After a lucrative career as a lawyer, he found success as a business leader in Cleveland and came to own four national banks by 1863.

[2] In 1837, Hurlbut relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked in his brother's law office and in 1839 was admitted to the bar.

[1] After being admitted to the bar, Hurlbut opened his own law office in Massillon, Ohio in 1839, and entered private practice in partnership with David Kellogg Cartter.

By the time he returned from his second trip, his collection consisted of 58 pieces of artwork[6] of various media, including watercolor paintings, drawings, and sculptures.

She made purchases for their collection on annual trips abroad and continued making additions after her husband's death.