Hand, son of Daniel and Artemisia (Meigs) was born in Madison (then East Guilford), Connecticut, August 16, 1809.
The only survivor of a large family of brothers and sisters is Daniel Hand, well known for his recent gift to the American Missionary Association.
After teaching for a short time in Connecticut, he went to Detroit, Michigan, where he studied law and was admitted to practice.
He was soon recognized as a lawyer of ability and promise, and in 1835 he was appointed Judge of Probate for the county.
In later life he relinquished active practice, and was occupied with the care of his large property in real estate—until symptoms of softening of the brain appeared about 1884.