JOHN L.  SHERMAN

     John L. Sherman. who has built up a large business in West Haven as a contractor in masonry work, was born in Westville, Connecticut, April 9, 1855, a son of Jesse and Sarah (Alling) Sherman. The father was born in Woodbridge and was a mechanic. The mother's birth occurred at Allingtown, which was given its name in honor of her family, who were among the first settlers there.
     John L. Sherman at the usual age became a student in the public schools but when twelve years of age put aside his textbooks and began working on a farm. He was so em-ployed until he was about sixteen, when he learned the mason's trade. He has since been connected with construction work and is now well known as a contractor. In addition to filling important contracts for masonry work he conducts a large concrete manufacturing plant in West Haven and also owns a quarry and from those interests derives a gratifying income. He is likewise a stockholder in the West Haven Publishing Company and a director in the Orange Bank & Trust Company.
     Mr. Sherman was married in 1876 to Miss Eva L. Smith, of Sharon, Massachusetts, who has proved a true helpmate and a devoted wife and mother. There are eight children, as follows: Mrs. Alice M. Thompson, of West Haven, whose husband is an electrical engineer and who has three children; Frank L., who is superintendent of sewers for the town of Orange; Edwin H., a resident of San Diego, California; Mary L. Miner, of New Haven; Mrs. Florence V. Kitchen, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; John W. and Charles R., both of whom are associated with their father in business; and George B.
     Mr. Sherman is an active republican and one of the party's leaders in his town. He served capably as warden of the borough of West Haven in 1900 and in 1913 and 1914 represented the town of Orange in the state legislature. At the present time he is first selectman to which office he was elected in the fall of 1917. He is a charter member of the West Haven Volunteer Fire Department and for many years was a captain in the hook and ladder company. His service to his community includes a great deal of effective work in connection with the Chamber of Commerce, of which he is a charter member and particular mention should be made of the fact that he was a member of the committee which had the oversight of the installation of the incinerating plant. No movement for the advancement of his community is carried forward without his influence being felt as a helpful factor in bringing it to successful completion. He is also prominent socially and is a popular member of the Phoenix Club; of City Lodge. No. 6, I. 0. 0. F. of New Haven; and of the local organization of the United Workmen. His wife is very active in the work of the Methodist Episcopal church and he contributes to the support of various churches in West Haven, believing in their great value to the community. He deserves great credit for what he has accomplished, for his opportunities in youth were meager and he has at all times been solely dependent upon his own resources. He has made excellent use of his talents and opportunities and has never made the mistake of consider-ing the accumulation of property the sole aim of his life, but has always given promptly of his time and means to the promotion of the community welfare.

(Photo attached)