Dr. William J. Barrett, a graduate of the Maryland Medical College of the class of 1904, has since engaged in active practice in New Haven. He was born in Newburgh, New York, February 21, 1876, a son of James S. and Evelyn (Shirley) Barrett, both of whom were natives of Newburgh, where the family has been represented for many generations. In the paternal line Dr. Barrett comes of Revolutionary war ancestry. His father and mother were reared and educated in Newburgh, were there married and afterward the father became a well known and successful merchant of that place, continuing in business up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1908, when he was sixty-one years of age. At the time of the Civil war he put aside all business cares and personal considerations and responded to the country’s call for troops, enlisting as a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth New York Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded at the battle of Chancellorsville but afterward returned to the front and remained with his command until the close of hostilities, when he was honorably discharged, returning to his home with a most creditable military record. His widow survives and now makes her home in New Haven with her son, Dr. Barrett, at the age of sixty-one years.

  William J. Barrett was an only child. He attended the public schools of his native city and also the Newburgh Academy, after which he entered the New York College of Pharmacy and was graduated therefrom with the class of 1898. For a short time thereafter he engaged in the drug business and this awakened his interest in the medical profession, so he began preparation for active practice as a student in the Maryland Medical College of Baltimore, from which he was graduated in 1904, his M. D. degree being at that time conferred upon him. Immediately afterward he came to New Haven, where he has since built up a large practice. His success has been notable and his ability is recognized by the public as well as by his contemporaries and colleagues in professional circles.

  In October, 1907, Dr. Barrett was united in marriage to Mrs. Anna Fairchild and they have one stepdaughter, Florence I. Fairchild, who was born in New Haven. Dr. Barrett belongs to several fraternal organizations. He has attained the Knight Templar degree in Masonry, is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and also with the Knights of Pythias. Along strictly professional lines his association is with the New Haven, New Haven County and Connecticut State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association. That he made wise choice of a profession is indicated by the success that has come to him, for he has so directed his labors that his knowledge and efficiency have been greatly increased and he finds ready, accurate and correct solutions for the many intricate problems that are continually confronting the physician.