Ozias M. Hatch
| Ozias Mather Hatch | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 13th Illinois Secretary of State | |
| In office 1856–1864 | |
| Preceded by | Alexander Starne |
| Succeeded by | Sharon Tyndale |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 11, 1814 Hillsboro Center, New Hampshire |
| Died | March 12, 1893 (aged 78) Springfield, Illinois |
| Political party | Republican |
| Other political affiliations |
Whig |
| Spouse(s) | Julia R. Enos |
| Profession | Judge, merchant |
Ozias Mather Hatch (April 11, 1814 – March 12, 1893) was an American politician who was the 13th Illinois Secretary of State, serving under William Henry Bissell, John Wood, and Richard Yates, Sr. During the governorship of Wood, Hatch handled most of the duties of Governor of Illinois.
Biography
Ozias Mather Hatch was born in Hillsboro Center, New Hampshire on April 11, 1814 to Dr. Reuben and Ann Hatch. He attended public schools, briefly attending a private academy, and worked on his father's farm in the summer. Hatch left his family when he was fifteen to seek a job in business in Boston, Massachusetts. He worked as a grocery store clerk for seven years. In 1836, he joined the rest of his family, who had moved to Griggsville, Illinois the year prior. He formed a partnership with his brother Isaac and David Hoyt, opening the Isaac A. Hatch & Co. general merchandise store. The store was dissolved in the aftermath of the Panic of 1837.[1]
Hatch opened his own general merchandise store with Solomon McNeil as McNeil & Hatch in Pittsfield. He co-managed it until 1841, when he retired to accept a position on the Pike County circuit court. He served on the court under Samuel D. Lockwood for seven years. After his term, he joined his brother R. B. to form R. B. Hatch & Co. in Meredosia. In 1851, he was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives, serving one two-year term. Shortly after the formation of the Republican Party, Hatch was named their nominee for Illinois Secretary of State due to his abolitionist views. He was elected in 1856 by a significant margin, serving under William Henry Bissell.[1]
Ozias M. Hatch married Julia R. Enos, the daughter of one of the co-founders of Springfield, in 1860. Bissell died in 1860, and Lieutenant Governor John Wood became the new Governor. However, Wood had business interests in Quincy, Illinois, and spent little time governing the state. Hatch then became the de facto Governor of Illinois. Hatch was re-elected as Secretary of State later that year and served his second term under Richard Yates, Sr. This term coincided with the American Civil War, and Hatch oversaw the raising of troops.[1] He would also visit soldiers in the field, most travelling with Abraham Lincoln to inspect the Army of the Potomac.[2][3] Hatch co-founded the Hannibal and Naples Railroad in 1863, which was later purchased by the Wabash Railway.[1]
Hatch declined re-election and retired from politics in 1865. When Lincoln died, Hatch traveled along the East Coast to procure funding for the Lincoln Tomb in Springfield. He founded a large farm in Sangamon County and became vice president and director of the Sangamon Loan and Trust Company. He founded the Hatch & Brother bank in Griggsville with his brother Isaac in 1870. Hatch died at his home in Springfield on March 12, 1893.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Moses, John. Biographical Dictionary and Portrait Gallery of the Representative Men of the United States. Chicago, IL: The Lewis Publishing Company. pp. 140–142.
- ↑ Burlingame, Michael, ed. (1999). An Oral History of Abraham Lincoln. Carbondale, IL: Southern Illinois University Press. p. 16. ISBN 978-0809326846.
- ↑ Donald, David Herbert (1995). Lincoln. New York City, NY: Simon & Schuster Paperbacks. p. 387. ISBN 978-0684825359.
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