While the development of a city largely depends upon its commercial and industrial enterprises, these two broad lines of business are not developed through the efforts of a few individuals but are the result of the united efforts of many. Each successful legitimate business undertaking adds to the whole, constituting a substantial part of the foundation upon which is builded modern day prosperity and progress. In mercantile circles of New Haven, Henry William Ibelshauser is well known, being the president, treasurer and general manager of The Pfleghar Hardware Specialty Company, doing business at Nos. 162 – 168 Winchester avenue.

He was born in Hessen, Germany, August 11, 1862, a son of Henry and Katherine Ibelshauser. His education was acquired in the public, schools of his native land and in 1879, when a youth of seventeen years, he crossed the Atlantic to New York city. In October of the same year he arrived in New Haven and throughout the intervening period has been continuously identified with The Pfleghar Hardware Specialty Company. In order to more thoroughly qualify for an active business career he pursued a commercial course in a business college and has also studied in night schools. He has held almost every position with the company, starting in as shop boy, acting as timekeeper and learning the business from the ground up. His thoroughness and reliability made his services invaluable and in 1907 he was elected secretary of the company, continuing in that office until 1915, when he was chosen president, treasurer and general manager. When he assumed active control the company was employing from thirty to forty men. He infused new life into the undertaking by the adoption of most progressive business principles and methods and the company now employs from two hundred to two hundred and twenty-five men. A splendid local trade has been developed, ninety per cent of the business being done in New Haven. They carry a very complete line of hardware specialties and their reliable methods and straightforward dealing have brought them success, and theirs is now one of the substantial houses of the city.

In 1884 Mr. Ibelshauser was united in marriage in New Haven to Miss Valeska Fechner, of this city, and they have two children. Rudolph H. A., who attended the public and high schools and was also liberally educated in music, holds a position in his father's factory. Emma V., the daughter, is the wife of Henry Bussman, of New Haven.

Mr. Ibelshauser is a director of the Broadway Bank & Trust Company. He is a member of the German Lutheran church and of the Foresters lodge, and for many years has been an active member of the German Aid Society. Since 1880 he has been an honored member of the Harugari singing society. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is a member of the Young Men's Republican Club. He likewise belongs to the chamber of commerce and is in hearty sympathy with its interests and purposes as it endeavors to extend the trade relations of the city and upbuild municipal interests, supporting the highest civic standards. Mr. Ibelshauser is to be congratulated upon what he has accomplished. Starting out in life empty-handed, he has steadily advanced along lines of legitimate endeavor to a place of prominence among the enterprising and progressive business men of New Haven. He makes his home at 163 Peck avenue, West Haven, where he built a handsome residence in 1915.