Thomas Hamlin Hubbard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Hamlin Hubbard
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Thomas Hamlin Hubbard
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| Born | December 20, 1838 Hallowell, Maine |
| Died | May 19, 1915 (aged 76) New York City, New York |
| Place of burial |
Woodlawn Cemetery, The Bronx, New York
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Years of service | 1862–1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Unit | 25th Maine Infantry |
| Commands held | 30th Maine Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | Lawyer, financier and philanthropist |
Thomas Hamlin Hubbard (December 20, 1838 – May 19, 1915) was an important figure in American history. He was a brave soldier during the American Civil War, serving as a Union Army colonel. After the war, he became a successful lawyer and businessman.
Hubbard was also known for his strong interest in Arctic exploration. He helped fund expeditions that led to the discovery of the North Pole. He was a leader of the Peary Arctic Club, which supported famous explorers like Robert Peary. Even after the North Pole was reached, Hubbard continued to support Arctic studies. He helped fund the Donald Baxter MacMillan expedition, which studied native tribes in the Arctic.
Early Life and Education
Thomas Hamlin Hubbard was born in Hallowell, Maine, on December 20, 1838. His father, John Hubbard, was once the governor of Maine.
Thomas went to Bowdoin College and graduated in 1857. After college, he studied law and was allowed to practice as a lawyer. He then moved to New York and continued his law studies at Albany Law School. He earned his law degree in 1861 and became a lawyer in New York.
Service in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Thomas Hubbard joined the Union Army. He started as a first lieutenant in the 25th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment. This regiment served for nine months.
Later, he joined the 30th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment as a lieutenant colonel. He played a part in building the famous Red River Dam. This dam helped raise water levels so that Federal gunboats could escape danger.
Hubbard's service was very important. On June 2, 1864, he was promoted to colonel of his regiment. He took over from Colonel Francis Fessenden, who had been promoted. Hubbard left the army on July 23, 1865. For his excellent service, he was given the honorary rank of brevet brigadier general on March 13, 1865.
Life After the War
On January 28, 1868, Thomas Hubbard married Sibyl A. Fahnestock. They had five children, but two sons sadly passed away when they were young. Three of his children, John, Anna W. Hubbard, and Mrs. Herbert S. Darlington, survived him.
After the war, Hubbard went back to practicing law in New York. In 1894, he stopped working as a lawyer to focus on his many business interests. He managed the wealth of railroad leader Mark Hopkins Jr..
He held important positions in several large companies. He was Vice President of the Southern Pacific Transportation Company and President of the Mexican International Railroad. He also led the Guatemala Central Railroad for many years. From 1904, he was president of the International Banking Corporation, which later became part of Citibank. He was also a director for many other major companies.
Thomas Hubbard was a generous person who supported many good causes. Bowdoin College, his old school, received many gifts from him. These gifts include the beautiful Hubbard Free Library and a grandstand with the motto, "Fair Play, and May the Best Man Win."
A lasting tribute to him is Cape Thomas Hubbard. This cape is located in the Arctic, facing the North Pole. It reminds us of his support for Arctic exploration, especially for Robert E. Peary's journey to the North Pole in 1909.
Thomas Hamlin Hubbard passed away in New York City on May 19, 1915. At the time of his death, he was the commander of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.
