Biographies and Obituaries
In loving memory
Hugh Lett
Washington Democrat
Sat, 5 Aug 1944, p1
Hugh Lett, county’s last Spanish American War veteran, dies at 96 Hugh Lett, 96, 1207 State St., died at 9:50 a.m. today at the Daviess County Hospital after a week’s serious illness. Mr. Lett was Daviess county’s last surviving veteran of the Spanish American War, having served in company D. 159th Regiment, Indiana volunteers. He and his wife founded Lett's hatchery, Inc. here in 1910 and were active in the business until last year. In his earlier life he was active in republican political organizations and was also active in promoting the Farm Bureau during its early years. Many nationally prominent men and women in the poultry business visited the Letts’ home and farm south of Washington, where he had specialized in fine poultry since 1905. After 40 years residence in the rural area, the Lets’ bought the Dr. John Fitzgibbon home on State Street where they have since resided. Mr. Lett was a member of first Christian church and an honorary member of the Indiana Poultry Association for his more than 50 years service to the industry. He was honored in 1964 by appointment as aide de camp to the national commander of the Spanish American War Veterans. He was born Feb, 20, 1880 in Daviess county, son of Eli and Mary Ellen (Thomas) Lett and attended the Scudder school south of Washington. His grandparents, Hamilton and Arilla (Coleman) Lett and William and Malina (Johnson) Thomas were members of pioneer Daviess county families who held large acreages. On March 8, 1903 he married Ida Cochrane and she survives him. The couple observed their 73rd wedding anniversary this year. Also surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Watis (Martha) Ward, and two sons, William D. Lett and John Howard Lett, all of Washington, two granddaughters and five great grand children. He was proceded in death by two sisters, Mrs. John F. Lillie) Wise and Mrs. George (Susie) Ward and one brother, Arthur Lett. Services will be conducted by Bro. J. Spencer Arnold at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Gill Chapel. Burial will be in Oak Grove cemetery. Friends may call at Gill’s after 2 p.m. Friday.
Contributed by: Jean Netherton