USA > Connecticut > Representative men of Connecticut, 1861-1894 > Part 66
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Absorbed by his business duties he had little leisure for politics, but, yielding to the judg- ment of the leaders of his party (Democratic) he consented to accept a nomination as state senator from the Eighteenth Senatorial District, and being clected by a large vote served as such during 1866. In 1884 and 1888, he was presidential elector and cach time voted for Grover Cleveland for President. In business circles his name was a tower of strength, being a synonym for honesty and reliability. Since the incorporation of the Middletown bank in 1844, he had been a member of its directory. He was also trustee and manager of the Middletown Savings Bank for a number of years, and at one time its president.
Mr. Hubbard married on June 19, 1844, Miss Charlotte Rosella McDonough, daughter of that valiant American naval officer, Commodore Thomas McDonough, the hero of Lake Champlain. The three children born of this marriage are Margaret Sill Hubbard and Lucy McDonough Hubbard, the latter the wife of Samuel Russell (son of George Russell, Esq., and grandson of the Hon. Samuel Russell), vice-president of the Russell Manufacturing Company, and Charlotte E., who died in 1850, when but two years old.
R EAD, DAVID M., of Bridgeport, ex-member of the Senate of Connecticut, late president of the Board of Trade of Bridgeport, and widely known as one of the leading merchants and manufacturers of New England, was born at Hoosac Falls, N. Y., on Oct. 12, 1832. He died Dec. 5, 1893.
His parents, Moses Farnum and Sally Read, removed to North Adams, Mass., when he was a child, and in that village he spent his boyhood and received his early education, attending first the district school and then the academy. At fifteen, having mastered the branches taught, he left his books to enter upon the practical work of life. Many of his ancestors had been successful farmers, and being blessed with sound health, he concluded to follow that calling. Accepting a situation as farin hand on a farm near by, at a salary of four dollars a month and board, he entered upon his labors with the zeal of youth, expecting to till the soil and harvest its crops. But his ambition in this respect was not gratified immediately, for the first work to which he was put was the very necessary but rather prosaic occupation of sawing and splitting wood. This occupation, conducted under the blazing sun - accord- ing to what appeared to be time-honored precedent - somewhat dampened the ardor of the young aspirant for agricultural proficiency, and when, having completed this laborious task, he was taken up on the slope of the mountain and given another, even more uncongenial to him, namely, that of picking and piling stones, his disappointment was so great that it vented itself in indignant protest, and he abandoned farming forever.
Mr. Read received his first knowledge of mercantile life in a dry-goods store at Williams- town, Mass., in the year 1847. After spending a year or inore at Williamstown he left that place to take a more profitable situation at Lenox, Mass. When about twenty years of age Mr. Read removed to Bridgeport, Conn., having accepted a responsible clerkship in the old- established dry-goods house of E. Birdsey & Co. Having carefully husbanded his means, Mr. Read found himself, early in 1857, the possessor of about fifteen hundred dollars - which represented his savings for a period of about five years. In August of that year he obtained a loan of an equal amount from Mr. Hanford Lyon, a wealthy gentleman of his acquaint- ance, who was very much interested in his success and encouraged him to begin business on his own account ; and with his augmented capital and in association with Mr. W. B. Hall of Bridgeport, as partner, he opened a dry-goods and carpet store in that city. Twenty
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years later, in August, 1877, Mr. Hall retired and Mr. Read conducted the business alone until 1885, when, on account of its magnitude, re-organized it into a close corporation, con- sisting of himself as president, his two sons, a nepliew and his buyer (Mr. Burton). This corporation is one of the most extensive and successful in the dry-goods and carpet trade in the Eastern states, and as the legitimate successor of a house established more than a quarter of a century, and which has passed unscathed through every commercial perturbation occur- ring since its foundation, including the great panics of 1857, 1861 and 1873, it enjoys an unsurpassed reputation for honesty and solidity.
In association with his brother, Mr. Charles A. Read, he began the manufacture of ingrain carpets in a small way in 1869, their factory being at Bridgeport. At first the establishment operated two looms, but by gradual increase this number was soon extended to twenty. In 1873, this manufacturing business was turned into a stock concern, under the title of the Read Carpet Company, with a capital of fifty-five thousand dollars, which was increased to two hundred thousand dollars in 1877. Mr. David M. Read was chosen president and selling agent, with headquarters at Bridgeport, and salesroom at 935 Broadway, New York. At the present time the company's mills contain fifty ingrain power looms and twenty Axminster looms. The output, consisting of ingrain and Axminster carpeting, equals in value about half a million dollars annually.
Mr. Read took an active part in the organization of the Bridgeport Board of Trade, founded in 1875, and, being elected its president in the following year, served in that capacity till the close of 1890, when he resigned. He was a director in the Bridgeport National Bank and vice-president of the City Saving Bank for many years; and at various times was connected officially or otherwise with a number of local institutions, mercantile, charitable and social. For upwards of eight years he served as brigade commissary in the Connecticut National Guard, with the rank of inajor, and was acting commissary general of the encampment of Connecticut troops at the Centennial Exposition,. at Philadelphia, in 1876. For his executive ability in the management of his department during this encampment he was highly complimented by the governor and general commanding.
Interested in everything appertaining to the welfare of Bridgeport, he at all times was willing to serve his fellow-citizens even at the cost of inuch personal inconvenience. He was a member of the Board of Education, a member of the City Council and also first alder- man of the city, and in each of these positions inet the highest expectations of the public, discharging the varied duties and obligations of the respective offices with zeal and discretion. Until the Greeley campaign of 1872, Mr. Read was a Republican, at which time lie became an independent. In 1881, he was nominated on the Democratic ticket for state representa- tive and was elected by a very large majority. In 1884, he was sent as delegate to the Democratic convention at Chicago which nominated Grover Cleveland for president, Mr. Read being then, and until his death an ardent Cleveland inan. In 1888, he was elected to the state Senate, and again in 1890, his constituents feeling that he had not finished his work for them, returned him to the Senate by a largely increased majority. Upon the convening of the Senate, Mr. Read was unanimously elected president pro tem. Owing to the illness, and later the death of Lieutenant-Governor Alsop, Mr. Read was the presiding officer at every session of the Senate, virtually acting lieutenant-governor. It was possibly owing to his innate courtesy that a collision was averted in the Senate in 1891. One day General Merwin, the hold-over lieutenant-governor, decided by advice of his political associates to present himself there and preside over that body. He took the chair unopposed, called 011 Chaplain Seymour for prayer, which that Democratic clergyman willingly gave. Then he read a brief address stating in gentlemanly terms the fact of his right to preside, and, call-
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ing his friend, Senator Rcad, to the chair, turned over the position to him. It was a trying moment. Mr. Read made no step toward interference or dispute, but on the invitation walked quietly up, shook hands and took the chair. Had not thic two inien been of gentle- manly characters a row iniglit casily have developed. As it turned out, each probably thought thic better of the other for what had happened, and the incident did credit to Connecticut. It is one of the few pleasant memories of the discreditable deadlock.
Mr. Read served as chairman of the Connecticut World's Fair Board and did valuable work for this state. He was also deeply interested in the Boys' Club, and addressed the Chicago Boys' Club, urging them to push forward honestly and energetically, assuring them that in this country there was always room at the top for an honest man. He delivered an address at the Connecticut building, Jackson Park, on Connecticut day, Oct. 11, 1893.
Both as merchant and manufacturer and also as a public servant, Mr. Read stood high in the esteem of the community in which he lived. His success was achieved on broad rather than close lines, and he was fairly entitled to be classed with the most enterprising and progressive men of the state. His personal popularity was very great owing to his numerous public-spirited acts, his well-known generosity, and his unfailing courtesy. He was a fine type of the intelligent, broad-minded and useful American business man; as capable and trustworthy at the helin in public affairs as in the management of great private interests.
Mr. Read married on December 3, 1855, Miss Helen Augusta, daughter of Philo F. Barnum, in his life a prominent citizen of Bridgeport, brother of P. T. Barnum. Four
children have been born to this marriage, of whom one, a daughter, Helen Augusta, died on October 13, 1872. The surviving children, two sons and a daughter, are : Charles Barnum Read, now treasurer of the D. M. Read Company of Bridgeport ; David Farmuin Read, who was graduated at Yale College in 1883, and is now vice-president of the D. M. Read Company, and manager of the New York office of the Read Carpet Company ; and Miss May Louise Read.
The funeral of Mr. Read was one of the most notable which ever took place in Bridgeport. Distinguished men from all parts of the state were present, and the whole ceremony was a universal tribute of respect. Almost all the state officers were present, the two Senates in which he served were well represented, and numerous members of the judiciary, and other prominent persons paid the last honors to the dead. Voicing the sentiment of the citizens, the Standard said : "In the death of the Hon. David M. Read, which occurred yesterday, Bridgeport loses a man closely connected with its growth and prosperity for the past thirty years. There are but few mien who could compare with him in that respect, while the void created in social circles by his demise will be long unfilled. His friends were legion and his enemies very few. He drew men to him by his admirable qualities, and he seldom lost a friend once inade. He was active and progressive in all public matters and for years labored for the advancement of the interests of Bridgeport as diligently as he did in the direction of his private affiairs. Big-hearted, generous, able, full of activity and push, he infused his spirit into those about him and carried out his enterprises with a zeal and judgment which commanded approval and achieved success. It is safe to say that not a man could be taken from1 active life in this city who will be more generally missed and no one whose. death will be more sincerely mourned."
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REGORY, JAMES GLYNN, M. D., of Norwalk, was born in that city May 12, 1843. Two strains of Gregory blood, both coming from old England, are united in the subject of this sketch. The record of the given name of the first Gregory to enter the bounds of Connecticut has been lost; but from his son Moses, the succession comes down through Ezra and a second Moses to Ira. Ira Gregory was a thorough physician of the old school and a man of inuch force of charac- ter. He married Frances A., daughter of Moses Gregory. Mrs. Gregory's first American ancestor was John Gregory, who landed at Boston, the exact year being unknown, and at a later period the family crossed over into Connecticut.
After passing through the commnon schools of his native town, and taking a course at the Wilton Academy, he was prepared for college, and entering Yale University was graduated in the class of 1865, having a high place among the "honor men." Choosing the life of a physician as that best adapted to hiis tastes, he commenced the study of medicine at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York, and received his degree in March, 1868. After serving a terin in Berlin City Hospital, in 1870, he located in Norwalk, where he has since made his home. He was associated with his father, and thus gained the benefit of his father's experience, and on the death of the latter, in 1872, lie succeeded to his practice. In the years which have elapsed, he has added largely to the list of patients, and his record book shows a wide range of cases. Without devoting himself to any special line in his profession, he has built up a reputation from the general practice of medicine equaled by few in the limits of his native state.
It was but natural that honors of various kinds should be laid before him for acceptance, and they have been borne in a most becoming manner. Dr. Gregory is a member of the State Medical Society and has been president of the Fairfield County Medical Society. In 1882, he was surgeon-general of the state, on the staff of Governor Bigelow, and in this capacity he took part in the Centennial celebrations at Yorktown and Charleston. For five years he was trustee of the Middletown Asylum for Fairfield County, and for half a dozen years he was United States Examiner for Pensions, but resigned in 1890, owing to the press of other duties. He is now on the consulting board of the Soldiers' Home at Nuroton.
In the civil affairs of the city of Norwalk, he has always taken a deep interest. Besides serving on school boards at different times, Dr. Gregory was a member of the Court of Burgesses for three years, and for one year filled the office of warden. For one terin he represented the city of Norwalk in the lower branch of the state legislature, being the first year the new state house was occupied. At this session he served as chairman of the com- mittee on federal relations and as a member of the committee on claims. Dr. Gregory is a Master Mason, but has never held any office in this noble order. He has passed through all the chairs in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a member of the Grand Lodge. Though not a member, he attends the Congregational Church, and takes an active interest in its welfare. As a citizen, as an official and as a physician, he is highly respected in the city of his birth, where he is best known. It would seem almost as if he gave a contradiction to the Scripture saying, that " A prophet is not without honor except in his own city," because it is those who have grown up alongside of him from childhood who possess the most confidence in his ability. Nor is his reputation as a physician by any means confined to the city limits. In medical circles throughout the state his name is recognized as a leader in the profession, and all his brethren delight to do him honor.
James G. Gregory was married Dec. 4, 1877, to Jeannette Lindsley, daughter of Timothy S. Pinneo, Esq., of Greenwich. Mr. Pinneo was the author of Pinneo's Grammar, and other standard school books, and came from a staunch Huguenot family. Three children were the result of this union : Edward Slosson, Jeannette Lindsley and Alyse Earl.
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H YDE, EPHRAIM H., of Stafford, ex-lientenant-governor of the state. A sketch of his life in "An Illustrated Popular Biography of Connectient " says that the name of the Hon. Ephraim H. Hyde of Stafford is familiar to the people of this state as that of a leading politieian, an agricultural scientist, and a thoughtful student of social economy. In every one of these capacities he is no less widely than favorably known, and his many years are crowned with many honors.
He was born at Stafford, on the first day of June, 1812. He married Hannah Converse Young, Sept. 27, 1836. Six children were born to them, three of whom died in infaney, another at the age of four years; the other two, Ellen E., wife of Ernest Cady, of the Pratt & Cady Company, and E. H. Hyde, Jr., of the firm of Hyde & Joslyn, are 110W living at Hartford. His wife died Feb. 26, 1862, and, on Oct. 19, 1869, he married Miss Mary S. Williams of Hartford, who now survives.
Attendance at the district sehool in his native town, and about six weeks of study at the academy in Monson, Mass., comprised his entire school education. His boyhood was passed in the manner common to the boys of that time; work on the farm, accompanied by general serviee in an old-time hotel connected with the farin and known as the half-way stage station between Worcester and Hartford, and about four months as a stage driver between Stafford and Sturbridge, filled up the years between sehool and the commencement of his aetive business life. He took an efficient and active interest in the Universalist Society of Stafford, serving therein as sexton, organist, and leader of the choir for fifteen years. Entering a country store as a elerk in his eighteenth year, he became proprietor of the same in his twenty-first year, and from that time on he has been closely identified with the business interests of the town. He was interested in a blast furnace business for about eight years; in his twenty-ninth year he was the chief promoter of a cotton mill at Staf- ford Springs; he was for many years interested in the business of manufacturing satinets, as one of the firm of Converse & Hyde; and he has been actively engaged in many other industrial enterprises. His energies have been devoted principally, however, to promoting the agricultural interests of the state and to breeding blooded stock.
About the year 1842, having become the owner of two or three large farms, all of which he retained until within a few years, and most of which he still owns, he commenced the eareful breeding of stoek from imported and native eattle, and thus entered upon a course that was to make his name familiar as a household word to the leading agriculturists throughout the country.
Mr. Hyde began with Devons, and afterwards experimented with Ayrshires, Durhamns, and Jerseys ; but believing the Devons to be the best adapted to this part of the country, he applied himself to the scientific selection and breeding of that elass, and as a result he greatly improved the stock and produced herds of rare beauty and excellence, the winners of many a sweepstake medal and prize. He will be known in the years to come as the pathfinder for Devons in this country. Animals from his herds have gone to all parts of the country, and it ean be said with truth that the improvement of the stock in his native state is owing in a large measure to his care and wisdom as a breeder of pure-blooded Devons.
He early beeame concerned in the general agricultural interests of the state, and has been an active and zealous participant in all movements for their protection and advance- ment. Fully comprehending the needs of the farmers, and also the necessity of arousing them to a realization of the benefits to be derived by the adoption of more intelligent and scientifie methods of farming, he zealously devoted the best years of his life to the interests
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of agriculture, giving his time, money, and talents without stint, and bringing to the service an indomitable will and energy that prosecuted its aims with a patient industry that was untiring. It was largely owing to his influence and enterprise that the Tolland County Agricultural Society was organized in 1852. He was its president from its organization to 1860, and again from 1864 to 1868; and Hyde Park at Rockville was thus named in his honor, and in recognition of his services to the society. He was president of the Connecticut State Agricultural Society from 1858 to 1881; vice-president of the New England Agricultural Society from its beginning; vice-president of the State Board of Agriculture from its organization in 1866 to 1882; and was chosen again in 1890, and is now vice- president ; chairman of the commissioners on diseases of domestic animals for thirty years, which office he still holds ; president of the American Breeders' Association from 1865 until it resolved itself into sections for each breed ; president of the Connecticut Valley Agricultural Association, comprising Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont ; corporator of the Connecticut Stock Breeders' Association ; vice-president of the Dairyman's Associa- tion ; chairman of the committee to publish the first volume of the American Herd Book ; president of the Tolland County East Agricultural Society, from its organization in 1870 to 1876; and one of the trustees and vice-president of the Storrs School, a position which he still retains. Mr. Hyde had long been in favor of a school in which the science of agriculture should be taught, and was one of the first two persons who consulted the Storrs brothers in regard to the project of establishing the school at Mansfield. The scheme mnet his approval ; and that the plan was finally adopted, and that the school has been able to maintain itself against the numerous attacks that have been made upon it by friends and foes alike, is largely owing to his indefatigable efforts and earnest support. At a meeting of the trustees in 1889 he was chosen one of the building committee to erect the beautiful and commodious structures which have been completed at about the estimated cost of $50,000.
His labors to secure reform in the management of prisons and houses of correction have been extensive and persistent. He is one of the founders and directors of the Prisoners' Friend Association, and a director, also, of the Industrial School for Girls; and has been more or less active in the direction of the state board of education, especially in 1867, 1868, and 1869. When the United States Agricultural Convention met in Washington some time since, he attended as delegate from the New England Agricultural Association.
He has also been called to numerous other offices by the citizens of his town and state. He was county commissioner for Tolland County in 1842-43 ; a member of the House of Representatives from Stafford in 1851-52 ; a delegate to the National Democratic Convention at Baltimore ; and in the presidential campaign of 1860 he took a prominent part, identify- ing himself with the state rights faction, whose head and candidate was Breckinridge, and was made an elector on their ticket. He was a state senator and president pro tem. of the Senate in 1876 and 1887, and lieutenant-governor in 1867 and 1868. While occupying the latter position the office of commissioner of agriculture at Washington became vacant, and he was strongly pushed for the place, every member of the legislature then in session, irrespective of their party affiliation, signing the petition, and nearly all the state delegation in Congress. He took an earnest and lively interest in the Connecticut Experimental Station, and was chosen vice-president of the board of control at its organization March 29, 1879, and still retains the office. He presided at the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the primitive organization of the Congregational church and society in Franklin, Conn., Oct. 4, 1868. He was president of the Tolland centennial celebration in 1876, delivering the opening address, and he has occupied many other offices of more or less importance.
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In all his public life, covering a period of nearly half a century, his aim has been to subserve the interests of the state, and not the shadow of a suspieion rests on his honored name. His eonduet, motives and methods have been straightforward and honorable, and his record is one of which he may well be proud.
Ex-Lieutenant-Governor Hyde has filled a large place in the state, but his name will be best known as that of the eminent breeder, who by his enlightened efforts materially assisted in raising the farming industry of the state to a higher level, and in vastly inereasing the value of its dairy farms and stoek.
In the course of years he is now aged; but few are the inen of half his age who are to be compared with him in activity and endurance. Always strictly temperate in his habits, he has saved himself from the infirmities that so often overtake public men in their deelining years. With a tall and slender form, a well-bred faee, a flowing white beard and the graceful courtesy of an elder day, he presents a striking figure. Affable and agreeable, fond of society and companionship, kind and considerate of others, with a pleasant smile, and a cheerful greeting always, he has as large a eirele of personal acquaintances and friends as any man in the state, and no one is more highly esteemed.
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