My Genealogy Hound

MYRON HINKLEY. Among the most noted and representative business men of the flourishing city of Benton Harbor, Mich., stands the name of Myron Hinkley, whose high reputation and material prosperity came as the rewards of unusual abilities, industriously applied. He is now president of the Colby-Hinkley Company, manufacturers of all kinds of fruit and berry baskets, etc., and stands second to no other business man in the place.

Mr. Hinkley was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., December 25, 1833, and is a son of Henry and Cecelia (Wellman) Hinkley. The elder Mr. Hinkley was a product of the Old Bay State, born in Lee, Berkshire County, in 1808, and as a livelihood followed the occupation of a farmer. His father, Zenius Hinkley, was of English descent. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Homer Wellman, was also of English descent, and located in the Lake State when the mother of our subject was but seven years of age. Henry Hinkley was an industrious, enterprising man, and was universally respected. His death occurred in 1888, and his wife followed him to the grave in October, 1892.

The youthful days of our subject were passed in Gates and Ogden, Monroe County, N. Y., and he secured a good practical education in the district schools. There he remained until twenty-one years of age, when the favorable reports from Michigan decided him in making a settlement within its borders. In 1856, he came to Decatur, and was employed by Jones & Chapin, of Niles, who were engaged in the manufacture of staves, barrels, etc. For fourteen years he was engaged in business with these gentlemen, and during that time he became thoroughly familiar with all the duties of the business. After this, in connection with his brother, Marvin Hinkley, he bought out Mr. Chapin, and continued the business under the firm name of Hinkley Bros. This is now known as the Hinkley Stave Company, of Decatur, Mich. Selling out his half-interest in the Van Buren County factory, our subject engaged in the manufacture of staves and headings at Hartford, Mich., and continued this successfully for some time. In 1877, he came to St. Joseph, Mich., and became a member of the firm of Hinkley Perkins & Co., but later became associated with Highman & Co. This firm was engaged in the manufacture of staves, lumber, etc., and he continued a member of the firm until 1886. At that date he became connected with the Colby-Hinkley Manufacturing Company, and after the death of Mr. Colby our subject succeeded him in the presidency. This position he still holds.

Mr. Hinkley is also an organizer of the Alanson Manufacturing Company, and is one of the principal stockholders in the same. They manufacture staves, barrels, etc., and are doing a paying business. Mr. Hinkley was married in October, 1860, to Miss Mary H. Retallick, of South Haven, Mich., and the daughter of William and Phillipia (Hicks) Retallick. Eight children have blessed this union, five of whom are living: Milton, secretary and treasurer of the Colby-Hinkley Company; Emma, Belle, Herman F. and Lewis. A Republican in his political views, Mr. Hinkley held the office of Supervisor of Hartford Township, Van Buren County, two years, and was Alderman of the city of Benton Harbor two terms. Besides his valuable property in Benton Harbor, Mr. Hinkley owns large tracts of valuable woodland in Michigan.