Portrait & Biographical Album of Mecosta Co. (MI) 1883

- Chapman Bros.

        EDWARD W. HUDNUTT, of the firm of Crocker & Hudnutt, architects, contractors and builders, and proprietors of the Falcon Planing Mill at Big Rapids, was born at Louisville, Ky., Dec. 15, 1852; is a son of Joseph O. and Marcia (Webster) Hudnutt.  His father was a civil engineer and was many years chief of the construction corps of various canal and railroad companies.  In 1859 the family settled near Waverley, Bremer Co., Iowa,  and the following year the father represented that district in the Legislature of the State, resigning on the breaking out of the civil war and returning to Waverley, where he enlisted in the 38th Iowa Vol. Inf., with the rank of Major.  He was chiefly on detached duty and assigned to the staff of Major Gen. Herron.  He served as engineer of fortifications, and was in severe engagements with his regiment.  It was badly disrupted and finally consolidated with the 34th Iowa Vol. Inf., when he was promoted to a Colonelcy and afterward to the rank of Brigadier General.  He served the Union cause three years, and on leaving the army went to Chicago and entered the University as Professor of Civil Engineering.   Later he was employed by the Chicago & Illinois River Canal Co., and afterward by the Chicago & Northwestern R. R. Co.; was on the Union Pacific and Northern Pacific R. R.'s; surveyed the route of the Grand Rapids & Indiana R. R., and went to South Carolina and surveyed the Richmond & Atlanta Air Line R. R.  He came to Big Rapids in 1869 and bought into the Tioga Manufacturing Co., afterward selling out and buying the Tioga Flouring Mill, where he  operated for a time and then went to Leadville, Col., and became interested in mining and in mining engineering.  He went thence to Montana to survey under a Government contract, where he is occupied at present.

Mr. Hudnutt of this sketch, was at the age of 14 connected with the engineering corps of the Union Pacific R. R., and continued three years, when he became connected in the same capacity with the G. R. & I. R. R., serving two years.  He passed the winters of these years in the University at Rochester, N. Y., where he was graduated with the class of 1873.  He was employed by the Rochester Water Works Co., as draughtsman two  

years, and in 1875 came to Big Rapids and bought the Falcon Planing Mill, with Caleb S. Hanks and Luther D. Henderson, , the firm name being Hudnutt, Henderson, Hanks & Co.  Mr. Henderson sold to his partners the next year, and in 1877 John M. Crocker succeeded to the position and interest of Mr. Hanks.  Messrs. Crocker and Hudnutt have built the principal business blocks of Big Rapids and many of its residences.  Their works are turning out a large amount of sash, doors, blinds and all builders' materials.  As their business has increased they have made additions to their mills in proportion.  They are located in Upper Big Rapids, near the upper bridge. 

Mr. Hudnutt was married at Big Rapids, to Thyrza J., daughter of Ferdinand and Julia Fairman.  She is a native of Adams, N. Y., and is the mother of one child, Marian Hudnutt.  Mr. Hudnutt is a member of the order of Masonry and Knights of Pythias.