GEORGE DUTTON WATROUS

     To have merit so compelling, character so fine as, disarming envy and professional jealousy, to win for him almost unanimous recognition as a leader of the New Haven bar is the fortunate fate of George Dutton Watrous. Beyond that it is his lot to have the cordial and sincere respect of his fellow citizens of all vocations. This eminence he has in his threefold position of distinguished jurist, counselor entrusted with the most important causes, and magnetic and inspiring teacher.
     Professor Watrous was born in New Haven, September 18, 1858, son of George Henry and Harriet Joy (Dutton) Watrous. He was graduated from Yale with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1879. In 1883 he received from Yale the degree of LL. B., and at once was admitted to the bar.
     Mr. Watrous in 1885 formed a partnership with Hon. William K. Townsend, later judge of the United States circuit court of appeals, under the firm name of Townsend & Watrous. Upon appointment of Mr. Townsend as United States district judge, Mr. Watrous formed a partnership with E. G. Buckland, under the name of Watrous & Buckland. When Mr. Buckland entered the service of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, becoming its general counsel, the firm of Watrous & Day was formed, his partner being Harry G. Day, and this connection is still continued.
     In 1889 Mr. Watrous was called to the teaching force of the Yale Law School as instructor in the law of contracts and torts. In 1890 he received the degree of Doctor of Civil Law. In 1892 he was made assistant professor of law, and he held a full professorship from 1895 to 1917, when he retired from teaching, although he still remains a member of the faculty. He is a member of the New Haven County Bar Association, and was its president from 1909 to 1912. He is also a member of the American Bar Association, and is now its vice president for Connecticut. In June. 1917, he was appointed a member of the exemption board for district No. 5, for the city of New Haven and became clerk of that board, now serving in that capacity. He is also a member of the American Historical Association, the American Forestry Association, the American Social Science Association and the American Academy of Political and Social Science. His social connection is with the University Club of New York as well as several clubs in New Haven.
     On June 7, 1888, Mr. Watrous was married to Miss Bertha Agnes Downer, of Whitneyville, Connecticut, and they have six children.
     Such are the modest index points in the record of a most unusual citizen of New Haven. Those who know him well prize their friendship too highly to spoil it by boasting of the parts of a man to whom praise is repugnant. The justice he exalts demands, however, that he be mentioned as a man of the most generous impulses and practice, in the devotion to public or private benefits of his talents, his time or his money; as a citizen of the highest ideals; as a friend whose contact is an inspiration. While the influence of a teacher of such character, ideals and practice on the successive classes of young men who have passed from his teaching at Yale to the profession of the law is, in its exalting effect on the calling he adorns, past computation.

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