For a quarter of a century Charles A. Menzies has resided on this side of the Atlantic and is now engaged in the plumbing and heating business in New Haven. He is, however, a native of Scotland, born in the land of hills and heather on the 6th of August, 1865, his parents being John and Grace (Campbell) Menzies, who spent their entire lives in Scotland, where the father engaged in the plumbing and heating business, which he followed to the time of his death in 1898. His widow is still living in Scotland at the age of seventy-six years. In their family were four children: Adam and John, who are residents of Scotland; Charles A.; and Mrs. Jessie Stewart, who is also in Scotland.

  Charles A. Menzies is the only representative of the family in the United States. He attended school in his native country, after which he went to Edinburgh and to London, England, where he served an apprenticeship at the plumber’s trade, gaining a thorough knowledge of the business in all of its departments. This he followed in Great Britain until he came to America. It was in 1892 that he determined to try his fortune on this side [of] the Atlantic, believing that he might find better business opportunities in the new world. After reaching American shores he made his way to New Haven and entered the employ of the Robert Morgan Plumbing Company, with which he continued for four years. In 1896 he started in business on his own account. While with Mr. Morgan he had also learned the heating branch of the business and when he started on his own account he began taking contracts for both plumbing and heating. Since then he has placed many of the heating plants and plumbing fixtures in public buildings, also in Yale University buildings and has done considerable work in outside territory. He is accorded a liberal patronage and his business has reached gratifying and profitable proportions.

  On the 1st of May, 1893, Mr. Menzies was united in marriage to Miss Helen Cameron, also of Scotland, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Cameron, natives of that country. They became the parents of two children: John Cameron, who was born in New Haven in 1894 and is a graduate of the city schools, while now he is a senior in the Sheffield Scientific School, pursuing a course in mechanical engineering; and William Charles, who was born in New Haven in 1896. He, too, attended Yale, being a graduate of the Art School, and he afterward became a student at the Art Student’s League of New York city. At the present time he is engaged in art work in New York. The elder son is now in the naval service as a commissioned officer, ready for duty whenever and wherever his country calls.

  The parents are members of the Presbyterian church and Mr. Menzies is serving as treasurer of the mission. He belongs also to the Caledonian Society, of which he is treasurer, and he is well known in Masonic circles, holding membership in Hiram Lodge, F. & A. M., of New Haven. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has a firm belief in its principles as factors in good government. He belongs to the Race Brook Country and Curling Clubs, which indicates something of his interests and recreation. He has ever been well satisfied with New Haven as a place of residence. Here he has found the business opportunities which he sought and in their utilization has steadily advanced. Progress has been the keynote of his character and industry and integrity have been crowning features in his business career.