Biographical Sketches
MELVILLE HULSE
Of this gentleman, who occupies the important position of city marshal of Independence, Missouri, it may truly be said that he is “the right man in the right place.” A brief sketch of his life follows:
Melville Hulse was born in Jackson county, Missouri, August 15, 1846. His father was the late Samuel D. Hulse, a native of Virginia; and his mother, nee Virginia Dickenson, is a Kentuckian. After their marriage they settled in Jackson county, Missouri, where he was engaged in farming up to the time of his death, and where he died July 9, 1883. His widow is still living. Their family is composed of 4 children, namely: Almedia, wife of A. G. Perry, and Melville, Greenville and Arrista.
On his father's farm Melville spent the first 15 years of his life, and then, equipped with a good common school education, he left home to make his own way in the world. Going to Nebraska City, Nebraska, he entered the employ of August and Peter Byram in the freighting business, with whom he remained 5 years, freighting to Salt Lake, Colorado and Mexico. He began as a common teamster and by his faithfulness won promotion to the position of wagon-master, which place he occupied at the time he served his connection with the firm. Soon after this, November 21, 1867, he was married, in Atchison, Kansas, to Miss Alice Warner, a native of Pennsylvania and a niece of the Hon. William H. Warner, of Kansas City. He then returned to Jackson county with his wife and settled on a farm in Sniabar township, where he maintained his residence and gave his attention to agricultural pursuits until 1880.
In 1880 Mr. Hulse rented his farm and moved to Oak Grove, where he formed a partnership with John R. McCown for the purpose of buying and shipping grain, and did a prosperous business until November, 1884, when the firm was dissolved. At that time Mr. Hulse accepted a deputyship under W. J. Phillips, marshal of Jackson county, and served as such 2 years, his duties taking him to Kansas City. In April, 1887, he was chosen marshal of Independence, and has held this office continuously ever since. His ability as a shrewd detective and his fearlessness in the discharge of his duty especially adapt him for the position he fills, and such has been his whole course in life that it has won for him the confidence and respect of all. Even the criminal classes who try to evade his clutches cannot fail to admire him for his integrity and his straightforward, manly course. Mr. Hulse has always taken an active interest in all local and political affairs. He is a republican.
This page was last updated August 2, 2006.