Joseph B. Hulse, proprietor of the only photograph gallery in Hailey, is a native of Iowa, born in Glenwood, on the 3d of January 1859. The family, of German origin, was planted on American soil at an early period in the history of New England. The grandfather, Joseph Hulse, was a pioneer settler of the state of Ohio, and his son, Henry A. Hulse, the father of our subject, was born near the old home of Abraham Lincoln, in the vicinity of Springfield, Illinois. Having arrived at years of maturity, he married Caroline Maloon and removed to Iowa, whence he afterward went to Pike’s Peak. In 1863 he removed with his family to Denver, Colorado, and in 1866 went to Saline county, Nebraska, settling on a farm’ on a tributary of the Blue river, where he remained until 1880. In that year he became a resident of Oregon, taking up his abode near LaGrande, Union county, where he remained until called to the home beyond, in 1893, at the age of fifty-seven years. His widow still resides there and is now fifty-six years of age. They were the parents of eight children, five of whom are living.
In the public schools Joseph B. Hulse acquired his literary education, pursuing his studies through the fall and winter months, while in the summer season he assisted in the labors of the home farm. In early life he began to learn the art of photography, and in 1889 established a gallery in Alturas, California, where he remained three years, after which he spent nearly a year at Lake View, Oregon. He then went to Mountain Home, and after passing a winter there came to Hailey, in the spring of 1895. Here he opened his art gallery, the only one in the town, and has since conducted a successful business, receiving all the patronage of the entire county in his line.
He does his work in a most artistic manner and after the most approved processes in photography, and his work gives general satisfaction. This, combined with his reasonable prices and his uniform courtesy to his patrons, has secured him a large and profitable business.
Mr. Hulse voted with the Republican Party until 1892, when, on account of his views on the money question, he transferred his allegiance to the Populist Party, and in the fall of 1898 was elected on that ticket to the state legislature, receiving a flattering majority. His careful consideration of matters of public moment and his adherence to a course which he believes to be right make him a valued member of the house and a worthy representative of the interests of his constituents.
Socially Mr. Hulse is chief forester of the Modern Woodmen Camp of Hailey. He has in Blaine County a wide acquaintance and many friends, and a home which is a favorite resort with many of the best people of the community. He was married in 1892 to Miss Kittle G. Spargur, a native of Reno, Nevada, and a daughter of Henry L. Spargur, an attorney of Alturas, California. Prior to her marriage she was a successful teacher in the public schools of California. She is descended from German ancestors, the family having first been founded in New York, whence representatives of the name went to Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Hulse have three children, Amidol A., Henry D. and Joseph B.