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 22
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He was an active, earnest official and was the father of several important measures. He was the champion of fair play and was vigorous and outspoken for the public good.
He has always taken a deep interest in the unfortunate children of his neighborhood and has been instrumental in beautifying the Water Street Park near which his home and place of business are located.
The Democrats of the state included Mr. Molloy in their delegation to the National Convention in Denver and he was a valued and very popular member of that party.
In fraternal life, too, he is very popular and is affiliated with the New Haven Aerie No. 242, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Knights of St. Patrick, in both of whose club rooms he is cordially welcomed. He has been particularly active in the Eagles and has taken a prominent part in their social life.
He is a member of St. Patrick's R. C. Church and also takes a lively interest in its affairs, always tendering his hearty support. Most of all he is a man among men, one who is equipped to cope with all questions of life and whose mind has been trained by excellent experience to overcome all difficulties.
He has wonderful popularity and his friends are innumerable. Every new person who comes under his influence is strongly attracted, and a larger acquaintance brings out the knowledge that he is honest, sincere, and of sterling attributes of character, which in all ages have distinguished the real man.
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HOFFE. 8
FRANK A. HAGERTY
FRANK A. HAGERTY, HARTFORD
The man with youth as an asset has a strong advantage over opponents in life's race, all other things being practically equal, for he has the fire to stir other men, the impetuosity which impels forward strides, the enthusiasm which colors every incident with roseate tint and makes no deed impossible. Equipped with youth, Mr. Frank A. Hagerty of Hart- ford is impressing his name and realizing the fruits of his natural gifts and training as he aids in making history in the Capital City.
Born in that city, he spent his early years in the Hartford public schools and was ever a brilliant and conscientious pupil. At the age of 14 years, better educated than the majority of children of that number of years, circumstances compelled him to enter the world of labor.
Eager, alert and filled with ambition, tasks were surmounted with light heart, and day dreams exalted, but did not interfere with his daily work. His first place of employment was the Atlantic Screw Works, then located at Colt's Armory.
During his years of work there, he spent nights, Sundays and holidays in study. From his youth one ambition had grasped him, one dream haunted him, toward one goal he con- stantly aimed. Self-educated practically, with his own zeal, industry and steadiness of pur- post to thank, he entered the office of Judge William F. Henney as a law student, October 3, 1898, and prepared for the bar under the instruction of Judge Henney, afterwards Mayor of Hartford.
Admittance to the bar was achieved on January 7, 1902, he passing a very creditable examination, and since that time, he has engaged in practice of the law.
The force of his character, and his absolute devotion to his ambition had made a deep impression on the minds of his shopmates. He was ever selected by the skilled men as a young man of mark and was the object of admiring interest to his youthful associates. It was with feelings of gratified pleasure that they noted his progress and learned that his ambi- tion had been crowned. Eloquence of speech is one of his leading characteristics and he has developed his natural gift of oratory to a high degree. His thought is on a lofty plane and clothed in beautiful and telling language, and he is much in demand as a speaker for big public occasions.
His is the character which draws to him and holds sincerely attached a host of friends and his personal popularity is pronounced. Loyal, honorable and idealistic, he com- mands the love and warm friendship of a constantly widening circle of people, and Attorney Hagerty owes much of his remarkable success as a lawyer to this fact.
In the law he has proved a signal success, such as the thoughtful student of men might expect in the case of one who had struggled against adverse conditions and made himself master of his own fate.
In politics a Republican, he has served as a Councilman during the years 1902 and 1903, and as an Alderman in the years 1904 and 1905, representing the Seventh Ward in creditable and efficient fashion. He has also been nominated by his party in the Third Senatorial District and made a remarkable run in a Democratic district.
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An honor recently conferred on him has been the post of Park Commissioner which he fills in the same enthusiastic fashion which distinguishes every act of his life.
Fraternal life has claimed him and he has been a tower of strength in the valuable service and counsel which he has given to the several bodies with which he is affiliated. He was strongly active in the organization of the Robert O. Tyler Post Citizens' Corps and was elected its Secretary.
In the Foresters of America he has gained the distinction of being chosen Grand Sec- retary, and is also associated with the Ancient Order of Hibernians and Modern Woodmen of America.
The best years of his life are before him and he is richly equipped to make an hon- ored name for himself. The qualities which distinguish the man of ability and power from the weaker and less well endowed of his brethren, are present in abundant quantity in the character of this young man.
He has earnestness of conviction and the sincerity of soul and voice which make a law- yer the admiration of his fellow-men, and his brilliancy of mind and tongue are proverbial. His ancestry from the dramatic and oratorical race, explains some of his most striking gifts, his warm-hearted impulses and his generous deeds.
In Attorney Hagerty, Hartford sees a coming celebrity.
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WATTE
GEORGE I. ALLEN
GEORGE I. ALLEN, MIDDLETOWN
Postmaster
George I. Allen, of Midletown, Conn., is one of the leading young Republicans of Con- necticut, and was appointed Postmaster of Middletown by President Mckinley, June 24th, 1898. He was born in Bridgeport, Conn., April 7th, 1869, and is the son of Wilson Allen, who moved with his family to New Haven a short time after the birth of the subject of this sketch, and it was in the excellent public schools of the latter city that he received his early education. Thrown upon his own resources early in life, he began his business career as a clerk in a mercantile establishment, devoting his evenings and leisure to reading and study. He possessed a determination to succeed and to fit himself for a higher position in the busi- ness world.
Mr. Allen became a resident of Middletown, Conn., in 1885, entering the employ of Henry Ward, of that city. He soon became well and favorably known, not only as a good business man, but as a leader of his party in the County. He has always been a Republican, and his keen interest in politics and rare executive ability resulted in his selection as Chair- man of the Republican Town Committee, in which position he served for several years. He is also an active member of the Young Men's Republican Club of Middletown, and early became identified with the Republican State League, of which organization he is Vice-Presi- dent, and was a delegate to the National Convention of the League held at Louisville. He is also an active member, and has been for the past few years on the Republican State Central Committee.
During the campaign which resulted in the election of O. Vincent Coffin as Governor of Connecticut, Mr. Allen was an important factor, visiting all parts of the State and securing a large amount of support for Mr. Coffin, which resulted in the nomination of that gentleman.
He is a Director in the Anderson T. Herd Realty Company, and in a number of other Realty Companies, also a Director in the City Savings Bank.
Upon the formation of the State Highway Commission, Mr. Allen was appointed Secre- tary of the Board, and he faithfully served as sich until his appointment as Postmaster of Middletown in June, 1898. Since he assumed the duties of the latter office he has made many improvements in the office proper, and has improved the service to a marked degree, devoting his entire attention to the development of the office to the highest state of efficiency. Mr. Allen was one of the six Presidential Electors of Connecticut in 1906, and cast his vote for President Mckinley. He has a wide acquaintance throughout the State ; is in close touch with all the political leaders of his party; and is a genial and popular young man with all classes.
In 1891 he joined Company H, Mansfield Guards, Second Regiment, C. N. G. C., as pri- vate, was promoted to Sergeant and later appointed Paymaster and Commissary of the Regi- ment, with rank of First Lieutenant. He takes great interest in military affairs, and served as Commissary for the Regiment during its trip to New York to welcome the return of Admiral Dewey.
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Mr. Allen became a Mason soon after attaining his majority, and passed through the different orders of that fraternity until he was made Knight Templar of Cyrene Command- ery. He is also a member of Pyramid Temple Mystic Shrine, of Bridgeport ; Apollo Lodge. K. of P., of Middletown; the Middletown Lodge No. 771, B. P. O. E., of which he was a charter member, and the first member elected to the position of Esteemed Loyal Knight.
Socially, he is a member of the Middletown Club, the Elks Club, Middletown Yacht Club and the Union League Club of New Haven.
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Hon. MARCUS L. REYNOLDS
EX-MAYOR MARCUS L. REYNOLDS, BRIDGEPORT
It may have been the good fortune of the reader to have passed a considerable portion of his or her life in travel; to have met the great men of this and other countries, and to have stood in awe in their presence. But it matters not how large your acquaintance may. be,-the broader your knowledge, the more competent you would be to judge. You cannot grasp the steady hand and gaze into the clear eye of the Hon. Marcus L. Reynolds, of Bridgeport, without remarking to yourself, "Here is a man!"
Mr. Reynolds was born in Easton, Conn., on April 15, 1850, and is the son of Lewis B. and Fanny (Peck) Reynolds. His early education was received in the public schools of Easton, and in March, 1872, after completing a three years' course at the Easton Academy, he accepted a minor position with the Wheeler & Wilson Manufacturing Company, of Bridgeport.
Youth in the early 70's was very little different from the youth of to-day. Ambitions lead us in different paths, and while success is always the goal, the path is often strewn with obstacles. How many of us have read that old maxim, "Young man, consider the postage-stamp. It's usefulness lies in it's ability to stick to a certain thing until it gets there!" And how many of us, in the various paths which we have chosen to follow, have decided the goal was not worth the effort! Not so with Mr. Reynolds. For thirty-four years he faithfully served the Wheeler & Wilson Manufacturing Company, each year bring- ing new laurels in a business-way until in 1905, he held the very important position of Department Superintendent.
During his long residence in Bridgeport, Mr. Reynolds has been an active worker in the I. O. O. F., and it is safe to say that among the most prominent members of this organ- ization no one has achieved greater distinction than he. On July 29, 1879, Mr. Reynolds was received into Pequonock Lodge, No. 4, I. O. O. F., and after serving in various minor offices, was, in December, 1882, elected Noble Grand. From December, 1886, until the pres- ent time he has held continuously the office of Treasurer of this Lodge. He has been a member of the Connecticut Grand Lodge since May, 1884, and his record of not having missed a session of that Grand body is one that is envied by many. He has been enrolled as a member of the Encampment Branch since 1882, and after serving faithfully in various minor offices of the subordinate and Grand Encampment, in October, 1902, was elected Grand Patriarch of the State. In 1904, as a representative of the State of Connecticut he attended the Sovereign Grand Lodge at San Francisco, and again in 1905, in Philadelphia, in both places serving on important Committees for the benefit of Odd Fellowship.
But Mr. Reynolds' public life has by no means been confined to Lodge work, for the people of Bridgeport have for many years considered him an able and conscientious worker, as well as a thorough business man, which can be attested to by his record in public office. and which dates from 1890. In this year he was elected First Selectman of Bridgeport; in 1891 and 1892 he served as Police Commissioner ; and being elected in 1905 as a Representa- tive to the Connecticut Legislature, served with distinction on the Committee of Incorpora- tions; was Chairman of the Committee on Unfinished Business, and withall was a capable
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member, gaining a host of true friends while at the Capitol. But the true character and ster- ling worth of Mr. Reynolds was forcibly brought to the front when in the year 1905 he was elected Mayor of Bridgeport, and during his two years' tenure of office instituted many reforms and improvements in the city, the effects of which have gained for him the good will of all, regardless of party or creed.
Mr. Reynolds was married on June 12, 1890, to Miss Katie J. Segears, daughter of Edwin and Katherine L. (Sperry) Segears, and their home life has always been held as a model by all with whom Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds have become associated.
As we look back over the record of Mr. Reynolds, both in public and private life, and consider the high esteem in which he is held by his fellow-men, no one of us can feel but what the Hon. Marcus L. Reynolds, of Bridgeport, Conn., will pass under the ban of those of whom it will be said, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant !"
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Hon. DENIS MULVIHILL
EX-MAYOR DENIS MULVIHILL, BRIDGEPORT
It is doubtful if in America there is a more unique character than Denis Mulvihill of Bridgeport, Connecticut. His is a wonderful record; his personality equally as remarkable. Born in the County of Kerry, Ireland, 62 years ago, he came to America when about twenty- five years of age. He located at Bridgeport, where he entered the Wheeler & Wilson fac- tory as a stoker, a humble enough position, and one the ordinary man would find too ardu- ous to permit of much, except recreation, when his day's work was done. Not so, however, with this sturdy young Celt. Tired in body he may have been, but the mind alert and ready for application, his evenings were spent in reading and studying. Even while he tended the furnaces, this ambitious young stoker snatched every possible moment to give to the work he had mapped out for his mental advancement. Often the superintendent of the factory would find him seated by one of his great fires, absorbed in a book that represented the best there was in standard literature, or mayhap working out a difficult mathematical problem, for mathematics was young Mulvihill's chief hobby. It would have been scarcely strange, had his co-workmen poked fun at his unswerving determination to thus elevate himself, for to men in their walk of life, it appeared foolish and altogether futile. What could a poor stoker do with a self-obtained education picked up in such desultory fashion, the great fur- naces always there as a reminder of his real place among them !
But even in those early days, there was something about this man that compelled both respect and admiration ; something that placed him beyond the pale of raillery. Per- haps he was born to get on. In any event, no obstacles in his pathway were insurmounta- ble. Denis Mulvihill from the start was bound to rise.
Prior to his election to the Mayorship of Bridgeport, Mr. Mulvihill's proud boast was that in the twenty-nine years he had been employed as a stoker at the Wheeler & Wilson fac- tory, he had never lost a single day's work. Until the day he walked out of the factory as the chosen standard bearer of the Democratic party at Bridgeport, his heart and soul were in the work allotted to him there. It has ever been one of his strong characteristics never to shirk a duty. His principle was to give the best he had to anything he was connected with. A voracious reader of fiscal statistics, with a passion for everything pertaining to good government, there was no one better versed as publicist than he at the time the people of Bridgeport chose him as their Mayor.
This was six years ago, when the tax-payers became alarmed by the manner in which the public moneys were being dissipated by the Republican administration then in power. Various extravagant projects were being pushed forward under the guise of public improve- ments. The time was ripe for a change in the local administration. Denis Mulvihill had faithfully served the taxpayers on the Board of Aldermen, and it was to him they turned to render them further service in the more effective position of Mayor.
An incident of this remarkable man's election to office, which by the way, was given to him by an overwhelming plurality, was his apparent indifference to the entire matter until after he was elected. During his campaign he was at his post in the factory every day, nor did he give up his position there until he was called upon to take the oath of office. Thus
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it was that he became famous as "The Stoker Mayor," a title, Mr. Mulvihill is very proud of, as well he may be, for does it not give the measure of the man? For twenty-nine years a humble laborer at $15.00 a week, he went from the factory to an important political office, the gift of the people, at a salary of $3,000 per annum. Nor were his supporters disap- pointed in their choice. Their "Stoker Mayor" proved himself all and more than their fondest dreams pictured. No one man in the history of Bridgeport has ever rendered greater public service to the city. His one act in killing the measure for a costly and extravagant City Hall, the projective plans for which called for between $500,000 and $1,000,000, was in itself tremendous.
This was at the first meeting of the Common Council after his election. He fought the measure tooth and nail, winning in the end. Later, when he met all the requirements of a modern City Hall by remodelling the old building at a cost of about $80,000, he was regarded as little less than a genius. This splendid achievement was in truth due to his courage and unflinching determination. That one act alone would have placed Denis Mul- vihill conspicuously in local history. But there were other achievements equally as cour- ageous that helped make his reign as Mayor of Bridgeport, one of the most brilliant on record.
Mr. Mulvihill was first introduced to politics as an alderman from the Tenth District of Bridgeport. He had soon made a record as an economist. He next attracted attention to himself when having been appointed a member of the aldermanic committee on finance, he insisted that all the bills sent in by various contractors, should show a strict account- ing. In this way he saved the city many hundreds of dollars, and soon his name stood for all that was clean in politics. He further strengthened his hold upon public favor when, during Thomas P. Taylor's administration as Republican Mayor, he deserted his own party on various questions. This won him regard from a great many Republicans, who admired him for his independence. Mr. Taylor returned the compliment, when at the end of his term, being denied a re-nomination by his own party, he was given the opportunity to sup- port Mr. Mulvihill. This he did with great zest, using his influence everywhere possible to turn Republican votes to the Democratic candidate. Mr. Mulvihill served as mayor uninterruptedly for four years. In 1905, he was nominated for the third time, but was defeated by a small plurality. In 1907, he was again renominated and again defeated by a still smaller plurality. Substantially fifteen thousand ballots were cast at the election. A change of two hundred and forty ballots from one column to the other would have elected Mr. Mulvihill.
Always frugal in his mode of living, Mr. Mulvihill has accumulated a fortune of between thirty and forty thousand dollars. In his earlier days, he made several shrewd real estate deals that have netted him handsome profits.
Mr. Mulvihill married Miss Elizabeth Lee, of Bridgeport, November 23, 1882. There were three children born to this thrifty couple. One, Hannah, is now a student at Smith College. She graduated from the Bridgeport High School with honors, standing at the head of her class. His youngest son, Denis, is a student at the Polytechnic School at Troy, New York. Another son, Cornelius, is in business in Bridgeport.
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Captain JEROME F. DONOVAN
CAPTAIN JEROME F. DONOVAN, NEW HAVEN
No young man in New Haven can count a larger number of earnest well-wishers than Attorney Jerome F. Donovan. Born in this city 35 years ago, he received his education in the grammar schools, Hillhouse High School and Yale Law School, from which last institution he was graduated in the Class of 1894, having been selected to write the class poem in the Shingle of that year. In early years he took a great interest in athletics, and played fullback on the High School football team of 1888.
His interests are widespread, and travel, dramatics and military affairs have occupied a considerable amount of his time. His work in "Esmeralda" and "Box of Monkeys" casts, in which he was subject to comparison with Harry Lacey and Nelson Wheatcroft, both pro- fessionals, has won for him the reputation of leading amateur actor in New Haven.
His military career commenced in 1887, when he captained the Dwight School Cadets at the dedication of the Soldiers' Monument on East Rock. On March 19, 1897, he enlisted in the Connecticut National Guard, and in four months from that date he was elected, after a most exciting contest, Captain of the Sarsfield Guard, Co. C, Second Regi- ment, C. N. G., and was the youngest captain in the state. During his incumbency of the office, that company attained a standard of work never excelled in its long and creditable career ..
Soon after this, in 1898, Mr. Donovan was married to Miss Mary E. Fahy, also of New Haven. Three children have come to bless their home.
Mr. Donovan has always taken an interest in public questions, and in the city's wel- fare, by reason of which fact he was elected at the comparatively early age of 28 years as Representative to the General Assembly, in 1900, by the largest constituency in the state of Connecticut. His record as a legislator was marked by ability and integrity. Mr. Donovan was active in debate, and in the councils of his party-the Democratic-and was a champion of the cause of constitutional reform.
He is one of the few men of the General Assembly having the honor to serve on three committees, each of which was important, namely, the contested election committee, the joint constitutional amendment committee and the revision of statutes committee, all of them requiring close attention, and involving complicated legal questions. His record argued for further political consideration and advancement at the hands of his fellow-citizens. At present he occupies the position of secretary of the civil service board. In this position he is doing good in helping to carry into effect the high principles of fairness to all and the advancement of the deserving which underlie that system.
Mr. Donovan is a member of St. Mary's Church, and of the Knights of Columbus, a director in the St. Francis Orphan Asylum and the Edwin Bancroft Foote Boys' Club.
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ANTHONY J. VERDI, NEW HAVEN
Where the sun beats dazzlingly down upon the vine-covered cliffs of Sorrento, and the blue waters of the marvelous Bay of Naples reflect the still more blue Italian sky, Mr. Anthony J. Verdi was born, about 38 years ago, in 1869. The stork set him down at the cottage door of Dominic and Rose Verdi, and about that door he played among the roses and under the orange and palm trees until his fourth year was past. At that time his parents felt stirring in them that vague unrest that has come upon so many thousands of their race in these later years; a sense of stifling in the atmosphere of age-long monotony, a longing for a chance to grow. And so they gathered up their Lares and Penates, and what- soever other household gods reposed on their Sorrentine hearth and trekked away to the Land of Promise. It meant the pulling out of many a deep-rooted tie of friendship, but that is the price that must be paid to ransom their children from the changeless narrow life.
They came to New Haven and the boy Anthony was entered into that city's excellent public schools, to be thoroughly Americanized. This was done so well, that Mr. Verdi speaks English to-day without the least perceptible shade of foreign accent.
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