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HATCHER, MRS. MARY (CURRIER), daughter of the late Silas Wright Currier, has inherited many of his sterling traits of character and is fully capable of representing this fine old family. Mrs. Hatcher is a native of Springfield, born June 19, 1880, daughter of Silas Wright and Mary (Priest) Currier, the former born in Potsdam, N.Y., January 8, 1846, and the latter in Springfield, November 2, 1848. Silas Wright Currier was one of Springfield's foremost business men and his biography appears on another page of this volume.

The grandfather of Mrs. Hatcher, John W. Priest, came from St. Lawrence County, N.Y., to Springfield, and became one of the city's most prominent men. He was a pioneer in the manufacture of brick and was also prominent as a farmer, being the owner of 1,200 acres of land at the time of his death, which occurred June 7, 1887. His worth as a citizen was soon recognized by the community, and time and again he was called upon to fill some position of trust and honor. For a number of years he was President of the School Board, for eight consecutive years acted as Alderman, and in 1856-58, and agin in 1870, served as Mayor of Springfield, during which time the city prospered as it had never done before. During the administration of the affairs of the city by Mr. Priest, the first street paving was done and the water works established. He was a member of the water works board, was for some time President of the company, and went to New York to sell bonds for these improvements. Always a leader in movements which would benefit his city or State, in his death Springfield lost one whose place was far from easy to fill.

Mary (Currier) Hatcher was given the advantages of a full and comprehensive education. She attended Springfield High School, St. Agatha's Episcopal School, St. Mary's School at Knoxville, Ill., and "The Castle" (Miss Mason's school) at Tarrytown, N.Y., being graduated from the last named institution in the class of 1900. On November 28, 1905, she was united in marriage with Oliver William Hatcher, one of Springfield's well known business men of the younger generation, who was born at Charlton, Iowa, January 24, 1877. Mr. Hatcher is a member of the firm of Johnston & Hatcher, operating a large house furnishing store. One daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Hatcher, Mary Jane, February 24, 1909. Mrs. Hatcher's religious connection is with the Central Baptist Church, while Mr. Hatcher's is with the Episcopal Church.