Herbert E. Francis, a well known electric contractor of New Haven, was born in that city on the 30th of June, 1882, and is a son of George Francis, also a native of New Haven. His paternal grandfather, Francis Francis, was born in England and was the founder of this branch of the family in the United States. On coming to America he located in New Haven, where he followed the tailor's trade. George Francis became a decorator and followed that occupation during the greater part of his life. In religious faith he was an Episcopalian and in politics was a republican. In early life he married Miss Rosa V. Hunt, a native of Virginia and a daughter of John and Sarah Hunt. After the death of her first husband Mrs. Francis married George H. Simmons, who is also deceased, but she is still living and makes her home in Waterbury, Connecticut. She has two children: Herbert E. Francis, of this review; and Jennie, the wife of Thomas S. Pratt, of Syracuse, New York.
     During his boyhood and youth Herbert E. Francis attended the public and high schools of New Haven and at the age of nineteen years started out to earn his own livelihood, being in the employ of his stepfather, George H. Simmons, for four years, during which time he became thoroughly familiar with electrical construction. On the death of Mr. Simmons he took over the business, which was originally established during the '80s, the former proprietor being the pioneer electric contractor in the city. Mr. Francis has built up the busi-ness since it came into his possession and it is now one of the leading enterprises of the kind in New Haven.
     Here he was married on the 17th of June, 1908, to Miss Mildred Agnes Morse, a native of New Haven. Connecticut, and a daughter of Caleb A. and Anna (Stoddard) Morse, who were old settlers of Litchfield county. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Francis has voted the republican ticket, and fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic order. He is also a member of the Governor's Foot Guard and makes fishing his chief source of recreation. In business affairs he is energetic, prompt and thoroughly reliable and he well merits the high esteem in which he is uniformly held.