John Joseph Laverty, an automobile dealer of New Haven conducting business at No. 1094 Chapel street, was born on the 23d of September, 1869, at the corner of Chapel and Gill streets, his parents being Daniel and Isabel (Craig) Laverty, the former a native of Coleraine, in the north of Ireland, while the latter was born in Philadelphia of an old family of that city, of Irish and Scotch lineage. The father came to America when a lad of fourteen years, making his way to Philadelphia, where he learned and followed the molder’s trade. Removing to New England, he was for years associated with the Bigelow Boiler Works, and in 1873 he went with his family to North Haven, where he was connected with the brick manufacturing plant of T. L. Stiles & Company. He continued his residence in North Haven until his life’s labors were ended in death in 1892, when he was sixty-four years of age. He was a Civil war veteran, having served for three years as a private of the Sixteenth Connecticut Infantry. He was taken prisoner and had spent nine months in Libby and in Andersonville when exchanged. He always maintained pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in Admiral Foote Post, G. A. R. His religious faith was that of the Congregational church and his life exemplified many sterling trains of character -- loyalty to country, enterprise in business and fidelity to family and friends. To him and his wife were born seven children, of whom three are living, John Joseph, Birdie and William.

     John J. Laverty obtained his education in the public schools of North Haven and started out to earn his livelihood when a lad of but ten summers. Although really too young to assume life’s responsibilities and duties he made good, early displaying that industry which won him promotion from time to time. His first employment was driving a pair of mules for the Stiles Brick Manufacturing Company of New Haven for a wage of ten dollars per month. Afterward he found a position in the assembling department of the Winchester Arms Company and continued in the services of that famous corporation for thirty years, the last decade as foreman of the cornering and polishing department, in which capacity he had three hundred workmen under his charge. Ambitious, however, to engage in business on his own account, he became, in 1910, connected with the automobile trade, establishing a sales room at No. 39 Henry street, where he handled the Marion car. After a year he removed to No. 53 Broadway and his next place was at No. 400 Crown street. There he had the agency for the Moon, Interstate and Hupmobile. The rapid increase in his business necessitated a further removal in February, 1917, when he opened his present sales rooms at No. 1094 Chapel street, where he handles the Hupmobile only, being the exclusive agent therefor [cq] in New Haven and the larger part of the county. His business has shown again a marked increase in the past year, his sales being equal to those of any other make of car sold in the city.

     In 1899 Mr. Laverty was married in North Haven to Miss Lulu Spencer and they have one son, Spencer D., who was born in June, 1900. Mr. Laverty exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and while residing in North Haven has taken a very active part in political affairs, standing at all times for those activities which promote the civic welfare. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to the Masonic fraternity, to the American Mechanics, and to the Racebrook Country Club. He is a member of the Trinity Episcopal church. In this record of memberships are indicated the rules which govern his conduct, for he is loyal to the teachings and purposes of church and of lodge. His story should have a stimulating effect upon all those who are forced to start out on life’s journey empty handed. Entering the business world at the age of ten years, his success is the result of earnest and honorable effort intelligently directed, and his worth as a man and citizen, as well as a factor in commercial circles, is widely acknowledged.