Nathaniel M. Hubbard facts for kids

Nathaniel M. Hubbard (1829-1902) was an important American lawyer. He helped shape the legal landscape in Iowa during a time of great change, especially with the growth of railroads.

Nathaniel Hubbard's Early Life

Nathaniel M. Hubbard was born in 1829. He went to Alfred University and finished his studies in 1853. After college, he studied law in Hornellsville, New York, learning how to become a lawyer.

During the Civil War, Hubbard showed his leadership skills. He became a Captain and helped gather a group of soldiers for the Twentieth Iowa Regiment. This shows he was dedicated to his country.

Hubbard's Legal Career

Hubbard started his law practice in Marion, Iowa in 1854, after moving from New York. He became known as a trial lawyer, which means he was good at arguing cases in court.

Early Cases and City Growth

One of his first big cases was in 1857. He represented the State of Iowa in a legal matter. Later, he helped the city of Cedar Rapids grow. He represented the city when it took over the nearby City of Kingston. This process, called annexation, meant Kingston became part of Cedar Rapids.

Helping Railroads and Settlers

Hubbard also worked with important companies that were building America. He represented the Iowa Railroad Land Company. This company was a land developer, meaning it helped sell land near new railway lines to people moving into the area. This was a big deal as more and more settlers arrived.

He also worked for the Iowa Falls and Sioux City Railroad. This railroad line went through a town that was named after him! The town of Hubbard, Iowa was officially named in his honor in 1881.

Hubbard was also a lawyer for the Chicago and North Western Railway in Iowa. In one famous case, a train whistle scared some horses, causing an accident. Hubbard successfully argued for the railroad in this case. The court's decisions in this case were very important because they helped decide how new train travel would work alongside older ways of getting around.

Later Life and Legacy

Nathaniel M. Hubbard passed away in 1902 from injuries he received in an accident involving a runaway horse. His work as a lawyer played a key role in the development of Iowa, especially with the expansion of railroads and the growth of towns.