David Hackney was born in the Town of Minden. He attended the Fort Plain and Cazenovia Seminaries. In 1860 he formed a partnership in the grocery business with Menzo Crouse which lasted until 1865. He also engaged in the buying and selling of wool, hops, and cheese in the areaMr. Hackney was the leader of the Democratic Party in the Mohawk Valley for 35 years. He was a stockholder in the Fort Plain and Richfield Springs Railway Company. He served on the State Fisheries Commission under Governor David B. Hill. For a time he served as postmaster of the Fort Plain post office and as mayor of the village. David Hackney was married to Mary Edwards of Ephratah in 1860. They had four children, Mamie, David Jr., Kittie, and William.