Henry Hudson, an able lawyer and one of the leading citizens of Guilford, was born in this town, March 19, 1851, son of Henry and Emily F. (Martin) Hudson. The father, born in Canaan, New Hampshire, October 26, 1824, was admitted to the Piscataquis County bar in June, 1849. Having previously settled in Guilford, he was in active practice here until his death, which occurred June 24, 1877. For years he sustained the reputation of a leading lawyer in this county. He was active and industrious, displaying much energy and ambition. His extensive practice made him a well-known figure in the courts of Piscataquis and Penobscot Counties, where he fought many hotly contested cases. The income of his business enabled him to acquire a large estate. A Democrat of the most pronounced type, he sincerely believed the fundamental principles of his party to be the most substantial basis of a liberal republic; and he made his influence felt in both the County and State organizations. He was frequently chosen to attend district and State conventions, and was a delegate to the national convention held in New York in 1868. The community had the advantage of his services in the capacity of Town Agent for several years. He married Emily F. Martin, who was born in Guilford, May 13, 1831, daughter of the late Addison and Lydia (Otis) Martin. Her father, who was a pioneer merchant and a prominent citizen of Guilford, died in 1876. Her mother, who was a relative of General O. O. Howard of the United States Army, was killed by lightning, July 5, 1842. The children of Henry Hudson, Sr., and his wife were: Henry, the subject of this sketch; Micajah and James, born respectively in November, 1855, and on October 22, 1857, both of whom are merchants in this town; and a daughter who died young. The mother, surviving the father, resides with her son Henry.
Henry Hudson, the subject of this sketch, attended the Foxcroft Academy, completed his preparatory course at the Coburn Classical Institute in 1871, and graduated from Colby University with the Class of 1875. Having read law in his father’s office from an early age, he was admitted to the bar in the September following his college graduation. He had practiced in court since 1872. Now he opened an office in Dover; but in 1877 he returned to Guilford in order to take charge of the large practice left by his father, to whom he has since proved himself a worthy successor. He is the president of the First National Bank of Guilford. Like his father, he acts with the Democratic party. One of the most active party leaders in the county, he was a delegate to his party’s national convention held at St. Louis in 1888; and he has been a candidate for nearly every county office. Although his party is in the minority, he has served as a Selectman and superintendent of schools, was Town Agent from 1872 to 1897 with the exception of one year, Town Treasurer from 1881 to 1897; and he was appointed a County Commissioner by Governor Plaisted in 1881, to serve for the year 1882.
On February 22, 1877, Mr. Hudson was united in marriage with Ada M. Lougee, who was born in Dover, daughter of James S. and Betsey (Lunclen) Lougee. Mrs. Hudson is the mother of two sons: James H., born March 21, 1878, who is a student at Colby University, class of 190o; and Leslie E. Hudson, born October 25, 1882, who will enter the Coburn Classical Institute at Waterville this fall. As one of the well-to-do residents of this town Mr. Hudson takes a lively interest in its development and general prosperity. He is a member of the Maine Bar Association. The family occupy a handsome residence in the village, and attend the Methodist Episcopal church.
Source: Biographical review: containing life sketches of leading citizens of Somerset, Piscataquis, Hancock, Washington, and Aroostook counties, Maine. Boston: Biographical Review Publishing Company, 1898.