A city does not depend so much upon its machinery of government, or even upon the men who fill its public offices, as upon those who control its business affairs and shape its trade relations. In this connection David S. Gamble is well known, being president of the Gamble-Desmond Company, Incorporated, which owns and controls a large and well appointed department store of New Haven. Step by step he has advanced to his present position in commercial circles.
     Mr. Gamble was born in New York city, June 24, 1873, a son of the late David S. Gamble, who was one of the founders of the business now being carried on by his son. He was a native of Ireland and after coming to America successfully engaged in the dry goods business in New York city. In 1898 he became associated with John D. Desmond and Edward E. Field in establishing a department store hi New Haven, which in size and volume of trade is the leading dry goods emporium of the city, giving employment to more than three hundred people and having an established trade which extends all over the state. The force and brains of Mr. Gamble have largely made this store, and will remain in it, along with his name, such a memorial as he would have wished, the best any man might possibly have. His integrity and ideal business methods have given to this store the confidence of all the discerning in New Haven, and that confidence will continue as a tribute to the founder. The death of Mr. Gamble occurred in New Haven, November 12, 1913, when he had reached the age of seventy-four years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary A. G. Conlan, was born in Killingworth, Connecticut, and was a representative of an old Connecticut family. She died in 1879, leaving two children, and by a subsequent marriage Mr. Gamble had two other children.
     The public school system of New Haven afforded to David S. Gamble his educational opportunities and when a youth of eighteen years he entered his father's store. He thoroughly learned the business in all of its departments, becoming proficient to an extent that in 1914, a few months after his father's death, led to his election to the presidency of the company. He has proven his fitness for the position, which demands administrative direction and executive ability of a high order. His years of previous close application and study of the business with its many intricate problems now insures the wise management of the im-portant interests under his care.
     On the 17th of January, 1906, in Savannah, Georgia, Mr. Gamble was married to Miss Frances J. Bannon, a native of that state and a daughter of Edward and A. M. Bannon, representatives of old and prominent families of Savannah, Georgia. Mrs. Bannon is yet living but the father has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Gamble have become parents of four children: Frances, David S., John Edward and Jane.
     Mr. and Mrs. Gamble are members of the Roman Catholic church. Mr. Gamble is a man of domestic tastes, taking no active part in club life or fraternities. He prefers to concentrate his thought and attention upon his business, his family and his country and is at all times a most patriotic citizen.