commerce. He now resides in an attractive home of his own at No. 43 Prescott street and in addition he owns other valuable property, which he rents, having made judicious investments in real estate as his financial resources have increased.
GEORGE F. CLAPP.
George F. Clapp, a well known electrical contractor of Waterbury, whose operations have been extensive, is now practicing his profession as senior partner in the firm of Clapp & Rose, which was formed in September, 1914. He was born in Marlboro, New Hampshire, December 30, 1854, and is a son of Charles E. and Eugenia M. (Smith) Clapp. The former was a mechanic and became foreman of a large machine shop, but both he and his wife are now deceased.
When his textbooks had been put aside, following the mastery of various branches of learning taught in the public schools, George F. Clapp began learning the machinist and tool making trades and in 1885 began work with the New England Engineering Company at Waterbury, with which he was connected until he started in business on his own account in 1908 at No. 114 Bank street, conducting a general electrical contracting and fixture business. He remained alone until September, 1914, when he became senior partner in the firm of Clapp & Rose. He has done the electrical work in many of the best residences and public buildings of the city, including one hundred and seventy-five of the houses of the Scovill Company, also the houses of the American Brass Company. He wires fifty residences per month and has done work not only in Waterbury but in various other places.
On the 28th of January, 1882, Mr. Clapp was married to Miss Sarah Nellie Chase, a daughter of Alvin B. and Sarah (Burnette) Chase, of Waterbury. They have an adopted child, Edgar B., who is now a high school pupil. Mr. and Mrs. Clapp hold membership in the Congregational church and he also has membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in the United Order of the Golden Cross. His political views are in accord with the principles of the republican party, but the honors and emoluments of office do not attract him, his business claiming practically his entire time and attention. During the past nine years his interests have continually increased in volume and importance and he now occupies a foremost place in his line.
FREDERICK CHARLES DANIELS, D. D. S.
Dentistry is unique among the professions in that it demands a threefold efficiency. The individual who wins success in that field must possess business ability that will enable him to manage his financial interests; he must add thereto comprehensive knowledge of the science of dentistry and he must possess also marked mechanical skill and ingenuity in handling the intricate and delicate instruments which are used in professional service. Well qualified in all of these particulars, Dr. Daniels is doing good work in his profession. He was born in Thomaston, Connecticut, March 13, 1891, and is a son of Nelson J. and Alberta (Hurlbert) Daniels, who now reside in Waterbury. having removed from Thomaston to this city in 1892. The father occupies the position of foreman with the Waterbury Brass Company.
In 1910 Dr. Daniels was graduated from the Crosby high school, where he had the honor of being president of his class. He then devoted three years to the study of dentistry at the
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University of Michigan, where he took his professional degree in 1913. He afterward spent one year as demonstrator of clinical dentistry at his alma mater and since 1914 has been continuously practicing in Waterbury, his location being at 144 Bank street. Although one of the younger representatives of the profession, his training was so thorough and his ability is so pronounced that he has already gained a most gratifying practice. He belongs to the Waterbury, the Connecticut State and the American Dental Societies and of the first named is the secretary.
On the 26th of June, 1916, Dr. Daniels was married to Miss Margaret Kapsteyn, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, who is of Holland-Dutch descent, her parents being natives of Holland. She is a graduate of the Michigan University Training School for Nurses. Dr. Daniels belongs to the Masonic and Odd Fellows lodges and to the Sons of Veterans, while his wife is con- nected with the ladies' auxiliary of the last named organization. They are also members of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Waterbury and are interested in all those forces which work for the uplift of the individual and the betterment of the community. He holds to high professional standards and his reputation among his fellow members of the dental profession is indicated in the fact that in June, 1916, he was elected secretary of the Water- bury Dental Society, and in June, 1917, was reelected for a second term.
PATRICK GREGORY EGAN.
Waterbury has on the whole been signally favored in the class of men who have occupied her public offices, as they have been loyal to her interests and have manifested a progressive spirit in the discharge of their duties. Of this number Patrick Gregory Egan is a representative and is now filling the position of assessor. He was born in Kings county, Ireland, November 1, 1852, and came to the United States in 1881. His parents were William and Catharine (McNally) Egan, who always remained residents of the Emerald isle until they were called to their final rest. The father was a carpenter by trade. A daughter of the family has also come to the United States-Mrs. John Cobb, who is living in Brooklyn, New York.
Since 1882 Mr. Egan has made his home in Waterbury and for a third of a century he was in the employ of the Scovill Manufacturing Company but is now devoting his time and attention to public service. In politics he is a democrat and for two years he was a member of the board of aldermen from the fifth ward. On the 1st of March, 1917. he was appointed assessor by Mayor Martin Scully. In the previous fall he had been a candidate for the democratic nomination for state senator but in a three-cornered con- test was defeated.
On the 26th of January, 1887, Mr. Egan was married to Miss Nora Buckley, a native of Cheshire, Connecticut, born December 23, 1855, and a daughter of John and Catherine (MeAuliffe) Buckley, who were natives of County Cork, Ireland, but were married in New Haven. John Buckley served in the Union army during the Civil war and died at Nash- ville, Tennessee, of illness just a month before hostilities were brought to a close. Mrs. Egan had a brother, John Buckley, who went to Brazil about forty years ago, after which they heard from him but twice. Mr. and Mrs. Egan have three sons: William J., Edward P. and Ambrose G. The eldest married Alice Shackley in 1916 and is employed by the Water- bury Clock Company. The second son is a foreman with the Waterbury Buckle Company. The youngest son was graduated from the Crosby high school in 1917 and was the mu- sician of his class.
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