Edwin Augustus Hannaford was born in Devonshire, England, on Widicumb Farm, near Axminster, on October 12, 1841. At an early age he came to America and his father records in his diary that the trip across the Atlantic took six weeks. He grew up in Hamilton, Ohio. When the Civil War began he enlisted in the 6^th Ohio Volunteers. At the close of the war, he came south in government service and walked all over Texas, thus getting well acquainted with Texas. When Master Sergeant Hannaford received his discharge he returned to Quincy, Illinois where he was in the drug business with his brother. But, something had happened to him. He had caught the "Texas Fever." The hot dry climate of Texas appealed to him, so in 1871 he came back to Texas.

A man of superior business qualifications, of exemplary character and industrious habits, he soon became, and through all the succeeding years, remained one of the most popular and successful druggists in this part of the state. In time he branched out into the stock raising business on the Hannaford ranch west of Granbury. Dr. Hannaford was identified with perhaps every public enterprise of importance which was inaugurated in Granbury. He was foremost in the educational enterprises in the county, was one of the principal projectors and supporters of Granbury High School and College, and for many years was on the board of trustees. For a time he was treasurer of the Methodist Church, although not a member.

His genial and friendly disposition not only helped him to establish a successful career as a businessman, but won for him a wonderful companion and wife, Miss Nettie Brous. They were married on July 2, 1878. This same year he, with P.H. Thrash, the Nutt brothers, and J.D. Baker, built the old iron bridge across the Brazos River. Perhaps he remembered having to wade the Brazos and it may be that his wife urged him to build the bridge, as she did not want him wading the river again. They were both active in the building of churches and especially so in the Christian Church, of which both were members. To this couple, five children were born. Fred was the oldest. Then came Bess and her blond haired twin sister who died in infancy. Willena was next, followed by Edwin. The girls are well remembered for their beauty and grace and the sons as handsome young men with fine physiques and high intellectual ability. Dr. and Nettie Hannaford not only gave their own children a fine education, but many other boys and girls were recipients of their help in bountiful measure. Of the 30 schools in Hood County, he helped build 29 of them. Many students knew him personally because it was in his store where they bought their school books.

For more than 42 years Dr. Hannaford was engaged actively in business, and in helping to build Granbury and Hood County in ways other than the political route. Dr. Hannaford died November 5, 1915 and is buried by his wife in Granbury Cemetery. The Confederate Veterans Camp of Granbury requested to be named honorary pall bearers at his funeral. For four years they had been on opposite sides in the war, but in peace they had worked together for 44 years. He was now a fallen comrade and they desired to do him honor as a true Texas citizen and a real Texan. The next time you pass Hannaford Street in Granbury, let your mind turn back to the very fine pioneer for whom it was named.