HARVEY PERLEY HOOD - 1823-1900

Founder of the firm of H. P. Hood & Sons; which at one point was fourth largest in size in the dairy business in the United States. Mr. Hood was owner and founder of one of the finest dairy farms in the state of New Hampshire. Located in the town of Derry, Rockingham County, the dairy comprised of over one thousand acres of tilled land and pasturage.

Born in Chelsea, Vt., June 6, 1823, he was the son of Harvey and Rebecca (Smith) Hood.

Mr. Hood was educated in the local schools of Chelsea, VT. and after graduating from Randolph Academy he returned to the Chelsea farm, he remained there with his father until he was twenty-three years old. In 1845 he went to Boston and took apprenticeship in a bakery and it was during this time that he became interested in the dairy industry of New England. The opportunities in this industry seemed to open so great a future that in 1846 he left the bakery and founded the business that still bears his name.

In 1856 Mr. Hood found that his health was better in the country and he therefore gave up his home in Boston and moved to Derry, New Hampshire where he continued in the milk business. He made a trip to Boston each day with a carload of milk from from Derry. Two years later he bought the Redfield farm which he re-named Hood Farm and at once began to improve, remodel and enlarge the old buildings and erect new ones. He was engaged in this work and in the transportation of milk to Boston until his death on June 17,1900. The bussiness he founded steadily grew until today the firm of H. P. Hood & Sons is known throughout the country as one of the largest and most reputable dealers in dairy products.

Mr. Hood was for many years a director in the National Bank of Derry and on two occasions represented the town in the State Legislature. He was known among all his friends and business associates as a man of sterling integrity and great business ability, while at the same time he took a great interest in all benevolent work and in furthering and assisting all plans for the benefit of the town and its citizens. Few men have; had so successful a career or have better deserved the reward from intelligently directed industry.

In 1850 Harvey Hood married Miss Caroline Laura Corwin, a native of Tunbridge, Vt., but whose home had been in Boston several years prior to her marriage. Six children were born to this union, three sons and three daughters-Charles H. Edward J., Gilbert H., Laura. C. Clara R., and Ne1lie F. The two sons inherited their father's business ability and carryied on successfully the great industry which their father established. and in which he took so active a part.