Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-01-30
BY I. A. FLEMING.

Henry Hurt, VINO dled last Weeh' was
one Of the mildest- mannered men that
Washington has ever known. Indeed,
Washington knew comparatively little
about him, though he was one OF Its
leading financiers, man whose opin-
ion was valued by men having other
peoples money in their charge and
under their control.
He was the largest shareholder in
the Riggs National Bank, one of the
largest in the American Security ana
Trust Company and chairman OF the
executive committee of the latter IN
stitution. He was heavy stockholder
in the Capital Traction Company, IN
the Washington Gas Light Company
and in the Security Storage Company
Henry Hurt was worth, in dollars
and cents, more than 100000. He
became a millionaire, because, in COM
narrative poverty, a veteran of the Con-
federate army, he so wi1led 1t and &C
complished the task set for h1mseif.
through steadfast accumulation and
persistent, determined and well-direct-
ed work.
MIA avenue; he became a conductor; ne
was advanced to receiving teller,
handling the fares turned over by tne
conductors at the end OF each round
trip. 1t is recorded that. desiring ~
know more about this particular line
of work, he not infrequently work.
ed from 8 o'clock in the morning until
midnight, permitting his relief teiler
to have his entire time off, until there
was nothing connected with the JOB
with which he was not perfectly IA
miliar.
Answered opportunity's Knock.
Later on, he was given a clerical
position, and when opportunity knock
ed he was ready to answer The sec
retary of the traction company was
taken i'll just before the annual meet
ing, The directors were at loss for
the annual report of the years opera
lions to present to the shareholoers.
Henry Hurt surprised his superiors
with the announcement that. II given
permission, and not disturbed, ne
would have the report ready Tor the
meeting, Days and nights he kept at
it. and turned in satis a. aetorS ana
asked for 1t. He could not be kept
He became president of the Capital
Traction Company, covering the gamu.
from driver He made a good omcer'
sidered meat for men of influence anu
mower. Some one wanted his position.
and Henry Hurt put up the nght oi
his life for it.
could muster but 1000 shares out OF
10 900. Mr. Hurt appealed to Cnaries
c. Glover, and together they inter-
ested George Riggs. and Mr. Hurt com
manded more than 5000 votes at the
Uanr,, Hurt remained president of the
capitai Traction Company until he de-
cided to retire, and George Dunlop sue
ceeded him. but he has always been
dominant factor in the corporatlon-
fulJ of faith in the Capital Traction
The friendship formed between Henry
Hurt and Charles c. Glover proved
astine, and up to the day of his death
Mr.. Hurt gave to the LIES va uar-
sonal backing. Probably through this
fpht he was induced to become
member of the directory of the bank
Bought for Investment.
ALWAYS accommodating; buying for in
vestments: never speculating-Henry
Hurt became a very large shareholder
and a rich man. 1t is stated by those
who knew him best that he bought 1or
investment but never sold.
whether he acquired one share or a
thousand shares of stock, he bought II
for keeps. Hence, he accumulated
wealth. His stocks. SO those who know
him best contend. will be found in per-
feet order in his box.
One Of the things that Henry Hurt
loved most was smoking. and yet ne
never smoked until he was able 10
smoke the best, all his cigars being
imported direct from Cuba.
He loved his home. his garden ms
old time horse-for millionaire that ne
was he never owned an automobile. He
did not even have telephone In ms
home Each day he walked from ms
residence on p street to the financial
district and back again: he walked to
the stock exchange, where he was a
governor and an honored member. and
Was as careful in executing orders for
two shares of stocks as for ffty-thou-
"Henry Hurts word was as good as
his bond" said Charles J. Bell. and the
financial district gave its heartiest in
dorsement.
Careful, Slow, Methodical.
Almost as tall as Lincoln. in a way
as mild and as meek. Henry Hurt
moved about his daily walks without
fuss or feathers. He usually dressed
in brown wore an old brown hat