Rev. H.K. HINES, D.D. "An Illustrated History of the State of Washington." 1893.

E. J. HANCOCK

	E.J. HANCOCK, ex-vice president of the Island County Bank of 
Coupeville, Washington was born November 4, 1854, in Lynchburg, Virginia. His 
father, A.G. HANCOCK, was born in Bedford county, Virginia, in 1815, and died 
there in 1888. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth C. HEWITT, was also a 
Virginian, born in 1825, and is yet living. A.G. HANCOCK was a manufacturer of 
all kinds of tobacco and was the owner of  large plantations. His son, E.J., 
was a member of the household until he was twenty-two years of age. He 
received a good education, and assisted in the management of the factory. 
After 1876 he was engaged in planting until 1879, when he emigrated to the 
west, coming to Washington and locating on Whidby island, where he followed 
agricultural pursuits for two years, then returned to his old Virginia home 
and until 1883 resided there. Arranging all his business for a permanent 
absence he came back to Whidby island, and bought the old donation claim of 
William E. ENGLE, where he at once began the task of clearing out forty-five 
acres. He made many other improvements, erecting the most elegant residence on 
the island, the same being of modern style of architecture and fitted with all 
of the latest conveniences. He has a large orchard of choice fruits, and has 
continued the cultivation and clearing of the land until he has one of the 
most desirable farms in the county.
	Mr. HANCOCK was chiefly instrumental in the organization of the first 
bank established in the county. July 14, 1892, the Island County Bank of 
Coupeville, Washington, was organized with a paid up capital of $25,000. Mr. 
HANCOCK was elected vice-president, a postition which he was well fitted to 
hold. He is a man of excellent judgement and is considered one the most clever 
financiers in the State. He is Trustee of the Puget Sound Academy at 
Coupeville, and is also School Director. He has taken an active interest in 
the educational facilities that are being afforded the youth of this great 
commonwealth, and has always encouraged those enterprises calculated to 
elevate the intellectual standard. He is a member of Whidby Island Lodge, No. 
15, A.F. & A.M., and also belongs to Eastern Star, No. 26, of which Mrs. 
HANCOCK is Worthy Matron.
	Mr. HANCOCK was married, March 3, 1886, to Julia E. KINNEY, who was 
born in Nova Scotia, October 15, 1859, a daughter of T.F. and Mary E. 
(HOUGHTON)KINNEY. Her parents were also natives of Nova Scotia, the father 
born in 1829, and the mother in 1831. Mr. and Mrs. HANCOCK have three sons: 
Eugene A., Justice L., and Virgil K. in addition to the farm mentioned Mr. 
HANCOCK owns an immense amount of city property, and has many other profitable 
investments.

Submitted by: Holly Vonderohe, (Pollywogh@aol.com)