Agnes Inglis biographical letters

[As a freshman in high school, I had an assignment to research my ancestry. I wrote to Nana for information, and she sent these two letters. -- Gwillim Law]

MRS. ERNEST A. INGLIS

33 MANSFIELD TERRACE

MIDDLETOWN, CONN.

Dear Gwil,

It was good to have a letter from you. I'm not sure just how much information you want about your ancestors or how far back you want to go. Perhaps if I tell you a little of what I know, you can let know if you want more.

Your grandfather Inglis became a Superior Court judge in 1930 and a Supreme Court Justice in 1950. In 1953 he became Chief Justice and continued until his seventieth birthday in April of 1957. You can read about him in Who's Who.

His father was born in Scotland where Inglis is a common name. He came to this country as a baby. He lived in Middletown all the rest of his life. Grandfather's mother was born in Connecticut but I don't know much about her family. His father was Henry Dick Inglis

My father was born in Hartford, Conn. but spent most of his life in Middletown. His name was Thomas Howard Thompson. My mother's name before she was married was Sarah Annrietta Treadway. Her father's family were in Middletown since 1750 and came to this country from England in 1639. Her mother's family name was Snow and they were in Boston before the Revolutionary War. How much before I do not know.

If there are more things you would like to know I will try to find them. Probably you don't want to go too far back in history.

Grandfather Inglis was an only child but I had a brother and a sister. Your mother knows about them. Probably you don't want that information anyway.

Sorry I have no interesting stamps this time. The two enclosed stamps are of no immediate use but perhaps in time they will become rare.

I'll write to your mother and send it with this letter. With love,

Nana Inglis

October 20, 1958

MRS. ERNEST A. INGLIS

33 MANSFIELD TERRACE

MIDDLETOWN, CONN.

Dear Gwil,

Your grandfather was born April 16, 1887 and I was born September 19, 1888, both of us in Middletown. We both went to Middletown High School and were graduated from Wesleyan University. Grandfather also was graduated from Yale Law School with high honors. We were and are both Phi Beta Kappas but that is not necessary information for your paper. He has two honorary degrees, D.C.L. (Doctor of Civil Law) and LL.D. (Doctor of Laws). For several years before he became a judge he was a member of the Bar Examining Committee and a director of the Russell Manufacturing Company. He is at present a Trustee of Wesleyan University; a Trustee of the Edward W. Hazen Foundation (for plianthropic giving); a Director of the Middletown Savings Bank. He enjoys very much the Conversational Club of which he has been a member since 1920. Also he enjoys the University Club of Middletown. His work as a State Referee keeps him as busy as he wants to be and is work which he enjoys. Also he has always been a prominent member of the South Congregational Church for many years.

As for my interests, (besides children and grandchildren) I am also an active member of the same church. I am a Director of the Auxiliary of Long Lane School which is an institution for wayward girls; a member of Monday Club which is for wives of Wesleyan Faculty and includes wives of trustees living in Middletown; a member of the Book Club Committee which selects books for a club of forty-five members and requires a good deal of reading of book reviews. The books come once a week and are passed on to the nearest member on the following week. It is one of my chief interests. This year is the third year I am serving on the Budget Panel for the United Fund of Middletown. It is interesting work but when the total amount is not raised, it is hard to say which agency has to have its funds cut. We hope to raise our quota this year. I am a member of the Auxiliary of Middlesex Hospital and a Trustee Emeritus of the Hospital Board. It means I go to their meetings but without responsibility. Until a month ago I was a Director of Red Cross, Middletown chapter.

Whether this is what you want, I am not sure but you can see we are both interested in welfare agencies. We belong to the University Club but that is pleasure without responsibility.

Tomorrow night grandfather is going to the annual dinner of the State Bar Association where he always is placed at the head table. He enjoys getting together with lawyers and judges because he has many friends among them.

Probably this is longer than you need but you can use what you like and forget the rest.

It is nice to have a letter from you. We hope to see you at Thanksgiving time.

With love,

Nana

October 27, 1958