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 8
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Whenever Senator Judson gave a measure his hearty support or his definite opposition, some interesting developments were expected. His power of oratory, his thorough grasp of the subject in every detail, his mode of carrying out well laid plans, often wrested victory from his opponents. Many of the most widely discussed and most enduring acts of legisla-
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tion enacted during his term owe their triumph to Senator Judson. In the same manner he defeated many proposed acts which he considered unfair or wrong.
Winning or losing, Senator Judson was always a fearless champion or antagonist, striking in the open, fighting his battles in manly fashion and commanding the respect as well as the fear of men on the other side of the question. Associates of Senator Judson recall many incidents attesting to his brain power, his broad intellect, his fund of information on all subjects pertaining to public welfare. He was a man at the very heart of public life and he carried all the enthusiasm of his nature into his legislative activities.
During the session of 1907, he served as president pro tempore of the Senate. In the previous session he made his fame through his work as a committee man in conjunction with Senator Paige of Bridgeport.
Senator Judson is married and makes his home in Stratford, practicing law in Bridge- port. He likes social life and is a member of St. John's Lodge, Stratford; Hamilton Commandery of Bridgeport ; Seaside Club of Bridgeport and Algonquin Club of that city.
His latest honor has been the appointment as State's Attorney for Fairfield County to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Samuel Fessenden. In this position, his admirable legal qualities will be called into play and given opportunity and he will add further lustre to his name and enhance the glory of his record.
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Senator CHARLES A. HOFFMAN
SENATOR CHARLES A. HOFFMAN, DANBURY
The qualities which make for success are present in abundance in the character of Charles A. Hoffman of Danbury, one of the best known Republicans in that section of Con- necticut.
Mr. Hoffman has been identified with the business and political life of his city and state, for many years, and has attained a reputation for high standards of honor and loyalty to his friends.
He was born in Highbridge, N.J., in 1863 and received his early education in the pub- lic schools of that place. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Amos C. Hoffman, his father hav- ing died in the latter part of 1907, his mother still living.
After completing his course in the public schools, young Mr. Hoffman became inter- ested in the cigar maker's trade.
Naturally of the business temperament, he soon acquired the trade at a shop in Somer- ville, N. J., and followed this line for several years.
He was apt and popular and quickly made up his mind that he would advance beyond the status of an ordinary cigar maker. He saw the possibilities for success in the manufac- ture of cigars and decided that he could succeed in that line of business.
So at the age of 23 years he established a small cigar manufacturing business in Dan- bury, Conn., and after the first year realized that he had made no mistake.
Success was steady and consistent and the first humble site was soon succeeded by a larger, then still a larger and more pretentious establishment was sought.
To-day he sells to all parts of the country. His business is one of the most thriving of its kind in the State. Into his factory and its methods, he has put his shrewd business abil- ity, and to make his success all the more assured he adds the gifts of pleasing personality and a knowledge of the right way to deal with men.
When quite a young man he was sought in politics. As soon as he became a citizen, he enrolled himself in the Republican party and took a deep interest in its affairs.
He was elected Representative from Danbury in the General Assembly of 1903-1904 and so well did he fulfill his duties and so carefully did he guard the interests of his home city, he was re-elected in the fall of 1904 serving through the term of 1905-1906.
Further honor was bestowed on him in the next state election, for by a substantial majority he was chosen State Senator from the Twenty-fourth District for the years 1907- 1908.
Senator Hoffman is a doer, not a dreamer, and once his sympathies are enlisted in a certain cause, he never ceases until he has accomplished something in that direction.
As a member of the committee on humane institutions, during his term as Representa- tive he accomplished considerable good, but it is for his special work in behalf of Danbury that he will be longest remembered.
Much of his effort while in the General Assembly was expended in the direction of securing a state normal school and new hospital for Danbury. These were two big projects and called for an infinite amount of detailed work in which Senator Hoffman excels.
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The townspeople were very anxious to secure both of these institutions, and over the normal school in particular there was a great deal of controversy in the Legislature, but the insistent and well planned work of the member from Danbury finally won the fruits of vic- tory, and the people of Danbury have not been slow to express their appreciation.
It is quite natural that Senator Hoffman should have been instrumental in obtaining a Normal School for Danbury as he has always been strongly interested in schools. Educa- tional work has always appealed to him with irresistible force and in his term as a member of the High School Committee, he came into close touch with the schools and educational facilities of Danbury.
Politics, his other strong interest, has also been followed with marked success. In conventions, caucuses and primaries his voice was often raised in the cause of some pet project or favored candidate, and his advice being found to be sound and good, was heeded by the party leaders and workers.
He became one of the best known Republican workers in western Connecticut, and his prominence and popularity can be rightly measured by the fact that he was chosen as Secre- tary of the Connecticut Mckinley Association in 1907.
A man of this calibre is always in much demand for fraternal and social organiza- tions, and finds true pleasure and relaxation in such bodies.
Therefore, it is not surprising to note that Senator Hoffman is affiliated with a large number of such clubs and societies.
The purely social bodies to which he belongs include the Danbury Club and the fash- ionable Country Club of Danbury.
The societies in which the fraternal and social elements unite comprise Union Lodge F. and A. M. (No. 40), Eureka Chapter No. 23; Wooster Council R. and S. M .; Cru- sader Commandery K. T .; Knights of Pythias and the lodge of Elks in Danbury, and Pyra- mid Temple A. O. N. M. S. of Bridgeport.
Senator Hoffman married Miss Grace Taylor, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Tay- lor of Bethel in 1886, and they have three children, Miss Mabel G., Miss Alice M. and Clin- ton M. Hoffman. Their home is at 27 Balmforth Avenue, Danbury.
The family is one of the best known in the city and their home is a centre of social life.
A fact which has contributed to some extent to Senator Hoffman's continued success has been his friendship with the labor unions, his interest having been raised at the time when he was a journeyman and his prominence having made him secretary of The Dan- bury Cigarmakers' Union.
He has always proved himself a sincere friend to the cause of labor.
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Senator WILLIAM R. BROWN
SENATOR WILLIAM R. BROWN, BRIDGEPORT
Manufacturing life holds many of the ablest and most representative men of Bridge- port in its grasp. The fascination of manufacture attracts them early in life. It is a very large item in their environment and proves that in the choice of an occupation or profession for life, environment is a force whose strength is inestimably great.
The little boy whose daily path to school or to play leads him past these centers of industry, who hears the hum, rattle and roar of the motive power, who perhaps lingers about the docks and freight yards and sees car loads and boat loads innumerable laden with the product of the big factories, unconsciously plans for himself a share in this big work when he shall become a man.
Senator William Robertson Brown of Bridgeport, who has twice represented the Twenty-third Senatorial District with distinction, was just such a boy. From his earliest days, he was familiar with the great world of manufacturing. He knew the location and products of the multitude of factories which are making Bridgeport famous in the civilized world, where manufactured products are in demand, and he concentrated his attention on the life of the shops. He soon reached a determination that he would attain skill in some branches of manufacturing work and make that his occupation.
The son of Thomas and Agnes (Robertson) Brown, he was born in Bridgeport, Dec. 17, 1858, and attended the public schools of his native city. As soon as his education was completed, he entered one of the factories which had so fascinated him.
He did attain the skill of which he dreamed and during the eight years in which he was employed by the Home Sewing Machine Company, spent several years in England and Scotland in their interests. He broadened his information, and gained much of value during his life abroad and looks back to those years with a great deal of sincere pleasure.
He is a master mechanic and has for several years been with the Union Metallic Cartridge Company of Bridgeport, and is very highly regarded by his associates in that company.
Senator Brown is a very enthusiastic member of the Methodist church, one of its most ardent supporters and takes a prominent part in all that concerns the welfare of the church and congregation. He is known as a wise counsellor in church affairs and is frequently sought on matters of moment.
The Bridgeport Savings and Loan association has chosen him as one of the directors and he gives generously of his time and ability to that body, having the confidence and esteem of its members and associate directors.
In social life, he is a great favorite. His qualities of uprightness, geniality. delightful frankness and sincerity, merit the popularity which they have won, and everywhere he goes, the heartiest of welcomes is extended him. The Seaside Club, one of the best known in Bridgeport, is one of his social affiliations.
He is fond of the outdoor life and takes much pleasure in his membership in the Mill Hill Golf Club. He is also connected with Poquonock Lodge No. 4. I. O. O. F .. Strat- field Encampment, I. O. O. F., and Joseph Dowdell Lodge, Knights of Pythias.
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Enterprising, ambitious and companionable, he is in demand at all public and social occasions and his friends are innumerable and staunch.
His political activity has been confined to his work in the Bridgeport Republican Club, of which he is president, but has been the kind of activity which is commendable, as he has generously donated his efficient service and an abundance of time to strengthening the club, the party, and to furthering the cause of Republican candidates.
He has twice been called on to represent the Twenty-third District in the Senate and has demonstrated the same sterling honesty of purpose, solidity of character and pleasing characteristics in the Senate chamber that have made him such a prominent citizen of Bridge- port. As chairman of the committee on cities and boroughs he did a volume of business in the last session.
He married Katherine B. Shepard, November 24, 1884, and they have one child, Lorintha Blanche, born June 6, 1887. Their home is in Bridgeport and is the center of hos- pitality.
Senator Brown is a good example of the frank, outspoken man who is often spoken of as the ideal American. Honest of heart, honest of intention and honest of speech, his pur- pose clear, he pursues the manly course without question. To him there is but one course to be considered, all others are foreign to his nature and by him regarded as un-American. The life abroad but accentuated his Americanism and made him the stronger patriot and citi- zen, the kind in whom Uncle Sam delights.
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Senator JOHN M. DONNELLY
SENATOR JOHN M. DONNELLY, BRIDGEPORT
Ideals are beautiful things and courage is glorious. We all honor the man whose courage is of the glorious kind, who exercises that characteristic in upholding ideals and persists in his course at great cost. In Hon. John M. Donnelly, Bridgeport delights in the possession of one of these valorous, fearless sons, whose mighty battle against vice and the depreciation of womanhood in Connecticut in the last session of the State Senate, makes pleasant memory for all who desire moral progress in this commonwealth.
Seldom does so young a man dare to think, speak and act as did he; an unusual type of intellect and splendid force are revealed in this representative young American.
He was born in Bridgeport, on the James L. McGovern farm called Eaton, in the year 1874, and received his education in the public schools of Bridgeport. Soon after he entered the business life.
He enrolled himself in the Democratic party and his natural affability and bright mind brought him to the attention of the voters.
He was elected to the Board of Aldermen in 1899, being one of the youngest men to serve in that capacity in the history of the city, and was re-elected in 1901. He served as president of the board during his second term and demonstrated himself as a natural leader of men.
In the election of 1903, Alderman Donnelly was chosen as Democratic candidate for tax collector and was elected by a flattering majority. He served during the years 1903 and 1904.
His public life was of a kind to commend itself to all citizens. Upright, honest, reliable, fearless and loyal to the interests of his community, he was admired, respected and borne in mind by his fellow-citizens as a man well worthy of extensive and high honors.
So in 1906, by a plurality three times that of the victor in the previous election, the Democrats of the Twenty-second District, which includes four wards of the city of Bridge- port, elected him to the State Senate.
His committee work was done on the manual and roll committee of which he was chairman and on the Putnam Memorial Camp. His important work in the Senate, however, was done in debate and he will long be remembered by friends of temperance for his vote to keep women out of the saloons.
By his vigorous and powerful work against the saloon element, he antagonized many of the political leaders who vowed vengeance, should he be nominated for office again.
In the city election of 1907, he was nominated by the Democrats for tax collector and a memorable and stubbornly contested campaign ensued.
The saloon element was a unit against him and the best people in the city enlisted themselves in his interest. The very ministers rallied to his support and the fight was persistently bitter. Indeed it was one of the most notable contests which the thriving and active city of Bridgeport has ever witnessed.
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Throughout the State, interest was very keen, as it was generally understood, that the contest was not drawn at party lines and that the "Red Light District" had determined to punish Senator Donnelly for his manly, dignified and courageous stand.
The number of men of character who admire such a public official is large in Bridge- port and the hard tough struggle resulted in a victory for Senator Donnelly by the wonder- ful plurality of 1772, truly remarkable in view of the strength of the forces which opposed him. To secure such a gratifying vote for the candidate, many votes from without Demo- cratic ranks were necessary, and this demonstrates the esteem felt for the young man by men regardless of political affiliations.
His votes on excise measures at Hartford were thus cordially and emphatically endorsed and the election illustrated the people's strong admiration for the man possessing the courage of his convictions.
Beside his votes on excise questions, Senator Donnelly was prominent in the vote for trial by jury ; for the Employes Liability Act and for the eight hour law for railroad teleg- raphers.
He became conspicuous by introducing the bill giving cities and towns the right to petition the Railroad Commissioners for the right to stop trains passing through such cities or towns. Through the passage of this bill and the fact that Bridgeport speedily availed itself of the measure, the city secured much better train service.
Senator Donnelly is regarded as an extremely bright and efficient politician, a man whose personality is delightful and whose power to make and retain friends is wonderful and whose frank manner and warmth of temperament endear him to all.
He is married and makes his home in Bridgeport. He is one of the youngest men in public life in the State and his future seenis all rose and gold in the richness and beauty of its promise.
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Senator ARCHIBALD McNEIL
SENATOR ARCHIBALD McNEIL, BRIDGEPORT
"A wet sheet and a flowing sea, A wind that follows fast, And fills the white and rustling sails, And bends the gallant mast ! And bends the gallant mast, my boys, While, like the eagle free, Away the good ship flies and leaves Old England on the lee.
By all good rights, Mr. Archibald McNeil should have been a sailor, roving o'er the roll- ing deep in search of adventure and merchandise, weathering the gale, playing great stakes with Neptune, to win or lose all. Instead, we find he is a successful coal merchant in Bridgeport and sleeps 'o nights on an Ostermoor mattress-save the mark !- instead of in a hammock. There might be some romance in the transport of coal, but for the modern system of tug-boat and skow, and you might as well call the brakeman on a gondola coal car a navigator. No, Mr. McNeil entirely upsets our ideas at atavism, for in him flows the blood of that worthy man, Archibald McNeil of Branford, Conn., son-in-law to Rev. Samuel Russell, one of the founders of Yale College. He sailed the main in the "Peggie and Mol- lie," a trim brigantine engaged in the West India trade. Those were the days when the real romantic spirit lived and breathed; when pirates were always scuttling along the hori- zon or the enemy's frigates might bear down upon you and send a shot across your bows before you even knew war had been declared, or the revenue officers mistake you for smug- glers and give chase! This doughty old captain is on record as one of the founders of Free- masonry in Connecticut. Then there was his son, Captain Archibald McNeil, in whom the thirst for romance found assuagement in the French and Indian wars. A friend of Bene- dict Arnold, he, that is, of course, before the fall. In his son William, the old love of the sea crops out again. He was a graduate of Yale in 1777, and served as gunner on the "Mar- quis de La Fayette," which bore a privateer's commission from the U. S. government. He became captain of a West India trader, was captured by the French, held in durance vile, and finally "made his escape through Masonry," as one writer naively puts it. But for the capital "M," we might imagine him stealthily removing the stones of his donjon in the silent watches of the night, a la Monte Cristo. That would have been romantic, and I think he would have done it on a pinch.
Abraham A. McNeil, our subject's father, was also a seafaring man, whose energies were later expended in safeguarding the mariner's course. He founded the system of light- houses at Bridgeport, establishing the light at the mouth of Bridgeport harbor in 1844. He married Miss Mary Hults. Their son, Archibald. was born on the 2d of July, 1842. He received his education in various public and private schools, and the Hopkins Grammar School of New Haven. Though deaf to the call of the sea, he did listen to the bartering instinct, and in 1863 formed a partnership with his brother and demonstrated his business capacity. The
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year 1876 sees them established in the butter and cheese trade in New York City. Con- stantly striving toward a more commanding position in the world of trade, they made a bid for a part of the Cuban export and import trade. This put them in the way of handling coal, which proved so remunerative that in 1888 Mr. McNeil returned to Bridgeport to establish himself exclusively in the bituminous coal trade as a wholesaler. He has continued there ever since. He represents six large mining concerns, and supplies railroads, fac- tories and dealers. Bridgeport fairly bristles with smoke-stacks, and every cloud which they belch skyward hath a silver lining-for Archibald McNeil, who would not be a sailor. He says it is the only thing he ever handled that went up in smoke-and paid.
Mr. McNeil is never too busy to devote some of his time to the welfare of his city or state. He realizes that the handling of public affairs requires no less business acumen and bustle than is needful to keep one's private affairs off the shoals, and far more honesty. He therefore feels that it is a grievous dereliction from duty for a man who has demonstrated his business ability in his own interests to deny his expert services to the state. He stands by this opinion and has served in many local offices.
In 1902 he began a two years' service as State Senator. He proved his worth as a Senator by his support of many measures tending to the public good. His clean record dur- ing these two years brought him an encore in 1906, when he defeated Allen W. Paige, and his friends hope he will long grace the Senate chamber with his presence.
In 1881 Mr. McNeil married Jean Mckenzie ClanRanald, from which union have come three sons.
Mr. McNeil is a cordial man to meet. Business, first, of course you know, and accord- ing to business rules, but when the business is settled satisfactorily he will entertain you by the hour with stories from his own experience, or drawn from the past, when his forefathers sailed the seas.
He has several club affiliations. He was first president of the Algonquin Club, first president of the Calumet Club, and first president of the old Eclectic Club. He has made peace with the Manes of his seafaring ancestors by cultivating the sport of yachting. He was at one time commodore of the Bridgeport Yacht Club.
The old Captain Archibald, he of the "Peggie and Mollie," would shrug his shoulders at that, but the friends of the Senator say he has gone higher than the topmast.
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Senator HARLEY P. BUELL
SENATOR HARLEY P. BUELL, COLCHESTER
In affairs of state and country, at frequent intervals, may be discovered descendants of the early Connecticut families with hands firmly placed at the helm of public affairs, guiding their course with coolness, dexterity and wisdom, keeping clear of the shoals, true to the course which leads to success.
Those early Connecticut families contained the very cream of the pioneer settlers of New England, men of skill, fortitude, heroism, and from them have sprung descendants blessed with the same traits of character.
From such a family has come Harley P. Buell of Colchester, Senator from the Twen- tieth District, who dates back his ancestry to the days of Hooker and Davenport in this state.
Senator Buell was born in Gilead, town of Hebron, November 6, 1851, the son of John W. and Mary Ann ( Post) Buell. After finishing his schooling, at the age of nineteen years he entered the employ of his uncle, Charles G. Buell, who kept a large general store at Hebron Green.
Excellent business ability was developed and two years later he removed to Colchester, where he filled a similar position in the store of William B. Otis.
He was desirous of entering the drug business and prepared himself as a druggist dur- ing the four years in which he was at this store. He then purchased the drug store of Charles H. Rogers and engaged in that line.
He has continued in this business on the same site ever since and is rated as the lead- ing druggist in that vicinity of the state. He is alert, pleasant, and a fine manager, therefore he has prospered and gained a high place in the community.
One of his first avenues of service to the people of his town came in his election to the Colchester school board, which governs the affairs of the Colchester borough school district. That was a quarter of a century ago, and during the most of those years he has acted as chairman of the committee. His long years of experience, enhancing the value of his prac- tical knowledge of schools, have strengthened the force of his remarks and made the wis- dom of his counsel justly appreciated.
He is chairman of the Board of Selectmen and therefore at the head of the town gov- ernment of Colchester. For about nineteen years he has been Judge of Probate for his dis- trict.
Senator Buell was an incorporator of the Colchester Savings Bank, together with sev- eral other of the most influential and representative men of the town, and has acted as a director since the incorporation. His unerring judgment, proceeding from calm deliberation and a deep study of the question in hand, are sources of admiration among his brother directors.
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