USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Waterbury > The town and city of Waterbury, Connecticut, from the aboriginal period to the year eighteen hundred and ninety-five. Volume II > Part 32
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CHARLES DICKINSON.
Charles Dickinson held for many years, a prominent place among the business men of Waterbury.
He was the son of Samuel and Lucy Dickinson, and was born in Saybrook, September 7, 1827, where he was educated and spent the early years of his life. He was for some time engaged in business in New York city, from which place he removed to Waterbury in December, 1852, and for four years was the secretary of the Waterbury Jewelry company.
* A sketch of Charles Benedict, with a portrait, is given in "The Genealogy of the Benedicts in America," pp. 397, 398.
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308
HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
In 1856 he became connected with the Benedict & Burnham Manufacturing company as a salesman, and on January 1, 1866, was elected secretary of that corporation. On the death of Charles Benedict, in 1881, he was chosen treasurer, and held that office until the death of G. W. Burnham, March 27, 1885, when he was elected president of the company. This position he filled with eminent ability until the end of his life.
At the time of his death he was president of the Waterbury Watch company, and of Hall, Elton & Co., manufacturers of plated ware at Wallingford, besides holding directorships in other impor- tant manufacturing concerns. He was also president of the Meriden and Waterbury Railroad company, having been in no small degree instrumental in bringing about its organization. He was a member of the board of aldermen for several years and at one time served as police commissioner, but he entered but little into politics, and it was chiefly as a business man that his influence was felt.
Mr. Dickinson married Sarah Jane Lynde, who died September 30, 1887. His children are Nellie Lynde (Mrs. E. L. Frisbie, Jr.); Arthur Mortimer; Edith Maria, who died August 30, 1863; and Amelia Benedict.
His death occurred suddenly at Fortress Monroe, Va., April 15, 1888.
AUGUSTUS S. CHASE.
Augustus Sabin Chase was born in Pomfret, August 15, 1828. He was the only son of Captain Seth and Eliza Hempsted (Dodge) Chase, and was de- scended from the earli- est Puritan settlers.
ROSE HILL COTTAGE. RESIDENCE OF J. C. WELTON, 1874. (BUILT BY W. H. SCOVILL IN 1852.)
His boyhood was spent on his father's farm. At sixteen years of age he studied at Woodstock Academy, and two years later took charge of a country school in Brook- lyn, Conn. The follow- ing year he went to Kil- lingly as clerk in the store belonging to the Danielson Manufactur- ing company.
He came to Waterbury in 1850, to take a position in the Water- bury bank. In the following year he became assistant cashier, in
308
In 1856 Or Icewine connected with the Benedict & Blimhamn Manuretiring enmpany as a salessan, and on January 1, 1866, Was Ele fol geretary of thit cortexation, On the death of Charles Jeordie, in x861, he was el woo treasurer, and held that ofnee until sốgoals of fr. W. Bushato, March 27. 1885. when he was elected viMent of the yomijordy This position he filled with eminent Achter until vo end of his life.
At the ring of his death he was president of the Waterbury Watch company, and of Wall, Elton & Co, manufacturers of plated ware al Wallingford, hesifes holdjoy directorships in other impor- tan manufacturing concerns, He was also president of the Meriden and Waterbury Radroad company, having Tous an no small degrec instrumental in bringing alont is organisation Bo was a member of the board of alarmen li araml reurs and av one Time served
My Worky tsou married Sarah Jane Lynde, who died September 1887 His children any Kollis Tonde (Mrs. E. L VYisole_ jr.) ; Erther Mortimer: E OL Mars, Bầu ilink Nuevat 32, 480 )2 wand Amelia Tutores.
The death occurred suddenly at Fortress Denron. W. April 15.
AUGURIVE & CHASE,
Magasins Saton Chiuse was bop in Pomfret, August 15, 1828. Tas sur the only son of Captain Seth und Eliza Hempsted (Dodge) Chase, and was de- ended from the gurli-
spent
sintesi wears of age he WIR TRESCK in Foo years
mange of a olay - colin Brook- Eye Coun The follow- ing year De went to Kil- lingly ap clerk in the store belonging to the Danielson Manufactur- ing company.
He came to Waterours in (85a, to tale A position in the Water- bury bank. In the following yeur he became assistant cashier, in
ROSE HILL IN 1892.
RESIDENCE OF A. S. CHASE.
310
HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
1852 cashier, and in 1864 president, a position which he has held for thirty years. His connection with manufacturing began soon after his coming here, and has been continued ever since. He is now largely interested in many of the companies in Waterbury and is president of several of them, including the Waterbury Manufac- turing company, the Waterbury Watch company, the Benedict & Burnham Manufacturing company, and the Waterbury Buckle com- pany; and in these concerns he bears the relation of a judicious, practical advisor.
He was one of the original stockholders of the American Printing company, which was organized in 1868 to continue the publication of the Waterbury American, and has been president of the company since 1877. He was one of the founders of the Waterbury Club and its first president. He is a trustee of St. Margaret's school and has been its treasurer since its establishment. He was one of the original members of the Second Congregational society, also of the Waterbury Hospital corpora- tion. He was the first treasurer of the city of Waterbury, and has served the city on the school and water boards and the Board of Agents of the Bronson library, and also in the state legislature.
Mr. Chase's success in business has been due to qualities not uncommon in themselves but somewhat rare in combination. His judgment is cool and deliberate; but, his judgment satisfied, he brings to the execution of his plans an optimistic faith and coura- geous determination as radical in their way as the preliminary planning was conservative. He is a steadfast advocate of legiti- mate enterprise, looking for success through industry, patience and proper adaptation of means to ends. He has had faith in those with whom he was associated, many of them being of his own selection, and there has grown up a group of men who have learned to look to him for the hopeful stimulus that springs from buoyant faith. A self-reliant man, he relies on others to do their part, and makes them feel his confidence and appreciation. Just and sympathetic, he interests himself in all whose concerns touch him; he is never so busy that he has not time to listen and advise.
He has always been a steady and discriminating reader of the best books, and, as his time has become more and more his own to dispose of, he has given more and more of his leisure to the grati- fication of his taste for literature. Few men have brought into their maturer, busier years so keen and affectionate a memory of the country life of boyhood days, so fresh a love of nature and so clear
3II
THE BENEDICT & BURNHAM MANUFACTURING CO.
a knowledge of the things a boy learns on a farm, and he finds special enjoyment in the direction of out-door affairs on his own estate. It is a bent of mind and a means of physical relaxation which make for health and youth and cheer- fulness-character- istics which are es- pecially marked in him.
In matters of lo- cal concern he is public-spirited, helpful and gener- ROSE HILL COTTAGE IN 1894. ous, accepting the responsibilities of his position, sensitive for the reputation and welfare of the community, and responsive to the claims of society upon his duty, charity and neighborly kindness.
On September 7, 1854, Mr. Chase married Martha Clark Stark- weather, daughter of Dr. Rodney Starkweather of Chesterfield, Mass. Six children have been born to them, all of whom are now living in Waterbury. The three sons, following in the footsteps of their father, sustain active relations of authority and influence to prominent manufacturing concerns in Waterbury.
Henry Sabin Chase, the eldest son, was born October 1, 1855. He was educated at the Waterbury public schools, the "Gunnery" in Washington, Conn., and the Hopkins Grammar school, and grad- uated at Yale College in 1877. He is now manager of the American Printing company and treasurer of the Waterbury Manufacturing company. On April 4, 1889, he married Alice, daughter of Thomas Morton.
Irving Hall Chase was born May 13, 1858. He was educated at the Waterbury public schools, the "Gunnery," and the Andover academy, and graduated at Yale in 1880. He is secretary of the Waterbury Clock company. On February 28, 1889, he married Elizabeth Hosmer, daughter of the Hon. S. W. Kellogg.
Frederick Starkweather Chase was born July 2, 1862. He was educated at the Waterbury schools and at Andover, and graduated at Yale in 1887. He is now connected with the Waterbury Manu- facturing company. On February 17, 1890, he married Elsie, the daughter of the Rev. Dr. Edmund Rowland.
The other children of Mr. and Mrs. Chase are Helen Elizabeth, Mary Eliza, and Alice Martha.
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HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
E. L. BRONSON.
Edward Leonard Bronson, son of Leonard and Nancy (Richard- son) Bronson, was born in Middlebury, January 18, 1828. His father was a well known and widely respected farmer; also in his earlier life a school teacher and a surveyor. He was for some years a resident of Waterbury, and while here served the town as select- man and the First church as one of its deacons.
Edward was educated in the schools of Middlebury and of Pittsford, N. Y., and in the winter of 1847-8 was himself teacher of a district school. In October, 1848, he became a resident of Water- bury and spent the rest of his life here. He was for a few years a clerk in the store of Benedict, Merriman & Co., but in 1853, with his brother Isaac (for whom see the military chapter), he estab- lished the firm of Bronson Brothers, "stationers and manufacturers of blank books."* They were also publishers; at all events Dr. Henry Bronson's History of Waterbury issued from their establish- ment in 1858. It was finished in December 1857, but the publishers in their "notice" (May, 1858) say that "the late financial crisis rendered it expedient to defer for a few months the issue of the volume. . . They have taken pride in it," they add, "and have not been actuated wholly by selfish motives." They appear as the publishers also of the first volume of Cothren's History of Wood- bury.
The book business having proved unsuccessful, the firm was dissolved and Mr. Bronson secured a position with the Benedict & Burnham Manufacturing company, with which concern he contin- ued his connection during the remainder of his life. In 1881 he was elected secretary of the company, and on the death of G. W. Burnham in 1885, followed by Charles Dickinson's election to the presidency, Mr. Bronson succeeded Mr. Dickinson as treasurer, and retained the office until his death. He was one of the incorpo- rators of the Waterbury Watch company, served as a director in that organization, and in 1888 was elected its treasurer.
Mr. Bronson was greatly interested in civic affairs, and amidst his laborious duties found time to serve the city in various offices and on important committees. He was an alderman for six years, also a councilman and a police commissioner. He was, in 1886, a member of the Board of Agents of the Bronson library. He gave much attention to national politics, and throughout his life was an ardent supporter of the Republican party.
* Their place of business was on the corner of Centre square and Exchange place.
WHY OF WAVERNEWS.
I. L. IKONEN
Alsot som of Leonard and Nancy (Richard hort in Middlebury, January 18, 1828. His Loown and widely respected farmer; also in his kool teacher and a surveyor. He was for some years . Waterbury, and while here served the town as select- nh To First church as one of its deacons.
Tosito was educated in the schools of Middlebury and of Pitsward, N. Y., and in the winter of 1817-8 was himself teacher of @ driet school: In October 16, lo Because resident of Water- bory und spent the rest of his life berd Te wwe for a few years a Werk in the store of Benefin Mememen & On L in 1853, with his brother Isaac finr wh ury chapter), he estab- lished the Dim of auffacturers
of blank bo nts Dr. Henry Ry
ment in It was finished in December 157. in Mir "notice " (May, 18:AFMay IRAL tho late enamasal crisis rendered it expedient to defer for a few smalls the heue of the They have taken pride in ic," they add "and have 10 low actuated wholly by selfish motives." They appear as the publishers aise of the first volume of Cothren's History of Wood- Tours
TI mount unsuccessful, the firm was wol euxllion with the Benedict & wuo which comgorri be contin- Te Cheag le semafrodes of bue life. In 1881 he cofpoly, and on the death of G. TV.
Dumiem M Home Dickinson's cloettor bo the Me Thekinson as trou arer, and one of the iticorpo- Lidl for 1 5 6 - elected is treasurer
Ar Troeine wo greatly interested in civil affairs, and amidst Ends doty Found juan to serve the city In various offices He was an alderman for six years, also g o wy w an id a padre commissioner. He was. in 1886, a member al | Butdof gs of the Bronson library. He gave muel attendonomarid p Hes, and throughout his life was an ardent supporter of the Revel ko an party.
Their plageEl lon
一
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THE BENEDICT & BURNHAM MANUFACTURING CO.
He possessed a deeply religious nature and manifested it in practical ways. At the age of thirteen he became a member of the Congregational church in Middlebury, and the religious profession which he then made was adhered to with great fidelity to the end. On removing to Waterbury he united with the First church, and for many years was perhaps the most active male member con- nected with it. In February, 1857, he was elected a deacon, succeeding his father, who had returned to Middlebury. The same year he was elected superintendent of the Sunday school, and was reelected to that office from year to year until 1869. He was also clerk of the church for a number of years, and treasurer of the church funds from 1873 until his death. But he did not confine himself to the more formal duties involved in these offices; he exercised constantly a watchful care over the life of the church in its various manifestations. What his pastor said at the time of his death he cannot refrain from repeating and placing on record here, that no loss could befall the church through the death of any of its members so great as that which befell it when Deacon Bronson died.
On October 22, 1851, Mr. Bronson married Sarah Cornelia, daughter of Charles Townsend of Middlebury. Their children are Julia Maria, and a son who died in infancy. They adopted, in his childhood, Charles Bradley Pardee, a nephew of Mrs. Bronson, who at that time received the family name, and has continued a member of the household.
Mr. Bronson died July 20, 1890. The Waterbury Republican of the following day said of him:
Perhaps his two most prominent characteristics were his faithfulness and earnestness. Convictions he had many, and the courage of his convictions also; but he was unobtrusive, and considerate of the opinions of others. He pos- sessed a strong religious and emotional nature and it seemed impossible for him to assume an attitude of indifference towards any humanitarian enterprise.
COLONEL F. A. MASON.
Frederick Albert Mason, son of Albert and Jane (Griswold) Mason, was born in Wolcottville, September 28, 1841. When he was twelve years of age he removed with his parents to Brooklyn, N. Y., and while still very young went into business with his father in the firm afterwards known as the Brooklyn Brass and Copper company.
On the breaking out of the civil war, although he was only nine- teen years of age, he enlisted in the famous Thirteenth regiment of Brooklyn, served for three months, and after a brief furlough, for a second three months. On returning home his interest in military
314
HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
matters continued to develop, and his success was conspicuous. After the war he became an officer of the regiment in which he had enlisted as a private, and rose rapidly to the highest rank, being the youngest colonel the Thirteenth regiment has ever had.
In May, 1864, Mr. Mason married Clara Davol Sanders of Warren, R. I. Of his seven children three survive him, the eldest of whom is Mrs. John P. Kellogg. In 1872 he made an engagement with the Benedict & Burnham Manufacturing company as a traveling sales- man, and gave himself up to the service of this important company for nine years.
During 1880 an opportunity presented itself for building up a successful business on the basis of the old Bridgeport Brass com- pany. This concern, which had paid no dividends for several years, was at Colonel Mason's suggestion bought out by C. M. Mitchell, C. A. Hamilton and himself, with three or four others. Mr. Mitchell was chosen president of the re-organized company, George E. Somers was made superintendent, and Mr. Mason became vice president and treasurer. He threw all his energy into the new organization and gave it the benefit of his wide acquaintance with representatives of the brass trade in all parts of the land. In August, 1883, in consequence of overwork, he suf- fered a sudden attack of nervous prostration. He went abroad with his wife, spent some months in the Isle of Wight, and in January, 1884, returned home in restored health.
For the next six years he devoted himself to business with all his former earnestness. In addition to the office he held in the Brass company he became president of the Bridgeport Steamboat company, and secretary of the Steele & Johnson Manufacturing company of this city, and was made a director of the Pequonnock National bank. He had also set about the erection of a new and handsome residence near Seaside park, when, in 1890, the first symptoms appeared of the illness which terminated his life.
Colonel Mason was a man of brilliant mind and attractive social qualities, and it was by the combination of these traits that, when he had once found his proper place, he achieved so marked a suc- cess in business. He was a member of the Lotus club of New York, and president of the Seaside club of Bridgeport. During his stay in Waterbury he was an attendant at the First church, and for a time an active member of its music committee. In politics he was from his earliest manhood a Republican, and continued so to the end. Although he never held a political office, he was an earnest advocate of strict Republican principles, and cherished an unfail- ing interest in national politics.
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THE BENEDICT & BURNHAM MANUFACTURING CO.
Colonel Mason died March 25, 1893. In an obituary notice pub- lished in the Waterbury American on the day of his death, the Rev. Dr. Anderson spoke of him as follows: "We shall remember him for his soldierly bearing, his outspoken truthfulness, his integrity and sincerity, his fidelity to his convictions, the nobility of his sen- timents, his loyalty to his friends, his devotion to his own loved ones, and for all those traits that are intertwined to form the pre- cious crown which men call manliness."
JAMES CROFT.
James Croft was born at Little Whitby, Worcestershire, Eng- land, January, 28, 1774. He resided at various times in Birmingham, England, Philadelphia, Penn., and in Waterbury after 1817. He was employed as button maker by the Scovill Manufacturing com- pany for one year, and at the end of that time entered the Bene- dict & Burnham Manufacturing company, with which he was con- nected until the time of his death. He was the first person in Waterbury who had been trained in the art of making gilt buttons. The company perceiving that in order to render their enterprise a success skilled workmen and suitable tools must be obtained, Mr. Croft was sent abroad to secure them, and in fact went to England seven times for that purpose. He was an industrious, reliable, frugal man and much respected in the community. Mr. Croft mar- ried Polly Carter. Their children were: Edward, who married Martha M. Packard, and died January 31, 1885, leaving two sons and three daughters; and Margaret. Mr. Croft died June 10, 1837.
JOHN WOODWARD.
John Woodward belongs to an old Watertown family, represen- tative in many ways of the ancient New England stock. His father was Deacon Lucius and his mother Lucia (Burr) Woodward. He was born in Watertown, June 6, 1828, and was one of eight chil- dren. One of his brothers is the Hon. A. B. Woodward of Nor- walk; his only surviving sister is Mrs. Backus, wife of the Rev. J. W. Backus, of Plainville.
He was educated at the district schools of his native town and at a select school in the village. Until twenty-one years of age, he worked on his father's farm, but after that removed to Hotchkissville, in Woodbury, and entered the factory of the Ameri- can Shear company. In 1859, his father having been disabled by a serious accident, he returned to Watertown and took charge of the farm for five years.
316
HISTORY OF WATERBURY.
In October, 1864, he came to Waterbury, and entered the employ of the Benedict & Burnham Manufacturing company as foreman of the rolling-mill, succeeding in that position Andrew Anderson, who had been placed in charge of the company's Philadelphia store. Mr. Woodward continued in active service in the rolling mill until a change of administration, in April, 1891, led to his partial with- drawal. His connection with the company, however, has not been terminated.
While living in Hotchkissville, he became a member of the North Congregational church in Woodbury. On his removal to Waterbury, his membership was transferred from the church in Watertown to the Second Congregational church of this city, in which he has taken an active interest during the thirty years that have intervened. He was elected to the office of deacon in Novem- ber, 1879.
On September 15, 1853, he married Arvesta Abigail, daughter of Deacon R. H. Hotchkiss, of Hotchkissville. They have had four children, three of whom have died. The surviving son, Joseph Hotchkiss, was born September 3, 1864. (See page 248.)
THE MESSRS. GRANNISS.
JAMES M. GRANNISS, son of Caleb Granniss, was born in Water- bury, Salem society, August 1, 1817. When only fifteen years of age he entered the employ of Benedict & Coe, and thus early learned the trade of casting and mixing metals. He remained with the firm through all it changes for over forty-five years, dur- ing which time he stood at the head of his craft. He cast the first German silver which was manufactured in Waterbury.
In 1836 he was chosen captain of the militia, which office he held for two years. In 1837 he became a member of King Solo- mon's lodge of Free Masons in Woodbury, and afterward was affil- iated with Harmony lodge. He has been Worshipful Master of the latter, also High Priest of Eureka chapter. He was a member of the common council for two years, an alderman for two years, and associate justice for a time. As he grew older his health failed, and he was forced to abandon his customary pursuits, and pass two years in England. Change of climate did not effect the desired improvement, and he returned home in 1880 and shortly afterwards died, at the age of sixty-three.
On October 7, 1838, Mr. Granniss married Irene A. Milton of Watertown. They had one daughter, Henrietta, who married first Frank Umberfield, and afterwards Frank Smith.
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THE BENEDICT & BURNHAM MANUFACTURING CO.
ALONZO GRANNISS, son of Caleb Granniss, was born in Waterbury at East Farms, March 27, 1820. He entered the employ of Benedict & Coe May 16, 1832, when but twelve years of age, and when the firm became the Benedict & Burnham Manufacturing company con- tinued his connection with them as head of the department of sheet brass and silver rolling. Mr. Granniss was a member of the court of Common Council for several years, and of the board of relief.
On October 3, 1837, he married Esther Adelia Payne of Prospect. They have had four children, of whom one only, Frederick A. Granniss, survives. He was born October 18, 1851. On May 3, 1873, he married Fanny Charlotte, daughter of Thomas McIntire of Arnprior, Canada, and they have one daughter, Margaret McIntire.
NORMAN DELOS GRANNISS, son of Simeon Granniss, was born at Unadilla, Otsego county, N. Y., December 5, 1833. When about fifteen years old he came to Connecticut, and worked in a woollen mill at Stafford, until September, 1851. He then removed to Waterbury, and entered the employ of the Benedict & Burnham Manufacturing company. He remained connected with the cast- ing department during a continuous period of forty years. Latterly he had entire charge of the department, conducting it on the con- tract system.
Mr. Granniss was treasurer and clerk of the Waterbury Univer- salist society, during its entire existence. He has been active in Masonic affairs during many years, has been Master of Harmony lodge, High Priest of Eureka chapter, Deputy Illustrious Master of the Waterbury council, and Warder of Clark commandery of Knights Templar. He has been a member of the common council, and a police commissioner.
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