USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > New Haven > Noted men of Connecticut as they look in life : as published in the columns of The Evening Leader of New Haven : being a collection of portraits and biographical sketches of representative men of Connecticut who have made and are making the history of the states > Part 10
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After much persuasion on the part of leading Republicans he was induced to consent to the use of his name as their party's candidate for Senator from the Fifteenth District, which comprises Wards 1, 2, 3 and 6 of Waterbury. After a vigorous campaign he defeated his Democratic opponent by the plurality of 1,724.
He represented his 25,000 constituents in a very able manner. He acted as a member of the important Committee on Incorporations, also on the Committee on State Library, and discharged his numerous duties in a highly creditable fashion.
Senator Chase is very popular socially in Waterbury and other sections of the state for in his rise in business and politics, he has also found time to cultivate friends. His are the friends worth having and it is probable that with their loyal support other honors await him.
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Senator CLARENCE E. THOMPSON
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SENATOR CLARENCE E. THOMPSON, WEST HAVEN
That a charm of personality is an asset, few will deny. And, while the success of the man, a sketch of whose life follows, might have been just as marked, had he possessed less of that attribute that the rareness of his personality helped, cannot be gainsayed.
Clarence E. Thompson, who was born at Orange, Conn., in November, 1844, has been so long identified with the leading men of affairs in New Haven, that to many it would appear as though he owed no allegiance elsewhere.
Yet the good people of Orange claim this man as their own and to strengthen their hold upon him, they elected him their Representative in the Legislature in 1902, conferring the same honor upon him in 1904. In 1906 they sent him to the Senate from the Fourteenth District. Notably good work was done by Mr. Thompson in 1903 in the General Assembly, where he occupied the important position of House Chairman of the Committee on Banks. This office he was well qualified to fill, for as an authority on banking and investments, Mr. Thompson stands in line with the best versed men in the state.
A story told of him by some of his fellow Senators that brings a hearty laugh when- ever recounted, has to do with the last session of the Senate. It was at the time the smoke nuisance of the Consolidated road was being so vigorously agitated. One night toward the close of the session, a dinner party was given at the home of Senator Patrick McGovern of Hartford. It was strictly a Legislative function. Governor Buckley was the guest of honor. The occasion marked the presentation of a magnificent clock to Senator McGovern. A sumptuous menu was served. It was indeed a brilliant and merry event. A day or two after, the same body of men met on the floor of the Senate. There was no hint of the friv- olous in any of them. They were the finished men of state. There were questions of import- ance to be discussed, serious problems to be solved. They were there in solemn array, the merry-making of a few nights gone by-forgotten. It came the turn of Senator Jeremiah Donovan of Norwalk to occupy the rostrum. Every one familiar with Mr. Donovan's ora- tory knows his convincing method of addressing his fellow senators. He was in on the smoke nuisance thick and fast that day. It was an outrage, a terrible outrage, and morever, one that could easily be obviated. There were patent devices that could be used to keep the smoke from coming out of the chimney, if only the corporations interested would take the trouble to look into the matter. Just at this juncture, Senator Thompson stood up, and with an apology for his interruption, stated that he was somewhat surprised that the learned Senator from the Twenty-sixth district should thus express himself; in view of the fact, continued Senator Thompson, that only a few nights ago, I heard this same gentleman at Senator McGovern's dinner singing in splendid basso profundo, "You push the damper in, and you pull the dam- per out, but the smoke goes up the chimney just the same." The House burst into a roar of laughter that continued for several minutes. Mr. Donovan was forced to join with the rest, and the smoke question was tabled.
Mr. Thompson has a splendid record aside from his legislative distinction. In his home town, where his father, Silas Thompson, was one of the leading men of the place, he spent his early life on the farm. Even then he showed the promise of the broader and bigger
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things to come. He was prominent in the expansion and improvement of the school system, his interest in the school question remaining to this day, keenly alert. Later he was on the board of warden and burgesses for several years, serving as warden for one year.
In 1868, Mr. Thompson married Miss Helena R. Smith of West Haven. Four sons have blessed their union, Howard W., late cashier of The National Tradesmen's Bank, who died November 1, 1904; Ernest S., late discount clerk of the Yale National Bank, who died January 10, 1902; Clarence E., Jr., and Harry D. who are members of the firm, Clar- ence E. Thompson & Sons.
It is somewhat curious that all of Mr. Thompson's sons should have inherited his faculty and taste for banking. There are few men who have the satisfaction of seeing their children voluntarily choose the same calling in life as their own. The loss of his two sons was the first great sorrow Mr. Thompson knew. Somehow his entire life has seemed marked by continual progress and success.
Socially, Mr. Thompson is one of the most genial men in town. His popularity as a club man was attested when he was chosen President of the Union League Club of New . Haven, an office he still holds.
While a Republican, frank and firm, loyal to the last degree to his party, his independ- ent attitude toward questions of public concern, has marked him a man of more than ordi- nary importance in the civic world.
Mr. Thompson is a staunch member of the Congregational Church. A many-sided man whose life is rounded out in the fullness of prosperity and well-earned content.
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Senator FRANKLIN L. HOMAN
SENATOR FRANKLIN L. HOMAN, NEW HAVEN
In the shadow of Yale University, Senator Franklin L. Homan was born during the closing days of civil strife, and in the beautiful City of Elms he was reared and educated, entered his business and political careers and won honors and distinction, which have made his life journey a pleasant one. Yet they have been won, not showered, and were he not an intrepid and persevering soldier, life's battle might have dominated him, as it has many others and the book of fame would have found no place for his name and a record of his deeds on her pages.
It was in 1865 that Franklin Homan was born and the city of New Haven has held him ever since. He was a faithful student in the grammar and high schools and chose the busi- ness world as his field of labor. The choice proved wise, for promotion was rapid, and when only 26 years old he was elected president of the American Oyster Company, a post which he has filled with success continuously ever since.
The company is an important figure in the multiplex business life of New Haven and Mr. Homan is very widely known as its president.
But his chief claim to distinction comes through his public triumphs, his larger service to the city and state, for he is a man much in the public eye.
Although only a few years have elapsed since he was first chosen for office, Senator Homan has so used the manifold opportunities offered him to advance the interests of his constituents, that he has been widely cited in the press as the ideal and typical young Amer- ican ; his views have been so eagerly sought on all questions of a public nature, few men in Connecticut to-day are better known to the people of the state.
In April, 1905, he was named by the Republicans as their alderman-at-large candidate and his election by a decisive majority followed. In this position he was an honor to the city, for he revealed a clear brain, natural leadership and crystal integrity of purpose.
The matter of a"cut" was agitated by the powerful New York, New Haven and Hart- ford Railroad Co. This corporation was extremely desirous of obtaining permission to make extensive changes in the city in connection with their plan for four-tracking the road, and the many phases of the question greatly roused the citizens of New Haven.
The outlook was one of injunctions and law suits and trouble galore seemed to be in store. At length it was decided that the best way out of the difficulty lay in appointing a commission of men to settle the matter.
Such a commission naturally called for men of public spirit and clever brains. The choice fell on Mayor John P. Studley, Alderman James R. Maxwell and Alderman Homan.
That their diplomacy and tact were of no mean order was demonstrated by the fact that the controversy was amicably settled, all differences between the city and the railroad were peacefully adjusted and the great work now close to consummation, was begun.
The city kept Alderman Homan in mind, for many felt that he was the moving spirit in the commission and his determined stand in behalf of the citizens placed them deep in his debt.
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Other special service for his city, was achieved by Alderman Homan through the pub- lic lighting committee, of which he acted as chairman, and through the board of finance, of which he has been an alert and vigilant member.
Residents of City Point will never forget the splendid work done by Mr. Homan in rehabilitating Bay View Park. Situated in a charming part of the city, close by the sea, yet in the heart of an attractive residential quarter, this park blessed by nature had been allowed to become a sort of rendezvous for idlers, from lack of police protection.
New Haven is fond of parks and many felt keenly the loss of this handsome square. Mr. Homan, voicing the sentiment of many, yet courageously fighting the battle unaided, succeeded in convicing both the park and police commissioners of the duty of properly pro- tecting the place, and restoring lost beauty to the park.
To-day the place is both beautiful and respectable and is a delightful center of rest and recreation.
Mr. Homan has long been a member of the Young Men's Republican Club and has been honored with its presidency.
In the campaign of 1906, Mr. Homan was placed in nomination by the Republicans of the Tenth Senatorial District comprising three wards of New Haven, and was elected.
Owing to a mistake on the part of one of the election officials, however, the election was given to his Democratic opponent, and the matter went to the committee on contested elections, who ordered a recount, which showed Senator Homan's election by a plurality of 75. As this had been a Democratic district, and his opponent was a man of strength, some idea of Senator Homan's popularity may be gained. He was chosen as chairman of the committee on new towns and probate districts and took a prominent part in debate.
He has often been named for higher positions of public trust and is wonderfully well qualified for the highest. He is one of the shining lights of Republicanism in the city and state, and enthusiastic friends never tire of singing his praise.
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From Photo by Phelps
New HAVEN CT ..
Senator FRANK S. BUTTERWORTH
SENATOR FRANK S. BUTTERWORTH, NEW HAVEN
Senator Frank Seiler Butterworth has that in his past which many men would give years of their life to boast-he has been a football hero and crowning glory of all, he has been a football hero at Yale. When the tall, handsome young Ohioan presented himself as a can- didate for the eleven his superb physique immediately commended itself to the coaches, but later they learned that he had another qualification which surpassed those at first discernible, for he became famous for his dogged determination. Frank Butterworth would never let go, he was ever at the heart of the battle, in the center of the struggle, and he hung on like "grim death."
He was a member of the Class of 1895 and during his years in the football eleven, bril- liant victories, due largely to his strength, pluck and endurance, were rolled up to the honor of Eli Yale. Of him the class book says: "Little pleasantries on the football field have convinced him that his blood is a brilliant crimson."
Although they had never played together before, the eleven with which he first played succeeded in defeating the formidable rival, Princeton, and to-day when he is winning suc- cess in the more serious avenues of progress, Senator Butterworth likes to dwell on those old days in Yale, when under the gray autumn skies they extended the glory of their Alma Mater on the gridiron.
He comes of a highly distinguished family, being the son of Congressman Benjamin Butterworth of Ohio, one of the famous characters in Congress, and a skilled lawyer. His mother was Mary E. (Seiler) Butterworth, and he was born in Maineville, Warren County, Ohio, September 21, 1872.
Until he entered Yale he spent most of his life in that state and in Washington, D. C., during his father's term in Congress. When the question of a university came up for discus- sion, Yale, from which several relatives were graduated, was decided on.
In college, the manly qualities, the straightforward, uncompromising honesty of the young man quickly asserted themselves and won him the respect and liking of his mates. Through life, these same qualifications have continued to win him friends whose loyalty is unquestioned.
After his graduation he entered the office of Berton & Storrs in Wall Street, New York City. He continued as a broker in New York for a time, and several years ago set- tled in New Haven, where he is at the head of the firm of F. S. Butterworth & Co., among the best known and most successful brokers in the city.
On May 30, 1899, he married Miss Esther Stoddard of New Haven, and they have three children.
Outside of his business and political life, Senator Butterworth takes keenest interest and sincerest pleasure in music, of which he is very fond.
In politics he is a Republican, and beyond an interest in clean politics and honest gov- ernment he was not particularly active until a few years ago, when he was suggested as the right kind of a man for the people of the Eighth Senatorial District, which includes the most attractive residential section of New Haven, to send to the State as their Representative.
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He was nominated by the Republicans and elected by a large majority in the autumn of 1906, and served during the term 1907-8. He was appointed a member of the committee on banks and was chairman of the committee on executive nominations.
Senator Butterworth proved himself a splendid representative and his constituents liked the kind of service he gave then1.
In the business world he is regarded as a man of force and influence. He is direct in his methods, full of enthusiasm and energy which inspires his fellowmen and begets confi- dence in his powers among his associates.
He is of a frank, social disposition and has numberless friends who admire his ability to reach the goal for which he aims, and enjoy his many likable qualities.
He is a loyal and staunch friend himself and has a character which wears well. His tact and courtesy, quite as much as his brain and heart, have made him the success in life which he is on every hand admitted to be.
Senator Butterworth is fond of horses and dogs and out-of-doors life and is popular among the large circle of successful business and professional men, who successfully find relaxation from daily care in the life in the open.
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Senator JOHN M. BRADY
SENATOR JOHN M. BRADY, NEW BRITAIN
Of vigorous Irish stock, with the large-heartedness, dash and magnetism which marks the successful sons of that race, is Senator John M. Brady of New Britain, representing the Sixth Senatorial District. Yet a young man he has made a fine name for himself as a servant of the people and stands in the line of quick promotion.
It was in Brockport, N. Y., that he was born, August 18, 1864, and he is therefore but 43 years of age. Both of his parents were of Irish descent. He received his early educa- tion in the public schools of Brockport, and he early displayed pronounced talents for busi- ness.
When he had equipped himself for the serious side of life he determined to do real estate and insurance and about 15 years ago established himself as an agent in these two lines.
He first maintained an office in New Britain and the business increasing, he opened another office in Hartford and is doing a flourishing business in both offices to-day.
His intention was to devote himself to business with a rational development of the social life, but a man who had attained his marked popularity was destined to become a power in politics.
He had often been besieged with requests to permit his name to be used as a candidate for various positions of trust, but steadfastly refused, all the more faithfully pursuing the business life.
He had, however, always been a loyal Democrat and took a deep interest in the affairs of his home city.
It was in the spring of 1906 that he finally consented to the use of his name as Demo- cratic candidate for alderman. It was then that the town and city of New Britain were con- solidated and all of the townspeople were deeply interested in the first election after that act.
Mr. Brady was regularly nominated on the Democratic ticket and then came a tribute to his personal strength and the high regard in which he was held by all with whom he had to deal, for the Republicans also endorsed him as their ticket, making his election unani- mous.
Immediately his value as a public official was recognized, for he took a deep and earnest interest in all matters affecting the city and showed himself to be a diligent and unceasing worker.
When autumn came, for the first time in years the Democrats of New Britain had a ray of hope. For years this senatorial district, the Sixth, had sent a Republican to the Gen- eral Assembly, the majority growing larger and larger, until it reached 1,400.
It seemed a hopeless task, almost a waste of time, money and effort for the opposing party to endeavor to elect anybody until they had secured Mr. Brady as a public official.
When the Democrats found that Mr. Brady would accept the nomination, they regained all lost confidence. With the support of his united party and the hundreds of personal friends whom he had made, and who were normally affiliated with other political faiths, he won out in the election.
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He not only won but reversed the big normal Republican majority of 1,400, his plu- rality being 139.
It was a very exciting political contest, for his opponent was a man of prominence, a man of large public experience and popularity and Mr. Brady's election came as one of the surprises of the state campaign to people outside his district.
He was just as faithful and as enthusiastic in his senatorial duties as in his business, and earlier political life. His State interests were broad and his allegiance was pledged to Connecticut.
The leaders in the Senate recognized his natural qualifications as a leader of men and he was honored by several important appointments.
As a member of the School Fund Committee he was called on to do an immense amount of work, for the session of the General Assembly was marked by an unusual extent of legisla- tion on matters pertaining to the schools.
Senator Brady has a keen and abiding educational tendency and has thoroughly in- formed himself on school questions.
As chairman of the committee on new counties and county seats, he gave valuable ser- vice to his state. His third committee appointment was made on the Congressional and Senatorial district committee.
Outside of committee work he became one of the most influential and widely known members of the Senate. His word was known to be as good as his bond. His sterling qualities, his upright manhood, his high sense of justice won the respect and esteem from his associate senators which he deserved.
In character and mode of address, he impressed all with whom he came in contact, impressed them with a deep sense of regard and a sincere liking for the man who was never too oppressed with his own cares and responsibilities, nor too much pressed for time, to listen to the sorrows or cares of others. His sympathetic heart and generous nature made him one of the most likable and sincerely admired men at the Capitol.
In New Britain, Senator Brady is regarded as one of the powers in the Roman Catholic ranks. He has always been a devoted follower of that faith and a source of pride to his fel- low-worshippers.
The call of nature appeals to him with remarkable force. Living in a busy atmosphere, surrounded by people in the life of business and politics, his principal hobby is farm life. Closely in touch with nature, away from the cares of the world, in the beautiful environment afforded by some of the delightful suburbs of New Britain, he gives himself up to unre- strained pleasure.
The fields, flowers and cattle each have absorbing attraction for him and he can throw aside every thought and yield himself to the joy of living.
With this open, frank nature and charm of manner, Senator Brady has been a cor- dially welcomed addition to the membership roll of many lodges.
He is an Elk, of course, as are so many of the genial representative men of the state, also a member of Fraternal Order of Eagles, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Foresters of America and Maccabees of the World.
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He was married in 1887 and has a family of four boys and two girls, who are all living in New Britain.
Senator Brady is a man of mark in his own state. New Britain is proud of her son, who has made such a profound impression at the Capitol and among men experienced in public affairs and not easily impressed. At the zenith of his powers, he displays distinguish- ing qualities which will raise him to the higher places to further extend his powers.
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Senator HOWARD A. MIDDLETON
SENATOR HOWARD A. MIDDLETON, BROAD BROOK
Still a young man with less than four decades of life traversed, Senator Howard A. Middleton of Broad Brook, has achieved much for his fellow-citizens and has made a con- spicuous success of himself. The son of John and Hattie S. (Allen) Middleton, he was born in Enfield, Conn., October 31, 1869, and his boyhood days were passed in that charm- ing little town.
He received his early educational training in the common schools of Enfield and after completing the grammar course, went to the Hartford Public High School, from which he was graduated in the Class of 1888. In his youth, the qualities which have been responsible for his constant upward path were made manifest and his personal popularity and splendid executive ability won for him the presidency of the class. Intellect and application to studies were also numbered among his characteristics in High School and he won a place on the roll of honor.
For many years his father conducted a retail business in Broad Brook and when the present Senator graduated, he was taken into his father's store. The business continued under the name of John Middleton & Sons, as another son was also a member of the firm. For seventeen years, Howard Middleton managed the business, retiring but a short time ago.
He was an excellent business man and knew people quite as well as he did merchan- dise, which made him the more certain a success, and marked him as one of the town's prom- inent and influential citizens.
He was the calibre of citizen ideal as a representative and in 1901, the town of East Windsor of which Broad Brook is a part, elected Mr. Middleton as its member of the Gen- eral Assembly. During that session he served as clerk of the committee on roads, rivers and bridges and performed his duties with tact and skill.
The following year when the state became agitated over the question of a constitu- tional amendment and called a constitutional convention to consider the question, Mr. Middleton was chosen as delegate from East Windsor.
The Seventh Senatorial District comprising the towns of Bloomfield, Canton, East Granby, East Windsor, Enfield, Granby, Hartland, Simsbury, Suffield, Windsor and Windsor Locks, felt that they needed the service of such a valuable official and the Republicans of that district placed him in nomination as their Senator in 1907. He was elected by a hand- some majority and served during the term, being assigned to the committee on agriculture.
He was a faithful and efficient Legislator and was influential in the passage of various important legislative measures, among them, his particular activity being directed in behalf of the "Free Bridge Act" over which there was such a long and earnest discussion.
Honesty and purity in government have always been Senator Middleton's watchword. Known far and wide for his absolute integrity and reliability, he carried into his public acts the same admirable traits of character and manner of doing things which commanded the respect and esteem of his fellow-men.
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