William Lafayette Hubbell, age fifty-nine, died on Wednesday, at his home in New York city. Mr. Hubbell was born in 1825, at Amenia, Dutchess County, N. Y. His ancestors were identified with the early settlement of Connecticut, and many of them fought on the side of the colonies in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Hubbell remained on his father's farm until he was seventeen, and received his early education in the district schools of his native town. In 1842 he went to New Haven, entered the employ of the Jerome Clock Company as clerk, and gradually worked his way up to the responsible position of general manager. He remained with the Jerome Clock Company until 1857, when he moved to Brooklyn. He held the office of grand sachem of the Order of United Americans of Connecticut from 1855 to 1858. He was a member of the Common Council of Waterbury in 1856. He was appointed inspector of customs for the port of New York in 1861 and held the position until 1864, when he was appointed assistant assessor of the internal revenue of the second and third collection districts of New York, which position he held until 1872. In 1874 he moved to New York city and established the American Mechanical Toy Company. Mr. Hubbell was an inventor, and took out a large number of patents for games, toys and special mechanical contrivances for the amusement of children. Many of his inventions became popular, had a large sale, and contributed to his large fortune. He devoted much time to the study of literature, and was a regular contributor to the newspapers and magazines. Many of his poems have been widely read, though none have appeared in print over his signature.
Boston Evening Transcript (Boston, Massachusetts) Fri, Nov 7, 1884 Page 1

William Lafayette Hubbell who died in New York on Tuesday, was of Connecticut ancestry, though born in New York state. He began work at New Haven in 1852 in the Jerome Clock works, where he rose to a responsible position. In 1874 he established in New York city the American Mechanical Toy company and his successful inventions of toys, mechanical contrivances etc., added to his large fortune. He was married in 1850 to Lucy Neale of Southington in this state.
Hartford Courant (Hartford, Connecticut) Sat, Nov 8, 1884 Page 3

DIED. Mr. Wm. Lafayette Hubbell died Wednesday, Nov. 5th, at the age of 59 years, at his home No. 167, Madison avenue, New York. Mr. Hubbell was an inventor of considerable note and took out many patents. He was a cousin of the late Lewis B. Hubbell, of this city.
Alton Telegraph (Alton, Illinois) Thu, Nov 27, 1884 Page 5
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New York Death Record
Name William L. Hubbell
Sex Male
Age 59
Residence Place Manhattan, New York City, New Yr., N.Y.
Address 167 Mad Ave.
Burial Date 7 Nov 1884
Birth Year (Estimated) 1825
Birthplace Duches New York
Marital Status Single
Occupation Manufacturer
Father's Name Asa Hubbell
Father's Sex Male
Father's Birthplace Connecticutt
Mother's Name Elizabeth Hubbell
Mother's Sex Female
Mother's Birthplace U. S.
Event Type Death
Event Date 5 Nov 1884
Event Place Manhattan, New York County, New York, United States
Event Place (Original) Manhattan, New York, New York, United States
Certificate Number cn 508825
Cemetery Greenwood