Joseph De Cantillon is a man of energy and business insight and as the senior partner in the firm of Joseph De Cantillon & Son, distributors of Maxwell motor cars, has built up a business of gratifying proportions. He was born in Brooklyn, Now York, May 22, 1876, a son of Samuel and Augusta De Cantillon, both of whom have passed away.

After receiving a public school education he went to work and for some time was employed as an elevator boy. His residence in Meriden dates from 1892, in which year he became connected with the International Silver Company, with which world famous concern he remained until 1914. In that year he went into business on his own account, securing the agency for the Maxwell motor cars. He has since remained at the same location, No. 18 Pratt street, and his salesrooms are well appointed. He has the agency for Meriden, Wallingford and Cheshire and now has out about one hundred and fifty cars. The business is conducted under the name of Joseph De Cantillon & Son and that it has been ably managed is indicated by the fact that the increase in trade has necessitated the employment of three men.

Mr. De Cantillon was married to Miss Florence G. Stanley, of Meriden. and they have four children: Lester, seventeen years old; Aline, thirteen years old; Doris, aged four; and Marian.

Mr. De Cantillon is a republican and is serving as a member of the city council, being a member of the claims committee. He belongs to the Woodmen of the World and in religious faith as a Universalist. At the time of the Spanish-American war he put aside his personal interests and joined the army. He now holds membership in the United Spanish War Veterans and also with the Sons of Veterans, his father having fought in the Civil war. He has at all times been characterized by a commendable interest in the general welfare and he is generally recognized as a valuable citizen as well as a successful business man.