William J. Hickmott, Jr. was born on February 6, 1889 in Hartford, the son of William, Sr. and Hattie Safford Hickmott. His father was a long-time employee of the Connecticut Mutual Insurance Company. After graduating from Hartford Public High School in 1907, William Jr. joined the Aetna Insurance Company. There, he founded the company's Automobile Claim Department. His love of the automobile influenced his career choices for most of his life. Between 1909 and 1912, he promoted the Stanley Steamer as the company's Hartford representative. Next, he founded the Hartford Salvage Insurance Co., later known as the Automobile Insurance Incorporation. In 1925, he established the Hartford Oil Service which he later sold to the Shell Oil Company. He belonged to antique car clubs and was one of the oldest members of the Hartford Automobile Club. He wrote a book on cars, "Where's Your License: Early 'Hot Rod' Adventure" (Watkins Glen, NY, 1950).
In addition to his interest in cars, Mr. Hickmott was a dog fancier. He operated a retail dog accessory business, owned the Maple Rock kennels, won several dog show trophies, and pioneered German Shepherd breeding in the United States. He wrote two books, "Paw Marks" and "Perfect Gentlemen," about dogs. He also wrote a newspaper column entitled, "Just About Dogs."
From the description of Collection, 1905-1917. (Connecticut State Library). WorldCat record id: 64231793
