Thomas F. Feltis, an automobile dealer of New Haven whose business has reached substantial proportions, was born in Milton [Milford?], Connecticut, July 15, 1873. His father, Patrick Feltis, a native of Ireland, came to America during the ‘50s, making his way direct to New York, where he engaged in railroad work. He afterward removed to Milford and throughout his remaining days was connected with the New York & New Haven Railroad. His death occurred in Milford in 1905, when he had reached the advanced age of seventy-six years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Ellen McCann, was also a native of Ireland and with her parents came to America, settling in Philadelphia. She was married, however, in Milford, Connecticut, and there passed away in 1886 at the age of fifty-six years. The three children of the family were William, Elizabeth and Thomas F.

  The last named became a public school pupil in Milford and at the age of fourteen years started out to earn his own livelihood, securing a position in a straw hat factory at Milford, where he received a wage of seven dollars per week. He there remained for two years and afterward was employed as keeper of the horses on a private estate. Still later he became superintendent of the shipping department of the Baldwin hat factory at Milford. He remained there for a decade and then came to New Haven to take charge of the business interests of the same firm in this city, being given the management of their New Haven place.

  It was in 1910 that Mr. Feltis turned his attention to the automobile business, establishing a general storage and repair shop at No. 606 State street. In 1914 he became actively connected with the automobile trade, taking up the sale of such well known cars as the Studebaker, the Stearns-Knight and the Lexington. His business is today equal to that of any of the automobile dealers of New Haven. He has now discontinued the sale of the Studebaker car and is concentrating his efforts upon the sale of the Knight and Anderson machines. He also carries a full line of automobile supplies and accessories and conducts a service station at No. 666 State street, while his office and show rooms are located at the corner of Olive and State streets. His business has now reached very gratifying proportions and he is today controlling a trade that makes his interests profitable.

  Mr. Feltis was married in New Haven, September 1, 1908, to Miss Nellie Keehan, a native of Ireland and a daughter of John Keehan, now deceased. They are of the Roman Catholic faith, being communicants of St. Mary’s church. In politics Mr. Feltis maintains an independent course. He belongs to the Automobile Club and he is interested in everything that has a bearing upon his line of business. His efforts and energies have been a potent force in bringing him to his present day business standing and success,--and his life indicates what may be accomplished when one has the will to dare and to do.