Family Biographies - Howard H. Bristol

 

Howard served multiple management roles within the Bristol Company. Like his brothers and Uncle Will, he obtained an engineering degree from Stevens Institute in Hoboken, New Jersey. Although he was the second oldest, a fifth brother, Harold, had died in 1887 within his first year. 

Howard and his wife Alice had four children, including Elise, Howard H., Franklin E. (Carolyn's father), and Ruth. It was common for names such as these to be reused by the family over multiple generations. In the summer, they spent time at Squirrel Lodge on Lake Quassapaug, prior to the property being acquired by the Littles. In addition to his duties at the Bristol Company, he was a director of several corporations in Naugatuck.

Howard H. Bristol

(July 23, 1888 – June 3, 1951)

Early Life and Family Background

Howard Hall Bristol, vice president and general manager of The Bristol Company of Waterbury, Connecticut, internationally famous for the perfection of its fine recording instruments, adapted for making continuous records of pressure, temperature and electricity, was born in Naugatuck, Connecticut, January 23, 1888, the son of Franklin B. Bristol and Cora F. Russell Bristol. Mr. Bristol is descended from Henry Bristol, the founder of the Bristol family in Connecticut and an early settler of the New Haven Colony, who died in 1695. The first of the family, which was prominent in colonial affairs, to settle in Naugatuck was Hiel Bristol, a blacksmith whose sterling character and industry made him one of the respected citizens of the community. His old time blacksmith shop remained for many years as one of the reminders of Naugatuck's early days. His son, Benjamin Hiel Bristol, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was one of the founders of The Bristol Company.

The Bristol Company and Family Contributions

Franklin Benjamin Bristol, son of Benjamin H. Bristol and father of Howard H. Bristol, was born in Platt's Mills, July 14, 1861, and was first employed as a machinist at the plant of Platt Brothers of Waterbury. He became foreman and held that position for several years until 1894 when The Bristol Company was formed with his brother, William H. Bristol, as president, Franklin B. Bristol as vice president, and his father, Benjamin H. Bristol, as treasurer. During the years that followed, Franklin B. Bristol took out several patents on steel belt lacing, to the production of which the plant was originally devoted, and on tools for its manufacture. He continued an outstanding factor in the notable progress of the company until his death, November 22, 1904. Four sons, Samuel R., Howard H., Carlton W. and Franklin B., occupy positions of importance with the company.

Education and Career

Howard H. Bristol attended the Waterbury and Naugatuck Grammar Schools, graduated from the Hotchkiss School, Lakeville, Connecticut, in 1906, and from the Stevens Institute, Hoboken, New Jersey, with the degree of Mechanical Engineer, in 1910. From 1910 to 1920 he devoted his attention to development and engineering at the plant of The Bristol Company and in 1920 was elected vice president, assistant treasurer, director and general manager of the company, offices which he is now filling.

Business Expansion and Leadership Roles

During the period that has developed between the date of Mr. Bristol's original connection with the company and the present time the business has expanded remarkably due in no small part to Mr. Bristol's efforts is evident. In addition to holding these offices with The Bristol Company, Mr. Bristol is a director in the following corporations: The Naugatuck Water Company, the Naugatuck National Bank, the Naugatuck Engineering and Manufacturing Company, the Naugatuck Building and Loan Association, all of Naugatuck, and the Miller & Peck Company of Waterbury.

Community Involvement and Personal Life

He served as burgess on the Board of Warden and Burgesses of Naugatuck, 1920-1924, is a member of the Rotary Club and the Waterbury Club. The family is affiliated with the Naugatuck Congregational church of which Mr. Bristol is a deacon. June 6, 1912, Mr. Bristol was united in marriage to Miss Alice H. Osborn, daughter of Samuel N. Osborn, connected with the Miller & Peck Company of Waterbury, and four children have been born of the union: Elise, Howard H., Jr., Franklin E. and Ruth. Residence, Hillside Avenue, Naugatuck, Connecticut; business address, Waterbury, Connecticut.