Frank J. Hecker

Frank J. Hecker (1846 – 1927) was an American railroad-car manufacturer from Detroit, Michigan

Early life

Frank J. Hecker was born in Freedom, Michigan in 1846. [http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/detroit/d29.htm Colonel Frank Hecker House] from the National Park Service] He joined the Union Army at age 18, and rose to the rank of Colonel. [http://www.detroit1701.org/Hecker%20Home.html Hecker Home] from Detroit1701.org.]

Business

After the conclusion of the Civil War, he hired on as an agent for the Union Pacific Railroad. In the 1870s, a group of investors from Detroit decided to build a rail line near Logansport, Indiana; they hired Hecker to manage their project. [http://www.detroit1701.org/FreerHouse.htm Charles Lang Freer Home] from Detroit1701.org] Hecker took on the project, taking a younger Charles Lang Freer with him. Although eventually the project fell through, the Detroit investors were pleased with Hecker's work and invited him to Detroit. There, in 1885, Hecker and Freer organized the Peninsular Car Company. The company made both men rich. Hecker also sat on the boards of the Detroit Copper and Brass Rolling Mills, Michigan Fire and Marine Insurance Company, and the Detroit Lumber Company.

Politics

Hecker unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 1892, and was later a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1900. [http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/heathman-hedlund.html The Political Graveyard] ] Hecker served in the Army again in the Spanish-American War, where he was in charge of transporting Spanish prisoners. This service brought him to the attention of President Theodore Roosevelt, who in 1904 appointed Hecker to the Panama Canal Commission. Hecker also served as Detroit Police Commissioner.

Home

Hecker is perhaps best known for the construction of the Col. Frank J. Hecker House, located on Woodward Avenue in Detroit. The mansion is on the National Register of Historical Places. Charles Lang Freer's home is next door.

References