In the commercial circles of New Haven appear the names of a considerable number who are of English birth and who have become substantial factors in promoting trade relations of this city. Such a one is George T. Birks, conducting a profitable and growing business in pianos and organs. He was born at Sheffield, England, a son of the late Benjamin and Annie E. (Lee) Birks, natives of that country. They came to America during the latter part of September, 1868, and settled in Hartford, Connecticut. He afterward removed with his family to Bridgeport, where he entered the employ of the Howe Sewing Machine Company. His residence was made in that city until called to his final rest. His religious faith was that of the Methodist church and fraternally he was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Pequonnock Lodge of Bridgeport. His widow survives and is living yet in Bridgeport. She became the mother of seven children, of whom four sons and two daughters survive.

     George T. Birks, the eldest of the family, mastered the branches of learning taught in the public and high schools of Bridgeport and then started out in business life. Following the trend of his native talent for music, he engaged in piano teaching and organ playing, acting as organist in various churches. In 1900 he gave up his private classes and became connected with the Treat & Shepard Company, one of the old piano houses of New Haven, remaining with that firm for eight years. He then established his present business, opening a store at No. 150 Orange street, where he engaged in the sale of pianos, musical instruments and sheet music. He established his store on a comparatively small scale and from the beginning his patronage has steadily increased until he has one of the leading piano houses of the city. He remained at No. 150 Orange street for about a year and a half, after which he removed to larger and better quarters in order to meet the increasing demands of his trade. He now has a most gratifying patronage which makes his business one of the profitable commercial enterprises of the city.

     Mr. Birks has been married twice. He was married at Bridgeport to Miss Hattie Louise Converse, a native of Massachusetts and a daughter of Frederick P. Converse. They became the parents of one son, Raymond, who was born at Bridgeport in 1894 and is associated with his father in business.

     Mr. Birks exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Royal Arcanum. He also belongs to the First Congregational church of West Haven, of which he has been organist and choirmaster for the past decade. He is most prominently known in social and musical circles and his talent along musical lines has been a contributing factor to the pleasure of many social occasions. He has also displayed business ability that has enabled him to win rank with the representative merchants of the city and he enjoys a gratifying measure of prosperity.