James Patrick Redding is engaged in the real estate, collection and insurance business in New Haven and is proprietor of the Redding System Collection Agency. He was born in New Haven, May 17, 1890, a son of Joseph H. and Caroline Redding. His parents are also living, as are their seven children: Joseph W., who is a business man of New Haven; John Arthur, who is foreman of an extensive manufacturing plant in New Haven; James Patrick, of this review; Stephen and William, who attend school in New Haven; Helen, who is chief instructor in the office department of Sargent & Company; and Elizabeth, who is pursuing her education in the New Haven schools.

  James Patrick Redding acquired a public school education in New Haven and started in the business world as a youth of fifteen years. He filled several positions but eventually became chief clerk for John McGrail, with whom he remained for about four years. On the expiration of that period he turned his attention to the insurance business on his own account, establishing his present agency in 1909, before he had yet attained his majority. He became the representative of the Norwich Union Fire Insurance Company and the Peerless Casualty Company at that time and has since handled insurance for those corporations. In 1915 he added to his fast growing business a real estate department and a collection agency, which collects any kind of legitimate accounts, foreign or domestic. In this connection he has built up an extensive and substantial business and in fact has prospered beyond his expectations; but when one analyzes his career to find the secret of his success, it is easy to understand that his prosperity has come to him as the direct reward of persistent energy, well defined purpose and reliable business methods.

  Mr. Redding belongs to St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic church and is president of its Holy Name Society. He also has membership with the Red Eagles, a secret society, with the Knights of Columbus and the Knights of Columbus Club. His political endorsement is given the democratic party and since 1916 he has been vice president of the Fifteenth Ward Democratic Club. He has had an interesting military career. In 1908 he enlisted as a member of Company C of the Connecticut Infantry as a private and won successive promotions, becoming corporal, sergeant, top sergeant and second lieutenant. He received an honorable discharge January 17, 1917. He joined the Home Guard and was elected captain of Company M on the 17th of April, 1917, so that his military experience still continues. He is also justice of the peace and his interest in public affairs is that of an alert citizen who recognizes his duties and obligations and is ever ready to meet the responsibilities that devolve upon him.