Hotchkiss Family Genealogy & History

Benjamin Berkeley Hotchkiss was a prominent American ordnance engineer known for his significant contributions to weaponry during the 19th century. Born in Watertown, Connecticut, he began his career in gunmaking in Hartford, working on Colt revolvers and Winchester rifles. Hotchkiss gained recognition for his patented projectiles for rifled artillery, which were heavily utilized in the American Civil War. In 1867, he relocated to France, establishing the munitions factory Hotchkiss et Cie, where he developed the renowned rotating barrel machine gun, later used extensively during World War I.

On May 27, 1850, Benjamin Hotchkiss married Maria Bissell Hotchkiss. Posthumously, Maria founded The Hotchkiss School and the Hotchkiss Library, contributing significantly to educational and cultural institutions in Connecticut.

Jedediah Hotchkiss, a prominent figure in American Civil War history, was a renowned cartographer and topographer. Known for his detailed maps of the Shenandoah Valley, Hotchkiss played a crucial role in Confederate General Stonewall Jackson's strategic victories during the 1862 Valley Campaign. His extensive work included creating large-scale maps and directly aiding troop movements, contributing significantly to Confederate military strategy. Hotchkiss continued his service under Generals Richard S. Ewell, Jubal A. Early, and Robert E. Lee, impacting campaigns such as Gettysburg and Chancellorsville.

Born in Windsor, New York, Hotchkiss was a teacher before his military career. He married Sara Ann Comfort in 1853, and they had two daughters. He co-founded Loch Willow Academy with his brother Nelson.

Harley Norman Hotchkiss (1927 – 2011) was a prominent Canadian business leader known for his significant impact on health and sports in Canada. A key figure in the National Hockey League (NHL), he helped relocate the Atlanta Flames to Calgary in 1980, becoming a part-owner of the Calgary Flames and serving as the team's governor. His leadership extended to the NHL board as chairman from 1995 to 2007, earning him a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2006. Beyond hockey, Hotchkiss was an influential oil and gas industry icon, founding Sabre Petroleum and contributing to the sector's growth. His philanthropic efforts were recognized with multiple honors, including the Order of Canada.

Maria Harrison Hotchkiss (née Bissell) was an influential American educator, heiress, and philanthropist, renowned for founding The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut, in 1891. After inheriting wealth from her estranged husband, munitions maker Benjamin B. Hotchkiss, she opted to invest in education rather than infrastructure. Her contributions extended to the establishment of the Hotchkiss Library in Sharon, Connecticut, demonstrating her commitment to educational causes. Her legacy is cemented by the enduring impact of these institutions.

Born on August 14, 1827, in Salisbury, Connecticut, Maria was the daughter of William Bissell and Eliza Ann Loveland. She grew up on a farm named "Tory Hill" with her brothers and was related to Presidents William Henry Harrison and Benjamin Harrison. Her early education took place at Amenia Academy in New York, where she later served as a teacher.