Family Biographies - Carlton W. Bristol

 

Carlton was a chief engineer at the Bristol Company and was responsible for the development of recording and controlling instruments used for industry. Like his brothers and Uncle Will, he obtained an engineering degree from Stevens Institute in Hoboken, New Jersey. 

He and his wife Florence had two children, Carl and Anne. Although my other two great uncles, Sam and Howard, had passed away in the 1950s, Uncle Carlton and Aunt Florence lived into the 1970s. I have fond memories of visiting them and their family at their lake house during summers on Lake Quassapaug.

Carlton W. Bristol

(July 17, 1891 – August 27, 1977)

Family Background

Carlton William Bristol, chief engineer and a director of The Bristol Company, manufacturer of the renowned Bristol recording instruments at Waterbury, Connecticut, was born at Naugatuck, Connecticut, July 17, 1891. He is the son of Franklin B. Bristol and Cora F. (Russell) Bristol and a descendent of Henry Bristol, the first American progenitor of the Connecticut Bristols who was one of the early settlers of the New Haven Colony. His great grandfather, Hiel Bristol, was the first of the family to settle in Naugatuck and the latter's son, Benjamin Hiel Bristol, was one of the founders of The Bristol Company together with his two sons, William H. Bristol and Franklin B. Bristol.

The Bristol Company and Family Contributions

Franklin B. Bristol, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Platt's Mills, July 14, 1861, and after several years as machinist in the plant of the Platt Brothers there became foreman. He held that position until The Bristol Company was formed in 1899 when he became vice president of that company. The company originally manufactured steel belt lacing and Franklin Bristol took out several patents on that product and on tools for its manufacture. He gave to the company his undivided attention and service and the progress of its earlier years was due in a large measure to his efforts. His death occurred November 22, 1904. His four sons are identified with the company in positions of importance, Samuel R., Howard H., Carlton W. and Franklin B.

Education

Carlton William Bristol attended the Waterbury and Naugatuck Grammar Schools, the Naugatuck High School and Stevens Institute of Technology at Hoboken, New Jersey, graduating with the degree of Mechanical Engineer.

Career and Professional Roles

Following his graduation he became connected with The Bristol Company in October 1914, and has been with the company since that time, directing his attention to the development and design of recording and controlling instruments. He is also a director of the Naugatuck Chamber of Commerce, an incorporator of the Naugatuck Savings Bank and a director of the Naugatuck Mills. He is a member of the Waterbury Club.

Personal Life

September 22, 1917, Mr. Bristol was married to Miss Florence M. Kneringer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry B. Kneringer of New Haven and they have two children, Carlton W., Jr., and Anne Welton.