Frederick W. Hatch (psychiatrist)

Frederick Winslow Hatch III was born on December 4, 1849, in Kenosha, Wisconsin. His family was from English heritage, and his father was an early physician in California. His father moved to California for work when his son was age three, and he was raised in Sacramento, California. Hatch attended Jefferson Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, and graduated in 1873. In 1882, Hatch and Florence Folansbee were married, and together they had one daughter. == Career ==

After graduation, Hatch practiced medicine for a few years after returning to California. In April 1897, Hatch was appointed to the General Superintendent of all state hospitals under the California State Lunacy Commission by Governor James Budd. and he instituted grey uniforms for patients in 1899. He served a second term as the General Superintendent of all state hospitals under Governor Henry T. Gage. Lawlor was charged with the cruel treatment of patients under his care, including children. Hatch was instrumental in the passage of the 1909 Asexualization Act, a sterilization law introduced by a friend of Hatch, senator W. F. Price. While he held this position, it is estimated some 3,000 people were sterilized in the state. == Death ==

He died at age 74 on February 24, 1924, at his home in Sacramento, California. After his death, his legacy of an active program for sterilization continued through the next Superintendents. == See also ==