Teacher, American veteran, and politician Hubbard Yetman of New York. (Photo credit: Prominent Men of Staten Island (1893), Internet Archive)
Many fine educators log accomplishments in fields outside of the classroom. One of these was Hubbard Yetman, a school teacher from New York who also achieved success as a local and state politician.
Hubbard was born on August 28, 1847, in Englishtown, Monmouth County, New Jersey. As a young boy, he attended school at Monmouth Hall in Freehold.
Hubbard was only 15 years old when he enlisted in the 14th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry to fight in the Civil War. His unit was part of the Army of the Potomac, and young Hubbard participated in all of the engagements of his unit. First he served on the front lines as a drummer, and then he was appointed an adjutant’s clerk. Although he was once wounded, his injuries were not severe, and he stayed with his unit until the War Between the States was won.
Once the Civil War was over, Hubbard taught public school in Tottenville, Staten Island, New York. His career as an educator there spanned 15 years. Once he left the classroom, he served his town as the Justice of the Peace and sold insurance. In 1888, Hubbard was elected to the New York State Assembly on the Democratic ticket. There he represented New York’s Richmond County. He was re-elected to this position for two additional terms. While there, the legislature improved local tax laws, increased the county’s police force, and created a pension fund for retired police officers. In 1893, the former teacher was elected School Commissioner, but he declined to serve. However, he did accept an opportunity to serve as the Town Supervisor for Westfield in 1897. When New York City consolidated, the former teacher was appointed to the position of Superintendent of Schools representing Richmond. He held that position until 1902.
This remarkable educator and politician passed away on October 18, 1924. He is interred in Bethel Cemetery in Staten Island. To read more about this Chalkboard Champion, see this article entitled Prominent Men of Staten Island, (1893) published in the Internet Archive.
