Francis G. (Frank) Hanchett, 1888-1892
Mr. Hanchett was born Oct. 2, 1856, in Kaneville, and grew up on a farm, often attending school only when his father didn't need his help on the farm. He was a graduate of West Aurora High School, and in 1882 graduated with high honors from the University of Chicago. He was regarded for his oration skills while in college. He studied law in Iowa (some accounts say at Iowa State University, others say at Iowa City) graduating in 1883. That year he married Lizzie L. Scott of Kaneville. He was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1884 and then began to practice in Aurora, where he also lived. After his term as state's attorney, he was appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney, under Sol Bethea, and lived most of the rest of his life in Chicago. In 1913 he married again, to Kate Giles in Chicago. (No reason was found as to why his first marriage ended.) He died Nov. 2, 1927, in Chicago.
