My Genealogy Hound

FREDERICK A. HOBBS. Among the dealers in coal at Benton Harbor is Frederick A. Hobbs, a prominent citizen of this place, who for some time has been engaged in the wholesale and retail trade. Although his introduction to the trade began but recently, he is one of the most capable men for the business, as his success thus far has proven.

Mr. Hobbs was born in Terre Haute, Ind., November 26, 1859, and is the son of Thomas F. and Hulda (Creal) Hobbs, natives respectively of Maine and Indiana. The father followed the occupation of a farmer, but in connection was also engaged as a contractor and builder, continuing the same all his active days. Later in life he moved to Benton Harbor, and there he resides at the present time, respected and esteemed by all. Robinson Hobbs, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was of English descent. The maternal grandfather, Anthony Creal, was a native of the Empire State, but became one of the pioneers of Indiana, in which State he settled in 1820.

The boyhood and early school days of our subject were passed at DeWitt, Clinton County, Iowa, but he afterward attended school at Davenport, that State. While residing in DeWitt, young Hobbs clerked in the post-office of that place for several years. In 1885 he came to Benton Harbor, where he purchased a half-interest in the Palladium, a newspaper at that place, with which he was connected for three and a-half years. During that time a daily newspaper was started, called the Daily Palladium, and Mr. Hobbs sold his interest to his partner, Mr. Gilson, and retired from the editorial chair.

Soon after this Mr. Hobbs engaged in the retail coal business, later in the wholesale business, and now carries a heavy stock of coal, coke and wood. He is general agent of the Michigan Salt Company, and ships that product to all parts of Indiana, he is an honorable and enterprising business man, who is thoroughly identified with the best interests of Benton Harbor, and whose commerce he is promoting with zeal and success. In 1893 he became interested in the Graham & Morton Transportation Company, of which he is now Secretary, and which is one of the substantial institutions of Benton Harbor. In 1891 Mr. Hobbs was made Mayor of Benton Harbor, being the first Mayor after its incorporation as a city, and he filled that position with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the people for one term.

Our subject’s happy domestic life began May 24, 1882, when he was married to Miss Nettie Stephenson, of DeWitt, Iowa, daughter of George Stephenson. Two children have blessed this union, Laura and Edith. Mr. Hobbs is a charter member of the Benton Harbor Building & Loan Association. In politics he adheres to the principles of the Republican party, and socially is a member of the Knights of Pythias, being Past Chancellor of the same.