Charles Henry Wilford has retired from business and makes his home in Branford, his native city, where he was born March 3, 1842. The family has long been represented in Branford, where occurred the birth of his grandfather, John Augustus Wilford, and of the father, John Wilford. It was in honor of this family that Wilford avenue of Branford was named. John Wilford, Jr., wedded Lucretia Goodenough who was born in Chatham, New York, but died in Branford. Throughout his entire life John Wilford followed the occupation of farming and thus provided for the support of his family.

Charles Henry Wilford acquired his education in the town schools and in the old Branford Academy and when not busy with his textbooks assisted his father in the work of the farm. In young manhood he entered the employ of the Branford Lock Works and there learned the moulder's trade. In 1875 he established a retail meat market at Branford and was very successful in the conduct of the business, in which he actively continued for thirty-five years or until 1910, when he retired from commercial pursuits, selling his store. He has since made his home in Branford, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves.

On the 26th of December, 1866, Mr. Wilford was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Cook Granniss, of Branford, who was there born, and passed away October 27, 1903. Her parents were John and Sally (Gritting) Granniss, who were likewise natives of Branford, where several generations of the family have resided. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilford were born eight children, all natives of Branford, and five of the number are yet living. These are: Grace, the wife of Frank E. Holcomb, of Akron, Ohio; Bernard S., a resident farmer of Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut; Sarah, the wife of William E. Hitchcock, who is president of the Atlantic Wire Company of Branford, Connecticut; Eugenia, the widow of Dr. Samuel Glenn, of Warren, Ohio, but now a resident of Branford; and Marjory, at home.

Mr. Wilford has always given his political allegiance to the republican party. He has served as selectman of the town of Branford and also as town treasurer and he was appointed by the Branford board of selectmen to fill out an unexpired term. Fraternally he is connected with Woodland Lodge, K. P. He is rated as one of the substantial and valued citizens of Branford, where as a business man he was widely known for his indisputable integrity, while in all matters relating to the public welfare he has stood for progress and improvement. The most envious cannot grudge him his success, so worthily has it been won and so wisely used.