Alameda County
Biographies
DANIEL B. HINCKLEY
The president of the Fulton Iron Works, an extensive concern of the Pacific coast, is Daniel B. Hinckley, a self-made man in the best sense implied by the term. With no capital he came to California in the early days and cast in his lot with the pioneer element, following the trade of his youth, which was that of an iron molder, and established a foundry in San Francisco. Of rare business acumen and judgment, he succeeded from the start, with a perseverance inherited from his New England ancestors continuing in the one employment until his business is to-day named among the most important industries on the Pacific coast.
Born in Worcester county, Mass., February 15, 1826, Daniel B. Hinckley was a son of Seth Hinckley, also a native of that state and a farmer by occupation, who died when his son was ten years old. His mother, Antice Ruth Gorham, a native of New Hampshire, came to California in 1851, by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and died in San Francisco of Panama fever the night of her arrival. Of her two sons, Barney is now a resident of Boston, Mass. Daniel B. Hinckley received his education in the common schools of his native state, where he remained until 1846, in which year he went to live with an uncle in Bangor, Me. There he attended school and at the same time began an apprenticeship to learn the trade of iron molder under the direction of his relative. In 1850 he came to California with his brother, and in San Francisco, in the same spot where it is now located, established the Pacific Foundry. This enterprise proved a success. They continued so engaged until 1854, when they sold out and returned east. In 1855 Mr. Hinckley again located in San Francisco and engaged in the same business, having first a small foundry on Davis street, later to First street and afterward leasing property on Fremont street. This business continued to increase in extent and in time became known as the Fulton Iron Works. Eventually the main business was removed to Harbor View, although he now has a shop at No. 15 First street, San Francisco. Upon the incorporation of the industry about 1894, Mr. Hinckley became its vice-president and remained in the position up to the death of James Spiers, when he succeeded him as president. Good fortune as well as good management has contributed to the welfare of this enterprise, for in twenty-two years and six months there have been but two fires and two strikes to mar the harmony of the business.
In 1859, in San Francisco, Mr. Hinckley was united in marriage with Louisa Wheeler, a native of Augusta, Me., whose death occurred in 1893. They became the parents of three sons: Harry G., who is buyer for the works; Edward R., at home; and Frederick W., deceased. In his political convictions, Mr. Hinckley is a stanch Republican. He has been a resident of Fruitvale for thirty-five years, his home now being on Fruitvale avenue, a suburb of Oakland, where he has built a handsome residence.
During the reign of the vigilance committee of 1856 Mr. Hinckley was a member of the military organization that took an active part in the protection of life and property. He was for one term a member of the board of directors of the Mechanics Institute.
Transcribed
3-5-16 Marilyn
R. Pankey.
ญญญญSource: History
of the State of California & Biographical Record of Coast Counties,
California by Prof. J. M. Guinn, A. M., Page 1043. The Chapman Publishing
Co., Chicago, 1904.
ฉ 2016
Marilyn R. Pankey.
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