From an early period in the development of Racine the name of Hart has been closely connected with its history. John S. Hart was the representative of the family in the first generation living in this city. A native of Meredith, New Hampshire, he was born March 13, 1823, and upon his removal westward from New England in the early ’40s he settled at Baraboo, Wisconsin. After about a decade there passed he came with his family to Racine in the early ’50s and engaged in the woolen mill business as one of the founders of the enterprise of which his grandson, Harold H. Hart, is now the head. Through three successive generations the name has been closely and prominently associated with the development of the district in its manufacturing and commercial interests. John S. Hart was a very successful business man, watchful of all opportunities pointing to advancement, and he used his time and talents wisely and well.
It was on the 21st of May, 1851, that Mr. Hart was united in marriage to Miss Susan Piper Hawkins, and his death occurred on the 7th of February, 1901, when he had reached the age of seventy-eight years. His life work proved of value to the community in which he long resided. He was one of the principal contributors to the erection of the Young Men’s Christian Association building and was a most public-spirited citizen, co-operating in many plans and measures for the general good.