William Blackstone Hubbard

William Blackstone Hubbard
Born	Template:Birth date Utica, New York, U.S.
Died	January 5, 1866(1866-01-05) (aged 70) Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Politician, railroad executive, banker, Masonic Grand Master
Years active	1816–1866
Known for	Ohio state legislator; Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives; president of Exchange Bank of Columbus; president of Columbus and Xenia Railroad; General Grand Master of the General Grand Encampment of the United States

William Blackstone Hubbard (August 26, 1795 – January 5, 1866) was a multifaceted figure in Ohio’s political and business sectors, serving as a state legislator, railroad executive, banker, and prominent Masonic Grand Master.

Early life and political service

Originating from Utica, New York, Hubbard was the son of Bela and Naomi (Stow) Hubbard. He pursued legal studies under the guidance of his uncle Silas Stow and gained admission to the New York bar before moving to St. Clairsville, Ohio in 1816. His career included a term as Prosecuting Attorney for Belmont County and election to the Ohio State Senate during the 26th and 27th General Assemblies (1827–1829). In 1830, he authored Ohio’s inaugural railroad statute which established the Ohio Canal and Steubenville Railroad Company, preceding the operation of steam railroads in the state.

Hubbard subsequently won election to the Ohio House of Representatives for the 30th and 31st General Assemblies (1831–1833), where he held the position of Speaker in the 30th Assembly, recognized for his composed and effective leadership. Initially affiliated with the Whig Party, he later aligned with the Republican Party.

Career in Columbus

Relocating to Columbus, Ohio in 1839, Hubbard assumed the presidency of the Exchange Bank of Columbus and was instrumental in establishing the First National Bank of Columbus. He also presided over the Columbus and Xenia Railroad and served on boards of several other railroad enterprises. From 1834 until 1865, Hubbard was a trustee of Ohio University. His financial acumen was frequently consulted by Salmon P. Chase during Chase’s tenure as both Governor of Ohio and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury.

Involvement with Freemasonry

Hubbard attained his Master Mason degree at Rising Sun Lodge No. 125 in New York on September 12, 1821, then became affiliated with Belmont Lodge No. 16 in St. Clairsville on October 17, 1821. He joined Zanesville Chapter No. 9 of Royal Arch Masons on August 26, 1822.

He received knighthood in Lancaster Encampment in 1841 and was elected Grand High Priest of Ohio’s Grand Chapter in 1842. Beginning in 1847, Hubbard served a twelve-year term as General Grand Master of the General Grand Encampment of the United States. Additionally, he held the office of Grand Master for the Grand Lodge of Ohio during three consecutive years: 1850, 1851, and 1852.

Personal details

On January 2, 1817, Hubbard married Mary Margaret Johnston from St. Clairsville. Together they had between eight and nine children. He passed away in Columbus on January 5, 1866, with interment at Green Lawn Cemetery.