Newton K. Hubbard, born December 17, 1839, in West Springfield, Massachusetts, was a respected business leader in Fargo, North Dakota. Educated in common schools and at the Providence Conference Seminary, he taught school before enlisting in the Seventh Ohio Infantry during the Civil War. After the war, he established his first store in Raleigh, North Carolina. In 1870, Hubbard claimed land in North Dakota, opening a store along the Northern Pacific Railroad. Partnering with E. S. Tyler, he built the Headquarters Hotel in Fargo. He later focused on real estate and co-founded the First National Bank of Fargo. A dedicated Republican, Hubbard was active in politics and civic organizations, including the Masons and the Grand Army Post.
Newton K. Hubbard is a highly regarded citizen of Fargo, known for his steadfast and principled business approach. He was born on December 17, 1839, in West Springfield, Massachusetts, to George J. and Marian Hubbard. His father, a farmer, raised a family of five sons, with Newton being the youngest. Newton’s grandfather was Captain George Hubbard, renowned for his involvement in the Revolutionary War.
Mr. Hubbard received his education from common schools and later attended the Providence Conference Seminary in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. In 1859, he relocated to Painesville, Ohio, where he taught school for two years. He then enlisted in Company D of the Seventh Ohio Infantry and served for three years and three months, participating in numerous battles alongside the Army of the Potomac and the Army of the Tennessee. Mr. Hubbard experienced time in Confederate prisons and, upon completing his military service, returned to the South and became the purveyor for General Casement’s brigade. After the Union Army entered Raleigh, North Carolina, he established his first store there and witnessed the city’s surrender.
In September 1870, Mr. Hubbard staked a claim at the mouth of the Elm River in North Dakota. In the spring of 1871, he opened a store along the Northern Pacific Railroad at Detroit Lake and supplied goods for the railroad for the subsequent two years, operating under the name Hubbard & Raymond. He also managed stores at various locations along the railroad line, with his final one being in Moorhead. In Fargo, he partnered with E. S. Tyler to operate a store, with Mr. Tyler serving as his bookkeeper. In a span of sixty days in 1872, Hubbard & Tyler built the Headquarters Hotel in Fargo at a cost of $20,000. In 1880, Mr. Hubbard bought out Mr. Tyler’s share, and in 1882, he sold the hotel property. Since then, he has primarily engaged in real estate business ventures throughout the state. He played a significant role in the establishment of the First National Bank of Fargo and served as its inaugural vice president. Mr. Hubbard was also an early investor in Fargo, purchasing the first three lots at the southwest corner of Front and Broadway for $175. Subsequently, the First National Bank acquired the corner property from him for $700.
While Mr. Hubbard never sought political prominence, he actively participated in political activities until his health declined. He was one of three delegates representing Fargo at the Chicago National Convention in 1888 and maintained a consistent affiliation with the Republican Party.
Mr. Hubbard is associated with various organizations befitting a busy individual. He was a founding member of the Masons in Fargo and is a respected member of the Grand Army Post. He played a vital and engaged role in the development and progress of the Red River valley, earning him widespread recognition as one of the most prominent citizens in the Northwest.
Source
C.F. Cooper & Company, History of the Red River Valley, Past And Present: Including an Account of the Counties, Cities, Towns And Villages of the Valley From the Time of Their First Settlement And Formation, volumes 1-2; Grand Forks: Herald printing company, 1909.