John H. Ware*

John Ware was born in Philadelphia in 1888, and was in business for himself by the time he was in grammar school. He had a paper route and earned a few extra dollars making minor electrical repairs in neighborhood homes.

While still in his early teens, Ware earned $100 by installing the second alternating-current motor in Philadelphia. The current powered a freight elevator in a wool-packing plant. His knack for tinkering and his reputation as a "young genius" with electricity brought him more work than he could handle in his spare time, so he quit school at age 14 to go into business on a full-time basis as an electrician.

His business flourished, and by age 36, Ware had become a millionaire. By age 39 in 1924, he had developed his business holdings and had earned enough money to retire. However, his managerial talents in the utilities field attracted nationwide attention, and Ware was asked to take over the management of a water company that was in financial difficulty. He put the company back on its feet and found himself involved in a new career.

In 1947, John took control of the American Water Works and Electric Company, and served as president and CEO until his retirement in 1960. He also was chairman of the board of both Northeastern Water Company and American Water Works Company, which were the world's two largest privately owned waterworks systems.