Lawrence Kling, who was engaged in business as a heating and plumbing contractor but is now living retired in New Haven, was born in Denmark in 1859, a son of Hans Kling, who was likewise a native of Denmark, where he engaged in business as a prominent builder until 1881, when he came to the United States and established his home in New Haven, here living retired until his demise. To him and his wife were born fourteen children.

  In the schools of his native country Lawrence Kling pursued his education and following the arrival of his parents with their family in the new world he secured employment with the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company, working along mechanical lines. Later he was apprenticed to Foskett, Bishop & Company and there learned the plumbing and steamfitting trades, which he followed as a journeyman until 1895, when he established business on his own account. In that field he continued actively and successfully until 1915, when he retired, although the business is still being carried on by his three sons, Joseph P., Lawrence and Walter Kling, who, however, manage their interests under the name of Lawrence Kling.

  In 1887, in New Haven, Mr. Kling was united in marriage to Miss Mary Clark, a native of West Haven and a daughter of Joseph Clark, a descendent of a Danish family. They have four children: Joseph, Lawrence, Harry and Walter. Harry is now a member of the United States cavalry, while the other three sons are conducting the business. The eldest son married Hannah Lorentzen, a native of Hamden, Connecticut, and a daughter of Hans Lorentzen. The second son wedded Ella Lorentzen, a sister of his brother’s wife, and Walter married Eva Passerine.

  Mr. Kling’s military service came through connection with the New Haven City Guard, of which he is a retired captain, and through membership with the Governor’s Foot Guard. He is a republican in his political views, is a Mason, a member of the Danish Brotherhood of America and of the Lutheran church -- associations which indicate much of the nature of his interests and the rules which have governed his life. He was a young man of about twenty-two years when he came to the new world and throughout the entire period he has resided in New Haven, where his activities and his interests have ever been of a character that have ranked him with the substantial, respected and valued citizens.