My Genealogy Hound

FRANCIS L. HATCH, of Huntington, a retired merchant and manufacturer, was born in Worthington, Mass., April 3, 1832, son of William and Abigail (Leonard) Hatch.

Mr. Hatch’s father was a lifelong resident of Worthington, and was born in 1797. He followed the trade of a mechanic, and also engaged in agriculture with much success. He was originally a Democrat in politics, but later he joined the Whig party. In his religious opinions he was a Congregationalist, and for many years led the singing in that church in Worthington. He possessed many sterling qualities, and was highly esteemed by his fellow-townsmen as an intelligent and useful citizen. William Hatch was accidentally killed in November, 1843. His wife, Abigail Leonard in maidenhood, who was born in Worthington in 1802, became the mother of twelve children, as follows: Fordyce E., born in October, 1822; Almond, born April 5, 1824; Martha A., born March 14, 1826; Elmira L., born April 5, 1828; Royal F., born April 18, 1830; Francis L., the subject of this sketch; Louisa H., born October 6, 1834; Rosalia M., born April 5, 1837; Carlos W. and Caroline A., twins, born April 19, 1839; Ellen S., born in June, 1841; and Anna S., born in May, 1844. The mother died in March, 1894, aged ninety-two years.

Francis L. Hatch began life for himself at the age of seventeen, when he took charge of the finishing department of a basket factory in Knightsville. After following that occupation for a year, he engaged in the manufacture of wooden bowls upon his own account. Failing health then caused him to suspend active labor for two years, and after his recovery he engaged in the manufacture of carriages and sleighs. In 1856 he went to New York City, where he was employed as a clerk in a hardware store for several months. He then went to Oneida, N.Y., where he established himself in the grocery business. At the expiration of a year he was again taken ill; and, disposing of his investment, he returned to Huntington. He resumed his connection with the carriage business, and continued in that employment until 1860, when he became a clerk in New York City. In 1863, in company with his brother, he purchased the business in which he was employed, and engaged in the hardware trade, dealing in stoves and tinware, etc. The firm became extensive manufacturers of shipping and milk cans, and conducted a successful business until November, 1894, when the feeble condition of his health compelled Mr. Hatch to permanently retire. Having disposed of his business in the metropolis, he once more returned to Huntington for the purpose of settling there permanently; and in February, 1895, he purchased his present farm in Norwich, where he is now engaged in farming. He was formerly a Republican in politics, but at present votes with the Democratic party. He has been a successful business man, and is now enjoying a well-earned rest from the cares of business life.

Mr. Hatch has been three times married. His first wife, whom he wedded on March 9, 1853, was Ellen E. Randall. She was born in Huntington, March 9, 1836, and had one child, who died in infancy. She died July 29, 1856. On September 9, 1859, Mr. Hatch was united in marriage to Mary J. Coit, who was born in Huntington, October 19, 1838. She became the mother of four children, as follows: Foster L., who married Jane E. Cherry, and is engaged in mercantile business in Newark, N.J.; Frank L., who married Carrie York, and is employed in the office of the United States Express Company in Newark; Mabel W., wife of J. Vreeland Harring, a draughtsman of Newark; and Maria, who died at the age of eighteen months. The mother died March 16, 1878. Mr. Hatch then wedded Ella Hayden, who was born in Huntington, November 19, 1845. By this union he has two children; namely, Ellen A. and Jennie B. Mrs. Hatch is a member of the Dutch Reformed church of Newark, N.J.