Joseph Peace Hazard papers (MSS-0090)

Biographical/Historical Note

The sixth child of Rowland Hazard and Mary Peace Hazard, Joseph Hazard was born February 17, 1807 in Burlington, New Jersey. The family relocated to Bristol, Pennsylvania, and Hazard attended the Westtown School, a Quaker institution, from 1816-1820, and again from 1822-1824. Hazard then moved to Peace Dale , Rhode Island, and became involved in the family textile mill, which was owned by his brothers, Rowland G. and Isaac P. Hazard. Hazard became a partner of R.G. Hazard and Co. (later renamed Peace Dale Manufacturing Company) in 1828. He also built an addition to the mill in 1835, as well as an axe factory.

However, citing his lack of competence in business, Hazard abandoned his factories around 1845 and began to devote his time to travel, the study of spiritualism, and the construction of his home, “The Castle,” and “Druid’s Dream House,” both of which were in Narragansett, Rhode Island, as well as “Memorial Tower” at Tower Hill in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. Joseph Peace Hazard died in Peace Dale on January 18, 1892.