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 20
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It was fitting that a man of special qualifications be secured and all agree that the mayor chose wisely in appointing Joseph E. Austin, one of the most practical and successful builders of the city, to that important post.
In Mr. Austin are blended the technical excellence, and the wide experience and the straightforward dealing with men, which, tempered with tact, have made him such an admir- able official and made the office of building inspector such a telling one.
He was born in West Haven, December 24, 1866, the son of G. L. and Annie M. Aus- tin, and was educated in the grammar and high school of that borough.
His natural leaning was toward the science of building and after leaving school, he equipped himself in this line, entering on the work about 22 years ago.
From the first he was a success, mastering the details of the business quickly, and being a man of his word in all things, he quickly gained a reputation for conscientious endeavor and honest fulfillment.
His work was of a very high grade, too, and many of the handsomest residences in New Haven and its suburbs are products of his skill. Conspicuous among them is the home of General Phelps Montgomery.
He has always been in demand for big public buildings and his skill being his best advertisement, he was called on to do building of widely diversified nature. Some of his best known works are the Railroad office building, the Scranton Street School and the Phelps Building.
Just such a practical, thoroughly experienced man was called for in the new office which is under the civil service, and the constantly broadening scope of the office keeping pace with the growth and development of the city, has brought his executive ability more and more into evidence.
Among the various lines of activity into which the office calls him are to make assurance of theatre exits, their number and location, in accordance with the building laws and to best protect the public ; to ascertain that the laws with regard to fire escapes shall be faithfully observed; in fact to do all things for the safety of the lives and interests of the people.
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He issues permits for building and takes care that the building restrictions within the fire lines shall be obeyed. His is one of the busiest departments in the entire city service, indeed so large have become its fields of activity, that last year, an assistant building inspector was found a necessity, and was appointed.
Mr. Austin carried with him into office a determination to do with zeal and unabating energy, the things required of him under the law, but far more than that,-he ardently desired to increase the scope of the work and to enhance the value of such an office through ceaseless watchfulness and an alert interest in all which affected the office.
He has courage and conviction and has long been known as a man in love with his work. Keenly alive to the opportunities for upright, honorable and valuable service to his city and her people which such an office affords, he has made the most of all offered and is regarded with esteem and respect by his associate workers in the municipal service and by the public in general. Any detail which can further assure the protection of the public from fire or other dangers attendant on buildings, is eagerly studied by the inspector, whose researches have been responsible for several important revisions of the building laws.
Mr. Austin is a Republican but has never taken any very strong interest and had never held an office until appointed to his present position.
Outside of his work his interest turns to music which has been a relaxation and inspira- tion all his life. He sings second bass in the excellent choir of the Trinity P. E. Church and his circle of friends includes many musicians.
He has been a member of St. Paul's Church for several years, is married, and lives at 468 Whalley Avenue. In his character are combined the sturdy Scotch qualities, the zealous Irish characteristics, which demonstrate the power of heredity through many generations of life on American soil.
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T.R.INATE -06
FRANCIS W. FOLEY
N
FRANCIS W. FOLEY, NEW HAVEN
Director Public Works
It is only the man who is endowed with the personality of warmth and magnetism, the man in whom has been invested the power to attract friends, who makes his mark in public life, rising through their loyal friendship to a point of prominence. Now a man cannot make friends unless he be genial, warm-hearted and broad in human sympathies, and he cannot retain friends unless he be loyal, stalwart in honesty and square in all of his dealings toward his fellow-men.
Such a man is Francis W. Foley, the director of public works in New Haven, whose power in political circles has been enduring and of great strength for over a quarter of a century.
In the month of March, in the year 1854, he first saw the light of day in Fair Haven. and attended the public schools there. At the age of nine years he went to the little town of North Madison.
Working on a farm all summer and travelling many miles to the little district school for his education in winter, he laid a solid foundation of character, pluck and endurance for his manhood.
The sturdy out-of-door life contributed to physical strength and when at the age of 16 years, he returned to New Haven, he was a youth of fine physique and physical power.
He decided to become a carpenter and soon mastered the trade in which he became expert. During his years at carpentry, he worked in Branford and New Haven, and had the very interesting experience of being sent to Glasgow, Scotland, where he remained during the years from 1873 to 1876.
The trip was a great pleasure and of great benefit to the young man, broadening his horizon and giving him a never-to-be-forgotten view of life. He travelled through Eng- land, Ireland and Scotland and found much to interest and attract, but preferring his native land above all, returned to America. He continued in the service of some of the more impor- tant builders in New York and New Haven for several years.
Having accumulated a goodly sum of money, by his industry and thrift, he resolved to enter the business life and purchased a café of which he has been the successful proprietor ever since.
In 1882 he married Miss Elizabeth R. Egan of New Haven, and two children have been born to them, of whom one son; Francis E., is living.
In the world of politics Mr. Foley has won success upon success and has become a recognized leader, possessing the skill to marshall together the forces and lead them on to victory. He is wonderfully frank and outspoken and has the reputation of never forgetting a friendly service, and of repaying such deeds with compound interest.
When he became a voter, he cast his lot with the Democratic party and has been one of its staunchest supporters in the city of New Haven. His power extends far beyond the city and in the Democratic conventions of the state, he is a recognized power.
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His first political service was a deputy registrar in the Twelfth Ward and for twenty years he was the faithful, efficient deputy for that ward, where he did yeoman service for the party, enhancing its power and increasing its reputation in that section of the city.
Eight years ago he was appointed general registrar and in this position, as the man closest in touch with the Democratic voters of the city, he has become virtually the leader of the party.
In 1892 he was elected an alderman for the term of two years; he has also served two years on the board of finance.
This year he was chosen by Mayor Martin as the Director of Public Works, a position in importance and responsibility second to none in the municipal administration of affairs.
Since he is a man whom everyone likes just as soon as they meet him, and since added to his popularity, he has the attributes of practicality and level-headedness, he is certain to ful- fill the duties of the office to the eminent satisfaction of the most highly critical.
Since assuming the office, he has made several important changes which have been of practical economic value to the city, in short, he has introduced business methods into the management of the city's affairs, which is the really ideal American way of doing things, the mode toward which all intelligent citizens are looking as the solution to so many vexing problems.
His memory for the names and faces of men who have stood by him in his upward struggle in life is one of his happiest faculties and has contributed in no small degree to his popularity. He is keen-witted, clear-sighted and in spite of his strong sense of humor, has deep, strong sympathies for the trials and sorrows of his fellow-men.
In the Wolfe Tone Club, he is a power ; in the Elks he is one of the jolliest and most cordially welcomed of Brothers; in the Knights of St. Patrick, he is a valued and highly esteemed member. Mr. Foley is a member of the new St. Rose's R. C. Church in Fair Haven.
His one great hobby in life is handsome dogs and he owns several rare and much admired pets of this kind. He is an expert judge of dogs and is in his element when he meets a person who shares his enthusiasm.
In all affairs of life he displays the same genial, hearty nature, which was given him as his birthright and which has kept him sunny-hearted, even-tempered and undisturbed by the attacks of political enemies, while responsive to the loyalty of friends.
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Hon. FREDERICK A. IVES
HON. FREDERICK A. IVES, CHESHIRE
The eastern states contain several schools who have made an extraordinary record in the number of men of distinction who have received their educational training within their walls and who gladly give the credit for their foundations of character to their Alma Mater. Among these, none has become more famed for just such a record than the Military Academy at Cheshire, Connecticut, formerly known as the Episcopal Academy, whose existence has dated back so many years.
To this academy have come students from all parts of the country and some of the men foremost in the world of finance, of religion and of great achievement are proud to be numbered among its graduates.
It was quite natural, therefore, that as soon as his school day age was reached, Hon. Frederick A. Ives, the subject of this sketch, should be enrolled among the academy students. He was a Cheshire boy, the son of Titus B. and Anne E. (Peck) Ives, a descendant of two of the best known families in the township, and was born March 21, 1860.
His parents were desirous that he should obtain the best within their reach and felt that they would not need to travel beyond their own town to give him the best kind of an education.
So he spent several years of study in the Cheshire Academy, where he was active in work and play and popular with his schoolmates and associates.
When the time for work arrived, he turned toward the field of manufacture and when quite a young man, entered the office of the Ball and Socket Company, as a book-keeper, after completing his business education.
He was determined that his horizon should be broader and that he should amount to something more than a mere book-keeper. He concentrated his mind and his faculties on the details of the business and very soon his expert and accurate knowledge and unusual execu- tive ability made him of remarkable value.
Such a man was certain to rise and just about four years after he undertook his duties with the company he advanced to the post of secretary of the company. He continued his earnest devotion to the business and as a few years more rolled by it became evident that he was admirably equipped for further responsibilities and richly deserved higher advancement.
In addition to the post of secretary, he was appointed manager and holds this two-fold position to-day, the prosperity of the company having greatly increased under his control.
He is the best type of business manager, alert, ambitious, never ceasing in its energy, yet sympathetic and courteous in his dealings, equally with the men in his employ and those numbered among the customers of the company.
He is far too busy to give much time to social life but enjoys sociability and has an ever widening circle of friends. He is a member of the Quinnipiack Club of New Haven and is popular with his associates there.
His strongest hobby is motoring and among automobilists he is well known. He is never happier than when driving his favorite Stevens-Duryea car through the picturesque sec-
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tions of his native state. He participates in many automobile excursions and finds his greatest relaxation from business cares in indulgence of this hobby.
Mr. Ives has always taken a keen interest in matters of the educational kind and for six years was a member of the school board of Cheshire, giving his town most excellent service and expending considerable personal energy and time in raising the standard of the public schools of Cheshire. During his administration as a member of the board many important changes and improvements were effected.
In politics Mr. Ives is a Republican, and has often been sought as a candidate for important public positions, but not until 1904 did he consent. In the autumn election of that year, he was one of the candidates for Representative and was elected, receiving the largest number of votes on the ticket.
He served during the sessions of 1905-05, being a member of the committee on man- ufactures, and did his work faithfully and capably.
Mr. Ives is married and his home is in West Cheshire, one of the delightful suburbs of New Haven.
In all that he consents to do, he displays enthusiasm, energy and tact, and is loyal to his native town and all of her interests. He has business acumen, force and strength of character and is pushing forward to greater heights, without wavering.
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HORACE BOOTH
HORACE BOOTH, NEW BRITAIN
Hon. Horace Booth of New Britain, is one of the most highly respected citizens of the state. Here is his life story :-
The name of Booth has been conspicuous in the upward career of the city of New Britain since the day when Nathan Booth came from England and became the first settler of the central part of the village, now one of the thriving manufacturing cities of Connecticut.
The grandson of Nathan Booth, James, son of James and Thankful (Winchell) Booth, was prominent in the business life of the community and will also be remembered as the father of Horace Booth, the distinguished subject of this sketch.
James Booth was a child of Revolutionary times, having been born September 11, 1776, He married Miss Olive Wilcox, December 22, 1800, and to them were born several children, of whom Horace became best known.
James Booth conducted a large tannery and shoemaker business in his father's home- stead, in the heart of the little city. At his-home he conducted a tavern and boarding house, and became known to travellers and townspeople for his skill and success in his several lines of activity. A large farm inherited from his father, also claimed his interest.
With such a father it is not surprising that Horace Booth, born November 6, 1821, should have become a man of such marked executive ability and clear-headed judgment- they were his by right of inheritance, and to these he added distinctive and individual quali- ties which commanded the respect and admiration of all who knew him.
When Mr. Booth died September 24, 1907, there was widespread and sincere mourn- ing. He was known and loved by people in all classes of society, in all lines of endeavor, and was regarded as a public benefactor and a friend whose "price was above rubies." Sel- dom has a man's death called forth such heartfelt eulogies, such universal manifestations of grief, and better than any words did these tributes demonstrate the value of his life, the con- stant little deeds of kindness which marked the passing of his days.
In the common schools of New Britain, he received all of his book learning, but he was the type of man who never ceases studying until his death, and was a mine of broad and val- uable information. After leaving school he entered the manufacturing business in partner- ship with his brother, Ralph, in Winsted, Conn. The business proved a big success, and the natural qualifications for mercantile life present in Horace Booth speedily impressed them- selves.
Soon he returned to his home city, making his home in his father's homestead which had been the widely known tavern, and in which Horace Booth spent the most telling part of his life.
In 1847, he married Almira Elizabeth Beckley. Four children were the result of this union, Horace W., born 1849; Olive Almira, November 17, 1855; Martha Lucetta, 1862; and Lyman J., 1868. Of these, Horace, Martha and Lyman are still living. Mrs. Booth died
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February 7, 1886, and Mr. Booth was married for the second time December 21, 1887, his wife being Love L. Butler of New Britain.
Pursuing the even tenor of business life, according to his individual and often origi- nal ideas, Mr. Booth gave but little thought to politics, except to take a citizenly interest in the welfare of his city and town. But his fellow-citizens felt that they needed the service of just such a man in public life and in 1857 proceeded to elect him their first selectman.
They were well directed in their choice as the succeeding year revealed, for the affairs of the town were managed with consummate skill and he was re-elected again and again, filling the place for five years and resigning it to the great regret of the townspeople who greatly valued this calibre of a town official.
Country life held a charm for him and his list of successful lines of endeavor includes the avocation of farming. He divided his time between manufacturing and farming and finally made his largest success in life in the real estate industry. For this he revealed a special aptitude and his knowledge of men as well as matters amply fitted him for large transactions.
During his years of work in this line, he built and operated some of the largest busi- ness blocks in New Britain. His natural long sight and shrewdness made him a valuable real estate agent and into his hands were entrusted very important tasks.
Among his achievements was the building of Booth Block and Central Block on Main Street, New Britain.
But the quality for which he will be longest remembered and his memory honored, was not his shrewdness nor cleverness, nor any of those attributes which bring to a man the material triumphs of life-it was his generosity. He wrought wisely and well in acquir- ing the world's goods, but he did a much more noteworthy deed when he began to share some of these with the needy.
His acts of generosity were numerous. Scores of them will be never known, for they were done without ostentation. Many a path was brightened, many a discouraged heart uplifted through his kindness and it is these unfortunates who so sincerely mourn the loss of such a beloved friend.
In a large way he gave generously, too, and several churches were the recipients of his donations, for he was interested in the extension of good works, through the medium of churches.
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One of his strongest leanings was in the direction of temperance. He was an apostle of this virtue and endeavored to instill it into the minds of all the young with whom he came in contact. An argument sometimes advanced by those who liked to stop in at the saloon for a drink, was that saloons were convenient, central, easy of access and always ready to quench one's thirst.
To offset this fact, Horace Booth gave to his city, two public drinking fountains, one on Central Park and one on East Main Street. Both were in centers of activity and indus- try, surpassing even the saloons in their central location and easy of access and offering innocent water, the natural beverage of all who thirst.
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Mr. Booth was a strong character. He was not a mere imitation of some other good man, but fashioned his own life on a clear plan laid out by himself. He knew how to do things and did them without asking the advice of others, and in the same manner, refrained from interfering in the affairs of others. He was a man of power and strength. New Britain lost in him a rare citizen, and the state an honored man of affairs.
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DANIEL F. KELLY
DANIEL F. KELLY, NEW HAVEN
Police Commissioner
Those who have had occasion to observe the ways of the Irishman in politics, cannot fail to appreciate the wisdom of England in binding the subjects of the Green Isle hand and foot these many, many years, and in having not the slightest intention to cut those bonds. They know full well that if they gave the Irishman a quarter of a chance, he would own the British Isles, have a mortgage on India and Australia, and would be moving Erin across the salt wave to a safe anchorage in Long Island Sound, so that the folk could be all together once more. Certain it is, there is no race on the face of the globe that takes to politics so like a duck to the water, as the Irish. Perhaps it is because there are no better soldiers than the Irish, and politics is a kind of war. They certainly make good in their chosen line, and as this is the era of the sub-division of labor, perhaps it has been providentially ordained that the Jew shall hold the purse, the Irish shall rule, and the other Gentiles shall fill in where they feel best inclined.
True to his national characteristics, Mr. Daniel F. Kelly has for many years been interested in the public doings of his city. He came here at the age of sixteen years from Albany, New York, where he was born in 1847. His first work was as a plumber's appren- tice. He was employed by Hubbell Williams, and later by Eldridge and Morgan, with whom he stayed for nineteen years.
In 1880, however, he determined to go into business for himself, and opened up a store on Crown Street. He associated Mr. Buckley with himself for two years, then became sole proprietor, and has continued thus to the present day. The business is now carried on on George Street, the active direction having recently been turned over to his son, J. D. Kelly. Mr. D. F. Kelly's reputation as a master plumber is widespread, and his work is known for its durability and satisfactory qualities.
In politics Mr. Kelly is an Independent Democrat. As for that, Mr. Kelly is an inde- pendent neighbor. Whatever he does will be done with a view to helping his friends, or his party or club, whenever he believes he can honorably do so, but when his principles tell him he doesn't want to do it, why the bars are up, and you had better drive your cattle home another way.
Mr. Kelly served for one terin as Councilman from the Third Ward in 1884, and in July, 1903, he was appointed a member of the Board of Police Commissioners by Mayor Studley. Mr. Kelly's record as a commissioner has justified his appointment by the Mayor. He takes a deep interest in the affairs of the department, and has done much for its improve- ment. His activity in its interest is marked by the same straightforward earnestness that has made him so popular as a business man.
In a social way, Mr. Kelly is also well and favorably known. He is a member of the Church of the Sacred Heart. He is very popular among the brothers of the Knights of St. Patrick, who find in him a devoted and loyal member. He has served on the House Com-
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mittee as chairman for three years, and has also served two terms, of three years each, as a member of the Board of Governors.
Mr. Kelly joined the Sarsfield Guard in 1865, and served with that Company for fifteen years. He was one of the organizers of the St. Aloysius Society, T. A. B.
Mr. Kelly's many friends in this city and elsewhere hope that New Haven may profit for many years to come by the services of one who has proved faithful to every trust.
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Representative GEORGE E. GREENE
REPRESENTATIVE GEORGE E. GREENE, BERLIN
You can get to any station that is on life's schedule seen,
If there's fire beneath the boilers of ambition's strong machine,
And you'll reach a place called Flushtown at a rate that's simply grand, If for all the slippery places you've a good supply of sand.
If one should study into the past lives of some of the more prominent men of to-day, he would easily understand just what a "good supply of sand" is required to gain the goal of "Flushtown." And if you should decide to make the aforesaid study, no better life of a prominent man could be taken for your subject than that of Hon. George E. Greene, of Berlin. A comparatively young man of grit and determination, by his assiduous labors he has gained for himself high laurels in the hearts of his friends and co-workers, and at pres- ent holds forth to become a power in Connecticut politics. Brought up in a business atmosphere, securing a business education, followed by a sound business experience, he has the faculty of granting to that in which he becomes interested a thoroughly business attitude which makes for systematized dealings in any proceedings to which he is a party.
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