H. F. Huntington Autograph Book

Collection — Volume: 1

Identifier: 2021-003

Staff Only

Content Description

This collection consists of a bound notebook with pasted-in autographs from numerous notable Americans of the late 1850s, assembled by Henry Fitch (H. F.) Huntington. Also includes pressed flowers, accounts, and handwriting practice. The autographs date between 1858 and 1860; the other content likely dates from the same time period.

Dates

Creation: 1858-1860

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, or use in any current or future manifestations must be obtained in writing from the Rochester Public Library Local History and Genealogy Division.

Biographical Note

Henry Fitch (H. F.) Huntington was born in Schoharie County in 1845, the son of Edwin Tracy and Sarah Prudence Wadsworth Huntington. Edwin moved the family to Rochester in 1850 after he became one of the publishers of the Rochester Democrat & American newspaper. Edwin's involvement with the newspaper lasted only a few years, but he kept the family in Rochester due to his future business engagements in the safe manufacturing firm of Huntington & Briggs and, later, the Charlotte Iron Works, alongside many years in the coal business. As a result, Henry grew up in Rochester and became himself a prominent businessman in his adult years. He first founded a private banking business in partnership with W. B. Raymond, while also engaging in real estate. After this partnership dissolved, Huntington was one of the organizers of the Commercial Bank, with which he served as cashier until April 1890. He then took a high-level sales position with Vacuum Oil, a position he held until his death. He was also deeply associated with the development of the Rochester park system, serving on the board of park commissioners from its foundation and as chairman of the Genesee Valley Park committee at its institution. Henry F. Huntington married Frances W. Danforth on April 27, 1870; the couple had three children (two daughters and a son). Henry F. Huntington passed away after an extended illness on June 25, 1900, and is buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery.