Hooker G. Dorchester, b. 9 Oct 1848

GROW, WARREN

Posted By: Donna Moldt Walker (email)
Date: 3/4/2004 at 07:59:14

The history of the American people is a history of work, and those men only gain wealth and honor who appreciate this fact, and govern their lives accordingly. Many of the wealthiest men in our Western States are men who have become so only by the most careful use of all means to that end. Such a man is our subject, Hooker G. Dorchester, of the firm of Dorchester & Hughey, proprietors of the steam saw-mill of Bellevue, this county.

Mr. Dorchester is a native of Jefferson County, N.Y., and was born Oct. 9, 1848. He was the son of Alfred T. and Susan A. (Grow) Dorchester. His parents were also both natives of New York State.

The paternal ancestors of our subject were of English birth and parentage, and his paternal grandfather was a soldier in the War of 1812. "Dorchester Heights," of Revolutionary fame, was named after the Dorchester family. Our subject grew to the responsibilities of manhood in his native county and State, and received his preliminary eduction in the public schools there. He subsequently finished his education at a private school at Watertown, N.Y.

In the spring of 1870 Hooker G. Dorchester came to Bellevue, this county, and for three years ran a steamboat between Bellevue and Galena, Ill. This boat was the "Belle of Bellevue," a small packet steamer, carrying freight and passengers. He then engaged in the produce business, in partnership with three other men, namely: A. Allen, L.B. Potter, and P. Shipler, the firm being known as Allen & Co., with headquarters at Bellevue. Their partnership was in existence about two years. In 1875, in company with A.J. Dorchester, our subject engaged in his present business. This partnership existed some nine years, and since its dissolution Mr. Dorchester has been in partnership with Mr. Hughey. They enjoy a large trade, and their sales amount to perhaps $50,000 per annum.

Our subject was married Sept. 20, 1873, to Josie E. Warren, daughter of Corporal William A. Warren, now deceased, but a former resident of Bellevue. Of the children of this marriage three are now living - Ethel, Alfred W., and A.J. Mr. and Mrs. Dorchester take an active interest in the social life of their town. He has filled the position of Recorder in his village, and for several years has been a member of the School Board. He is a Republican in politics, being a strong supporter of that party, and is also a member of the Masonic fraternity of Bellevue.

Our subject came to Iowa virtually without means, and the wealth which he now possesses has been accumulated by careful and persistent efforts, and controlled by the strong will that overcame all obstacles.

("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)