William A. Haslett was born in Florida and moved to Fort Plain in 1826 following his marriage to Elizabeth Becker. He was a hatter by trade having learned the trade from his father. He built his factory and shop along the Otsquago Creek on Main Street in the village. Later, his grandson, Frederick Sternberg Haslett would build a beautiful home on the site of the former factory. William Haslett was one of the original founders and major stockholder of the Fort Plain Bank. In 1858 he was elected President of the Fort Plain National Bank and held that position until his death in 1874. Politically he aligned himself with the Democratic Party and in 1848 he was elected to the state assembly in which he served one term. William and Elizabeth Haslett had one child, John Becker Haslett (1827-1886). Following his schooling, John Haslett joined his father in the hat business. John preferred the banking business and following his father’s death he became involved in the Fort Plain National Bank and held the position of vice-president. He was married twice. His son, Frederick Sternberg Haslett, was born from the union with his second wife, Elizabeth Sternberg of Albany, New York.