tendent of the brewery; Linda, the wife of Leonard Asheim, an architect of Bridgeport;
Florence, the wife of Harry A. Giddstein, an attorney: and Herbert, who is engaged in the
SIGMUND LOE^VITH
BKlD(iEroKT AND VICINITY 209
real estate business. The wife and motlier passed away in July, 1914, and in November,
1915, Mr. Loewith wedded Miss Lena Marcus, of New Haven.
In his political views Mr. Loewith is a democrat and on various occasions has been
called to public office. He served as assessor from 1891 until 1893 and has recently com-
pleted twelve years' service on the board of apportionment and ta.xation. He was a member
of the city council from his ward in 18,sy and 1800 and he has always been an active factor
in local politics, giving stalwart support to the principles in which he believes. In Masonry
Mr. Loewith has membership in both the lodge and council and he is also identified with
the Odd Fellows, the Elks and the Knights of I'ythias. He belongs, moreover, to the
Turnverein, the Germania Singing .Society, the Liederkranz, tlie Algonquin Club and the
Harmony Club — associations which indicate much of the nature of his interests. He is
well known as an active and enterprising business nuui and progressive citizen and by well
directed effort and merit he has worked his way steadily upward.
I'REU K. BRAITLING.
Fred K. Braitling occupies a somewhat unique position in the business world, being at
the head of the only house of the country given over exclusively to the manufacture of
dolls' shoes, dolls' bodies and other accessories of the doll trade. The business, too, is one
of large proportions, and able management on the part of its directing head has made it a
profitable concern. Mr. Braitling is a native son of Connecticut, having been born in New
Haven, July 28, 1869, his parents being Charles F. and Anna M. (Keilpflug) Braitlino-, the
latter a daughter of Ludwig H. Keilpllug, who was one of the early settlers of Bridgeport
and opened the first bindery of the city. Charles F. Braitling was a native of Paris, F'rance,
and in his boyhood came with his father and mother to the United States but afterward
again spent a few years in France. On returning to the new world he secured the position
of superintendent of the Wood Brothers' carriage factory at Bridgeport. Eventually he
again returned to his native I'ity and became interested in the toy business, wliile later he
started the third retail toy store in the United States. .Moreover, he was the first man in
the country to make dolls' shoes in leather, starting this business in 1809. He continued
actively in business until 1897, when he retired and was succeeded bv his son Fred. The
father then enjoyed well earned rest and the fruits of his former toil until May S, 1912, when
he was called to the home beyond.
Fred K. Braitling received his initial training and e.xperience uiuler the direction of liis
father, whom he succeeded in business in 1S97. He is today at the head of an extensive
but unique industry — the manufacture of dolls' shoes, doll bodies, doll wigs and other doll
accessories at Bridgeport. His factory is a two-.story structure of mill construction, fifty-
two by one hundred and fiftj'-two feet, and supplied with a sprinkler system. He also has a
storehouse thirty by one hundred and twenty feet. This is the only factory in the world
built and equipped for the manufacture of dolls' shoes, and in normal times the factory
employs three hundred or more people, the trade having been developed carefully according
to modern business methods and processes. Few people realize that, great as the shoe
industry is in the United States, there is a considerable trade in dolls' shoes. These are
made in all styles, closely following the women's and children's best work of the country.
The doll's shoe is made just like any other shoe, except that no tacks are used, as all
fastening is done with cement or by sewing. They have, however, regular dolls' lasts over
which the uppers are pulled and lasted just like any larger shoe. The knowledge gained
by this factory through fifty years' experience has enabled them to put on the market
dolls' shoes that are perfect in every detail. The founder of the business, who made a
specialty of remodeling dolls and fixing up dolls which had been broken more or less during
210 BRIDGEPORT AND VICINITY
spare tiiiu's ex|H'iimeiiti'il in tlie making of dolls' shoes and was occasionally called upon
to make a pair of shoes for a doll. He finally became convinced that there was a real
market for dolls" shoes and, disposing of his retail toy store, he then established his dolls'
shoe manufactory, winning success in tlie undertaking from the beginning. Today the
factory turns out more than thirty styles of dolls' shoes, shoes with heels and without,
with fancy buckles and tiny bows, in all shades — pink, brown, blue, grey and black. There
are cloth tops with leather vamps and there are sandals. These dolls' shoes retail anywhere
from ten cents to a dollar a pair and occasionally some are made that sell at a still
higher price. Many retailers throughout the country buy large quantities of these dolls'
shoes and use them to advertise their business. The large retailers often send in an order
"for a thousand pairs of these little shoes and then give them away, using them as an
instrument to bring trade to the store. The styles follow the prevailing styles of children's
and misses' shoes, and when anything new comes out in the other shoe establishments, it has
to also be incorporated in the Bridgeport establishment for dolls. The company carries
and manufactures wigs for dolls, many of which are made of human hair, while others are
of mohair. They also manufacture muslin doll bodies, full kid and part kid arms, dolls'
stockings of various colors and styles, dolls' belts, dolls' auto goggles and kid parlor balls
in fancy colors. The business has steadily grown and the undertaking has become one
of the important productive industries of Bridgeport.
On the 25th of December, 1894, Mr. Braitling was united in marriage to Miss Ella
Murphy of this city and they are well known in social circles. Mr. Braitling is a charter
' member of the National Toy Men's Association. He stands for all that is highest and best
in manhood and in citizenship and in Bridgeport, where he has long resided, is spoken of in
terms of the highest regard.
GEORGE E. CRAWFORD.
George E. Crawford, jiresident and treasurer of the Crawford Laundry Company of
Bridgeport, was born in Wales, Massachusetts, July 15, 18U8, a son of Ossian and Lavinia
(Shepard) Crawford. The ancestry of the family in America is traced back to 1710, when
representatives of the name came from Scotland and settled in Connecticut. Some of the
family went to Massachusetts, while others became residents of Union, Connecticut. Ossian
Crawford was a carpenter and builder, but the son, George E., did not desire to follow that
pursuit and after acquiring a public school education he turned his attention to the laundry
business, entering the employ of his brother when a youth of seventeen years. He acquainted
himself with every phase of the business and at the age of twenty years started the Craw-
ford Laundry, opening his establishment in February, 1888, at 216 Middle street. In 1893
he removed to 34 Court street and in 1908 to 435 Fairfield avenue, where he is now h)cated.
The business was incorporated in 1908. His present building is a four-story brick structure,
containing thirty-five thousand square feet, and for the past ten years this has been the
largest laundry in the state, employing one hundred and twenty-five people. It is equipped
with all the latest improved machinery and devices to facilitate the work and make the
jiroduct of the highest possible grade. It is equipped witli individual motors for all machines
and the building was the first reinforced concrete structure erected in Bridgeport.
In 1894 Mr. Crawford was united in marriage to Miss Ida Hawes, of this city, a daughter
of Jacob Hawes, a tailor. To them have been born four children, namely: William H.,
who is a student in Brown University; Louise; Arthur J.; and George E., Jr. Fraternally
Ml. Crawford is identified with the Masons, having attained the Knights Templar degree in
the York Rite and the thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite. He likewise belongs to
the Mystic Shrine and is a past potentate. Mr. Crawford is also connected with tlie Brook-
GEORCiE E. CRAWFORD
BRIDGEPORT A\l) VKIXITV 2Vi
lawn, tlic Hriilgcport, tlie Alijoiiiiuiii aiul tlic Seaside Outing Clubs. He was a member of
the executive committee of the Laundry Owners National Association for several years and
in ]914 was elected its president. He is equally active and promiiu'ut in counection with
civic affairs. He served as a member of the fire commission from I'.KW until I'.llO and was
president of the boaril in 1909. He is now president of the Chamber of Commerce and as
its cliief otlieial is active in directing its policy and promoting projects which are of great
value in extending the trade relations of the city and in uph(dding all tliose interests wliich
are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride.
JESSE M. HAYES.
Jesse M. Hayes, a fish and produce dealer of Bridgcpoit. making his honu' in Eairtield,
was born in the former city March 3, 18()4. a son of William and lOliza (Coan) Hayes,
natives of Brookfield and of Woodbury. Connecticut, res|iectively, both families tracing their
ancestry back to tlie Jlayfiower Pilgrims. Jesse M. Hayes was reared in his native <-ity and
through his boyhood he was in a state of senii-invalidism. While not confined to his bed,
he was unable to attend school. Most of his time was spent out of doors and liis education
was received through his motlier's instruction. As he approached manliood, however, he
developed robust health and entered upon an apprenticesliip at the machinist's trade. He
left his position w lien drawing a salary of twenty-one dollars \nn- week and began driving
a delivery wagon for his brother in order to be out of doors. From that time he and his
brother have been practically continuously closely identified in their business life. In 1895
the Hayes Fish Company was incorporated, of which .lesse il. Hayes became tlie president
and has so continued. Throughout tlie intervening years this company lias conducted the
largest retail fish business of any firm in Bridgeport. Their sales now reach a large figure
annually and the business methods of the house, the enterprise of the partners and their
unfaltering industry have been the salient features in their growing prosperity.
t)n the 30th of ilay, 1S8T. ilr. Hayes was join<'d in wedlock to Miss Margaret Mitchell,
of Jersey City, New Jersey, by whom he has two children, namely: Clarence M., who is
in his father's employ and who married Florence Leger and has one son, Jesse Merritt H,
born August 11, 1910; and Helen Louise, the wife of Jolin Buckingham, of Southport, Con-
necticut. In Masonic circles Jlr. Hayes is well known, having passed U]) both routes, becoming
a Knight Templar and a Scottish Rite Mason. He is also a charter member of the Red Men.
In politics he is a stalwart republican and gives loyal support to all legitimate plans and
measures to further party interests. While conducting business at Bridgeport, he has made
his home in Fairfield for the past seventeen years and his residence is one of the historic
buildings of this section, being one of six houses which were left standing by the British.
It is said to have been built in 176.5 and is a most attractive old colonial home.
EMANUEL A. DOAN.
Emanuel A. Doan, manager of the Prudential Life Insurance Comiiany of Bridgeport,
was born in Wetland county, Ontario, Canada, June 10, 18S0, a son of Elias A. and Julia
(Jewelli Doan. the former a native of Welland, Canada, and the latter of Fairluiven. He
has a brother, Frank Addison Doan, wjio is a locomotive engineer of Canada. In the public
schools lie passed through consecutive grades until graduated from the high school at
Welland, Canada, after which he secured his first position at the depot of the Michigan
Central Railwav at Welland. When seventeen vears of age he was made track man and
214 BRIDGEPORT AND VICINITY
afterward bccanie tireinan on the Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo Railroad. Subsequently he
went to Niagara Falls. New York, where he was engaged on the building of Plant No. 2 at the
power house. He next devoted his attention to handling brick for the power company,
after which he enj>aged as lathe man at piece work. At night he was learning the barber'3
trade and in seven years he owned a three-chair shop. In 1907, however, he disposed of his
business along that line and entered the employ of the Prudential Company at a small
salary of lifty-five dollars per month. Within a year he was made an assistant and in
1!115 was ap])ointed superintendent at Bridgeport, where he has since been in charge of
the interests of the Prudential Life Insurance Com]iany. Under his guidance he has largely
developed the business and ids efforts have brought very gratifying results for the company.
Mr. Doan was married in Canada to Miss Hester Jane Henderson, by whom lie has three
children, namely: Austin Emanuel, born January 5, 190,3; Thelma Jane, whose birth occurred
June 11, 1904; and Arthur Leonanl. whose natal day was June 13, 1906. The religious faith
of the family is that of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Doan has membership in Frontier
Lodge, No. 132. A. F. & A. M., and is a loyal follower of Jlasonic teachings. He has become
widely known in Bridgeport through his business relations and in all his various connections
he commands the goodwill and confidence of tliose with whom he has been associated.
HENRY EDWARD SHANNON.
After broad e.xpericnce in the newspaper field Henry Edward Shannon turned to the
practice of law, and thorough preparation qualified him for the success which he has
attained as a member of the Bridgeport bar. He was born December 3, 1867, in the city
where he resides and was the youngest son in a family of six sons and two daughters, his
parents being Luke and Ann Cecelia (Cox) Shannon, who were natives of Roscommon,
Ireland, where they were reared and married. They came to the Cniled States about 1846
and located in Bridgeport, which remained their place of residence during the rest of their
lives.
Henry E. Shannon is the only member of the family now living. He acquired his early
education in the public schools of Bridgeport and then entered the newspaper field, becoming
a reporter in 1888 on the Bridgeport Farmer. After acting in that capacity for three
years he spent one year as night editor of the Bridgeport Morning News and from 1892
until 1895 he was court reporter for the Bridgeport Standard. In the latter year he became
city editor of the Standard and continued as such for five years. Two years before
terminating his connection with that paper he was reading law and this enabled him to
successfully pass the first and second year examinations at the law school and enroll as a
member of the senior class of the Yale Law School. On the 9th of January, 1900, he was
admitted to the bar, since which time he has followed his profession in Bridgeport, being
now senior member of the firm of Shannon & Wilder, his partner being Frank L. Wilder, with
whom he is connected in the general practice of law. They do not confine their attention to a
particular line, but in all branches of practice are proving their capability to cope with and
successfully solve intricate legal problems.
On the 23d of April, 189.5, Mr. Shannon was married to Miss Ellen Theresa Coughlin, of
Bridgeport, who passed away March 17, 1904. On the 1st of June, 1906, he wedded Miss
Elizabeth Coughlin, the younger sister of his first wife and a daughter of Hon. Patrick
Coughlin, formerly mayor of Bridgeport. Mr. Shannon has three children, one of whom,
James Coughlin, was born of the first marriage. He is now twenty years of age and is a
junior in Ceorgctown University in the District of Columbia, having entered upon his course
there since graduating from the Bridgeport high school at the age of seventeen years. There
are two children of the present marriage, Henry Edward and Cecelia, aged respectively ten
BRIDGErOKT AND VICINITY 2ir)
and eight years. The parents are menibt-rs of the Roman Catliolic cliiirch and Mr. Sliannon
is conuected also with the Knights of Colurabus. He has mcnibersliip with the Modern
Woodmen of America and the Fraternal Order of Eagles and he belongs to the Seaside Club.
In politics he is a democrat but has never sought nor desired public office, feeling that he
prefers to concentrate his entire attention and energies upon his professional interests and
opportunities.
JOSEPH SMITH.
More than six decades have passed since Joseph Smith became a resident of Bridgeport.
•where for many years he was prominently identified with business interests, being well
known in connection with commercial activity here. At length he put aside business cares
and is now enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well deserved rest. A native of Maine,
Mr. Smith was born in Xorth Haven in 1851 and in 1853 was brought to Bridgeport by his
parents, Aaron and Margaret Lane (Calderwood) Smith. The father was also a native of
North Haven, while the mother's birth occurred at Vinal Haven, Maine. Following the
removal to Bridgeport Aaron Smith engaged in the grocery business at the foot of
Brewster street for some time and purcluised land there. Later he turned his attention to
the furniture trade, his location being where the Public Marki't now stands. Some time
afterward he left that place and gave his attention to the purchase and sale of real estate
and acquired considerable property. In his later years he lived retired and for over thirty
years he was a valued and respected resident of Bridgeport. He was born in July, 1816,
and was therefore in his seventieth year when on the 16th of April, 188C, he passed away.
In the family were five children: Jeremiah C, who was engaged in thu grocery business
with his brother Joseph but has now departed this life; Viola J., the wife of George Gould,
deceased; Orland, who was engaged in the fish and fruit business, conducting a market on
Water street, but is now deceased; Fairfield, who was in business with his brother Jeremiah
in the store on the dock and now lives in Bridgeport; and Joseph, of this review.
The last named was educated in the schools of Bridgeport and in Bryant & Stratton's
Business College. He made his initial step in the business world as a bookkeeper for the
Wheeler & Howes Coal Company and later was with the Howes Sewing Machine Company
for a short time. He afterward engaged in business with his brother Orland on Water street,
selling fish, fruit and vegetables to the wholesale and retail trades. They built up the largest
enterprise of the kind in the city at that time and the partnership was continued for a year
or two, at the end of which period Joseph Smith purchased the interest of his brother
Fairfield and entered into partnership with his brother Jeremiah in general merchandising at
the dock in the Black Rock district, selling to crafts and boats. He continued in that line
for some time and afterward spent two years with the David Trubee Butter Company,
while subsequently he engaged in the butter business on his own account on Wat^ street,
where he conducted a wholesale store. He next turned his attention to the sale of wagons,
having his establishment where the postoffice is located on John street. He there bought
and sold wagons, building up a business of extensive proportions. At length he sold his
place on the postoffice site to Gates & Omans and entered their employ in a place on the
corner of Broad and John streets, where he continued for a number of years. He then opened
business for himself in a carriage repository on John street, where he built up an extensive
business in that line. At length he turned his attention to real estate dealing and not only
bought and sold much property but also erected a number of residences and remodeled
others, converting them into modern habitable dwellings. His business affairs were always
carefully managed. He gave thorough consideration to every point bearing upon his activities
and quickly recognized both the accidental and incidental features of a business proposition.
216 BRIDGEPORT AND VICINITY
His judgment was sound, his sagacity keen and his enterprise unfaltering, and in this way
he so directed liis affairs tliat success in large measure crowned his efforts.
Jn Bridgeport, in 1S74, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Allen, a
diuigliter of Charles H. Allen, who came to Bridgeport in an early day and ran a jiacket
between this city and New York. He was commander of the packet Emily and of the schooner
Ella Jane for a number of years, owning both boats. He was afterward with the Bridgeport
Steamboat Company as pilot of the Crystal Wave and he became a prominent representative
of navigation interests in this city. He was a native of Westport, Connecticut, and arrived
in Bridgeport in the late '60s. He married Amanda J. Fairchild, a native of this city, who is
still living at the advanced age of eighty-eight years and who by her marriage became the
mother of four children: Charles, living in Bridgeport; Mrs. Smith; Nelson B.; and Mrs.
Mary V. Miller, whose home is in Norfolk, Virginia. Throughout his entire life Charles H.
Allen was identified with marine interests and became recognized as the most competent
pilot on the Sound. He was owner and captain of his own boats, and for a number of years,
with his brother, Sereno G., ran a packet line from Westport to New York. He was, more-
over, a public-spirited citizen, active in support of measures and movements for the general
good, thus displaying the same spirit of loj'alty and patriotism which characterized his
ancestors who served in the Revolutionarj' war. His mother was a daughter of Captain
Steven Thorpe of Revolutionary war fame, and the Thorpe family had a grant of land at
Danbury, Connecticut. By reason of this ancestry the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Smith
has become identified with the Daughters of the American Revolution. She is Mrs. Viola
Hurlburt, the wife of James E. Hurlburt, of Bridgeport, and they have three children, Joseph
Edward, Allen Freeman and Viola Calderwood. Mr. Smith has lived to witness many notable
changes in Bridgeport since the j'ear 1853, when he was brought here a little lad of but two
summers. In all the intervening period he has borne his part in the work of general
development and improvement and has ever stood for those things which have been
progressive elements in the city's upbuilding. His worth is widely recognized and all who
know him speak of him in terms of high regard.
A. H. TRUMBULL.
A. H. Trumbull, president of the Connecticut Electric Manufacturing Company, possesses
the spirit of modern enterprise that stops not short of successful accomplishment. In the
conduct of business his plans have always been well defined and promptly executed and the
fit utilization of his innate powers and talents has brought him success, so that he is now at
the head of one of the large productive industries of Bridgeport. A native son of Con-
necticut, his birth occurred at West Hartford, October 12, 1876, his parents being Hugh H.
and Mary A. Trumbull, the former a farmer by occupation, with a family of seven sons, all
of whonl entered into manufacturing business. J. H., Henry H. and Frank S. began manu-
facturing in electric lines at Plainville, Connecticut, and developed a large concern tliere,
but Frank S. afterward removed to Bridgeport and took up the machine tool business.
George, the youngest of tlie brothers, is connected with manufacturing interests at Ban-
tam, Connecticut. Tlie other three brothers started the business that is now conducted
under the name of the Connecticut Flectric Manufacturing Company of Bridgeport, but of
tlie tliree only A. II. is now living.
The parents removed witli thi'ir family to Plainville, Connecticut, during the boyhood
of A. H. Trumbull, who there iU(|uir('d a public school education, and at the outset of his
business career he turned liis attention to manufacturing. Common sense has been the
foundation of his success. In other words, he has nuide good use of his time and oppor-
tunities, nor has lie niltivati'd any fiilsf iiii^as of rapidly attaining wealtli. knowing that