The Newtown bee., 1900-02-09
The Home Circle.
Judge Joseph Tomlinson

WORTHY CONNECTICUT CITIZEN.
Joseph Tomlns OF Huntington, coun-
tv Of FAlTf ield, Conn, residing in the
borough OF Shelton, was born December
81, 1928, In Southbury, that state. lie
is son of Joseph TomlinsoD(3), born in
the year 1902, who was physician, pre- c.
ticinR in Southbury for some years. In
1926 be went to Milford, and in 1889 to
Huntington Center, where he followed
his profession during the remainder OF
his life. He was one OF the successful
and substantial practitioners of Hunting
ton, and is well remembered by many
to this day. For some time prominent
In politics, he was at one time deputy
sheriff and was also postmaster at Hun
tington for some years. In his youthful
days he was Wing, later becoming
Republican, and ho remained a true
friend Of that party until his DEATH Re-
IlgIously he was member Of the Con-
gregational church at Huntington Cen
ter. and he died In that faith in April,
1865.
Joseph Tomlinson was educated in the
public schools In South Britain, Milford
and Huntington and at select school at
Huntington Center, conducted by Heze-
klah Rudd, a noted instructor of his day,
who had large school, in which many
OF the prominent men received the finish
nR touches to their education. When II
wears of age, Mr. Tomlinson entered a
store In Birmingham, and there remain
ed four years. After teaching school q
short time he went to New York City 90
bookkeeper with William r. Robinson &
Co., wholesale dry.goods merchants, re-
naming thus engaged for three years.
In 1854 he returned to Huntington, and
In the spring Of 1856 went into what was
then called the Manufacturers Bank, as
bookkeeper, holding this position until
he resigned in April, 1866, after which
time he served for five years in the same
capacity In the Derby Sayings Bank.
While thus occupied he became interest
ed In the manufacture OF pine, hooks and
eyes, becoming the chief promoter and
starter of the Star Pin Company, one of
the first stockholders, and also frat sec
rotary and treasurer, holding this posi-
tion from the beginning OF the enterprise
until 1875, when the business was reLnov.
ed to Shelton and the management of
the same to New York City, where Mr.
TomlInson remained until 1879; he then
sold out his stock and retired from the
firm. During 1879 and 1880 he was en-
gagged with Cyrus Brewster in the man
ufacture OF corsets in Derby, and in 1881
he was appointed assistant town clerk.
Elliot b. Curtis, the town clerk, having
removed from Huntington, Mr. Tomlln-
son was elected clerk OF the township to
ALI the vacancy thus caused, and to this
office he was reelected annually until
October, 1897, when the term by recent
action Of the Legislature was changed to
two years. In 1889 the office of probate
Judge was created, becoming an office
de facto, May /, and to this incumbeney
at a special election Mr. Tomlinson was
chosen, against the united opposition Of
Derby and Huntington, and he held it
from the time IL was established up to
9huA1AJ ~ A9SVt WoNh AO WAn ASb0AbGA
by the constitutional sge limit. In 1893
the town court of Huntington was estab-
lished by the Legislature, and MIR Tom
Ilnson was appointed judge OF the same,
and held office by re-appointment until
January /, 1899, when he was disquali-
aed by the age limit. Mr. Tomlinson has
also held the office Of assessor Of the Dor
ough OF Shelton for several years and at
the election held in March last he was
elected treasurer thereof.
Judge TomlinEou has always been con-
alstent and strong Republican since that
party was organized. He has been JUS
tice or peace since 1881. He has been
collector OF taxes of the town or Hun
tington aimee 1880, and In all his public
"a wen as private offices has been faith
full to bis duties and honest In their dis
charge. Since 1893, when the Shelton
Savings Bank was started, he has been