Hanchett, Benjamin Sawtell, 1868-1933.

Grand Rapids, Michigan, farmer, businessman, and regent of University of Michigan.

From the description of Benjamin S. Hanchett papers, 1888-1958. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34423445

From the description of Benjamin S. Hanchett papers, 1888-1958. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 78061107

Benjamin Sawtell Hanchett was a Grand Rapids, Michigan, farmer, businessman, and regent of University of Michigan, 1911-1929. Hanchett was born in Grand Rapids, October 1, 1868. After completing his education in the public schools of that city he began working for the Street Railway company of Grand Rapids as an office boy. He remained with the company, later know n as the Grand Rapids Traction Company, his entire career, rising to the office of president and general manager. In 1900-1901 he built the Grand Rapids, Holland and Lake Michigan Railway which was the first interurban railroad in western Michigan and served as president of the company for a time. Hanchett served three successive terms as mayor of the village of East Grand Rapids.

Hanchett was appointed t the University of Michigan Board of Regents in April 1911 to complete the term of Loyal E. Knappen of Grand Rapids who had resigned. He was elected in his own right in1912 and served until resigning in 1929.

From the guide to the Benjamin Sawtell Hanchett Papers, 1858 and 1888-1958, 1888-1931, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)