USA > Connecticut > Representative citizens of Connecticut, biographical memorial > Part 49
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Mr. Simons' connection with the Masonic order has been mentioned. This was a very prominent one, and held an important place in his life, to the extent that he had entered many of the special departments of Masonry. Besides his membership in St. John's Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, he belonged to Pythagoras Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; the Wolcott Council, Royal and Select Masters; the Washington Commandery, Knights Templar; the Ivanhoe Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star; and the Sphinx Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
herbert A. Smith
H ERBERT A. SMITH was born May 27, 1861, died September 14, 1913, making his age at the time of his death but a few months over fifty-two years. His birthplace was Collinsville, Connecticut, in which town he elected to pass all of his busy life, finding, with Wilhelm Meister, that his Eldorado was at home. His parents, too, had lived there all their lives, his father, Franklin J. Smith, owning and operating a suc- cessful drug store in the town, and his mother, before her marriage Miss Mellissa Neal, being a member of an old and highly respected family in those parts. Franklin J. Smith and his wife were the parents of three children, of which our subject was the youngest, the others being William Smith, now a resident of Hartford, and Cora, now Mrs. Cheeney Doane, of Collinsville, Connecticut.
Herbert A. Smith grew up in his native town, attending as did all his comrades, the local schools. After graduation from the Collinsville High School he found employment in his father's drug establishment, where he thoroughly learned the business. After a considerable period spent in the employ of his father, the young man went temporarily to Derby, Connecti- cut. but, returning after a short stay, purchased from William Zeitler, a drug business on his own account. Mr. Zeitler had married a sister of Mrs. Her- bert A. Smith, so that the business was kept in the family, as it were, and Mr. Smith at once started to build it up to its present large proportions. He continued to conduct this establishment up to the time of his death, but this was by no means his only enterprise. In addition he opened a livery stable which flourished practically from the outset and finally did a large and lucra- tive business. A few years before his death he purchased the handsome residence on Center street, Collinsville, in which Mrs. Smith still makes her home.
Mr. Smith was twice married. His first wife was Miss Laura Sanburn, who died leaving no children. His second marriage, which was celebrated December 27, 1906, was with Mrs. Julia A. (Halden) Stickel, of Collinsville, the widow of Julius Stickel, of that place. Before her marriage to Mr. Stickel, Mrs. Smith was Miss Julia A. Halden, a daughter of A. J. and Christine (Swanson) Halden, old and honorable residents of Bakersville, Connecticut. Of her union with Mr. Smith was born one child, a son, Neil Herbert Smith. Mrs. Smith survives her husband and now resides in the house already mentioned in Collinsville.
Mr. Smith was a popular man in the region in which he was so success- ful. The successes that he won had never been at the expense of others' interests or rights. Keen to perceive and prompt to follow up his own advantage, he never allowed his expectations to obscure his sympathy or judgment in regard to those who, like himself, were running the race of life. It was largely this characteristic of keeping his brotherhood with others continually in mind that was accountable for his popularity and, perhaps,
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indirectly, for his prosperity also. It made him popular because it made him broad-minded and essentially democratic, a man among men, easy of approach, candid and genial, neither overbearing to the small nor cringing to the great, and in making him popular it invited men to deal with him, not only as comrade with comrade, but in business, since they felt sure that here, at least, they would receive courtesy and fair dealing. He was perfectly at home with his fellowmen, whether in conducting business affairs, or pur- suing the pleasures of society, but not less was he a delightful figure in his family circle, in which he was pleased to relax from the more onerous tasks of life, and this domestic instinct found expression not only in the pleasure which he took in his home but in the relations which he maintained with his entire household. He was a devoted husband and a loving father, not un- wisely indulgent, but with ever the best advantage of all in his consideration.
CONN-Vol III-27
Lewis Clesson Grober
L EWIS CLESSON GROVER, in whose death on September 30, 1909, the city of Hartford, Connecticut, lost one of its most prominent citizens and the New England industrial world a conspicuous figure, while not a native of that city, coming from old Massachusetts stock, was, during the most important part of his business career, identified closely with Hartford industrial interests, and indeed with the life of the city generally. His parents were Willard and Mary (Lewis) Grover, old residents of Springfield, Massachusetts, where they occupied a high place in the regard of the community.
Lewis Clesson Grover was himself a native of Springfield, having been born there November 26, 1849, and there passed his childhood and early youth in the pursuit of an excellent education, which the first class schools of his native city were amply prepared to give. He did not pursue his studies beyond those offered by the grammar school, but turned his attention to mechanical pursuits which from childhood had interested him. The youth was apprenticed to a machinist in Norwalk, Connecticut, with whom he remained three years, occupying his time to such good purpose that by the end of his term he had mastered his craft and was able to take a position as foreman with the Norwalk Iron Works. Before he had remained with this company a year, it had become evident to his employers that the young man was especially gifted in this line of work, and they were anxious to retain his services. This they were not able to do, however, for more than three years, for in the year 1880 he accepted a position as manager in the Whitney Arms Company of New Haven, and removed to that city to take up his new duties. These were of a decidedly responsible nature, but young Mr. Grover proved himself fully equal to them despite his youth and comparative inex- perience, and he remained in his position for a period of six years. It was in the year 1886 that he finally came to Hartford, having accepted a position as assistant superintendent with the great Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufac- turing Company of that city. In the employ of this huge concern Mr. Grover was rapidly advanced, taking in quick succession the offices of super- intendent and general manager. During his incumbency of the latter posi- tion, the presidency of the company was held by the late John H. Hall, with whom Mr. Grover became closely associated, and he grew familiar with the workings of the executive department of the concern. Early in the summer of 1902 Mr. Hall died, and on July 8 of the same year Mr. Grover was elected president of the great industry and member of the board of directors. In addition to this he was also elected to the presidency of the Colts Arms Company of New York, an allied concern of the Connecticut company. Unfortunately Mr. Grover's health was not of the most robust order, and the arduous duties in connection with his management of these great com- panies, taken in conjunction with his labors for the city as a public officer, were too severe a tax upon his strength. He remained at his post, how- ever, for nearly seven years, and it was not until the month of January,
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1909, that he resigned as president of the two concerns. Simultaneously with his resignation he was elected chairman of the board of directors, a position which, while it still gave him a very prominent voice in matters of general policy, released him from the consideration of much small and trying detail. This position he retained until his death in the following September.
As has been remarked above, Mr. Grover's work was by no means con- fined to the management of private business interests, however large and important these might be. He was possessed of a great amount of public spirit and watched with the keenest interest the conduct of the community's affairs. He was a member of the Republican party and a strong supporter of the principles and policies advocated thereby, though he always retained his independence of partisan considerations in local affairs. His party was not very long in recognizing his qualifications as a candidate and offered him the nomination for a member of the Common Council of Hartford. He was elected to that body from the old Fourth Ward, now the Seventh Ward, and represented his district for a term, 1891 to 1892. On May 2, 1904, he was elected a member of the Park Commission, his term to continue for ten years, to succeed the late George H. Day. On May 1, 1906, he was elected vice-president of the board, and six months later, the death of the president, Professor Henry Ferguson, left that office vacant and Mr. Grover was elected to fill it. In 1907, however, he declined reelection to the office that was offered him, for the same reason that he was still later obliged to retire entirely from active life. He was very active in the city's interests during his membership on the Park Commission, and it was during his term that Colt Park was accepted by the city. It fell to his lot personally to superintend the great improvements which were carried out upon that tract.
In addition to these many and onerous activities, Mr. Grover was a prominent figure in the social and fraternal circles of the city, and belonged to a number of important organizations, among which the following may be named. He was a prominent member of the Masonic order and belonged to Lafayette Lodge, No. 100, Free and Accepted Masons ; Pythagoras Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Wolcott Council, Royal and Select Masters ; Washing- ton Commandery, Knights Templar ; Pyramid Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He was also a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and of the Hatchetts Reef Club of Hartford.
Mr. Grover married, November 30, 1871, Ann E. Arnold, a native of New Canaan, Connecticut, and a daughter of Edwin L. and Ann M. (God- frey) Arnold, old residents of that place. To them was born one daughter, Mabel, widow of Charles G. Huntington, of Hartford, Connecticut.
Lewis Clesson Grover was a man of strongly marked characteristics, a strong personality, yet withal winning, so that he gathered a great host of friends about him whose devotion was well proved. He was an indefatigable worker, and one who had at heart the good of the community of which he was a member, so that he labored faithfully in its interests. There can be little doubt that he materially shortened his life by continuing faithful to his many arduous duties, public and private, after his health had been impaired. His death, which happened at the comparatively youthful age of sixty years, was felt as a real loss not only by his immediate family and friends, but by the entire community for which he had labored so long and faithfully, and made so many sacrifices.
Charles henry Barbin
L IMITATIONS OF TIME and space so formidable to the imaginations of most men seem to play but a small part in the thoughts of others whose enterprises spread themselves over large areas and are apparently unconditioned by delays and obstacles. The average man hesitates, and perhaps with wisdom, to engage in a multiplicity of ventures, espe- cially if they be situated at any considerable distance from the spot of earth he calls home. There are a fortunate few, however, who are not so hesitant and who seem able to attend to whatever is of interest to them though it were across a continent, finding only in that circumstance an opportunity to indulge a taste for travel. Such was, in sober earnest, the case with Charles Henry Garvin, whose death in the city of Hartford, Con- necticut, December 10, 1912, deprived that place of one of its most valued citizens, and who, though his domicile was indeed in that Connecticut city, had interests in which he was active in many parts of the United States.
Charles Henry Garvin was a native of Maine, having been born in the town of Shapleigh, December 27, 1862, a son of John N. and Ellen (Pills- bury) Garvin, old and respected residents of that place. In early youth he attended the excellent local schools and later was sent to Boston to prepare himself for practical life in a business college. He had already displayed the great energy and capacity for work which were so remarkable in after life and which had brought him into the notice of his instructors. Upon completing his studies in this institution, he first went to the town of Chel- sea, Massachusetts, where he quickly secured a position as a clerk in a store. Here he did very well, but already the enterprising nature of the man had begun to assert itself and he soon left the place to seek a larger field for his endeavors. He returned for a time to Boston, where he had spent the later years of his school life, and there worked for a time, but eventually returned to his native town upon an offer from his father that he should operate a saw mill in that location. The Garvin family owned large lumber interests in that part of Maine, and the young man prospered admirably in his new occupation. This did not satisfy his ambitions, however, and he ever kept upon the lookout for better things. At length, after a number of years, he removed to Hartford, Connecticut, which thereafter was his home to the end of his life, and there entered into business in association with the firm of Cummings & Daniels, large dealers in hay, grain, etc. The second member of the firm, Mr. Daniels, was considering retirement from business and Mr. Garvin shortly afterwards purchased his interest in the business, the firm continuing to operate under the style of Cummings & Garvin. Mr. Garvin, as time went on, grew more and more into the active management of the concern and it was in no small degree due to his capable management that the trade grew to its present great proportions. But though the powers of most men would have been tasked plentifully by the duties of management of this establishment, the unusual energies of Mr. Garvin were shortly on the quest of further occupation. His foresight, no whit behind his energy,
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soon pointed out to Mr. Garvin the opportunity for safe and remunerative investment offered by the increasing real estate values in and about Hart- ford, and accordingly he set about a judicious purchase of property in those regions, where prices seemed to be rising most surely. The event proved the accuracy of his judgment and he gradually became the owner of many valu- able tracts, and parcels of land both within the city limits and in the adjoin- ing region. His experience showing him the wisdom of this kind of invest- ment, he rapidly began to extend his purchases, not only beyond the immedi- ate neighborhood, but even beyond the boundaries of the State, as well as into the prosperous towns thereof. Among the New England towns in which he had holdings of real estate should be especially remarked those of Lyme and Grove Beach, Connecticut, in which places much of the real estate that he owned still remains in the hands of his family.
Although a strong Republican in politics and a man of such prominence in the city that his confreres recognized in him a possible public officer, such was the extent of Mr. Garvin's interests and such was the necessity of his absenting himself from the city for considerable periods, that he never allowed himself to become interested in politics other than as a private citizen, nor allied himself to the local party organization. Socially he was very well known and much liked in Hartford and belonged to a number of organizations, notably to Hartford Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. In the matter of religion he was affiliated with the Baptist church, and during his long membership was an indefatigable worker in its interests.
On February 1, 1876, Mr. Garvin was united in marriage with Lena Bird, a native of Chelsea, Massachusetts, and a daughter of Captain H. T. and Annie (Garland) Bird, old and highly respected residents of that place. Mrs. Garvin's father, Captain Bird, was one of the famous old Massachu- setts skippers, who have made the seamanship of America proverbial over a large portion of the world. He ran, for a long time, a line of packets be- tween New York and Boston, but he took many more extended voyages and, indeed, sailed around the world a number of times. To Mr. and Mrs. Garvin were born five children, as follows: Ethel, now Mrs. Earl E. Foot, of Port- land, Oregon; Rena Edna, now Mrs. Rupert Porter, of Chicago, Illinois; Nellie, who became the wife of Vernon Bodwell, of Sanford, Maine; Leslie, who married Dwight Phelps and now resides with her mother in Hartford; and Harold, a resident of Chicago.
The unusual activity of Mr. Garvin was the outward expression of a most energetic and powerful nature within, which gave him a leading place among his associates in whatever department of life he was placed. He was a man of wide interests and sympathies, a cosmopolitan, at home wherever fortune placed him, and this found reflection in his taste for travel, which the wide distribution of his business interests enabled him to gratify in a great degree. A man of his powers and attainments could not fail to exercise a strong and definite influence upon the community, and the beneficent char- acter thereof was insured by his possession of the private and public virtues in very large measure. A public-spirited citizen, a faithful comrade and friend, a devoted husband and parent, Mr. Garvin was held in the most general admiration and affection and his death was marked by a general sense of loss.
Rufus putting Pratt
A MERICA LEADS THE world in inventions. The many mechanical devices that have revolutionized trade and busi- ness during the last half century largely owe their existence to the ingenuity and skill of American men. The late Rufus Nutting Pratt, of Hartford, Connecticut, was not alone an inventive genius, but he was the founder of the Pratt & Cady Company, which has a world-wide reputation, and whose wares cannot be excelled.
The Pratt family is an ancient one. We find the name among the earliest English family records, before the year 1200, this indicating that the family came with the Normans to England. John Pratt, or de Pratellis, or de Pratis, as then generally spelled, held the Manor of Parrickborne (Merton Bridge and Pelham Hundred) in 1200. Four brothers-John, William, Engebraw and Peter de Pratellis-figured prominently in the reign of Richard I. and John, all living in 1201. In 1191 William and Peter Pratt both made a gallant record in the Crusade John Pratt was in Parlia- ment from Beverly in 1298 and 1305. Before the year 1300 the family was well known and widely scattered through England, and the shortened form of the name, Prat, was the common spelling. The other forms-Pratte, Pradt, Praed, Prete, Prate, Praer, Prayers-are also found. The surname means meadow, and was a place name before it was a surname.
Rufus Nutting Pratt was born in Windsor, Vermont, March 7, 1833, and died at his home on Sigourney street, Hartford, Connecticut, from a stroke of apoplexy, June 3, 1901. He was a son of Nathaniel M. and Euphemia (Nutting) Pratt, the former a prominent leather merchant of his day, and they were the parents of an older son, Francis A. Pratt, founder of the well- known Pratt & Whitney Company. Rufus N. Pratt spent the days of his early youth in the city of Lowell, Massachusetts, whither his parents had removed. After the completion of his education, and when he had gained a certain amount of business experience, Mr. Pratt went to Philadelphia and there engaged in the leather business, with which he was successfully identi- fied in that city until 1876, when he removed to Hartford, Connecticut, and there commenced the line of business which he carried on under the firm name of Pratt & Cady for many years. He was the founder of that concern, and in its interests traveled extensively in Europe, selling the company's output. In later years, when the firm was reorganized, Mr. Pratt, who had held high official position, resigned from this, severing his connection with that company. In the meantime he had organized the Johns-Pratt Com- pany, for the manufacture of specialties, more particularly electric acces- sories, this proving an enormously successful venture, and when his partner, Mr. Johns, a New York business man, died, Mr. Pratt continued as a director of the concern until his sudden death. On the morning of the day he died he was apparently in his usual state of health, and was preparing to go to his business, when he was suddenly stricken and fell to the floor. Not long after-
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ward he had passed to his eternal rest, deeply regretted by all with whom he had been associated. His religious affiliation was with the Asylum Avenue Baptist Church, of which he was a member, and to whose support he was a liberal contributor. He took no personal part in the public affairs of the community, contenting himself with casting his vote, and preferred to give his entire time and attention to his business affairs, and thus, indirectly, increase the prosperity and development of the city.
Mr. Pratt married, in Philadelphia, February 13, 1854, Frances E. Giddings, also now deceased, and they are survived by a daughter, Harriett G. Mr. Pratt was a man of highly cultivated mind, an ardent student of the best literature, and devoted to the art of music. One of his chief forms of recreation was travel, and his daughter frequently accompanied him on these trips. His tours were always carefully planned, and he was always the possessor of a fund of information concerning the places he was about to visit, so that he was a most delightful traveling companion. His daughter is a most capable woman of business, and in more recent years acted as attorney for her father. He was of a most charitable nature, and while he was frequently deceived in the characters of the recipients of his bounty, this fact never lessened his charitable inclinations, nor deterred him in the be- stowal of his charity.
Edward Clark Goodmin
E DWARD CLARK GOODWIN was born in Litchfield, Con- necticut, in 1825. His father, Oliver Goodwin, was the son of George Goodwin, of Hartford, who was for many years a publisher of the "Connecticut Courant." His mother, Clarissa (Leavitt) Goodwin, was the daughter of a cele- brated Revolutionary officer.
Mr. Goodwin attended school in Hartford. In 1849 he went to California in a sailing vessel. After a six month's voyage around Cape Horn, he reached his destination and found that his brother, Henry L. Goodwin, was there awaiting him, that he had taken the shorter route across the isthmus and was then engaged as a civil engineer in laying out streets in San Francisco. The city was then little more than a collection of tents and shanties; there were few of the comforts of civilized life, but the greatest need was that of pure water; the springs were so alkaline that the men put in alum to make the water fit to drink. A Douglas pump was found on one of the ships, and the brothers, Henry L. and Edward C., succeeded after much labor in driving a well and obtaining a supply of good water. Men were kept pumping night and day, the water was carried about the city in carts and retailed by the bucket full, and for a year or two this was San Francisco's only water supply. All sorts and conditions of men were found in this early company ; the cook, an unknown and mysterious Englishman, used to read Virgil and Horace in the original Latin.
About 1854 Mr. Goodwin returned to Litchfield, Connecticut, where for a time he was editor and publisher of the "Litchfield Engineer." In 1858 he married Matilda Coddington, of New York. His winters were spent in that city, but a house known as the Homestead was built upon the Hudson near Kingston, New York. Here while living the life of a farmer, it was his delight to fill his house with guests, many of them young people, the com- panions of his boys. His visitors will not soon forget the long drives and excursions in the Catskill Mountains, of which he was the enthusiastic leader, nor the pleasant home readings and talks on books, nor the readings of tales and verses of his own creating, of which there were many. Country life always had a great charm for Mr. Goodwin, and not infrequently in the winter did he steal away from the city to the farm, happy there in the com- panionship of his books, dogs and horses.
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