Ernest C. Loftis is successfully engaged in business in Utica as proprietor of the automobile body works which had been established in 1896 by his father, who was one of the first carriage makers in the city. He was born in Turin, Lewis county, New York, on the 19th of August, 1888, his parents being Patrick and Anna Loftis of Constableville, this state. As above stated, it was in the year 1896 that Patrick Loftis came to Utica and established carriage works on a small scale. He continued operations along this line to the time of his death, on the 15th of December, 1915, gradually developing his interests until the industry had attained extensive and profitable proportions.
Ernest C. Loftis acquired his education in the public schools of Utica and after putting aside his textbooks he entered his father's shop, becoming an expert carriage maker and builder of automobile bodies. Following the demise of the senior Loftis he took over the latter's shop and business and has since remained at the head of the enterprise, which he has conducted with gratifying and well merited success. His skill and ability in this field are widely recognized and have gained him place among the well known representatives of industrial interests and prosperous young business men of Utica.
On the 7th of September, 1916, Mr. Loftis was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Dwyer, daughter of Patrick and May Dwyer of Utica. Mr. and Mrs. Loftis have three children: Mary Agnes, who was born on August 21, 1917; John E., whose natal day was February 10, 1919; and Elizabeth Jane, born on April 8, 1921. In politics Mr. Loftis maintains an independent course, supporting men and measures rather than party. Fraternally he is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Loyal Order of Moose. He is highly regarded in both social and business circles of Utica and has many friends whose esteem he has won and retained by reason of his high principles and fine personal qualities.