Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography, genealogical-memorial ...

most youths with their future before
them, he engaged in various employments
until he discovered the line of work
which appealed to him for a lifetime voca-
tion. In 1879 ne went to work in the
foundry of the Stebbins Manufacturing
Company, where he learned the trade of
moulder. He remained there three years,
and then entered the employ of P. P.
Emery for a year. Next he was with Peck
Brothers, of New Haven, for about three
years. He went to the O'Connells of
Springfield, for three years, then with
Sargeant, in New Haven, for rt-ree years;
then came to the Colt Patent Fire Arms
Manufacturing Company, 01 Hartford,
remaining for two years. At each one of
these different factories he followed the
same general line of work; but the ooint
he wished to make was the acquiring of a
broad experience, which he was convinced
was the most practical preparation for en-
tering upon a manufacturing venture of
his own. In 1894 he established himself
in business in Hartford, and has steadily
increased the business until now it is a
prosperous and growing establishment.
The product includes brass, bronze, and
aluminum castings, and while the work
done is largely for local concerns, the
most important of the Hartford manufacturers
are among his patrons. Mr. Craig
has a thorough knowledge of metals and
the practical details of handling them.
He has done some very interesting and
much very fine work ; in fact he delights
in difficult work. When he started in
business he did all the work himself ; but
now he employs about fifteen men on the
average, and at times as many as fifty.
Mr. Craig is a member of the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, of Hartford
; the Knights of Columbus ; and the
Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Mr. Craig married Catherine Miller, of
New Haven, and they are the parents of
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
392
four children : Ethel M., Rita J., Vera
M., and Florence M. The family are
members of St. Michael's Roman Catho-
lic Parish, of Hartford.
Personally Mr. Craig is a man of splendid
mental as well as physical endow-
ment. He has fine executive ability, but
being ever mindful of the labor and strug-
gle which won his present success, he is
considerate of his employees, fair-minded
and capable, and willing to look at both
sides of a question. As a manufacturer,
he maintains the highest ideals and will
permit no product to leave his plant that
is not perfect in every way. His never-
failing courtesy and pleasing personality
assure him the cordial friendship of all
those with whom he comes in contact.
CONWAY, John W.,
Brass Founder.
The man who rises to every opportun-
ity for advancement, and who looks far
ahead into the future of achievement, allowing
his eyes to rest only on the goal
of his ambition, is the individual who
attains in his undertakings. Such a man
is John W. Conway, brass founder, of
Hartford, Connecticut, in which city he
was born November 17, 1868, the son of
John and Bridget (Garvey) Conway. Mr.
Conway supplemented his natural skill by
earnest and searching study which,
crowned with a wide experience, has de-
veloped jn him expert powers, and he is
a recognized authority in his business.
Square and business-like in his dealings,
he is possessed of uncommon acumen and
tact. He plans with shrewdness and his
plans are executed in the same masterly
fashion. His career in the retrospect is
one to be justly proud of; from the posi-
tion of an obscure mechanic, he rose to
be a prominent factor in the industrial life
of his native citv.