The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1900-11-30

ulmess-President of the Gas Company
and Interested In Other Large Business
willie but Had Lived in New Haven
Fifty-four Years.
| In the death of Andrew w. DeF'orest,
who passed away at his home, No. 351
Orange street, at o'clock last evening,
New Haven loses one of its most able
business men and most upright citizens,
a man whom all willingly accorded hon
or for his true worth and high charac-
ter. His death makes gap in the
ranks of the city's leading business men
and he will be sincerely mourned. He
was man of distinguished presence,
even at four-score and more, with
whom time had dealt gently man or
courtly manners and sterling character
and one who was, even in his advanced
years, alert in mind, a sound and wise
counsellor and able administrator of
important business affairs. Since 1894
he had been president Of the New Ha-
ven Gas Light company and brought
to the management of this important
corporation the sound judgment and
acumen which had long distinguished
him in the management of his own
large personal business. He was one OF
the oldest directors of the company and
succeeded to it's presidency on the death
of Daniel Trowbridge. Previously he
had been for some time vice president
of the company. He was also d1rec-
tor and vice president of the National
Tradesmen's bank. He had been iden-
titled with the Tradesmens bank from
about the time of it's organization,
which was in 1856. and his counsels
in the boarG, as in the board of direc-
tors of the Gas company, were much
valued.
Mr.. DeForest was a native of
Humphreysville, this state, and was
the son of leading citizen of that
place. He was about eighty-three years
of age. He had three brCehers Henry
DeForest, who was missionary at
Beirut, George DeForest, a graduate of
Yale and for many years at the head
of a large manufacturing concern in
and Major John w.
DeForest the novelist of this city. He
leaves a widow and three sons. His
wife was formerly Miss ett of
Fairfield. The sons are Edward l. De-
Forest of Springfield, and Charles 8.
DeForest and Eugene DeForest Of this
city. Two daughters are dead.
Mr.. DeForest came here to New Ha-
ven about fifty-four years ago, having
been before that engaged In business in
After coming to New
Haven he engaged in the lumber busi-
ness in the firm of Steele, DeForest Sc
Co. This firm conducted the business
for some years and then became the
DeForest & Hotchkiss Co., Justus S.
Hotchl1iss being associated with him in
the firm. Mr. DeForest virtually re-
tired from business about fifteen years
ago, although he still retained a. man
aging interest in the DeForest & Hotch-
kiss Co.. the presidency of the gas COM
pany, and his official position in the |
TradesmenS bank.
He was formerly deacon in the old |
College street CONGREGATIONAL church, |
and at the time Of his death a member |
IF United church. He was q great read
ar, and although not a college man was
highly educated and a man of consider
lble literary taste. A former business |
associate said of him last night: "He |
vas rare man, one of excellent judg- |
nent, of even temper and always COM
handed the respect of everyone who |
lad anything TO do with him. He
vas always considerate of the judg-
nent and feelings of others''
Mr.. DeForest was about as usual at
ending to business matters until about
wo weeks ago. when he was taken i'll
md despite the best medical attendance
lie died of sudden breaking down be-
ause of old age. l.