John S. Hittell
John S. Hittell, his eldest son, was seven years old when his father arrived in Hamilton. After graduating at Oxford, he read law for some time with the late John Woods, William Beckett being in the office with him. Dyspepsia interrupted his studies, and he never completed them. He went to California in 1849, and, after trying his hand at various occupations, including mining, became one of the editorial writers of the Alta California newspaper, a position which he held, though not continuously, for more than twenty-four years. He was known as a hard worker and careful student, as was soon recognized as an authority in matters relating to the industries and resources of the State. In 1862 he published a book called "The Resources of California," and the seventh edition of it appeared in 1879. "A History of San Francisco," from his pen, was issued in 1878. Her has written several other books, numbering at least half a dozen, and has contributed much to cyclopedias and magazines. His range of knowledge is wide, including familiarity with the literature and tongues of Germany, France, Spain, and Italy. He is a bachelor.
From A History and Biographical Cyclopædia of Butler County Ohio, With Illustrations and Sketches of its Representative Men and Pioneers, Western Biographical Publishing Company, Cincinnati Ohio, 1882.