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 17
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His first position with the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad was that of freight agent at Bridgeport, which he undertook in 1862 and held for seven years. Promo- tion came then and he served as special agent from 1869 to 1871.
A large field of usefulness was deemed more in keeping with his qualifications and he was promoted to the ticket agency at New Haven in 1871. For sixteen years, he filled this position with credit and acquired a thorough knowledge and mastery of the business which so commended him to his superior officers, that he was rewarded with the appointment as General Ticket Agent in 1887.
In this post he did efficient work and when after eight years he decided to retire, there was sincere regret among the officials and a flattering unwillingness to accede to his request, which, however, he reiterated. He had closed a period of over four decades of con- tinuous service with the road.
After settling in New Haven, Mr. States was in demand for public duty and was elected a councilman in 1875. Two years later, the citizens of his ward asked him to serve as alderman and so finely did he serve them, that he was re-elected four times, his last term expiring in 1887.
Some of the posts to which he was assigned during these ten years were President of the Board of Aldermen, which gives a man the distinction and responsibility of Acting Mayor, during the absence of the Mayor ; a member of the Board of Finance of which he was
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also elected president ; a member of the Commission of Public Works and Chairman of the Committee on Ordinances and Claims, Sewers and Lamps.
All required a man of tact, judgment and force, and brought out the qualities in Mr. States which demonstrated his equipment for other positions of prominence.
The Board of Public Works, one of the most important branches of municipal activ- ity was his next field of labor, and as president of the board and chairman of the commit- tee on streets, during the terms of Mayors Shelton, Bigelow, Robertson, Lewis, Peck, Hol- comb, York, Sargent, Hendrick and Farnsworh, he placed a long chain of honorable service at his back.
In 1886, New Haven bought a church opposite the historic green which was converted into a free public library, and Mr. States was appointed by Mayor Holcomb one of the first directors. He was elected president of the board and was instrumental in placing the new library on a substantial foundation, and making its first year so successful.
He was much in the public mind, and fellow-members of the Democratic party saw a worthy and popular candidate for the State Senate. In 1887 he was elected by a large majority and served with distinction during the two years of his term.
Senator States was honored by the Senate of 1890 by an appointment as trustee of the State Reform School for Boys at Meriden. For six years he gave this institution close attention and performed the duties with zeal and discretion. Although earnestly solicited to accept a re-appointment, he felt that his time was too much occupied and declined.
In 1899, however, he was again persuaded to act as a trustee of this school and is still holding office and giving faithful service.
The General Assembly of 1893 gave recognition to his standing and influence in the community by appointing him on a commission with Henry C. White, Francis G. Beach, George D. Watrous and Eli Whitney, Jr., with instructions "To make investigations and consider whether it is desirable that any amendments should be made to the New Haven City Charter, or a new charter be granted."
Upon the rising of the General Assembly, the commission organized and chose Sena- tor States as chairman. The work of investigation was intelligently and conscientiously done and in September, 1894, made their report to the Assembly. Their finding resulted in the recommendation that the charter be revised. The provisions were not adopted immedi- ately, but as time went on, their sound wisdom and common sense root were apparent and at a later session, the charter substantially as recommended, was passed.
Under Mayor Driscoll, Mr. States was appointed a member and president of the Board of Charities and Corrections, serving for two years. Later his fellow-townsmen chose him as first selectman of the town of New Haven.
Such a trained and splendidly equipped man leaves his impress on every undertaking with which he is associated, and Senator States can look back on a life rich in achievements of moment.
He takes a strong interest in the Young Men's Institute, one of the helpful influences in New Haven, and is acting as one of its directors.
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Since early manhood, he has been a devoted and influential member of St. Paul's P. E. Church. His fraternal affiliation is only with St. John's Lodge, F. and A. M. of Bridge- port.
Senator States married January 22, 1868, Miss Laura F. Ayers of Bridgeport. One son who died in infancy was the result of this union.
Retired from business life, Senator States keeps closely in touch with industrial and political events and will always be regarded as one of New Haven's most cherished citizens ; not her son because of birth there, but her son because in New Haven and through his resi- dence there, have come the honors of his life, and to New Haven he has given the best in him.
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Hon. HENRY H. PECK
HON. HENRY H. PECK, WATERBURY
In the town of Berlin, Hartford County, Connecticut, on the 25th day of December, 1838, was born Henry Hart Peck, the subject of this sketch. He came by way of a Christ- mas present, you see, and the best of all possible presents, too, for he proved a dutiful son. not only bestowing upon his parents that meed of filial love, which every well-brought-up young man does, but also bringing to the family name a degree of honor and respect that is the lot of but a few in the state to do .. Indeed he would have been surprised could he have looked through the horoscope of Time, to learn that he was one day to sit in the Senate of his state, for his youth was spent modestly enough, upon a Hartford County farm. There were other boys as bright as he in the row of barefoot lads in the "First Reader" class in the old red schoolhouse, but the others are scarcely known outside their native town. That is one of the glories of our American institutions. The door of opportunity is open wide, to the farm lad and to the town boy ; to the rich, and to the poor alike. There is no nook nor cranny of our great territory so obscure, no country school so unpretentious, that we dare say of it, as of old, "What good thing can come out of Nazareth?" The most dilapidated, weather-beaten shack may house a future president, or in Shenston's words :
"A little bench of heedless bishops here, And there a chancellor in embryo."
Still there is something in blood. Someone has said that to properly educate a child you must begin with his grandfather. Now Senator Peck began his education a good deal farther back than that. In fact, he got a flying start from his first American ancestor in a direct line, from good Deacon Stephen Hart, a collaborator with Thomas Hooker of sainted memory, and one of the first settlers of Hartford. Deacon Hart came from Braintree, England, and settled in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1632. Sometime later, he joined Hooker's Cambridge Church, and accompanied that fearless man of God on his expedition into the unknown country west of the Massachusetts Colony. As for that, Mr. Peck's ances- try may be traced indirectly to the Rev. Thomas Hooker himself.
Another prominent patriot in Mr. Peck's family was General Selah Hart, an officer in the Revolutionary Army. He served throughout the war, spending two years in durance vile in a New York military prison. His services were much appreciated by the chief authorities. His staunch patriotism proved impervious to the many insidious Tory influ- ences of New York, especially during its possession by the British and to which Benedict Arnold was only one of many to fall a prey.
Mr. Peck's own father had held many town offices, and in the execution of his func- tions, proved himself one of that substantial class of citizens who are by nature modest and retiring, but on occasion can step forward and master new duties, grasp new trends of thought with true Yankee versatility.
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With this head start then, Mr. Peck as a country lad, might justly have painted a bright future for himself in those day dreams which are the brightest treasure of the youthful mind. "The man who has nothing to boast of but his illustrious ancestors," says Sir Thomas Overbury, "is like a potato-the only good belonging to him is under- ground." True, but he who, conscious of the honorable lives of his forbears, pays the implied debt by generous strivings himself, is entitled to our esteem. "People will not look forward to their posterity who never look back to their ancestors."
After seventeen years spent on the farm, divided between the rugged pursuits of the agricultural life and the district school, he attended Kellogg Academy of Meriden, and then, in 1857, he entered the dry goods store of D. & N. S. Miller, as clerk. After three years' service with them, he felt competent to run a business of his own, going to Waterbury, Conn., to do so. He established a partnership with Mr. Charles Miller in the carpet and dry goods business, under the firm name of Miller & Peck. The new firm joined the strictest principles of business integrity with such assiduous efforts to please their patrons, that before it was old in years. the firm of Miller & Peck had settled down into a comfortable repu- tation as one of the old and reliable houses; and that. you know, in dear old, conservative Connecticut, is to sit on the front seat in Paradise.
It is now twenty years since other interests led Mr. Peck to sever his connection with the firm, though the name remains unchanged. Larger interests have claimed his time, quite particularly the Dime Savings Bank of Waterbury, with which he has long been connected, as trustee, and since 1886, as president. To handle the slowly accumulated hoards of the lowly laborer, so that they may bring him some return, and stand between him and some "rainy day" is a public benefaction. It may be urged that bank presidents do not do this for noth- ing; neither do ministers live by faith alone, nor by bread alone ; the most of them like a little butter on it. They are none the less benefactors. But the Dime Savings Bank goes a step farther than the other banks, inasmuch as it not merely exercises a kindly stewardship over the poor man's savings, but educates him in the art of saving, by teaching him that no sum is too small to save. Many a laborer in Waterbury to-day has a tidy sum at interest, and many a snug cottage, bought with accumulated pennies, covers a happy family, that owes its felicity to the man who showed his fellow-citizens that if they waited till they had dollars to save they would never save them.
Next in interest to his bank, which is his chief hobby, comes the Waterbury hospital, of which he is a director and a generous supporter; nor are his charities confined to this worthy cause, for from his purse the needy of his town have often found relief.
Then, too, he devotes no little time to the Citizens' National Bank of Waterbury, of which he is a director, as he is also of the Waterbury Brass Co. and the Beacon Falls Rubber Company.
Mr. Peck is a Thirty-Second Degree Mason, belongs to Clark Commandery, Knights Templar, to the Union League Club of New Haven, to the Waterbury Club, and to the Home Club of Meriden.
He is an active supporter of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
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In 1886, Mr. Peck was elected a Representative to the State Legislature on the Republican ticket, and again, in 1905, he went to Hartford as Senator.
His public service differs little from his private service, as it is all for the public good. Senator Peck is an extensive traveler. He has visited nearly every corner of the globe, and gains from his travels, as he has gained from his books, a breadth of view and a culture that make him a charming companion.
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Hon. WILLIAM B. STODDARD
HON. WILLIAM B. STODDARD, NEW HAVEN
"Judges ought to be more learned than witty, more reverend than plausible, and more advised than confident. Above all things,integrity is their portion and proper virtue."- Francis Bacon-Essays.
The absolute necessity of unswerving integrity on the part of those who have been set up as judges of the conduct of their fellowmen was not just beginning to be perceived in Bacon's day. Socrates had long before expressed the same thought, in saying "Four things belong to a judge; to hear courteously, to answer wisely, to consider soberly, and to decide impartially."
There is something wonderful in the ability of the human soul to stretch out of itself and become worthy of a newly-acquired dignity. Many a bad prince has made a good king, the responsibility of his position causing him to "assume a virtue if he had it not." The most cynical misanthrope cannot but admire, if he will be honest with himself, the impar- tiality with which a man will throw aside personal interests, and, what is harder, personal prejudices, and, stepping out of himself as it were, regard the facts on their own merits. It is this admirable quality that helps optimists to retain their faith in human nature and see in fond vision, the day when the sentiment of justice shall be so universal that we shall have no need of specially appointed men to point out what is just and true.
But that day has not come yet. Ignorance and jealousy, avarice and passion still make it necessary for the morally strong and the mentally wise to intervene between the helpless and malefactors and show them the light.
While it is indispensable that a judge shall be well-versed in the law, and always have had practical experience in conducting cases, before mounting to the bench, we believe that it is equally valuable, though of rarer occurrence, for a lawyer to have gained that respect for absolute justice that comes only from a sojourn in the judge's seat.
This has been the privilege of the subject of this sketch, Hon. William B. Stoddard, who is considered one of the leaders of the Connecticut Bar, and who, as Judge of the New Haven City Court and of the Court of Common Pleas, established for himself a repu- tation for integrity and legal acumen which has been unsurpassed in the annals of the New Haven courts. The legislature was Democratic when Judge Stoddard was appointed Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. When next it became Republican. he yielded the place to a gentleman of that faith, the late H. Lynde Harrison, who had been Speaker of the House. Since then he has attended to his practice with growing success, due not a little, if our theory is correct, to the experience gained on the other side of the fence. Mr. Albert H. Walker, the well-known patent attorney of Hartford, in seeking out the most prominent lawyers in the State, found that during a period of four years, the Stoddard Brothers had contributed about one-sixth of all the cases brought before the Supreme Court of Con- necticut.
These brothers are ex-Judge Henry Stoddard, formerly of the Superior Court bench ; Judge William B. Stoddard and Attorney Goodwin Stoddard, who is a leading lawyer of
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Bridgeport. All these brothers vie with each other in amiability and efficiency in their profession.
The Stoddard family is one of the oldest and most substantial in Connecticut. Its family tree sends its roots back to Colonial days, crosses the ocean to England, and then across the channel to Normandy, some of the family having been in the service of William the Conqueror.
William B. Stoddard was born on the 27th of September, 1839. Bethany was his native town; his father, the late Joseph N. Stoddard.
He graduated from Yale Law School in 1865, and was admitted to the bar in that same year. Besides his judgeship, which he held in the seventies, he has had many other positions of trust and responsibility in which he has done himself honor. He represented New Haven in the General Assembly of 1893. Judge Stoddard was nominated in the last campaign by the Democrats for attorney-general and his nomination was praised by the Democrats and Republicans alike.
The New Haven Leader (Republican) said: "If the time ever comes when the state is to be served by any member of the Democratic party, it will be fortunate if it can com- mand the services of so good and loyal a citizen."
The Bridgeport Farmer (Democratic) said of him: "In the nomination of William B. Stoddard, as attorney-general by the Democratic party, no mistake was made. Mr. Stod- dard has always been a man of the people, and has always believed it to be his duty to do what is right. As an attorney, his researches of the law, his arguments before all the courts of this state, and in the federal courts have been almost uniformly sustained, and there can be no question as to his competency to discharge to the credit of the State every duty of his office.
It is certain that Judge Stoddard is trusted by all who know him, and is admired by everybody for his courage, his independence and his noble impulse.
He is now the senior member of the firm of Stoddard & Goodhart, in New Haven.
His home, however, is in Milford. In June, 1876, he married Sarah French, daughter of Raymond French of Seymour. Theirs has been a happy married life, and his neighbors regard him as a man of the purest motives and an unspotted life.
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ONE
Representative FREDERICK L. LEHR
REPRESENTATIVE FREDERICK L. LEHR, NEW HAVEN
The making of the American nation has called into play many diverse elements and among them all, none has played a more sincere and conscientious part, a part of greater importance, than the Germans and the German-Americans. People of firm character, sound minds and clean hearts, they have developed a reliable, responsible contingent of the popula- tion, whose industry and well grounded principles have reflected luster on the country from which they sprang.
The German American exerts a most potent influence on the life of trade, of business and of public endeavor. He is absolutely honest and unchanging.
In Frederick Lincoln Lehr is a happy blending of the sturdy German characteristics and the lighter tact of the American which makes for such, a strong personal following which has been his most valuable asset in politics.
He is a son of Elm City, which he has twice so well represented in the General Assem- bly and was born April 12, 1865, making his home continuously in New Haven. After fin- ishing his course in the public schools, he chose the business life and was associated with his father, the responsibilities of business finally devolving upon him entirely, by his father's retirement.
A field which naturally claimed the son of a German was the military and his close con- nection with the military life of the state has brought him many years of pleasure.
When but nineteen years of age he entered Company E, Second Infantry, C. N. G., and after being honorably discharged, re-enlisted.
He was appointed second lieutenant in March, 1890, and the following September was promoted to be first lieutenant. A year later he was chosen captain of the company and resigned the following year.
The most distinguished and best known branch of the State militia is probably the Governor's Foot Guards and includes a body of the most reprsentative and influential cit- izens of the State. Mr. Lehr has served as an officer in the Second Company of the Foot Guards for many years and some of his closest and most admiring friends come from the Foot Guards.
Beside the military, he is especially fond of fraternities and through his membership in many societies has gained the hearty friendship of scores upon scores of people. He is a member of Connecticut Rock Lodge No. 92, A. F. and A. M., Polaski Chapter and Craw- ford Council; B. P. O. Elks, New Haven Lodge No. 25; Fraternal Order of Eagles, New Haven Aerie No. 2421 ; Hammonnasett Tribe No. 1, Improved Order Red Men; Daven- port Council No. 700, Royal Arcanum; and the Young Men's Republican Club.
Always a staunch Republican, he has done much to aid his party in their successes and his work proved a strong influence in his section of the city. It was at an interesting stage of the political combat between the two parties in New Haven that he was approached by the Republican leaders and asked to stand as a candidate for Representative.
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The opposing forces were strong, but Mr. Lehr was a true soldier and as he led his military companies, he led his party, winning out by a handsome majority and filling the office of Representative from the largest city in the State.
That was in the term of 1905-6 and his most conspicuous work was done as a member of the Committee on Military Affairs with which he was so thoroughly conversant.
The following election, there was no question about a candidate. The people wanted him again and he was again elected. During his second term, he did even more important work, acting as chairman of the committee on unfinished business and as a member of the committee on railroads.
Another honor came to him June 22, 1907, when he was appointed by Mayor Studley to fill out the unexpired term of Assessor Theodore H. MacDonald who on July Ist assumed the office of Insurance Commissioner of the State. Assessor Lehr's term closes February 1, 1912.
He has the respect and confidence of a multitude of friends and their loyal good wishes for continued success. He is of a jovial nature, a man easy of access and ever ready to lend a hand to aid his friends or any unfortunate who is commended to his mercy or atten- tion.
His charity is broad and deep, being evinced both in deed and word and his optimisni attracts to him a legion of friends. Life should hold much more of honor and fulfillment for such a man.
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δΈ€
Hon. WILLIAM T. HARTMAN
HON. WILLIAM T. HARTMAN, NEW BRITAIN
This is not in the generally accepted sense of the term, a biography of William T. Hartman. It is merely a touch and go comment on a few personal incidents in the life of, and some of the characteristics of the man as they appear to one who has known him for a score of years. These little side lights to his character will, it is hoped, serve to give a better idea of the man than the mere chronicle of the events of his life would do.
Mr. Hartman has seen nearly half a century of life, and is therefore in his prime, a condition which, judging by his physical vigor, bids fair to realize the hopes of his friends in continuing with unabated force for many years to come. Born in New Britain, and hav- ing always lived there, he has seen the place grow from a small village to over 40,000 popu- lation. Educated in the New Britain schools he began early to earn his own living, going to work when sixteen years old in the lock room at P. & F. Corbin's. When twenty years of age he was foreman of the room, a position he retained for 23 years, when he was appointed assistant superintendent, and two years later superintendent of the entire plant, employing 3,000 persons. It will be thus seen that in business life Mr. Hartman is a self- made man, possessed of exceptional ability and genius for management, worthy to be selected for the important and responsible position he holds.
Genius has been defined as "the faculty for taking infinite pains." It is significant that Mr. Hartman's favorite motto, which he has had printed in large type, framed and hung above his desk, reads, "It is the cheerful doing of the apparently insignificant task with the same enthusiasm which attends us in those of vaster moment that brings to us a full return of peace."
Like all men who "do things" in this world, he believes in the gospel of work. The only permanent, never out of sight article on his office desk is a neatly framed picture of his wife. The memoranda and pieces of hardware of to-day are gone and the desk clean by to-night, a new lot taking their places on the morrow. He is at his desk before the whis- tle blows at 7 A.M., rain or shine, every day through the year and usually stays until 6 P.M.
During his incumbency, the P. & F. Corbin Foremen's Club has been formed, an organization to foster a more fraternal spirit among the foremen and assistants. Mr. Hart- man enters heartily into the spirit of this move, as well as of another commendable policy of the company. This is their treatment of their aged employes. There is no Oslerism with them. No matter how old a man is, his place is always open to him, and he is favored in every way possible. He came come and go as he feels able, and his inability to do the full amount of work accomplished in his younger days, does not bar him from his position. Once a Corbin man, always a Corbin man, and nowhere can one find employes more loyal to their employers.
This feeling was well expressed at the semi-centennial celebration, in February, 1902, of the incorporation of the P. & F. Corbin Company, by one of the speakers, when he said, "The key, the master key and the grand master key to the success of the company is con- tained in the one word, 'Loyalty.'" It is this spirit of loyalty inbred by his business train- ing, and the inherent love of justice and fair dealing in Mr. Hartman that is naturally
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