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Below is a family biography included in the book,  Portrait and biographical record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, Pennsylvania published in 1894 by Chapman Publishing Company.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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WILLIAM HACKETT, the efficient and popular Cashier of the Easton National Bank, is a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in Easton June 20, 1845. He is a son of William and Harriet (Holland) Hackett. His paternal ancestors were formerly from the Island of St. Domingo, and his mother’s family came from England. Grandfather Hackett came to this country in an early day and settled in Philadelphia, but later removed to Northampton County, where he remained until his death. Grandfather Holland was also one of the pioneers of Pennsylvania, and was a coal operator at Wilkes Barre.

The father of our subject was born in Easton in 1812, and was educated in the public schools of that place, but afterward studied law and was admitted to the Bar. He practiced his profession in Easton for a number of years, and served as Prothonotary of the county. He later became identified with the Easton National Bank, first as Cashier and afterward as President. In politics he was a Democrat, and a supporter of the principles of that party. In his religious belief he was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and an earnest worker in the cause of Christianity. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hackett: William, our subject; and S. Holland, of the firm of Hackett & Chidsey, brokers, of Easton.

The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in Easton, and afterward entered Princeton College, where he was graduated in 1864. He then studied law with James M. Porter, of Easton, for some time, after which he entered the Albany Law School, and was graduated from that institution in 1867. He was admitted to the Bar of Northampton County, and practiced his profession in Bethlehem for several years, after which he came to Easton and was here engaged as Teller of the Easton National Bank, and in 1874 was elected Cashier, which position he is still holding.

Our subject has been, and is still, honored with many offices of trust. He is at present Treasurer and one of the managers of the Easton Delaware Bridge Company, Treasurer and Director of the Poxinosi Improvement Company, Treasurer of the Easton Boot and Shoe Company, President of the Advisory Board of the Easton Hospital, Director in the H. G. Tombler Grocery Company, and was formerly connected with the Easton Trust Company as Vice-President and Director. He has also been connected with various enterprises in Easton, and has been largely identified with the industrial growth of the city.

Mr. Hackett was united in marriage in October, 1880, with Miss Edith, daughter of Frederick W. and Anna M. Noble, of Easton. Our subject and wife are the parents of one child, a son, Waldo Noble, a bright lad of eleven years. Politically Mr. Hackett is a Democrat, but has never taken an active part in politics. He has been repeatedly solicited to become a candidate for office, but has uniformly declined, being closely wedded to his business. He is a man thoroughly informed on all subjects of the day, and is deeply interested in the industrial question. He has contributed several able articles on banking to various papers and magazines, and has delivered addresses on several occasions at conventions. He also takes an intelligent interest in educational affairs, and is an active worker in the hospital of Easton. Our subject is interested in local advancement, and is numbered among the leading men and substantial citizens of Easton. Mr. Hackett, with his estimable wife, occupies a high social position, and enjoys the esteem and good will of the entire community in which he lives.

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This family biography is one of the numerous biographies included in the book, Portrait and biographical record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, Pennsylvania published in 1894 by Chapman Publishing Company. 

View additional Northampton County, Pennsylvania family biographies here: Northampton County, Pennsylvania Biographies

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