The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-02-17
JAMES H. M'ELROY PNEUMONIA VICTIM Unexpected Demise of One of City's Leading Bus
 mess Men
Prominent In Political, ,Mer- cantile and Religious Life of Bridgeport for Many Years-Ill Less Than a Week.

James H. McElroy, president of the McElroy Brothers Co.,, director of the Bridgeport Public Library, former tax collector and one of the leading busi- ness men of the city, died at his home 3G7 Golden Hill street, early today af- ter an illness of less than week with pneumonia. MT. McE1roy's death was not wholly unexpected by his immed- fate family, but the gravity Of his ill., ness was not generally known. News of his death was a profound shock to State wide acquaintance in business and social circles.
 MT. McElroy was stricken with a chill at his office last Saturday, and on reaching home he took to his bed where he remained ever since. His condition rapidly became grave and despite the efforts of several physic- ians he failed so rapidly that for 24 hours before his death there was lit- tie hope for him.
 The deceased was a native of New York city. where he was born Sept. P 1854. He came to Bridgeport with his parents when but year old. On re- ceiving his education in the public schools, he secured a position with the Standard Association. Here he re I tained a clerkship with Crane & Hurd four and grain merchants of Water street, predecessors of the w. M. Terry interests. He remained with this company from 1869 to 1881, rising to the position of head bookkeeper.
 Tn 1881 he and his brother, John, and Hicks Griffin formed the firm of Me Elroy & Griffin. wholesale meat and provision dealers. Later the firm passed into the hands of McElroy Brothers, and at his death he and three brothers were interested, he be- ing the president.
 MT. McElrOy was a Republican 1T Charities Commissioner by Mayor Rob- ert B. DeForest. and later was reap pointed by Mayor Marigold. In 189t he was president of the board. In 1S91 he was elected collector of taxes. He was a member of the board of d1rec- tors of the Bridgeport Public, Library at his death
 The firm of McElroy Brothers grew to such proportions that the first loca- tion' in Middle street, between Fairfield avenue and Golden Hill street, soon proved inadequate, and about 20 years ago the substantial brick structure at Water and Gold streets. adjacent to the local station. was constructed This was occupied by the concern un-
 
 to Schwarzchild & Sulzberger. The McElroy Brothers Go. then withdrew the meat field and devoted their. in- terests principally to the provision business and cold storage.
 Mr. McElroy was among the most representative of the city's leading business men. Beloved alike at home and in his business duties, he num- bered his friends by the hundreds. He was a devout Catholic, and for years one of the foremost Catholic Iaymen of the Hartford diocese His charities were many, yet so unostantaious that few knew of his generosity. Whole souled, even-tempered and invariably considerate of the feelings of others he held the respect and confidence of all who enjoyed the privilege of his acquaintance
 Mr. McElroy was the father of eight children, of whom five survive him. They are James A., of the engineer ing firm of Kershaw & McElroy; Leo, student at Notre Dame University; Catherine Eliza abeth and Lucy. He is survived also by four brothers, Rev. Charles J. McElrey, permanent rector of St. Augustine's church, this city; John. and Harry. both associated with tricai engineer, living in Noroton, also interested in the provision business. Mary, the late wife of Dr. Edward Fitzgerald, and Thomas, a sister and brother, died several years ago.
 MT. McElroy was a member of the Algonquin club. but he spent most of the time he could spare away from business in the quiet of his own fam ily circle.