Clarence Bennett Hotchkiss, a wholesale and retail dealer in fish in New Haven, has developed his business from a small enterprise, established in 1910, and today has one of the leading houses of the kind in the city. A native son of Connecticut, he was born in Bethany, January 25, 1866, his parents being Clarence P. and Mary J. Hotchkiss. He spent a short time as a pupil in the public schools and then started out to earn his own living, peddling milk and doing other humble work, neglecting no opportunity that enabled him to add to his income. He worked for a time at night in a cafe and was also employed by the Winchester Arms Company. He first began business on his own account at No. 330 Dixwell avenue, but the undertaking did not prosper. He then secured a position in the fish market of Doolittle Brothers, remaining there for fourteen years. In 1910 he opened a fish market on his own account, having a small place at No. 357 Dixwell avenue. Four years later, or in 1914, he opened his present store at No. 288 Dixwell avenue and something of the growth of his business is indicated in the fact that he now employs ten men during the busy season and uses a motor truck for delivery. He has gained a liberal patronage as the result of most reliable business methods and indefatigable energy.

In November. 1887, Mr. Hotchkiss was united in marriage to Miss Edith A. Brown, of New Haven. Fraternally he is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and his political views are in accord with the principles of the republican party. There has been nothing spectacular in his life record. It is not unlike that of many another American, but it is another proof of the fact that industry and determination, intelligenly directed and supplemented by fair dealing, will eventually win success in this land where effort is not hampered by caste or class.