Brief guide to manuscripts collections| William L. Clements Library The University of Michigan Frank Hecker Papers |
Hecker, a native of Michigan, served briefly in the Civil War before beginning a career in the railroad industry. He founded the Peninsular Car Company, one of the largest manufacturers of freight cars in the 1890's. At the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, Hecker was appointed chief of the Division of Transportation, Quartermaster's Department. In this capacity Hecker supervised all rail and water transportation for the army in Cuba and the Philippines. In 1904 President Roosevelt made Hecker a member of the Isthmian Canal Commission, but he resigned under allegations by the New York Tribune of mishandling lumber contracts for the canal. Although Hecker did not hold public office again, he remained prominent in Michigan financial and industrial circles.
Official correspondence of Frank Joseph Hecker, Michigan industrialist, chief of transportation in the Spanish-American War, member of the Isthmian Canal Commission.
This collection contains Hecker's official correspondence. The material relating to the Spanish-American War deals with the procuring and fitting of transports, improving Cuban harbors, construction of railways, and difficulties encountered with yellow fever and malaria. Items concerning Hecker's service on the canal commission include copies of proceedings for 60 sessions and letters written to leading Republicans and to the press in 1904.
Hecker, F. J. Recollections of my service in the Spanish-American War, 1898-99 (Detroit, 1913)
Clements Call No. C2 1913 Hecker
Gift of Christian Henry Hecker, 1952
| Homepage | Manuscripts | Collections | Staff | Hours and policies |
|---|