Harry Austin Hilsinger is well known in financial circles of Oneida county as secretary and treasurer of the Savings Bank of Utica, with which institution he has been continuously identified during the past twenty-two years, working his way steadily upward from a minor position to one of executive control and administrative direction. His birth occurred at Springfield Center, Otsego county, New York, on the 24th of September, 1881, his parents being Myron and Ida Teresa (Baird) Hilsinger. The great-grandfather in the paternal line bore the name of John Hilsinger. His son, Samuel Hilsinger, wedded Elvira Osterhout and they became the parents of four children, namely: Myron, Mrs. Ella Snyder, Mrs. Nettie McCrady and Mrs. Cora Walton. Both Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hilsinger passed away in the year 1922. The maternal grandparents of Harry A. Hilsinger were David and Anna (Dunn) Baird, the former a son of Barnes and Eliza (Barker) Baird and the latter a daughter of Davis and Phoebe (Doty) Dunn. Myron and Ida Teresa (Baird) Hilsinger have four children, namely: Harry A., Bessie, Helen and Paul.
Harry Austin Hilsinger was a young man of twenty-one years when in 1902 he came to Oneida county and entered the service of the Savings Bank of Utica. As he demonstrated his fitness for promotion in the capable and faithful discharge of the duties entrusted to him, he was advanced from one position to another of increased responsibility and importance until on the 8th of September, 1920, he was made secretary and treasurer of the institution and has since continued in the dual capacity. Long experience has made him thoroughly familiar with every phase of the banking business, and his well directed efforts have constituted a potent factor in the substantial growth and success of the institution which he represents.
In early manhood Mr. Hilsinger was united in marriage to Miss Hattie May Williams, daughter of William Henry and Hannah Jones (Lewis) Williams. Her grandparents in the maternal line were Thomas Francis and Hannah (Petty) Lewis, while her paternal grandparents were John and Ann (Jones) Williams, the latter a daughter of Jacob and Ann Jones. Mr. and Mrs. Hilsinger have a daughter, Janet.
In fraternal circles Mr. Hilsinger is known as a worthy exemplar of the teachings and purposes of Masonry. He also belongs to the City Club and the Yahnundasis Club of Utica. Forceful and resourceful, ready at any time to meet any emergency and quick to recognize and improve opportunities, he has advanced step by step to a position of prominence in banking circles here, nor has he ever been neglectful or unappreciative of the social amenities of life, so that today the circle of his friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.