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General Hooker was born in Hadley in 1814 and died at Garden City, L. I., in 1879, being buried at Cincinnati, by the side of his wife. He was often called the handsomest officer in the United States army, was possessed of intrepid courage and was widely known in the army as "Fighting Joe" Hooker. He was badly wounded at the battle of Chancellorsville, and paralysis, on that account undoubtedly, benumbed his left side the latter part of his life. The story of his early career and his connection with the greatest war of modern times will be told by his comrades at the exercises of May 7.
A pleasant incident related of General Hooker, showing what manner of man he was at heart, is related by his old comrades with deep appreciation. After a reception and banquet tendered him by them, a few years ago, and the usual cheers had greeted his rising to speak, he said, "Boys, you do me too much honor. It was you who made me what I am."
