Jackson County, MI
'H' Biographies

Casper Haehnle was born in Württemberg, Germany, Jan. 19, 1852; emigrated to the United States in 1864, landed in New York, where he remained a short time, thence to Jackson county. In 1870 he built his present brewery, which has been in successful operation since. The cost of land, buildings and fixtures was $25,000; employs six men and makes about 500 barrels of beer per annum. He married Miss Mary Baltz, born in Detroit, Dec. 15, 1855. They have 2 children - Casper and Amelia. Both are members of the German Lutheran Church.

Henry Hague was born in Derbyshire, England, Aug. 31, 1824, and received a common-school education. When he was 14 years of age he was apprenticed to the trade of frescoing, graining and painting, and followed the same until 1851, when he came to America, landing in New York, Sept. 6 of the same year; he remained until 1852, then came to Jackson; his first work was to fresco the Episcopal church. Being a stranger in this country, the committee wanted some guarantee that he could do the work; he told them if the work was not satisfactory he would ask no pay; it appears that the work gave satisfaction, from a letter dated Dec. 13, 1852, a portion of which runs as follows: " We consider ourselves fortunate in having been able to obtain your services, and as you are a stranger in our State it will afford us pleasure at any time to certify to the superiority of your workmanship. Signed, Daniel T. Grinnell, Rector, Charles Penny, Samuel Higby, John Sumner, Ira C. Backus, Wm. B. Stanton, Almon Patterson, H. A. Hayden, Vestrymen of St. Paul's Church, Jackson, Mich." In the spring of 1853 he moved his family to Jackson, where he carried on his business extensively for several years, a portion of the time employing as many as 20 men. He married Miss Mary Ann Morley, who was born in England the same year as her husband. They have 3 children, 2 sons and 1 daughter. Mr. Hague had one brother in the Union army who was wounded in the battle of the Wilderness, and afterward died at Washington; also a son, Edrick, was in the navy department, and was wounded at the bombardment of Fort Anderson on Cape Fear River, North Carolina, Feb. 17, 1865. In a letter to Gov. Austin Blair, from the commanding officer of the United States steamer Pequoit, he said : " When first wounded he would not allow the surgeon to attend him until others more seriously wounded had been cared for, and his cheerful and willing deportment while on board had gained for him the friendship of all." Mr. Hague came to this country in limited circumstances, but by good management has accumulated a fine property.

Joshua Haire, attorney at law, was, born in Milo, Yates Co., N. Y., Sept. 14, 1816; is a descendant of Protestant Irish ancestry. His father, Robert Haire, was a native of Ireland; came to America when young; was twice married, and the father of 10 sons and 4 daughters. Margaret Hayne was his second wife and the mother of 7 children, of whom Joshua is the eldest. He grew to manhood on the farm, was educated at Penn Yan, N. Y.; came to Michigan, and at the age of 22 began reading law, while attending college at Ann Arbor. After about four years spent in that manner Mr. Haire came to Jackson, completed the law course with Judge D. Johnson, and was admitted to practice by the Supreme Court of Michigan, in July, 1850, after having spent nearly five years in the study of law exclusively. An attack of bronchial disease rendering him unfit for active practice, Mr. H. was elected Justice of the Peace; served one term, then bought a farm and settled on it in 1855, and conducted it about nine years. Having recovered his health he returned to Jackson and has been in active law practice since. Mr. Haire has been twice elected Circuit Court Commissioner, in 1862 and 1874. He has always been a Democrat of the Jeffersonian-Douglas type; was active in encouraging recruiting during the late civil war. Mr. H. has been twice married, first to Miss Clarica Gregory, of Jackson, a native of Vermont, in 1838. She died the following May with consumption. In 1845 he married Miss Mary J. Gregory, of Washtenaw County, also a native of Vermont, and a cousin of the first wife. Two children are the fruit of this union, Robert. J. Haire, late Prosecuting Attorney of Jackson County, and a daughter, now Mrs. Marsh, of Jackson. Mrs. Haire died July 28, 1880, with cancerous affection of the stomach. Mr. Haire is a member of the A. F. & A. M., lodge and chapter, and of the First Congregational Church.

Walter Hammond, of the firm of Hammond & Co., wholesale paper dealers, 114 West Courtland Street, purchased the stock and business of E. L. Hunt in July 1879. The house was established by Mr. Hunt and Hanford Cobb about 1864, and after several changes of partners Mr. Hunt became sole proprietor, until he sold out to Mr. Hammond and Frank Long, the present owners. They do a general jobbing business in papers, rags and old metals, their trade in 1880 running over $20,000. Mr. Hammond was born in Ann Arbor, Mich., 27 years ago. His parents, Amariah and Rosana Hammond, were residents of that place until his mother died, some years ago; father still lives there. Mr. H. has provided for himself since 16 years of age; went upon the Michigan Central Railroad when 18 as fireman. Four years later became engineer and ran a train about three years, when he left the road to engage in his present business.

William H. Hamilton, proprietor of Diamond Gift Tea Store, was born in the State of Maine, and is 46 years of age. His parents, James and Mary (Pray) Hamilton, natives of the same State, removed to Port Burnell, Canada, when the subject of this sketch was a lad of 13. They remained there during the rest of their lives; his father died there and was carried to his native State for burial. His mother died at Elmira, N. Y., in 1878. Mr. Hamilton received his education in the schools of Port Burnell, and assisted his father in his business of lumbering, alternating as a clerk in a grocery two or three years. In 1863 his father died leaving him in sole charge of the business, and a year later the mill was destroyed by fire, involving a loss of $15,000. Through the aid of friends he erected a new mill of less dimensions, which was in active operation in less than a year, and continued so until its destruction by fire in 1874. The loss amounted to $5,000. He saved $1,700. Some years before he invested $7,000 in a sailing craft, which in four years paid for itself. He disposed of this piece of property in 1874, and a little later, in company with others, built two vessels, one on a contract for other parties. The net gain on this was $4,000. Their own vessel was run several seasons at a small loss, and in the winter of 1879 Mr. Hamilton sold his interest, which had cost him $11,000, for $6,000. In 1877 and '78 he conducted a general store in Port Burnell, where he again suffered a small loss by fire in the winter of 1878-'79. Immediately after he purchased a stock of goods in Detroit and July 15, 1879, came to Jackson and commenced business operations here. He makes a specialty of teas, coffees, spices and sugars and keeps in stock a full line of groceries, cutlery, glass and crockery. He does some jobbing in addition to a large retail trade, his transactions amounting to $25,000 a year, and rapidly increasing. He married in 1856 Miss Susan McConnell, of Port Burnell. She died Feb. 6, 1881, leaving 5 sons and 2 daughters. The elder of the latter, Lilly, is Mrs. Raymond, of Tilsonburg, Canada. The two eldest sons assist in their father's store. Mr. Hamilton served as magistrate two years in Port Burnell, and is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows Orders.

Among the enterprising farmers and prominent citizens of Henrietta Township, who have distinguished themselves by ability to master opposing conditions and wrest from life a large measure of success and an honorable name, the subject of this review stands out clear and distinct. For many years he has been actively identified with the agricultural interests of the county and to him as much as to any one man is due the present prosperous condition of the township honored by his citizenship.

The Harrington’s were pioneers of Jackson County, emigrating from New York to this part of the state in the early thirties. Charles Harrington, the subject's grandfather, was long a resident of Genesee County, New York and a farmer by occupation. He earned a gallant record as a soldier in the war for independence and at the close of that struggle married and settled in the county of Genesee, where he lived until his removal to Michigan, about the year 1833. Charles Harrington came west in a wagon drawn by a yoke of oxen and the journey, which was long, tedious and beset with many vicissitudes, tested the courage and endurance of the family. Mr. Harrington entered three hundred and sixty acres of land in what is now Summit Township and until a habitation could be prepared the family was obliged to live in the wagon, the experience, the meanwhile, being anything but agreeable. In due time a log cabin was built, after which the more strenuous labor of felling timber and clearing the land began, in which task the father was ably assisted by his sons, who were old and strong enough to work. In addition to his yoke of oxen, Mr. Harrington brought a couple of horses to the new country, this being one of the first teams in the county. They proved of great value in many ways, facilitating his labor in the woods and fields and enabling him to accomplish much more work with quicker results than could possibly be done by the use of oxen. Mr. Harrington developed a good farm and made a comfortable home, in which he spent the remainder of his life, dying at a ripe old age some time in the forties. He was a typical pioneer of the early day, strong in body, resourceful in mind, of great energy and determination, and he seldom addressed himself to any kind of work without carrying it to completion. His good wife was a fit helpmate and not only did the cooking and attended to the various other household duties, but also spun and wove from wool and flax the strong, coarse cloth which supplied the family with wearing apparel, besides making every article of clothing with her own hands. The family of this excellent couple consisted of nine children, namely: Charles, Betsey, Chester, Morilla, Polly, Serena, Stephen, Henrietta and Morris, all of whom secured homes in Jackson county and became heads of families and well-to-do. Of the large family that once gathered around the hearthstone in the pioneer cabin and made the evenings merry with their laughter and jocund mirth, not one is left to tell the tale, all having passed on to that "mysterious bourne from which no traveler ever returns."

Stephen, the seventh of the above children, was born in Genesee County, New York, and at the age of nineteen accompanied his parents to Michigan. He assisted his father in clearing the farm and providing for the family and remained at home until a young man of twenty-six, at which time he purchased one hundred and twelve acres of land in the township of Summit, one hundred acres of which was in the condition that nature made it. On this place he set up his first domestic establishment in a little log cabin, with the usual modest complement of rude, hand-made furniture, assisted in his efforts by his wife, who before marriage bore the name of Lovina McCain (daughter of Able McCain/ McKain- note by jf). Stephen Harrington was an industrious, hard-working man, but at intervals he would vary his labors by hunting the numerous wild animals with which the forests bounded, being a skillful shot and exceedingly fond of the sport. He and his brother-in-law, William Worden, in a couple of winters killed sixty-four deer, to say nothing of other game that fell before their rifles, such as turkeys, geese, ducks, squirrel, and at times wolves, the latter being destroyed with peculiar satisfaction as they were destructive to the farmers' live stock and when gaunt with hunger proved dangerous foes to man himself. Mr. Harrington improved a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres and, after living on the same until 1861, sold the place and bought one hundred and eighty-seven acres in section 5, Henrietta Township, the latter only partly cleared. In due time, with the aid of his boys, he had his second farm in a high state of cultivation and made it his home during the remainder of his life. He was one of the successful farmers and substantial citizens of the county, active, energetic and resourceful, and his well-directed labors were rewarded with a comfortable competence for his declining years. While a resident of Summit, he held several township offices and his good judgment gave considerable weight to his opinions and advice in matters of business, especially in the adjustment of differences among his neighbors. Like his father, he was an uncompromising supporter of the Democratic party, and for many years did much to promote its success in township and county affairs. Mrs. Harrington bore her husband seven children and departed this life in 1857, he following her to the grave about twenty years later, dying on the 10th day of February, 1877. Their oldest child, a daughter by the name of Elizabeth, married Aimer Farley, of New York, and became the mother of seven children. Mr. and Mrs. Farley spent the greater part of their married life in New York, the former dying there, the latter in Michigan. Volney Montell, of this review, is next to Elizabeth in order of birth and after him is Jack, a farmer and stockman of Henrietta Township; he married Miss Emily Ridge, of this county, but, aside from his wife, has no family. Alice, the fourth of the family, is not living; she married Charles Hurd, of Henrietta Township, and bore him one son who lived in Henrietta Township. Nellie, the next in succession, is the wife of Frank Olney, also a resident of Henrietta and a farmer by occupation; Lovina, who lives in the above township, is now Mrs. Frank Gibbons, her husband being one of the successful farmers and stock raisers of this part of the county; the youngest of the seven children was an infant that died before receiving a name.

Volney Montell Harrington is a native of Jackson county, Michigan, born at the old home in Summit township, January 17, 1841. He grew up familiar with the duties of the farm and under its wholesome discipline early developed a strong body, a clear mind and a well-defined purpose to make the most of his opportunities and be of some use in the world. The common schools afforded him a fair education, but he only pursued his studies until a youth in his teens, his service beyond that time being required in the home. When a lad of ten he drove oxen and managed a plow and before reaching the age of twenty-one he was able to make a full hand with a cradle in the harvest field, a kind of labor which only very strong men can perform successfully. On attaining his majority Volney and one of his brothers took charge of the farm, the father turning its management over to them, the better to give his attention to the house of entertainment which he was then keeping. The latter, long known as the Old Log Tavern, stood on the Harrington farm and for many years was a favorite stopping place for the traveling public, especially for people who traveled the Jackson and Dansville road, near which the building was situated. This country inn acquired considerable fame throughout Jackson County and it was seldom without a number of guests, many going long distances out of their way to enjoy its hospitality and good cheer. The elder Harrington was a typical host, and nearly every evening saw a large crowd around the hearthstone, both neighbors and travelers, who frequently spent the greater part of the night in agreeable conversation or listened to the numerous anecdotes which the jovial landlord delighted to tell. The old inn has long since disappeared, but remembrances of it still linger in the minds of those who in the long ago partook of the bounties with which the board was spread or gently passed into the realms of dreamland beneath its lowly roof.

After the father's death the home farm came into the possession of the subject and his brother and the two ran it jointly until 1894, when the place was divided. Volney M. now has a fine farm of two hundred and sixty acres, the greater part in cultivation, and his beautiful country home is considered one of the most valuable and attractive places in the county. The present fine residence was erected in 1883 and the large, commodious barn, one of the best buildings of the kind in the township of Henrietta, dates from the year 1894. Mr. Harrington has been successful as an agriculturist and stock raiser and at the same time his means have been liberally expended in beautifying his home and supplying it with the comforts and conveniences calculated to make rural life pleasant and desirable. He raises abundantly all the crops grown in this latitude and makes it a point to feed the greater part of his grain, finding live stock much more profitable than the marketing of the product. In the matter of live stock he is careful and judicious, keeping only the best breeds, and to these his attention is especially devoted. His success in raising Durham and Jersey cattle has long been acknowledged and he also has a wide reputation in breeding and rearing fine blooded Poland China hogs, marketing every year a large number of these valuable animals. Of the vegetable crops, potatoes are his favorite and he seldom plants less than ten acres of these prolific tubers, and some years far in excess of that area.

Mr. Harrington is a resourceful manager and a careful, conservative financier, not given to speculation and quick returns, but content with slower but surer gains which come as a reward of legitimate effort. Among his neighbors and friends he is held in great esteem, his integrity being unimpeachable and his character of that strong, virile type which never fails to beget and retain public confidence. A friend and patron of modern improvements, he has done much to interest the people in public enterprises and his energy and activity along these lines have marked influence in the community. Politically Mr. Harrington is firm in his allegiance to the Democratic party, having voted that ticket ever since old enough to exercise the rights of citizenship. When a young man, he was elected commissioner of highways, the duties of which he discharged for two years, and since then he has served his township efficiently and acceptably as treasurer and supervisor, besides filling the various official positions connected with the local schools.

The domestic life of Mr. Harrington dates from 1868, on March 20 of which year he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Bailey, whose parents, James and Harriett Bailey, natives of England, came to Jackson county in 1849 and settled in the township of Henrietta. Mr. Bailey bought a tract of land, cleared a good farm and in the course of years replaced the diminutive log cabin in which his family originally lived with one of the finest brick residences in this part of the county.  He was quite a successful farmer, also a reputable and popular citizen, and his death, on the 10th of April, 1859, removed from Henrietta township one of its leading men. Mrs. Bailey survived her husband until 1873, when she too went to her reward. Both were members of the Episcopal Church and as such wielded strong influence for good among their neighbors and friends, the latter still holding them in loving remembrance. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey reared a family of children whose names are as follows: Eliza, Harriet, Samuel, Sarah, wife of the subject, Samuel and Mary, of whom the last named and Harriet are deceased. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Harrington has been blessed with three offspring: Nettie, who died at the age of four: Fred A., who married Miss Ettie Southwell, of this county, and is the father of a son, Gordon W., and Ray, an intelligent young man of nineteen, still a member of the home circle. The two sons were given excellent educational advantages, the younger graduating in 1902 from the business university at Jackson. Mrs. Harrington holds to the Episcopal faith, having been born and reared in that church, and is still an earnest and devoted member. While not identified with any religious organization himself, Mr. Harrington has profound regard for the church and gives liberally of his means to its support. He also keeps in touch with the benevolent and charitable interests of the day, is free-hearted and generous, with a hand ever open to minister to the distress of the deserving poor. No worthy person needing assistance ever appeals to him in vain and all laudable endeavors for the moral good of the community or for the general welfare of humanity are sure to enlist his sanction and material aid.

Charles H. Haskins, M. D., was born in Monroe County, N. Y., in 1839. His father, Samuel R. Haskins, was a native of that State, and married Lusetta Smith, of Vermont. The Doctor is the youngest of 6 sons and 2 daughters. He came to Michigan with his parents and settled in Cass County in 1850. About four years later they removed to Marshall County, Iowa, and spent the rest of their lives there on a farm. Charles was educated in Auburn and Kalamazoo. Oct. 1, 1861, he enlisted in Co. H, 13th Iowa Inf., was promoted to 2d Lieut, in May, 1862, and on the 28th of July, 1864, was commissioned Captain; participated in many important battles in Gen. Sherman's command; was wounded by a gun-shot in the right-knee joint in the advance upon Atlanta, which disabled him for 90 days. Upon rejoining the regiment, Mr. Haskins being the senior Captain, acted as Major until the close of the war, and commanded the regiment at the grand review at Washington; was mustered out with the regiment at Louisville, Ky., in July, 1865; spent a year in Iowa, then came to Yan Buren county, Mich.; read medicine with an older brother; took his first course of lectures in Michigan State University in the winter of 1867-'8; two years after attended a course at the Indiana Medical College, from which he received the degree of M. D., in the spring of 1871. The Doctor practiced two years in Chesterton, Porter Co.; came to Jackson late in the summer of 1873; has acted as alternate surgeon of the Michigan Central Railroad two years; is physician to Court Lincoln, No. 4, I. O. Foresters; was elected to the City Council in 1877 and 1878, and was President of it the latter year. He married Emma Kaywood, of Jackson County, April 6, 1873.

Hiram Haskins, carpenter and joiner, was born in Taunton, Mass., Dec. 30, 1818. His parents immigrated to Lenawee County, Mich., when he was 15 years old, where they both died. He remained in Michigan four years, then went to Kingsbury, Washington Co., N. Y., where he learned his trade; was engaged in boating between Whitehall and Buffalo four years; in 1867 he came to Michigan again and remained in Lenawee County two years, thence to Jackson, where he has followed his trade since. He married for his first wife Mary Frost, who was born in New York in 1817, and died in 1830, leaving 1 child; for his second wife he married Miss H. Carter, born in Hartford, Washington Co., N. Y., in 1819. The fruit of this marriage was 3 children; 1 is living.

Hiram F. Hatch, of the firm of Hatch & Warren, boot and shoe merchants, was born in the town of Benton, Eaton Co., Mich., Dec. 24, 1842. His parents, Henry. H. Hatch and Amanda Hatch, nee Potter, were of Scotch descent, and were natives of Batavia, N. Y. They married and immigrated to Michigan about 1840, and settled near Charlotte. Hiram is the second of 5 children. His parents removed to Charlotte, where he attended the schools of the place until 17 years old; and upon the breaking out of the Rebellion he enlisted in Co. H, 6th Mich. Inf., on April 6, 1861. He was appointed a Corporal, and was mustered into the United States service with the company Aug. 20, at Kalamazoo, and soon after left for Baltimore, Md. Mr. Hatch participated with his regiment in the campaign on the eastern shore of Virginia; and in the spring it was ordered South to join the 19th Army Corps, Gen. B. K Butler, commanding, at Ship Island. After assisting in the capture of Forts Jackson and Phillip, at the mouth of the Mississippi, they were among the first troops to enter New Orleans. The 6th Regiment took a prominent part in the battle of Baton Rouge, and the siege of Port Hudson. Mr. H. having risen to the rank of Sergeant a year after entering the service, was promoted, for meritorious conduct during the siege, to Second Lieutenant in the 1st New Orleans Regiment, on June 16, 1864, and assigned to the command of Co. D. On Aug. 19, 1865, he was again promoted to First Lieutenant. After serving on numerous commissions and courts-martial he was appointed in September 1865, Quartermaster on the Staff of Major-General E. R. Canby, commanding the military division of West Mississippi, with headquarters at New Orleans. He also had full charge of collecting the military taxes levied in that city. Having served over five years Mr. H. was mustered out of service May 31, 1866. Returning to Jackson Mr. Hatch entered upon the boot and shoe trade in company with Edwin M. Warren, under the present firm name. He also engaged quite heavily in the manufacture of boots and shoes, for five years, employing from 50 to 75 convicts in the penitentiary on contract. Mr. Hatch possesses an active, nervous temperament, and has ever been an energetic worker. He married Miss Sarah J. Haslett, of Charlotte, but a native of Ohio. Two living children bless their union - Harry J., 11, and Mabel, nine years old. Mr. H. has always been a staunch Republican in politics and quite active in a local way. The trade of the firm is confined to retail, and runs from $45,000 to $55,000 per annum.

Jackson W. Hewitt, carriage manufacturer, West Courtland Street, is a native of Wayne County, N. Y., born in 1830; is the son of Orson and Mary A. (Pollock) Hewitt, of that State. At the age of 18 he learned the carriage trade in Onondaga County; came to Jackson in 1852; was four years foreman over 125 men in the Michigan State's prison, and one year foreman in an agricultural-implement manufactory. In 1857 he married Charlotte A. Ross, of Ypsilanti; went to Fort Madison, Iowa, and acted as foreman over a force of convicts, in the manufacture of agricultural machinery more than a year; went thence to fill the same position in a similar branch of labor in Mississippi State's prison, Jackson. Little more than a year later took charge of 60 men in a carriage factory in Canton, Miss. He came to Jackson, Mich., and established his present business in 1860. Willis P. Hewitt, a brother, was a partner the first two years, at the end of which J. W. became sole owner and has continued alone since. He manufactures all kinds of single and double seat vehicles with side springs, and phaetons; makes a special feature of fine work, for which he has carried off many first prizes from exhibitions where it competed; took seven first and second premiums on as many pieces of work exhibited at the Michigan State Fair of 1880. Mr. Hewitt employs from 18 to 25 men, and made in 1880, 200 buggies and 100 cutters, aggregating $35,000, besides a large run of repair work. His vehicles are sold in a number of States, solely upon their merits. Mr. H. and wife have 1 son and 1 daughter. He was a member of the fire department 30 years, and many years it's chief.

Silas Heyser of Miles, Heyser & Co., and of S. Heyser & Sons, lumber merchants and manufacturers, was born in Montgomery County, Pa., and is 54 years of age. Jacob and Hannah (Dingler) Heyser were his parents. At the age of 17 he left the farm to learn the carpenter's trade; having completed it, came to Cleveland, Ohio, worked as a journeyman four years; came to Jackson in 1858 and started in business as a contractor and builder. In I860 he established in connection with it a sash, door, blind and general building material manufactory, and three years after abandoned the building and contracting feature. In October 1874, he and son, and Mr. M. Miles established a lumberyard, which is doing a large business. In 1872 Mr. Heyser, in company with a number of other enterprising Jackson men, having landed interests at the south extremity of the city, started an omnibus line to be run from the south city limits to East Main Street. Two omnibuses were bought at $1,000 each in New York, and horses at $200 and over each, for teams. The enterprise continued four years, when financial depression of the times induced its abandonment; the parties all losing more or less money in the operation. Mr. Heyser married Anna Kennedy, of Pennsylvania, in 1850. They have 2 sons and a daughter, the sons being partners in business.

Daniel B. Hibbard, capitalist and Vice-President of the People's National Bank, was born in Phelps, Ontario Co., N. Y., in 1818. His father, William Hibbard was a native of Hartford, Conn., and married Penelope Holmes, of Syracuse, N. Y., who died when Daniel was four years of age. He was early thrown upon his own resources, and never was at school after reaching his 12th year. Between 13 and 18 Mr. H. worked at various occupations, clerking, driving stage, etc. In 1836 he landed in Jackson with a cash capital of $3. He hired to drive stage, and in process of time became joint owner of a number of lines. Mr. H., in company with Morris Knapp, established a daily line from Jackson to Lansing, and he drove the first stage and carried the first mail after the location of the capital in the latter city. He in partnership with others established two daily lines of four-horse coaches to Detroit; also a line from Lansing to Grand Rapids via Ionia; a daily line from Jackson to Adrian via Clinton and Tecumseh; a daily line of four-horse stages from Ypsilanti to Adrian; a daily line from Hillsdale to Chicago, and a line from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids. These were continued until the completion of railroads furnished a more speedy transportation, Mr. Hibbard being the active manager. He brought the first steel-spring, iron-axletree buggy to Jackson, which was a curiosity in that day; established the first livery stable in the place, and for many years was connected with the business; Mr. H. erected the fine hotel which bears his name. He is a two-thirds owner of the Jackson Foundry Works, which originally cost $200,000, and employs 50 men; a heavy stockholder in the People's National Bank, and has a large amount of real estate in the city. He is now chiefly devoting his attention to breeding fine horses, of which he now has 35 head. Mr. Hibbard married Esther Darrah, in Jackson, in 1840. She is a native of County Antrim, Ireland. They have 2 sons and 2 daughters, 1 the wife of E. K Smith, his partner in the foundry.

Rev. George H. Hickox, Chaplain of the Michigan State's prison, is the son of Erastus W. Hickox, a pioneer farmer of Monroe County, N. Y., a man of strong character and superior judgment; George was born near Rochester, N. Y., 1822. His father died when he was 18 months old; and he was early trained to labor and self-dependence. He left the rural district school at the age of 15 and went to work, making his home with a brother. In 1845 he came to Michigan; and being impressed that the ministry was to be his field of labor he entered Kalamazoo Theological Seminary in 1851, from which he graduated in 1855, being ordained to the Baptist ministry. His first pastorate was at Dexter, Washtenaw Co., the duties of which he assumed in the spring of 1856, Mr. Hickox has been continuously engaged in clerical labor since; and after several changes of location, among which he preached eight years in Lansing, he came from there to his present position Oct. 1, 1872. Mr. Hickox is admirably adapted by nature and education for the position he occupies, as the good results of his eight years' labor abundantly testify. While he is Protestant in belief and teaching he is broad and unsectarian; possesses a fine intellect and combines great firmness and energy with a strongly sympathetic nature. Mr. Hickox was united in marriage with Miss Eliza, daughter of Fisher Cummings, a pioneer of Calhoun County, Mich., in November 1865. He served a year in the Chistian Commission during the war, having charge of a portion of the delegate work.

Charles W. Higby, President of the Bortree Manufacturing Co., was born in the city of Jackson, Mich., in December 1848. His father, Hon. Samuel Higby, was a native of Western New York, and married "Mary Wheelock, a Vermont lady. He was a lawyer by profession, and coining to Jackson prior to 1840, was one of the early members of the Bar in this county; at one time Circuit Judge and held several local offices. He died in May 1877. His widow is a resident of the city, aged 63 years. Mr. Higby was educated in Jackson and Ypsilanti, and at the age of 15 entered the banking office of Loomis & Whitwell, where he remained until 1873, save a year or two while attending school; for the last nine years was cashier of the bank. He became interested with M. K. Bortree in the present business in 1873, the firm title being M. K. Bortree & Co. When it was merged into a joint-stock company in 1876, he was chosen its Secretary, and two years after its President, which position he now holds. On June 14, 1871, Mr. Higby was united in marriage with Anna Chapín, daughter of B. II. Chapin, of Jackson. They have 1 daughter, Margaret, six years of age. Mr. H. is a member of the Masonic order, lodge, chapter, council and commandery.

Clark W. Hill, manager of J. D. Hill's granite and marble works, was born in January, 1838, in Oswego County, but brought up in Niagara County, N. Y. His parents were John D. and Priscilla (Stall) Hill. He obtained a thorough practical education; came to Michigan in 1866, settled in Cass County, and engaged in his present business. In 1868 he sold out and removed to Jackson; worked about a year as salesman of monumental work, then became a partner in the firm of Ramsey & Hill, which soon after changed to Hill & Griffith. In January 1876, he retired from the firm and spent over two years in the same business in Howell, Livingston Co., returning to Jackson in 1878. He has the active supervision of all departments of the business, and idealizes the designs. Mr. Hill married Evanette Barlow, in Howell, Livingston Co., Mich., in December 1873. He is a Mason, a member of the lodge arid chapter.

Mark S. Hitchcock, hardware merchant, and Manager, and Treasurer of Eureka Coal Co., is the son of Manly and Chloe (Adams) Hitchcock, of Waterbury, Conn., was born in Ontario county, N. Y., in 1821; parents moved to Ohio when he was three years old, and lived in Cleveland, Lorain Co., until their death. He worked on the farm till 20, meantime attending the district school; then engaged in buying and shipping live stock five or six years; after which he was in the grocery and provision business and farming until 1864; then filled the office of Sheriff of Lorain county four years; came to Michigan in 1868, and located on the farm he now owns, three miles north of Jackson, remaining there until he bought the hardware store, of which he is now joint owner, of Rice & McConnell in 1879, and settled in the city; took his son-in-law, Mr. Geo. Fifield, as a partner one year; conducted the business alone a year; and Jan. 1, 1880, took as partners Reuben E. Clark and his son, Charles S. Hitchcock, each owning one- third interest. Mr. H. purchased an interest in the Eureka coal mine in January 1880; was elected Superintendent and Treasurer in December of that year. The company works over 100 men, and mines from 300 to 350 tons of coal per day. The hardware trade is chiefly retail, and runs from $25,000 to $30,000 a year. Mr. Hitchcock has been twice married; first when 19 years of age, in Lorain County, Ohio, to Polly Morgan, who died in May 1854, leaving 5 children. Two years later he married Mary A. Bush, of the same county, by whom he has 2 children - Charles S., his partner, and a daughter. Mr. H. was for some years a Justice in Blackstone Twp. He and wife are members of the M. E. church.

A.J. Hobart (deceased) was born in Yates County, N.Y., Dec. 14, 1822, where he was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. When 15 years of age his parents immigrated to Jackson County. He married Achsah Amanda Randolph Feb. 8, 1853; her parents carne to the county in 1836, and she was born Jan. 5, 1831. There were 4 children - Helen E., born Jan. 17, 1857; Frank, born Feb. 8, 1861; Nettie May, born July 13, 1866; Freddie, born Dec. 7, 1872. In 1855 Mr. Hobart commenced clerking for Merriman Bros., in the dry-goods business, and afterward was taken as partner, and remained with them some time; afterward went to Blackman Twp., and kept the Center one year; then returned to Jackson, entered the grocery business, and remained until he built his brick store on Cooper Street. He was President of the Porter Coal Company, and shortly before his death he sold his interest to the company. He held several local offices, and was a member of the Knights Templar. Mr. H. died Feb. 15, 1875.

William L. Hobart, grocer, established his business in Jackson at its present location, 102 Main Street, in 1869; his trade has an extensive country and city patronage and his transactions range at about $40,000 yearly. Mr. Hobart was born in Yates County, N. Y., in May 1842. His parents, John F., and Sarah H. (Thomas), were also natives of that State, of English ancestry on the father's side, of Welsh on the mother's. He grew to manhood and was educated in Steuben County, at the Collegiate Institute at Plattsburg and at the Genesee Seminary in Lima, Genesee Co. In 1867 became to Jackson where he engaged as clerk with A. J. Hobart and C. Warriner, entering into co-partnership with A. J. Hobart April 29, 1869. In 1872 he became sole proprietor. He is a member of Lodge 17, A. F. & A. M., and of Chapter 3, E. A. M. In July 1869, he was united in marriage to Abbie Wing, a native of Maine, but then residing in Jackson. They have 2 sons and 1 daughter.

Samuel J. Hobbs, wholesale and retail dealer in harness, trunks, etc., was born March 16, 1826, in Phelps, Ontario Co., N. Y. His parents, Alfred and Polly (Hutchinson) Hobbs, came to Michigan when their son was a little past 12 years of age and located in York, Washtenaw Co., where the mother still resides, 86 years of age. She has been a widow some years. March 3, 1850, Mr. Hobbs married Jane D. Bliss of Washtenaw county, and settled in Chicago, where he remained engaged as a carpenter for three years ; then operated as a contractor and builder until 1862, when he came to Jackson and embarked in his present enterprise. About two years after, he purchased the property where his store now is, the Hurd House Block, and was burned out in the fall of 1868, losing over $7,000. In conjunction with Messrs. Smith & Hurd, in 1869, he rebuilt the block where he has since prosecuted his business. He employs from 8 to 12 assistants, and has the leading harness trade in Central Michigan. Mr. Hobbs has 1 son, Clarence R., aged 25. His daughter, Mrs. Jessie Denny, wife of Frank D. Denny, a public reader and elocutionist, is also prominent in these particulars, and both are well known in the practice of their profession.

G. E. Holcomb, dentist, was born in Peru, Clinton Co., N. Y., Jan. 4, 1851; received an academic education at Keeseville, N. Y.; when 17 years of age commenced the study of dentistry with Dr. Howard, of Keeseville, where he remained one and a half years. In 1869 he went to Wamego, Kansas, where he engaged in his profession, but remained only a short time; came back to Aurora, Ill.; entered the office of Dr. Kilbourn, President of the Illinois Association, and remained with him about 10 months; then to Mattoon, I11., where he entered into partnership with Dr. Campbell, who had an established trade, and remained until 1875, when he came to Jackson and entered the office of Dr. Moher, where he remained a short time, then opened his present office. He married Miss Hattie S. Carr, daughter of Francis Carr, an early pioneer; she was born in this county, July 22, 1858. There is 1 child, Ernest.

George R. Holden, chief clerk in the Michigan Central telegraph office, is a product of the city of Jackson, having been born ere Oct. 10, 1845. George H. Holden and Mary A. Gardner were natives of Batavia, N. Y., but came to Jackson in early life, where they united in marriage, and were the parents of 2 sons and 2 daughters, of whom George R. is the eldest. He was educated in the schools of Jackson, and when nearly 15 years of age entered the Patriot office to learn the printing business. Here he remained most of the time for nearly 10 years, when, tiring of night work, he engaged in the Citizen office, working there in various capacities about four years, a part of the time acting as reporter. Soon after quitting the printing office, early in 1875, he was appointed Deputy County Clerk, under Clerk A. M. Tinker. After serving two years in that office Mr. Holden became a partner with Mr. Tinker in the real estate and insurance business. He sold out to his partner six months later and engaged as bookkeeper in J. D. Price's agricultural implement house. On Jan. 22 he entered upon the duties of his present position. Mr. H. has held the office of Captain of Co. G, of the 1st Keg. Mich. State Troops since July 1879. He married Miss Ida A. Price, of Jackson County, in December 1871. They have 1 daughter. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and of the A. O. U. W.

Timothy E. Howard, wholesale and retail oyster, fruit and tobacco merchant, 115 West Main Street, established his oyster jobbing trade in Jackson in 1873. It now extends over a radius of 100 miles about the city, and requires 200 barrels of bulk oysters and as many canned goods per year, which yield an income of $30 000 to $35,000, and is the largest oyster business in Michigan. During the season his daily shipping bills run $100. He added the fruit and tobacco department in 1878, and did a jobbing and retail business in these in 1880, offc$35,000. Mr. Howard is a native of Washtenaw County, Mich., born in 1847; came to Jackson at the age of 17 years, and began as a dishwasher in J. L. Holmes restaurant. Five years later he became a partner and active manager, and in 1876 sole proprietor. He sold out in 1878, and has since devoted exclusive attention to his present business. Mr. Howard is a member of the Catholic Young Men's Benevolent Society; was one of the organizers and one year its President.

Jefferson E. Howe, proprietor of Central City Custom Mills, was born in Moravia, Cayuga Co., N. Y., and is 37 years of age. He began learning the miller's trade in Scipio, of that State, at the age of 13, serving three years for board and clothing. After remaining there 13 years, he came to Michigan in August, 1873, and has been a resident of Jackson county since; conducted the Baldwin Mills two years, the Millville Mills six months, the Hanover Mills a year and a half; and since September, 1878, has controlled and run the Central City Custom Mills, of Jackson. Mr. Howe has had several partners but is now sole proprietor; does a general custom business, and has increased it from 1,500 bushels per month to 7,000. Mr. Howe married a schoolmate, Miss Elizabeth Aikin, in Scipio, N. Y., in May 1867. They have l son and 2 daughters. Politically, Mr. H. is Republican.

Rev. J. W. Hough, D. D., Pastor of the First Congregational Church, Jackson, was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., Nov. 26, 1832. Joel J. Hough was a native of Connecticut, near New Haven, went to the Empire State while young, and married Miss Emily Winegar, of Onondaga County, N. Y. Of the 2 sons who constituted their family, Rev. J. W. is the elder, the Rev. George A. Hough, of Antwerp, N. Y., being the other son. Mr. Hough prepared for college in Homer Academy, and graduated at Yale College in the class of 1853. After spending three years in teaching, he took a course at Union Theological Seminary, New York, finishing in 1858. He entered upon the ministry in a mission church, a foster society of Dr. Adams' Church, of Madison Square, New York city. He remained there nearly two years, and in the summer of 1860 was called to the pastorate of a Church in Williston, Vermont, in which he officiated nearly five years. During his connection with that society he, in 1862, visited Europe, Egypt and the Holy Land. In 1865 he was called to the Presbyterian Church in Saginaw City, MI, which he served two years and a half; and on Feb. 1 he received and accepted a call from the First Congregational Society of Jackson. His health failing in October 1872, he relinquished his pastoral relations with this Church and went to California. Soon after arriving there he accepted the proffered charge of the Congregational Church of Santa Barbara, which connection continued until the summer of 1879, when having regained his health he was recalled by the First Church of Jackson, whose service he re-entered in September 1879. This society has been signally prosperous under Dr. Hough's ministrations, and the relations of pastor and flock have been peculiarly congenial and happy. Besides his zealous pastoral labors, he has delivered numerous public lectures upon scientific and literary subjects; and has contributed many articles to the newspaper and magazine press, upon various current topics; which, together with his published sermons, render his mental efforts voluminous and broad -cast. Dr. H. is a corporate member of the American Board of Commissioners of Foreign Missions, and was for years one of the Board of Trustees of Olivet College, Michigan. The honorary degree of D. D. was conferred upon him in 1877. Rev. Hough married Miss Sarah Holmes, of Waterbury, Conn., in July, 1858, who died in Santa Barbara, Cal., in 1877, leaving 2 sons - Theodore H., now teaching in Santa Barbara, and Williston S., a student in the Agricultural College, Lansing, Mich. Mrs. Hough was a woman of exemplary character and remarkable energy and religious zeal. She was active in organizing the Woman's Board of Missions in the Central States, and was the projector and organizer of the Woman's Board of Missions of the Pacific coast. Her Christian virtues and amiable nature won the warmest place in the hearts of her friends and co-workers.

William H. Parker & Silas Hoyt, flour, feed and commission merchants, Mill street, do a business, chiefly local and retail, of $100 per day. Mr. Hoyt was born in Orleans county, New York, in 1830; came with his parents to Jackson county in 1837, and settled in Henrietta twp.; his father was one of six who organized Bunkerhill twp., and his brother, William Hoyt, was the first white male child born in that town. Young Hoyt worked for a time in a woolen factory, in Jackson and in Battle Greek; was 14 years in the employ of the M. C. R. R. Co., in various capacities, from a tree planter to conductor, when he left to engage in his present business. He married Harriet Emmons, of Jackson County, in October1854; is a member of A. F. & A. M. and I. O. O. F.

T. McKinnon Hull, wholesale and retail grocer, West Main St, was born near Culpepper Court House, Va., in 1836. His parents, Isaac and Maria (Grubb) Hull, settled in Clarke County, OH, when he was a lad; and four years later removed to Cass County, MI. McKinnon enjoyed the benefits of the public schools until 16 years of age. When, seized with the spirit of adventure, he left home and started alone to seek his fortune in California. He joined a cavalcade, and drove stock across the plains to pay his expenses on the way. Upon arriving in the Golden State, young Hull hired as clerk to sell goods, at $125 per month, for a time; then established a grocery and miner's supply store, and has never been out of the mercantile business but a short time since. He remained in California nearly eight years, returning in the fall of 1859. Soon after the beginning of the war Mr. Hull received a recruiting commission; and while conducting the grocery trade in Winnebago County, Wis., raised several companies for the army. About the time the war closed he engaged in the wholesale and retail grocery business in Frankfort, Ky.; but owing to the ill health of his family sold out to his partner three years after, came to Cass county, Michigan, and for seven years carried on a hardware store. In 1874 he closed it out and removed to Jackson, amid the following year embarked in business in his present store, as successor to Reynolds & White. Under Mr. Hull's energetic and judicious management the volume of trade has grown from $15,000 a year to $60,000, with an annual increase.

Erastus Hunter, dental surgeon, office Bennett Block, cor. Main and Jackson streets, is a native of Tioga County, PA. and 58 years of age. Arnold Hunter, his father, was born in Connecticut, and married Zipporah Bennett, a native of Vermont. Dr. Hunter began learning the trade of making edge tools at the age of 16 in New York State; at the age of 22 he married Caroline Weeks, of Pennsylvania; pursued his trade in Cleveland, OH., Buffalo, N. Y., and other points, until 1852, when he became foreman in Powell & Son's edge-tool manufactory in Cleveland; but a year after was employed as edge-tool dresser in the railroad shops of the C., C. & C. Company. Failing health compelled him to abandon the trade in 1854, when he removed to Lee County, Ill., and for three years carried on farming; then engaged in cutting steel stamps, and in 1860 on plow work in the Oliver Chilled Plow Factory, South Bend, thence went to Canada, and pursued different features of his trade until 1862, when he began the special study of dentistry, having previously indulged quite extensively a natural taste for the study of the human system. Dr. Hunter practiced three years in Almont, and 11 years in Manchester, Washtenaw Co., Mich. He settled in Jackson, in October 1877, and has an extensive dental practice. Doctor is a member of the Michigan State Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. He lost his wife in April 1860; and married Mrs. Sarah M. Porter, of Almont, in November 1862. He has 1 son, by his first wife.

General William Humphrey, Warden of Michigan State Prison, Jackson, was born June 12, 1828, in Ontario County, N. Y.; is the son of John Humphrey, of New Jersey, who married Jane Hall, of Geneva, N. Y., whose father emigrated from Pennsylvania at a very early date, and was a pioneer in that part of New York. John Humphrey was an iron founder in early life, but after removing to Hillsdale County, Mich., in 1837, he engaged in the pursuit of agriculture until his death in 1870. His widow survived him nine years. After leaving the public school, Mr. Humphrey was a student at Spring Arbor College for some time, working at intervals for his father on the farm. When of sufficient age he passed the winters in teaching school. For some years previous to 1861 he was employed as clerk in a store in Adrian, Mich. Upon the inauguration of the civil war, Mr. Humphrey enlisted in the 2d Mich. Inf.; was appointed Captain of Co. D, which position he filled until May, 1863, when he became Colonel of the regiment; in 1864, was brevetted Brigadier-General and commanded a brigade until his term of service expired. His regiment participated in both Bull Run battles, at Williamsburg and Yorktown, in the seven days' fight before Richmond, at Fredericksburg, Vicksburg and Knoxville, the battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna and Petersburg, besides many minor engagements. The only injury Gen. Humphrey received was a flesh wound in the hand, which did not disable him for service. After returning from the army he engaged with a brother in the book business in Adrian a year, then purchased a half interest in the Watch-Tower, one of the oldest Democratic journals in Michigan, and in company with T. S. Applegate, changed its name to the Adrian Times, and conducted it as an exponent of Republicanism. Having been elected Auditor General of Michigan in the fall of 1866, he sold his interest in the Times in December of that year. He was elected to the office four successive terms of two years each. In October 1875, Gen. Humphrey received the appointment of Warden of the State's prison at Jackson, by Governor Bagley, and still fills the office, with signal ability. By inheritance Gen. Humphrey was a Democrat, and cast his first presidential vote for Stephen A. Douglas; but after the war of the Rebellion began he joined the Republican ranks. He married Mary E. Sinclair, of Adrian, Oct. 9, 1867, and 1 child - Miss Kate, eight years old - is the fruit of their union.

William B. Hurd, of Blackman Twp., is the eldest of 4 children of John S. and Sally (Boyd) Hurd, and was born in Washtenaw County, Mich., in 1839. His father was a native of Canandaigua County, N. Y.; came to Michigan in his early manhood, and married Miss Boyd in Washtenaw County, where they resided until 1841, then came to Jackson. They kept the old Grand River Hotel for some time; bought and lived a year on a farm near Stockbridge; returned to the city and remained till 1865; then settled on a farm of 500 acres, two miles west of Jackson, remaining till 1874. Mr. Hurd dealt extensively in livestock, and speculated in real estate, in which he was very successful, accumulating a fortune of more than $125,000. He served several terms in the Board of Supervisors, and was elected to the State Legislature from Jackson County. He died Aug. 7, 1880, aged 65 years, his first wife having died some years previously. William B. Hurd enlisted in the 1st Michigan Infantry, three months' service, and became a member of the 17fh Infantry, three years, United States troops, at which time he was made Sergeant; was promoted successively to 2d Lieutenant, 1st Lieutenant and Captain of Co. K. He is first Vice-President of the Reform Club, and a member of the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Hurd married Mary A. Weston, of Blackman Twp. They have 4 living children, 2 of each sex.

Sefroit L. Hurst, Actuary for the United States of the Home Guardian Sickness and Accident Association, was born in Sharon Springs, Schoharie Co., N. Y., in November 1842; was educated in the schools of the place until 15 years old. In July 1857, he left home and entered the principal office of the Knickerbocker Life Insurance Co., to learn the business. He remained there 11 years; then for several years did business as actuary, compiling tables for life insurance companies, etc. He went to England in 1876, and remained two years, studying the philosophy of life insurance with Mr. Radcliff, the famous English actuary. Upon returning to America in 1878, Mr. Hurst began elaborating a new system of mutual beneficiary insurance, and perfected and copyrighted his plan for the Order of Home Guardian Sickness and Accident Association in April 1879, both in the United States and Canada. He settled in Jackson in June 1880, and with the co-operation of leading citizens of the city, opened the business, making Jackson the central office for the whole country. The few months of its existence augur a flattering success. Mr. Hurst married Laura L. Gatch in Piqua, Ohio, in 1869. She was born and brought up near Cincinnati, Ohio, and is the daughter of a Methodist clergyman.

Charles B. Hyde, City Engineer, was born in New London, Conn., Oct. 2, 1816. His father, Christopher Hyde, a tanner and currier by trade, moved to Oswego county, N. Y., when he was very young, where he was reared on a farm. When 25 years of age he graduated as civil engineer at Renssalaer Institute. In 1851 he engaged with a corps of engineers on the Oswego canal, and in 1856 was appointed by the State as first assistant. In 1865 he came to Ypsilanti, and remained one year; in 1866 came to Jackson, and was employed by the Air-Line railroad between Jackson and Niles as engineer; was afterward employed by the Michigan Central, and was with them one year; had charge of the double track between Detroit and Ypsilanti; in 1873 was appointed City Engineer of Jackson, and served two years; in 1879, was again appointed. He married Miss Ellen Newkirk, daughter of -Nathan Newkirk; there was 1 child - Ella. Politically, Mr. EL is Democratic.

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