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the smallest details of his business, it did
not claim the whole of his time and he
was very active in the social and politi-
cal life of Hartford. An adherent of the
Republican party, he was ever alert to
uphold their principles and aid in so far
as he was able any movement towards
the general welfare. Every worthy cause
could always count upon his support, and
there were many charities benefited by
the philanthropic spirit of Major Hitch-
cock. In 1869 he was the representative
of the old Fourth Ward on the Aldermanic
Board, and later was councilman
from the Second Ward. He was a member
of the old Wide Awakes of Hartford,
which was the parent company of the national
organization of that name which
flourished during the Lincoln administra-
tion. For over thirty years he was sec-
retary of the Veteran Guard Associa-
tion, Hartford City Guard, and a reunion
of this organization was held in January
of each year. At these annual affairs
the inventive genius of Major Hitchcock,
together with his untiring efforts to make
them a success, did much to give the
members reason to remember them for
a long time afterward. The following is
a brief history of the company
On the morning of August 25, 1862, the City-
Guard, "fifty-five muskets strong" marched to the
State Arsenal to do Guard duty and protect the
immense quantity of stores there amounting to
one million dollars. It was supposed at the time
that the City Guard would have a brief job on
its hands, but it proved to be prolonged, the
guardsmen remaining until October 6, a period
of six weeks, encamping in the yard in front of
the gun-sheds of the arsenal.
The records of the City Guard were
presented to the State Library at Hartford
by Major Hitchcock a few months
previous to his death, and were enclosed
in a handsome oak chest. The following
extract is from a letter written to him by
the State Librarian, George S. Godard
:
:
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
The receipt of the records relating to the Hart-
ford City Guard, all contained in a beautiful
oaken chest which you brought to the State
Library for permanent deposit, is hereby acknowledged
with thanks. It will be my pleasure to
make these several items as conveniently accessi-
ble as possible, bearing in mind at all times their
safety. * * * It is especially pleasing to receive
these records of the Hartford City Guard for in
no instance thus far have I received records which
had the apparent care and thoughtfulness for their
protection bestowed upon them. * * *
Major Hitchcock's title came from the
connection he held with the Veteran Bat-
talion of the City Guard. He was also a
member of the Automobile Club of Hart-
ford ; the Republican Club ; the Connecti-
cut Historical Society; the Jeremiah
Wadsworth Branch, Connecticut Society
Sons of the American Revolution ; the
National Geographic Society ; the Connecticut
Congregational Club ; the Hart-
"8
ford Good Will Club. In the latter or-
ganization he was especially interested,
and since the existence of the club has
been a trustee. For seventeen consecu-
tive years he presented a medal to the
club member who showed the most
improved general conduct and gentlemanly
qualities during the year. This
presentation was always made at the
summer camp at Marlborough, where the
general manager. Miss Mary Hall, had
her home. Major Hitchcock had endeared
himself to the boys of the club, and on the
last occasion of his addresses to them
there was one of his remarks which every
"Wherever
member will long remember :
you are ; whatever you do ; be
a credit to
the city of Hartford."
Major Hitchcock possessed high ideals
and aspirations and remained steadfast to
them throughout his life. He discovered
the power which lay inside and not only
discovered it but made use of it. At his
death, which occurred November 18,
19T7, came the end of a useful life of one
who had used his talents for the service