HULETT, Henry B. - Putnam

Henry B. Hulett, Ex-County Clerk of Montgomery County. The subject of this notice was born on the 21st of December, 1844, in Putnam County, Ind., and is the son of William and Lucy (Wilson) Hulett, both of whom were natives of Kentucky, who came into this State when young, and settled in Putnam County about 1845 or 1846, in Clark Township, Montgomery County, near Ladoga. When Henry was ten years of age his mother died, and in 1864 the family moved to Iowa. William Hulett is now living in Peabody, Kan. Henry was the eldest of three children, the other two being daughters. He was educated in the country schools and was then sent to Ladoga Academy. His education was interrupted when he went with his father to Ottumwa, Iowa, but the climate there did not agree with him, and after one summer spent there he returned and enjoyed one more year with his companions and books at Ladoga. After leaving school he tested his knowledge by a course of school teaching for one year, and then went into the mercantile business, first clerking at Ladoga and then going into business for himself at New Ross, where he opened up a general store, and here he remained for eight years. Ladoga had charms for our subject, and he returned there in 1886, when he became a candidate for County Clerk on the Republican ticket, but in that race he was defeated. He had been Township Assessor and was renominated. A. P. Reynolds was elected County Clerk, but he died March 5, 1887, and as Mr. Hulett had been defeated by only one hundred and sixty votes, the County Commissioners immediately appointed him to fill the vacancy, and he took charge of the office March 8, 1887. He filled the position with such signal ability that in 1888, when he was a candidate again, against Wallace Sparks, he received one hundred and seventy-six majority. In his connection with this office he has been an efficient officer. The marriage of Mr. Hulett was celebrated November 16, 1869, with Miss Emma Webster, daughter of Taylor W. and Lovia (Powers) Webster, who came to Montgomery County from Ohio, and carried on a successful mercantile business at Ladoga for many years, and there the father died in 1866. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Hulett is composed of four interesting children: Maud, Edith, Edna and Lillian. Harry died at the age of fourteen years. The family residence is at No. 107 West College Street, in Crawfordsville. Mr. Hulett is a member of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, having attained the degree of Knight Templar, and has passed the chairs in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Red Men, and in all has been a highly valued member. The family are members of the Christian Church and stand well in the city in every way.   --- kbz