Biography of Franklin S. Terry, manager of Electrical Supply Company

Franklin S. Terry.

Among those connected in a commercial way with electrical interests in the West few young men are better known than Franklin S. Terry, manager of the Electrical Supply company, Chicago. Mr. Terry has been a resident of Chicago seven years. During this time he has built up a successful business, and has formed a wide circle of friends by no means confined to the West.

Mr. Terry was born at Ansonia, Conn., in 1862, and early entered the local high school, where he was graduated at eighteen. As his father was a physician it was decided that the son should be educated to the same profession. With this end in view he completed studies preparatory to a collegiate course. During the summer vacation prior to the college term, Mr. Terry accepted a temporary position in the office of Wallace & Sons. Here he developed so marked an aptness for bookkeeping and general clerical work that he attracted the attention of the promoters of the Electrical Supply company, then recently organized. He was induced to abandon a professional career and devote himself to business. Mr. Terry began his commercial life in charge of the office and books of the Electrical Supply company in 1880, and for four years he remained in that position. He had ample opportunity to formulate and execute many of the innovations and improvements in office economy, which have been characteristic of his methods in the management of his company from the first.

Franklin S. Terry.

In November, 1884, the Electrical Supply company determined to open a Western office and warehouse in Chicago. Mr. Terry, as the most available man, was sent to the city to make the necessary arrangements, and to take charge of what was soon to become under his management one of the largest supply houses in the country. He opened the first warehouse in the second story of the building at 175 Lake street, where he continued for one year. Finding his facilities inadequate to the rapidly increasing business, he moved into larger quarters at 171 Randolph street, where, with additional storeroom, the Western headquarters of the Electrical Supply company have since been located. That the volume of business transacted by this company has steadily increased each year since its establishment, is the best evidence of the executive ability of the manager.

Although, as he admits, Mr. Terry's knowledge of electricity is confined to its commercial side, the electrical fraternity is indebted to him in no small degree for introducing many improvements of merit which would have been unknown but for his insight into the needs of the times.

Early in 1885, after a few months' residence in Chicago, Mr. Terry, with several others, formed the plan of organizing an electric light association, and was instrumental in urging upon the fraternity the benefits that would result from the formation of such an association, from concentrated action and the personal acquaintance of those engaged in similar interests. It was largely through his efforts that the first convention of what is now known as the National Electric Light association was held in Chicago.

Mr. Terry was one of the organizers and charter members of the Chicago Electric club. He was elected the first treasurer, and has held the position ever since.

In 1886 Mr. Terry married Miss Grace Downes of Birmingham, Conn.