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Franklin William “Frank” Hinsdale

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Birth	:	7 Sep 1826 Hinsdale, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, USA
Death	:	3 Feb 1906 Pittsfield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, USA
Burial	:	Hinsdale Cemetery, Hinsdale, Berkshire County, USA
Coordinate	:	42.4413760, -73.1129410
Plot	:	section 4
Inscription	:	William Hinsdale born Mar 5 1790 died Oct 5 1860 Judith Wing wife of William Hinsdale born June 4 1790 died Oct 25 1840 Abigail Clark wife of William Hinsdale born May 31 1796 died Feb 5 1861 HINSDALE<
Description	:	died aged 80y 26ds; single; woolen mfg; died at House of Mercy Hospital; buried Hinsdale DEATH OF FRANK W HINSDALE A Prominent Pittsfield Man Who Was One of the Old-Time Manufacturers of Berkshire County Frank W Hinsdale, 80, one of the old-time manufacturers of Berkshire and a well-known and prominent citizen of that county, died shortly after noon yesterday at the House of Mercy in Pittsfield, where he had been under treatment since September 22. Mr Hinsdale's illness began something more than a month ago. A complication of ailments resulted in a condition which speedily became alarming. For a time he was... Read More	died aged 80y 26ds; single; woolen mfg; died at House of Mercy Hospital; buried Hinsdale DEATH OF FRANK W HINSDALE A Prominent Pittsfield Man Who Was One of the Old-Time Manufacturers of Berkshire County Frank W Hinsdale, 80, one of the old-time manufacturers of Berkshire and a well-known and prominent citizen of that county, died shortly after noon yesterday at the House of Mercy in Pittsfield, where he had been under treatment since September 22. Mr Hinsdale's illness began something more than a month ago. A complication of ailments resulted in a condition which speedily became alarming. For a time he was under the care of trained nurses at his apartments in Hotel Wendell, but it was later deemed best to remove him to the hospital. He failed steadily and since last Friday has been in an unconscious condition. Mr Hinsdale was born in Hinsdale September 7, 1826, being the second son of William and Judith Wing Hinsdale. On both sides his ancestors were prominent in the life of Berkshire county, the prominence of his father's family being best indicated by the fact the town bears the family name. Mr Hinsdale's early years were spent, as was the case with so many men afterward prominent in Berkshire affairs, upon his father's farm. But while still a young man he turned his attention to manufacturing and in 1853 he began the manufacture of woolen goods at Hinsdale, and in 1836 [sic?] organized the Hinsdale manufacturing company, destined to become one of the leading concerns of its kind in Western Massachusetts. The incorporators were Mr Hinsdale's father, William Hinsdale, Frederick Curtis and D.M.Hinsdale. A few years later Mr Hinsdale and his brother, James H Hinsdale, became the owners of the business and conducted it under the firm name of Hinsdale Bros. The business was prosperous and the goods turned out by the Hindales had a country-wide reputation. The business declined with the almost universal decline of the woolen industry some years ago. In 1897 it was reorganized as the Hinsdale woolen company, of which Mr Hinsdale was president, but the change did not bring prosperity, and since last spring the mills have been shut down. In 1864, Mr Hinsdale removed to Pittsfield and remained a resident of that place down to the time of his death. He lived in a handsome house on South street and was prominent in social life, being a princely entertainer. He never married, but maintained his home for many years. Upon the opening of Hotel Wendell in 1898 he disposed of his home and took apartments at the hotel, residing there until his last illness. While never a seeker after office, Mr Hinsdale took a deep interest in public affairs, and his views on matters of public moment were broad and comprehensive. Up to 1888 the then town of Pittsfield had very few sidewalks and the need of improvement along this line strongly appealed to Mr Hinsdale. In that year he was chosen one of the sidewalk commissioners of the town, and in town-meeting urged and secured a sizable appropriation for the building of new sidewalks. In this work he was energetic and wise, and so great was the satisfaction at the improvement wrought under his capable direction that every year since has seen and extension of sidewalks until the city has few equals in that respect. This was a sample of the man's nature. He acepted [sic] a rather humble office because he saw an opportunity to serve the community where there was need of good service, and into the work he put his ability and good judgement. No other office ever tempted him and when he had completed the terms of service which he considered necessary for the carrying out of this special improvement, he retired. In many of the leading institutions of Pittsfield, Mr Hinsdale was a strong factor. In 1881 he was elected a director of the Berkshire mutual fire insurance company, a few years later became a member of its finance committee and on April 16, 1893, he was chosen president of the corporation, succeeding the late Jabez L Peck. In 1884 he was chosen as one of the vice-presidents and a director of Berkshire County savings bank, and continued his relations with that institution to the time of his death. When the cooperative bank was organized in 1889 Mr Hinsdale was one of its most enthusiastic projectors. He was elected first president of the new institution, an office which he held for four years, declining further service after having established the bank on a sound footing. He remained a director of the company so long as he lived. Years ago Mr Hinsdale was prominent in the business men's association and when that organization was transformed into the Park club he was one of the most active in bringing about change. He early saw the possibilities of such an organization located in attractive quarters and was active in bringing about the removal to the present fine rooms in the savings bank building. He was chosen president of the club in 1902 and served in that office for three years, declining reelection in 1905, but still remaining an active interest in the organization. Mr Hinsdale was one of the incorporators and projectors of Berkshire street railway, and was deeply interested in that project. He gave valuable aid in organizing of the company, the securing of the franchises and the inaugaration of the road, and continued his active interest until the company was absorbed by the Consolidated company two years ago. Personally Mr Hinsdale was an extremely affable man. He possessed a fine sense of humor, and was a delight to his companions. He was well informed, an interesting and forceful talker, and viewed things from a broad and generous standpoint. He was a polished gentleman, and was popular socially. His value as a citizen was recognized, as is made clearly evident by the many positions of trust to which he was called, and in all these he served faithfully and capably. He possessed high ideals, was noted for his high character and sterling integrity and for his absolute fairness in all his intercourse with his fellow-men. Mr Hinsdale is survived by one brother, James H Hinsdale, and a niece, Miss Mira H. Hall. The funeral will be held from James H. Hinsdale's residence on Wendall avenue Saturday at noon. Rev. Dr. Davis of the First Church which Mr Hinsdale attended, will officiate, and burial will be at Hinsdale. [published Thursday, October 4, 1906, Springfield Republican]

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Franklin William “Frank” Hinsdale's memorial?
Franklin William “Frank” Hinsdale's memorial is located at: Hinsdale Cemetery, Hinsdale, Berkshire County, USA.
When did Franklin William “Frank” Hinsdale death?
Franklin William “Frank” Hinsdale death on 3 Feb 1906 in Pittsfield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Franklin William “Frank” Hinsdale's memorial?
Latitude: 42.4413760
Longitude: -73.1129410

Family Members:

Parent

William Hinsdale

(1790 - 1860)

Judith Wing Hinsdale

(1790 - 1840)

Siblings

Mira Hinsdale Brewer

(1815 - 1905)

Mary Ann Hinsdale

(1819 - 1842)

William Hinsdale

(1822 - 1824)

Elizabeth Hinsdale Hall

(1824 - 1904)

William Hinsdale

(1836 - 1838)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Hinsdale Cemetery
Hinsdale, Berkshire County, USA
Coordinate: 42.4413760, -73.1129410

2. Saint Patricks Cemetery
Hinsdale, Berkshire County, USA
Coordinate: 42.4528008, -73.1355972

3. Ford Burial Ground
Peru, Berkshire County, USA
Coordinate: 42.4478100, -73.0738800

4. South Cemetery
Peru, Berkshire County, USA
Coordinate: 42.4213700, -73.0762500

5. Redway-Morey Cemetery
Hinsdale, Berkshire County, USA
Coordinate: 42.4796000, -73.0902400

6. East Main Street Cemetery
Dalton, Berkshire County, USA
Coordinate: 42.4735985, -73.1513977

7. South Hinsdale Cemetery
Hinsdale, Berkshire County, USA
Coordinate: 42.3979970, -73.1255360

8. Peru Center Cemetery
Peru, Berkshire County, USA
Coordinate: 42.4361000, -73.0496979

9. Main Street Cemetery
Dalton, Berkshire County, USA
Coordinate: 42.4733696, -73.1751022

10. Fairview Cemetery
Dalton, Berkshire County, USA
Coordinate: 42.4771996, -73.1722031

11. South Thompson Burial Ground
Peru, Berkshire County, USA
Coordinate: 42.4342000, -73.0297600

12. Ashuelot Cemetery
Dalton, Berkshire County, USA
Coordinate: 42.4761900, -73.1824800

13. Wentworth Cemetery
Windsor, Berkshire County, USA
Coordinate: 42.4829400, -73.0479200

14. East Part Cemetery
Pittsfield, Berkshire County, USA
Coordinate: 42.4291992, -73.1999969

15. Washington Cemetery
Washington, Berkshire County, USA
Coordinate: 42.3725000, -73.1212800

16. Smith Family Cemetery
Dalton, Berkshire County, USA
Coordinate: 42.5128786, -73.1218018

17. Town Hall Cemetery
Washington, Berkshire County, USA
Coordinate: 42.3657300, -73.1425470

18. North Cemetery
Peru, Berkshire County, USA
Coordinate: 42.4603004, -73.0089035

19. Hill Cemetery
Windsor, Berkshire County, USA
Coordinate: 42.5128555, -73.0545731

20. Shaw Cemetery
Windsor, Berkshire County, USA
Coordinate: 42.5008011, -73.0046997

21. New Town Cemetery (Defunct)
Pittsfield, Berkshire County, USA
Coordinate: 42.4509300, -73.2492300

22. Ingalls Road Cemetery
Cheshire, Berkshire County, USA
Coordinate: 42.5258700, -73.1889500

23. New Lenox Cemetery
Lenox, Berkshire County, USA
Coordinate: 42.3925018, -73.2341995

24. East Windsor Cemetery
Windsor, Berkshire County, USA
Coordinate: 42.4791985, -72.9843979