HON. ADD. C. HINKSON

HON. ADD. C. HINKSON was born December 19, 1837, in Potosi, Washington County, Missouri. The family removed to the State in 1852, arriving in Sacramento September 2, immediately after the occurrence of one of the disastrous fires that swept the city in the early days. Shortly afterward they went to Feather River, where young Hinkson engaged in mining. Later he went to Amador County, and followed several vocations, becoming one of the best known and most popular men of the County. In 1865 he was elected to the position of auditor and recorder of the county, holding the office for two years. He was then elected county clerk, continuing to occupy that post until in the early part of 1870, when he removed to this city. During the latter part of his last term as county clerk of Amador County he had prosecuted the diligent study of law, and was admitted to practice in January, 1870. He immediately opened an office here in partnership with Judge Armstrong, now Superior Judge of this county. Mr. Hinkson has filled a large place in the history of public schools of this city at a period of critical importance. He was at one time urged by his friends to except the nomination for superintendent of schools, but having an agreement with his partner, Judge Armstrong, not to enter into politics, he declined. The people pressed the matter, and finally persuaded Judge Armstrong to urge it also, when Mr. Hinkson consented and was elected by a large majority, although on the Democratic ticket, and the city was decidedly Republican. This was in 1873. In 1875 and in 1877 he was elected again, thus serving up in all three terms. After that he positively refused the position again, as he desired to devote his attention to private business. At this time feeling ran very strongly upon the subject of the addition of colored children to the public schools. The law, as it stood, forbad the admixture, but notwithstanding this fact the Board of Education allowed their entrance. This sentiment of the people was decidedly opposed to this, and hence when Mr. Hinkson carried out the law he was warmly upheld by them. There was a very troubled state of affairs for a time, the Board of Education pulling illegally for an indefensible idea, while Mr. Hinkson, as superintendent, firmly acted accordingly to the law. Suffice it to say, that in the end he won his side completely, and even his bitterest opponents at the time admitted the correctness of his actions, and became his warmest teachers. At the time of the occurrences is public attention was called to the matter over the country, and a great deal of interest excited. Mr. Hinkson was much liked by the teachers over whom he had the direction. At the close of his term in 1879, they completely surprised him by presenting him with a magnificent gold watch, suitably engraved, and this is the time-piece Mr. Hinkson now carries. They had previously presented him a petition, signed by every one, to allow his name to be brought forward for the fourth time. Upon the establishment of the Free Public Library in 1881, he was chosen one of the trustees of that institution, and still holds that office. He has labored indefatigably for its welfare, and the result of his efforts is plainly shown in the admirable selection of books and in its general popularity. Mr. Hinkson was married in Nevada City on September 13, 1871, to Miss Hunt, the daughter of Dr. Hunt, a well known professional gentleman of that part. They have one son, Add. C., Jr., a promising young man now in attendance at the Military Academy in Oakland. He has one daughter, now the wife of Judge Armstrong, and another, the wife of M. T. Littlefield, Esq., of Amador County. He has two cousins, Misses Mary Hinkson and Lucy Hinkson, engaged in the teaching profession in this county, while an uncle, Mr. M. A. Hinkson, is a prominent resident of Modesto. Both Mr. Hinkson's parents died in this State, after a life of active and worthy accomplishment.

An Illustrated History of Sacramento County, California. By Hon. Win. J Davis. Lewis Publishing Company 1890. Page 258-259.

Submitted by: Nancy Pratt Melton.