[196-97] WILLIAM DESHLER HACKETT, b Apr. 9, 1812; d Sept. 29, 1889; s James and Catharine (Deshler) Hackett [196-22]; m HARRIET HOLLAND, dau Samuel Holland of Wilkes-Barre, Pa. [Hyerman.]
Children (2): [196-224a] - a:
William Hackett was born.in Easton on the ninth day of April, 1812. He was the son of the late James Hackett, who when but seven years of age left his home at Santa Cruz, one of the West India Islands, and eame to Philadelphia, where he learned the trade of a hatter. While yet a young man he came to Easton in 1800 and made this his home. Here he engaged in the hat business and at one time was proprietor of the old Schortz Hotel, now the United States Hotel.
When yet a young man, William Hackett gave evidence of possessing those rare traits of character and ability which in later years served to win the respect and admiration of all who knew him, and gave him a place in the front rank of prominent and successful business men. Mr. Hackett began his busihess career by reading law in the office of the late Hon. James Madison Porter, who served as Seeretary of War under President Tyler. In 1839 he was admitted to the Northampton County Bar. Mr. Hackett wrote an elegant hand, and this fact, no doubt, had much to do with his receiving the appointment in 1839 as Prothonotary of the county, which office he held for three terms of three years each. The first two terms were appointments by Gov. Porter, a brother of the late Hon. James Madison Porter. The third term Mr. Hackett was elected by the vote of the people, that being the first time the voters of the county were allowed by law to make the selection of a Prothonotary. The records of that office, kept during the nine years the deceased officiated as Prothonotary, are the admiration of all who have had an opportunity to see them. They are arranged in that systematic, thorough business way which characterized Mr. Hackett, and penned in a style that only few, if any, can excel.
Soon after the expiration of his third term as Prothonotary, Mr. Hackett, in 1851, was employed as a clerk at the old Easton Bank, now the Easton National Bank. Here, as well as elsewhere, his fine business qualifications were recognized and in 1852 he was appointed cashier to succeed James Sinton.
In 1873 Mr. Hackett was chosen President of the bank, to fill the vacaney caused by the death of the late John Davis. When Mr. Hackett was elected as the bank’s President, his son, William Hackett, - Jr., was chosen as cashier, to fill the vacancy in that office occasioned by the promotion of the father. Thus it will be seen that Mr. Hackett, who entered the old Easton Bank as a clerk, gradually, by merit alone, worked his way up until he enjoyed the proud distinction of being its honored head. Mr. Hackett was the fifth President of the bank which unquestionably owes a great deal of its success to his efficiency and skill, He was prominently connected with various business enterprises, and for years served as treasurer and one of the managers of the Delaware Bridge Company of Easton. He was also a prominent and active member of the First Presbyterian Church of this city.
Mr. Hackett in conjunction with J. Madison Porter and others secured the charter of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Some years ago Miss Elizabeth Porter, the owner of ‘‘Porter Block,” in her will made him trustee of her estate valued at between $80,000 and $100,000. The faith she had in Mr. Hackett may be inferred from the fact that she gave him entire control of this vast estate without asking a cent of security; and events have proved that her confidence in Mr. Hackett was not misplaced.
[| Newspaper -clipping furnished by Mrs. Florida Heitman of Fort Myers, Florida.]|