Alfred H. Munson, long a prominent factor in industrial circles of Utica as a manufacturer of mill machinery, is now living retired in the enjoyment of the fruits of a well spent life. His birth occurred at Brownville, Jefferson county, New York, on the 14th of February, 1846, his parents being Edmund and Sarah (Gardinier) Munson, the former born at Barkhamsted, Litchfield county, Connecticut, on May 2, 1805, while the latter was a native of Schenectady, New York. Edmund Munson learned the milling business under his father and moved to Brownville, New York, where he built a large flouring mill. In 1847 he arrived with his family in Utica and became connected in business with Alfred Munson, an uncle, who had established a mill and machinery business at Utica in 1825 and for many years was one of the leading citizens of the town. Edmund Munson continued with his uncle as superintendent for some years and then became junior partner in the firm of Hart & Munson. In 1869 the business was turned over to his three sons, Edmund L., Alfred H. and Countcil, and was conducted under the title of Munson Brothers, engineers, founders, machinists and mill furnishers. The father died March 14, 1872. He possessed marked ability in his calling and secured several valuable patents for devices in connection with mills and machinery.
In the acquirement of an education Alfred H. Munson attended the public schools of Utica and later continued his studies in the Utica Free Academy, from which institution he was graduated in July, 1864. After putting aside his textbooks he engaged in the sale of Portland and native cement, while subsequently he became associated with his brothers in the mill machinery business, which claimed his attention throughout the remainder of his active career. He is now the sole survivor of the three sons of Edmund Munson, his brother, Edmund Lee Munson, having passed away in May, 1910. Their business was incorporated in 1899 under the name of Munson Brothers Company, and thus continued in highly successful operation until 1921, when Alfred H. Munson disposed of his interests to the Munson Mill Machinery Company, Incorporated. He is vice president of the Eureka Mower Company of Utica, but he has largely put aside former business cares and is now spending the evening of life in well earned ease.
In October, 1874, at Troy, New York, Mr. Munson was united in marriage to Miss Marie Antoinette Starbuck, daughter of George H. Starbuck. Mr. and Mrs. Munson are the parents of three children: Walter Starbuck, Emeline Watson, and Edna Lee, the wife of Herbert R. Smith, attorney of New York city. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two children, Emeline W. and Marjorie.
In Utica, where practically his entire life has been spent, Mr. Munson enjoys an enviable reputation as a public-spirited, enterprising and progressive citizen whose influence is ever exerted on the side of reform and improvement. For many years he has been a consistent and devoted member of Grace Episcopal church, in which he serves as vestryman. He is vice president of the Homestead Aid Association, president of the Utica Curling Club and a charter member of the Yahnundasis Golf Club. The circle of his friends in Utica is a wide one. He has met the obligations of life with the confidence and courage that come of sterling worth and a steadfast regard for the obligations of his citizenship.