Genesee County MI Archives Biographies.....Hurley, J. J. 1850 - 
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Author: Chapman Bros. (1892)

J. J. HURLEY. The genial President of the People's Electric Light and Power
Company at Flint, dealer in wood and coal, manufacturer of soap and potash, is a
man of many talents and varied interests. He was born in London, England, August
31, 1850, and is a son of John and Mary (Allen) Hurley, all of whom were natives
of the great metropolis. Our subject's grandsire on the paternal side was a
merchant, as was our subject's father, having his business stand in East London.
Our subject's mother died in her native city in 1878. She had nine children, and
he of whom we write was the fifth in order of birth of the family.

  Our subject obtained his education at Bedford House Academy, in Marlin Row.
The acquisitive faculty soon showed itself to be strong within him, for when a
child of only six years of age he began earning money by returning the fruit
baskets to the wholesale dealers, for which he received a cent apiece. When
thirteen years of age he had acquired $400, and with it he started into the
fruit and merchandise business for himself. He was very successful and continued
in business until twenty, but his success had cultivated in him extravagant
habits. He lost his means, and being obliged to start anew, determined to come
to America. He left Liverpool in May, 1871, and arrived in New York by steamer,
a stranger. He came immediately to Grand Blanc, Mich., thence he came to Flint
on foot and engaged in the livery business for $10 per month during the winter.
In the spring of 1872 he started into business in partnership with William H.
Fay as proprietor of the Sherman House. In 1876 Mr. Hurley bought out his
partner's interest and continued to run it alone until 1879, when it was
entirely consumed by fire.

  He afterward purchased the soap works here from Mr. Wilson. He has enlarged
the business. The first year he turned out fifteen hundred boxes, and now
produces five thousand boxes per annum. He also engages extensively in the
jobbing trade. Their factory is operated by steam power. In 1885 Mr. Hurley
started into the business of dealing in wood and coal. He buys the timber
standing, and cuts and distributes it at his own expense. He probably has the
most extensive stock in Michigan, keeping twenty-five thousand cords of wood
constantly in stock and coal in proportion.

  Our subject owns an area of fifteen acres of land between the railroad and the
river, and this is the site of his most important business operations. In 1885
he became the incorporator of the People's Electric Light and Power Company, and
is at the present time its President. A. H. Gilles, is Vice-President; Romain
Putnam, Treasurer, and A. G. Bishop, Secretary. Aside from these interests, he
is an extensive owner of valuable real estate. He is half owner of ten
residences built in 1889-90. They are located in the Fourth Ward, and the other
half owner is F. P. Smith. Mr. Hurley also owns other property. He resides on
Smith Street.

  Our subject was married in this city to Miss Mary Flynn; a native of
Connecticut and a daughter of Peter Flynn, a farmer at Mt. Morris. The original
of this sketch favors the Democratic policy. His success is due to close
application to his business and to the comprehensive plans which he makes. He
has always made an effort to be prompt in meeting his monetary obligations.


Additional Comments:

Extracted from:

Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties,
Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of
the Presidents of the United States

Chicago:
Chapman Bros.
1892

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