Windham

JORDAN, Henry Francis

Encyclopedia Vermont Biography: A Series of Authentic Biographical Sketches 
of the Representative Men of Vermont and Sons of Vermont in Other States. 
Dodge. Burlington: Ullery Publishing Company, 1912, p 239

Optometrist, Brattleboro, Windham County, Vermont. Born Centerville 
[Barnstable County], Massachusetts, 30 Aug 1858; son of Edwin Darling and 
Irene Susan (HINCKLEY) JORDAN. Educated in Worceter [Worcester County], 
Massachusetts, grammar school; graduate of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, High 
School; and Philadelphia Optical College, graduating in 1889. Took a course 
in mechanical drawing in the Franklin Institute. Was connected with 
McAllister Optical Co., Queen & Company, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; began 
business career as optician and jeweler in Philadelphia 1885, continuing 
until 1900, when he sold out on account of poor health and removed to 
Brattleboro [Windham County, Vermont], taking a position with F. A. HUBBARD 
as head watchmaker and refractionist. In 1903 with E. H. VAN DOORN purchased 
the business of Mr. HUBBARD, which they conducted until 1908, when Mr. JORDAN 
withdrew from the firm and opened offices devoted exclusively to optometrical 
practice; in 1909 Alfred B. JORDAN, graduate of the Northern Illinois College 
of Ophthalmology and Otology, was admitted into partnership, the firm name 
becoming Jordan & Son. In 1908 he was instrumental in organizing a State 
Optical Society; appointed by the society secretary of a legislative 
committee for the purpose of presenting an optometry bill to the state 
Legislature and formulating a campaign for its enforcement; in this he was 
successful; later appointed by Gov. PROUTY a member for three years of the 
board of examiners in optometry; was elected president of the board. 
Republican. Member Center Congregational Church; member of church committee; 
formerly superintendent of the Sunday school, assistant superintendent at 
present time; active in the Brotherhood Association. Member Brattleboro 
Lodge No. 102, Free & Accepted Masons; Fort Dummer Chapter No. 12, Royal Arch 
Masons; Beauseant Commandery No. 7, Knights Templar; Protective Grange No. 
22; Windham Pomona Grange No. 5; New England Association of Opticians; 
Vermont State Optical Society, of which he was the first secretary, and 
charter member of American Association of Opticians. In 1885 Henry Francis 
JORDAN married [Miss?] Jennie Price HOMER of Philadelphia, Philadelphia 
County, Pennsylvania; they have one son, Alfred Bennett.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly