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Joseph O. Hotchkiss – A Brief Biography

Joseph O. Hotchkiss, affectionately known as “Joy”, was born in Carrascal, Surigao del Sur on November 22, 1914. He was the third child of William K. Hotchkiss, an American educator and Herminigilda Celeste, a school teacher. As an educator, William K. Hotchkiss spent many years traveling in the Philippines to various towns to teach English and establish westernized school systems. William K. Hotchkiss’s career also necessitated moving his entire family to each of the towns in which he taught.

Joseph finished his elementary grades at Surigao Elementary School in 1929 and secondary course at the Manila South High School in 1933. In high school days he excelled in tennis and topped all the championship games during his time. He enrolled in the University of the Philippines until his second year in the College of Engineering. Again he was the school’s best in the national tennis tournament where he landed No. 4 in the final rating. 

After his second year in college, he joined the North Mindanao Mining Co., in Surigao as a Draftsman and Surveyor for one year then transferred to the District Engineer’s Office until 1939.  He then went home, fell in love with and married Miss Remedious Limguangco in 1942. Remedios was a school teacher in Consuelo, a neighboring barrio of Carrascal. The marriage was blessed by 8 children – all in the best of health except Evelyn who died in her early years.  

Before his political career, he taught in the newly opened high school now Cantilan School of Arts & Trades. His political life has been very successful. He served his humble town for three consecutive terms 1952 – 1964, which was the longest term in Carrascal’s history. As a mayor he led his people energetically, infusing them with a sense of belonging and unity, and dynamic faith in this town’s potential and great future. He tirelessly fought and worked for the best interests of his beloved town in the higher councils of government.  

During his term, he established the Carrascal library with a goal of making it accessible to Carrascal citizens. After his term, the library fell victim of budgetary cuts. Today, it is the goal of his descendants to revive the library to its former state. 

He retired from politics content and satisfied. In November, 1979 he visited some of his children in San Jose, California, U.S.A. and spent the last days of his life there. His last and fervent wish was to have his remains brought home to Carrascal – his beloved hometown to whom he dedicated the best years of life. He passed away in January, 1980.

Former Mayor Hotchkiss had been a good organizer and leader, a noble and loyal friend and above all a good husband and father.  

"JOY IS READING ~ READING IS JOY!"

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